bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emerging threat of candida resistance among neonates at a teaching institute of Jharkhand
Authors: Biswas Binita , Sharma Ashok Kumar , Seema Kumari , Kumar Abhay , Boipai Manju , Kumar* Manoj 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT

Purpose:
In the past few decades, candidemia has escalated to worrisome levels, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality in neonates. The rise in anti-fungal drug resistance demands prompt diagnosis and treatment. This study aimed to determine the speciation and susceptibility pattern of Candida species recovered from special care new-born units and identify risk factors for developing candidemia in neonates.

Method:
A total of 580 blood samples from clinically suspected septicemic neonates were collected and subjected to culture. Cultures positive for yeasts were sub-cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Identification of a suspected purified colony of Candida was confirmed to the species level by both conventional and automated techniques matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Anti-fungal susceptibility of isolates was performed by an automated method (VITEK 2 system) using VITEK 2 cards. Multi-variate logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with candidemia.

Result:
A total of 56 (9.66%) isolates of Candida species were recovered from 580 blood cultures. Non-albicans Candida species predominated with 82.14% of cases, whereas 17.86% of cases were caused by Candida albicans. Candida tropicalis (46.42%) was the most common isolate recovered, followed by Candida albicans (17.8%). Risk factor analyses identified a very low birth weight [odds ratio (OR) =4.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) =2.03–8.08] and prolonged antibiotic therapy (OR = 3.79, 95% CI = 1.7–8.7) among others as significant predictors of candidemia. All the Candida isolates showed 100% sensitivity to voriconazole and micafungin, whereas the overall sensitivities for fluconazole, amphotericin B, caspofungin, and flucytosine were 85.71%, 96.43%, 96.43%, and 91.07%, respectively.

Conclusion:
Candidemia is a life-threatening condition in neonates. Identification of Candida species and routine anti-fungal susceptibility is a must to select a suitable and effective anti-fungal therapy to revoke emerging resistance to anti-fungals.
Competency-based teacher education (CBTE): A training module to improve knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of school teachers on learning disabilities in children
Authors: Rajesh Ravichandran , Joseph Zeanath Cariena 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT

Introduction:
Inclusive education is a new approach towards a system of educating children with disabilities and learning difficulties with that of normal ones within the same crown. Competency-based teacher education (CBTE) is a framework in which teachers demonstrate their learned knowledge, attitude, and skills in order to achieve specific predetermined “competencies” for a specific course or at a specific educational institution. Children with learning disabilities have significant impairment in reading, writing, and mathematics in spite of normal intelligence and sensory abilities.

Aim:
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of competency-based teacher education (CBTE) training module on knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of school teachers regarding learning disabilities in children.

Materials and Methods:
This was a Quasi experimental study carried out in the month of December 2020 using one group pretest and posttest design. Thirty-five school teachers from a private school were randomly selected as study subjects who were handling classes for primary school students at Kolar. School teachers who had prior exposure in special schools and who had already worked as a counsellor were excluded from this study. Data were collected via a self-administrated method with structured questionnaires consist of 150 items including sociodemographic profile, knowledge, attitude, and practice of teachers regarding learning disabilities in children; the data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results:
The findings indicated that mean post-test knowledge score was 35.89, attitude score was 170.66, and practice score was 69.60. The effectiveness of CBTE training module was found to be statistically significant at P < 0.05 in terms of mean scores enhancement in knowledge, attitude, and practices. In terms of correlation between knowledge, attitude, and practices of school teachers on learning disabilities in children, it was found that there was a highly positive correlation between attitude and practice with r = 0.884, and knowledge and practice with r = 0.905.

Conclusion:
The CBTE training module is an effective method in enhancing the knowledge, changing the desirable attitude, and developing good skills of school teachers regarding the identification and management of learning disabilities.
Central Retinal Artery Occlusion in COVID-Associated Mucormycosis
Authors: Srivastava Smiti Rani , Sarkar Peyalee , Ganguly Purban , Mukherjee Debaleena , Ray Biman Kanti , Dubey Souvik , Pandit Alak , Sengupta Amitabh , Bandopadhyay Manimoy , Ghosh Asim Kumar , Poddar Kanika Gupta , Guha Soumyajit , Ayub Asif 
Published: May 2023

Introduction:
Significant surge of mucormycosis was reported in the Indian Subcontinent during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-associated mucormycosis (CAM) was defined as the development of features of mucormycosis with prior or current history of COVID-19 infection. Rapid angioinvasion is an important characteristic of mucormycosis. Authors intended to find out the prevalence of retinal arterial occlusion and its association with vascular embolic occlusion elsewhere in the body among CAM patients in this study.

Methods:
This was an observational study. All consecutive-confirmed cases of mucormycosis (n = 89) and age-/gender-/risk factor-matched controls (n = 324) admitted in the designated COVID center were included in the study. All cases and controls underwent comprehensive ophthalmological, otorhinological, and neurological examinations. All necessary investigations to support the clinical diagnosis were done. Qualitative data were analyzed using the Chi-square test. Quantitative data for comparison of means between the cases and controls were done using unpaired t-test.

Results:
Twenty-one (23.59%) patients manifested the defined outcome of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). Among age-matched control, with similar diabetic status, none had developed the final outcome as defined (P < 0.05). About 90.47% of subjects with CRAO presented with no perception of light vision. Thirteen subjects (61.9%) with the final outcome developed clinical manifestations of stroke during the course of their illness with radiological evidence of watershed infarction (P = 0.001). Orbital debridement was performed in 9 (42.85%) subjects while orbital exenteration was done in 8 (38.09%) subjects.

Conclusions:
CRAO in CAM patients was found to have aggressive nature turning the eye blind in a very short period of time. CRAO can serve as a harbinger for subsequent development of more debilitating and life-threatening conditions such as stroke among CAM patients.
The effect of threshold inspiratory muscle training on the duration of weaning in intensive care unit-admitted patients: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Khodabandeloo Farnoosh , Froutan Razieh , Peivandi Yazdi Arash , Shakeri Mohammad Taghi , Mazlom Seyed Reza , Bagheri Moghaddam Ahmad 
Published: May 2023

Background:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of threshold inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on the duration of weaning in intensive care unit (ICU)-admitted patients.

Materials and Methods:
This randomized clinical trial enrolled 79 ICU-admitted, mechanically ventilated patients in 2020–2021 in Imam Reza Hospital, Mashhad. Patients were randomly divided into intervention (n = 40) and control (n = 39) groups. The intervention group received threshold IMT and conventional chest physiotherapy, while the control group only received conventional chest physiotherapy once a day. Before and after the end of the intervention, the strength of inspiratory muscles and the duration of weaning were measured in both the groups.

Results:
The duration of weaning was shorter in the intervention group (8.4 ± 1.1 days) versus the control group (11.2 ± 0.6 days) (P < 0.001). The rapid shallow breathing index decreased by 46.5% in the intervention group and by 27.3% in the control group after the intervention (both P < 0.001), and the between-group comparison showed a significantly higher reduction in the intervention group than control group (P < 0.001). The patients' compliance after the intervention compared to the 1st day increased to 16.2 ± 6.6 in the intervention group and 9.6 ± 6.8 in the control group (both P < 0.001), and the between-group comparison showed a significantly higher increase in the intervention group than control group. The maximum inspiratory pressure increased by 13.7 ± 6.1 in the intervention group and by 9.1 ± 6.0 in the control group (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the weaning success was 54% more probable in the intervention group than control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
The results of this study showed the positive effect of IMT with threshold IMT trainer on increased strength of respiratory muscles and reduced weaning duration.
Clinical characteristics and outcomes in Asian patients with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction
Authors: Tay Julian Cheong Kiat , Chia Shaw Yang , Koh Siew Hui Michelle , Sim David Kheng Leng , Chai Ping , Loh Seet Yoong , Jaufeerally Fazlur Rehman , Lee Sheldon Shao Guang , Lim Patrick Zhan Yun , Yap Jonathan 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction:
Data on heart failure (HF) with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF) is still emerging, especially in Asian populations. This study aims to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes of Asian HFmrEF patients with those of HF patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Methods:
Patients admitted nationally for HF between 2008 and 2014 were included in the study. They were categorised according to ejection fraction (EF). Patients with EF <40%, EF 40%–49% and EF ≥50% were categorised into the following groups: HFrEF, HFmrEF and HFpEF, respectively. All patients were followed up till December 2016. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included cardiovascular death and/or HF rehospitalisations.

Results:
A total of 16,493 patients were included in the study — HFrEF, n = 7,341 (44.5%); HFmrEF, n = 2,272 (13.8%); and HFpEF n = 6,880 (41.7%). HFmrEF patients were more likely to be gender neutral, of mid-range age and have concomitant diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia, peripheral vascular disease and coronary artery disease (P < 0.001). The two-year overall mortality rates for HFrEF, HFmrEF and HFpEF were 32.9%, 31.8% and 29.1%, respectively. HFmrEF patients had a significantly lower overall mortality rate compared to HFrEF patients (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83–0.95; P < 0.001) and a significantly higher overall mortality rate (adjusted HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.17–1.33; P < 0.001) compared to HFpEF patients. This was similarly seen with cardiovascular mortality and HF hospitalisations, with the exception of similar HF hospitalisations between HFmrEF and HFpEF patients.

Conclusion:
HFmrEF patients account for a significant burden of patients with HF. HFmrEF represents a distinct HF phenotype with high atherosclerotic burden and clinical outcomes saddled in between those of HFrEF and HFpEF. Further therapeutic studies to guide management of this challenging group of patients are warranted.
Knowledge of COVID-19 and associated factors among kidney transplant recipients and donors in Singapore
Authors: Liew Ian Tatt , Wang Yeli , Kee Terence , Tee Ping Sing , Shirore Rupesh Madhukar , Thangaraju Sobhana , Ho Quan Yao , Lu York Moi , Yong Jin Hua , Foo Fiona , Ng Eleanor , He Xia , Lee Constance , Baey Shannon , Foo Marjorie , Jafar Tazeen Hasan 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background:
Effective interventions during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic require an understanding of patients’ knowledge and perceptions that influence their behaviour. Our study assessed knowledge of COVID-19 among kidney transplant recipients and donors, hitherto unevaluated.

Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 325 kidney transplant recipients and 172 donors between 1 May 2020 and 30 June 2020. The survey questionnaire assessed knowledge levels of COVID-19, sociodemographic data, health status, psychosocial impact of COVID-19 and precautionary behaviours during the pandemic.

Results:
The mean COVID-19 knowledge score of the study population was 7.5 (standard deviation: 2.2) out of 10. The mean score was significantly higher among kidney recipients compared to kidney donors (7.9 [1.9] vs. 6.7 [2.6]; P <0.001). Younger age (21–49 vs. ≥50 years) and higher education (diploma and higher vs. secondary and lower) were associated with significantly higher knowledge scores in donors, but not among recipients (P-interactions ≤0.01). In both kidney recipients and donors, financial concerns and/or social isolation were associated with lower knowledge levels.

Conclusions:
Concerted efforts are needed to improve COVID-19 knowledge in kidney transplant recipients and donors, particularly older donors, donors with lower education and patients with financial concerns or feelings of social isolation. Intensive patient education may mitigate the impact of education levels on COVID-19 knowledge levels.
First Year University Students` Use of Words, Symbols and Images to Convey Mathematical Ideas: A Case of Definitions
Authors: Matabane Mogalatjane Edward , Machaba France Masilo 
Published: May 2023

This qualitative case study analysed how first year university mathematics students used words, images and symbols to convey the same mathematical ideas. The study was located within the interpretivist paradigm and took naturalistic methodology. Twenty six first year students were purposefuly selected to participate in the study. Data was collected through analysing students’ assignments scripts followed by semi-structured interviews. The study sought to answer the questions: How did the first year university students` use of words, symbols and images to convey mathematical ideas. The data were analysed using Lave and Wenger`s (situated learning and Seo ` mathematical communication theories. Data analysis focused on the structure and usage of symbols, images and words to commucaite mathematical idea. The results of the study shows that the students experienced difficulties in using words, images and symbols to communicate the same mathematical idea. There was contradictions meanings between images, words and symbols usage in attempt to define same concept. It is recommended that encouraging studets to wave between words, symbols and images to communicate mathematica concepts will improve understanding of mathematical concepts. First year university mathematics teachers are encouraged to not only used one method of mathematical communication when definining concepts. Moreover, it is recommended that formal mathematics definition be used after students graps the meaning of concepts using everyday day words and images. The abstractness should only follow after the difinitions are understood intuitively and can be represented diagrammatically or with images.
NURSING STUDENTS' EXPERIENCES OF INTERACTING WITH MENTORS IN CLINICAL PRACTICE
Authors: Žilionytė Aušrinė , Stanislav Stanislav , Stirblienė Jurgita 
Published: May 2023

Nursing mentorships in Lithuania are not quite as well researched compared to other European nations. Good mentor-pupil relations make a huge difference in the quality of studies. Mentors that care, and invest more time in the students themselves, correlate with better student reviews and overall satisfaction in practical works.
The aim of the study was to investigate nursing students' experiences of interacting with mentors in clinical practice by analysing the results of research studies. A systematic review of the scientific literature was conducted.
Results and conclusions. The results showed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, mentors spent significantly less time with students during their placements, which had an impact on the quality of placements. It also came to be, that during the pandemic, students were used as additional working hands, and would shadow various hospital employees as opposed to the assigned mentors. Generally speaking, students tend to complain of a lack of personal connection with said mentors, with an underlying difficulty of bringing up personal problems and concerns. However, there are also students that are at ease with the quality of their studies, and with the mentors that assist them grow in the working environment. When discussing studies within the hospital/health setting, formation of good habits are appropriate for the students and mentors alike.
The Effect of Active Substance X on Skin Affected by Cellulite
Authors: Vorobjova Diana , Gierasimovič Zita 
Published: May 2023

Increased fat cell accumulation due to overweight creates an aesthetic problem, resulting in cellulite. Active substance X penetrates into the deeper layers of the skin affected by cellulite, activates microcirculation, optimizes the effect of active substances, and reduces cellulite in affected areas of the body.
The aim. Assessing the effect of active substance X on cellulite-damaged thigh skin.
The research method. Two study participants were selected by targeted screening, meeting the study criteria: female gender, aged 20-25, having stage II-III cellulite, without any contraindications that would prevent procedures with X active substance. A course of 6 procedures is planned. According to the procedure protocol, the frequency of the procedures is performed every 2-3 days depending on the stage of cellulite. During the research stages, the following tools are used: a client card,a measuring tape, a calliper, and photogrammetry. The obtained data is archived and analysed.
The results and conclusions. Positive changes in the signs of the two-component X active substance were observed in both study participants after a course of six procedures. The cellulite of the T1 study participant progressed from stage III liposclerosis with hardening to stage II fibrous cellulite. The T2 study participant progressed from stage II fibrous cellulite to stage I oedematous cellulite.
Vulnerability, Business Resilience, Mechanisms, and Challenges of Village (Barangay) Micro Business Enterprises in the New Normal
Authors: Lobaton John Rey G 
Published: May 2023

Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and their employees have been particularly hard hit by the recession because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study assesses the level of vulnerability and business resilience of two hundred seven (207) Village (Barangay) Micro Business Enterprises (BMBEs) in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines. Likewise, it identifies the mechanisms, opportunities, and challenges of BMBEs in the new normal. Respondents of this study are from the wholesale and retail trade and food and beverage service sectors in Bacolod City who were selected using stratified random sampling. The descriptive-comparative research was used in the study and utilized both researcher-made and adapted questionnaires to gather data. Results showed that BMBEs had a moderate level of vulnerability and a high level of business resilience during the COVID-19 crisis. In terms of mechanisms and challenges, most BMBEs adopt technology for promotion purposes and have experienced insufficiency of cash flows to maintain operations. It can be concluded that the businesses were highly resilient during the COVID-19 crisis, as there is only a moderate extent of vulnerabilities from the BMBEs' internal operations. Businesses were able to absorb both internal and external shocks by adjusting to change and seizing opportunities.
Mulheres artistas, decolonialidade e arte contemporânea: os modos de ver e as fricções criadoras
Authors: Vasconcelos Flávia Pedrosa 
Published: May 2023

Este artigo é fruto de pesquisa em andamento sobre as Artes Visuais na América Latina numa perspectiva decolonial no Projeto de Pesquisa Arte Contemporânea na América Latina, Criatividade e Inovação e das discussões no Laboratório de Criatividade e Inovação em Artes Visuais – LACRIA e no Grupo de Pesquisa Artes Visuais e Criatividade – AVEC. Dos caminhos encontrados no percurso investigativo, optamos por discutir aqui alguns meandros da produção de mulheres artistas, revisitando os modos de ver, percebendo desafios e fricções quando se observa o mercado da Arte e as narrativas históricas que determinam e visibilizam prioritariamente a produção de homens artistas. Desse modo, procuramos demonstrar questões relevantes para a construção de discursos e revisão da Arte Contemporânea tendo como base o trabalho de algumas mulheres artistas que dialogam diretamente em suas obras com a ótica decolonial na América Latina. Por fim, destacamos na análise a produção em Artes Visuais de Santa Maria-RS, preocupação contextualizadora para uma reflexão crítica sobre os processos de criação numa perspectiva decolonial e sinalizamos a necessidade de continuidade do registro e visibilização desses e de outros trabalhos de mulheres artistas.
EXPRESSION OF C-KIT IN BENIGN AND MALIGNANT ENDOMETRIAL LESIONS
Authors: SAFEENA SARFRAZ  , ZAHID MAHMOOD AKHTAR  , MAHAM AKHLAQ  , SAMREEN HAMEED  , RAHEEL AHMED  , AYMA JAMIL  
Published: May 2023

Objective: To examine and to compare c-kit expression in benign and malignant endometrial lesions.
Study Design: Comparative, Cross Sectional Study
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pathology, King Edward Medical University Lahore.
Methodology: Patients undergoing Gynecological procedures (diagnostic dilatation and curettage or hysterectomies due to dysfunctional uterine bleeding). They were further sub classified into benign and malignant lesions. Patients age and histopathological diagnosis were recorded and described.
Conclusion: This study showed, c-kit over expression was seen in 31/68 (45.6%) in endometrial carcinoma and 21/68 (30.9%) in benign endometrial lesions
DAMPAK GADGET TERHADAP INTERAKSI SOSIAL PADA ANAK USIA DINI DI DUSUN SUMURAN DESA SUMURGAYAM KECAMATAN PACIRAN KABUPATEN LAMONGAN TAHUN 2022
Authors: Erika Rohmawati  , Risatur Rofi’ah  
Published: May 2023

Interaksi sosial merupakan suatu hubungan timbal balik yang dilakukan antara individu dengan individu lainnya. Siswa yang memiliki interaksi sosial yang tinggi dalam belajar memungkinkan akan memperoleh keberhasilan atau dengan kata lai memperoleh hasil yang tinggi. Berangkat deskripsi diatas dapat ditentukan rumusan masalah dalam penelitian ini yaitu: Bagaimana dampak gadget terhadap interaksi sosial pada anak usia dini di Dusun Sumuran Kecamtan Paciran Kabupaten Lamongan Tahun 2022? Apa saja faktor yang mempengaruhi interaksi sosial pada anak usia dini di Dusun Sumuran Kecamtan Paciran Kabupaten Lamongan Tahun 2022? Penelitian menggunakan metode kualitatif yang mana teknik pengumpulan datanya yaitu menggunakan wawancara, observasi dan dokumentasi. Dari hasil penetilian yang dilakukan dapat disimpulkan bahwa ada dua dampak gadget terhadap interaksi sosial di dusun Sumuran, yaitu positif negatif. Dampak positif yang disebabkan oleh gadget antara lain; anak lebih kreatif dan inovatif dalam mencari inspirasi untuk mengekspresikan isi hatinya, anak dapat lebih berwawasan luas dan tidak tertinggal oleh zamannya. Adapun dampak negatif membuat anak menjadi kecanduan dan ketergantungan pada gadget, anak menjadi lebih menyendiri dan tidak berinteraksi sosial dengan teman sebayanya dengan baik. Sejalan dengan teori.