bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants among travelers crossing the northern international border checkpoint in Duhok province, Iraq
Authors: Ghazwan Mohammed Raouf Ghazwan , Qader Marwan , Abdullah Ibrahim , Younis Omar , Mohammad Fouad , Merza Merza 
Published: December 2023

Background: Variants of SARS-CoV-2 have been detected along with the worldwide COVID-19 transmission. Insufficient data exists regarding SARS-CoV-2 variants in Iraq, particularly concerning travelers at Iraqi border crossings. This study aimed to screen SARS-CoV-2 variants among individuals entering Iraq from Turkey through the Ibrahim Khalil international border checkpoint.
Methods: A total of 116 (52 females, 64 males) COVID-19-positive cases from June 6, 2021, to July 30, 2021, were randomly selected from the Ibrahim Al-Khalil border crossing point between Turkey and Iraq. The patients were Iraqis tested positive for COVID-19 through nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swab collections. The confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 cases involved RNA extraction and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), following the World Health Organization guidelines. All samples were subjected to variant detection using the reverse transcription RT-PCR method. The RNA was extracted using a Zybio nucleic acid extraction kit and the RT-PCR was conducted using SARS-CoV-2 S-gene mutation detection RT-PCR kit.
Results: In the 116 patients, we detected variants B.1.1.7, B.1.617.1.2, B.1.617.1.3, and Omicron sub-lineages (B.1.1.529, BA.1) at frequency rates of 13, 16, 45, and 36 cases, respectively. The highest prevalence rate was the delta variant among the tested subjects (38.8%) followed by the Omicron sub-lineages (B.1.1.529, BA.1) at 31%.
Conclusion: This finding, which is the first of its kind at the northern Iraqi border checkpoint, suggests that these two variants could be a source of COVID-19 circulating in the Duhok province in Iraq. Additional studies are warranted across the country’s border entry points.
Molecular Resonance Generator (MRG) Assisted Tonsillectomy - An Innovative Technique
Authors: Shetty Hamsa , KS Gangadhara , S Sridhara 
Published: December 2023

Introduction-Dissection and Snare method of tonsillectomy was first introduced nearly a century ago. Since then several methods of performing tonsillectomy have evolved like electrocautery, harmonic scalpel ,Laser, coblation and Magnetic Resonance Generator(MRG). All these methods have been used with the aim of overcoming the shortcomings with the previous methods like intra and post operative bleeding ,reducing the duration of surgery and post operative pain.MRG works on the principle of quantum resonance and it has helped in minimizing the intraoperative and post operative bleeding as well as post operative pain.In this study MRG was used for tonsillectomy with favourable outcome.
Materials and Methods: 12 patients who underwent tonsillectomy by MRG were included in the study .Various parameters like duration of surgery ,intra and post operative bleeding and post operative pain were recorded and compared with other studies .
Results:In all the 12 patients favourable outcome was recorded .None of the cases had post operative bleeding and there was minimal intraoperative bleeding.Post operative pain showed a decreasing trend with very minimal post operative pain on day 3.
Conclusion-Our study highlights the advantages of MRG in tonsillectomy which nearly overcomes the drawbacks and complications encountered with other methods employed for tonsillectomy.
Giant Ectopic Minor Salivary Gland Tumour in Parapharyngeal Space
Authors: Baisakhiya Nitish , Parihar Shilpi , Mishra Ankit , Sen Sweety 
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Para pharyngeal tumours are rare head neck masses (0.5%). Most of them are benign. Deep location of this space and surrounding structures has led to emergence of many different approaches to this space reflecting the intrinsic difficulty in surgical access.
Case Report: An ectopic Minor salivary pleomorphic adenoma of para pharyngeal space with massive extension.
Discussion: Para pharyngeal space has complex anatomy, its deep location and relationship with vital structures renders a surgical challenge. Clinical examination of the space is difficult, so imaging plays a major role to know its origin and extension. Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common tumour from the extension of deep lobe of Parotid gland but very rarely from the ectopic minor salivary glands. Excision of benign parapharyngeal space tumours is possible without mandibulotomy even in the case of a large tumour mass reducing patient morbidity and hospital stay.
Taste Dysfunction in COVID-19 Patients; A Cross-Sectional Observational Study
Authors: Nunkappa Thippeswamy Sreedevi , Kabbyar Chidananda Keerthi Kumar , Tagadur Nataraju Kamalesh 
Published: December 2023

Introduction:It has been observed that olfactory dysfunction (anosmia, hyposmia and parosmia) and gustatory (taste) dysfunction (ageusia, hypogeusia and dysgeusia) are one of the classical presentations of COVID-19. Gustatory (taste) dysfunction attributable partly to loss of retro-nasal olfaction (which adds to the flavour, a component of taste sensation) while eating or drinking food.
Materials and methods:It is a cross sectional observational study involving COVID-19 patients aged between 18 to 100 years. Taste dysfunction was analysed and compared with various inflammatory markers and sino-nasal symptoms.
Results:In this time bound study, 61.88 % of the study participants were male and 38.13 % were females. Majority of the participants were in the age group between 20 and 60 years. Fifty four (33.75%) developed gustatory dysfunction in the form of ageusia or hypogeusia. Among the individuals with ageusia/hypogeusia, majority of the patients (n=26) (48.15%) complained of 50-75% loss of taste sensation followed by 50-75% loss of taste sensation in fourteen (25.93%) patients. Mean duration of ageusia/hypogeusia among 54 patients was 9.33 ± 4.13 days. There was no statistically significant association between gustatory or taste dysfunction with any of the above serum inflammatory markers. There was significant relationship between presence sino-nasal symptoms and development of taste dysfunction.
Conclusion:Ageusia (dysgeusia) was found in significant proportion of patients with covid-19. These symptoms also contribute to significant proportion of depression and low confidence and results in poor nutrition and subsequent nutritional deficiencies which may lead to long Covid syndrome.
Unusual Benign Middle Ear Tumors: How Does the Presentation Differ from Otitis Media?
Authors: Sonvane Krutika , Makwana Navnit , Gupta Rahul , Patel Hardik , Aiyer R G 
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Middle ear tumors represents a rare group of neoplasm that vary widely according to their pathology, anatomical involvements and clinical features. They mimic middle ear inflammatory pathologies intricately and hence early definitive diagnosis is a challenge. As these tumors are histologically benign, they are only locally destructive causing vestibular/facial dysfunction.
Materials and Methods: In this case series, we have included 5 cases of rare middle ear tumors, who presented to our hospital in period of 2020-2023. All patients had a pre-operative examination with otoscope and microscope/otoendoscope. Pre-operative and post-operative hearing assessment done with tuning fork test and pure tone audiometry.Pre-operative radiological investigation done in all cases.Biopsy was usually taken pre-operatively, however in tumors suspected to be highly vascular an intra-operative sample was sent.
Results: Mastoidectomy(canal wall up/canal wall down/radical) was performed as definite surgical treatment to achieve maximum clearance.
Conclusion: Surgery is the treatment of the choice for benign middle ear tumors. High resolution computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are important to determine the extent and to help surgical planning in doubtful vascular tumour. Biopsy is helpful for the differential diagnosis.
A Case Report on Kimura Disease
Authors: Adhikari Biswajit , Sen Sarmila , Saha Somnath 
Published: December 2023

Introduction
Kimura disease is a rare chronic inflammatory disease that, if occurs in the head and neck region, presents with a swelling.
Case Report
A 14-year-old male presented to our ENT OPD with a painless left cheek swelling. The swelling was first noticed by the patient about 3.5 years back. The swelling was gradually progressive in size. It was mobile in all directions, cystic in consistency and non-tender.
Discussion
Kimura Disease is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder described as a”eosinophilic hyperplastic lymphogranuloma” in Chinese literature. This disease is endemic in middle-aged Asian males and is seen sporadically in the non-Asian population.There is no standardized treatment protocol present for Kimura Disease. Treatment modalities include surgical resection, cytotoxic and radiation therapy, as well as regional or systemic steroid therapy. The role of surgery is primarily for diagnostic and cosmetic purposes. Relapses are common and recurrence rate is high. The overall outcome is good as there is no association with malignancy.
A Cross Sectional Study of Assessment of Hearing in Infants of Gestational Diabetes Mothers
Authors: Gopinath Srikanth , Sakthignanavel Arulmozhi , Bage Atul Mukul , ND Rajan , Mishra Sasmita 
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Hearing loss is one of the most prevalent congenital disorders in infants. Neonatal hearing screening is an important tool for early detection of hearing impairment in newborns. Present study is aimed to assess the impact of hearing among babies born to gestational diabetic mothers.
Material & Methods: This study was conducted among 100 pregnant mothers who gave birth in Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department in a medical college in Pondicherry from December 2020 to July 2022. 50 pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were assigned to Group 1 and 50 pregnant women who had no GDM were assigned to Group 2. Hearing screening among the infants were done using Otoacoustic emissions and Brainstem evoked response audiometry (OAE and BERA). The results in Group 1 and Group 2 were collected, analysed and compared.
Results: All patients were between 20 – 45 years of age. The average gestational age was 39.2±5.7 from 36 weeks to 42 weeks. In the present study OAE has shown that 40% babies had bilateral refer and 18% had unilateral refer in GDM mothers which significantly higher than the normal mothers. BERA showed that 14% had hearing loss among those of the GDM mothers which was significantly higher than the normal mothers. Comparison of abnormal hearing screening between the two groups were significant (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Gestational diabetes mellitus increases the risk of hearing impairment in newborns. Timely detection and standardised management should be followed and early intervention procedures should be studied and developed.
Bacteriological Profile of Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media and its Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Geeta Geeta , G Naveen , P Apoorva , MO Harish , Nair Arathi , MC Harshitha , Revankar Kiran , PB Girish 
Published: December 2023

Introduction
Aggressive management of chronic suppurative otitis media is necessary as untreated and poorly treated unsafe cases can result in a variety of complications. Aim of this study was to identify the bacteriological profile and determine antibiotic susceptibility pattern of aerobic bacterial isolates in patients of chronic suppurative otitis media.
Materials and methods:
Observational cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient department of ENT in collaboration with the department of Microbiology from December 2022 to March 2023. A calculated sample size of 90 ear swabs were taken from 85 cases of chronic suppurative otitis media. Demographic and clinical details were noted. Ear discharges were subjected for aerobic bacterial culture under aseptic conditions along with direct Gram staining. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was done using Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method on Mueller– Hinton Agar.
Results
Mean age of participants was 33.5 years. 94.1% had the unilateral infection. 94.4% had a tubo-tymphanic type while 5.6% had attico-antral type. 70 (77.8%) samples showed mono-microbial growth, 13 (14.4%) showed poly-microbial growth and 7 (7.8%) samples showed no growth in aerobic culture. Pseudomonas aeruginosa 38 (39.58%) was the most common organism followed by Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus 27 (28.13%), Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species 8 (8.33%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae 6 (6.25%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was more sensitive to Ciprofloxacin (47.3%), followed by Ceftazidime (44.7%), Imipenem (44.7%), Meropenem (42.1%), Gentamycin (42.1%) and Cefepime (42.1%) and was resistant to Ampicillin, Chloramphenicol and Cotrimoxazole. Methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was most sensitive to Vancomycin (100%), Linezolid (100%) followed by Chloramphenicol (96.2), Amikacin (88.9%) and Doxycycline (88.9).
Conclusion
Antibiotic sensitivity varies at different geographical areas. Continuous and periodic assessment of microbiological patterns and antibiotic sensitivity of isolates is required to formulate local antibiotic policy so that potential risk of complications can be reduced by early initiation of appropriate therapy.
Market Risk Analysis in Investment Portfolios in Uganda
Authors: Mukasa James 
Published: December 2023

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the market risk analysis in investment portfolios in Uganda.
Methodology: The study adopted a desktop methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library
Findings: The study on Market Risk Analysis in Investment Portfolios in Uganda examines factors affecting investors' performance and profitability in the country. It finds significant untapped potential for foreign direct investment (FDI) in Uganda, particularly in the services sector, but also identifies risks like volatile weather, political instability, weak governance, and high inflation. To attract more investors, the study recommends improving regulations, diversifying exports, enhancing regional integration, and promoting tourism. These steps could help Uganda harness its economic potential.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT), Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) & Behavioral Finance Theory may be used to anchor future studies on the examining market risk analysis in investment portfolios in Uganda. Encourage investors to diversify their portfolios across various asset classes and geographic regions to mitigate market risk. Collaborate with regulatory authorities to establish and enforce robust risk management and reporting standards for financial institutions and investment firms operating in Uganda.
Manajemen pencegahan penyakit tidak menular melalui pemberdayaan SDM kesehatan (KADER) di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Suranadi Lombok Barat NTB
Authors: Mardiatun Mardiatun , Dramawan Awan , Fathoni Akhmad 
Published: December 2023

Indonesia saat ini menghadapi beban ganda penyakit, yaitu penyakit menular dan Penyakit Tidak Menular. Perubahan pola penyakit tersebut sangat dipengaruhi antara lain oleh perubahan lingkungan, perilaku masyarakat, transisi demografi, teknologi, ekonomi dan sosial budaya. Peningkatan beban akibat PTM sejalan dengan meningkatnya faktor risiko yang meliputi meningkatnya tekanan darah, gula darah, indeks massa tubuh atau obesitas, pola makan tidak sehat, kurang aktivitas fisik, dan merokok serta alkohol. Tujuan pengabdian masyarakat ini adalah Meningkatkan pengetahuan Keterampilan SDM Kesehatan ( kader) tentang Pemeriksaan Faktor Resiko PTM dan untuk Meningkatkan Pengetahuan Keterampilan masyarakat (kader) tentang Pengukuran Faktor Resiko PTM (Khusus Hipertensi). Metode yang digunakan yaitu pendidikan kesehatan dengan ceramah dan demonstrasi. Kegiatan ini menghasilkan kader yang mampu melakukan pemeriksaan dan pengukuran factor resiko PTM, di mana data ini sangat di butuhkan sebagai langkah awal dalam menemukan kasus dini PTM di tingkat dasar yang nantinya bisa di gunakan oleh pemegang program puskesmas khusus PTM. Dengan demikian diharapkan peran serta dari Kader tersebut untuk mencegah dan menemukan kasus lebih dini bisa di lakukan.
Penggunaan media booklet pada kader untuk meningkatkan kepatuhan berobat penderita hipertensi
Authors: Daryono Daryono , Masnah Cek 
Published: December 2023

Sebagian besar pasien yang mengalami hipertensi ditemukan memiliki tingkat kepatuhan gaya hidup sehat yang tergolong rendah. Tidak patuhnya pasien hipertensi terhadap gaya hidup sehat mengakibatkan tidak terkontrolnya tekanan darah. Tekanan darah sistolik dan diastolik harus selalu dikontrol agar tetap dalam batas normal karena komplikasi hipertensi akan terjadi apabila tekanan darah tidak dikendalikan. Pengabdian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui penggunaan media booklet pada kader untuk meningkatkan kepatuhan berobat penderita hipertensi. Metode pengabdian kepada masyarakat menggunakan pemberian edukasi berupa penggunaan media booklet pada kader. Sebelum pemberian edukasi, tim pengabdi melakukan pengukuran pengetahuan dan setelah pemberian edukasi diukur lagi pengetahuan penderita hipertensi. Pendampingan pasien Hipertensi dengan pemberian booklet, kotak obat dan pemasangan poster sebagai upaya pemberdayaan dapat meningkatkan pengetahuan.
Implementasi Permainan Tradisional Ular Naga Dalam Menstimulasi Kemampuan Sosial Kelas 1SD Negeri 101912 Pagar Merbau
Authors: Sitorus Jesika 
Published: December 2023

Latar belakang: Permainan tradisional adalah budaya bangsa yang diwariskan secara turun-temurun dan sering dimainkan oleh anak-anak dalam kegiatan kesehariannya. Permainan tradisional memberikan kesan menyenangkan dalam kegiatannya meskipun hanya menggunakan alat-alat sederhana ataupun hanya melakukan gerak fisik saja. Banyak manfaat dari memainkan permainan tradisonal yakni salah satunya adalah mengembangkan kemampuan sosial anak. Kemampuan sosial anak dapat dikembangkan dengan kegiatan bermain. Bermain ialah sebuah aktivitas yang sangat akrab dengan kehidupan anak-anak. Pada saat individu dalam proses pembentukan diri dari anak-anak menuju dewasa tidak ada satupun individu yang tidak mengenal kegiatan permainan Metode penelitian:Penelitian ini termasuk dalam kategori penelitian lapangan karena informasi yang dibutuhkan untuk menyusun karya ilmiah tersebut berasal dari lapangan masyarakat, khususnya SD Negeri 101912 Pagar Merbau. Penelitian ini menggunakan metodologi penelitian kualitatif dan pendekatan fenomenologi. Hasil penelitian: Dalam permainan ular naga dapat menstimulus kemampuan sosial anak seperti anak dapat berbagi peran saat memulai langkah dimana anak ada yang berperan sebagai pemimpin untuk mengintruksikan langkah mana yang akan dimulai dan ada yang menjadi anggota untuk mengikuti intruksi yang ada. Pada permainan tradisional ular nagayang dilakukan guru menggunakan media yang mudah didapat disekitar lingkungan sekolah. Kesimpulan: Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dan pembahasan dapat disimpulkan bahwa implementasi permainan tradisional ular naga dalam menstimulus kemampuan sosial anak di SD Negeri 101912 Pagar Merbau yang pertama perencanaan yaitu berisi guru mempersiapkan modul ajar, guru melakukan pijakan sebelum bermain dengan menyampaikan langkah-langkah dan kesepakatan- kesepakatan. Dalam pelaksanaan guru menerapkan permain tradisional ular naga dengan cara berkelompok Pada evaluasi guru melakukan penilaian ceklist terhadap anak dengan kategori sangat baik dalam lembar instrument penilaian
Climate Finance and its Role in Climate Policy
Authors: Scott Claire 
Published: December 2023

Purpose: The main objective of this study was to explore climate finance and its role in climate policy.
Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library.
Findings: The findings revealed that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to climate finance and its role in climate policy. Preliminary empirical review revealed that the importance of continuously assessing and adapting climate finance mechanisms to meet evolving climate policy needs. Climate finance is not merely a financial resource but a crucial tool in the global fight against climate change, and its effective deployment can significantly contribute to achieving the goals set forth in international climate agreements like the Paris Agreement.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Neoliberal Institutionalism theory, Political Economy theory and the Environmental Governance theory may be used to anchor future studies on climate finance. The study suggested for enhanced transparency and accountability, strengthening capacity building, alignment of climate finance with national priorities, promoting innovative financing mechanisms and facilitating south-south cooperation.