scholarly journals Monobloc Facial Advancement in the World of COVID-19 Testing: A New Potential Risk for Iatrogenic Injury

FACE ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 273250162098695
Author(s):  
Fatima Qamar ◽  
Kristen S. Whalen ◽  
Bahar Abbassi ◽  
Luis F. Rodriguez ◽  
George I. Jallo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Cranial Base ◽  
Iatrogenic Injury ◽  
Testing Methods ◽  
Case Presentation ◽  
Syndromic Craniosynostosis ◽  
The World ◽  
Cranial Fossa ◽  
Alternative Testing ◽  
Testing Protocols

Background: Monobloc advancement with distraction is a holistic approach to treat the sequelae of syndromic craniosynostosis. These osteotomies create a communication between the nasal cavity and anterior cranial fossa that must be surgically obliterated to limit the infectious risks. In light of mandatory COVID-19 testing protocols amidst the pandemic, we aim to identify the specific challenges in management and present our strategy to overcome them. Case presentation: We report 2 cases of syndromic craniosynostosis treated with monobloc distraction during the COVID-19 pandemic and highlight safety concerns and our approach to managing these patients by avoiding nasopharyngeal swabs that may potentially penetrate the cranial base and place the patient as risk for iatrogenic injury. Discussion/conclusion: In patients undergoing surgical procedures that create a cranial base defect, caution must be exercised when attempting to test for COVID-19 which may be a source of potential iatrogenic injury. We propose a new algorithm for COVID-19 screening/surveillance following frontofacial advancement. Patients must be screened via alternative testing methods or treated as potential asymptomatic carriers of COVID-19 until postoperative imaging demonstrates complete ossification of the cranial base.

Genotypic Methods for HIV Drug Resistance Monitoring: The Opportunities and Challenges Faced by China

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 225-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lulu Zuo ◽  
Ke Peng ◽  
Yihong Hu ◽  
Qinggang Xu
Keyword(s):  
Drug Resistance ◽  
Virological Suppression ◽  
Testing Methods ◽  
Hiv Drug Resistance ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Hiv Epidemic ◽  
Routine Surveillance ◽  
The World ◽  
Global Project ◽  
Hiv 1

AIDS is a globalized infectious disease. In 2014, UNAIDS launched a global project of “90-90-90” to end the HIV epidemic by 2030. The second and third 90 require 90% of HIV-1 infected individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and durable virological suppression. However, wide use of ART will greatly increase the emergence and spreading of HIV drug resistance and current HIV drug resistance test (DRT) assays in China are seriously lagging behind, hindering to achieve virological suppression. Therefore, recommending an appropriate HIV DRT method is critical for HIV routine surveillance and prevention in China. In this review, we summarized the current existing HIV drug resistance genotypic testing methods around the world and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of these methods.

scholarly journals Cerebral venous thrombosis in a patient with Down syndrome and coronavirus disease 2019: a case report

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry Robayo-Amortegui ◽  
Natalia Valenzuela-Faccini ◽  
Cesar Quecano-Rosas ◽  
Darlyng Zabala-Muñoz ◽  
Michel Perez-Garzon
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Down Syndrome ◽  
Case Report ◽  
Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Cerebral Venous Thrombosis ◽  
Epidemiological Data ◽  
Thromboembolic Disease ◽  
Hispanic Woman ◽  
Case Presentation ◽  
The World

Abstract Background The new coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has spread throughout most of the world. Cerebral venous thrombosis is a rare thromboembolic disease that can present as an extrapulmonary complication in coronavirus disease 2019 infection. Case presentation We report the case of a Hispanic woman with Down syndrome who has coronavirus disease 2019 and presents as a complication extensive cerebral venous thrombosis. Conclusions Cerebral venous thrombosis is a rare thromboembolic disease that can present as an extrapulmonary complication in coronavirus disease 2019 infection. In the absence of clinical and epidemiological data, it is important to carry out further investigation of the risk factors and pathophysiological causes related to the development of cerebrovascular thrombotic events in patients with Down syndrome with coronavirus disease 2019 infection.

Wounded Because of Religion: Identifying the Components of Gender-Specific Religious Persecution of Christians

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-141
Author(s):  
Helene Fisher ◽  
Elizabeth Lane Miller ◽  
Christof Sauer
Keyword(s):  
Central African Republic ◽  
Complex Dynamics ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Christian Women ◽  
Religious Persecution ◽  
The World ◽  
Gender Specific ◽  
The Church ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract Emerging understanding of gender-specific religious persecution in some of the world’s most difficult countries for Christians offers timely insight into complex dynamics in which the church and missions have too often been unwittingly complicit due to limited visibility of the components contributing to these wounds. Fresh research into these deeply wounding global phenomena stands as both a warning and a pointer towards an avenue for effective ministrations by churches and Christian ministries that are working in the most severely affected areas of the world. Drawing on the latest trends identified by World Watch Research, outcomes of the Consultation for Christian Women under Pressure for their Faith, a contemporary case study from Central African Republic, and a biblical narrative, we will explore practical opportunities for a holistic approach to bring preparedness, healing, and restoration for communities under severe pressure for their Christian faith.

Yamuna Action Plan-III: Impact on Water Quality of River Yamuna, India

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Ankit Srivastava ◽  
Prathna T.C.
Keyword(s):  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Treatment Plant ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Pollutant Load ◽  
River Ganges ◽  
The World ◽  
River Yamuna ◽  
The Impact

Water is indispensable to sustain life and livelihood, and rivers serve as major reservoirs of water in manyparts of the world. River Yamuna is the major tributary of the River Ganges in India and is considered to be among the most polluted rivers of the world. The Yamuna Action Plan (YAP) is one of the largest river restoration projects in India and is initiated to clean the river. YAP is a bilateral arrangement between the governments of India and Japan, and consists of three Actions Plans-I, II and III. YAP-III is currently under execution with some of the major projects being the construction of the new Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) at Okhla, rehabilitation and upgrading of WWTPs at Kondli and Rithala in the Delhi region. The impact of YAP-III with regard to these major projects on the reduction of the pollutant load reaching the river and cost-benefit has been evaluated in the current study. Findings from the study indicated that major projects such as construction of a new WWTP at Okhla (124 MGD) can effectively reduce the pollutant load by 283 kg/MGD of wastewater at a cost of Rs. 1161 crores while the rehabilitation project at Rithala (Phase I) can reduce the pollutant load by 92.5 kg/MGD wastewater at a cost of Rs. 300 crores. The present study indicates the need to evaluate projects in terms of cost-benefit analysis in addition to the economic and environmental evaluation for effective action. A holistic approach towards treatment of pollutant load in the river and prevention of further pollutants from reaching the river is required in addition to community awareness and participation for sustainable river water management.

Human Foramen Magnum Area and Posterior Cranial Fossa Volume Growth in Relation to Cranial Base Synchondrosis Closure in the Course of Child Development

Neurosurgery ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 79 (5) ◽  
pp. 722-735 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guillaume Coll ◽  
Jean-Jacques Lemaire ◽  
Federico Di Rocco ◽  
Isabelle Barthélémy ◽  
Jean-Marc Garcier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Growth ◽  
Slow Growth ◽  
Volume Growth ◽  
Cranial Base ◽  
Foramen Magnum ◽  
Posterior Cranial Fossa ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Cranial Fossa ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Tomography Scan

Abstract BACKGROUND: To date, no study has compared the evolution of the foramen magnum area (FMA) and the posterior cranial fossa volume (PCFV) with the degree of cranial base synchondrosis ossification. OBJECTIVE: To illustrate these features in healthy children. METHODS: The FMA, the PCFV, and the ossification of 12 synchondroses according to the Madeline and Elster scale were retrospectively analyzed in 235 healthy children using millimeter slices on a computed tomography scan. RESULTS: The mean FMA of 6.49 cm2 in girls was significantly inferior to the FMA of 7.67 cm2 in boys (P <.001). In both sexes, the growth evolved in a 2-phase process, with a phase of rapid growth from birth to 3.75 years old (yo) followed by a phase of stabilization. In girls, the first phase was shorter (ending at 2.6 yo) than in boys (ending at 4.33 yo) and proceeded at a higher rate. PCFV was smaller in girls (P <.001) and displayed a biphasic pattern in the whole population, with a phase of rapid growth from birth to 3.58 yo followed by a phase of slow growth until 16 yo. In girls, the first phase was more active and shorter (ending at 2.67 yo) than in boys (ending at 4.5 yo). The posterior interoccipital synchondroses close first, followed by the anterior interoccipital and occipitomastoidal synchondroses, the lambdoid sutures simultaneously, then the petro-occipital and spheno-occipital synchondroses simultaneously. CONCLUSION: The data provide a chronology of synchondrosis closure. We showed that FMA and PCFV are constitutionally smaller in girls at birth (P ⩽.02) and suggest that a sex-related difference in the FMA is related to earlier closure of anterior interoccipital synchondroses in girls (P =.01).

scholarly journals Comparative analysis of efficiency of democracy in Ukraine according to the indices of democracy The Economist Democracy Index, Freedom In the World and Polity IV

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (8) ◽  
pp. 78-92
Author(s):  
Kateryna Fedoryshynа
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Civil Liberties ◽  
Integral Point ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Executive Power ◽  
Time Period ◽  
The World ◽  
Final Score ◽  
Legal Restrictions

This article represents an analysis of efficiency of Ukrainian democracy within the framework of three popural indices of democracy – The Economist Democracy Index, Freedom In the World index and Polity IV. Comparative analysis shows the core factors which bring three different democratic concepts, used in the indices, to the integral unity. Finding correlation between factors of Ukrainian democracy, measured in the indices through a certain time period (2006-2018), helps getting integral look at the problem of non existent universal theoretic base for understanding democracy. The basic idea of the analysis, represented in this article, shows that different factors, used by indices in measuring democracy, do not evenly correlate in practice, though they represent holistic approach to the essence of democracy. Choosing specific theoretical approach of understanding democracy makes it hard for indices to fully measure real democracy. This analysis aims at searching correlation in different basic factors of democratic models, used by indices with different approaches. As the result of the analysis the article ranks a number of basic factors, used in three popular indices of democracy, according to the strength of correlation of these factors with other factors of the index they represent and with the final score of the index. Integral choice of the basic factors, which correlate with the change of Ukraine’s democratic trends according to the three indices, covers several dimensions of democratic model. Ukrainian democratic trends in the specific time period (2006-2018), as the analysis shows, from integral point of view correlates the most with the changes in electoral process and pluralism, civil liberties and legal restrictions of the executive power. Political culture, political participation and individual rights show weak correlation with Ukrainian democratic trends within the period of time, chosen for the analysis.

scholarly journals A Virtual Representation of the Egyptian Cultural Heritage

2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 45
Author(s):  
Fathi Saleh
Keyword(s):  
Information Technology ◽  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Intangible Cultural Heritage ◽  
Virtual Museum ◽  
Natural Heritage ◽  
The World ◽  
Unique Experience

<p>In Egypt, the Center for Documentation of Cultural and Natural Heritage (CULTNAT) is treating cultural heritage in a holistic approach whether regarding the diversity of themes of cultural heritage or in the case of museums, the presence of objects in the different museums both within the country or abroad (a sort of global virtual museum). The establishment of CULTNAT marks a unique experience in the application of the latest innovations in the world of telecommunications and information technology towards heritage issues. CULTNAT’s main mandate is to document the various aspects of Egypt's tangible and intangible cultural heritage as well as its natural heritage.</p>

scholarly journals Understanding the Use of Real Time Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) For Covid-19 Diagnosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-97
Author(s):  
Adesola O. Olalekan ◽  
Bamidele A. Iwalokun ◽  
Olutoyin C. Adekunle ◽  
Hussaini A. Makun ◽  
Tatfeng Mirabeau ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reverse Transcriptase ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Protein Gene ◽  
Rna Detection ◽  
Glycoprotein Gene ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
Alternative Testing ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Testing Protocols

Background: Adequate knowledge of real time Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Re-action (rRT-PCR) is critical for accurate implementation of the assay, interpretation of results and report-ing. This mini-review describes the principles, procedures, and level of development of rRT-PCR assays for the control of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A narrative review was carried out to describe the principles of rRT-PCR, provide an update on the landscape of rRT-PCR protocols and elucidate the process control involved in pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical stages of COVID-19 testing . Review Findings: The rRT-PCR is currently considered to be the acceptable standard for confirming COVID-19 diagnosis based on SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection via conversion to cDNA and amplification of target genes in real time using sequence specific TaqMan® probes. Available evidence indicates that different rRT-PCR protocols varying in number and type of target genes within SARS-CoV-2 genome are currently available for validation and emergency use approval (EUA) in pandemic countries. A total of 1 – 3 target genes, comprising the ORF1a, ORF1b, RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), Nucleoplasid protein gene (N), Spike glycoprotein gene (S) and Envelope protein gene (E) are detected by these proto-cols. Conclusion: rRT-PCR remains the most sensitive method for confirming, monitoring and managing COVID-19 disease in the ongoing pandemic in all affected countries. The need for validation of every rRT-PCR protocol prior to deployment for COVID-19 testing and research into the development of alternative testing protocols are strongly recommended

Mindfulness Access Points in General Music: Singing, Breathing, and Self-Awareness

2021 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 43-46
Author(s):  
Edward Varner
Keyword(s):  
Life Experiences ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
General Music ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Access Points ◽  
Music Classroom ◽  
The World ◽  
The Moment

The purpose of this column is to promote the use of focused breathing and singing as access points to improved student self-awareness in the general music classroom. Singing is a holistic activity with the healing potential to improve and transform many traumatic life experiences endured by our students. Similarly, mindfulness breathwork is a holistic approach used to enhance self-awareness in the moment and can reduce anxiety. Both pursuits have the potential to help students overcome difficulties of fear, stress, and anxiety. Both practices expose participants to new ways of understanding themselves and the world around them while creating important access points to mindfulness and self-awareness.

Intelligent Cities

2021 ◽  
pp. 216-250
Author(s):  
Kwesi Atta Sakyi
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Monitoring And Evaluation ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Environmental Friendliness ◽  
The World ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
Crime Detection ◽  
Intelligent Cities ◽  
Medicine Education

This chapter focuses on a systematic and integrated approach to managing cities using multidisciplinary and technology-based approach and drawing on integrated knowledge from different fields. The chapter aims to discuss and analyse issues in an organic and holistic approach. It explores theory and combines praxis, applications, and futuristic conjectures. Emphasis is placed on issues of ethics, human rights, environmental friendliness, sustainability, and compliance with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While the chapter has considerable input from existing scholarship, it adopts a narrative that is innovative and creative and engages with novel ideas and propositions for future progress. It also charts the breakthrough in transportation, commerce, medicine, education, the world of work, and contemporary health, with particular emphasis on issues relating to safety, confidentiality, privacy, facial recognition, city policing, crime detection, monitoring and evaluation, forecasting, and future of AI.

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