bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can preconcentration of cassiterite from its pegmatite ore reduce processing costs and improve operational sustainability?
Authors: Simonsen H. , Potgieter J.H. , Nyembwe K.J. , Chuma A.
Published: June 2024

Different concentration techniques were evaluated for preconcentration of a mineral ore at a coarser size to avoid energy and resource wastage. Specifically, the aim was to reduce milling costs and energy required in the beneficiation of tin. In this study, cassiterite (0.17% Sn) was the mineral of interest in a pegmatite ore body associated with quartz (SiO2 > 60%) and alumina (Al2O3 > 20%). Three concentration techniques, namely dense media, shaking table, and flotation, coupled with characterization analysis, were used to assess the concentration response. The results confirmed that particle size and mineral liberation impact the separation process. High recovery and grade were obtained with gravity concentration methods (dense media and shaking table) for coarser (+300 to +212 μm) and intermediate (+150 to +53 μm) particle sizes. Lower recovery and grade were identified for much finer sizes (-53 to -38 μm). Flotation produced a high-grade product at a relatively low recovery and appeared to be only applicable to finer grains. Separation efficiency based on Schulz's equation measured a segregation performance of 74.8% for dense medium separation and 60.7% for the shaking table for the coarse and intermediate particle sizes. Flotation only achieved a separation of 30%-40%. The results suggest that use of dense media separation as a rough preconcentration method prior to further grinding, and the utilization of a more advanced concentration technique for mineral recovery and upgrade, constitute a successful approach to improve process economics.
Investigation of glycine leaching for gold extraction from Witwatersrand gold mine tailings with permanganate pre-treatment
Authors: Tapfuma A. , Akdogan G. , Tadie M.
Published: June 2024

The Southern African region contains abundant gold tailing heaps that are an environmental concern due to dust pollution and chemical contamination of nearby water bodies. Nevertheless, these heaps contain gold with potential to be extracted for financial gain. In this study, the feasibility of extraction of gold from a Witwatersrand gold tailings using glycine was investigated using a two-level full factorial design. Effects of variables such as glycine concentration at levels of 0.5-1.5 M with a solid-liquid ratio of 50-200 g/L were investigated. Although the solid-liquid ratio used in this study was below the industrial norm, it provides a starting point for investigating the applicability of this technology. To enhance the gold extraction, potassium permanganate pretreatment and copper ion addition were adopted. The results revealed that 91.4% gold extraction was achieved after 24 h pre-treatment of the tailings using 2 g/L potassium permanganate followed by subsequent leaching using 1.5 M glycine at pH 12, with 50 g/L solid-liquid ratio and 2 g/L copper ions. Statistically, the solid-liquid ratio and potassium permanganate pre-treatment of the tailings were found to be significant at 95% confidence interval, whilst interactions of copper ions and glycine concentration were significant factors. The work demonstrates that potassium permanganate pre-treatment prior to glycine leaching of low-grade secondary gold resources, such as tailings, can be beneficial. Furthermore, the methodology developed in this work provides an opportunity for further investigation of the recovery of gold hosted in complex mineralogical matrices.
Unraveling the role of LDHA and VEGFA in oxidative stress: A pathway to therapeutic interventions in cerebral aneurysms
Authors: Wu Jiaying , Lu Lixia , Dai Beibei , Yu Aiyong
Published: June 2024

Cerebral aneurysms (CA) are critical conditions often associated with oxidative stress in vascular endothelial cells (VECs). The enzyme lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) plays a crucial role in glycolysis and lactate metabolism, processes implicated in the pathogenesis of aneurysms. Understanding these molecular mechanisms can inform the development of novel therapeutic targets. This study investigated the role of lactate metabolism and lactate-related genes, particularly LDHA and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) genes, in VECs during oxidative stress. Using the GSE26969 dataset, we identified differential expression of lactate-related genes and performed functional enrichment analysis, revealing significant associations with glycolysis and lactate metabolic pathways. To induce oxidative stress, VECs were treated with H2O2, and the expression of LDHA and VEGFA was analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting (WB) assays. Under oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) conditions, the effects of LDHA overexpression and VEGFA knockdown on cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated. Immunoprecipitation combined with western blotting was used to detect the lactylation status of LDHA following OGD/R stimulation and treatment with lactic acid (LA) and 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG). Our results indicated that oxidative stress modulates LDHA expression, glucose uptake, and lactate production, suggesting a metabolic shift towards glycolysis. LDHA overexpression improved cell survival and reduced apoptosis, while VEGFA knockdown had the opposite effect. Additionally, 2-DG treatment reduced LDHA lactylation and apoptosis. Our findings demonstrated that LDHA plays a critical role in the oxidative stress response of VECs, highlighting the potential therapeutic value of targeting glycolysis in CA. This study contributes to the understanding of metabolic adaptations in vascular pathologies and suggests new avenues for therapeutic intervention in CA management.
To evaluate the anti-diabetic effects of Salvia cabulica ethanolic extract on alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits
Authors: Abdul Ghaffar , Marvi Marvi , Mohammad Younis , Abdul Wahid , Shafi Muhammad , Faisal Ahmed
Published: June 2024

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the hypoglycemic effects of Salvia cabulica ethanolic extract on alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. Method: During the plant’s extraction, the dried plant was soaked in ethanol for 14 days at room temperature and filtered. The dark green gummy filtrate was obtained by using a rotary evaporator at 40oC. Rabbits with fasting glucose levels of more than 250 mg/dL were considered diabetic. These rabbits were treated with aqueous plant extract in different doses (250 mg and 500 mg) respectively. Results: The fasting blood glucose level (BGL) mean was 293 ± 25.65 in diabetic control group D-I compared to the normal control group A 99 ± 6.16 after the 48 hours of diabetes induction. The fasting blood glucose level (BGL) in group D-II was 192 ± 17.06, group D-III 93.515.95and group D-IV was 89.33 ± 7.79. There was a significant decrease in blood glucose among the group III and IV treated with plant extract at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, respectively Conclusion: The plant Salvia cabulica has potential hypoglycemic activity. Therefore, the medicinal plant can be used as a folklore herbal drug in the treatment of diabetes locally.
Megfakult színekből: társadalomtudományos történelem
Authors: Gaucsík István
Published: June 2024

Kritika. Rigó Máté: Háború, profit, Trianon. Hogyan vészelte át a polgárság az első világháborút? Budapest: Bölcsészettudományi Kutatóközpont Történettudományi Intézet, 2022. 363 oldal [Magyar Történelmi Emlékek – Értekezések, Trianon-dokumentumok és tanulmányok 12.]
Geomorphic Imprints of Active Tectonics of the Bikaner-Nagaur Petroliferous Rift Basin and its Surroundings (Western Rajasthan, India)
Authors: Biswas Mery , Raha Adrija , Mukherjee Soumyajit , Kotak Vinit Shailesh
Published: June 2024

Geology of sedimentary rift-basins require strong geomorphic input for a proper interpretation of active tectonics. Rift-related sedimentation took place in western Rajasthan of the Indian shield, which includes the Bikaner-Nagaur basin (BNB) and a few other adjacent basins. The sedimentation history of the BNB includes Proterozoic, Cambrian, Permo-Carboniferous and from Paleocene to the Recent. This study analyses river profiles with the best-fit curve (R2) model for the BNB and the surrounding regions. The research shows that the watershed 3 within the study area is most active tectonically, through which multiple faults and lineaments pass. Hypsometric Curves (HCs) of watersheds 1, 2 and 3 indicate that these watersheds are tectonically active. This inference is based on the concave profiles of HCs at the head, and convex profiles of HCs at the body and toe sections. Clustering of sixty segments (S) of the considered rivers based on linear-scale morphometric parameters, e.g., sinuosity index (SI), stream length gradient index (SL) and concavity (θ) enabled segment-wise comparison of river profiles with similar values. These segments were compared pair-wise, and Euclidean-based dissimilarity (dR) values were calculated between each such pair. The findings too imply that tectonic activeness exists in parts of watersheds 1, 2 and 3. The channel flow lines are controlled by faults/lineaments as per the micro-scale examination of the drainage network and faults/ lineaments analysis. Under structural control, nine major geomorphic units emerged with distinct erosional surfaces, denudational hillocks, dissected hills and inselbergs. Detailed geomorphic map with micro-scale studies revealed a slope retreat process that resulted in landforms viz., pediment, pediment slope and active flood plains.
First Report of Tuff in Neoproterozoic Bhima Basin: Field Evidence, Petrography and Geochemical Studies
Authors: Chakraborty Swarnava , Mahajan Manjusha , Sambre Vaishnavi , Sen Bibhas
Published: June 2024

We report here the presence of tuffs from the Neoproterozoic Bhima basin unreported hitherto. These are exposed near Hotpet, Hulkal, Kanchankavi, and Ukinal area along two different stratigraphic horizons (1) within carbonates of Shahabad Formation and (2) above shale of Hulkal Formation. Tuffs are of two types: 1. Ash fall tuff and 2. Lapilli tuff, occurring as beds, matrix of a conglomeratic unit and patchy discontinuous layers. Physically ash fall tuff is thinly bedded (2-6 cm) and light-weight, lapilli tuff is hard, compact and individual beds are not discernible in the field. Presence of petrological features like bipyramidal quartz, fiamme structures, embayed quartz grains, blue CL colours of quartz grains, volcanic layering and banding, altered glass, and stretched and elongated volcanic glasses, are clear indications of its volcanic affinity. The tuff is anomalously high in silica content ranging from 71.4-91.2wt% and have low alumina value ranging from 0.75-4.11 wt % compared with that of the normal felsic tuffs, rhyolites and high silica rhyolites. REE in the tuffs can be grouped into two types, 1. Ash fall tuff with enriched LREE and fractionated HREE, 2. Lapilli tuff with flat LREE and HREE pattern. Tuff shows high Hf, overall enrichment of large ion lithophile elements (LILE Rb, Th, K and Pb) and depletion in HFSEs (Nb, Ta, Ti, P). The tuff is probably generated from continental crust source and the depositions are episodic and have more than one eruptive pulses of volcanic activity.
Mineralogy, Geochemistry and Industrial Appraisal of Kaolin from Abeokuta Area, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Olisa O.G. , Ajibade O.M. , Welman-Purchase M.D. , Ogunjinrin O.A. , Bamgboye D.O. , Ayodele M.O.
Published: June 2024

Kaolin is commonly used in many industries. This study was carried out to characterise selected kaolin deposits in the Abeokuta area of southwestern Nigeria and evaluate possible industrial applications. The mineralogy and geochemical composition were determined and used to evaluate the industrial application. Mineralogically, the samples are composed of kaolinite, quartz, mica, anatase, and minor hematite, k-feldspar, calcite, plagioclase and clino-pyroxene. The clays are mostly composed of hexagonal euhedral to subhedral plates of disordered kaolin. Geochemical characterisation revealed high SiO2 values, high SiO2/Al2O3 and Al2O3/TiO2 values which denotes high quartz concentration and sourcing from felsic igneous source respectively. Discriminant plots also revealed the kaolin are of intermediate to felsic ancestry while Ni/Co values revealed they were formed in anoxic environment. Comparison of the elemental concentration of industrial standards revealed the kaolin will be best suited for ceramics and refractory purposes though some of the clays may need upgrading by removal of excess Fe2O3 and TiO2 as well as addition of fluxing materials to improve its suitability for certain applications.
High-resolution Oxygen and Carbon Isotopic Records of a Modern and a Fossil Coral from the Lakshadweep Archipelago
Authors: Beja Santosh K. , Raza Waseem , Ahmad S. Masood , Ahmed Shakeel , Banerjee Barnita
Published: June 2024

We report here δ18O and δ13C records of a modern Porites and a fossil Favia coral from the Lakshadweep Island to decipher seasonal changes in seawater characteristics. The modern coral was obtained by underwater drilling of a live Porites colony of Kavaratti Island, whereas fossil Favia coral was collected from a nearby location of the same island. Our interpretation is mainly based on high-precision isotopic measurements of 378 samples. The skeleton δ18O values of Porites coral, representing a period of 25 years (between 1984 and 2008 AD), vary between – 5.1‰ and – 4.37‰ vs VPDB, whereas δ18O values of a >400 yrs old fossil Favia coral exhibit significantly greater δ18O values, ranging from – 4.75 to – 3.39‰ vs VPDB. A plot of δ18O time series of modern Porites coral with the available sea surface temperature (SST) record of the study area exhibits an inverse relationship between coral δ18O and regional SST changes, suggesting temperature as the dominant factor for controlling δ18O in seasonal bands of corals. Seasonal variations in δ13C values in both the scleractinian corals were probably influenced mainly by variations in δ13C of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). However, carbon isotopic records also indicate the effects of biological (metabolic) processes on their δ13C. The greater seasonal amplitude recorded in δ18O and δ13C values of Favia coral than in Porites coral implies a marked difference in their metabolic processes.
Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Standardized Groundwater Index (SGI): A Case Study of Bihar, India
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Kumari Shomya
Published: June 2024

Groundwater is an important natural freshwater reserve on which billions of habitants depend for their diverse utilisation. Global water demand has far exceeded the total available water resources which in turn have put a serious concern on food security. India, is one of the largest agricultural user of groundwater in the world where there has been a large scale revolutionary shift from surface water management to a widespread groundwater abstraction. Increased industrialisation, rapid population growth, climate change, changes in the land use and land cover, has influenced the extensive use of groundwater which simultaneously affects the groundwater level. Groundwater drought occurs when this groundwater level falls below the critical level. In the present study, analysis of groundwater drought of the state of Bihar, India, has been conducted using a drought index called Standardized Groundwater Index (SGI) and the spatial and temporal distribution of SGI has been reflected using GIS approach. The rainfall and groundwater data of 38 districts of Bihar from 2002-2019 has been used and the data was divided seasonally into pre- monsoon, monsoon, post- monsoon and winter seasons. Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) norms have been considered for division of seasons. Further, the trend analysis of groundwater level data of all districts of Bihar for all seasons were studied using Mann-Kendall test statistics and Thein Sen’s slope estimator. The results of SGI spatial and temporal distribution showed that districts namely Aurangabad, Gaya, Buxar, Bhojpur, Kishanganj, Katihar, Kaimur, Rohtas, Nawada, Saran Chappra, Siwan, Samastipur, Supaul are prone to the critical groundwater drought condition. The trend analysis results showed that 45% of the districts were showing decline in the groundwater level particularly in pre-monsoon season.
Land Use and Land Cover Dynamics and Precipitation Trend of Lower Vellar basin, Tamil Nadu, India and its Impact on 2015 Flood
Authors: M. Subbulakshmi , Nanda Sachikanta
Published: June 2024

Flood is the most destructive disaster which causes loss of human life and the economy. Recently Tamil Nadu has been facing floods frequently. Chennai and Cuddalore districts were affected heavily by the 2015 flood. Cuddalore district comes under the lower vellar basin. This research aims to determine the change in land use land cover and rainfall trend of the lower vellar basin and its impact on flood. The Land use land cover map was prepared for the lower vellar basin for a temporal variation of 5 years for 2005, 2010, and 2015 using remote sensing data (Landsat images) and software (Arc GIS and ERDAS). The settlement has increased, and barren Land has reduced. However, there is no significant change in Waterbodies, forests, littoral swamps and plantations. Daily precipitation data of 30 years are collected, and trend analysis is done using Mann-Kendall (MK) method. Out of the 11 rain gauge stations, 4 stations show a positive precipitation trend. The settlement in 2015 was nearly 2% only in the total area, showing a sustainable land use development. Compared to precipitation, land use and land cover change has minimum effect on the flood.
Spatial Vulnerability Investigation by Morphotectonic Analysis of the Mandakini River Basin near Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, India using SRTM DEM in a GIS Platform and GPS Data
Authors: Sahu Siba Sundar , Bhattacharjee Niladri
Published: June 2024

Tectonomorphic study was carried out to evaluate the intensity of tectonic activity in and around the Mandakini River basin (1330 sq. km area) near Kedarnath. The area has witnessed several vulnerable landslides and devastating floods in the recent past. Quantitative parameters such as Bifurcation Ratio (BR), Asymmetry Factor (AF), Valley floor width Index (Vf), Hypsometric Integral (HI), Stream-length gradient Index (SL index), Sinuosity Index (Sp) and two qualitative parameters such as drainage orientation survey and the hypsometric curve is used to evaluate the spatial tectonomorphic susceptibility of the different watersheds of the Mandakini River basin. High BR, medium to high AF and low Vf show a very high vulnerability mostly close to MCT. High Sp and medium HI values are linked with continuous tectonic disturbances followed by erosion. High SL index demarcates high tectonic instability along different portions of streams which is prone to tectonic perturbation. The Index of Relative Active Tectonic also suggests variability in tectonic activities varies from very high tectonic activity to high tectonic activity. Regional geology and lower-order stream orientation survey of the study area revealed that the initial NE-SW shortening direction of the Himalayan orogeny is rotated to the N-S direction in the later stage. The resulting deformation style is expressed by the NW–SE and NE–SW striking lineaments and WNW–ESE striking thrust dipping moderately toward the north. Processed GPS data shows the rotation of the maximum principal compression direction and resultant readjustment of strains are linked with the revolving of the Indian Plate in the anticlockwise direction which is responsible for the orientation of different discontinuities, developing maximum shear stress conditions, weak internal friction and negligible resistance by low-strength rock. The present tectonic setup of the Kedarnath region is highly susceptible to devastating floods and vulnerable landslides.
Estimation of Compression Index of Cohesive-Frictional Soil in Southwest Delhi District Using Statistical Correlations
Authors: Chatterjee Shashwata , Sultana Parbin , S. Jayalekshmi , Ralli Rohit
Published: June 2024

Oedometer tests for the determination of compression index are time-consuming and need to be meticulously performed. Hence, empirical equations need to be formulated to predict the value of the compression index. In the current study, regression models have been developed based on correlation studies for lightly overconsolidated cohesive-frictional soil obtained from a site in the Southwest Delhi district, India. Statistical analyses have been performed on 80 observations from consolidation tests conducted on the samples retrieved from 58 boreholes. Based on the correlation analyses, it is found that the existing empirical correlations estimate the compression index erroneously. So, formulating an empirical equation for the study area is important. The soil properties, such as natural water content and liquid limit, are unsuitable variables to predict the compression index. These findings are not consonant with those of previous research as these engage the mentioned parameters in modelling the compression index. The several univariate and multivariate regression equations developed in this study are tested for validation using the coefficient of determina ion. Among the several regression models examined, the logarithmic equation of the compression index contributes to accurate prediction.
Delineation of Shale Gas Play from Non-Pay Zones Using Elastic and Mechanical Properties of Organic-Rich Shales, Southern Punjab Platform, Pakistan
Authors: Khalid Perveiz , Raza Irfan , Ehsan Muhammad Irfan
Published: June 2024

Energy demand has increased due to socio-economic development, and depletion in conventional hydrocarbon reservoirs. Due to this, unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs have received considerable attention. Among the variety of unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs, shale gas is the most significant unconventional alternate energy resource. The Cretaceous organic-rich shales of Sembar Formation are considered a shale gas play however the composition and mineralogy of these shales are extremely heterogeneous in the central parts of the Indus basin, especially in the southern extent of the Punjab Platform. The primary objective of the research is to employ petrophysical analysis to characterize shales to assess their potential for shale gas exploration. To estimate various petrophysical parameters, this study utilizes wire-well logs acquired from the J-01 well. The findings reveal that total organic content (TOC) and kerogen volume are present in significant volume, indicating the shale’s viability as a shale gas play. To evaluate shale brittleness (B) and to differentiate between ductile and brittle behavior, elastic parameters including acoustic impedance, elastic moduli, and Poisson’s ratio (PR) are computed. The cross plot of Young’s modulus and PR indicates elevated brittleness values, pointing to brittle behavior of these shales favorable conditions for fracking and horizontal drilling. Moreover, a set of three logs – neutron porosity log, bulk density log, and gamma-ray log – were used for facies modeling and identification of different lithologies. The facies modeling effectively discriminate shale intervals from other lithologies, demonstrating higher porosity and density. As a result, the organic-rich shale intervals within the Sembar Formation exhibit promising potential as a shale gas play in the southern Punjab Platform.
Spatio-temporal Change in the Glaciers of Astore Basin (North-Western Himalaya), between 2016 and 2021 using Sentinel-2 Satellite Data
Authors: Gul Rahman , Khan Saad , Baig Siddique Ullah , Bibi Sidra
Published: June 2024

About 2400 kilometers long Himalayan region hosts thousands of glaciers which covers about 40,000 km2 as per last update in September 2021. Estimation of snout variation positioning, statistical analysis of climate trends, and the Equilibrium Line Altitude (ELA) of most of the glaciers is challenging due to the rough terrain, higher altitudes and scarcity of spatio-temporal field observations. Moreover, without the climatic data and separating contour between glacier’s accumulation and ablation zones, estimation of the net variation in glacier mass loss or gain over a fixed year, leads to ambiguous results. Therefore, a quarterly trend analysis was carried out on climate data (temperature and precipitation ) and river discharge to evaluate the climate pattern in the Astore Basin. Moreover, this study uses the accumulation area ratio, AAR (0.6 ±0.5) (used for high-altitude mountain glaciers), and accumulation area balance ratio, AABR (2.24 ±0.9) with an interval of 0.05 and 0.01 to estimate ELAs, respectively. The results show that the Bazhin glacier retreat (-2.1 km²) as compared to the Chhongpher (-1.1 km²) and Chongra (-1.2 km²) glaciers. A maximum retreat of the snout position of Bazhin glacier was 1595 m , 3260 m in Chhongpher glacier, and 960 m in Chongra glacier. An increase in the ratio of annual AAR from 0.4 to 0.8 results in reductions of the accumulation area of three major glaciers in the study area. We conclude that the largest glaciers (e.g. Bazhin, Chhongpher and Chongra) stretched between lower to higher altitudes are likely to be more vulnerable, due to the highest AAR and AABR values reported between 5000-5600 meters above sea level (masl). However, the ice-lost estimates vary greatly depending on their three-dimensional surfaces.
18S rRNA-Gene Metabarcoding Library Prep: Dual-PCR Method v1
Authors: Carvalho rute.carvalho , Kellogg Colleen , Lemay Matt
Published: June 2024

This protocol is used for eDNA metabarcoding of the 18S SSU rRNA Gene (Balzano et al 2015) using Pair-End Illumina Miseq. Sequencing. As part of the Hakai Institute Ocean Observing Program, biomolecular samples have been collected weekly, from 0 m to near bottom (260 m), to genetically characterize plankton communities in the Northern Salish Sea since 2015. This protocol is developed to provide taxonomic annotations of Eukaryote Nuclear DNA.
West African College of Surgeons Basic Ophthalmology Resource: Development and Initial Evaluation
Authors: Abdulsalam Shuaib , Ademola-Popoola Dupe , Adenekan Adetunje , Adenuga Olukorede , AdioA A O , Agbo Iheanacho , Ahmed Akwesi , Akafo Ingrid , Akafo Stephen , Akinsola Sade , Allan Bruce , Amerasinghe Nishani , Arthur Kwesi , Amoaku Winfred , Aribaba Olufisayo , Babalola Femi , Baiyeroju Ronke , Faal Hannah , Beaconsfield Michele , Bob-Egbe Sola , Braimah Imoro , Ceesay Winston , Okosa Chimdi , Coker Jimi , Cross Catherine , Paula Claudia , Dean William , Dogbe Edith , Duhs Ros , Ekpe Vincent , Essuman Vera , Ezeanosike Edak , Fasina Oluyemi , Fordjor Gladys , Griffith Nigel , Guly Catherine , Hall Kirsty , Kyari Fatima , Lockley Pat , Mahmoud Abdulraheem , Mensah Evelyn , Moore Christine , Mpyet Caleb , Murdoch Ian , Nikita Eleni , Nolan Winifred , Odugbo Ojo , Odusote Kayode , Ogun Olufunmilola , Ogundimu Kolawole , Ogundipe Bade , Olawoye Olusola , Oluleye Tunji , Olusanya Bolutife , Onakoya Adeola , Bonsu Peter , Owoeye Joshua , Oyewole Kehinde , Papadopoulos Maria , Perovic Natasa , Raval Manish , Reddy Ashwin , Resnikov Serge , Samaila Elsie , Smith John , Shweikh Yusrah , Sim Dawn , Sotiriou Mina , Sullivan Paul , Tagoe Naa , Thaller Ok , Toseafa Raymond , Udongo Eno , Walker Claire , Wickham Louisa
Published: June 2024

Purpose: To describe the process of development of the West African College of Surgeons (WACS) Basic Ophthalmology Educational Resource and to report the feedback from the first five cohorts to utilise the resource at the commencement of their training in ophthalmology. Methods: After initial meetings topics considered essential foundations for training in ophthalmology were identified. Faculty members subsequently searched the internet to identify suitable online open source learning materials relevant to each topic, which were then collated and cataloged. Where suitable quality learning materials could not be identified, materials were created or re-used from existing WACS courses. Following the creation of the resource, questions were developed for a summative assessment, taken by learners upon completion of the resource. Results: The resource went 'live' on 10th July 2019. As of March 2024, a total of 203 learners in 5 cohorts had completed the course. The feedback responses of 150 (74%) learners from the first 5 cohorts are described in this report. Regarding their overall assessment of the course, 64 (43%) learners rated the resource as very good', 63 (42%) as 'good', and 23 (15%) as 'satisfactory’. Most (>98%) respondents reported that the course met their expectations and that the content was relevant to their learning needs. Conclusion: The WACS Basic Ophthalmology Resource appears to be a valuable opportunity for acquiring foundational knowledge.
Navigating the Gastrointestinal Implications of Coronavirus 19: Strategies and Lessons Learned
Authors: Chennupati Karteek , Bendi Sanjana , Gantasala Paritharsh , Kichloo Asim
Published: June 2024

In 2019, an outbreak of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV2 spread worldwide, affecting millions of individuals. This was colloquially termed the “COVID-19 Pandemic.” As the pandemic progressed, multiple variants of SARS-CoV2 continued to evolve, including the most recent JN1, and spread worldwide, causing a broad spectrum of symptoms affecting multiple organ systems. The purpose of this article is to comprehensively explore COVID-19 through the lens of the Gastrointestinal system (GI) and review the treatments. The prevalence of GI symptoms in COVID-affected patients ranged from 28.2% to 50% throughout the pandemic. The predominant symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, reflux, abdominal pain, and emesis. Interestingly, these symptoms persisted for an extended time, sometimes the most bothersome, even after the resolution of an active infection. Due to the nature and prevalence of these symptoms, it is imperative that we understand the mechanism of interaction of SARS CoV2 and the GI system and its pathophysiology. Despite being the less common transmission route, the fecal-oral route is to be considered when devising public health strategies. The term “Long Covid” has been coined due to the long-term symptoms after active infection, and interestingly, GI symptoms have a significant prevalence. Though unclear, the pathogenesis is thought to be due to gut dysbiosis and dysbiosis of the gut-brain connection. In this article, we have also discussed the GI symptoms and treatment of COVID infection in inflammatory bowel disease, pediatric population. We have also discussed guidelines by gastroenterology societies for care prior to, during, and after endoscopy, as well as ostomy care in COVID patients.
Addressing substance abuse among healthcare professionals in a tertiary healthcare facility in Nigeria: a case study of Nnamdi Azikiwe university teaching hospital
Authors: Anagwu Chidindu Prince , Edeh Gabriel Chidera , Ekwebene Onyeka Chukwudalu , Igwe Timothy Ugochukwu , Nwankwo Charles Chinedu , Agbo Theophilus Nwanyigor , Okonkwo Benjamin Chukwunonso , Nwafor Kenneth Okezie
Published: June 2024

Background: The use of psychoactive substances is prevalent worldwide, including among healthcare workers whose well-being, productivity, and effectiveness in addressing substance addiction in patients and the wider community can be significantly impacted. However, the extent of substance misuse among healthcare professionals in Nigeria, with its substantial social and public health implications, remains poorly understood. This research focused on the prevalence, attitudes, substances used, and influencing factors regarding substance misuse among staff at Nnamdi Azikiwe university teaching hospital (NAUTH) in Nnewi.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving 194 healthcare workers, using a multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected via a semi-structured self-administered questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS version 20. Results were presented in tables, considering p values less than 0.05 as significant.
Results: Of the 197 respondents, 63.5% were female and 36.5% male, spanning various professions including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare specialists. Notably, 66% of participants had used substances in their lifetime. Alcohol was the most commonly abused substance, with significant percentages of moderate and high-risk users. Socialization and peer pressure were identified as the predominant factors influencing substance use, with significant statistical associations found between substance use and variables such as profession, sex, and duration of practice.
Conclusions: The study highlighted a considerable prevalence of alcohol use among healthcare workers, who generally held a moderate view towards substance misuse and identified socialization and peer pressure as key factors. These findings underscore the pressing need for targeted training and intervention strategies for substance addiction among healthcare workers in Nigeria.
Association of serum alpha-1 antitrypsin level with the severity of COPD
Authors: Dhar Uma , Rijvy M. Tanimul Haque , Dip Abir Hasan , Quadry Shafiul Azam , Alam M. Shariful , Hossain A. K. M. Mosharraf , Islamv Samprity , Paul Susanta Kumar , Rahim Abdur , Chakrabortty Rajashish
Published: June 2024

Background: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is a hereditary disorder linked to early onset COPD, notably the emphysema variety, but often goes undetected. Low serum AAT levels may impact lung function and correlate with COPD severity. The aim of the study was to detect possible associations of serum AAT level with the severity of COPD patients on the basis of post bronchodilator FEV1 in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU).
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Respiratory Medicine, BSMMU, Dhaka, from October 2022 to September 2023. Adult patients (≥18 years) of both genders diagnosed with COPD based on spirometry were included. COPD was defined per GOLD guidelines, with a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio <70%. Severity was categorized based on post-bronchodilator FEV1% predicted. Association between serum AAT level and COPD severity was analyzed using SPSS version 26, with significance set at p <0.05.
Results: The study involved 80 COPD patients, with 1.25% showing low serum AAT levels and 98.75% normal. No significant differences in age, sex, or smoking status were observed among severity groups. Mean serum AAT levels varied across severity groups but were not statistically significant (p=0.377). Smoking was prevalent (66.3%), with common comorbidities like hypertension (26.3%), IHD (16.3%), and diabetes mellitus (15.0%). Shortness of breath (95.0%) and cough (92.5%) were common symptoms, with most patients having moderate disease severity (42.5%).
Conclusions: The study indicates a weak association between serum AAT levels and COPD severity, with only 1.25% of 80 patients exhibiting low AAT levels.
Retinopathy of prematurity: screening programme for preterm infants in Ondo State, South-West, Nigeria
Authors: Adegbehingbe Stella A. , Oluwafemi Rosena O.
Published: June 2024

Background: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is one of the avoidable causes of childhood blindness in the whole world. The disease can be mild, it can resolve spontaneously, and it could also have a grave consequence of blindness. As such, all extreme and very preterm babies at risk for ROP and having additional systemic co-morbidities and risk factors must be screened.
Methods: Preterm babies with gestational age up to 32 weeks and birth weight less than 1500 g were prospectively recruited into the study. Retinal examination using binocular indirect ophthalmoscope with +20DS lens was done at 4 to 6 weeks post-delivery and were subsequently followed up. Data were analyzed using the software package for social science (SPSS) version 20.0 Categorized data were presented as percentages, p value <0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Fifty-two preterm babies with birth weight ranging between 900-1500 g and gestational age ranging between 26-32 weeks were examined. ROP was detected in 7 babies (13.5%), Four (57.1%) babies had stage 1 ROP, 3 (42.9%) had stage 2 disease and none had stage 3 disease. ROP was commoner in the female babies 6 (86%). Neonatal sepsis and use of up to 3-days supplemental oxygen therapy (p=0.024) were the only risk factors associated with all the babies with ROP in the study.
Conclusions: Prevalence of ROP was 13.5% in the current study with risk factors of neonatal sepsis and use of supplemental oxygen of up to 72 hours post-natal life.
Satisfaction of pregnant women regarding antenatal care at the selected Upazilla Health Complexes during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Dey Parag Deb Dulal , Alam Ummul Khair , Noor Irfan Nowroze , Barman Nishat , Hossain M. Sazzad , Alo Antara Paul , Podder Irani Susmita , Nahid Tammi Noshin
Published: June 2024

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) envisions a world where every pregnant woman and newborn receives comprehensive care throughout the pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period. This study aims to assess the satisfaction of pregnant women with antenatal care services at selected Upazilla Health Complexes during the Covid-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the satisfaction levels of pregnant women with the antenatal care services provided at selected Upazilla Health Complexes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at three selected Upazilla Health Complexes in Kishorganj district, Bangladesh, namely Hussainpur Upazilla Health Complex, Karimganj Upazilla Health Complex, and Pakundia Upazilla Health Complex. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit 163 married pregnant women attending antenatal care services at these health complexes. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews ensuring privacy and analyzed using SPSS 26, employing descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals.
Results: Most pregnant women (54.6%) were aged 18-23 years. Education levels: 40.5% had SSC education, 9.2% were illiterate. Respondents expressed high satisfaction with key aspects at the Upazilla Health Complex, including medicine supply and awareness about ANC services. Continuous monitoring is crucial for patient satisfaction. Medicine supply significantly impacted satisfaction, emphasizing its importance in healthcare quality.
Conclusions: Despite challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, Upazilla Health Complexes have effectively provided antenatal care, satisfying the majority of respondents, highlighting the importance of continuous monitoring.
Role of p16 expression in preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions of cervix
Authors: Saigal Anurita , Gulati Anchana , Kaushik Rajni , Dattal Digvijay Singh
Published: June 2024

Background: Cancer of the cervix is the leading cause of cancer among women in India. Human papilloma virus plays an important role in the causation of preneoplastic and neoplastic cervical lesions. HPV type-specific oncoproteins interact with cellular regulatory proteins resulting in upregulation of p16, a cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor. This has made p16, a valuable surrogate biomarker of HPV infection, useful in evaluating HPV associated preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions of cervix. The aim of this study was to evaluate p16 expression in preneoplastic and neoplastic cervical lesions.
Methods: A total of 93 specimens diagnosed histopathologically as cervical preneoplasia and neoplasia were included in this prospective study of one year duration. Maximum cases were of Neoplastic lesions followed by preneoplastic lesions. Majority of the neoplastic lesions were Squamous cell carcinoma. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for p16 was performed and was scored by percentage positivity and reaction intensity. p16 positivity in neoplastic lesions was significantly (p<0.0001) higher than preneoplastic lesions.
Results: Of the 93 cases, 17 (18.28%) were preneoplastic and 76 (81.72%) neoplastic lesions. In the preneoplastic group, 52.94% cases were p16 positive while 47. 06% cases revealed p16 negativity. Among the neoplastic group, 85.53% cases were p16 positive while 14.47% cases were p16 negative.
Conclusions: p16 expression progressively increased with increasing grades of cervical preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions, establishing p16 as a supplementary marker for early diagnosis of cervical cancer.
Comparison of knowledge and perception about adverse drug reaction reporting and pharmacovigilance between pharmacy and medical students
Authors: B. T. Jeevan Gowda , B. T. Kruthika , M. G. Sneha , M. Kumaraswamy , B. Chandana
Published: June 2024

Background: Adverse drug responses are serious public health issues worldwide. Pharmacovigilance (PV) is an important part of the healthcare system since it assesses, monitors, and discovers medication interactions and their consequences in humans. Objective were to assess knowledge and perception about adverse drug reactions (ADR) and PV among pharmacy and medical students.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for pre-final year and final-year of pharmacy and medical students. Study conducted through semi structured questionnaires and a total 607 participants were recruited in this study.
Results: A total 607 participants of pharmacy (52.5%) and medical (47.4%) from pre final (50.2%), final year (49.9%) students participated in this study. Pharmacy students had a significantly better overall knowledge of ADRs than medical students (p<0.05). The perception of pharmacy students regarding ADRs reporting and PV were significantly more than those medical student’s (p<0.05). In comparison to pharmacy students, a lack of knowledge of where and how to report ADRs was the main barrier that medical students perceived to ADR reporting (0.02).
Conclusions: This study shows that compared to medical students, pharmacy students had better awareness of ADR reporting and shown good perceptions of PV. To enhance the knowledge of PV among healthcare students, an instructional intervention ought to be implemented.
A comparative study of morbidity and symptom severity among double-J stented patients with and without tamsulosin administration
Authors: Kucherlapati Abhiram , Ravi Dinesh K. , Jain Udit , Dayaphule Sreedhar , Theja Bathalapalli R. , Jagirdar Faisal
Published: June 2024

Background: The insertion of a double-J (DJ) stent is considered a routine and necessary urological procedure. The symptoms produced by the stent are predominantly irritative in nature and the use of alpha blockers like tamsulosin have shown considerable in treating the stent associated symptom. Aim of the study was to assess tamsulosin's impact on ureteral stent-associated morbidity.
Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study. All the patients with ureteric calculi admitted in the department of urology, Narayana Hospital, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh.
Results: A total of 80 patients who met the inclusion criteria, were divided into two groups. Group A receiving placebo and group B receiving tamsulosin 0.4 mg. Among the study population, there was statistically significant difference between the means of parameters between the groups during the stent removal. The means of group B were significantly lower than the means of group A which shows that tamsulosin is very effective in managing the pain and also the stent related morbidity.
Conclusions: Tamsulosin is very effective in managing the pain and also the stent related morbidity, which was measured by international prostate symptom score (IPSS) score – both obstructive and irritative. The quality of life was suggestively better in tamsulosin group.
A comparative study of clinical profile of diabetic tuberculosis patients with non diabetic tuberculosis patients of outpatient department of tertiary healthcare centre
Authors: Chikhalikar Prachi , Bansode M. V. , Paritekar Anita , Bafna Varun
Published: June 2024

Background: The global increase in type 2 DM is recognized re-emerging risk and challenge to TB control in India. TB-T2D association is again at the frontline of risk factors for TB, with an estimated worldwide population attributable fraction of 34.5%. T2D not only increases TB risk 3-fold, but also TB treatment failure including death. And prognosis of diabetic tuberculosis patients as compared to non diabetic ones is poorer.
Methods: An comparative analytical study was done in  microbiologically confirmed 50 diabetic and 50 non diabetic TB patients  registered in RNTCP OPD of tertiary healthcare hospital who were followed up for 3 months.
Results: In our study we found that elderly (above 65 age group) male diabetic patients were affected more with tuberculosis as compared to young patients and data was statistically significant. Extrapulmonary involvement was seen more in diabetic patients as compared to non diabetic patients. Radiologically diabetic tuberculosis patient showed predominantly lower lobe of lung involvement as oppose to non diabetic tuberculosis patients who showed upper lobe of lung involvement and data was statistically significant. Outcomes like Multidrug Resistance and prolonged sputum positivity after intensive phase treatment was seen more with diabetic tuberculosis patients but this was not statistically significant.
Conclusions: Early screening of TB patients for DM and vice versa and early initiation of treatment will prevent unfavourable outcomes of these patients.
An observational study of association of thyroid dysfunction and heart failure in a tertiary care centre
Authors: Hiremath Anjali , Barge Vijay , Bafna Varun , Paritekar Anita
Published: June 2024

Background: Heart failure (HF) is becoming leading problem in world now a days. Thyroid hormone has been proven to influence physiologic functions of cardiovascular system in many ways. HF presents a clinical challenge, with thyroid dysfunction emerging as a significant comorbidity, affecting prognosis and management. Approximately 22% of patients with HF have been demonstrated to have thyroid dysfunction. Clinical studies were confirmed that the patients with sub-clinical hypothyroidism had high risk of cardiovascular disease due to increased low density lipoprotein, elevated homocystein, hypercoagulative blood. In this study, we aim to evaluate association between sub-clinical hypothyroidism and HF to know its clinical significance.
Methods: An observational study conducted over three months on 70 diagnosed HF patients admitted in tertiary care hospital, evaluating history, clinical profile and demographics, HF types, comorbidity, and screened for thyroid function.
Results: Thyroid dysfunction prevalence among HF patients was 27.14%, with subclinical hypothyroidism being most common. Treatment led to significant improvements in symptoms and cardiac function.
Conclusions: There is significant correlation between thyroid dysfunction and HF with Subclinical hypothyroidism can be independent risk factor for HF. Timely and early recognition and management of thyroid dysfunction in HF patients are crucial for prognosis enhancement. Early intervention holds promise for improved outcomes in HF management.