bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Power Management and Robust Control Scheme for AC-DC Microgrid Involving Renewable and Conventional Sources
Authors: Buduma Parusharamulu , Pal Amrindra , Kumba Krishna , Gundu Venkateswarlu
Published: April 2024

Hybrid AC-DC Microgrid systems have recently emerged as a promising method for connecting AC loads with AC Microgrids (ACM) and DC loads with DC Microgrids (DCM). The Bidirectional Power Converter (BPC) allows the AC-DC Microgrid to distribute power between the ACM and DCM. Effective supervisory power sharing and robust control methods are needed to share power among the AC-DC Microgrid sources and ensure seamless operation during different uncertain conditions. Also, suitable islanding and grid synchronisation techniques are needed to connect and disconnect the Microgrid with the utility grid seamlessly. In this study, an Optimal Power Management Strategy (OPMS) is considered for the sharing of power among the sources. To implement the OPMS, an equivalent robust optimization problem for a restricted data set is used. The goal of optimization is to distribute power while maximizing the use of renewable energy, minimizing the use of conventional energy, and using minimal energy transfer through the BPC. To achieve robust tracking commitment and robust control during the parameter uncertainty, a nested loop Robust Control Scheme (RCS) is proposed. A Mixed H ∞ /H 2 Optimal (MO) controller is used in the outer loop of the RCS, while a Robust LQR (RLQR) optimal controller is used in the inner loop, the nested loop control scheme is described as MORLQR controller. An Optimal Linear Kalman filter-based SRFPLL (OLKF-SRFPLL) is proposed to achieve grid synchronization. To implement islanding detection, a Synchro-Extraction Transform along with an Optimal Support Vector Machine (SET-OSVM) classification is considered. Considering different operational conditions and uncertainty scenarios, the performance and robustness of the proposed AC-DC Microgrid with proposed power-sharing and control in both GCM and IMs and during the transition between both modes is analyzed using MATLAB/SIMULINK.
Administration of a Recombinant Secretory Leukocyte Protease Inhibitor Prevents Aortic Aneurysm Growth in Mice
Authors: Yamawaki-Ogata Aika , Mutsuga Masato , Narita Yuji
Published: April 2024

Aim
Pharmacological interventions to inhibit the progression of aortic aneurysm (AA) have not yet been established. We previously reported that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) provide a potential foundation for less-invasive treatment of AA. Here, we investigated secretory proteins from MSC supernatants to clarify the therapeutic effects of MSCs. Furthermore, we treated AA mice with two anti-inflammatory proteins from among these secretory proteins to confirm their therapeutic effects.
Methods and Results
Protein profiles of MSC-secreted factors were analyzed using protein microarrays, and two anti-inflammatory proteins, namely progranulin (PGRN) and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), were identified. Apolipoprotein E-deficient mice were continuously infused with angiotensin II via osmotic pump for 4 weeks to induce AA formation, and then recombinant rPGRN and/or rSLPI were administered intraperitoneally. Mice were sacrificed at 8 weeks, and aortas were analyzed for protein expression and also stained with Elastica van Gieson and with immunofluorescence to detect macrophages. Intraperitoneal administration of rSLPI inhibited AA growth more than rPGRN alone or combined rPGRN and rSLPI, by inducing the following effects: downregulation of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, specifically IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and MCP-1; reduced of NO production; decreased phosphorylated NF-κB levels; and less of elastin destruction and macrophage infiltration.
Conclusions
We identified anti-inflammatory proteins, including PGRN and SLPI, in MSC supernatants, and administration of rSLPI inhibited AA progression in mice. Protein-based therapies using SLPI could be an alternative, less-invasive treatment for AA.
Mycotic Superior Mesenteric Artery Pseudoaneurysm Following Infective Endocarditis in a Patient with Rheumatic Heart Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Almadwahi Nabeel Y. , Al-Hashedi Aref , Jowah Haitham Mohammed
Published: April 2024

This case report presents a rare case of a 25-year-old female patient with a known history of rheumatic heart disease who developed a pseudoaneurysm of the superior mesenteric artery (SMAPA) after infective endocarditis (IE). The patient presented with chest pain, shortness of breath, and fever, and was diagnosed with IE and severe mitral valve regurgitation (MVR). After receiving appropriate medical treatment for six weeks, the patient developed a vague and dull abdominal pain, initially attributed to septic emboli of the mitral valve vegetations. However, subsequent evaluation revealed a mycotic SMAPA, which was treated with open surgical repair due to unfavorable anatomical characteristics and infectious etiology. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a high level of clinical suspicion of mycotic pseudoaneurysms in patients with risk factors and the importance of using CTA as the gold standard imaging modality for accurate patient evaluation.
Pattern and management outcome of acute abdomen and review of the role of task-sharing in leku general hospital,sidama,Ethiopia
Authors: Kibret Asfaw , Lema Chernet , Assefa Tesfahun , Tafesse Behailu , Gebeyehu Natnael
Published: April 2024

Background; acute abdomen is one of the surgical emergency of abdominal disease presented with sudden onset abdominal pain and often needs urgent surgical intervensions.Its pattern varies worldwide. In low income countries like Ethiopia the surgical workforce is still unmet but strategies like the integrated emergency surgery program was one of the successful task shifting and task sharing strategy which saved the life of many which need emergency surgical intervention.
Objective; the aim of this study was to assess the pattern ,outcome of management of non traumatic acute abdomens and the role of task shifting in leku general hospital,Sidama,Ethiopia
Methods; this was a three years retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at Leku general hospital in sidama region southern part of Ethiopia.The study populations were patients operated in the Leku general hospital for diagnosis of non-traumatic acute abdomen from august 2021 GC to august 2023Gc.Data were collected by checklists and analyzed by SPSS descriptive statistics.
Result; in the study period it was found 225 operated cases for indication of non traumatic acute abdomen.Majority of the cases were male (161) and 64 were female making male to female ratio 2.5 :1.The age ranges from 4yrs to 80 years.Majority of the cases fall in the 2nd and 3rd decades of age.Most of them were rural dwellers.Most patients arrived after 24hrs of pain.The mostfrequent acute abdominal case in Leku general hospital found in the study was appendicitis(46.2%) followed by bowel obstruction(34.2%).Small bowel volvulus was the common cause for small bowel obstructionMost of the acute abdomen cases(84.9%) were operated by integrated emergency surgery professionals(IESO) .From the 88 bowel related emergency operations 47.% of them needed resection and anastomosis.The mortality rate in the study was found 2.2%
Conclusion; the leading cause of acute abdomen was found appendicitis.Majority of the cases were operated by IESO and their role were remarkable in this general emergency surgery interventions.The fatality rate was 2.2% this was lower than other studies in the country
Comparative analysis of specific resistivity and phase angle among individuals of different age groups
Authors: Luna Taira Batista , Bello José Luis García , Carbonell Agustín Garzón , Lafargue Alcibíades Lara , Ciria Héctor Manuel Camué , Montoya Ana de la Caridad Román
Published: April 2024

The Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis method can determine the phase angle, which has a significant predictive value for an individual's survival. This parameter also helps to diagnose clinical status and predict nutritional status. The aim of this article is to determine whether specific resistivity is an experimental bioelectrical parameter characteristic of a healthy Cuban population, regardless of their age and sex. The study involved 3370 healthy individuals of both genders and six patients with various pathologies. The bioelectrical parameters of electrical bioimpedance, phase angle, and specific resistivity were determined. The results show that individuals with associated pathologies had lower mean values of specific resistivity than those of the healthy population, and there was a lower dispersion than that obtained for the phase angle. The main conclusion is that specific resistivity could be used as a survival and life quality predictor, just like the phase angle. However, more studies are needed to confirm this.
Expiratory Efforts During Insufflation are Associated with Increased Mortality in Ventilated Patients
Authors: Gutierrez  , Türkan
Published: April 2024

Background
Breathing efforts during mechanical ventilation are associated with patient self-induced lung injury (P-SILI). We examined whether a noninvasive measure of Pmus, the portion of airway pressure attributed to breathing effort during insufflation, relates to patient mortality.
Methods
We analyzed recorded airway signals from 267 patients on invasive mechanical ventilation monitored between six hours and five days. Patients were divided into survivor and decedent groups according to all-cause 28-day mortality. Individual Pmus(t) functions, describing changes in Pmus during insufflation, were generated for 13.4 million insufflations by numerical analysis of the respiratory system’s one-compartment model. Pmus(t) was used to determine the magnitude and direction, expiratory or inspiratory, of peak Pmus(t) (PmusPeak) and its pressure-time product (PmusPTP). Mean and cumulative PmusPeak and PmusPTP were determined for each patient and compared between the groups.
Results
There were 67 decedents and 200 survivors. Decedents had greater mean and cumulative expiratory PmusPTP (p < 0.05 for each) than survivors. Neither inspiratory PmusPTP nor PmusPeak differentiated between the groups. Independent predictors of mortality were age, SAPS II score, and expiratory time.
Discussion
We report an association between expiratory efforts during insufflation and 28-day mortality. By opposing ventilator-delivered breaths, expiratory efforts might increase alveolar pressure (Palv), promoting P-SILI and subsequent worse outcomes. The apparent lack of association between mortality and inspiratory effort might be explained by its capacity to increase trans-pulmonary pressure without affecting Palv. Inspiratory efforts, however, could indicate air hunger.
Conclusions
Our findings highlight the need for further research into respiratory efforts during mechanical ventilation.
Intervalence charge transfer in aluminum oxide and aluminosilicate minerals at elevated temperatures
Authors: Evans Helen V. , Rossman George R.
Published: April 2024

Single-crystal optical spectra of corundum (Al2O3) and the Al2SiO5 polymorphs andalusite, kyanite, and sillimanite, containing both Fe2+-Fe3+ and Fe2+-Ti4+ intervalence charge transfer (IVCT) absorption bands were measured at temperatures up to 1000 °C. Upon heating, thermally equilibrated IVCT bands significantly decreased in intensity and recovered fully on cooling. These trends contrast with the behavior of crystal field bands at temperature for Fe, Cr, and V in corundum, kyanite, and spinel. The effects of cation diffusion and aggregation, as well as the redistribution of band intensity at temperature, are also discussed. The loss of absorption intensity in the visible and near-infrared regions of the spectrum of these phases may point to a more general behavior of IVCT in minerals at temperatures within the Earth with implications for radiative conductivity within the Earth.
Treatment approaches for emerging contaminants in sludge and wastewater
Authors: Langbehn Rayane Kunert , Müller Felipe Matheus , Schneider Elisângela Edila , Senna Camila Pereira , Sanches-Simões Eric , Pedó Gutkoski Júlia , Kelbert Maikon , Michels Camila , Soares Hugo Moreira
Published: April 2024

The presence of emerging contaminants (ECs) in superficial and drinking water is a reality worldwide. Among them, we can highlight compounds such as personal care products and pharmaceuticals used to treat and prevent human or animal diseases. ECs end up in the environment mainly because of inefficient wastewater or sludge treatment. It is well known that conventional treatment does not completely remove these substances. In addition, ECs pose a potential risk if released into the environment because of their toxicity, recalcitrance, and biouptake in animals and plants. This chapter will cover biological and physicochemical treatments to remove EC from wastewater and sludge. We will address the most recent advances for each process, focusing on their main parameters, operation conditions, and applications. Moreover, we will compare the advantages and disadvantages of each process. This chapter provides a comprehensive understanding of the role of biological and physicochemical processes, applied individually or combined, in treating wastewater and sludge containing EC. Lastly, we will present future perspectives to improve the treatment of ECs in wastewater treatment plants.
Abatement of pharmaceutical compounds in wastewater using green nanomaterials: an eco-friendly alternative to conventional nanomaterials
Authors: Botle Akshay , Salgaonkar Sayli , Barabde Gayatri , Herlekar Mihir
Published: April 2024

Pharmaceuticals and their remnants have been acknowledged for their ability to save many lives, but they have also developed a new set of emerging pollutants due to the difficulty in treating them in wastewater worldwide. Increased consumption of drugs has led to adverse impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Even at low levels, these contaminants cause various problems because of their persistent nature and long-lasting negative effects. Therefore, various conventional methods such as activated sludge process, chemical precipitation, membrane filtration, ozonation, adsorption, and photocatalysis have been proposed for their removal. These are limited by high costs, inefficient removal, the production of toxic materials, and the need for significant investment. Nanotechnology has begun to explore various effective strategies for treating wastewater with the help of various nanomaterials. Nanomaterials have been inspected for their potential to eradicate water impurities and improve the effectiveness of conventional technologies. However, the conventional methods of producing nanomaterials involve the usage of hazardous and toxic substances, which create additional pollution. Green nanomaterials present plenty of promising avenues for wastewater treatment and have been recognized to be efficient in providing clean and affordable removal of pharmaceuticals, with features such as increased surface area, higher reactivity, target specificity, low energy and cost consumption, sustainability, improved physical and chemical properties, and effective regeneration. This has led to the development of innovative trends for creating novel, environmentally friendly nanomaterials for the removal and degradation of pharmaceutical substances. This paper focuses on these new trends in the development of greener nanomaterials globally and evaluates their performance for the abatement of pharmaceuticals from wastewater. The paper concludes with the beneficial aspects of green nanomaterials over conventional technologies and the future scope of research.
Coupling of biogas residue biochar and low-magnitude electric fields promotes anaerobic co-digestion of sewage sludge and food waste
Authors: Liu Hongbo , He Peng , Chen Yang , Wang Xingkang , Zou Ruixiang , Xing Tao , Xu Suyun , Wu Chengyang , Maurer Claudia , Lichtfouse Eric
Published: April 2024

Biochar-assisted anaerobic digestion (AD) remains constrained due to the inefficient decomposition of complex organics, even with the direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) pathway. The coupling of electrochemistry with the anaerobic biological treatment could shorten lengthy retention time in co-digestion by improving electron transfer rates and inducing functional microbial acclimation. Thus, this work investigated the potential of improving the performance of AD by coupling low-magnitude electric fields with biochar derived from the anaerobically digested biogas residue. Different voltages (0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 V) were applied at various stages to assess the impact on biochar-assisted AD. The results indicate that an external voltage of 0.3 V, coupled with 5 g/L of biochar, elevates CH4 yield by 45.5% compared to biogas residue biochar alone, and the coupled approach increased biogas production by up to 143% within 10 days. This finding may be partly explained by the enhanced utilization of substrates and the increased amounts of specific methanogens such as Methanobacterium and Methanosarcina. The abundance of the former increased from 4.0 to 11.3%, which enhances the DIET between microorganisms. Furthermore, the coupling method shows better potential for enhancing AD compared to preparing iron-based biochar, and these results present potential avenues for its broader applications.
Congenital heart disease
Authors: Podzolkov V.
Published: April 2024

An iterview with Vladimir P. Podzolkov, Dr. Sci. (Medicine), Prof., Academician, Russian Academy of Sciences, Head of Pediatric Congenital Heart Disease Department, A.N. Bakoulev Scientific Center for Cardiovascular Surgery, Moscow
Application of AI in Multilevel Pain Assessment Using Facial Images: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huo Jian , Yu Yan , Lin Wei , Hu Anmin , Wu Chaoran
Published: April 2024

Background

The continuous monitoring and recording of patients’ pain status is a major problem in current research on postoperative pain management. In the large number of original or review articles focusing on different approaches for pain assessment, many researchers have investigated how computer vision (CV) can help by capturing facial expressions. However, there is a lack of proper comparison of results between studies to identify current research gaps.

Objective

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the diagnostic performance of artificial intelligence models for multilevel pain assessment from facial images.

Methods

The PubMed, Embase, IEEE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for related publications before September 30, 2023. Studies that used facial images alone to estimate multiple pain values were included in the systematic review. A study quality assessment was conducted using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies, 2nd edition tool. The performance of these studies was assessed by metrics including sensitivity, specificity, log diagnostic odds ratio (LDOR), and area under the curve (AUC). The intermodal variability was assessed and presented by forest plots.

Results

A total of 45 reports were included in the systematic review. The reported test accuracies ranged from 0.27-0.99, and the other metrics, including the mean standard error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC), ranged from 0.31-4.61, 0.24-2.8, 0.19-0.83, and 0.48-0.92, respectively. In total, 6 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Their combined sensitivity was 98% (95% CI 96%-99%), specificity was 98% (95% CI 97%-99%), LDOR was 7.99 (95% CI 6.73-9.31), and AUC was 0.99 (95% CI 0.99-1). The subgroup analysis showed that the diagnostic performance was acceptable, although imbalanced data were still emphasized as a major problem. All studies had at least one domain with a high risk of bias, and for 20% (9/45) of studies, there were no applicability concerns.

Conclusions

This review summarizes recent evidence in automatic multilevel pain estimation from facial expressions and compared the test accuracy of results in a meta-analysis. Promising performance for pain estimation from facial images was established by current CV algorithms. Weaknesses in current studies were also identified, suggesting that larger databases and metrics evaluating multiclass classification performance could improve future studies.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO CRD42023418181; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=418181
Application of AI in in Multilevel Pain Assessment Using Facial Images: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Huo Jian , Yu Yan , Lin Wei , Hu Anmin , Wu Chaoran
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

The continuous monitoring and recording of patients’ pain status is a major problem in current research on postoperative pain management. In the large number of original or review articles focusing on different approaches for pain assessment, many researchers have investigated how computer vision (CV) can help by capturing facial expressions. However, there is a lack of proper comparison of results between studies to identify current research gaps.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the diagnostic performance of artificial intelligence models for multilevel pain assessment from facial images.

METHODS

The PubMed, Embase, IEEE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for related publications before September 30, 2023. Studies that used facial images alone to estimate multiple pain values were included in the systematic review. A study quality assessment was conducted using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies, 2nd edition tool. The performance of these studies was assessed by metrics including sensitivity, specificity, log diagnostic odds ratio (LDOR), and area under the curve (AUC). The intermodal variability was assessed and presented by forest plots.

RESULTS

A total of 45 reports were included in the systematic review. The reported test accuracies ranged from 0.27-0.99, and the other metrics, including the mean standard error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAE), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC), ranged from 0.31-4.61, 0.24-2.8, 0.19-0.83, and 0.48-0.92, respectively. In total, 6 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Their combined sensitivity was 98% (95% CI 96%-99%), specificity was 98% (95% CI 97%-99%), LDOR was 7.99 (95% CI 6.73-9.31), and AUC was 0.99 (95% CI 0.99-1). The subgroup analysis showed that the diagnostic performance was acceptable, although imbalanced data were still emphasized as a major problem. All studies had at least one domain with a high risk of bias, and for 20% (9/45) of studies, there were no applicability concerns.

CONCLUSIONS

This review summarizes recent evidence in automatic multilevel pain estimation from facial expressions and compared the test accuracy of results in a meta-analysis. Promising performance for pain estimation from facial images was established by current CV algorithms. Weaknesses in current studies were also identified, suggesting that larger databases and metrics evaluating multiclass classification performance could improve future studies.

CLINICALTRIAL

PROSPERO CRD42023418181; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=418181
A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Prevalence of Bipolar Disorder in China (Preprint)
Authors: Sun Fengli
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of bipolar disorder is influenced by many factors. The rapid development of China's recent development may have an impact on the incidence rate of bipolar disorder.

OBJECTIVE

To understand the prevalence of bipolar disorder and the trend of nearly twenty years in China, providing scientific basis for early prevention and treatment by meta-analysis.

METHODS

A systematic literature retrieval published from 2000 to 2020 in China was conducted by using Chinese database. The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) was used for assessment of literature quality.The Chinese bipolar disorder prevalence and it’s subgroup analyses,including gender and regions was analyzed with Stata16.0. The literature publication bias was evaluated by Egger testing and funnel graph.The sensitivity analysis was also done by eliminating one by one.

RESULTS

Forty-five articles were included. The total sample size was 142583741. The Chinese bipolar disorder time point prevalence was 0.70‰（95%：0.62‰-0.78‰) and lifetime prevalence was 1.85‰（95%：1.16‰-2.70‰). Subgroup analysis showed no significant difference in the bipolar disorder prevalence between genders(P>0.05) ,among rural and urban(P>0.05).The great difference of lower prevalence in 2011-2022 than that in 2000-2010 was found(P=0.013). The significant different was found with highest prevalence of type I compared to type II and NOS type(P=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The Chinese bipolar disorder time point prevalence was 0.70‰（95%：0.62‰-0.78‰) and lifetime prevalence was 1.85‰（95%:1.16‰-2.70‰). The bipolar disorder prevalence is no different with genders,rural and urban.There was great significant decrease in prevalence of bipolar disorder in the last 10 years.The significant different was found with highest prevalence of type I.
SIMULTANEOUS METHOD DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF COMBINED DOSAGE FORM DAPAGLIFLOZIN AND VILDAGLIPTIN IN BULK AND COMBINED TABLET DOSAGE FORM BY UV SPECTROPHOTOMETER
Authors: K BHAVYA SRI , M NANDHINI
Published: April 2024

Objectives: In the present work on the determination of dapagliflozin and vildagliptin in tablet dosage form, a simple, rapid, inexpensive, accurate, and precise stability-indicating ultraviolet (UV) method was established. For the measurement of vildagliptin and dapagliflozin in tablet dosage form.
Methods: A UV-visible spectrophotometric technique was done. Double-distilled water was used as the dapagliflozin’s diluent. Vildagliptin’s diluent was 0.1 N NaOH. The diluent used in the dosage form that contains both vildagliptin and dapagliflozin was 0.1 N NaOH. This approach was verified for linearity, accuracy, precision, QL, and detection limit (DL).
Results: For the dosages of dapagliflozin and vildagliptin (0.16:1.6–2.2:22 μg/mL), linearity were seen. Vildagliptin and dapagliflozin were found to have QLs of 3.7432 μg/mL and 1.2860 μg/mL, respectively. Vildagliptin and dapagliflozin were found to have DLs of 1.2352 and 0.4244, respectively. The developed method for estimating the dosage of dapagliflozin and vildagliptin in tablet form was proven to be accurate, exact, and quick. Under identical circumstances, the medication was stressed by hydrolysis, oxidation, photolysis, and thermal deterioration. The UV-visible system was used to analyze the stress sample.
Conclusion: The proposed method was found to be simple, precise, accurate, and reproducible and can be used for routine analysis of dapagliflozin and vildagliptin in bulk and tablet dosage forms.
A STUDY ON THE PREVALENCE OF OVERWEIGHT AND OBESITY AMONG WOMEN AGED 20 YEARS AND ABOVE IN RURAL FIELD PRACTICE AREA OF SIMS, HAPUR
Authors: R K SEHGAL  , GHOSHAL VISHWANATH , UJJWAL SOURAV
Published: April 2024

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of overweight as well as obesity among women aged 20 years and above in a rural covered area of SIMS, Hapur, and to assess the risk factors for overweight and obesity in the above study population.
Methods: This research was carried out in the rural field practice area of SIMS, Hapur, spanning from July 2022 to July 2023. The study focused on women aged 20 years and older who were residents of the SIMS field practice area. The following criteria were used to select the study participants: Women who were pregnant at the time of the study, those who could not be reached after two home visits, individuals taking chronic medications that might lead to weight gain, and those who were uncooperative were excluded from the study.
Results: Out of the 500 participants in the study, 18.6% were categorized as underweight, 53.6% fell within the normal weight range, and 27.8% were considered overweight. Within the group of overweight individuals, a substantial 70.5% were classified as obese. The study revealed that the overall prevalence of overweight (defined as BMI>23) was 27.7%, while the prevalence of obesity (defined as BMI>25) stood at 19.8%. Furthermore, 29.9% of the women had a waist circumference exceeding 80 cm.
Conclusion: Based on the findings from our current research, it can be deduced that women with higher levels of education and socioeconomic status, a family history of excess weight, a higher number of pregnancies, a lack of physical activity, insufficient sleep, and poor dietary choices are more likely to be at risk of becoming overweight or obese. To prevent the rising prevalence of excess fat and obesity, it is imperative to implement lifestyle and dietary modifications.
BACTERIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF CLINICALLY SUSPECTED SEPTICEMIA AMONG NEONATES AND THE ANTIBIOTIC SUSCEPTIBILITY PATTERN OF THEIR ISOLATES: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF JHARKHAND
Authors: VIMAL KUMAR , SINGH SONALIKA , SUMANGALA BISWAS  , SHYAM LAL MURMU
Published: April 2024

Objectives: Neonatal septicemia is a generalized bacterial infection that occurs during the first 4 weeks of life and is one of the four primary causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity in India. This study aims to determine the bacteriological profile and antibiotic sensitivity patterns of isolates from blood cultures of suspected septicemic neonates in a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: Two hundred and twenty-eight blood samples were collected and processed from patients in accordance with standard protocol. The antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was determined by the disk diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute recommendations.
Results: Blood culture results were positive in 44.7% of the patients. Late-onset sepsis was present in 53.92%, and early-onset sepsis was observed in 46.08% of the cases. The best overall sensitivity among Gram-negative isolates was to Amikacin, followed by Gentamycin and Meropenem. Gram-positive isolates had sensitivity to Chloramphenicol, tetracycline, Linezolid, Tetracycline, Vancomycin, and Piperacillin.
Conclusion: The most common causes of newborn sepsis in this study were Gram-negative organisms (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Citrobacter freundii) and Gram-positive organisms (Staphylococcus aureus), the majority of which are antibiotic-resistant.
TRADITIONAL VERSUS ONLINE TEACHING - A COMPARATIVE STUDY AMONG UNDERGRADUATE BDS STUDENTS
Authors: S DEEPALAXMI , H JAISHREE , FATIMA TAQDEES , P SUJA
Published: April 2024

Objectives: This study was conducted with a purpose to determine the perception of dental students toward traditional and online teaching methods.
Methods: A validated and structured questionnaire was prepared using Google Forms and the study link of the questionnaire was sent through WhatsApp to all the participants. The questionnaire consisted of two parts. The first part included the demographic information of the students. The second part constituted a pre-validated 16-item questionnaire on the perception of students on traditional and online teaching. The variables, such as interest, convenience, time, motivation, tiredness, distractions, satisfaction, retention, and understanding, were included. A 5-point Likert scale was used for collecting the responses. Descriptive statistics was used for the final analysis and were represented as percentages.
Results: Overall response rate was 98.2%. Female preponderance was more compared to male constituting 66%. Mobile (92.9%) was the gadget of preference followed by laptop (6.5%). Majority of students showed a negative inclination toward online teaching. They felt online teaching was less interesting, less motivating, with more distraction, low satisfaction, and lacked interaction. Meanwhile, they agreed that online teaching was more comfortable, cost-effective, and less time-consuming. Most of the students (63.1%) opted for a mixed method of teaching.
Conclusion: Both traditional and online methods have advantages and disadvantages at some levels. Mixed approach can be tried for better results.
DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATION OF RAFT-FORMING FORMULATION OF H2BLOCKERS
Authors: BHOSALE MANSI MANOJ , PRAMODKUMAR J SHIROTE
Published: April 2024

Objective: The present research work is focused to develop in situ raft gel of Nizatidine. sodium alginate (SA) is one of the critical components for the development in situ raft system.
Methods: The formulation was prepared using polymers such as SA and gellan gum. The formulations were subjected to evaluation characteristics such as pH, in vitro gelling capacity, viscosity, gel strength, and in vitro release studies.
Results: The pH of all the prepared batches was found in the range of 6.4–7.2 for S1–S9, and 6.3–7.2 for G1–G9. S1–S9 formulations showed viscosity in the range of 253.7–400.9 cps, and G1–G9 formulations showed viscosity in the range of 253.4–399.8 cps. Formulation S6 containing SA and G6 containing gellan gum gave the highest drug content of 99.58% and 99.5%, respectively. The highest gel strength 4.6 is exhibited by S6 and G6 formulations. Formulation S6 containing SA gave the highest drug release of 95.62% and also showed sustained and controlled release for up to 12 h.
Conclusion: Gastric raft formulation is a better choice for drugs such as Nizatidine which enhances the drug release for a prolonged time by remaining buoyant in the stomach for more than 12 h.
ANALYSIS OF DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERN IN CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, SOUTH INDIA
Authors: SIYAMALA DEVI T  , HEMALATHA K  , RENUKA A
Published: April 2024

Objective: The objective of the study is to assess the drug utilization pattern of various drugs prescribed in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients in a tertiary care hospital.
Methods: As a cross-sectional study 200 prescriptions were randomly selected from both the nephrology outpatient department and the inpatient ward. Patient demographics details, CKD staging, classes of drugs prescribed, and number of drugs prescribed were noted and data were analyzed with the World Health Organization core prescribing indicators.
Results: Incidence of CKD is more common in the age group of 40–50 years (45%) with male predominance (70%). Hypertension, diabetes, and anemia are the common comorbid conditions seen with CKD. Anti-hypertensives, anti-anemic drugs, calcium supplements, and anti-diabetic drugs are the commonly prescribed drugs in CKD. Number of prescription contains that generic names are near optimal and drugs from the National List of Essential Medicine are optimal. Majority of the prescriptions contain on average 5 drugs.
Conclusion: Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two most common causes of CKD with male dominance. Since polypharmacy is common in CKD patients , they should be monitored for drug – drug interaction and adverse drug reactions.
A CASE REPORT ON ANGIOMYXOMA OF VULVA - A RARE MESENCHYMAL TUMOR IN REPRODUCTIVE AGE GROUP WOMEN
Authors: ASHISHJOT KAUR  , PRABH SIMRANPAL  , ARSHDEEP KAUR  , ANJU GUPTA
Published: April 2024

Aggressive angiomyxoma (AAM) is a mesenchymal tumor that arises from perineal or lower pelvic connective tissue. This tumor is locally aggressive. It has mostly been found in reproductive age group females. The correct diagnosis and follow-up of this tumor are very important, as it has similar presentation to many other vulvar masses and it tends to recur due to its locally aggressive nature. We report here a case of 40-year-old female P2L2, who presented with a soft, non-tender swelling on the left labia majora.
A STUDY ON INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION REGARDING ITS EPIDEMIOLOGY, ETIOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT IN A PERIPHERAL MEDICAL COLLEGE
Authors: AHMAD MD , BARMAN AMALESH , SINHA PANKAJ KUMAR , SAHA ANIL KR
Published: April 2024

Objectives: The intestinal obstruction is a widespread emergency problem in our surgical practice day by day. It is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in our health system. It is caused by adhesions, hernias, malignancies, endometriosis, inflammatory bowel disease stenosis, intussusception, and others. Our research aims to identify the etiology, epidemiology, and clinical presentations of the pathology so that we can manage the disease as early as possible for better outcomes in our peripheral institution.
Methods: The study was performed on 100 cases of the age group 12–76 years admitted in the surgical ward of Midnapore Medical College and Hospital, Paschim Medinipur (W.B.) from December 2016 to June 2018. Cases of acute intestinal obstruction who underwent operation were included in our research to establish the pathology of intestinal obstruction.
Results: In our study, the incidence of acute intestinal obstruction is 1.6% of total surgical cases. Maximum patients (25%) were in the age group 51– 60 years. The most common cause of intestinal obstruction was obstructed/strangulated hernia (40%). The most common symptoms were pain abdomen (88%), abdominal distension (84%), and vomiting (78%). An X-ray revealed presence of air-fluid levels in 75% of patients. The overall mortality rate was 10%.
Conclusion: The morbidity and mortality of intestinal obstruction are dependent on early diagnosis, prompt resuscitation, and proper management. The critical determinants of the morbidity are age of the patient, duration of the disease, existing comorbidity, and delay in treatment. X-ray in erect view is an essential mode of diagnostic method and obstructed hernia is the most common etiology of obstruction in our research study.
A STUDY ON INDICATIONS, MODE OF HYSTERECTOMY AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF HYSTERECTOMY SPECIMENS
Authors: K LAKSHMI PRIYANKA , REDDY KE MANGA , SRIVANI TELLA
Published: April 2024

Objectives: To study the age distribution, indications, modes of hysterectomy, concurrent surgery done along with hysterectomy, and histopathological analysis of hysterectomized specimens.
Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mediciti Institute of Medical Sciences, a tertiary teaching hospital at Medchal. Medical records of 240 cases of hysterectomy performed from January 2015 to December 2021 were retrieved from the Medical Record Department. The age distribution, indications of hysterectomy, mode of hysterectomy, concurrent oophorectomy, and histopathological reports of hysterectomy specimens were analyzed in this study.
Results: Out of the total 240 hysterectomies, 51.25% were in the age group of 40–49 years, followed by the age group of 50–59 years, i.e., 19.5%. Common indications for hysterectomy were AUB (36.25%), fibroids (34.58%), and UV prolapse (29.16%). Abdominal hysterectomy (62.5%) was performed more commonly than vaginal hysterectomy (29.16%). Histopathological analysis showed the most common pathologies as atrophic endometrium, leiomyoma in the myometrium, and inflammation in the cervix. Concurrent bilateral oophorectomy was done in 51.66%, unilateral oophorectomy was done in 10%, and ovaries were conserved in 38.33%.
Conclusion: Hysterectomy is a common major gynecological surgery performed, most commonly in the perimenopausal age group. Although there is an increased trend toward the laparoscopic route, the abdominal route is still the preferred route. Leiomyoma is the most common pathology found in hysterectomized specimens. AUB being the most common indication for hysterectomy, there should be increased use of medical management, and patients should be counseled for conservative management in order to prevent increased surgical interventions.
EVALUATING THE BLOOD-SPARING EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF TRANEXAMIC ACID IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY
Authors: R Ramya , LEENA RANJINI V  , HARISIVANANDAN M
Published: April 2024

Objectives: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent that effectively reduces bleeding both during and after surgery. The purpose of our study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of TXA use in reducing blood loss in uncomplicated primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) without complications.
Methods: This is a prospective, open-label, comparative study that includes patients who are undergoing unilateral primary TKA. The patients were divided into two groups: Group I, which is a control group, did not receive any doses of TXA, and Group II received three doses of intravenous TXA: 15 mg/kg TXA was administered 30 min before incision, followed by post-operative doses of 10 mg/kg TXA at 3 and 6 h. The primary objectives of the study were to measure the total blood loss (TBL) and Hemoglobin (Hb) drop, which were calculated preoperatively and on the third post-operative day. The secondary objectives were to determine transfusion rates, incidences of symptomatic deep vein thrombosis, and thromboembolic events (TE).
Results: In this study, a total of 57 patients underwent unilateral TKA. The TBL in Group I was 861.67±167.65 mL, compared to 780.05±158.05 mL in Group II (p<0.001). The study also found that the Hb drop was significantly lower (2.78±0.36 vs. 2.3±0.37) with IV TXA. Furthermore, neither group required transfusions, nor were any thromboembolic complications noted for up to 6 months post-operation.
Conclusion: Our study supports the use of TXA in TKA, as it effectively reduces perioperative blood loss, decreases the need for blood transfusions, and does not increase the risk of TE.
Haemodynamic responses to intubation, extubation and post‐operative analgesia after intravenous lignocaine in laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgeries: a randomized control study
Authors: Gujja Srikanth , Arora Varun , Yelagandula Sravanthi , Bhandari Chanchal , Jeevanbabu Mittapalli
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT:

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of intravenous lignocaine on haemodynamic responses to intubation, extubation and post‐operative analgesia in laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgeries.

Methods: This prospective, randomized, double blinded study was conducted in patients for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery in tertiary care hospital of Tamil Nadu. Group A (n=60) received 0.9% normal saline for perioperative intravenous infusion and Group B (n=60) received preservative free lignocaine 2% (20mg/ml) as intravenous infusion Hemodynamic responses were recorded to intubation, extubation and post‐operative analgesia in both groups. VAS scores and pain free period were also compared.

Results: Pulse rate (PR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were significantly increased in both the groups during laryngoscopy and intubation, though the rise of both in lignocaine group was significantly less than normal saline group. (p<0.0001)  Similarly, both PR and MAP were significantly increased during extubation in both the groups. (p<0.0001) However, the rise of both the parameters in lignocaine group was significantly less as compared to normal saline group. (p<0.0001) VAS scores in immediate post operative period were better in lignocaine group than normal saline group. The mean pain free period was less than an hour in normal saline group, while it was approximately 4 hours in lignocaine group. (p<0.0001)

Conclusions: This study concluded that i.v infusion of lignocaine had significantly increased the pain free period post operatively. So those who are not affordable for epidural block, lignocaine i.v infusion is better alternative for post operative analgesia.
RARE CASE OF LIPEMIA RETINALIS IN A 24 DAY OLD INFANT
Authors: RAJEETA BASUR  , REENA KUMARI  , DINESH KUMAR BHAGAT
Published: April 2024

We present a rare case of Lipemia Retinalis in a 24 day old Infant due Hyperlipoprotienimia type 1.
Interventions for Behavioral Problem of Students Belonging to the Broken Family in Middle Secondary School
Authors: Wakhley Guman Dhoj
Published: April 2024

This is an action based research paper carried out at Kamji Central School under Chukha district. It involved 10 participants ranging from classes PP to X including parents and teachers. It aims to explore and identify the behavioral issues among children from the broken family background. It’s a qualitative design of research where findings made are thematically analyzed. Following this, some of the applicable interventions too were applied during the study that helped in reshaping and molding the behavior of those children. Recommendations too are presented after the analysis of the findings that can be effective if applied even in other school settings.
Competencia y comportamiento informacionales de estudiantes para el uso de las bibliotecas digitales universitarias
Authors: Alvarez-Flores Erika Patricia , Magadaleno Moreno Mayauel , Núñez-Gómez Patricia
Published: April 2024

El objetivo de la investigación consiste en identificar requerimientos de formación informacional para el uso adecuado de recursos y servicios de bibliotecas digitales universitarias. Se aporta una visión sobre las prácticas y el nivel de competencia informacional de los estudiantes según el área de conocimiento. Para el estudio exploratorio utilizamos un análisis estadístico descriptivo e inferencial de los datos extraídos con un instrumento ad hoc aplicado a una muestra de 746 estudiantes universitarios de seis países hispanos. Los resultados indican un uso limitado de las bibliotecas digitales universitarias por parte de los jóvenes en general. Además, se observa insatisfacción con algunos de los servicios que ofrecen y un bajo nivel de competencia informacional para realizar búsquedas, evaluación y gestión adecuada de la información digital. Se concluye que, aun cuando los jóvenes expresan poseer habilidades para adquirir recursos digitales, el estudio evidencia la necesidad de que profesores y bibliotecarios diseñen estrategias que refuercen la alfabetización informacional de los estudiantes en sus cuatro dimensiones: recursos bibliotecarios, plagio/citación de fuentes, recuperación de información y evaluación de la información.
Formulation & Evaluation of Poly-Herbal Ointment
Authors: Geetha Erigi Subha
Published: April 2024

Abstract: Wound healing is a complex process of recovering the forms & functions of injured tissues. The process is tightly regulated by multiple growth factors & cytokines released at the wound site. Any alternations that disrupt the healing process would worsen the tissue damage and prolong repair process. Various conditions may contribute to impaired wound healing including infections underlying diseases and medications. Salves, or ointments, are topical products in which the herbs are extracted into vegetable oils by maceration at either room temperature for a specified length of time, in a low heat infusion or in a higher heat decoction. Numerous studies on the potential of natural products with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties as wound healing agents have been performed .Their medicinal properties can be contributed by the content of phytochemical constituents such as Azadirachta indica (Neem leaves),Triticum (wheats), Vitis vinifera(Grape seeds),Helianthus annus (sunflower seeds), Oryza sativa (brown rice)
Drowsiness Detection using CNN
Authors: Bhosale Ashwini
Published: April 2024

Abstract: This research introduces a Driver Drowsiness Detection system employing Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN). The system analyses real-time facial features from in-vehicle cameras to determine a driver's alertness level. Trained on diverse datasets, the CNN model demonstrates high accuracy in identifying drowsiness signs, making it suitable for real-world deployment. This system contributes to road safety by providing timely alerts to prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue. As road safety remains a critical concern, the development of intelligent systems to mitigate driver-related risks has become imperative.