bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Jumlah Angkatan Kerja, Jumlah UMKM, dan Inflasi Terhadap Laju PDRB Kota Padang
Authors: Alima Shofia  , Hadigufri Triha  , Ranti Mustika Putri  , Mutia Alius  , Trinda Farhan Satria
Published: December 2023

Produk Domestik Regional Bruto (PDRB) merupakan salah satu indikator penting dalam perekonomian suatu daerah. PDRB yang baik ditandai dengan: a) kontribusi sektor UMKM yang kuat, di mana UMKM memberikan kontribusi dalam penciptaan lapangan kerja dan meningkatkan daya beli masyarakat; b) kualitas dan keterampilan angkatan kerja yang produktif dan inovatif; c)tingkat inflasi yang rendah, di mana harga-harga barang dan jasa cenderung stabil, kemudahan dalam berinvestasi, dan adanya kesejahteraan dan kestabilan ekonomi masyarakat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat seberapa besar pengaruh jumlah UMKM, angkatan kerja, dan inflasi pada laju pertumbuhan ekonomi di Kota Padang. Dari hasil analisis regres, dapat disimpulkan bahwa secara simultan, Jumlah UMKM (X1), Angkatan Kerja (X2) dan Inflasi (X3) tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap Laju PDRB Kota Padang (Y). Berdasarkan hasil uji R2 dapat diketahui bahwa Jumlah UMKM (X1), Angkatan Kerja (X2) dan Inflasi (X3) mempengaruhi Laju PDRB Kota Padang (Y) hanya sebesar 40,12%, sementara sisanya dapat dipengaruhi oleh faktor lain di luar penelitian ini.
Analisis Penetapan Strategi Pemasaran Menggunakan Metode SWOT Di PT. Pandawa Satria Nusantara
Authors: Rozar Rayendra  , Muhammad Qurthuby  , Mutiah Humairah
Published: December 2023

Strategi pemasaran digunakan untuk mengidentifikasi kelompok pelanggan yang memiliki kebutuhan dengan mengikuti era industri 4.0. PT. Pandawa Satria Nusantara Pekanbaru bergerak di bidang jasa layanan keamanan ingin menetapkan strategi pemasaran yang tepat. Strategi ini diperlukan karena banyaknya proposal penolakan yang diajukan ke pengguna dikarenakan pemutusan kontrak kerja yang secara sepihak dan terdapat persaingan yang memiliki brand lebih besar. Data penelitian ini diperoleh melalui observasi untuk mengidentifikasi faktor SWOT dan melakukan penyebaran kuesioner kepada 18 responden. Pengolahan data menggunakan metode IFAS dan EFAS untuk mengetahui pengaruh hubungan antar faktor. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah analisis SWOT pada kuadran satu yang merupakan strategi yang agresif. Strategi ini menggunakan strengths dengan memanfaatkan opportunities yang ada (SO). Strategi ini terdapat 5 alternatif solusi temtamg kualitas SDM, peralatan yang lengkap, kualitas pelayanan, jaminan kontrak Kerjasama dan pelatihan kemampuan keamanan.
FMECA and FTA analysis applied to the manufacturing process of pulsating heat pipes
Authors: Hulse Pamela , Betancur-Arboleda Luis , Rincon-Quintero A. D. , Ascanio-Villabona J. G. , Tarazona-Romero B. E.
Published: December 2023

Pulsating heat pipes (PHPs) offer significant advantages for the thermal control of electronic components due to their simple manufacturing and high heat transfer rates. The reliability of PHPs has traditionally been assessed through long-life testing, but detailed reliability analyses from an equipment perspective are limited. The study of PHP reliability is essential due to its application and operational conditions. For instance, in aerospace applications these devices operate under severe conditions, and maintenance or replacement is impossible during operation, making them critical components in system functionality. The reliability analysis of PHPs focuses on the manufacturing process, considering future operating conditions. Although preliminary PHP testing will be conducted on Earth, laboratory conditions are less stringent due to the difficulty of replicating launch acceleration and space conditions for long-term testing under microgravity. This study presents an FMECA (Failure Modes, Effects, and Criticality Analysis) of the pulsating heat pipe manufacturing process, breaking down the production of each component. The results indicate that the most critical point is concentrated in the assembly of these components, leading to a higher incidence of welding failures. It recommends further work to improve welding and analyze mechanical stresses within the heat pipe.
Beden Eğitimi Öğretmeni Adaylarının Öz Yeterlikleri İle Bireysel Değerlerinin İncelenmesi
Authors: BAŞ Mustafa
Published: December 2023

Araştırmada; Beden Eğitimi ve spor öğretmeni adaylarının öz-yeterlikleri ile bireysel değerlerini mezun olunan lise ve cinsiyet değişkenlerine göre incelemektir.

Araştırma, nicel araştırma yaklaşımlarından ilişkisel tarama modeline uygun planmıştır. Araştırmanın evrenini, 2021-2022 öğretim yılında Giresun üniversitesi ve Trabzon üniversitesi spor bilimlerinde öğrenimlerine devam eden öğretmen adayları; örneklemini ise random yöntemiyle ve gönüllülük esasına göre belirlenen 135 kadın ve 122 erkek toplam 257 beden eğitimi öğretmen adayı oluşturmaktadır. Çalışmada verilerin toplanması için; Öğretmen Öz Yeterlik Ölçeği ile Bireysel Değerler Ölçeğinden yararlanılmıştır. Elde edilen veriler SPSS programına aktarıldıktan sonra istatistiki işlem olarak; Indepented sımple t-Testinden yararlanılmıştır. 0.05 anlamlılık düzeyi ele alınmıştır. Veri analizlerinde SPSS 24.00 paket programından faydalanılmıştır.

Sonuç olarak; yapılan analizler neticesinde ortaya çıkan istatistiki bulgular incelendiğinde beden eğitimi ve spor öğretmen adaylarının genel öz-yeterlilik alt boyutları bakımından cinsiyet değişkeni açısından anlamlı farkın olduğu ve bu fakın kadın katılımcıların lehine olduğu; mezun olunan lise değişkenine göre ise farkın olmadığı anlaşılmıştır. Cinsiyet değişkenine göre; bireysel değerler alt boyutlarından “saygı ve doğruluk, disiplin ve sorumluluk ile paylaşım ve saygı” alt boyutları bakımından anlamlı bir fark tespit edilmiş ve puan ortalamalarına göre farkın kadın katılımcıların lehine olduğu anlaşılmıştır. “Dürüstlük ve Paylaşım ile Güven ve Bağışlama” alt boyutları arasında bir farkın olmadığı saptanmıştır.
Personalized Rehabilitation of Patients with Prostate Cancer after Radical Prostatectomy: a Comparative Analysis of Urodynamic Parameters
Authors: Kasparov Boris S. , Kovlen Denis V. , Semiglazova Tatiana Y. , Zaozerskii Oleg V. , Kondrateva Kristina O. , Ponomarenko Gennady N. , Kluge Valeria A. , Semiglazov Vladislav V. , Nosov Aleksander K. , Krutov Anton A. , Belyaev Aleksey M.
Published: December 2023

INTRODUCTION. Applying a personalized approach in the treatment of urinary incontinence in patients after RP can significantly improve the rates of correction of postoperative incontinence.
AIM. To study the effect of personalized rehabilitation of patients with prostate cancer (PCa) after radical prostatectomy on the state of functional indicators of the lower urinary tract.
MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study included 60 patients with verified primary resectable prostate cancer who underwent laparoscopic nerve-sparing prostatectomy. Patient ages ranged between 46 and 77 years (median 62.8 years). The patients were divided into main and control groups of 30 people each. The patients of the main group received rehabilitation using a personalized approach. The rehabilitation programs for the patients in the control group were formed on the basis of a syndromic-pathogenetic approach. Functional parameters of the lower urinary tract were assessed using a 24-hour pad test and a comprehensive urodynamic study before and after surgery, after a course of rehabilitation and 1 year after surgery.
RESULTS. Assessment of the degree of urinary incontinence in patients with prostate cancer using a 24-hour pad test showed similar clinical pictures in both groups in the postoperative period in the form of mild or moderate disorders. After the rehabilitation course, a positive trend was observed, however, in the observation group, 66.7 % of patients completely retained urine, while in the comparison group only 40%. Similar trends were observed in a year after a surgical treatment. According to a comprehensive urodynamic study (CUDS), after rehabilitation in the observation group, 76.7 % of patients showed signs of restoration of detrusor activity to the preoperative level with retention of the effect a year after the intervention (p 0.05). A peak decrease in maximum detrusor pressure was observed in the postoperative period with a partial recovery of the indicator after rehabilitation and after 1 year in both groups. In the comparison group, a more pronounced decrease in detrusor pressure was observed, but the difference was statistically insignificant (p 0.05).
DISCUSSION. This study tested a personalized approach in the rehabilitation of patients with urological oncology. This concept allows the use of physical and rehabilitation medicine technologies with maximum efficiency by identifying a specific patient model. The results of functional research methods (pad test, KUDI) are one of the potential determinants of the effectiveness of the use of rehabilitation technologies.
CONCLUSION. The results of rehabilitation of patients in the group with a personalized approach can significantly improve the rates of correction of postoperative incontinence.
Bulletin of Rehabilitation Medicine: Annual Update on Bibliometric Indicators Including Scopus Quartile (Q3)
Authors: Mzhelsky Alexader A.
Published: December 2023

There are three main citation databases in the world (Web of Science, SCImago and Scopus) determining journal quartiles annually according to their own datasets and methodologies. The aim of this editorial is to analyze bibliometric indicators of the journal “Bulletin of Rehabilitation Medicine” (BRM) in Scopus. According to CiteScore 2022, BRM ranked 101/146 in the subject category MEDICINE-REHABILITATION which placed BRM in Q3. Over a past year, BRM increased its citation 51-fold, and its CiteScore 8-fold. In the period of 2019–2022 more than 50 authors from almost 20 countries published in BRM. During the same period almost half of BRM articles received citations not only in Russian journals indexed in Scopus but also in sources from 13 other countries. Besides, BRM produces twice the average number of publications per year in its subject category. Thus, such bibliometric picture of BRM in combination with open access and no article processing charges, demonstrates a strong editorial position of the journal and a clear competitive advantage for authors.
Effect of application of urban sewage sludge as organic amendment on germination and growth of Retama monospermain Oran region of Algeria
Authors: Kalafat Djamel , Tsaki Hassini
Published: December 2023

Appropriate disposal of huge amount of sewage sludge generated in urban areas pose a serious threat to the environment. The urban wastewater treatment sludge has the potential as mineral organic amendment strategy in th fight against wind erosion through planting of Retama monosperma in Algeria. In the present study, the sewage sludge was sampled at the Bousfer –Oran wastewater treatment plant, and amended with different cultivation substrates. Further, its influence on the growth of young R. monosperma, plants, with an aim to replant them at sandy littoral deposits. The preliminary results of our work showed that the replanting of young Retamaplants in the substrate formed by a mixture of mud and limestone showed improved growth compared to the fourteen other substrates tested, from the point of view of structure, texture and fertilizing abilities.The sample of a mixture of clay and mud had a compact structure for the seeds to germinate. However, the growth of young plants transplanted into the latter was found to be improved giving an acceptable result considering the contributions of this organic amendment.
PSİKOSOSYAL RİSK DEĞERLENDİRME ÖLÇEĞİ: NHUMAN PSR-Q ÖLÇEK GELİŞTİRME, GÜVENİRLİK VE GEÇERLİK ÇALIŞMASI
Authors: KÜÇÜK Nevin
Published: December 2023

Psikososyal risklerin değerlendirilmesi ve yönetimi, iş sağlığı ve güvenliğinin kritik bir bileşenidir. Bu çalışma, Türkiye’deki iş yerlerinde psikososyal risk yönetimi için nicel sonuçlar sağlayabilen ve iş sağlığı ve güvenliği risk değerlendirmelerini tamamlayıcı bir psikososyal risk değerlendirme aracı olan NHUMAN PSR-Q (Psikososyal Risk Ölçeği) ölçeğini; uluslararası standartları, Türkiye normlarını ve kültürünü gözeterek geliştirmeyi amaçlamıştır. Uluslararası Çalışma Örgütü ve Uluslararası Standartlar Teşkilatı iş yerindeki psikososyal riskleri anlamak ve sınıflandırmak için yararlı çerçeveler sağlamaktadır. İşteki psikososyal risklerin değerlendirilmesi için bu sınıflandırmalar gözetilerek belirlenen, işin içeriği ve organizasyonu; işteki sosyal faktörler, çalışma ortamı, donanım ve tehlikeli görevler başlıklarının alt boyutları için yazılan maddelere, uzman gözden geçirmeleri, pilot test, madde korelasyon analizi, Açımlayıcı Faktör Analizi ve Doğrulayıcı Faktör Analizi yapılarak NHUMAN PSR-Q ölçeğinin güvenirlik ve geçerliği test edilmiştir. Bütün faktörlerin güvenirlik katsayısı .70’in üzerinde hesaplanmıştır. DFA uyum indeksleri incelendiğinde CMIN/DF 2,738, NFI 0,960, NNFI 0,970, CFI 0,980, GFI 0,910 ve RMSEA 0,064 olarak bulunmuştur. Bu sonuçlar, mutlak uyum indekslerinin kabul edilebilir düzeyde olduğunu göstermektedir. Yapılan güvenirlik ve geçerlik çalışmaları sonucunda NHUMAN PSR-Q ölçeği 17 alt boyut ve 84 maddeden oluşan bir yapı kazanmıştır. Ölçeğin puanlama sistemi; her bir alt boyut için yüksek düzey risk alanı, orta/üst düzey risk alanı, orta düzey risk alanı, düşük risk alanı ve güçlü alandan oluşan risk gruplarının oluşturulması ile; grupların risk dağılımına göre önleme ve müdahale çalışmalarının yapılabilmesine olanak sağlamaktadır.
The impact of monetary policy on banks' risk-taking behavior in an emerging economy: The role of Basel II
Authors: Zheng Changjun , Khan Md Abdul Mannan , Rahman Mohammad Morshedur , Sadeque Shahed Bin , Islam Rabiul
Published: December 2023

The main goal of this study is to investigate the impact of monetary policy (MP) on the risk-taking behavior of Bangladeshi banks. It also attempts to examine the role of Basel II in the association between MP and bank risk-taking pre- and post-2010. This study analyzes data from 33 commercial banks in Bangladesh over the 20 years from 2002 to 2021 and uses the two-step system generalized method of moments to address heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation issues. Unlike previous research, this study confirms the significant effect of Basel II on the relationship between MP and banks' risk-taking behavior. The main findings are first that a non-linear U-shaped relationship exists between MP and banks' risk-taking behavior, implying that when bank rate (BR) and cash reserve ratio (CRR) increase, bank credit risk first decreases, then later increases. Second, bank-level characteristics such as liquidity, regulatory capital, and size have a significant effect on risk, whereas bank age has an insignificant effect on risk-taking behavior. Third, MP and Basel II jointly influence risk-taking so that banks take higher risks before implementing Basel II. Overall, thisstudy offers significant practical implications for academics, researchers, and regulators interested in leveraging the findings.
Sex-biased predation and predator intraspecific competition effects in a prey mating system
Authors: Takyi Eric M. , Ohanian Charles , Cathcart Margaret , Kumar Nihal
Published: December 2023

In this work, we propose and investigate a predator-prey model where the prey population is structured by sex and the predators (unstructured) depredate based on sex-bias. We provide conditions for the existence of equilibrium points and perform local stability analysis on them. We derive global stability conditions for the extinction state. We show the possible occurrence of Hopf and saddle-node bifurcations. Multiple Hopf bifurcations are observed as the sex-biased predation rate is varied. This variation also shows the opposite consequences in the densities of the sex-structured prey. Our results show that sex-biased predation can cause both stabilizing and destabilizing effects for certain parameter choices. It can also cause an imbalanced sex-ratio, which has ecological consequences. Furthermore when intraspecific competition among predators is minimized, it can lead to the extinction of prey. We discuss the ecological implications and application of our results to the biocontrol of invasive species susceptible to sex-biased predation.
Online scheduling on a single machine with one restart for all jobs to minimize the weighted makespan
Authors: Liang Xiaoxiao , Lu Lingfa , Sun Xueke , Yu Xue , Zuo Lili
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we consider the online scheduling problem on a single machine to minimize the weighted makespan. In this problem, all jobs arrive over time and they are allowed to be restarted only once. For the general case when the processing times of all jobs are arbitrary, we show that there is no online algorithm with a competitive ratio of less than 2, which matches the lower bound of the problem without restart. That is, only one restart for all jobs is invalid for improving the competitive ratio in the general case. For the special case when all jobs have the same processing time, we present the best possible online algorithm with a competitive ratio of 1.4656, which improves the competitive ratio of $ \frac{1+\sqrt{5}}{2}\approx1.618 $ for the problem without restart.
DCT-Net: An effective method to diagnose retinal tears from B-scan ultrasound images
Authors: Li Ke , Zhu Qiaolin , Wu Jianzhang , Ding Juntao , Liu Bo , Zhu Xixi , Lin Shishi , Yan Wentao , Li Wulan
Published: December 2023

Retinal tears (RTs) are usually detected by B-scan ultrasound images, particularly for individuals with complex eye conditions. However, traditional manual techniques for reading ultrasound images have the potential to overlook or inaccurately diagnose conditions. Thus, the development of rapid and accurate approaches for the diagnosis of an RT is highly important and urgent. The present study introduces a novel hybrid deep-learning model called DCT-Net to enable the automatic and precise diagnosis of RTs. The implemented model utilizes a vision transformer as the backbone and feature extractor. Additionally, in order to accommodate the edge characteristics of the lesion areas, a novel module called the residual deformable convolution has been incorporated. Furthermore, normalization is employed to mitigate the issue of overfitting and, a Softmax layer has been included to achieve the final classification following the acquisition of the global and local representations. The study was conducted by using both our proprietary dataset and a publicly available dataset. In addition, interpretability of the trained model was assessed by generating attention maps using the attention rollout approach. On the private dataset, the model demonstrated a high level of performance, with an accuracy of 97.78%, precision of 97.34%, recall rate of 97.13%, and an F1 score of 0.9682. On the other hand, the model developed by using the public funds image dataset demonstrated an accuracy of 83.82%, a sensitivity of 82.69% and a specificity of 82.40%. The findings, therefore present a novel framework for the diagnosis of RTs that is characterized by a high degree of efficiency, accuracy and interpretability. Accordingly, the technology exhibits considerable promise and has the potential to serve as a reliable tool for ophthalmologists.
A two-stage fine-tuning method for low-resource cross-lingual summarization
Authors: Zhang Kaixiong , Zhang Yongbing , Yu Zhengtao , Huang Yuxin , Tan Kaiwen
Published: December 2023

Cross-lingual summarization (CLS) is the task of condensing lengthy source language text into a concise summary in a target language. This presents a dual challenge, demanding both cross-language semantic understanding (i.e., semantic alignment) and effective information compression capabilities. Traditionally, researchers have tackled these challenges using two types of methods: pipeline methods (e.g., translate-then-summarize) and end-to-end methods. The former is intuitive but prone to error propagation, particularly for low-resource languages. The later has shown an impressive performance, due to multilingual pre-trained models (mPTMs). However, mPTMs (e.g., mBART) are primarily trained on resource-rich languages, thereby limiting their semantic alignment capabilities for low-resource languages. To address these issues, this paper integrates the intuitiveness of pipeline methods and the effectiveness of mPTMs, and then proposes a two-stage fine-tuning method for low-resource cross-lingual summarization (TFLCLS). In the first stage, by recognizing the deficiency in the semantic alignment for low-resource languages in mPTMs, a semantic alignment fine-tuning method is employed to enhance the mPTMs' understanding of such languages. In the second stage, while considering that mPTMs are not originally tailored for information compression and CLS demands the model to simultaneously align and compress, an adaptive joint fine-tuning method is introduced. This method further enhances the semantic alignment and information compression abilities of mPTMs that were trained in the first stage. To evaluate the performance of TFLCLS, a low-resource CLS dataset, named Vi2ZhLow, is constructed from scratch; moreover, two additional low-resource CLS datasets, En2ZhLow and Zh2EnLow, are synthesized from widely used large-scale CLS datasets. Experimental results show that TFCLS outperforms state-of-the-art methods by 18.88%, 12.71% and 16.91% in ROUGE-2 on the three datasets, respectively, even when limited with only 5,000 training samples.
A mathematical model for frogeye leaf spot epidemics in soybean
Authors: Yang Chayu , Wang Jin
Published: December 2023

We propose a new mathematical model based on differential equations to investigate the transmission and spread of frogeye leaf spot, a major soybean disease caused by the fungus Cercospora sojina. The model incorporates the primary and secondary transmission routes of the disease as well as the intrinsic dynamics of the pathogen in the contaminated soil. We conduct detailed equilibrium and stability analyses for this model using theories of dynamical systems. We additionally conduct numerical simulations to verify the analytical predictions and to implement the model for a practical application.
Sevoflurane Attenuates Proliferative and Migratory Activity of Lung Cancer Cells via Mediating the MicroRNA-100-3p/Sterol O-Acyltransferase 1 Axis
Authors: Fu Bicheng , Zhou Fucheng , Zhang Jian , Kong Xianglong , Ni Boxiong , Bu Jianlong , Xu Shidong , He Changjun
Published: December 2023

Recently, evidence has shown that microRNA-100-3p (miR-100-3p) has been revealed as a tumor suppressor in diverse human diseases, while its capability in lung cancer warrants further validation. In this work, we aimed to discuss the impact of sevoflurane on biological functions of lung cancer cells by modulating the miR-100-3p/sterol O-acyltransferase 1 (SOAT1) axis. Lung cancer cell lines (A549 and H460) were treated with various concentrations of sevoflurane. Cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion were evaluated using MTT, colony formation, wound healing, and transwell assays. Moreover, miR-100-3p and SOAT1 expressions were evaluated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction in lung cancer cells. The target interaction between miR-100-3p and SOAT1 was predicted by bioinformatics analysis and verified by the dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. The findings of our work demonstrated that sevoflurane impeded the abilities on viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of A549 and H460 cells. The expression of miR-100-3p was reduced, and SOAT1 expression was elevated in lung cancer cells. miR-100-3p targeted SOAT1. Besides, sevoflurane could lead to expressed improvement of miR-100-3p or limitation of SOAT1. Downregulation of miR-100-3p or upregulation of SOAT1 restored the suppression of sevoflurane on abilities of viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion in A549 and H460 cells. In the rescue experiment, downregulation of SOAT1 reversed the impacts of downregulation of miR-100-3p on sevoflurane on lung cancer cells. Collectively, our study provides evidence that sevoflurane restrained the proliferation and invasion in lung cancer cells by modulating the miR-100-3p/SOAT1 axis. This article provides a new idea for further study of the pathogenesis of lung cancer.
Impacts of Delta 9-Tetrahydrocannabinol against Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Zhao Xiaohua , Gao Zhao , Wen Wenbin , Zheng Shikang
Published: December 2023

Despite the current optimal therapy, patients with myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury still experience a high mortality rate, especially when diabetes mellitus is present as a comorbidity. Investigating potential treatments aimed at improving the outcomes of myocardial IR injury in diabetic patients is necessary. Our objective was to ascertain the cardioprotective effect of delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) against myocardial IR injury in diabetic rats and examine the role of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway in mediating this effect. Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats (8–10 weeks old, 200–250 g; n = 60) by a single injection of streptozotocin. The duration of the diabetic period was 10 weeks. During the last 4 weeks of diabetic period, rats were treated with THC (1.5 mg/kg/day; intraperitoneally), either alone or in combination with LY294002, and then underwent IR intervention. After 24 h of reperfusion, infarct size, cardiac function, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and cardiac-specific isoform of troponin-I (cTn-I) levels, myocardial apoptosis, oxidative stress markers, and expression of PTEN, PI3K, and Akt proteins were evaluated. THC pretreatment resulted in significant improvements in infarct size and cardiac function and decreases in LDH and cTn-I levels (P < 0.05). It also reduced myocardial apoptosis and oxidative stress, accompanied by the downregulation of PTEN expression and activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway (P < 0.05). LY294002 pretreatment abolished the cardioprotective action of THC. This study revealed the cardioprotective effects of THC against IR-induced myocardial injury in diabetic rats and also suggested that the mechanism may be associated with enhanced activity of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway through the reduction of PTEN phosphorylation.
Irbesartan Eases Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Lung Injury In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Zhang Zhongyuan , Wang Wei
Published: December 2023

Acute lung injury (ALI) is classified as a devastating pulmonary disorder contributing to significant incidence and fatality rate. Irbesartan (IRB) is an angiotensin II receptor blocker that has been proposed to protect against oleic acid-induced ALI. To this end, the current study is concentrated on ascertaining the role of IRB in ALI and figuring out the probable action mechanism. First, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) appraised the viability of human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMVECs) exposed to ascending concentrations of IRB. HPMVEC injury model and a mouse model of ALI induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were pretreated by IRB. In vitro, cell viability was estimated by CCK-8 assay, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was tested by LDH assay kit. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting estimated the expression levels of inflammatory factors. Fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran was used to assess HPMVEC permeability. Western blotting examined the expression of adherent and tight junction proteins. In vivo, hematoxylin and eosin staining evaluated lung tissue damage and lung wet/dry (W/D) weight was measured. ELISA analyzed the levels of inflammatory factors in the serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and Western blotting examined the expression of inflammatory factors. The total cell, neutrophil, and macrophage numbers in BALF were determined using a cell counter. Lung capillary permeability was assayed by Evans blue albumin and total protein concentration in BALF was measured using bicinchoninic acid method. Immunofluorescence assay and Western blotting examined the expression of adherent and tight junction proteins in lung tissues. It was observed that IRB dose-dependently enhanced the viability while reduced LDH release, inflammatory response as well as permeability in LPS-challenged HPMVECs in vitro. In addition, LPS-stimulated lung tissue damage, pulmonary edema, inflammatory response as well as lung capillary permeability in vivo were all reversed following IRB treatment. Collectively, IRB treatment might elicit protective behaviors against LPS-triggered ALI.
Clinical evaluation of dry eye in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A hospital-based study from Eastern India
Authors: Kumar Atish , Mohanty Loknath , Das Suprava , Panigrahi Pradeep Kumar , Minj Anita
Published: December 2023

Background:

The burden of dry eye in Indian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is not well documented.

Methods:

A hospital-based cross-sectional clinical study was conducted in a tertiary healthcare centre in Eastern Odisha on 100 T2DM patients from January 2017 to January 2019 to study the burden of dry eye. A detailed history of presenting symptoms, duration, progression and any associated condition, if present, were recorded. A detailed history regarding diabetes mellitus and treatment was recorded. The assessment of dry eye symptoms of patients was made using a questionnaire. The comprehensive ocular surface evaluation examination included visual acuity, and anterior segment examination included corneal surface, height of tear meniscus, pre-corneal tear film, tear film break-up time (TBUT) and Schirmer’s test.

Results:

Their mean age was 53.7 ± 9.8 years; there were 54 were males. Sixty-two patients had complaints of dry eye. Mild, moderate and severe dry eye were noted in 31, 22 and 9 patients, respectively. Twenty-six patients with mild dry eye disease were noted with glycosylated haemoglobin HbA1c (%) levels between 6.1 and 7, and eight patients with severe dry eye disease had HbA1c 8%. TBUT was found to decrease as the severity of dry eye increased.

Conclusions:

In the present study, a strong association was found between T2DM and dry eye. It is necessary to examine the ocular surface routinely in DM patients for early detection of dry eye and prevention of structural damage to the ocular surface.
Methaemoglobinaemia due to nitrobenzene poisoning
Authors: Chandrasekhar K. , Sree P. Chandana , Siddhartha Kumar Bhattaram , Nemilete Mounika
Published: December 2023

Nitrobenzene poisoning presenting as acute methaemoglobinaemia is an uncommon medical emergency. The case of a 17-year-old male with alleged history of consumption of ‘flower all’ (composition-nitrobenzene) is being reported here. At the time of presentation to the emergency department, the patient had cyanosis of lips and feet with Glasgow coma score 12. His pulse was 161/min, blood pressure 70/40 mm Hg and oxygen saturation by pulse oximeter was 72% on room air. His pupils were bilaterally dilated with sluggish reaction. Rest of the physical examination was unremarkable. In view of desaturation, he was intubated and connected to mechanical ventilator. Blood sample taken for arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis was dark brown in colour. ABG showed pH: 7.443, arterial carbon dioxide tension: 27.8 mm Hg, arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) 95.6% and bicarbonate 18.7 mEq/L. The calculated difference between SaO2 and SPo2 was 23%. Despite being on mechanical ventilation, he continued to have hypoxia. With a suspicion of methaemoglobinaemia, blood samples were sent for methaemoglobin level. Blood methaemoglobin was 13%. The patient was immediately started on injection methylene blue and injection ascorbic acid. Two sessions of haemoperfusion and one session of exchange transfusion were done. He started to improve clinically on day 3. He was gradually weaned off the mechanical ventilator and was discharged in the stable condition after 3 weeks of in hospital stay.
Bone and joint disease – Not always a rheumatological diagnosis
Authors: Naini Abhilash , Ashwitha Chawan , Sree Aakula Suguna , Pappu Sai Subrahmanyam , Chandra Naval , Raju Yadati Satyanaryana , Uppin Megha , Nallapareddy Kavitha
Published: December 2023

A 17-year-old female presented with a 7-day history of joint pains involving the bilateral knee, ankle and small joints of the hands and feet symmetrically, associated with bilateral knee joint swelling and early morning stiffness and bilateral red eyes. General examination was normal except for pallor. Musculoskeletal system examination revealed bilateral swollen and tender knee joints with restriction of movement along with tenderness in the bilateral shoulder, elbow, ankle joints and spine from T3 to T7 thoracic vertebral levels. Examination of other systems was normal. Investigations showed anaemia, elevated urea and creatinine. Skeletal survey showed multiple lytic lesions. Positron emission tomography revealed multiple punched-out lytic lesions in skull bones, scapulae, sternum, clavicles, ribs on both sides, vertebrae at multiple levels and in pelvic girdle bones. Few lesions showed mild 18fluorodeoxyglucose (18FDG) uptake, metaphyseal moth-eaten lysis in long bones with mild FDG uptake. Bone marrow biopsy and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of acute B-cell lymphoblastic leukaemia. The terminology is according to 2016 revision of WHO classification of myeloid neoplasms and acute leukemia.
Correlation of serum markers with FibroScan® liver for assessment of hepatic fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Pasha Mohammed Mahaboob , Tirumala Narendra Sreekanth , Mujeeb V R
Published: December 2023

Background:

Newer non-invasive modalities such as FibroScan and laboratory testing methods such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) platelet ratio index (APRI) scores, AST/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) scores are being used for fibrosis assessment in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients where facilities for liver biopsy are lacking. We studied the relationship between FibroScan® scores and serum fibrosis markers in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients.

Methods:

One hundred patients who had undergone FibroScan of the liver over the past 2 years were enrolled. Demographic data were collected along with serum ALT, serum AST and platelet counts. The AST/ALT ratio, APRI score and FIB-4 were compared with the FibroScan fibrosis scores. Correlate between the degree of fibrosis in relation to age, platelet counts, serum ALT, serum markers and FibroScan scores was studied.

Results:

A significant positive correlation was noted between the FibroScan® results and the AST/ALT ratio, the APRI score and the FIB-4. No significant correlation was noted between age and fibrosis score. There was a highly significant correlation between platelet count and stiffness score.

Conclusions:

Our observations suggest that FibroScan®, along with the serum fibrosis markers, is helpful in assessing liver fibrosis in NASH patients, eliminating the need for liver biopsy in resource-poor settings.
Pulmonary arteriovenous malformation in a case of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Reddy Adam Sandeep , Nethaji Madhuvanthini , Kumar C. Sunil , Prasanthi P. , Sivakumar Manubolu , Venkatramireddy B. , Madhavi Gottam Bindhu , Gururaj Kale Pavan Kumar , Katyarmal D. T.
Published: December 2023

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are one of the most common serious complications of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). We present the case of a 63-year-old woman who presented with respiratory distress, pedal oedema and palpitations. She had a history of recurrent epistaxis and frequent blood transfusions. Family history of telangiectasias over oral and nasal mucosa is present. At the time of presentation, the patient had hypoxia, maintaining oxygen saturation 88% on pulse oximetry while breathing ambient air. Examination revealed decreased breath sounds in the right lung fields. Computed tomography pulmonary angiography showed a ruptured PAVM with haemothorax. The present case highlights the occurrence of a PAVM in a case of HHT.
From metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: Controversy and consensus
Authors: Chen Li
Published: December 2023

The newly released nomenclature of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in the 2023 European Association for the Study of the Liver Congress has raised great clinical concerns. This marks the second instance of significant renaming of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease since the introduction of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in 2020. The nomenclature and definitions of MASLD and MAFLD exhibit significant disparities as well as substantial consensus. The disparities regarding the framework of nomenclature, the definitions, the clinical management, and the impact on the clinical outcomes between MASLD and MAFLD were comprehensively compared in this editorial. Additionally, the consensus reached by the MASLD and MAFLD definitions also emphasizes positive diagnosis rather than negative diagnosis within the framework of establishing a diagnostic approach. Furthermore, they acknowledged the pivotal role of metabolic dysfunction in the pathogenesis of MAFLD or MASLD and the positive role of increasing the awareness of the disease in public. Fortunately, the non-invasive tests remains effective in the MASLD and MAFLD era. Elucidating these disparities would contribute to a more comprehensive comprehension of the nature of steatotic liver disease and enhance clinical practice. Thus, more efforts are required to reach more consensus about these important topics.
High incidence of periodontitis in patients with ascitic decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Pischke Sven , Ashouri Mohamad Motee , Peters Ulrike , Shiprov Anita , Schulze Zur Wiesch Julian , Sterneck Martina , Fischer Frank , Huebener Peter , Mader Maria , Fischer Lutz , Fründt Thorben , Aarabi G , Beikler Thomas
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Periodontitis has been associated with various liver diseases. However, the relevance of periodontitis in the progression of decompensated cirrhosis remains inconclusive. In particular, it is unclear whether the common periodontitis pathogens, Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis ) and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans ), can be detected not only in the oral mucosa but also in ascites and stool.

AIM

To investigate the significance of periodontitis, P. gingivalis , and A. actinomycetemcomitans in cirrhosis patients with ascitic decompensation.

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted at the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, a tertiary center in Northern Germany. A cohort of 27 patients with ascitic decompensated liver cirrhosis underwent dental examinations to assess the association between periodontitis and various clinical parameters of cirrhosis, as well as patient outcomes. PCR was used to test gingival samples, ascites, and stool for the presence of P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans . Gingival samples were collected by probing the deepest gum pocket of a sextant and wiping them on a cotton swab.

RESULTS

Periodontitis was diagnosed in 22 out of 27 (82%) ascite patients, which is significantly more common than in a control cohort of 100 unselected patients (59%, P = 0.04). P. gingivalis was detected in the gingiva of six patients, and one of them also had P. gingivalis in their stool. However, P. gingivalis was not found in the ascites of any patient. Five out of six patients with P. gingivalis had periodontitis (83%). A. actinomycetemcomitans was not detected in any sample. Patients without periodontitis had a significantly higher mortality rate compared to those with periodontitis, and survival (Kaplan-Meier analysis) was longer in patients with periodontitis (P = 0.02). Transplant-free survival was also more common in patients with periodontitis compared to those without (63% vs 0%, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Decompensated cirrhotic patients frequently suffer from periodontitis. However, there was no evidence of the translocation of P. gingivalis or A. actinomycetemcomitans into ascites. The survival of cirrhotic patients with periodontitis was not reduced.
Hepatic pseudotumor associated with Strongyloides infection: A case report
Authors: Gialanella Jessica P , Steidl Tyler , Korpela Kokkola , Grandhi Miral S , Langan Russell C , Alexander H Richard , Hudacko Rachel M , Ecker Brett L
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND

Strongyloides sterocoralis is a parasitic infection caused by a roundworm that is transmitted through soil contaminated with larvae. It can infrequently cause hepatic abscesses in immunocompromised patients and is rarely reported to form hepatic lesions in immunocompetent hosts.

CASE SUMMARY

We present a case study of a 45-year-old female who presented with right upper quadrant abdominal pain and constitutional symptoms for several weeks. Cross-sectional imaging identified several malignant-appearing liver masses. Further investigation, including serological testing and histopathologic examination, revealed the presence of serum Strongyloides antibodies and hepatic granulomas with extensive necrosis. Following treatment with ivermectin for 2 wk, there was complete resolution of the liver lesions and associated symptoms.

CONCLUSION

This case highlights the importance of considering parasitic infections, such as Strongyloides , in the differential diagnosis of hepatic masses. Early recognition and appropriate treatment can lead to a favorable outcome and prevent unnecessary invasive procedures. Increased awareness among clinicians is crucial to ensure the timely diagnosis and management of such cases.
Inherited arrhythmias and gene therapy: Are there any ethical considerations to take into account?
Authors: Spartalis Michael , Spartalis Eleftherios , Siasos Gerasimos
Published: December 2023

Interventional electrophysiology represents a relatively recent subspecialty within the field of cardiology. In the past half-century, there has been significant advancement in the development and implementation of innovative ablation treatments and approaches. However, the treatment of arrhythmias continues to be inadequate. Several arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia and atrial fibrillation, pose significant challenges in terms of therapeutic efficacy, whether through interventional procedures or the administration of antiarrhythmic drugs. Cardiologists are engaged in ongoing research to explore innovative methodologies, such as genome editing, with the purpose of effectively managing arrhythmias and meeting the growing needs of patients afflicted with rhythm disturbances. The field of genome editing has significant promise and has the potential to serve as a highly effective personalized therapy for rhythm disorders in patients. However, several ethical issues must be considered.
Necîb Mahfûz’un Sufi Kişiliği ve “Leyâlî Elf Leyle” Adlı Romanındaki Tasavvufi Yansımalar
Authors: AYYILDIZ Ebrar , DOĞRU Erdinç
Published: December 2023

Tasavvuf, insanın ahlakını güzelleştiren ve hakikati anlama amacında kişiye rehber olan bir düşünce sistemidir. İnsanın Allah ve yaşam arasındaki ilişkisine farklı bir boyut ve derinlik kazandıran tasavvufi düşüncenin en belirgin özelliği insanı, manevi açıdan olgunlaştırma gayesidir. Tasavvuf, kalbin saflaşmasını, gerçek sevginin ise sadece Allah’a verilmesini ve ruhun arındırılmasını temel alan bir anlayıştır. İnsanın hakikate ulaşma yolunda gösterdiği değişimlere ve gelişimlere odaklanan tasavvufi yaklaşım edebiyatta işlenen ana temalardan biri olmuştur. Necîb Mahfûz, edebiyat alanında tasavvufa duyduğu yakınlığıyla tanınmaktadır, birçok eserinde tasavvufi temaları ustaca kullanır. Eserlerine tasavvuf ögeleri yerleştiren Mahfûz, hikâye ilerledikçe tasavvufi figürleri derin anlamlarla konuşturarak romanlarına felsefi bir boyut ekler. Yazar, diyaloglar arasına serpiştirdiği tasavvufun gizemli ve sembolik dilini kullanarak çeşitli dini mesajları da iletmektedir. Bu çalışmada modern Arap edebiyatının önemli isimlerinden biri olan Necîb Mahfûz’un tasavvufi görüşleri ve sufi kişiliği üzerinde durulmuş, Binbir Gece Masallarından esinlenerek yazdığı Leyâlî Elf Leyle adlı romanındaki sufi imgeler ele alınmıştır. Ayrıca Mahfûz’un tasavvufi düşünceleri ve sufiliği anlama şekli aktarılmaya çalışılmıştır. Romandaki tasavvufi karakterler aracılığıyla gerçekleştirdiği anlatımlarından yola çıkılarak Mahfûz’un tasavvuf yorumu ve eserdeki derin mistik imgeleri incelenmiştir.
Kâinatın Yaratılışı ve Varlık Mertebeleri Hakkında İşârî Bir Yorum: Lütfullâh Erzurûmî’nin Risâletü’r-ratki ve’l-fetk Adlı Eserinin Tahkik ve İncelemesi
Authors: AYYILDIZ Mahmut
Published: December 2023

Tarih boyunca insanoğlunun izini sürdüğü hakikatlerden birisi de evrenin nasıl yaratıldığı konusudur. İslam düşüncesinde tabiat bilimlerinin yanı sıra kelam, felsefe, tasavvuf gibi dini ilimler sahasında da bu konuda sorgulamalar yapılmış ve farklı teoriler ileri sürülmüştür. Konunun Kur’an’dan bazı âyetler ile ilişkilendirilmesi tartışmaların tefsir literatürüne taşınmasına neden olmuştur. Bu bağlamda el-Enbiyâ 21/30. âyet, evrenin yaratılışı hakkında derin düşünce ve teorilerin geliştirilmesinde önemli bir başvuru kaynağı olmuştur. Lütfullâh Erzurûmî de Risâletü’r-ratḳi ve’l-fetḳ isimli eseri ile bu âyeti çevreleyen literatüre katkı sunmaktadır. Müellif, bu risalede el-Enbiyâ 21/30. âyette geçen ratḳ ve fetḳ kelimelerine odaklanarak sûfî-nazarî bir bakış açısıyla evrenin yaratılışı ve varlık mertebeleri hakkında derinlemesine analizler yapmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, Lütfullâh Efendi’nin Risâletü’r-ratḳi ve’l-fetḳ isimli eserinin tahkikli neşri yapılarak müellifin konuya ilişkin değerlendirmeleri tasviri bir anlatımla ele alınmıştır. Ayrıca bazı akademik makalelerde risalenin müellife aidiyetiyle ilgili yapılan hatalı veya eksik tespitler de bu çalışma ile tashih ve ikmal edilmiştir. Risalenin tahkikli neşri en iyi metin yöntemine göre hazırlanmıştır. Muhteva ile ilgili değerlendirmelerde ise kütüphane taraması, dokümantasyon, metin ve söylem analizi yöntemleri kullanılmıştır.
A Critical Analysis of Shah Waliullah Dehlawi’s Sufi Influences in the Indian Subcontinent
Authors: CHOWDURY Dr. Saeyd Rashed Hasan , ALKAN Harun , İSMAILOĞLU Murat
Published: December 2023

This article examines the pivotal role of Shah Waliullah Dehlawi (1703-1762) in the revival of Islam in the Indian subcontinent through Sufism following the decline of the Mughal Empire. Shah Waliullah, a Sufi affiliated with the Naqshbandi Order, also distinguished himself as an Ash'ari theologian and a Hanafi jurist. Shah Waliullah's distinctive interpretation, which underscores the significance of the Quran and the Sunnah in Islamic sciences and Sufism, has played an essential role in reforming Islamic thought in the region from theoretical and practical perspectives. His works in the fields of fiqh (jurisprudence), theology, and Sufism have profoundly influenced Muslim thought on the Indian subcontinent. Shah Waliullah, a proponent of the idea that Sufism could serve as a powerful tool in the moral and spiritual development of society, not only emphasised the potential risks posed by distorted Sufism but also cautioned against deviating from the path of the Quran and the Sunnah. His understanding of Sufism is based on rejecting any activity beyond the Quran and Sunnah. He made valuable contributions to the Aqidah (Islamic creed) reform, the promotion of hadith scholarship, and the reconciliation of fiqh (jurisprudence) and Sufism. Shah Waliullah also emphasised the importance of Islamic values and culture. In this article, an attempt has been made to offer a perspective for contemporary Muslims striving to reconcile their beliefs with the demands of modern life by analysing the views of Shah Waliullah on the interpretation of Islamic sciences and Sufism.