bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbiological Spectrum and Antibiotics Sensitivity Pattern of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) Patients: A prospective study from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Peshawar
Authors: Imran Khan  , Muhammad Osama  , Ihsan Ullah  , Inzimam Ul Haq  
Published: December 2024

Background & Objective: Chronic suppurative otitis media is a fatal condition owing to its propensity for intracranial extension. The inadvertent use of antibiotics has led to resistance among causative organisms. The objectives of this study were to determine causative bacteria, their antibiotic resistance and susceptibility patterns, and their response to antibiotics after a one-month follow-up.
Method: It was a prospective study conducted in the ENT department of Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar from June 2023 to March 2024. Ear swabs were collected for microscopy and bacterial culture. Statistical analysis was done using IBM-SPSS-20, and GraphPad Prism.
Results: Data was collected from 113 patients. The mean age of the patients was 22 + 2 years. Out of 113 samples, 97(85.5%) showed growth on culture whereas 16(14%) showed no growth, with 95 (98%) unimicrobial, while 2 (2%) showed polymicrobial growth. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the commonest bacteria isolated 38(38%), followed by S. aureus, Proteus species, and S. saprophyticus. Gram-positive bacteria were susceptible to Linezolid (80%), followed by Vancomycin (76%), with resistance to Ciprofloxacin (75-84%), Ampicillin (70%), and Ceftriaxone (75-80%). Gram-negative bacteria showed susceptibility to carbapenem (50-100%) and Piperacillin/Tazobactam (50% to 93%), with resistance to Ciprofloxacin (50-87%), Ceftriaxone (87%), and Amoxicillin/Clavulanate (72-90%). After one month of follow-up, 82% of patients showed improvements, with noncompliance significantly associated with the persistence of symptoms (p<0.01).
Conclusion: Moderate to high resistance against ciprofloxacin, third-generation cephalosporin, ampicillin, amoxicillin plus clavulanate, and clindamycin is an eye-opener. Our results underscore the critical need for judicious administration of empirical antibiotics.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.1.9992
How to cite this: Khan I, Osama M, Ihsan Ullah, Inzimam Ul Haq. Microbiological Spectrum and Antibiotics Sensitivity Pattern of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media (CSOM) Patients: A prospective study from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Peshawar. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(1):194-199. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.1.9992
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The predictive value of heparin-binding protein for bacterial infections in patients with severe polytrauma
Authors: Li Li , Tian Xiao-xi , Feng Gui-long , Chen Bing 
Published: December 2024

Introduction
Heparin-binding protein is an inflammatory factor with predictive value for sepsis and participates in the inflammatory response through antibacterial effects, chemotaxis, and increased vascular permeability. The role of heparin-binding protein in sepsis has been progressively demonstrated, but few studies have been conducted in the context of polytrauma combined with bacterial infections. This study aims to investigate the predictive value of heparin-binding protein for bacterial infections in patients with severe polytrauma.

Materials and methods
This is a prospective single-center study. Patients with polytrauma in the emergency intensive care unit were selected for the study, and plasma heparin-binding protein concentrations and other laboratory parameters were measured within 48 hours of admission to the hospital. A two-sample comparison and univariate logistic regression analysis investigated the relationship between heparin-binding protein and bacterial infection in polytrauma patients. A multifactor logistic regression model was constructed, and the ROC curve was plotted.

Results
Ninety-seven patients with polytrauma were included in the study, 43 with bacterial infection and 54 without infection. Heparin-binding protein was higher in the infected group than in the control group [(32.00±3.20) ng/mL vs. (18.52±1.33) ng/mL, P = 0.001]. Univariate logistic regression analysis shows that heparin-binding protein is related to bacterial infection (OR = 1.10, Z = 3.91, 95%CI:1.05~1.15, P = 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression equations showed that patients were 1.12 times more likely to have bacterial infections for each value of heparin-binding protein increase, holding neutrophils and Procalcitonin (PCT) constant. ROC analysis shows that heparin-binding protein combined with neutrophils and PCT has better predictive value for bacterial infection [AUC = 0.935, 95%CI:0.870~0.977].

Conclusions
Heparin-binding protein may predict bacterial infection in patients with severe polytrauma. Combining heparin-binding protein, PCT, and neutrophils may improve bacterial infection prediction.
Photobiomodulation as part of multimodal analgesia to improve pain relief and wound healing after elective caesarean section: A protocol for randomized controlled trial
Authors: Khaled Maram , Baranov Adriana , Diaz Alvaro , Patel Mansi , Clements Sarah , Farsinejad Parsa , Khatana Kabir , Gnanapragasam Ashmitha , Selvanayagam Sathurthika , Muhsen Zeineb , Chan Jocelyn , Hunjan Sanjum , Kazi Ayman , Sharma Sapna , Luketic Lea , Ewusie Joycelyne Efua , Cordovani Daniel , Shanthanna Harsha 
Published: December 2024

Background
Caesarean section (CS) is the most common inpatient surgical procedure performed in Canada. CS is known to cause moderate-to-severe pain, which is suggested to be associated with postpartum depression and persistent pain. Existing limitations in multimodal analgesia and conscious attempts to avoid opioids highlight the need for non-pharmacological strategies. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) uses light-emitting diode (LED) and laser and has suggested potential for improving pain control and wound healing. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of PBMT as part of existing multimodal analgesia after elective CSs.

Methods
This placebo-controlled, two-arm, multi-centre, parallel-design randomized controlled trial includes women aged ≥16 years with planned CS under spinal anesthesia (Clinical Trials Registration: NCT05738239). Patients will be randomized post-CS to intervention (n = 90) or placebo (n = 90). Study interventions will be carried out using equipment supported by Meditech International Incorporated (approved by Health Canada for pain relief). Patients will receive a maximum of 5 post-surgical treatment sessions of active PBMT (intervention: LED therapy: DUO 240 [red at 660nm and near-infrared at 840nm] applied parallel to the abdominal incision scar, followed by BIOFLEX LDR-100 laser probe (660nm red light) and the LD1-200 laser probe (825nm near-infrared light), applied at the incision wound edges) or non-effective doses of LED array and laser therapy (placebo), 4–6 hrs post-CS, and at 8am and 7pm of postoperative days 1 and 2. Patients, research assistants involved in patient recruitment and follow-up, health care providers, and data analysts will be blinded. All patients will have access to routine multimodal analgesia. Patients will be followed up in hospital on the evening of surgery and on postoperative days 1 and 2 (morning, noon, and evening); at 6 weeks; and at 3 months by telephone. Primary outcome is pain intensity with movement (elicited by asking the patient to move from supine to sitting position) using 0–10 Numerical Rating Scale (0 = no pain, 10 = worst possible pain).

Significance
The results of this study may result in improved pain control, maternal satisfaction and wound healing; decrease the use of perioperative opioids; potentially decrease the incidence of postpartum depression and persistent pain; and overall lead to better postoperative outcomes thereby decreasing healthcare costs.
Respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function in paint industry workers exposed to volatile organic compounds: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sekhar Lavanya , Govindarajan Venguidesvarane Akila , Thiruvengadam Gayathri , Sharma Yogita , Venugopal Vidhya , Rengarajan Santhanam , Johnson Priscilla 
Published: December 2024

Several epidemiological studies have examined the respiratory consequences of occupational exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, their effects on paint industry workers in organised and unorganised occupational sectors vary. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aim at evaluating the respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function of paint industry workers from various occupational sectors exposed to VOCs. Relevant MESH terms were used for literature search in MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar till August 2023. The articles were independently retrieved and qualified by two reviewers and two subject experts arbitrated reviewer differences to establish relevant article inclusion. The systematic review comprised 23 observational studies that assessed respiratory symptom and pulmonary function tests (PFT) among paint industry worker from various occupational sectors. The meta-analysis included 12 studies on respiratory symptoms and 18 on PFT. Pooled meta-analysis was done using random effect model, and the crude odds of respiratory symptoms such as cough (OR: 2.72, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.74 to 4.25), dyspnoea (OR: 3.59, 95% CI: 2.13 to 6.05), nasal/throat irritation (OR: 4.5, 95% CI: 1.7 to 12.1), and wheezing (OR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.37 to 3.82) were significantly higher among paint industry workers exposed to VOC compared to unexposed population. PFT parameters, such as forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) (SMD: -0.88, 95% CI: -1.5 to -0.2) and FEV1/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) (SMD: -0.97, 95% CI: -1.6 to -0.32) were found to be significantly reduced among the paint industry workers. The meta-analysis has helped in generating evidence regarding the effect of VOC on respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function and the strength of the association varied with geographical regions, and the type of occupational sectors. Despite the heterogeneity (I2 > 75%) of studies, statistical power of this analysis was significant.
Trial registration: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022311390.
Challenges and opportunities in implementing and enforcing India’s loose cigarette sales ban: A qualitative stakeholder analysis
Authors: Sakhuja Mayank , Friedman Daniela B. , Macauda Mark M. , Hebert James R. , Pednekar Mangesh S. , Gupta Prakash C. , Thrasher James F. 
Published: December 2024

Introduction
Several Indian states have banned the sale of loose cigarettes, and India is considering a national ban. This study examines the perceptions of policymakers, implementers, and law enforcement officials regarding the implementation and enforcement of this ban.

Methods
Between May–October 2022, we conducted in-depth interviews with 26 key stakeholders involved in tobacco control in two Indian cities, Delhi (where the ban was not implemented) and Mumbai (where the ban was in effect). Participants included representatives from various government departments such as police, municipal corporations, FDA, health, and civil society organizations / NGOs such as Vital Strategies, World Health Organization, International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, and local NGOs. Interviews explored policy awareness, implementation and enforcement status, and factors influencing implementation and enforcement of the ban. Interview transcripts were organized in NVivo, and reflexive thematic analysis was conducted.

Results
In Mumbai, awareness of the ban was poor among implementers and law enforcers, including FDA, municipal, and police officials, while it was higher among health department officials and NGOs directly involved in tobacco control. Participants from Mumbai expressed that the implementation and enforcement of the ban was poor and loose cigarettes were still widely available. Main barriers to policy implementation included unclear implementation guidelines, poor awareness among tobacco vendors, limited resources, and lack of stakeholder commitment for tobacco control. Participants from both the cities emphasized the need for a vendor licensing system, imposing hefty penalties, imparting health education, and a multi-sectoral approach for effective policy implementation and enforcement.

Conclusion
Limited awareness of the ban and continued sale of loose cigarettes highlight gaps in policy implementation and enforcement. Effective policy implementation and enforcement requires raising awareness regarding the policy, adopting a tobacco vendor licensing system, and establishing clear implementation guidelines involving a multi-sectoral approach.
Administering Affect: Pop-Culture Japan and the Politics of Anxiety, Daniel White (2022)
Authors: Liu Xi W. 
Published: December 2024

Review of: Administering Affect: Pop-Culture Japan and the Politics of Anxiety, Daniel White (2022)
Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 246 pp.,
ISBN 978-1-50363-219-6, h/bk, $28.00
Música electroacústica en el ISM. Un paneo sobre su historia y actualidad
Authors: Druetta Hugo 
Published: December 2024

La creación del Estudio de Fonología y Música Electroacústica (EFME) del Instituto Superior de Música, formalizó la presencia institucional de un género musical ligado a las vanguardias de la cultura occidental de mediados del siglo XX. Si bien existen antecedentes documentados de actividades vinculadas con la temática, llevadas a cabo en el ámbito de la Universidad Nacional del Litoral, es recién a partir del año 1985 que las tareas de difusión y, posteriormente, de formación adquirieron un ritmo sostenido y creciente. De esa forma el ISM se convirtió en una de las primeras instituciones del país y de Sudamérica en contar con una carrera destinada a la creación musical basada en la tecnología electrónica digital.
En este artículo repasaremos momentos significativos y señalaremos, además, el aporte de quienes contribuyeron a la permanencia de esta expresión artística sonora a lo largo de estos años.
Benefits of yoga in pregnancy: a randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Kuder Lucija , Dinevski Dejan , Dinevski Izidora Vesenjak , Takač Iztok , Mujezinović Faris , Elveđi Gašparović Vesna 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Modern obstetrics confronts a rise in caesarean sections (CS). Prevention of unnecessary primary CS is a global priority. Women face intense psychological and physiological challenges during childbirth. Fear and anxiety during labour reduce women’s self-confidence and empowerment. Yoga is a body-mind practice that lowers maternal fear and anxiety and helps relax pelvic floor muscles during labour. The study examined whether yoga practice in pregnancy influences CS rate in primiparous singleton pregnant women, labour pain intensity and epidural analgesia requests at delivery ward admission.

Methods
We conducted a single-blind, randomised, controlled clinical trial comparing yoga to standard obstetric care in pregnancy. A total of 214 participants were randomised, 106 in yoga and 108 in controls. Weekly 90-min yoga classes were led by a certified yoga teacher’s supervision. Every pregnant woman in the interventional group completed 12 yoga sessions.

Results
Yoga group had a lower total CS due to less frequent In-labour CS (p=0.004) and a higher rate of spontaneous vaginal birth (p=0.009). They experienced less pain intensity during labour (p<0.001), and there was no difference in epidural analgesia requests.

Conclusions
Engaging in yoga during pregnancy reduces the rate of In-labour CS, decreases discomfort and encourages spontaneous vaginal birth in primiparous singleton pregnant women.
A ETNOLOGIA DE SERGIO BAPTSTA DA SILVA
Authors: Ricardo Ribeiro Bruno Leonardo 
Published: December 2024

RESUMO: Neste artigo apresentarei uma breve síntese de alguns dos trabalhos mais recentes do antropólogo Sergio Baptista da Silva e tentarei mostrar, partindo de uma leitura crítica e analítica destas obras, como o autor promove uma ruptura com a dita “barreira” existente entre a etnologia clássica e os estudos sobre o contato entre sociedades indígenas e a sociedade nacional. Para tanto, a partir de um breve exame de sua trajetória acadêmica, busco apontar suas afiliações teóricas mais evidentes, as associações por ele realizadas entre arqueologia pré-colonial e etnologia e seu posicionamento no escopo mais amplo da “antropologia brasileira”.ABSTRACT: In this paper I will offer a brief synthesis about some of the most recent works of the anthropologist Sergio Baptista da Silva and try to show, from a critical and analytical reading of these works, how this author promotes a rupture with the so called “barrier” between the classical ethnology and the studies of contact between indigenous societies and the Brazilian society. To do so I will start with a brief analysis of his academic career, from where I will highlight his most evident theoretical affiliations, the associations he delineates between pre-colonial archaeology and ethnology and his standing in the larger frame of the “Brazilian anthropology”.
LANDSCAPE DYNAMICS IN THE LA PLATA BASIN DURING THE MID AND LATE HOLOCENE
Authors: Iriarte José , Corteletti Rafael , Souza Jonas Gregorio de , DeBlasis Paulo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract: In this article we focus on three case studies, which show how the climatic fluctuations that took place during the mid- and late-Holocene in this region had a major impact on the pre-Hispanic groups that inhabited the region. First, we summarized the archaeological and the paleoenvironmental records of the mid-Holocene related to the emergence of early Formative societies in south-eastern Uruguay. Then, we review the evidence for a late Holocene more intense occupation of the southern Brazilian Highlands (hereafter SBH) by the southern proto-Jê groups and its association to the expansion of mixed Araucaria forest in this region. After that, we review the evidence for sea-level fluctuations and changes in settlement patterns of the mid and late-Holocene Sambaqui people that lived along the Atlantic coast of south-eastern Brazil. Finally, we briefly discuss the implications of these climatic changes for the development and dynamics of these cultures in the region. Resumo: Neste artigo vamos abordar três estudos de caso, avaliando como as variações climáticas que aconteceram durante o Holoceno médio e tardio produziram grandes impactos sobre as populações nativas que habitavam a região da Bacia do Prata. Primeiramente, é apresentado um resumo dos registros arqueológicos e paleoambientais do Holoceno médio relacionados com a emergência das sociedades de “Construtores de Cerritos” no Sudeste do Uruguai. Em seguida, são revisadas as evidências da mais intensa ocupação humana nas terras altas do sul do Brasil, pelos grupos proto-Jê do Sul, e a associação destes com a grande expansão da floresta de Araucária nesta região, durante o Holoceno tardio. Depois disto, resumimos as relações entre as flutuações do nível do mar e as mudanças no padrão de assentamento dos grupos sambaquieiros ao longo da costa do Atlântico, no sul brasileiro durante o Holoceno médio e tardio. Por último, é apresentada breve discussão sobre as implicações destas mudanças ambientais no desenvolvimento e dinâmicas destas culturas na região da Bacia do Prata.
USE OF WOOD RESOURCES DURING THE HOLOCENE BY HUNTER-GATHERERS OF THE CIDADE DE PEDRA, MATO GROSSO
Authors: Bachelet Caroline 
Published: December 2024

Abstract: Anthracology is a discipline based on the study and interpretation of dispersed or concentrated charcoals discovered in archaeological sediments. Concentrated charcoal usually come from hearths used for food preparation or specialized activities. The study provides information on the use of wood as fuel, and the environment in which it was collected. This paper presents the results of anthracological analyzes of four shelters (Ferraz Egreja, Morro Solteiro, Antiqueira, Pacifico) dating from middle to recent Holocene, located in southwestern of Mato Grosso state. Analyses were performed on macro-remains carbonized sampled in hearths, firebrands, and concentrations. From taxonomic identifications of charcoals, the objectives are to determine different uses of plant resources by hunter-gatherers and reconstruct the vegetation near to the sites in the past. The results indicate that the groups were collecting firewood randomly, depending on the availability of dry wood around the habitat. Vegetation was characterized by typical formation of the Cerrado, as currently observed in the Cidade de Pedra, indicating some stability in the ligneous cover in the region over the 5.000 years. Resumo: Antracologia é uma disciplina baseada no estudo e interpretação de carvões encontrados dispersos ou concentrados nos sedimentos arqueológicos. Os carvões concentrados vêm geralmente de fogueiras utilizadas para a preparação de alimentos ou atividades especializadas. O estudo fornece informações sobre o uso da madeira como combustível e o meio ambiente em que estes foram coletados. Neste trabalho apresentamos os resultados das análises antracológicas de quatro abrigos (Ferraz Egreja, Antiqueira, Morro Solteiro, Pacifico) datados do Holoceno médio até o Holoceno recente, localizados no sudoeste do Mato Grosso. As análises foram feitas sobre macrorrestos carbonizados amostrados em fogueiras, tições e concentrações. A partir das identificações taxonômicas dos carvões, os objetivos foram determinar as diversas utilizações dos recursos vegetais por grupos caçadores-coletores e reconstruir a vegetação existente próximo aos sítios no passado. Os resultados indicam que os grupos coletavam o combustível lenhoso de maneira aleatória, dependendo da disponibilidade de madeira seca em torno do habitat. A vegetação foi caracterizada por formações vegetais típicas do Cerrado, como observado atualmente na Cidade de Pedra, o que indica certa estabilidade da cobertura lenhosa na região nos últimos 5.000 anos.
VESTÍGIOS MACROBOTÂNICOS CARBONIZADOS NA AMAZÔNIA CENTRAL: O QUE ELES NOS DIZEM SOBRE AS PLANTAS NA PRÉ-HISTÓRIA?
Authors: Silva Francini Medeiros da , Shock Myrtle Pearl , Neves Eduardo Góes , Scheel-Ybert Rita 
Published: December 2024

Resumo: O estudo sobre a ocupação humana na Amazônia Central privilegiou, até recentemente, a análise de vestígios arqueológicos mais facilmente preservados no contexto amazônico. Nos últimos anos este cenário recebeu a contribuição de pesquisas com macro e microvestígios vegetais. Neste contexto insere-se a análise dos remanescentes macrobotânicos carbonizados dos sítios Osvaldo, Lago Grande e Açutuba, que evidenciou a presença de recursos alimentícios tais como fragmentos de coquinhos (Arecaceae), tubérculos, sementes e Zea mays, além de fragmentos de madeira (lenho) carbonizados. A distribuição destes elementos botânicos entre as camadas arqueológicas indica que diferentes atividades culturais foram responsáveis pela constituição dos remanescentes vegetais carbonizados e que algumas destas prevaleceram em relação a outras em momentos distintos da ocupação dos sítios. Abstract: Until recently the study of human occupation in the Central Amazonia focused on the analysis of archaeological remains with better preservation in this tropical context. The scenario has changed in recent years with contributions from research on micro and macrobotanical remains. We add to this with the analysis of charred macrobotanical remains from the archaeological sites of Osvaldo, Lago Grande, and Açutuba, Amazonas State. In these sites, food resources such as palm nut fragments, tubers, seeds, and maize were retrieved, in addition to wood. The distribution of these botanical elements in the archeological layers suggests that different cultural activities were responsible for the composition of the record. Moreover, they suggest that at different times during the occupation of these sites the use of some types of the charred plant remains prevailed over others.