bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Telemedicine system for the diagnosis and management of invasive fungal infections in Nigeria
Authors: Nwaneri Solomon , Oladele Rita 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Invasive fungal infections are not usually suspected by clinicians in our setting resulting in avoidable deaths, morbidity, and irrational/misuse of antibiotics. Unfortunately, there are few specialists of Medical Mycology in Nigeria working in very few centers where fungal infections can effectively be managed. This article describes a telemedicine system designed to provide an electronic consultation platform for the diagnosis and management of invasive fungal infections in Nigeria.

Methods:
The telemedicine center was designed and implemented using state-of-the-art technologies comprising hardware and software components. The center includes a high-resolution 60-inch liquid-crystal display smart television, an Intel Core i3 Desktop Computer, webcam system, a broadband Internet connection, and a backup electricity supply. The system currently uses the Zoom platform to establish virtual connections with collaborators as well as patients.

Results:
Since its inception, the center has managed 34 serious patients whose managing clinicians have called in for consultation. The establishment of the center has led to increased collaboration with other specialists in clinical mycology across Africa and Europe. Patient outcome has also been impacted positively because of consultation provided on diagnosis and antifungal therapy. The center has further accelerated the exchange of knowledge and ideas between health-care practitioners in Africa on the management of invasive fungal infections.

Conclusions:
Therefore, telemedicine center has been immensely beneficial for the management of patients suffering from invasive fungal infections in Nigeria.
Comparison of human cadaver and blue phantom for teaching ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia to novice postgraduate students of anesthesiology: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dang Deepanshu , Kamal Manoj , Kumar Mritunjay , Paliwal Bharat , Nayyar Ashish , Bhatia Pradeep , Singariya Geeta 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims:
Simulation is increasingly used in medical teaching. Various studies have evaluated different simulation models for training of regional anesthesia (RA). We compared the use of human cadaver and blue phantom models for training of regional anesthesia to novice postgraduate students of anesthesiology.

Material and Methods:
Fifty students were taught knobology of the ultrasonography (USG) machine. They were divided into two equal groups by computer-generated random number table, and the groups assigned were kept in sealed envelopes. In group BP, students were trained on a blue phantom model, and in group HC, students were trained on human cadaver. After training, a didactic video of sonoanatomy of the supraclavicular block was shown to all participants. The block performance was then judged on patients requiring supraclavicular block. The primary objective of the study was to compare the block performance time, and secondary objectives were the quality of image acquired, orientation of transducer to the target, identification of ultrasound artifacts, errors committed, complications, and success rate.

Results:
The mean block performance time was shorter in group HC compared to group BP (451.96 ± 50.25 and 526.48 ± 43.486 s, respectively; P < 0.001). The image quality score, transducer orientation to the target, and identification of USG artifacts were better in group HC compared to group BP, with lesser number of needle passes.

Conclusion:
Cadaver-based training produced better results compared to blue phantom simulator model for teaching of ultrasound-guided RA to novice postgraduate trainees of anesthesiology.
Post-operative vomiting after pediatric strabismus surgery: A comparison of propofol versus sevoflurane anaesthesia
Authors: Subramanian Shalini , Shetty Deepa , Shivanna Poornima , Das Priyanka , Phadke Medha 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims:
Squint surgery is a risk factor for postoperative vomiting (POV) in children. This study was designed to compare the incidence of POV in children undergoing strabismus surgery under balanced anesthesia with sevoflurane versus intravenous anesthesia with propofol.

Material and Methods:
In this prospective randomized controlled study conducted in a tertiary care ophthalmology hospital, 70 ASA I-II children aged 1-12 years undergoing strabismus surgery were randomized to two groups –Group S (sevoflurane-based anesthesia) and Group P (propofol-based anesthesia) for maintenance. The surgical details, intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, recovery characteristics, and emergence delirium were recorded. Any episode of postoperative vomiting in the 0-2 hours, 2-6 hours, and 6-24 hours period was noted. Rescue antiemetic was administered if there was more than one episode of vomiting.

Results:
Both the groups were similar with respect to demographic and surgical details. The average duration of surgery was 118.2 ± 41.88 min in group S and 137.32 ± 39.09 min in group P (P = .05). Four children in group S (11.4%) and one child in group P (2.9%) had POV in the first 24 hours but this was not statistically significant (P = .36). The median time to discharge from post anesthesia care unit was significantly less (P = .02) in the P group (50 min) than in the S group (60 min).

Conclusion:
Propofol-based anesthesia does not offer advantage over sevoflurane, in reducing POV after squint surgery, when dual prophylaxis with dexamethasone and ondansetron is administered. It, however, reduces the duration of stay in the post anesthesia care unit.
Evaluation of qCON and qNOX indices in pediatric surgery under general anesthesia
Authors: Praveen M , Kumar Alok , Parikh Badal , Sikdar Indranill 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims:
The objective of the study was to evaluate the performances of qCON and qNOX indices in pediatric populations undergoing surgery under general anesthesia (GA), focusing on the induction and recovery periods. Both the indices are derived from electroencephalogram (EEG) and implemented in the CONOX monitor (Fresenius Kabi, Germany).

Material and Methods:
After approval of the institutional ethics committee, this prospective observational study was conducted in pediatric patients of either sex in the age group of 1–12 years belonging to the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) grade I and II undergoing elective surgery under GA. Anesthetic technique was GA with or without regional analgesia (RA). All patients underwent inhalation induction and maintenance using sevoflurane. Patients were monitored with the use of a CONOX monitoring system (Fresenius Kabi, Germany), connected via a set of electrodes placed over the forehead. qCON and qNOX scores were recorded during awake (on operating table premedicated with oral midazolam 0.5 mg/kg), at induction, at loss of eyelash reflex, intubation/laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion, before and after regional anesthesia, surgical incision, at cessation of anesthesia, emergence, extubation, and eye-opening. Registered results were also analyzed compared with the minimum alveolar concentration of sevoflurane (MAC).

Results:
A total of 46 pediatric patients were enrolled in the study with a mean age of 5.6 years. All the patients were either ASA I or II. There was a simultaneous fall and rise of qCON and qNOX upon induction and recovery, respectively. There was a rise in qNOX with surgical incision irrespective of RA. However, there was a greater rise in qNOX following surgical incision in those who did not receive RA (P = 0.33) Also both qCON (P = 0.06) and qNOX (P = 0.41) were poorly correlated with MAC values of sevoflurane during GA in the pediatric population.

Conclusions:
Both qCON and qNOX values change predictably with changes in the conscious level and with different noxious stimuli. Further studies are required to confirm the findings taking into account the postoperative assessment of delirium and recall of intraoperative events.
Evaluation of Awareness, Knowledge, and Approval of Orthodontic Treatment among Dental Patients in Northwestern Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Bala Mujtaba , Braimah Ramat Oyebunmi , Taiwo Abdurrazaq Olanrewaju , Sulaiman Amidu Omotayo , Sulaiman Kazeem Adisa , Bawa Anas Tsafe , Yekini Lateef Alani 
Published: May 2024

Background:
Malocclusion is a common presenting problem in the dental setting. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness, knowledge, and approval of orthodontic treatment among patients in Northwestern Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Dental and Maxillofacial Surgery of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, over 10 months using a self-administered questionnaire. After obtaining ethical approval from the institution’s research and ethics committee, 510 respondents filled out and returned the questionnaires. The questionnaire was designed to test for awareness, source of awareness, knowledge, willingness to approve, and reason for not being willing to approve orthodontic treatment. The data obtained were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS) software version 25.

Results:
A total of 510 appropriately filled and returned the questionnaires among which there were 346 (67.8%) male and 164 (32.2%) female respondents. The mean ± standard deviation age of the respondent was 24.54 ± 9.53 in the range of 17–68 years. Only 184 (n) respondents were aware of orthodontic treatment, and dentist 81 (44.0%) was the main source of information. Those respondents who claimed to know about orthodontic treatment scored a total of 38.4% in the knowledge assessment. A total of 122 (66.3%) of the respondents were willing to approve orthodontic treatment.

Conclusion:
This study revealed below average level of awareness and knowledge of patients about orthodontic treatment. Awareness and knowledge about orthodontic treatment are capable of sensitizing the patients to accept and cooperate better, hence the higher success of the treatment.
A New Diagnostic and Therapeutic Method for the Conservative Management of Sciatica
Authors: Malik Vivek , Agarwal Varun Kumar 
Published: May 2024

Background:
The term “Sciatica” is commonly used for describing nerve pain in the leg which is caused due to the irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. It is a source of disability and can interfere with the physical occupation aspect. Estimates for the lifetime incidence of sciatica range from 13% to 40%. Two common nonsurgical interventions used are physical therapy and epidural steroid injections. Pain is regulated by a subset of voltage-gated sodium channels, (NaV1.3, NaV1.7, NaV1.8, and NaV1.9). For this character of sodium channels in neurological pain, a peripheral nerve block is an upcoming treatment other than conventional treatment options such as steroid injections or opioids, analgesics.

Methods:
We conducted a randomized placebo-controlled trial in which after the application of injection we compared Visual Analog Scale Score, subjective satisfaction scale, straight leg raise (SLR) test preinjection and postinjection at 10 min, 1 week, and at 1 month.

Results:
In our study, a total of 92 patients were taken for the study: 66 patients in drug mixture group and 26 patients in the placebo group. The present study showed relief from pain up to the maximum follow-up period of 1 month; it also showed improvement in the SLR and also a better patient satisfaction, without any complications.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, peripheral sodium-channel block can be considered as a diagnostic as well as an option for short-term relief from pain in the patient suffering from sciatica, allowing physiotherapy, and rehabilitation exercises.
intensificación en el relato conversacional panameño
Authors: Domínguez Córdoba Diameya del Carmen 
Published: May 2024

El estudio que se presenta, en esta ocasión, trata sobre la intensificación en relatos de una conversación coloquial, es decir, una aproximación a los fenómenos lingüísticos de índole pragmático que determinan esta tipología textual. El objetivo que se persigue es caracterizar las formas lingüísticas del lenguaje coloquial que usan los interactuantes para intensificar el relato en la conversación coloquial prototípica panameña. Las bases teóricas que dan sustento a esta investigación están a cargo de Meyer- Hermann (1988), Antonio Briz (1998, 2017), Marta Albelda (2004, 2018). La metodología empleada es cualitativa-descriptiva y se utiliza el sistema de transcripción del grupo Val.Es.Co. Los resultados obtenidos desentrañan y aproximan a las variadas y diversas formas panameñas de intensificar el relato coloquial.
Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) Approach to Material on the Characteristics of Two-Dimentional Figures Using the Reog Ponorogo Performance in Elementary Schools
Authors: Wiryanto Wiryanto , Rahmawati Ika , Humaira Firda 
Published: May 2024

: It is critical to approach mathematical education correctly. This is because many students believe math is a tough subject to learn. This problem arises because many teachers teach mathematics in abstract terms. This is a qualitative descriptive study using Graveimeiijeir's design research method. The research was designed to prove the truth of the allegations made in the learning trajectory or HLT (Hypothetical Learning Trajectory) and their impact on students' understanding by applying the RME (Realistic Mathematics Education) approach to the material on the characteristics of two-dimensional figures, with Reog Ponorogo performance media and worksheet serving as a guide for student activities. This study was conducted on class 3B students at MI Ma'arif Darul Ulum Pondok. The research topic is a 6-student group in a classroom. The research stages included preparation, execution in the classroom, and data analysis. Based on this research, it can be seen that the stages of learning activities using the RME approach are based on the stages contained in the iceberg theory, namely, stages of real-world situations (situations), models that describe problem situations (model of), models for solving problems (model for), and formal mathematics stages using Reog Ponorogo performance media can make it easier for students to understand material regarding the characteristics of two-dimensional figures.
Finding reconnection lines and flux rope axes via local coordinates in global ion-kinetic magnetospheric simulations
Authors: Alho Markku , Cozzani Giulia , Zaitsev Ivan , Kebede Fasil Tesema , Ganse Urs , Battarbee Markus , Bussov Maarja , Dubart Maxime , Hoilijoki Sanni , Kotipalo Leo , Papadakis Konstantinos , Pfau-Kempf Yann , Suni Jonas , Tarvus Vertti , Workayehu Abiyot , Zhou Hongyang , Palmroth Minna 
Published: May 2024

Abstract. Magnetic reconnection is a crucially important process for energy conversion in plasma physics, with the substorm cycle of Earth's magnetosphere and solar flares being prime examples. While 2D models have been widely applied to study reconnection, investigating reconnection in 3D is still, in many aspects, an open problem. Finding sites of magnetic reconnection in a 3D setting is not a trivial task, with several approaches, from topological skeletons to Lorentz transformations, having been proposed to tackle the issue. This work presents a complementary method for quasi-2D structures in 3D settings by noting that the magnetic field structures near reconnection lines exhibit 2D features that can be identified in a suitably chosen local coordinate system. We present applications of this method to a hybrid-Vlasov Vlasiator simulation of Earth's magnetosphere, showing the complex magnetic topologies created by reconnection for simulations dominated by quasi-2D reconnection. We also quantify the dimensionalities of magnetic field structures in the simulation to justify the use of such coordinate systems.
Efficient and stable coupling of the SuperdropNet deep-learning-based cloud microphysics (v0.1.0) with the ICON climate and weather model (v2.6.5)
Authors: Arnold Caroline , Sharma Shivani , Weigel Tobias , Greenberg David S. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract. Machine learning (ML) algorithms can be used in Earth system models (ESMs) to emulate sub-grid-scale processes. Due to the statistical nature of ML algorithms and the high complexity of ESMs, these hybrid ML ESMs require careful validation. Simulation stability needs to be monitored in fully coupled simulations, and the plausibility of results needs to be evaluated in suitable experiments. We present the coupling of SuperdropNet, a machine learning model for emulating warm-rain processes in cloud microphysics, with ICON (Icosahedral Nonhydrostatic) model v2.6.5. SuperdropNet is trained on computationally expensive droplet-based simulations and can serve as an inexpensive proxy within weather prediction models. SuperdropNet emulates the collision–coalescence of rain and cloud droplets in a warm-rain scenario and replaces the collision–coalescence process in the two-moment cloud microphysics scheme. We address the technical challenge of integrating SuperdropNet, developed in Python and PyTorch, into ICON, written in Fortran, by implementing three different coupling strategies: embedded Python via the C foreign function interface (CFFI), pipes, and coupling of program components via Yet Another Coupler (YAC). We validate the emulator in the warm-bubble scenario and find that SuperdropNet runs stably within the experiment. By comparing experiment outcomes of the two-moment bulk scheme with SuperdropNet, we find that the results are physically consistent and discuss differences that are observed in several diagnostic variables. In addition, we provide a quantitative and qualitative computational benchmark for three different coupling strategies – embedded Python, coupler YAC, and pipes – and find that embedded Python is a useful software tool for validating hybrid ML ESMs.
Comparative Performance of Strategies for Conjunctive Use of Fresh and Saline Water to Grow Wheat Crop
Authors: C.P.S. Chauhan  , R.B. Singh  , S.K. Gupta  
Published: May 2024

In arid lI!ld semi-arid regions, ground water is mainly saline in nature. It is open to question,
whether such waters could be exploited to meet the crop water requirement. The experimental evidences generated world over reveal that it could be achieved through conjunctive use. Recently, some conflicting reports have appeared on the relative merits of different modes of conjunctive use i.e. cyclic, switching and mixing modes. A field experiment was conducted during 2001-02 and 2002-03 using low (3.6 dS m-1) and highly saline water (15 dS m-1) to show that with appropriate conjunctive mode even highly saline waters could be used to grow wheat crop. It has been shown that substitution of a part of the irrigation water requirement with highly saline water affected the wheat crop less adversely than when all irrigations were given with high salinity water. Yield, as high as 95% of the yield with low saline water could be obtained with cyclic mode (low saline-high saline water cycle) or switching mode (first 2 or 3 irrigations with low saline followed by all irrigations with highly saline water). Both the strategies were equally effective provided low saline water is applied at pre-sowing and/or initial growth stages of the wheat crop. At the same salt load, the mixing mode tried in this study could also give more than 90 % of the yield obtained with low saline water. The yield differences under the three best treatments (one each under the three strategies) with equal salt load were non-significant. The yield in the case of cyclic mode (highly saline-low saline) or switching mode (highly saline followed by low saline) was less than their counterparts (low-high saline cycle or switching) as well as the mixing mode. Apparently, salt stress at germination and initial establishment stages affected the crop performance. If it is so, the yield under mixing mode could be improved provided mixing ratio is varied with stage of growth although total salt load could be the same. Therefore, the conclusion regarding miling mode drawn from th.is study should be treated as temporary till more results are obtained in future studies. It emerges that one can manage the matric and osmotic stresses with conjunctive use to get high yields and ensure sustainability of irrigated agriculture. For developing an effective strategy crop characteristics, water qualities in hand and the past experiences should play an important role.
Degradasi Kantong Plastik Oxo-Degradable dan Limbah Polietilena Menggunakan Metode Kolom Winogradsky
Authors: Suyatmo Reviana Inda Dwi , Wiasih Hanifah Fitrah Putri 
Published: May 2024

Saat ini penggunaan polimer semakin meluas sehingga mengakibatkan limbah semakin meningkat. Menurut Badan Pusat Statistik, Indonesia menghasilkan 64 juta ton sampah plastik setiap tahunnya. Namun plastik polimer membutuhkan waktu lama untuk terurai. Salah satu cara untuk mengurangi waktu degradasi adalah dengan memproduksi kantong plastik yang lebih cepat terurai. Selain itu, upaya lain untuk mengurangi sampah plastik dapat dilakukan dengan mengembangkan metode yang dapat mempersingkat waktu penguraian plastik. Salah satu metode tersebut adalah metode kolom Winogradsky, dimana polimer dan bakteri ditempatkan di wadah yang sama. Bakteri selanjutnya akan mengonsumsi polimer dan memecah ikatannya. Degradasi dapat dikatakan berhasil dengan terlihatnya penurunan massa polimer. Pada penelitian ini, diamati degradasi untuk jenis kantong plastik oxo-degradable, limbah polietilen densitas tinggi (HDPE), dan limbah polietilen densitas rendah (LDPE) selama 30 hari. Variable yang diamati adalah perubahan massa, pH, suhu, dan gugus fungsi, serta dilakukan juga pemodelan dekomposisi dengan memperkirakan waktu yang diperlukan agar platik dapat terdegradasi 99% dengan menggunakan pemodelan kinetika mendekati orde 0, 1, dan 2. Hasil yang didapatkan, ketiga limbah mengalami penurunan massa hingga 60%; 3%; dan 1%, serta perubahan pH menjadi 4 pada hari ke-1, kemudian menjadi 6 dan konstan dari hari ke-5 hingga hari ke-30. Suhu pada ketiga limbah fluktuatif namun cenderung meningkat, berkisar antara 29-33oC. Hasil pengujian gugus fungsi menunjukkan adanya pergeseran bilangan gelombang. Pergeseran yang terjadi mengindikasikan adanya peregangan polimer akibat adanya degradasi. Berdasarkan pemodelan degradasi, diperoleh orde 1 paling mendekati untuk kantong plastik oxo-degradable dan limbah LDPE dimana kedua jenis polimer ini diprediksi akan terdegradasi 99% dalam kurun waktu 166 hari dan 450 hari. Untuk limbah HDPE, data yang dikumpulkan tidak cocok didekati oleh pemodelan orde 0, 1, maupun 2.