bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Onychophagia Progressing to Extensive Finger Amputation: A Brief Review Addressing Severe Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior Disorder in an Adult
Authors: Whig Rahat , Nagra Jaskiran K. , Merkel Joseph A. , Leo Raphael J.
Published: March 2023

Individuals engaging in repetitive, persistent and intentional behaviors resulting in significant self-injury can, for many medical and psychiatric care providers, stir vexing questions as to how such behavior should be conceptualized and managed. Onychophagia (nail-biting), categorized as a Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior Disorder (BFRBD) in the
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition
, is a common oral habit, observed in both children and adults. For most persons, the nail-biting is merely a cosmetic concern that does not attract clinical attention. Although more extreme forms of this behavior can manifest with moderate complications, we present an unusual case of an adult for whom persistent onychophagia progressed to significant injury to his hands due to recurrent osteomyelitis. Emerging research exploring the underpinnings of severe forms of BFRBDs are discussed. This case illuminates management challenges that can arise when clinicians fail to recognize the condition and highlights the need for early coordinated multidisciplinary intervention to mitigate the behavior and its sequelae longitudinally.

[
Psychiatr Ann
. 2023;53(3):145–148.]
A general conservative eighth-order compact finite difference scheme for the coupled Schrödinger-KdV equations
Authors: Qiu Jiadong , Han Danfu , Zhou Hao
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we present a general conservative eighth-order compact finite difference scheme for solving the coupled Schrödinger-KdV equations numerically. The proposed scheme is decoupled and preserves several physical invariants in discrete sense. The matrices obtained in the eighth-order compact scheme are all circulant symmetric positive definite so that it can be used to solve other similar equations. Numerical experiments on model problems show the better performance of the scheme compared with other numerical schemes.
Further results on the total Italian domination number of trees
Authors: Cabrera-Martínez Abel , Peiró Andrea Conchado , Rueda-Vázquez Juan Manuel
Published: March 2023

Let $ f:V(G)\rightarrow \{0, 1, 2\} $ be a function defined from a connected graph $ G $. Let $ W_i = \{x\in V(G): f(x) = i\} $ for every $ i\in \{0, 1, 2\} $. The function $ f $ is called a total Italian dominating function on $ G $ if $ \sum_{v\in N(x)}f(v)\geq 2 $ for every vertex $ x\in W_0 $ and if $ \sum_{v\in N(x)}f(v)\geq 1 $ for every vertex $ x\in W_1\cup W_2 $. The total Italian domination number of $ G $, denoted by $ \gamma_{tI}(G) $, is the minimum weight $ \omega(f) = \sum_{x\in V(G)}f(x) $ among all total Italian dominating functions $ f $ on $ G $. In this paper, we provide new lower and upper bounds on the total Italian domination number of trees. In particular, we show that if $ T $ is a tree of order $ n(T)\geq 2 $, then the following inequality chains are satisfied.

(ⅰ) $ 2\gamma(T)\leq \gamma_{tI}(T)\leq n(T)-\gamma(T)+s(T) $,

(ⅱ) $ \frac{n(T)+\gamma(T)+s(T)-l(T)+1}{2}\leq \gamma_{tI}(T)\leq \frac{n(T)+\gamma(T)+l(T)}{2}, $

where $ \gamma(T) $, $ s(T) $ and $ l(T) $ represent the classical domination number, the number of support vertices and the number of leaves of $ T $, respectively. The upper bounds are derived from results obtained for the double domination number of a tree.
Blow-up solution and analyticity to a generalized Camassa-Holm equation
Authors: Wang Ying , Guo Yunxi
Published: March 2023

A generalized Camassa-Holm equation with higher order nonlinear term was studied. First, we give a new blow-up criterion and a new blow-up phenomenon to the Cauchy problem for the equation under some conditions. Then, we focus on the analytical solutions for the equation. Finally, we prove the analyticity of solution for the equation.
Sources, diffusion and prediction in COVID-19 pandemic: lessons learned to face next health emergency
Authors: Coccia Mario
Published: March 2023

Scholars and experts argue that future pandemics and/or epidemics are inevitable events, and the problem is not whether they will occur, but when a new health emergency will emerge. In this uncertain scenario, one of the most important questions is an accurate prevention, preparedness and prediction for the next pandemic. The main goal of this study is twofold: first, the clarification of sources and factors that may trigger pandemic threats; second, the examination of prediction models of on-going pandemics, showing pros and cons. Results, based on in-depth systematic review, show the vital role of environmental factors in the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), and many limitations of the epidemiologic models of prediction because of the complex interactions between the new viral agent SARS-CoV-2, environment and society that have generated variants and sub-variants with rapid transmission. The insights here are, whenever possible, to clarify these aspects associated with public health in order to provide lessons learned of health policy that may reduce risks of emergence and diffusion of new pandemics having negative societal impact.
Le dispositif-design : quand la technique devient disciplinaire
Authors: Paillard Joffrey
Published: March 2023

Cet article souhaite questionner le terme « discipline » présent dans le titre de ce numéro d’Appareil non pas uniquement dans son sens « technique », mais également dans son sens « disciplinaire ». Ce changement de paradigme nous permettra de questionner tout autant le design, l’objet-design que ce que nous nommons ici le « dispositif-design ». Cette manière de procéder sera pour nous l’occasion de faire dialoguer deux visions – l’une flussérienne, l’autre foucaldienne – du « pouvoir » qui nous semblent se répondre. En procédant de cette façon, la dialectique proposée par Flusser entre d’une part le designer « ami » et d’autre part le design « rusé » fait écho à la gouvernementalité théorisée par Foucault, comprise comme la manière de conduire les corps selon une certaine idéologie disciplinaire. Considérer la technique et la discipline à travers le design nous permettra alors de comprendre ce dernier comme un dispositif actif en nous écartant de la simple dialectique entre usage et fonction.
Julien Gracq sur les routes d’Espagne
Authors: Morello André-Alain
Published: March 2023

Julien Gracq visite l’Espagne à partir de 1960. Il est sensible aux paysages espagnols. Une série de textes publiés dans Lettrines et Carnets du grand chemin est consacrée à ces voyages. C’est aussi l’occasion pour lui d’évoquer les peintres espagnols, Le Greco, Goya, Picasso, Dali. Lecteur de Barrès, mais aussi de Montherlant et de Hemingway, Gracq retrouve aussi en eux des intercesseurs de l’Espagne.
La femme dans la langue espagnole : le problème du genre des mots
Authors: Vatrican Axelle
Published: March 2023

Dans cet article, nous nous proposons, à travers l’exemple de la langue espagnole, d’expliquer, du point de vue grammatical, ce que l’on entend par genre et quel est son rôle dans la langue. Nous essaierons de montrer, dans un premier temps, que la langue n’est pas réellement sexiste mais que ceux qui la parlent le sont peut-être davantage. Ce sexisme apparent relève bien plus de nos schémas de pensée que de la langue elle-même. Dans un second temps, nous essaierons de montrer, à travers le cas de la féminisation des noms de métier que ces nouvelles formes doivent respecter les règles morphologiques de la langue et qu’il n’est pas certain que le fait de forcer celle-ci puisse d’une quelconque manière influer sur la façon de penser des locuteurs. La langue peut seulement traduire, a posteriori, la réalité.
Understanding Menstruation in the Context of Systemic Stressors
Authors: Reddy Spandana
Published: March 2023

There is a significant dearth of conversation and action relating to menstruation, and the issues that menstruators face with regard to its management. Various narratives tell us that the victims of this very surveillance also become the perpetrators, continually repeating the history of physical and emotional distress endured. The following chapter attempts to dwell deeper into exploring the various systemic barriers that menstruators have to live through across realms, throughout their lifetime. Menstruating bodies have been monitored and laid restrictions upon for as long as history can remember, impacting menstruators' idea of self through generations.
Yoga
Authors: Jaiswal Garima , Sinha Keshav
Published: March 2023

Breast pain, also known as mastalgia, is one of the most common clinical issues women bring to the surgical outpatient department. The epidemiological, pathological, and radiological aspects are used to obtain a complete view of mastalgia. Most patients expressed concern about cancer rather than debilitating pain that would interfere with their everyday activities. The therapy of patients with mastalgia requires high-quality radiographic and pathology services. Reassurance and appropriate medical and surgical treatment for the source of breast pain can help to reduce morbidity and improve the disease's outcome. In this chapter, the investigation of several current therapies and yoga therapy are discussed for cyclical mastalgia (CM). The research also looked into the impact of current therapies on psychological outcomes. The results indicated that the biochemical clinical trial is effective with side effects, and the primrose oil and seed treatment is ineffective. To handle mastalgia sufferers, integrated yoga therapy provides a high-quality trial.
A Secure Quantum Technology for Smart Cities Using Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP)
Authors: Pavitra A. Rehash Rushmi , Lawrence I. Daniel , Muthukrishnan A.
Published: March 2023

Modern computing techniques like quantum computing are based on the remarkable phenomena of quantum mechanics. With an increasing number of instances of quantum supremacy displaying that a programmable quantum device can overcome the challenge that no computer algorithm can solve in any reasonable amount of time being shown by Google, IBM, Honeywell, and other distinct positions where quantum computing research is being conducted, quantum computing has grown in significance in recent days. Ultimately, travelling salesman problem (TSP) method is used and gives additional constraints on the beginning and ending points of the routing path. Hence, the outcome collections demonstrate that it is possible to obtain a strong quality result that has significant real-world applications even though the samples show an increase in problem complexity.
Quantum Computing for Indoor Environmental Quality
Authors: Kapoor Nishant Raj , Kumar Ashok , Kumar Anuj , Kumar Aman , Arora Harish Chandra , Jahangir Hashem
Published: March 2023

Quantum computing (QC) is founded on the principles of quantum entanglement and the superposition of matter. It employs advanced computation techniques rather than conventional ones. To circumvent the limitations of conventional computing, new supercomputers employ quantum mechanics knowledge, which allows for the coherence of ones and zeros. Several fields like finance, healthcare, cybersecurity, transportation, climate change, and many more are taking advantage of QC. Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) is also one of the sectors that can benefit enormously with QC. The IEQ contains several parameters. Major IEQ parameters are indoor air quality, thermal comfort, acoustic comfort, and visual comfort. These parameters are associated with several physical, chemical, and biological components, which need critical computational considerations for accurate results and better understanding as the data can be highly overlapped. This chapter contains possible forthcoming research opportunities available in the collaborative work between “indoor environment” and “quantum computing.”
Quantum Computing Significance on Multidimensional Data
Authors: Hema T. , Arowolo Micheal Olaolu
Published: March 2023

Quantum computing is an emerging field of study and gains importance due to the fact that with the introduction of quantum computers, many challenges and changes are presented for the existing algorithms. The main reason for this is the exponential speed of such computers. This study analyzes some of the benefits and implications of quantum computing on geometrical problems such as the multidimensional search for window queries with R-Trees. A review of the window query on R-Trees in classical computing is done to consider its adaptability to quantum computers by applying the Grover's quantum search algorithm from a theoretical point of view. Thereby, the query time complexity in worst-case scenarios could be improved to quadratic search time.
Quantum Computing and the Qubit
Authors: P. Sasi , Soni Gulshan , Tyagi Amit Kumar , Kakulapati Vijayalakshmi , J. S. Shyam Mohan , Singh Rabindra Kumar
Published: March 2023

A model of dissimilarity-based study is featured after studies and design. No statistical data are included whatsoever. Diving into quantum computing as the title suggests, introductions to the concept of Qubit are given. Future papers contain the advancement of quantum computing operations, shifting to quantum computers, developing intelligent algorithms for the new age machines (referred to here as quantum machines). The chapter assumes the requirement of knowing the evolution of intelligent machines in the form of an introduction.
A Security Model for Integration of Mobile Cloud Computing and Internet of Things
Authors: S. Gnanavel
Published: March 2023

As new technology developments, the usage of cloud computing and mobile have hastily increased. In alternative words, mobile and cloud computing are most important in our future lives. It's an advanced technology that will provide data storage, infrastructure, and processing the data in cloud server. Internet of things (IoT) is a recent technology, it's developing quickly in the field of wireless communications. The target of the collaboration between IoT and mobile cloud computing (MCC) is to collect data using IoT and stored within the cloud. The authentication of data is very important to the integration of this technology. Hence, the authors introduced integrating of MCC and IoT, focused on the security problems. The extant the role of MCC to the IoT concludes this chapter. It shows the MCC technology increase and the functionality of the IoT. Finally, the authors propose a new secure model for mobile cloud and IoT integration.
Artificial Intelligence Models for Blockchain-Based Intelligent Networks Systems
Authors: Dash Sonali , Parida Priyadarsan , Sahu Gupteswar , Khalaf Osamah Ibrahim
Published: March 2023

Blockchain is a decentralized architecture with built-in security to improve the trust and integrity of transactions. Blockchain can facilitate authentication and authorization without utilizing any trusted authority. There is no single authority that governs how the rules will be applied. Anyone is free to join the public blockchain network. Bitcoin is an example of public blockchain. Consortium blockchain is considered as partly decentralized architecture that can be open or private. Hyperledger and R3CEV are the examples of consortium blockchain. In private blockchain, nodes are restricted and have strict authority management on data access. Keeping in view of different blockchain technologies, this chapter has proposed four different applications of blockchain technology. The first one is detecting product genuineness using blockchain. The second is an application of blockchain in citizen participation. The third one is implementation of security in cloud computing using blockchain. The fourth is e-voting and event registration using blockchain technology.
Adaptation and Validation of the Employer Attractiveness Scale for the Air Transport Industry
Authors: Ozdemir Emircan , Under Umran , Bulbul K. Gulnaz , Gerede Ender
Published: March 2023

The need for human resources will expand as the air transport industry recovers in the post-pandemic era. Improving employer attractiveness will be one of the most effective strategies for enabling companies to retain existing employees while also recruiting new talent. This chapter aims to provide a scale to measure employer attractiveness in the air transport industry. For this purpose, the air transport employer attractiveness scale (AirEmpAt) is introduced, based on adapting and validating the 25-item employer attractiveness scale (EmpAt). The participants of the research were university students in aviation management departments, and 623 responses were collected from students in Turkey. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted, respectively. Then, the nomological validity was ensured. In conclusion, the analyses support the validity of the AirEmpAt scale, and provide evidence of three distinct measures of employer attractiveness: functional value, psychological value, and economic value.
Human Resources in Aviation in the Covid-19 Era
Authors: Kaya Mustafa , Ates Savas Selahattin
Published: March 2023

Covid-19 has adversely affected many sectors, especially aviation. Because the plane is an enclosed space and spreads the virus faster by carrying passengers between countries, aviation has been affected more than other sectors. In this process, revenues of aviation enterprises have decreased, flights and therefore the amount of required labor has decreased due to domestic and international flight bans. For this reason, the human resources units of the enterprises have taken some actions against this situation. Although almost every airline company was adversely affected by the pandemic, airlines following the right policies were able to close this process with less damage. In this book chapter, what is done in the human resources departments of aviation companies in the world will be examined.
Impacts of COVID-19 on Flights Operated at Lisbon and Porto Airports (Portugal)
Authors: Abrantes Jorge , Quadros Rui Castro e
Published: March 2023

The pandemic had a very negative and penalizing impact on service activity sectors, including tourism and transport, to which Portugal was not immune. TAP Air Portugal, like Ryanair and easyJet, felt these adverse effects in their operations, forcing them to readjust their operating network. The present investigation aims to assess the effects of the pandemic on these airlines at Lisbon and Porto airports between 2019 (pre-pandemic) and 2022. In methodological terms, the analysis will be exploratory, descriptive, and mostly qualitative, based on the collection of information on the departure flights operated from these airports by the selected airlines in selecting dates. The results obtained show that TAP was the airline company most penalized given its international operation with many countries and their borders closed. In Porto, the results of this company were even more severe, reducing more than 50% of the airports served.
The Translators' Take on Three Possible Typos in Jorge L. Borges' Story “Tlön, Uqbar, Orbis Tertius”
Authors: Sanchez Marcelo
Published: March 2023

This article examines how translators tackled the problem given by three possible typos in Jorge Luis Borges' short story “Tlön, Uqbar, Orbis Tertius.” Translations to all major Western languages are considered. The translators' decisions are found to display great diversity. Some of them treat the textual changes in question as mere typos, while others incorporate the changes (be it partially, in full, or even in excess). Borges' role in altering the text can only be assessed indirectly as no hard evidence, such as corrected galley proofs or written accounts, is known to exist. The present findings allign well with Sánchez's complementary analysis of the context in which the three textual changes occur and how they indirectly impact the plot. In case they are not mere typos, the changes discussed here could obey Borges' decision to reintroduce a metaliterary element of surprise into the story.
Literature Review: Impact of Noise on Cognitive Performance Using Electroencephalography
Authors: Astuti Rahmaniyah Dwi , Suhardi Bambang , Laksono Pringgo Widyo , Susanto Novie , Muguro Joseph
Published: March 2023

One of the environmental factors that can influence the onset of fatigue is noise exposure. Besides noise has a negative impact on everything from cognitive processes to mental and physical health. Noise's impact can be measured using brain activity and the waves it generates. The main goal of this article is to review how electroencephalography can be used to determine the impact of noise on cognitive performance. The method is based on bibliometric analysis stages, including literature study from the Scopus database and the snowball search method. The findings revealed that of the 30 articles examined, 28 used the experimental design method with continuous noise, and 10 used the time-frequency domain for feature extraction. According to the results of the study, there seems to be an increase in the use of EEG for performance measurement, such as mental fatigue, mental workload, working memory, attention, stress, and the presence of noise factors that influence cognitive performance.
Kalman Filter for Artifact Reduction in MRI Imaging: A Literature Review
Authors: Puspitaningtyas Dyah Ayu , Mulyantoro Donny Kristanto , Sudiyono Sudiyono
Published: March 2023

Background: The appearance of Noise Artifacts is admittedly very disturbing the quality of MRI diagnostic images. The application of BLADE and STIR sequences based on artificial intelligence technology has described in reference that it is able to suppress moving signals from the vascular and signals from fat tissue. However, the long consumption of scanning time is one of the drawbacks that arise, and subsequently affect the presence of noise in the image. The use of another technique, namely kallman filter with the Matlab (Matrix Laboratory) program, which is applied as part of post-scanning image processing will help reduce image noise values ​​that arise due to the problem of long scanning time consumption in both sequences. The aim of this literature review is to determine the potential of the filter kalman for the reduction of artifacts on MRI examinations. Methods: The search was conducted using google scholar, WILEY, IEE Explore, SPRINGER, Scopus and PERPUSNAS in English with the article period 2004-2020 using the keywords MRI artifacts, reducing artifacts and the Kalman filter algorithm. Result: The results of a review of 4 articles of kalman filter intervention on MRI Brain, MRI Abdomen and MR Cardiac showed that kalman filter was good enough in reducing artifacts and increasing anatomical information. Conclusion: Kalman filter has the potential to reduce artifacts, improve image quality and clarify anatomical images on MRI examinations.
Determination Image Quality on Thorax COVID-19 and Tuberculosis Using Optical Density Image Analysis
Authors: Sari Ayu Wita , Mayani Anita Nur , Putri Maizza Nadia , Puspitaningtyas Dyah Ayu , Hidayati Alpha Olivia
Published: March 2023

Covid-19 is a type of pneumonia disease currently affecting people around the world. Covid-19 and tuberculosis are lung diseases that are dangerous and spread quickly to other humans. Chest radiography is one of the main modalities in the management of suspected COVID-19 and tuberculosis patients as it provides radiological information on lung infections that can be used as diagnostic guidelines and patient care. This study aims to determine the differences in optical density and contrast in Covid-19 and pneumonia tuberculosis cases in order to find the specific characteristics of Covid-19 and tuberculosis. This research processed secondary data from Covid-19 and tuberculosis positive patients using image-J software that can be easily obtained and operated by anyone. After processing, the density and contrast were analyzed, particularly for the lungs. Based on image processing results, the average density for Cnovid-19 radiographs is 1,066, while for Tuberculosis radiograph is 1,519. The average contrast values for Covid-19 and tuberculosis radiographs are 0.37 and 1.03. Thus, it can be concluded that the contrast of the Covid-19 radiograph is lower than the tuberculosis radiograph. The difference in optical density on the tuberculosis and Covid-19 cases is 0.5 as the opacity on the chest radiographs of Covid-19 patients is evenly distributed over the entire lung surface.
Analysis of Width/Length Ratio in Maxillary Anterior Teeth Among Gujarati Young Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dave Bhagyashree Hareshbhai , Mehta Shruti P , Sutaria Shreyansh Pragneshbhai , Sutariya Priyanka Vaibhav
Published: March 2023

Introduction:

Correcting tooth size discrepancies are essential in achieving good dental and facial aesthetic in restorative and prosthetic dentistry. Hence, dental biometrics will be the most important key for an aesthetic restoration. This study aimed to analyse the width, length and width/length ratio related to the clinical crown of maxillary central incisors, lateral incisors and canines in adult Gujarati individuals. This study also aimed to check whether a correlation exists between the optimal tooth dimension guidelines for planning aesthetic restorations and natural tooth dimensions.

Materials and Methods:

Type III dental plaster casts were made from irreversible hydrocolloid impressions of 68 healthy adult participants. These casts were used to measure maxillary central incisors, lateral incisors and canines’ maximum mesiodistal width and crown-root length with a digital vernier calliper (0.01 mm). The width/length ratio for each and every tooth was calculated.

Results:

The sample used in the study was 61.76% female and 38.24% male, with an age range of 18–30 years. 8.53 mm was the mean width value for the central incisors, lateral incisors 6.88 mm and canines 7.64 mm. The mean length was 9.80 mm for the central incisors, 8.25 mm for the lateral incisors and 9.29 mm for the canines. The average width/length ratio was 87% for the central incisors and 84% for the laterals and 83% for canines.

Conclusion:

The data received from the population studied are similar to previous research studies having similar methodology. However, great discrepancies in the absolute values were found when compared with other studies related to ideal tooth dimension guidelines on the aesthetic perception of dentists and personal preferences. The perception of what is considered natural seems to differ from what is considered aesthetically perfect.
Assessment of Parents’ Involvement and the Awareness of Oral Hygiene Practices among 10–12-Year-Old Schoolchildren in Pune City
Authors: Pinge Sujata Dinkar , More Saudamini G , Savant Suyog , Komble Rajani , More Sayali
Published: March 2023

Introduction:

It is observed that poor oral health knowledge plays a major role in the prevalence of dental diseases. Our society in its attitude towards dental health has been giving it less importance as compared to general health. Schoolchildren are at a greater risk of dental problems.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was done among schoolchildren of Pune city. Schoolchildren aged 10–12 years reporting to the Department of Public Health Dentistry for preventive treatment were interviewed using a self-designed, validated questionnaire.

Results:

Among 311 children that participated, it was observed that a considerable number of them were aware of the importance of oral hygiene practices and followed the required practices.

Conclusion:

Schoolchildren nowadays show good knowledge regarding dental health and oral hygiene practices. This could be on account of exposure to media involvement of schools in health education programmes.
Prediction of Difficult Endotracheal Intubation by Different Bedside Tests
Authors: Kamal Kirti , Rani Divya , Ahlawat Geeta , Bansal Teena
Published: March 2023

Background:

An incidence of difficult intubation in elective surgery is 1.5%–8%. Multiple attempts during tracheal intubation can cause airway injuries bleeding, brain hypoxia, and even cardiac arrest. Unanticipated failure and inability to secure difficult airway can lead to “cannot ventilate, cannot intubate” condition. Preoperative assessment and bedside tests play a vital role in predicting and stratifying risk of difficult intubation. This study was done to determine the incidence of difficult intubation and diagnostic accuracy of different bedside tests for predicting intubation difficulty in patients without airway pathology scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia.

Materials and Methods:

Two hundred patients, aged 20–50 years, American Society of Anaesthesiologists I and II, without airway pathology undergoing elective surgery were evaluated preoperatively using simple bedside tests such as Mallampati grading (MPG), interincisor gap (IIG), thyromental distance (TMD), sternomental distance, upper lip bite test, neck circumference, and atlantooccipital extension to predict difficult intubation. Statistical confirmation was done using Pearson’s chi-square test and univariate and multivariate logistic regression.

Results:

In our study, the incidence of difficult intubation was observed as 6%. High sensitivity for predicting difficult intubation was seen with IIG > TMD > MPG, and high specificity among the relevant bedside tests was seen with TMD > MPG > IIG. Tests with high positive predictive value were TMD > MPG, whereas high negative predictive value was seen with IIG > TMD >MPG.

Conclusion:

IIG, TMD, and MPG can be used to predict difficult intubation in patients without airway pathology.
Perioperative Management in Rothmund–Thomson Syndrome
Authors: Uslu Ahmed , Çekmen Nedim
Published: March 2023

Rothmund-Thomson Syndrome (RTS) is a rare, multisystem disease accompanied by many anomalies that require careful attention from preoperative evaluation to discharge regarding anesthesia preparation and management. Due to craniofacial deformities accompanying facial abnormalities, maintaining the airway becomes a complete struggle with a race against time for survival. This case report presents the preoperative preparation and perioperative management, the risks that may be encountered, and the detailed preparation for a 7-year-old patient diagnosed with RTS and multiple system involvement. General anesthesia was administered to this patient, who had intrauterine growth retardation, nail streaking, redness of the bullae and legs, and a history of somatotropin treatment and antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity under optimum conditions. Thanks to successful and detailed preoperative preparation and perioperative management, the patient was followed up and discharged without any complications. Although RTS is rare, the need for general anesthesia often arises due to juvenile cataracts, dental anomalies, syndactyly and other extremity anomalies in these patients whose airway management is complex. Furthermore, this increases the current risk in the population of these patients. Managing these patients with a multidisciplinary approach will reduce complications, morbidity, mortality, and length of stay.
Neurosarcoidosis: Frozen section rescue for a big mimicker – A case report
Authors: Siddiqui Farhan A. , Al-Khalaf Jawad , Al-Marzooq Yusef , Al-Obaid Jaffer , Almarzooq Abdulhakim Y. M.
Published: March 2023

Neurosarcoidosis is an uncommon but potentially serious manifestation of sarcoidosis. Diagnosis may be particularly challenging especially when neurosarcoidosis occurs in isolation or is the initial presentation of the systemic disease. The authors take this opportunity to report a case of neurosarcoidosis, presenting as the first manifestation of the disease, diagnosed on frozen section, occurring in a 43-year-old male patient with no past history or manifestation of sarcoidosis.
Clinicopathological Analysis and Treatment of Adult Patients with Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor: A 15-Year Single-Center Study
Authors: Liu Xin , Gong Chengcheng , Zhang Jieyun , Feng Wanjing , Guo Yanjing , Sang Youzhou , Wang Chunmeng , Chen Yong , Wang Jian , Yu Lin , Zhang Xiaowei , Luo Zhiguo
Published: March 2023

Purpose Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare mesenchymal malignancy that occurs primarily in children and adolescents. The clinical and pathological features of IMT in adult patients are not well understood.Materials and Methods We retrospectively searched for records of adult patients with IMT at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center from 2006 to 2021. Clinicopathological data, treatments, and outcomes were collected and analyzed.Results Thirty adult patients with IMT, mostly women (60.0%), were included. The median age of the patients was 38 (21-77). The most common primary site was abdominopelvic region (53.3%), followed by lungs (20.0%). Seven patients had an abdominal epithelioid inflammatory myofibroblast sarcoma (EIMS). The positivity rate of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) was 81.5% (22/27). Sixteen patients with advanced ALK-positive disease received crizotinib, with an objective response rate (ORR) of 81.3% and a disease control rate of 87.5%. The median progression-free survival was 20.8 months. EIMS was associated with more aggressive behavior; however, the prognosis was similar to that of non-EIMS patients after treatment with an ALK inhibitor. At a median follow-up time of 30 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.6 to 46.4), the 5-year overall survival was 77% (95% CI, 66 to 88) in all patients.Conclusion Adult IMTs appeared more aggressive, with a higher incidence of recurrence and metastases, and patients with EIMS had more aggressive cases. Treatment with ALK inhibitors resulted in a high ORR and a durable response, which suggested that ALK inhibitors could be used as a first-line treatment option in adult patients with ALK-positive advanced IMT.
Evaluation of Toxicity Induced by Engineered CuO Nanoparticles in Freshwater Fish, Labeo rohita
Authors: Aziz Sana , Abdullah Sajid
Published: March 2023

With the fast development of industries relevant to nanotechnology, the inappropriate disposal of nanoproducts may initiate a new source of pollution in aquatic ecosystems, thus posing a possible danger to aquatic life. This study evaluated the eco-toxicological effects of waterborne copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) having a 32.84nm size and rod shape on a freshwater fish, Labeo rohita. 96-h LC50 of CuO-NPs was 353.98mg/L. Two sub-lethal concentrations equivalent to 1/3rd and 1/5th LC50/96h (70.79 and 117.99 mg/L) of CuO-NPs were selected for 15, 30, and 45-day exposure tests. Bioaccumulation for the 1/3rd 96h LC50 was significantly higher compared to 1/5th of 96-h LC50 of CuO-NPs. There was a sharp decrease in the CAT activity and this decline ultimately increased the TBARS contents. The highest percentage of damaged nuclei and genetic damage index in fish erythrocytes was recorded at the highest concentration and after 45 days of treatment. The adverse effects of CuO-NPs were examined to be dose and duration dependent with increasing extent during all studied time intervals. Summarizing, exposure to sublethal concentrations of CuO-NPs is sufficient to cause alterations in ecotoxicological endpoints such as metal overload, oxidative stress and genotoxicity after chronic exposure.
Differential Gene Expression Analysis of Neopyropia yezoensis (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) Mutant with High-growth and Development of SSR Marker Using RNA-seq
Authors: Park Seo-jeong , Choi Jong-il
Published: March 2023

Neopyropia yezoensis is a type of red macroalgae that is becoming economically important owing to increasing demand. A high-growth-rate mutant, NyEMS, was recently developed using ethyl methanesulfonate to meet this demand. However, the high-growth-rate mechanisms of NyEMS have not yet been identified because of the poor understanding of N. yezoensis biomolecules. In this study, NyEMS was subjected to comparative transcriptome analysis using RNA-seq. As a result, total of 7,933 differentially expressed unigenes were identified. From the transcriptome analysis, it was demonstrated that increased proteasome expression and repressed 1- aminocyclopropane-l-carboxylate (ACC) production could be responsible for the enhanced growth rate of the mutant. Additionally, genes involved in vitamin B6 biosynthesis were up-regulated, while those related to phycobilisomes were downregulated in the mutant, which could be responsible for its characteristic features. Moreover, 1,281 SNPs and 12,963 cSSRs were identified from assembled data. To determine possible biomarkers, primer pairs were designed from the identified cDNAderived simple sequence repeats. This study expands our understanding of the genetic mechanisms of N. yezoensis for future research and will be helpful in the development of N. yezoensis biomarkers.
Ponorni kontaktni kras Zrenjskega ravnika, Istra, Hrvaška
Authors: Stepišnik Uroš
Published: March 2023

Zrenjski ravnik je kraška uravnava v severni Istri na Hrvaškem, ki ima na severnem in južnem robu obsežna območja ponornega kontaktnega krasa. Vodotoki pritekajo z eocenskih klastičnih kamnin in ponikajo v zakrasele karbonatne kamnine pretežno kredne starosti. Na območju smo opravili morfografsko, morfostrukturno in morfometrično analizo in nato morfogenetsko in morfodinamično interpretacijo. Zaključili smo, da je razvoj kontaktnega krasa potekal vsaj v treh različnih fazah. Najprej je deloval kot korozijska uravnava v plitvem krasu, kasneje je prišlo do tektonskega dviga in antecedentnega vrezovanja vodotokov v korozijsko uravnavo. Šele v zadnji fazi je prišlo do pretočitve površinskih tokov v podzemlje in oblikovanja kontaktnega krasa.
Kulturni turizem in lokalno prebivalstvo na primeru mestne destinacije Ljubljana
Authors: Stubičar Nina , Marot Naja
Published: March 2023

Kulturni turizem je ena najstarejših in najbolj uveljavljenih vrst turizma, kar še posebej velja za mestne destinacije, kot je Ljubljana. V tem prispevku obravnavamo kulturni turizem z vidika lokalnega prebivalstva. Z anketnim vprašalnikom smo preverili, kakšno je mnenje prebivalcev o kulturnem turizmu v Ljubljani, koliko koristijo ponudbo, katere izboljšave predlagajo in kakšna je dodana vrednost kulturnega turizma za mesto. Prebivalci so poudarili pozitiven prispevek kulturnega turizma za mesto, čeprav to na področju kulturne ponudbe ne ponuja posebnih ugodnosti za prebivalce. Kot prispevek poudarjajo zlasti živahnost mesta, njegovo internacionalizacijo, torej stik prebivalcev s tujci, in dodano vrednost gospodarstvu, ki vpliva tudi na splošni mestni razvoj.
Factors influencing quality of life among cancer survivors in Kenya
Authors: Kung’u Mary , Onsongo Lister , O Ogutu James
Published: March 2023

Background: The number of cancer survivors is growing continuously due to advances in treatment of cancer patients. In developed countries, numerous studies on quality of life (QoL) of cancer survivors have been conducted. Little is known regarding the QoL of cancer survivors in Kenya. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the factors that contribute to QoL of cancer survivors in Kenya.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used for the study. Participants were 108 adult cancer survivors. Self and interviewer administered QoL Patient/Cancer Survivor Questionnaire was used.

Results: Findings indicate a statistically significant relationship between QoL and age (rs =-.055 p<.05), marital status (rs=.490 p<.01), income (rs =.228 p<.05), stage of cancer diagnosis (rs =-.269. p<.01), year of cancer diagnosis (rs =-.295 p<.01), religious affiliation (rs =-.279, p<.01) and the religion one belonged to (rs =-.198 p<.05). Regression analysis showed that age, stage of cancer diagnosis, time off treatment, educational level, and religious affiliation are significant predictors of QoL in cancer survivors.

Conclusions: The findings highlight the importance of key factors associated to QoL in cancer survivors in Kenya. Interventions aimed at early cancer detection, treatment, and spiritual support among cancer survivors will improve QoL.

Keywords: Quality of Life (QoL); Kenya; cancer patients.
Diagnostic performance of central and generalized adiposity in detecting risk of diabetes mellitus in adolescents
Authors: Ibrahim Musa Danladi , E Agbana Busayo , F Adeola Moses , M Idache Benjamin , Abu Sunday , Emmanuel Iwuagwu Tochi
Published: March 2023

Background: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing in all age groups, including the adolescent globally.

Objective: This study examined the association of adiposity with the risk of T2DM in adolescents aged 11 to 19 years.

Methods: This study comprised 403 adolescent boys (202) and girls (201). Participants were assessed in three indices of body fat and fasting blood glucose (FBG). Multivariate regression models assessing the associations of the independent variables with risk of T2DM were conducted. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to determine the predictive capacities of the body fat proxies to detect risk of T2DM.

Results: The prevalence of glucose abnormalities was 13.6% and 1.8% for pre-diabetes and diabetes respectively. Among the body fat indices in boys, WHtR was the only independent predictor ( =0.599, p<0.001) of T2DM risk. Both the WHtR and WC had significant (p<0.001) Areas under curve (AUC), with WHtR as the best body fat indicator for identifying risk of T2DM in boys. The independent variables had no discriminatory capacities to detect T2DM risk in girls.

Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that central fat is more important than total fat in detecting risk of T2DM in Nigerian adolescent boys.

Keywords: Abdominal obesity; adolescents; anthropometry; ROC curve; T2DM.
Prevalence and causes of visual impairment amongst hearing impaired school-going children in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review
Authors: Agyemang Kwarteng Michael , Percy Mashige Khathutshelo , Kyei Samuel , Sunkwa Quarcoo Dogbe Daniel , Govender-Poonsamy Pirindhavellie
Published: March 2023

Background: Learners living with hearing impairment are at a higher risk of visual impairment.

Purpose: To summarise relevant literature investigating the prevalence and causes of visual impairment amongst learners living with hearing impairment in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods: A search of nine databases and the reference lists of retrieved studies were conducted using the standard methodology for scoping reviews as described in the PRISMA statement. The databases were MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Global Health, OVID, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Science Direct. A scoping review of articles published in the English language from 2000 to 2020 was conducted while considering the study design, sub-Saharan Africa, and school for the deaf. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data.

Results: The initial search retrieved eight studies, seven of which met the set inclusion criteria. All seven studies included employed a cross-sectional design. The prevalence of visual impairment ranged from 2.2-34.6% with the major cause being uncorrected refractive error (7.9-73.26%). The most common type of refractive error was myopia (42.2%) followed by hyperopia (28.6%) and astigmatism (28.6%).

Conclusion: This review has demonstrated that there is a paucity of high-quality and well-designed studies that have investigated the prevalence and causes of visual impairment amongst hearing-impaired children in sub-Saharan Africa suggesting the need for further research in this area.

Keywords: Visual impairment; prevalence; Africa; hearing impairment; ocular morbidity.
In-vitro antioxidant potential and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effect of Ficus benghalensis aerial root extract
Authors: Ramasamy Anand , Anandakumar K , Kathiresan K
Published: March 2023

Aim and objective: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the antioxidant effect, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory effect and phytochemical screening of different extracts of aerial root extract of Ficus benghalensis using in-vitro methods.

Methods: The aerial root extract was prepared by successive extraction method using different organic solvents having increasing order of polarity. FB aerial root extract was screened for preliminary phytochemical analysis. FB aerial root extracts were evaluated for in-vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effect by the Ellman’s method and anti-oxidant potential by DPPH assay and hydroxyl radical neutralizing assay.

Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening of FB extracts indicate the existence of the phytochemicals such as phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, anthraquinones, tannins and steroids. The results of the DPPH assay, hydroxyl radical scavenging assay and AChE inhibitory assay show that chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts are having significant antioxidant activity and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effect as compared to the other extracts, respectively.

Conclusion: The results of the current study suggest that the aerial root extract of FB might be a potential drug source for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer disease.

Keywords: Ficus benghalensis; antioxidant; DPPH; acetylcholinesterase; neurodegenerative disorder.
Obstetric outcome of female genital mutilation in the Gambia – an observational study
Authors: Idoko Patrick , Armitage Alice , T Nyassi Momodou , Jatta Lucas , Bah Neneh , Jah Awa , Jabbie Dado , Bittaye Mustapha
Published: March 2023

Background: A 2010 survey in The Gambia among women of reproductive age put the prevalence rate of FGM/C at 76.3%. FGM/C was banned in 2015, but there is no real effort at enforcement of the ban. This study aimed to provide national data on obstetric outcomes to support advocacy and health education.A multicentre observational study to assess the obstetric and neonatal outcomes of parturient women with and without FGM/Cwas carried out across 4 healthcare facilities in The Gambia. The primary outcome was postpartum haemorrhage (>500ml) andsecondary outcomes were caesarean section, perineal tears (including episiotomy), neonatal resuscitation and perinatal death.Of the 1,569 participants recruited into the study, 23% had no FGM/C while 77% had FGM/C of varying severity. The riskof postpartum haemorrhage was doubled for women with type I FGM/C, tripled in type II FGM/C and increased by 5-foldfor those with type III and IV FGM/C. Caesarean section and perineal tears were also increased. FGM/C was associated withincreased risk for neonatal resuscitation and perinatal death.FGM/C is associated with poor obstetric and neonatal outcomes in the Gambia with degree of risk correlating with the severityof FGM/C.

Keywords: Female genital mutilation; obstetric outcome; Gambia.