bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cholelithiasis - current knowledge about one of the most common diseases of the digestive system
Authors: Demidowicz Gabriela , Lasota Nina , Trąbka Natalia , Younes Martyna , Kowalczyk Klaudia , Cichoń Katarzyna , Chyćko Małgorzata , Czarnota Julia , Wiśniewski Wojciech , Lambach Maciej
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Cholelithiasis is one of the most common diseases of the digestive system and thus the most common cause of hospitalization in gastroenterology. According to the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL), it affects up to 20% of the European population and about 10-20% of the Polish population, and the number of patients is constantly increasing. This may be related to the growing problem of obesity and the widespread use of ultrasonography. The disease is also becoming more common in children and adolescents. The costs of gallstone diagnosis and treatment cause a huge financial burden on the health care system. As such, it is a public health issue that deserves more attention.
 
Aim of the study: The aim of this review is to present current and the most important information about cholelithiasis – to determine the association between prevention and cholelithiasis, describe diagnosis, treatment and complications. 
 
Materials and methods: The review was based on the analysis of materials collected in the „Pubmed” database, Google Scholar, European Society for the Study of the Liver guidelines (EASL), books and other scientific articles. The search was performer using the key words: „cholelithiasis”, „cholelithiasis treatment”, „cholelithiasis diet”, „gallstone disease”,” gallstones”, „cholelithiasis etiology”, „Biliary Colic”
 
Summary: Cholelithiasis is currently the most common disease of the bile ducts. The increasing incidence of patients with gallstones should contribute to the increased interest in this disease.
Cannabidiol: main mechanisms of action and therapeutic targets
Authors: Kowalczyk Klaudia , Trąbka Natalia , Demidowicz Gabriela , Lasota Nina , Cichoń Katarzyna , Chyćko Małgorzata , Czarnota Julia , Wiśniewski Wojciech , Lambach Maciej , Younes Martyna
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Over the past few years, multiple publications have proven many beneficial properties associated with CBD. Currently, its use in the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases is suggested. Also, very often the use of CBD in the treatment of anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and depression, as well as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease is the subject of scientific research. CBD could be also used in treatment of the chronic pain in cancer patients or in people with diabetic complications. So far, it has been proven that CBD has anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antioxidant, anti-arthritic, procognitive, cardio- and neuroprotective effects. The potential of cannabidiol in the prevention and treatment of many diseases is seen in its complex and multidirectional mechanisms of action. CBD has low affinity for cannabinoid receptors and acts as an inverse agonist of type 2 cannabinoid receptors (CB2-R). Additionally, CBD exerts its effects through many other molecular targets.
Aim of the study: The aim of this review is to present mechanisms of action of cannabidiol and its possible therapeutic targets.
Materials and methods: The literature available in the PubMed and Google Scholar data bases was reviewed, using the following keywords: "cannabidiol", "CBD", "CBD's mechanism of action", "CBD therapeutic targets", "endocannabinoid system".
Conclusions: Cannabidiol is a promising candidate in the treatment of many common diseases. Furthermore, research is needed to confirm its beneficial effects and turn it into an effective drug that supports therapy with other drugs.
La Escuela de Salamanca y los derechos humanos: una difícil conciliación/The School of Salamanca and human rights: a difficult conciliation
Authors: Castilla Urbano Francisco
Published: October 2023

El pensamiento de la Escuela de Salamanca y especialmente de Francisco de Vitoria (1483-1546) y Bartolomé de las Casas (1484-1566) supuso un importante avance para el reconocimiento de los derechos de los habitantes del Nuevo Mundo. Aunque no carecía de ambigüedades y evolucionó de unos autores a otros, su contribución fue más sistemática que cualquiera de las existentes hasta entonces y, durante su vigencia (1526-1617), contribuyó a refutar algunas de las ideas más usadas para justificar la discriminación y el sometimiento de los indios. Sin embargo, esa aportación no se corresponde con la de los derechos humanos laicos y liberales que habrían de reivindicarse desde finales del siglo XVIII. Ignorar esta diferencia implica no solo desnaturalizar lo que implican estos derechos sino también caer en un ejercicio de anacronismo, en el que se desplaza y desenfoca el esfuerzo de los autores de la Escuela, sin que lo atribuido se pueda considerar mejor que lo que realmente defendieron.
'FOR EVERMORE': AN EXAMINATION OF MUSICAL EKPHRASES OF E. A. POE'S "THE RAVEN".
Authors: Díaz Morillo Ester
Published: October 2023

This article analyses the transfer of poetic language into music, focusing on Edgar Allan Poe’s celebrated poem “The Raven” (1845). After a theoretical study on poetic language and theoretical questions regarding transmediation, I look into different pieces of instrumental music directly inspired by Poe’s lines. To this end, I draw on groundbreaking research regarding media transformation by authors such as Lars Elleström, whose work provides the theoretical framework, and, most especially, Siglind Bruhn, who has written about the relation between poetry and music, and who coined the term “musical ekphrasis”. Finally, I argue that these composers transmediate Poe’s “The Raven” by using musical devices similar to those employed by Poe in his poem. Particularly important for this analysis will be compulsive repetition and variation as strategies of the musical ekphrasis, and the re-presentation of the uncanny in music. This article analyses the transfer of poetic language into music, focusing on Edgar Allan Poe’s celebrated poem “The Raven” (1845). After a theoretical study on poetic language and theoretical questions regarding transmediation, I look into different pieces of instrumental music directly inspired by Poe’s lines. To this end, I draw on groundbreaking research regarding media transformation by authors such as Lars Elleström, whose work provides the theoretical framework, and, most especially, Siglind Bruhn, who has written about the relation between poetry and music, and who coined the term “musical ekphrasis”. Finally, I argue that these composers transmediate Poe’s “The Raven” by using musical devices similar to those employed by Poe in his poem. Particularly important for this analysis will be compulsive repetition and variation as strategies of the musical ekphrasis, and the re-presentation of the uncanny in music.
Projeto Vida Ativa Pelotas: Percepção das coordenadoras sobre a implantação dos núcleos no ano de 2019
Authors: Leite Giulia Salaberry , Knuth Alan Goularte , Ribeiro José Antonio Bicca , Crochemore-Silva Inácio
Published: October 2023

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o processo de implantação dos núcleos do Projeto Vida Ativa no município de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. O projeto é uma política de governo, desenvolvida desde 2013, financiado e executado pela prefeitura municipal, que estimava atender em 2019 cerca de 4.000 pessoas, promovendo atividades físicas e esportivas. Optou-se por uma abordagem qualitativa e um recorte transversal no ano de 2019. Foram realizadas oito entrevistas semiestruturadas com a dois níveis de coordenação do projeto. Para análise dos dados obtidos foi utilizada a técnica de análise de conteúdo. Os principais resultados da análise apontaram que o projeto apresentava desafios a serem enfrentados como a sustentabilidades dos processos, financiamento para adequação dos núcleos e ampliação desses locais, continuidade nos processos de capacitações com os profissionais, monitoramento e avaliação do projeto. Apesar das dificuldades enfrentadas de acordo com a percepção das coordenadoras, o projeto apresentava-se como uma iniciativa progressista na forma como estava sendo implementando seus núcleos e atividades físicas e esportivas, sobretudo por dialogar com demandas locais, e contar com apoio da população participante, mantendo-se ao longo das trocas de governo.
Managing Volunteers and Paid Workers in a Nonprofit Operation
Authors: Berenguer Gemma , Haskell William B. , Li Lei
Published: October 2023

Some nonprofit organizations (NPOs) manage a complex workforce composed of a mix of volunteers, part-time workers, and full-time workers. We study the NPO’s finite-horizon staffing problem to determine the optimal initial staff planning decisions and per period optimal hiring and assignment decisions given a budget, capacity constraints, and an uncertain supply of volunteers and part-time workers. Our main goal is to solve this problem in a way that is effective and easy to implement while obtaining interesting managerial insights. To this end, we first demonstrate that the optimal staffing policies are computationally challenging to identify in general. However, we demonstrate that a prioritization assignment policy and a hire-up-to policy for part-time workers can be conveniently applied and are close to optimal. These policies are, in fact, optimal under staff scarcity and staff sufficiency. In our numerical analysis, we study the value and impact of the general optimal solution that considers flexibility and turnover of part-time workers versus the prioritization assignment policy and a constant hire-up-to policy that omit flexibility and turnover behaviors. We further suggest two easy-to-implement heuristics and theoretically analyze them and run a numerical performance study. We observe that both heuristics have low relative optimality gaps. Finally, we extend our analysis by studying how the optimal policy varies under three different practical considerations: a concave social value objective, nonzero volunteer costs, and dynamic volunteer behaviors.

This paper was accepted by Jayashankar Swaminathan, operations management.

Funding: This work was supported by the Comunidad de Madrid [Grant EPUC3M12], the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación [Grant PID2021-127657NA-I00], and the Ramon y Cajal Fellowship [RYC2020-029303-I].

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4923 .
Stochastic Localization Methods for Convex Discrete Optimization via Simulation
Authors: Zhang Haixiang , Zheng Zeyu , Lavaei Javad
Published: October 2023

Solving Convex Discrete Optimization via Simulation via Stochastic Localization Algorithms

Many decision-making problems in operations research and management science require the optimization of large-scale complex stochastic systems. For a number of applications, the objective function exhibits convexity in the discrete decision variables or the problem can be transformed into a convex one. In “Stochastic Localization Methods for Convex Discrete Optimization via Simulation,” Zhang, Zheng, and Lavaei propose provably efficient simulation-optimization algorithms for general large-scale convex discrete optimization via simulation problems. By utilizing the convex structure and the idea of localization and cutting-plane methods, the developed stochastic localization algorithms demonstrate a polynomial dependence on the dimension and scale of the decision space. In addition, the simulation cost is upper bounded by a value that is independent of the objective function. The stochastic localization methods also exhibit a superior numerical performance compared with existing algorithms.
Does Design stack up? Rethinking ground, generation and education
Authors: Ingold Timothy
Published: October 2023

None.
Impactos de incidentes de segurança do paciente na enfermagem: um olhar para a segunda vítima
Authors: Silveira Sibele Ezequiel da , Tomaschewski-Barlem Jamila Geri , Tavares Ana Paula Mousinho , Paloski Gabriela do Rosário , Feijó Gabrielle dos Santos , Cabral Camila Nunes
Published: October 2023

Objetivo: compreender os impactos para os profissionais de enfermagem como segunda vítima de incidentes de segurança do paciente. Método: estudo qualitativo aprovado pelo comitê de ética em pesquisa, do tipo exploratório-descritivo, realizado com 20 profissionais de enfermagem em hospital universitário do Sul do Brasil, entre novembro de 2021 e janeiro de 2022, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas analisadas a partir da análise textual discursiva. Resultados: as categorias sentimentos das segundas vítimas, demonstrando a presença de sentimentos negativos, sendo o medo o mais recorrente; e, impacto na trajetória profissional e no ambiente de trabalho, questionando sua habilidade como um bom profissional e a escolha da profissão como sendo adequada permitiram compreender o impacto no profissional de enfermagem. Considerações finais: os impactos relacionaram-se ao sentimento de culpa pelo fato ocorrido, autojulgamento, julgamento pelos pares e pelo paciente, medo do desfecho ao paciente e das consequências para si e dúvidas quanto à sua habilidade e desempenho no trabalho.
Molecular evidence for occurrence of endangered long-tailed goral in Seoul metropolitan city, South Korea
Authors: Kim Hye-Ri , Lee Jae-Bong , Jeong Sang-Min , Kim Tae-Wook , Son Jang-Ick , Youn Jeong-Joo , Han Sang-Hyun
Published: October 2023

The study examined the habitation and the number of long-tailed gorals by molecular identification, sexing discrimination, and identity tests on feces and hair samples estimated to be endangered long-tailed goral in Mt. Yongmasan, Mt. Achasan and Mt. Inwangsan near Seoul metropolitan city. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene sequences showed that the DNA samples from the three mountains were those of long-tailed goral (Naemorhedus caudatus). The molecular sexing results showed that there were a female and a male in Mt. Yongmasan, a male in Mt. Achasan, but no informative results for Mt. Inwangsan. The identity test results indicated that the males of Mt. Yongmasan and Mt. Achasan were the same male, estimating the shift of this male from Mt. Yongmasan to Mt. Achasan. In addition, the goral of Mt. Inwangsan had a different COI sequence from those of Mt. Yongmasan and Mt. Achasan estimated to be this male with a different maternal lineage. Our present findings provide molecular evidence that at least three gorals have been inhabiting or continuously visiting the mountainous areas of Seoul metropolitan city, suggesting that a management system may be necessary for protecting this natural habitat of endangered long-tailed goral.
Analysis of environmental effects and estimation of genetic parameters for carcass traits in Hanwoo steers produced through embryo transfer
Authors: Sun Du Won , Kim Eun Ho , Kim Hyeon Kwon , Kong Il Keun , Lee Jung Gyu , Lim Hyun Tae
Published: October 2023

This study estimated the environmental effects and genetic parameters for carcass traits of 2,309 Hanwoo steers produced through Embryo Transfer (ET) to confirm the performance improvement achieved. The data used for analysis collected information on offspring produced by ET from 2012 to 2020. SAS 9.4 GLM package was used to analyze the environmental effects affecting carcass traits, and genetic parameters were estimated using the REMLF90 program for heritability, genetic correlation, and phenotypic correlation. The collected Carcass Weight (CWT), Eye Muscle Area (EMA), Back-Fat Thickness (BFT), and Marbling Score (MS) were 505.2±58.19kg, 105.57±13.41cm2, 12.76±4.27mm, and 7.25±1.61 points, respectively. It was found that the environmental effect of growth area and slaughter month had a significant effect (p<0.01) on carcass traits. Heritability was 0.51, 0.64, 0.36, and 0.59 in CWT, EMA, BFT, and MS, respectively, and high heritability was observed in all traits except BFT. Due to the characteristics of ET, it is considered that the effect of genetic improvement was more pronounced because there were many offspring with the same parents or the same father or mother. Therefore, it is judged that more efficient improvement effect and performance can be confirmed if an optimal environmental model is set based on the results of this study and used as basic data for breeding. If these results continue to accumulate, it is thought that it will be able to contribute to the increase in farm household income through the improvement effect.
Antitumor Activity of Selenium in Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma Bearing Mice
Authors: Hussein Jihan , El-khayat Zakaria , Farouk Hanan
Published: October 2023

The most common disease states of chronic liver illnesses include alcoholic liver disease (ALD), and viral hepatitis can progress to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the role of selenium-associated tumor management angiogenesis in liver fibrosis and inflammation is yet unknown. As a result, in this current study, cytotoxicity of selenium ( Se) was evaluated against hepatocellular carcinoma cells ( HepG2) to determine IC50 ( in vitro study) and we established a mouse model of Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) to explore the role of selenium in the processing of tumor angiogenesis in liver injury and inflammation ( in vivo study). EAC cells was used to induce ascites tumor in albino mice and studied their consequence role on body weight gain and liver e. In EAC tumor-bearing mice, we discovered a substantial increase in body weight. Furthermore, mice with EAC tumors had higher levels of liver enzymes implicated in the etiology of liver inflammation, as well as biomarkers such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-), α fetoprotein (AFP), and caspase-3, Bcl2, and DNA damage.
An In Vitro Evaluation of Anti-fungal Activity of Different Nano forms of Fluconazole Against Candida albicans
Authors: Osman Ahmed Luay , Hussein Salah Eldin Omar , Nizam Iqra , Dilip Deepa , Mahamadou Mariam , Al Herafi Jood , Gulroz Sana , Elsayed Ibrahim , Elamin Eltom Abd Elgadir , Finney Devapriya , Kandakurti raveen Kumar
Published: October 2023

Objective: The study aims to compare the antifungal effectiveness of nine different nano-particle- containing fluconazole variants with the standard form of fluconazole against Candida albicans in a laboratory setting. Design: The study is an experimental laboratory-based study. Setting: The research was conducted in the department of Medical Laboratory Sciences at Gulf Medical University, Ajman. Subjects: The study used standard strains of pathogenic Candida albicans ATCC66027 for experimentation. Intervention: Candida albicans was exposed to varying concentrations of nine different nano- particle-containing fluconazole forms. The mixture of the organism and drug was incubated for 2 minutes, followed by transferring 50 µL to Sabouraud Dextrose agar plates. These plates were then incubated at 37 °C for 48 hours. Main Outcome Measure: The primary outcome measure was the counting of colonies using a colony counter, with the number of CFUs/mL plotted against the concentration of different nano forms of fluconazole to estimate differences in effectiveness. Results: The findings suggest that the nano form of fluconazole effectively inhibits the growth of Candida albicans, especially at higher concentrations, compared to the normal form of fluconazole. The study highlights that the small size of the nano agents allows for better penetration of fluconazole, enhancing its effectiveness against Candida albicans. Conclusion: The study concludes that nano-particle-containing fluconazole variants demonstrate significant variations in reducing the colony count of Candida albicans when compared to the standard form of fluconazole.
Tetracyclines: The Old, the New and the Improved - A Short Review
Authors: Manoharan D. , Srinivasan Shreya , NR Vignesh , Senthilvel Aswin
Published: October 2023

The most frequently prescribed antibiotic class in dermatology is the tetracycline family, which has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Tetracycline is a broad-spectrum polyketide antibiotic effective against gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. It has been accepted for the therapeutic use of various conditions in dermatology like Acne, Rosacea, Syphilis, Immuno-bullous dermatoses, Pyoderma gangrenosum and Hidradenitis Suppurativa to name a few. However, the use and efficacy of newly discovered tetracyclines like Sarecycline, Omadacycline and Tigecycline are still yet to be documented and researched. In this study, a short summary of the utilization of various tetracycline are being documented for their use in dermatology.
Impact on Psychomotor Functions by Sedative Agents Used During Daycare Surgeries: A Randomized Controlled DoubleBlinded Study of Dexmedetomidine Versus Midazolam
Fentanyl
Authors: Goyal Abhinav , Bhutani Garima , Singh Meena , Sharma Naveen , Rani Seema , Saini Rahul , Makki Mohd Fazal Ahmed
Published: October 2023

Background: Sedative agents are used during surgeries to reduce stress and anxiety and discomfort of the patient. An ideal sedation agent should provide a rapid onset of action and faster recovery. Almost all commonly used sedative agents in daycare surgeries affect the cognitive and psychomotor functions. The research question of this study was to find out which of the commonly used sedative agents- Dexmedetomidine or Midazolam-Fentanyl combination produces less impact on the psychomotor functions of the patients. Materials and Methods: Seventy two patients who were undergoing tympanoplasty under local anesthesia, were randomly divided into two equal groups - Group D (dexmedetomidine) and Group MF (midazolam and fentanyl) using a computer-based randomization scheme. Group D received dexmedetomidine till an adequate sedation score was achieved (Ramsay sedation scale =3). Group MF patients received midazolam and fentanyl till an adequate sedation score was achieved. Baseline psychomotor assessment and delirium assessment was done 30 minutes prior to the shifting of the patient to operation theatre. All the scores were compared at 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours and 8 hours by using MMSE test and stroop color word interference test for psychomotor assessment and short-CAM & Short-CAM severity test for delirium assessment. Statistical analysis was done by applying paired t-test and repeated measure ANOVA for intra-group comparison and for intergroup comparison, independent t-test was applied. Results: There was a significant decline in MMSE score and stroop color word interference score at post-operative period as compared to the baseline values in both the groups up to 4 hours. No such significant difference was seen at 8 hours post-operative period. In both groups, more patients in MF group had mild cognitive dysfunction at 1 hour post-op period, as compared to patient in D group. None of the patients showed severe cognitive impairment. In Group MF, the total number of patients showing signs of delirium was more as compared to group D at Post-op 1 hour. But no signs of delirium were found in any patient in later readings. When presented, the severity of delirium was assessed by Short CAM severity test score. It was observed that all patients who had delirium had CAM severity score of 1 only. Conclusion: The present study concluded that drug dexmedetomidine causes less cognitive decline and less chances of producing post-op delirium as compared to midazolam-fentanyl combination when used for sedation at the time of surgery.
Analysis of Clotting Factors in Covid 19: A Study in Indian Patients in a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Amin Ashima , G. Kini Reshma , Bhat Archana
Published: October 2023

Coronavirus 2019(COVID 2019) is a global pandemic and may trigger coagulation dysfunction with extensive micro thrombosis. This study was conducted to evaluate the basic coagulation parameters in symptomatic patients with and without SARI in COVID.It was a prospective comparative cross sectional study to study the prognostic role of these markers in patients with and without SARI (severe acute respiratory illness) and survivors versus non survivors. Demographic characteristics , detailed medical history and platelets, prothrombin time (PT),activated thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen and D dimer was recorded and analysed in both these groups. The independent group t-test and Mann -Whitney U test was used to analyse continuous variables. ROC was plotted for significant variables to obtain area under curve. The average PT for survivors was 14.6s and non survivors was 29.4s and the difference statistically significant. The area under curve for PT was 0.751 and at a cut off value of 13s had a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 62.5% for predicting severe COVID with SARI. The median value for aPTT for non survivors was 35.5 (IQR 32.5-42.1) and for survivors it was 31.9 (IQR 29.5-35.7) and was significant. The mean values of D dimer for patients without and with SARI was 384 and 2168 mcg/ml and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.00). The D dimer test was the single most test distinguishing survivors and non survivors with an AUC of 0.844.The levels of fibrinogen and CRP was higher in patients with severe COVID and was statistically significant (p=0.001) and (p=0.028).The platelet count was lower in patients with severe COVID but difference was not statistically significant. The basic coagulation markers have a prognostic significance in treatment of COVID atients with and without SARIp.
Influence of Body Mass Index and Abdominal Circumference on Radiation Dose During Abdominopelvic Computed Tomography
Authors: Panakkal Nitika C. , Kadavigere Rajagopal , Sukumar Suresh , N Ravishankar
Published: October 2023

Background: Contrast-enhanced examinations of the abdomen region have a greater radiation exposure due to the multiphase abdominal computed tomography (CT) protocols. The use of automatic tube current modulation is known to reduce radiation dose and maintain or improve image quality for abdominal CT. However, using automatic tube current modulation can increase radiation dose for individuals with a larger body habitus. Objectives: The study aimed to assess the influence of body mass index and abdominal circumference on the effective dose for routinely performed contrast-enhanced abdomen and pelvis scans. Methods: A total of 160 subjects referred for routine CT abdomen and pelvis were included in the study and categorised into three groups according to their body mass index (BMI) [underweight: <18.5 kg/m2, normal: 18.5-24.9 kg/m2, overweight: 25-29.9 kg/m2 and obese: (≥30 kg/m2]. All the scans were performed on a 128 MDCT scanner by Philips. The effective dose was calculated from the dose length product using region-specific conversion factors. Results: The effective dose was found to be 21.47 ± 2 mSv for the underweight group, 22.75± 2.3 mSv for the normal group, 25.02 ± 2.8 for the overweight group, and 29.7 ± 6.7 mSv for the obese group. Conclusion: The study reported a 32.39 % increase in effective dose for obese patients. The study also reported a significant increase in effective dose as BMI and abdominal circumference increased.
A Cross-Sectional Study on the Assessment of Sleep Quality and Associated Factors Among Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: K Pavan , B. C. Vinay , Subramanya Chethan , Shetty Shraddha , K Shreyas , L Ananthesh , S Swathi , Nayak S Dhanya
Published: October 2023

Background: Sleep is a fundamental factor associated with chronic illness. Lack of quality sleep and the extent of sleep may affect several aspects of physical, emotional, and cognitive health. Aim and objective: The study aims to assess sleep quality and associated factors in subjects diagnosed with diabetes mellitus using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index Questionnaire (PSQI). Materials and methods: An eight-month prospective cross-sectional study involving 356 patients with diabetes mellitus was carried out. The patient data collection form was prepared per the study's needs. Patients' responses to questionnaires about their sleep quality, anxiety, depression possibility, and physical activity were recorded. The data were analysed using a statistical tool for the social sciences (SPSS) version 28.0. Results: Among 356 subjects enrolled, 43 (12%) had poor sleep quality, rest of the 313 (88%) patients had good sleep quality. Poor sleep quality was observed between the age group of 51-70 years. When compared to women, men were generally shown to have poor sleep quality. When compared to patients with mild and moderate anxiety, it was observed that most of the subjects with severe anxiety had poor sleep quality. Poor sleep quality was reported by the majority of patients who tested positive for depression and inadequate physical activity. Conclusion: The study concluded that diabetes mellitus does not significantly affect sleep quality in most patients. However, patients with low physical activity, severe anxiety and depression had poor sleep.
In Vivo and In Vitro Antidiabetic Assay of Purified Mahoni Seeds Extract (Swietenia mahagoni (L.) Jacq)
Authors: Ahamd Aktsar Roskiana , Malik Abd. , Handayani Virsa
Published: October 2023

This study examined the future of Mahoni seed as an aspirant drug for treating diabetes. Mahogany seeds were washed using n-hexane solvent and followed by ethanol solvent. Extracts were measured using a standard spectrophotometric plate reader with acarbose (Glucobayâ). Glucose tolerance was tested in alloxan-challenged mice. The results indicated that the extract had potency against a-glucosidases inhibited through a non-competitive mechanism. The IC50 value of the extract is 4.7 μg/ml, which was lower than 5.7 μg/ml for acarbose and has less activity on glucose tolerance at doses of 120 and 240 mg/kg. As a conclution, purified mahogany seed extract got the ability to be developed as a new antidiabetic drug candidate.
Scientific Publication of Dengue Fever Research in India based on the Web of Science Database
Authors: Mohanan Neethu , Thanuskodi S. , Alagu A.
Published: October 2023

This study investigated the research productivity of dengue fever literature in India extracted from the Web of Science (WoS) core collection database with the purpose of giving Scientometric description on numerous parameters which include subject explosion, ranks and publications, citation impact, global collaborative papers, most productive journals, authors and countries with their citation, on dengue fever research of Indian publications. There were 960 publications during 2009-2018. A result of the research shows an average citation of 11.25 per paper. The degree of collaboration has been arrived at 0.96 at some stage. The value of Co-Authorship Index (CAI) for single author papers suggests a declining mode from one year period to every other block. On the other hand, it is greater than two authored papers; the co-Authorship Index displays a growing trend.
Prevalence of Chronic Backpain after COVID-19 Astra Zeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech Vaccines in Sultanate of Oman: A Survey-based Study
Authors: A. Hamad Nasir , Eltayeb Lienda Bashier , Vasudevan Senthilvel , Raj Priyanka
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Covid-19 vaccine is known to cause a variety of side effects. Low back pain has been reported to be associated with at least one of the COVID-19 vaccines. Objectives: The current study investigated the prevalence of chronic back pain in individuals vaccinated with AstraZeneca and Pfizer in Sultanate of Oman. Methods: This cross-sectional observational survey-based study was conducted among COVID-19 AstraZeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccinated individuals in Sultanate of Oman. Two hundred participants were involved in the study. Chi square was used to analyse the association between categorical data. Data were analysed using SPSS (29th release). Results: The prevalence of back pain among individuals vaccinated with AstraZeneca and Pfizer, was 36%. Females were more commonly affected by the back pain, especially in the 4th decade of life. Conclusion: AstraZeneca and Pfizer is be associated with back pain, especially in females. Possible explanations require further investigations.
Study of Antioxidant and Larvicidal Properties of Selected Medicinal Plants of Fringe Villages of Manas National Park, Assam, India
Authors: Baruah Himangshu , Boro Harmonjit , Swargiary Ananta
Published: October 2023

Background: Mosquito-borne diseases are among the major ailments of world affecting billions of people living in economically poor and developing countries. The development of insecticide resistance in mosquito vectors has forced the global community to look into alternative sources of medicines with better efficacy and less side effects. Plants with rich sources of metabolites have been explored extensively for mosquitocidal activity. The present study explored the antioxidant and larvicidal activities of five important plants traditionally used as mosquito repellent by tribal communities of fringe villages of Manas National Park of Assam. Methods: Methanolic crude extracts were prepared for all the plants following standard protocols. Phytochemical and antioxidant study was performed following the protocol published in recent publications. Larvicidal bioassay was carried out as per WHO protocol. Results: The study observed considerable phytochemical and antioxidant activity. Phenolics, flavonoid and antioxidant activity, were found to be highest in Cinnamomum tamala. The phenolic and flavonoid value ranged from 9.89 to 147.15µgGAE/mg and 4.32 to 28.43µgQE/mg plant extract, respectively. The IC50 for various antioxidant activities ranged from 27.94 to 114.15µg/mL (DPPH), 15.05 to 707.74µg/mL and 40.23 to 338.91µg/mL (TBARS). Similarly, C. tamala showed the strongest larvicidal activity with LC50 value of 3.11mg/mL in Aedes aegypti larvae. Conclusion: The present study observed that C. tamala leaves could be a good source of phytochemicals and antioxidant and larvicidal activity.
Determination of Metals, Fungi and Mycotoxins in Cat Meal Samples used in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mir M. Amin , Andrews Kim , Hasnain Syed M , Abu-Libdeh Nidal , Iqbal Abid , Sehar Shama , Younis Adnan
Published: October 2023

The cat food samples viz Canned Food, Pouched Food, Raw Food, Lightly Cooked Food, Dry Food were analysed for the presence of essential and non-essential metal ions in addition to fungal infection determination. All the food samples were found to have adequate amount of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins and folic acid. The concentration of essential elements in all the analysed samples are within the intake range of cats for their normal growth and development. Although the presence of heavy metals makes some concern about the quality of the food samples, but all these heavy metals are below the toxic level. All the food samples showed the presence of microbial fungi to some extent, but the release of micro-toxin from these fungal species are below the level of their profound health related issues among the cats. Among all the samples analysed the best food samples with very good health quality seems the dry food, followed by pouched food.
Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus Among Newly Detected Sputum Positive Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients and Associated Risk Factors
Authors: Hullalli Rashmi , Gudadinni M R , M Rohith
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) and Diabetes Mellitus (DM) co-morbidity are of rising public health problems. There is growing evidence that DM is an important risk factor for TB. This study was carried out to know the prevalence of DM among newly detected sputum-positive pulmonary TB patients registered in the District Tuberculosis Centre and also to assess the risk factors of DM among TB patients. Methods: In a cross-sectional study newly detected sputum-positive pulmonary TB patients were screened for DM (those having symptoms of DM). Further, they were diagnosed by doing random blood glucose levels (≥200 mg/dl.). Mean, standard deviation (SD), Chi-square and Freeman-Halton Fisher exact test were used to know the significant association. p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 215 TB patients were included in the study. The prevalence of DM among TB patients was found to be 23.7% (2.8% known and 97.8% new cases). Significant associations were found between age (>46 years), educational status, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, physical activity, presence of symptoms of DM and family H/o DM. Interpretation and Conclusion:Routine screening for DM is mandatory because of the increasing prevalence which may help in early diagnosis and also reduce the complication by proper management which in turn helps in the successful outcome of TB treatment.
Efficacy of Flavonoid Apigenin on Hemodynamic indices, Baroreflex Function, Cardiac and Kidney Remodeling and Vasoactive-Inflammatory Biomarkers in Experimental Renal Hypertension
Authors: Papiashvili N. A. , Ghonghadze M. V. , Sharikadze N. V. , Khutsishvili M. P. , Bakuridze K. A. , Bakuridze A. J. , Gongadze N. V. , Sukoyan G. V.
Published: October 2023

The hypothesis stated here that, the long-term prevention by natural flavonoid phenolic compound, for example apigenin (Apg), improves baroreflex sensitivity and vascular resistance and occurs beneficial action for attenuation the renal hypertension (RH). One-kidney, 1-clip rats (1K1C) were treated with Apg for 2 weeks after 1 week of surgical intervention. At the end of the study in the control RH group the blood pressure (BP) increased on average by 43.5%, decreased in heart period (HP) by 9.8%, cardiochronotropic (vagal) component of baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) by 50%, and adrenergic component by 34%. Thus, in 1K1C experimental model of hypertension, provides switching to parasympathetic component and accompanied with proportionally nearly two-fold increase in epinephrine (EPN) and norepinephrine (NE) without changes in EPN/NE ratio. Morphometric changes in the kidney and heart confirmed the development of kidney and cardiac hypertrophy and renal functioning disturbances (blood urea nitrogen (BUN) increased in more than two-fold) and markers of sodium reabsorption in proximal tubule, total trans-EETs, decreased in 1.6-fold. The pronounced increased proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin 1b (IL1 b), endothelin -1 (ET-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a confirmed the formation of “sterile inflammation” which strengthening by the nearly two-fold decreasing in the level of anti-inflammatory (vasodilatory) mediators, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Preventive long-term regime treatment with Apg (5mg/kg i.p./daily) in RH rats significantly decreased BP by 18.6%, increased parasympathetic component of BRS by 38.5% without marked altered its sympathetic component. Such deremodeling in BRS sensitivity associated with significant decreased in heart and kidney hypertrophy and functional activity of kidney, normalization of BUN and total EETs, reducing in circulating plasma level of catecholamines, and markedly attenuated progression of inflammation, decreased of proinflammatory levels of cytokines. Thus, Apg provides preventive beneficial pluripotent action in RH rats by exerting antihypertensive, cardio- and renoprotective effects and attenuation of “sterile inflammation”.
National variation in prophylactic antibiotic use for elective primary total joint replacement
Authors: Mabrouk Ahmed , Abouharb Alexander , Stewart Gabriel , Palan Jeya , Pandit Hemant
Published: October 2023

Aims

Prophylactic antibiotic regimens for elective primary total hip and knee arthroplasty vary widely across hospitals and trusts in the UK. This study aimed to identify antibiotic prophylaxis regimens currently in use for elective primary arthroplasty across the UK, establish variations in antibiotic prophylaxis regimens and their impact on the risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in the first-year post-index procedure, and evaluate adherence to current international consensus guidance.

Methods

The guidelines for the primary and alternative recommended prophylactic antibiotic regimens in clean orthopaedic surgery (primary arthroplasty) for 109 hospitals and trusts across the UK were sought by searching each trust and hospital’s website (intranet webpages), and by using the MicroGuide app. The mean cost of each antibiotic regimen was calculated using price data from the British National Formulary (BNF). Regimens were then compared to the 2018 Philadelphia Consensus Guidance, to evaluate adherence to international guidance.

Results

The primary choice and dosing of the prophylactic antimicrobial regimens varied widely. The two most used regimens were combined teicoplanin and gentamicin, and cefuroxime followed by two or three doses of cefuroxime eight-hourly, recommended by 24 centres (22.02%) each. The alternative choice and dosing of the prophylactic antimicrobial regimen also varied widely across the 83 centres with data available. Prophylaxis regimens across some centres fail to cover the likeliest causes of surgical site infection (SSI). Five centres (4.59%) recommend co-amoxiclav, which confers no Staphylococcus coverage, while 33 centres (30.28%) recommend cefuroxime, which confers no Enterococcus coverage. Limited adherence to 2018 Philadelphia Consensus Guidance was observed, with 67 centres (61.50%) not including a cephalosporin in their guidance.

Conclusion

This analysis of guidance on antimicrobial prophylaxis in primary arthroplasty across 109 hospitals and trusts in the UK has identified widespread variation in primary and alternative antimicrobial regimens currently recommended.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(10):742–749.
Adsorptive Removal of Copper (Cu) in Sasirangan Liquid Waste by Utilization of Rice Husk as Activated Carbon
Authors: Syauqiah Isna , Nurandini Desi , Prihatini Nopi Stiyati , Jamiyaturrasyidah Jamiyaturrasyidah
Published: October 2023

The business of sasirangan - the conventional texture of Banjar Tribe - has been one of the superb items of South Kalimantan. Sasirangan creation in the shading system utilizes many synthetic components containing weighty metals, and its waste possibly dirties the climate. One weighty metal squanders copper (Cu), poisonous to sea-going living beings and people. The treatment for sasirangan modern wastewater should be possible by an adsorption cycle that utilizations enacted carbon as an adsorbent. This study intends to decide the capacity of enacted carbon produced using rice husk to adsorb Cu from sasirangan fluid burn by dissecting the impact of contact time and adsorbent dose on the adsorption interaction. The bunch framework led the activity with substance and actual actuation. Synthetic initiation was finished by dousing the enacted carbon of rice husk with HCl answer for 24 hours. Simultaneously, actual enactment was done by consuming a heater at 500̊C for 2 hours. The adsorption treatment was given on sasirangan burn through examples with varieties in contact time (30, 60, and 120 minutes) and the adsorbent portion (2, 4, and 6 grams). The highest productivity of contained Cu decrease is 72.34% utilizing carbon with initiation. The ideal contact time expected in the adsorption cycle of weighty metal Cu in Sasirangan liquid waste is 120 minutes, with the ideal portion of 4 grams of actuated rice husk carbon adsorbent.
Investigation of Performance of Stone Fin Solar Still Absorber by Water Depth Variations.
Authors: Ismail Nova Risdiyanto , Hermawan Dadang , Suwandono Purbo , Wicaksono Leo Hutri
Published: October 2023

Passive Solar is still suitable for Indonesia's islands and coastal areas. Various attempts have been made to increase the performance of passive solar stills, including using porous materials, fins absorber models, and making water in the form of a thin layer. This study aims to increase the distillate output and Efficiency of Solar still. This study's method compares stone fin solar stills absorbers using water depth variations of 1 cm, 2 cm, and 3 cm with conventional solar stills at a water depth of 1 cm. The study resulted in the distillate output of stone fin solar still absorber of 3.35 (liter/m2.day) higher than the conventional solar stills 2.44 (liter/m2.day) at a depth of 1 cm. The highest Efficiency of solar stills using the stone fin solar still absorbers is 58.45% higher than conventional solar stills, 43.60% at a depth of 1 cm. Solar stills with lower water depths resulted in higher distillate output and Efficiency. Solar stills using stone fin absorbent plates produce higher productivity and Efficiency than conventional ones
Assessment of Safety Measures and Operational Challenges of Inland Waterway Transport along Oron - Calabar Route, Nigeria
Authors: Okon Idongesit Edem , Jatau Solomon Usman , Attah Anthony Abutu
Published: October 2023

This study assessed the safety measures and operational challenges of inland waterway transport along the Oron - Calabar route. Observation and structured questionnaires were used for the collection of data. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were coded and analyzed using the 4- point Likert scale, which was converted to a relative importance index (RII) for each factor posing a challenge to operators. The result showed Safety equipment was provided onboard boats by operators. The RII computed showed that boat and engine replacement (RII = 0.874) was the most challenging factor, while water hyacinth (RII = 0.418) was the most minor factor. Other challenges were frequent lousy weather conditions, high running costs, floating logs and debris, extortion by law enforcement agents, difficulty in making headway against the opposite current, high price of safety equipment, passengers’ refusal to adhere to safety measures, and poor berthing facilities in their order of impact. Proper funding and enforcement of safety measures are at this moment recommended.
Isotherm and Kinetic Adsorption of Cadmium (Cd) onto Biosorbent Made from Kepok Banana Peel (Musa Acuminata balbisian): the Effect of Activator Type and Biosorbent Dosage
Authors: Cundari Lia , Fanneza Alna Livia , Arisma Nanda Citra , Julian Asha Aisha
Published: October 2023

The present study determined the isotherm and kinetics model of the cadmium adsorption process onto a biosorbent made from kepok banana peel (Musa Acuminata balbisian). The experiments were carried out in batch process, laboratories scale, room temperature, pH of Cadmium of 4, volume of Cd solution of 20 ml, and biosorbent size particle of 60 mesh—the biosorbent produced using chemical activation method onto dry banana peel. The variation in this research was the type of activator (H3PO4 and H2SO4) and the biosorbent dosage (1, 1.5, and 2 g). The experimental data was used to calculate the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm—Kinetics analysis based on pseudo-first-order and second-order kinetics models. The best condition of the cadmium removal occurred at 90 minutes of contact time and 2 g dosage for H2SO4 and H3PO4 activators. Cadmium biosorption was in accordance with the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The linear equation obtained is positive, with the maximum adsorption capacity and the affinity constant. Cadmium adsorption onto banana peel biosorbents followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm pattern, so chemical adsorption occurred in this study. Cadmium adsorption kinetics onto biosorbent that activated with an acid activator of H3PO4 and H2SO4 followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The best condition of the cadmium removal occurred at 90 minutes of contact time and 2 g dosage for H2SO4 and H3PO4 activators. Cadmium biosorption in this study was in accordance with the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order