bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Un-Preprocessed Expired Piroxicam Drug as Corrosion Inhibitor for Mild Steel in Hydrochloric Acid
Authors: Michael Omokafe Seun , Borode Olatunde , Alabi Oyelola Oladunni , Alaneme Kenneth Kanayo , Adesoji Adediran Adeolu
Published: July 2022

Illegal disposal and recirculation of expired drugs is a global menace which can be solved by their re-utilization as corrosion inhibitors. Thus, helping to combat the current widespread corrosion-induced wastage of expensive mild steel infrastructure. The experimental investigation evaluated the capability and effectiveness of an expired drug (piroxicam) for inhibiting mild steel corrosion in blank 0.5M HCl and acidic environments containing 2 to 8 g/L of the expired drug. Spectrometry, weight loss analysis, atomic absorption spectroscopy, microscopy, polarisation and electrochemical impedance study (EIS) were employed. Analyses revealed drastic inhibition of corrosion in mild steel by expired piroxicam drug in the acid. Corrosion currents ( ) obtained at all concentrations of the expired drug were reduced in comparison to that of the uninhibited environment. The solution resistance recorded was not significantly altered; charge transfer resistances were increased while the capacitance of the electrochemical double layers (Double layer capacitance) as well as the concentration of dissolved iron (Fen+) ions in the environment, were all reduced with increasing concentration of the expired drug. Although moderate amounts of the expired drug delivered appreciable levels of corrosion inhibition when dissolved directly into the corrosive environment and without any pre-treatment, increased concentration of expired drug resulted in increased corrosion inhibition efficiency. The highest corrosion inhibition efficiency obtained was 97.6% and was from the acidic environment that contained 8 g/L of expired piroxicam drug. The expired piroxicam drug inhibited corrosion of mild steel in 0.5M HCl acid via spontaneous physical adsorption (physisorption) process(s), obeying Langmuir’s adsorption isotherm.
Numerical Analysis of Natural Convection in a Concentric Trapezoidal Enclosure Filled with a Porous Medium
Authors: Olayemi Olalekan Adebayo , Isiaka Muhammed , Al-Farhany Khaled , Alomari Mohammed Azeez , Ismael Muneer A. , Oyedepo Sunday Olayinka
Published: July 2022

Numerical study of natural convection around a heated trapezoidal block of different sizes located centrically in a larger trapezium has been investigated. The annulus between the trapeziums is filled with porous media. The sides of the inner trapezium are heated to a fixed temperature (T_h), and the slanted walls of the outer trapezium are adiabatic while its upper and lower walls are heated to temperatures of 〖T_c+(T_h-T_c)sin〗⁡(πx⁄L) and 〖T_h+(T_h-T_c)sin〗⁡(πx⁄L) respectively. The finite element numerical approach was used to solve the relevant dimensionless equations. Results are gotten for salient parameters including; modified Rayleigh number (10≤Ra_m≤ 1000), Darcy number (10^(-5)≤Da≤ 10^(-2)), and area ratio (1/5≤AR≤ 1/3). The results of this study are shown as isothermal contours, stream functions, and average Nusselt number. The results show that increasing Ra_m improves heat transfer; however, the response of thermal characteristics to AR increment depends on the range of Darcy number considered. Results from this study find application in ingot treatments and microchannel cooling among others.
Development of a Novel Thermal Mannequin System for Thermal Comfort Measurements
Authors: Egeli Dilara , Oner Eren , Seckin Ahmet Cagdas , Seckin Mine
Published: July 2022

Giving comfort to the wearer without feeling physiologically and psychologically by the wearer, assuming the role of thermoregulation system against environmental temperature changes, and making them psychologically happy with their appearance and attitude characteristics makes it easier to adapt to the environment in which they live. Since all these functions of garments are generally defined as ‘clothing comfort' and aim to increase the living standards of people, the studies carried out to measure clothing comfort in the most realistic way are of great importance both academically and sectorial. In this study, it is planned to carry out the thermal mannequin system that can act to objectively evaluate together with the important parameters of thermal, humidity and pressure comfort, which are the most important criteria in determining the clothing choice of consumers, that can provide measurement in different ambient conditions, and that allows instantaneous measurements of temperature, humidity and pressure. Within this plan, a practical mannequin system has been designed for thermal, humidity and pressure comfort measurements and will allow measuring and evaluating many features at the same time. The thermal mannequin system will be produced with practical and reconfigurable 3D printing technology, which allows re-production, unlike the thermal mannequin mechanisms in the literature.
Design of Undergarment for Female Racing Drivers
Authors: Candan Cevza , Nergis Banu , Duru Sena , Aral Nebahat , Güner Müge Nur , Bulut H. Merve
Published: July 2022

Unlike team sports like football and basketball, professional car racing is considered as an individual competitive sport that inspires fan loyalty both nationally and globally. It is also unique because male and female drivers compete against each other under the same circumstances and supposedly, gender is not a determining factor, though throughout the history of motorsports has mainly been a male dominated field. There are many studies on analyzing the protective performance of the suit made for some specific sports such as cycling, sailing, flying etc., but limited effort has been made to understand female car racers’ expectations of their suit and in particular undergarment in terms of performance, fit, comfort, and aesthetic. So, the study was conducted to design and develop an undergarment prototype by investigating and exploring the issues that female racing drivers face while wearing a unisex suit and accompanying undergarment. For this purpose, 18 types of single jersey knitted samples were developed and their dimensional and comfort properties were measured. The results were evaluated using AHP-TOPSIS multi-criteria decision making method, so that a seamless undergarment prototype with varying structures at areas such as torso and bust was proposed for female racing drivers, which can be improved in parallel with FIA regulations for further study. Keywords: female racers, activewear, sportswear, seamless knitting, undergarment, moisture management.
Identification of aquatic consumer trophic pathways in four volcanic tropical lakes using fatty acid biomarkers
Authors: De Leon Justine R. , Fujibayashi Megumu , Petilla Frances Mikayla , Yumul Bon Ivan , Mendoza-Pascual Milette U. , Papa Rey Donne S. , Okuda Noboru
Published: July 2022

Food web studies rely heavily on the use of traditional gut content analysis or the fairly popular stable isotope analysis rather than fatty acid analysis (FAA) despite its straightforward process, and ability to identify and characterize more diverse trophic pathways. In this study, we employed fatty acid (FA) biomarkers as a preliminary attempt to trace and characterize trophic pathways in food webs of four tropical lakes of volcanic origin in Luzon Island, Philippines - three clustered maar lakes (Yambo, Pandin and Calibato) and a large caldera lake (Taal). These lakes have a long history of human disturbance but limited ecological data. Knowledge of basal food sources and existing trophic dynamics of organisms are generally non-existent. Particulate organic matter (POM), zooplankton, and fish species were collected in August 2019 from the study lakes as representative of three trophic guilds. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and principal component analysis (PCA) were conducted to analyse FA profiles and characterize trophic relationships between representative organisms. For the POM, within lakes comparison of taxon-specific FA profiles showed a significant difference between the surface and near bottom depths, with the former dominated by photoautorophs and the latter by chemotrophs, suggesting the ability of FAA to effectively delineate between micro-organisms. Between lakes comparison also showed significant difference between the caldera and maar lakes, with the latter containing higher composition of bacterial FA, reminiscent of the considerably smaller lakes’ response to the impact of unmitigated organic loadings from anthropogenic activities. Taken together with the primary consumers’ FA profiles, analysis confirmed the ability of FAA to discriminate between FA profile sources. PCA explained >70% of the variance in the FA compositions for three trophic guilds in the two deepest lakes, which delineated both zooplankton and fish species food selectivity in each lake, alluding to FAA’s capacity to characterize dietary reliance of various species in an environment with numerous food sources. Although certain limitations were encountered, such as the specificity of the sampling depths for POM, and the small sample size of the representative species of the third trophic level, this study demonstrated the effectiveness of FAA as a powerful ecological tool for disentangling intricate lake food webs comprising various food sources. Overall, this study provided baseline information on basal food sources and trophic pathways of representative organisms from four tropical lakes. Taken together, FAA studies have wide application in understanding food webs, including anthropogenically-threatened lake ecosystems.
A Cross Sectional Study on the Impact of Coronavirus Disease-19 Pandemic on the Training of Interns in a Medical College Hospital, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Suresh Roopa , Reddy A. C Sanjay , Krishnamurthy Suresh , Anil R. , Reddy Y. J Visweswara , Janakiraman P. , Harsha P. J , Rao H. R. Krishna , Ryali VS Subba Rao
Published: July 2022

Background:

A Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) graduate will gain the required skills and competencies under supervision during the internship training. Many factors influence the competency levels. Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic could be one of those factors.

Objectives:

The objectives were to assess the competency levels among medical interns, postinternship, during the COVID pandemic and also to assess the association between the competency levels with their final year results.

Subjects and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 113 interns using a self-assessment questionnaire. Self-perception about the competencies was graded into three categories as low, moderate, and high. The Chi-square test was used for analysing statistical association between self-perception and MBBS final year part II results.

Results:

The level of self-perception about the competencies among the interns was found to be high in-analysis, display and interpretation of information; hypothesis formulation and decision-making (45.1%) and interpersonal communication, management, organizing health care system and professionalism (42.5%), whereas it was low for obtaining information from the patients and their families (29.2%) and procedural skills (18.6%). About 75.2% and 76.1% of the interns had low self-perception for endo-tracheal intubation and lumbar puncture, respectively. High level of self-perception was noted for urethral catheterization (84.2%) and intramuscular drug administration (76.1%). It was found that none of the competencies were statistically associated with the grade based on marks obtained in final year part II.

Conclusion:

COVID pandemic has affected the interns training to a significant extent. There was no statistically significant association between final year grades and the competencies.
Scutellarein Apoptosis Mediated by Mitochondria in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Birundadevi Markandan , Sivashankar Rangasamy , Mathukumar Sivagnanam
Published: July 2022

Background:

The growth of several cancers can be inhibited by naturally occurring medicinal plants. A flavone called Scutellarein found in the perennial herb Scutellaria lateriflora does have a wide range of biological functions. Scutellarein was studied to determine whether it could induce apoptosis and cause cytotoxicity.

Methods:

On oral squamous cell carcinoma KB cell lines, Scutellarein's cytotoxic activity was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay. Scutellarein was added to KB cells at concentrations ranging from 25 to 125 g/mL for 24 h. The real-time polymerase chain reaction was also used to investigate apoptotic induction potential in Scutellarein-incubated KB cell lines by analyzing Bcl-2 protein and gene expression.

Results:

In KB-cell lines treated with scutellarein, cytotoxicity and anticancer effects were observed, as well as inhibit the growth of cancer cells. In comparison to the cells not treated with scutellarein, KB cells that had been exposed to scutellarein displayed reduced Bcl-2 expression.

Conclusion:

KB cells were treated with scutellarein to induce apoptosis, suggesting its potential as a chemo preventative agent. This activity appears to be mediated through the modulation of Bcl-2, a cytotoxic gene.
Correlation between Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio with Hematological Parameters in Multiple Myeloma Patients
Authors: Kalal Akanksha Ashok , Shetty Vijith Vittal , Shetty Kailkere Padma , Arumugam Meenakshi , Shetty Reshma Arun , Kulkarni Nagaraj Venkatesh , Shetty Deyyenthody Prasanth
Published: July 2022

Background:

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a malignant neoplasm of clonal plasma cells. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) are prognostic factors and biomarkers of systemic inflammation. The aim of this study was to determine a correlation between NLR, PLR, and hematological parameters in patients with MM.

Methods:

The clinical data of 50 MM patients were collected from hospital medical records. NLR and PLR were calculated from data obtained from clinical records.

Results:

The median age was 60 years at diagnosis. The study cohort was divided into two groups based on cutoff points taken from previously published data (NLR: 2.56 and PLR: 157). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, blood urea, uric acid, platelet count, and absolute neutrophil count were higher in patients with high NLR than in patients with low NLR. A significant association between NLR and blood urea was seen (P < 0.0018). Pearson's correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation for blood urea and NLR, uric acid and NLR, and blood urea and PLR.

Conclusion:

Thus, combined applications of NLR and PLR could be used as a cost-effective diagnostic predictor of MM patients.
The Yellow Emperor's Canon of Medicine: First Complete Summary of Ancient Chinese Medicine
Authors: Fu Weikang
Published: July 2022

This paper introduces an outstanding medical book The Yellow Emperor's Canon of Medicine, and analyzes the theory about traditional Chinese medicine in this book.
Regorafenib
Authors: Elamarthi Prahalad
Published: July 2022

The process of angiogenesis is a complex balance of positive and negative regulators, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most important proangiogenic factors involved in tumor angiogenesis. One of the drugs targeting this process is regorafenib, a multi-kinase inhibitor. It inhibits VEGF receptors 1, 2, and 3; rearranged during transfection (RET); receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT); platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) alpha and beta; fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) 1 and 2; angiopoietin-1 receptor (Tie2); discoidin domain-containing receptor 2 (DDR2); Ephrin type-A receptor 2 (Eph 2A); tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA); rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (RAF-1); v-RAF murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF); stress-activated protein kinase-2 (SAPK2); protein tyrosine kinase 5 (PTK5); and Abelson murine leukemia virus (Abl). Regorafenib has been approved for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), locally advanced or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We present a review of regorafenib which includes the history, basic chemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical indications, drug interactions, and safety profile. We performed a search in PubMed and other sources using the search terms “CRC,” “GIST,” “HCC,” “osteosarcoma,” and “regorafenib” and searched for full-text articles published in the past 10 years. Out of the total 65 studies identified, we included 46 studies. We combined all the abstracts and conference proceedings to generate a comprehensive review.
ECOG performance status as a representative of deficits in older Indian patients with cancer
Authors: Gattani Shreya , Ramaswamy Anant , Noronha Vanita , Castelino Renita , Kumar Sharath , Rao Abhijith Rajaram , Dhekale Ratan , Krishnamurthy Jyoti , Kannan Sadhana , Gota Vikram , Prabhash Kumar , Banavali Shripad , Badwe Rajendra A.
Published: July 2022

Background:

The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (PS) is a standard assessment in older patients with cancer, but the correlation of the individual components of the geriatric assessment (GA) with the ECOG PS is less well studied, especially in Indian patients.

Objective:

To study the correlation of the ECOG PS with the individual components of the GA and with the burden of deficits as estimated in the GA.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the geriatric oncology clinic of the Tata Memorial Hospital, a tertiary cancer center in Mumbai, India, with approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee. Function and falls, comorbidities, nutrition, psychological status, and cognition were evaluated as a part of the GA. The primary outcome was defined as the presence of ≥2 abnormalities on the 5 tested domains in the GA, while the independent variable was ECOG PS (0–3) which was assessed as a discrete variable. The discriminatory power of the ECOG PS in identifying ≥2 geriatric abnormalities as well as deficits in the individual geriatric domains was calculated via logistic regression receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves using area under the ROC curve (AUC). AUCs were divided into ≥0.8, <0.8–≥0.65, and <0.65 to represent excellent, moderate, and poor discriminant ability, respectively.

Results:

Between May 2018 and Jan 2021, we enrolled 594 patients in the study. Their median age was 69 years (range, 60–100), and 80% patients had an ECOG PS of 1 or 2. Abnormalities in at least 2 domains were detected in 77% patients. An ECOG PS ≥1 was predictive of abnormalities in at least 2 geriatric abnormalities with an AUC = 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64–0.74), sensitivity of 95.4%, and specificity of 18.4%. With each 1 unit increase in the ECOG PS, the odds of having ≥2 geriatric abnormalities increased by 4.69 (95% CI, 2.53–8.68). The ECOG PS correlated moderately well with deficits in cognition (AUC = 0.66 [95% CI, 0.61–0.72]), function and falls (AUC = 0.73 [95% CI, 0.69–0.77]), and psychological domains (AUC = 0.65 [95% CI, 0.60–0.70]) and poorly correlated with nutritional status (AUC = 0.63 [95% CI, 0.58–0.68]) and comorbidities (AUC = 0.55 [95% CI, 0.49–0.61]).

Conclusions:

Older patients with cancer with an ECOG PS ≥1 are very likely to harbor non-oncological vulnerabilities, and should therefore undergo a GA. The ECOG PS correlates moderately well with abnormalities in function and falls, psychological assessment, and cognition, while it poorly correlates with nutritional status and comorbidities. (Clinical Trials Registry – India number: CTRI/2020/04/024675).
Qualitative and dosimetric assessment of radiation-induced xerostomia in patients with oral cancers treated with 3DCRT versus IMRT
Authors: Reddy Navaneeth , Kapoor Ankita Rungta , Bhalavat Rajendra , Chandra Manish , Pareek Vibhay , Srivastava Amrita , Moosa Zaiba , Bauskar Pratibha , Kapoor Akhil
Published: July 2022

Background:

Xerostomia is an important complication in patients with head-and-neck cancer treated with radiotherapy. It is caused by the radiation dose to the salivary glands situated in the lateral facial and submandibular regions, which are commonly included in or are close to the target volume.

Objectives:

Our primary objective was to evaluate xerostomia in patients treated with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). We also aimed to identify the risk factors for the development of xerostomia and the treatment-related and dosimetric parameters associated with xerostomia in patients with oral cancers receiving radiotherapy.

Materials and Methods:

We enrolled 100 patients with oral cancers between Sept 2015 and Apr 2018 who were planned for adjuvant radiotherapy. Patients were treated with unilateral portals in 3DCRT or IMRT. Xerostomia was assessed using the Wake Forest National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program Research Base (WF NCORP RB) # 97115 Questionnaire at baseline, treatment completion, and at 1, 4, and 7 months following the completion of radiotherapy. Detailed salivary gland dosimetric parameters including the minimum (Dmin), maximum (Dmax), and mean dose (Dmean) and other dose and volume parameters (e.g., D25, D50, D75, and V10–V60) were assessed through cumulative dose volume histograms (DVH). Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with the development of xerostomia and assess the correlation with dosimetric parameters.

Results:

At a median follow-up of 20 (95% confidence interval [CI], 8–32) months, the V20, V25, V30, V40, V45, V50, V60, Dmin, and Dmean received by the ipsilateral parotid gland were significantly lower in patients treated with IMRT compared to those treated with 3DCRT (P < 0.001). After the completion of radiotherapy, the mean xerostomia scores at each follow-up were significantly lower in the patients who had received IMRT, compared to 3DCRT. At 7 months of completion of treatment, the mean score of xerostomia in the 3DCRT arm was 44.4, compared to 33.8 in the IMRT arm (P = 0.023). On multivariate analysis, Dmin, V30, V40, V45, V60, history of substance abuse, advanced age, and lower body weight were found to be associated with higher chances of xerostomia.

Conclusion:

Compared to 3DCRT, IMRT results in lower rates of xerostomia based on dosimetric as well as subjective analysis.
Challenges faced by caregivers of patients with cancer in the sub-Himalayan region
Authors: Gupta Sweety , Rohilla Kusum K. , Bachheti Yamini , Kalyani Vasantha C. , Gupta Amit , Sundriyal Deepak , Gupta Manoj
Published: July 2022

Background:

Patients with cancer and their caregivers have multiple needs. The majority of these concerns are not adequately addressed, which increases their psychological distress and impacts their quality of life.

Objectives:

Our goal was to understand the challenges faced by caregivers of patients with cancer visiting our institute.

Materials and Methods:

This exploratory survey was conducted between Nov 2019 and Feb 2020 on the caregivers of patients with cancer. A standardized questionnaire was validated by experts and then given to all the participants to evaluate the difficulties faced by the caregivers. The questionnaire included questions regarding the details of the socio-demographic profile, disease-related information, and financial and psychosocial issues.

Results:

Of the 310 caregivers evaluated for the survey, 280 completed the questionnaire. Most of the caregivers (93, 33.2%) were aged between 41 and 50 years. The educational status of one-third of the caregivers (97, 34.6%) was only primary schooling. Regarding the type of cancer-directed therapy received by the patients, 37 (13.2%) were only on palliative care for symptom management without any active oncological management. Family responsibility was considered one of the most common liabilities among 132 (47.1%) respondents. A total of 136 (48.5%) caregivers felt a loss of privacy and/or personal time because of patient care, 154 (55%) experienced sleep disturbances because of caring, 228 (87.4%) felt worried that they would not be able to manage work, and 67 (23.9%) had similar concerns regarding an inability to manage family responsibilities.

Conclusions:

Cancer caregivers bear the burden of care, which affects their health and well-being, but their persistent efforts despite numerous issues play a vital role in improving the patients' outcomes and quality of life. Support from healthcare professionals is key to improving the ability of caregivers to cope with the difficulties encountered by patients with cancer.
Information needs assessment and development of information booklet for patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy
Authors: Varghese Smita D. , Pai Radhika R. , Udupa Karthik
Published: July 2022

Background:

Patients with cancer require a wide variety of information during their illness. Identifying their need for information and providing education are vital responsibilities of nurses and physicians.

Objectives:

We aimed to assess the information needs of patients with cancer receiving chemotherapy. We then aimed to develop and validate an information booklet, based on the needs assessment.

Materials and Methods:

This study was conducted among patients with cancer visiting the day care center for chemotherapy at the Shirdi Saibaba Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Kasturba Medical College, a tertiary cancer center in Manipal, India. The information needs of the patients were assessed through a questionnaire. The chemotherapy information module developed was then given to five subject experts for validation.

Results:

Between Dec 2018 and Feb 2019, we enrolled 245 patients in the study. Of these, 108 (44.1%) expressed a desperate need for information, 136 (55.5%) had a preferred need for information, and 1 (0.4%) did not require any information. The information considered as the absolute need to know by over half (52.7%) the participants was regarding the disease (severity, recurrence, malignancy, and effect on the body), followed by the side-effects of chemotherapy and their management (49%) and psychological support (45.3%).

Conclusion:

Patients with cancer have the desire to be well informed about their disease, treatment, and side-effects. Education sessions can be planned to improve the chemotherapy-related knowledge of patients with cancer. Regular appraisal of the need for information among patients with cancer is critical, considering the changing needs of the health-care seekers. (Clinical Trials Registry-India number CTRI/2018/11/016378)
Antibacterial and phytochemical evaluations of Alternanthera repens (L.) and honey on Pseudomonas aeruginosa of clinical origin
Authors: Bello Olorunjuwon O. , Lebi Faith O. , Bello Temitope K. , Oluwafemi Yinka D.
Published: July 2022

Context

Medicinal plants have long been used as a source of therapeutic agents worldwide, and herbal medicines have increasingly been employed in the treatment of diseases. Alternanthera repens is one of the underexploited plant species for its antimicrobial potentials.

Aims

This study aimed at investigating the antibacterial efficacy of the leaf and stem ethanolic extracts of A. repens and honey against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Materials and methods

The phytochemical analyses were performed on ethanolic plant extracts using the universal laboratory techniques for qualitative and quantitative determination. The agar-well diffusion method was used for the in-vitro antibacterial bioassay. The antibacterial activities of the honeys, ethanolic leaf and stem extracts, and antibiotics were compared. The minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations of the honeys and extracts were determined.

Statistical analysis used

The students' t-test was employed to determine the significant differences between the phytochemical constituents in the extracts and also the antibacterial activities of the ethanolic leaf and stem extracts against P. aeruginosa.

Results

Phytochemical screening showed the presence of total phenols, saponins, tannins, total flavonoids, alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides, phytate, and terpenoids in the plant extracts. The extracts and honeys were able to inhibit the growth of the P. aeruginosa at varying concentrations (25, 50, 75, and 100%). The combinations of the honeys and ethanolic extracts of the plant parts exerted significantly higher antibacterial effects on P. aeruginosa.

Conclusion

The ethanolic extracts of A. repens possessed antibacterial properties against P. aeruginosa, which was more pronounced in combination with honey. The presence of various phytochemicals in the plant indicated its high potential for possible drug production.
The role of collagens in glioma
Authors: Wang Yi , Ichinose Toshiya , Nakada Mitsutoshi
Published: July 2022

Glioma is the most common brain tumor in the central nervous system and characterized by diffuse invasion into adjacent brain tissue. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an essential component of the tumor microenvironment and it contributes to tumor progression through close interactions with glioma cells. Accumulated evidence has indicated that collagen levels, which are the most critical components of the ECM, are elevated in gliomas and collagen contributes to glioma progression. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the roles of various collagens in glioma. A better understanding of the interactions of various collagens with glioma cells may provide new therapeutic strategies for gliomas.
A Research Protocol of an Observational Study on Efficacy of Microsoft Kinect Azure in Evaluation of Static Posture in Normal Healthy Population
Authors: Nurai Tamanna , Naqvi Waqar
Published: July 2022

Background:

Recognition of human pose is very significant in studies involving human-computer interactions (HCIs). Microsoft's Kinect II or Microsoft's Kinect azure sensor in three-dimensional motion capturing systems shows a growing interest in vision-based HCI as they are low-cost. In this research, we introduced and ruled out the efficacy of Microsoft Kinect Azure in the evaluation of static coronal Posture in normal healthy population.

Methodology:

The research has been structured as an observational study. The total of 132 participants will be taken from AVBRH, Sawangi Meghe for study as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. With intervention the period of the study will be 6 months. It holds single period, concurrent validity evaluation comparing normal posture derived from the Kinect system.

Discussion:

This study protocol aims to evaluate the validity of the evaluation of normal human posture using Microsoft Kinect Azure. The study's expected outcome will concert on the evaluation of coronal Posture using Microsoft Kinect Azure in normal healthy population.
Exploring the Experiences of Maternal-Fetal Attachment Among Primigravida Women
Authors: Keithellakpam Memchoubi , Ray Suresh
Published: July 2022

Background:

In India, in which the mortality rate for women is 130 per 100,000 live births and the neonatal mortality rate at 25.4 deaths per 1000 live births that makes it 12th worst among the 52 lower middle-income countries. Healthy maternal–fetal attachment (MFA) may serve to allow women to adopt optimal health practices earlier, thereby on a larger scale contribute toward the reduction of obstetric maternal and child morbidity and mortality. The objective of the study was to explore the experience of MFA among primigravida women.

Materials and Methods:

Qualitative approach was used and the research design adopted was hermeneutic phenomenology. Data were collected from six samples. The sampling technique used was the nonprobability purposive sampling technique. The tool consisted of demographic profile and a guiding questionnaire. The data were collected through one-to-one in-depth interview and field notes. To ensure the trustworthiness of the data credibility, transferability and dependability were done. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, i.e., frequency and percentage for demographic variables, and thematic analysis for determining essential codes, subthemes, and themes through content analysis was used to analyze the data gathered through interview.

Results:

Out of six samples, 50% were in the age group of 18–25 years, 33.3% each studied up to secondary and graduation education, 83.3% were homemaker, no one with significant past medical and surgical history, 83.3% of them were in 36–40 weeks of gestation, all had a history of nausea and vomiting, and all women taken antenatal care information from health personnel. A total of 8 themes, 28 subthemes, and codes were generated. The themes emerged were experience as ready for change, feeling of life, social and family support, self-awareness, embracing motherhood, health promotional practices, hopeful anticipation, positivity, and gratitude.
Hassle Faced with Induced Mania in Elderly Female While Treating for Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms
Authors: Bharti Poonam , Singh Angad Harshbir
Published: July 2022

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the most frequently associated comorbidities in bipolar disorder. While this presents a challenge in understanding the phenomenology and also the treatment aspect of cooccurrence of mania with OCD. The index case is of an elderly female who presented with obsessive-compulsive (OC) symptoms and while on treatment had mania episodes. The mania episodes presented challenges while managing underlying OC symptoms. The common neurobiological mechanism for the comorbid illness and treatment lacunae are discussed.
Nail Changes in the Chronic Kidney Failure – A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kabra Ruchita , Acharya Sourya , Shukla Samarth , Kumar Sunil
Published: July 2022

Background:

Nail manifestations observed in chronic renal failure (CRF) patients are multifarious and heterogeneous in nature. The prime objective of the study is to evaluate the prevalence and features of various kinds of nail manifestations in the patients of CRF. CRF causes heterogeneous pathology of nail which may be or may not be associated with renal condition itself, complications related to it and its therapy.

Objective:

To study nail changes in the patients of CRF whether managing conservatively or on maintenance hemodialysis (HD).

Patients and Methods:

The study consists of 100 patients suffering from CRF. Nails of these 100 patients suffering from CRF were examined and different kinds of nails were appreciated and frequencies of the same type of nails in different patients were noted.

Results:

Nail changes found in chronic kidney disease are longitudinal ridges, half and half nails, leukonychia, pitting nails, onychomycosis, absence of lunula, splinter hemorrhage, and onycholysis as decreasing trend they observed.

Conclusions:

Nail changes that are seen on examination of patients with CRF managing on HD are very frequent and nail changes if found earlier can be an indicator for early diagnosis of systemic diseases.
Study of left ventricle hypertrophy, dilatation, and ejection fraction changes before and after kidney transplantation
Authors: Elkohly Noha Mohamed , Abdelfadeel Mohamed Abdelnasr Abdelkareem , Elsharqawy Eman Mohamed , Zeid Montasser Mohamed
Published: July 2022

Background

People with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are at risk of developing serious cardiovascular complications. Left ventricular hypertrophy is the most prevalent cardiac finding observed. Renal transplantation is the best renal replacement modality offered to these patients with an expected improvement in cardiovascular complications. The aim of this work the present study aims to compare changes in left ventricle hypertrophy, dilatation, and ejection fraction before and after kidney transplantation.

Patients and methods

This cross-sectional study included 30 renal transplant recipients. Echocardiography was performed for all patients before transplantation and 6–12 months after transplantation. Patients with a reported history of posttransplant rejection or heart failure were excluded from the study. All patients were on hemodialysis before transplantation, and the mean postrenal transplant duration was 10.33 ± 1.95 months. All patients received the same posttransplant immunosuppressive regimen.

Results

The mean left ventricular ejection fraction before and after renal transplantation was 59.70 ± 7.86 and 68.82 ± 7.93, respectively (P<0.001). The mean left ventricular mass index showed a significant improvement from 144.1 ± 44.15 before transplant to 115.1 ± 38.79 after transplant, with a P value of 0.002.

Conclusion

According to the results of this study, renal transplantation can improve left ventricle parameters in patients with ESRD.
Association of Autoimmune Thyroiditis with Latent Autoimmune Diabetes of Adults (LADA)
Authors: Sangma Himalina S. , Singh Anshul , Srivastava Anubha , Singh Ram Siya , Misra Vatsala
Published: July 2022

Objective:

The aim of this work was to study the association of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT) in the patients of latent autoimmune diabetes of adult (LADA).

Materials and Methods:

The subjects included were more than 30 years of age, presenting with the deranged glycemic profile. After GAD65 autoantibody testing, they were grouped into LADA positive and LADA negative groups. Simultaneously, a thyroid workup for the presence of AIT was done.

Statistical Analysis:

The Student's unpaired t test and chi-square test (χ2 test) were used to test for the significance of the difference in AIT between LADA and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) subjects as applicable. A value of P < 0.05 was taken as significant.

Results:

A total of 77 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 48 ± 13 years and M:F ratio was 1:3. A high frequency of AIT was found in the LADA group (80%) when compared to the true T2DM group (35%). Mean values of both anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (anti-TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin antibody (anti-TG) antibodies were found to be significantly different between LADA and T2DM. Percentage positivity for anti-TPO, anti-TG, as well as combined anti-TPO and anti-TG were also found to be significantly different.

Conclusion:

Based on the significant association of AIT with LADA found in our study, we recommend all AIT patients to undergo simultaneous screening for LADA for a multimodal treatment.
Patient Reported Attitude, Practice, Satisfaction, and Quality of Life on Insulin Degludec/Insulin Aspart
Authors: Kovil Rajiv
Published: July 2022

Objective:

The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, practice, satisfaction, and quality of life (QoL) of adult patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) on insulin degludec/insulin aspart (IDegAsp).

Materials and Methods:

Data were collected through an online survey from patients with T2D being treated with IDegAsp at a single center in India.

Results:

Survey was completed by 247 participants. On the Likert scale, 1 to 5 (1: most difficult and 5: most easy), 41.6% and 26.6% scored 5 and 4, respectively, for ease of increasing or decreasing the dose. Most participants (n = 190) consulted a physician to adjust the dose; 53.3% and 28.8% scored 5 and 4, respectively, for a good experience while injecting IDegAsp; 89.8% of participants felt their QoL improved with a reduction in the number of pricks; 86.7% participants found it comfortable to inject IDegAsp in different social situations; 94.2% reported they could manage their day to day activities better after initiating IDegAsp. After initiating IDegAsp, the oral antidiabetic (OAD) pill burden reduced from three to one or two pills in 70% of patients.

Conclusions:

Our survey-based study shows the majority of participants found it easy to administer IDegAsp, inject IDegAsp in different social situations, they were able to increase and decrease the dose with ease, and benefited from reduced injection pricks and reduced OAD pill burden. The survey points towards a positive attitude towards achieving glycemic control with IDegAsp.
Prevalence Estimation of Diabetes Mellitus Among Tuberculosis Cases, Its Risk Factors, and Treatment Outcome in Rajkot City
Authors: Ranpariya Pooja N. , Solanki Harsha M. , Chudasama Rajesh K.
Published: July 2022

Background:

Tuberculosis (TB) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are the world's leading public health issues. TB with DM co-morbidity adversely affects prognosis of individual diseases and its treatment outcome.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted at five TB units of Rajkot city for five quarters. Newly registered pulmonary TB (PTB) patients having DM during the study period were included as cases. All cases were followed up at the end of treatment to observe outcomes. Information was collected in a pretested proforma using the interview technique.

Results:

The prevalence of DM among PTB cases was 5%. Maximum cases were in 51–60 years (34.4%), male: female ratio was 3:1, living in urban slum (53.1%), literate (81.2%), and from middle socio-economic class (65.6%). One-fourth of the cases had family (28.1%) and past history (28.1%) of TB, and more than one-third (37.5%) of the cases had family history of DM. All cases were on daily drug adherence, and most of them (83%) were on regular follow-up. Significant association was observed with urban slum (P = 0.03) and family history of diabetes (P = 0.04) among cases. At the end of continuation phase, 82.8% of the cases were cured and 4.7% of the cases had completed treatment.

Conclusion:

The study reported 5% of DM among newly registered TB cases and family history of DM as its significant risk factor.
Mandibular arterio-venous malformation (case report)-rare life threatening condition
Authors: Kochummen Rinesh
Published: July 2022

Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are defects in the vascular system, consisting of tangles of abnormal blood vessels (nidus), in which the feeding arteries are directly connected to venous drainage without the interposition of a capillary bed. AVM can occur anywhere in the body, most common in the brain. Other common locations are hepatic, musculoskeletal AVM, spinal AVM, pulmonary, and uterine AVM. In musculoskeletal soft tissue and joints are the more common sites. Bone AVM is very rare. The mean age is 21.86 years. The patient came with complaints of swelling in the left cheek with slight redness over the skin. There was no of history of pain. On examination, no pulsation present. Clinical diagnosis of parotid swelling was given. On USG- loculated cystic lesion in the left mandible with multiple locules and floating internal echoes. On color Doppler, internal vascularity was noted with in the cystic lesion. On computed tomography (CT) scan, a loculated cystic lesion in the enlarged left mandible – enhancement noted with in this cystic lesion – suggesting vascular channels in arterial and better seen in venous phase of contrast imaging. Patient was referred to interventional radiologist where the patient has undergone angioembolization of the AVM followed by mandibulectomy and artificial teeth fixation. As biopsy of the lesion would be dangerous due to significant hemorrhagic risk. Careful attention to the Doppler uptake in USG and contrast uptake in CT angiogram relative to nearby vessels, detection of nearby enlarged abnormal vessels, and performance of dynamic angiography to document arteriovenous shunting are crucial for appropriate management.
Knowledge and practices of health-care workers regarding face mask in hospital
Authors: Maradia Mitali , Patil Rupali , Gajjar Shivani
Published: July 2022

Aim and Objective:

The aim of the study is to know the knowledge and practices of health-care workers regarding surgical face mask.

Materials and Methods:

This is a cross-sectional study. Mask plays a pivot role in the protection of health-care workers (HCWs) from acquiring respiratory infections, special during coronavirus-2019 outbreak. A self-constructed questionnaire that contains 10 question and answer (Q/A) regarding surgical face mask. These Q/A are for knowledge assessment of staff. We also conduct an observational survey which includes 6 points about practices of HCWs regarding face mask. The strata of personnel were included doctors, nurses, paramedical and others staff. Questions related to knowledge were in the form of multiple-choice questions with one correct answer. The knowledge–practices score was turn converted into percentage before the analysis of results – >80% score for good, 60%–80% moderate and <60% poor level knowledge.

Results:

Completed questionnaires were sent for statistical analysis. In our study, totally 109 HCWs were participated. In which (12) 11% doctors, (76) 70% nursing staff, (21) 19% paramedical staff covered. Out of which 95 (87%) were female and 14 (13%) were male. Most staff had work experience of 2–5 years. 74% staff were younger less than 30 years. Around 63% of participants knew about correct way of wearing a surgical face mask, 90% knew that there were 3 layers, 62% knew middle layer act as barrier, 64% knew the maximum duration of wearing it, 75% knew that cloth mask was not as effective as surgical mask. 88% knew that surgical mask can be reused. 87% knew surgical face mask discarded in yellow bag. 97% knew metal strip to fit nose. Majority 95% believe that mask is required in this situation. In practices, we observed 71% staff worn surgical mask, out of which 84% staff worn it correct way blue front. 9% staff worn filtering face piece type of mask, 20% staff worn cloth mask. 15% staff nose was not covered, 2.8% staff mouth was not covered, 28% staff metal strip was not pressed/fitted and 25% staff not tied their mask properly. During observation, three staff touched the front surface of mask.

Conclusion:

Knowledge and practices of HCWs regarding the use of surgical face mask were found to be good-to-moderate level.
A study on the prevalence of needle stick injuries among health-care workers of a tertiary care hospital in Aligarh
Authors: Khursheed Manal , Khan Fatima , Hashmi Zeeshan A. , Khan Haris M. , Sultan Asfia
Published: July 2022

Context:

Globally, the reporting on the incidents of needle stick injuries (NSI) is far below the actual, and in hospitals which depend on their normal reporting systems, this figure may be up to ten times lower. NSIs can serve as a source of life-threatening infections; therefore, an insight into various factors that lead to it, along with the knowledge regarding prophylactic measures is important.

Aim:

The study aimed to develop an understanding of the causes and probability of NSI and knowledge of prophylactic measures among health-care workers (HCWs).

Settings and Design:

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted.

Subjects and Methods:

A structured questionnaire was developed for the study.

Statistical Analysis Used:

IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), v22.0 was used.

Results:

A total of 255 HCW were recruited, which consisted of 129 doctors, 110 nurses, and 16 laboratory assistants. The results of the study found that 36.1% of the HCW suffered from NSI. Of the total reported needlestick injuries, the maximum was among the doctors and in the age group of 22–30 years. Only 35.9% had reported the incident. Injuries were mostly sustained to the fingers occurred during use in the morning shift. Majority of the HCW were aware of HBV transmissibility and were vaccinated against it. Although a substantial number (162) of HCW were aware to take post-exposure prophylaxis against HBV and HIV within 72 h, only 12% took prophylactic treatment against HIV.

Conclusions:

NSI prevention strategies should be strictly implemented at the workplace and followed during procedures.