bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migration of double J stent from left kidney to Right Vertebral vein, a case report and review of literature
Authors: Hassani Amir Hossein , Kojuri Javad , Bazroodi Helia , Fatemian Hossein , Naderi Nima , Kooshafar Saeed , Dehghani Anahita , Haghpanah Abdolreza
Published: August 2023

Background: In urologic procedures, a double-J stent (DJS) may be employed to facilitate efficient drainage of urine from the kidneys into the bladder. This stent can be inserted either retrogradely or anterogradely. One of the infrequently documented complications of this procedure is the migration of the stent through the renal vein.
Case Presentation: A 69-year-old female with a solitary functioning kidney presented to our clinic with the primary complaint of left flank pain. Subsequent to diagnostic investigations, a sizable mid-pole renal stone was identified. The patient underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy with the insertion of an anterograde DJS. During her follow-up visit for DJS removal, the stent was not visualized through cystoscopy. Further evaluations revealed the migration of the stent through the renal vein. The distal end of the stent was located within the vertebral vein. However, the patient remained asymptomatic and no thrombosis was found in CT angiography. The stent was then retrieved using an endovascular procedure via the femoral vein.
Conclusion: in this case report, we described a case with asymptomatic DJS migration to the right vertebral vein as the furthest reported location yet.
Mitogenomic characterization of South African leopards (Panthera pardus), and the effect of past climatic events
Authors: Tensen Laura , Emami-Khoyi Arsalan , Camacho Gerrie , Swanepoel Lourens , Fischer Klaus
Published: August 2023

Revealing phylogeographic structure is important for accurate subspecies delineation and understanding a species’ evolutionary history. In leopards (Panthera pardus), there are currently nine subspecies recognized. On the African continent, only one subspecies occurs (P. p. pardus), although historic mitochondrial DNA suggests the presence of three putative continental lineages: (1) West Africa (WA), (2) Central Africa (CA), and (3) Southern Africa (SA). So far, genome-wide data did not recover this phylogeographic structure, although leopards in the southern periphery of their distribution range in Africa have not yet been investigated in detail. The Mpumalanga province of South Africa is of particular interest, as here the CA and the SA clade possibly meet. The aim of this study was to characterize the first mitogenomes of African leopards from Mpumalanga, to help clarifying how South African leopards fit into continental patterns of genetic differentiation. Complete mitogenomes from six leopards were assembled de novo and included in phylogenetic analysis, in combination with other publicly available mitogenomes. Bayesian inference and Maximum Likelihood analyses identified two deeply diverged putative lineages within South Africa, which are more genetically distinct than two subspecies in Asia. The lineages dated back to 0.73–0.87 million years ago, indicating that they originated during the climatically unstable Mid-Pleistocene, as seen in other large mammals. The Pleistocene refuge theory states that the maintenance of savanna refugia in South Africa promoted the divergence between populations. As such, leopards may reflect the unique climatic history of South Africa, which has resulted in eminent and endemic genetic diversity.
Enhanced Antioxidant Properties of Novel Curcumin Derivatives: A Comprehensive DFT Computational Study
Authors: Boulmokh Yamina , Belguidoum Karima , Meddour Faiza , Amira-Guebailia Habiba
Published: August 2023

Oxidative stress, driven by the accumulation of free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the human body, is a key contributor to various diseases. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from turmeric, has garnered attention for its antioxidant potential. In this context, a recent experimental study by Hao et al. introduced curcumin derivatives with incorporated electron-donating groups (allyl and isopentenyl), aiming to enhance antioxidant activity while circumventing the limitations of traditional curcumin. Building upon this experimental foundation, our study employs computational techniques (DFT) to unravel the molecular mechanisms underpinning the superior antioxidant effects observed in these novel derivatives. We investigated three prominent antioxidant mechanisms: Hydrogen Atom Transfer (HAT), Single Electron Transfer-Proton Transfer (SET-PT), and Sequential Proton Loss Electron Transfer (SPLET). Our results reveal that the allyl and isopentenyl groups play pivotal roles in enhancing the antioxidant properties of the derivatives, as evidenced by reduced bond dissociation energies (BDEs) and favorable proton dissociation energies (PDEs). Moreover, the analysis of Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO) and Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (LUMO) energies indicates their enhanced reactivity as electron donors and acceptors. Notably, the computational investigation of spin densities validates the radical scavenging potential of these derivatives. While curcumin exhibits limitations such as low water solubility, bioavailability, and stability, our findings suggest that the strategically designed derivatives (especially exhibit superior antioxidant properties, positioning them as promising candidates for further therapeutic applications. This comprehensive study bridges experimental findings with computational insights to unravel the intricate molecular mechanisms driving the enhanced antioxidant efficacy of the newly developed curcumin derivatives.
Probing the structral, electronic and optical properties of phosphides XmAl 2 S 4 (Xm=Eu,Fe,Rh) compounds for prospective high-energy applications employing the DFT framework
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Shaheen Nusrat , Saleh Ebraheem , Moharam M. M. , El-Zahhar Adel A. , Asif Sana Ullah , Eldin Sayed M
Published: August 2023

Phosphides XmAl2S4 have received significant attention in the scientific community due to their profound importance in the fields of optoelectronics. In this study, we present a comprehensive Evaluation of the optoelectronic characteristics of XmAl2S4(Xm = Eu,Fe,Rh). Our investigation focuses on both spins up and down of the material, and we use a first-principles density functional theory (DFT) approach to obtain accurate results. This research provides a detailed understanding of the optoelectronic properties of investigated phosphides for the first time. In order to achieve the optoelectronic properties, we employed a precise technique known as full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FPLAPW) within the frame of the generalised gradient approximation (GGA). This method was calibrated using the Hubbard potential U as exchange-correlation function. The calculated band gaps of phosphides XmAl2S4(Xm = Eu,Fe,Rh) were approximately 4.2 eV/ 3.4 eV, 1.3 eV/ 2.4 eV and 3.0 eV/ 2.1 eV (Up/Dn spins), respectively. The phase stability in these phosphides was verified by calculating their negative formation energy values. This analysis included the determination of the extinction coefficient, absorption coefficient, energy loss function, reflectivity, refractive index, and real optical conductivity. The optical parameters determined in both phases exhibited a significant spin-dependent phenomenon. The phosphor FeAl2S4 and FeAl2S4 displays significantly higher green color purity. Therefore, exhibits potential as a green phosphor candidates in the field of solid-state lighting LED technology and optoelectronic industory.
Causal effects of Sjögren's syndrome on cancer risk: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Cheng Hao , Xu Jin-Hong , Wu Chen-Chen , Wang Zhi-Xia , Xu Xue-Lian
Published: August 2023

Objective Previous studies have reported the association between sjögren's syndrome (SS) and some types of tumors. However, the causal associations between SS and different types of cancer remain inconclusive. This research aimed to assess the causal relationships between SS and cancer risk by the mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.Methods Two-sample MR analysis was performed by using the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data and the FinnGen data. Qualified instrumental variables (IVs) were singled out based on the assumptions of MR analysis. The main method was the inverse-variance weighted (IVW). Sensitivity tests were also applied.Results Genetically determined SS has a causal effect on an increased risk of marginal zone lymphoma (IVW odds ratio (OR) = 1.9425, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.5229–2.4776, P = 8.9E-08). Moreover, there was no causal effect between SS and other cancer risks in the MR analysis (IVW P > 0.05).Conclusions Our results investigated that genetically determined SS increases the risk of marginal zone lymphoma. During the treatment of SS, we should pay more attention on whether to appear the clinical symptoms of marginal zone lymphoma.
Denizli İli Çivril İlçesinde Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)’nın Popülasyon Gelişimi ve Bulaşıklık Oranının Belirlenmesi
Authors: KILIÇOĞLU Süleyman Rifat , BAYINDIR EROL Alime
Published: August 2023

Bu çalışmada 2020-2021 yıllarında Denizli ili Çivril ilçesinde tarla koşullarında Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae)’nın popülasyon gelişimi ve bulaşıklık oranı belirlenmiştir. Bu kapsamda ergin popülasyon gelişimini belirlemek için, her bir tarlaya 3 adet delta tipi feromon tuzak yerleştirilerek ergin birey sayısı haftalık olarak kaydedilmiştir. Bununla birlikte T. absoluta’nın yapmış olduğu zararı belirlemek amacıyla 1000 m2’lik alanlar belirlenmiştir. Bu alanlarda tesadüfü 100 adet domates bitkisi seçilerek bitkilerin alt, orta ve üst yapraklarından üç yaprak olmak üzere toplamda 100 bitki ve meyve oluşumu ile rastgele 100 meyve kontrol edilmiştir. Üzerinde zararlının yumurtası, larvası veya larva zararının yer aldığı bitkiler bulaşık olarak kaydedilmiştir. Çalışmanın her iki yılında da ergin bireyler haziran, temmuz ve ağustos aylarında tepe noktalarına ulaşmıştır. Tuzak başına en yüksek ergin sayısı 19 Haziran 2020 tarihinde 228 adet/tuzak, 20 Ağustos 2021 tarihinde ise 99 adet/tuzak kaydedilmiştir. Çalışmanın her iki yılında da domates güvesinin yapraktaki zararı meyvedeki zararından daha fazla olarak tespit edilmiştir. En yüksek yaprak zararı çalışmanın ilk yılında %6.3, çalışmanın ikinci yılında ise %6 olarak kaydedilmiştir. En yüksek meyve zararı ise çalışmanın ilk yılında %1.3, çalışmanın ikinci yılında ise %1.8 olarak tespit edilmiştir.
Alzheimer Teşhisi için Derin Öğrenme Tabanlı Morfometrik Analiz
Authors: ÇELEBİ Selahattin Barış , EMİROĞLU Bülent Gürsel
Published: August 2023

Alzheimer, dünyadaki en yaygın bunama türüdür ve şu an için kullanılan tedavi yöntemleri sadece hastalığın ilerleyişini önleme amacına yöneliktir. Beyin dokusu hacmi Alzheimer hastalığı (AD) nedeniyle değişir. Tensör tabanlı morfometri (TBM) yardımıyla, hastalığın beyin dokularında neden olduğu değişiklikler izlenebilir. Bu çalışmada AD hastaları ve Bilişsel Normal(ler) (CN'ler) grubu denekleri arasında ayrım yapmak için etkili bir yöntem geliştirmek amaçlanmıştır. TBM veya küçük yerel hacim farklılıkları, sınıflandırma özelliği olarak benimsenmiştir. AD/CN sınıfına ait 3D TBM morfometrik görüntülerinden hipokampus ve temporal lobu kapsayan 5 piksel aralıklı eksenel beyin görüntü dilimleri 2D olarak kaydedildi. Daha sonra her bir klinik gruptan (AD; CN) elde edilen veri setinin %60'ı eğitim, %20’si validasyon ve %20’si test veri setleri olarak ayrıldı (Eğitim: 480; doğrulama: 120; test: 120). Model validasyon (%92.5) ve test (%89) doğruluk değerleri ile AD/CN tahmini gerçekleştirdi. Sonuçlar, Derin öğrenme ile hipokampus ve temporal lobu kapsayan dilimlerden elde edilen TBM'nin AD'nin tanısında yüksek doğrulukla uygulanabileceğini göstermektedir.
Diagnosing the Dermatologic Blues: Systematic Review of the Rare Conundrum, Psychogenic Purpura
Authors: Gill Praneet K , Zeglinski-Spinney Amy
Published: August 2023

Background

Psychogenic purpura is an idiopathic psychodermatologic condition of recurrent, painful purpura precipitated by psychological stress, predominantly affecting young females. Little consensus exists on the diagnostic guidelines for this rare condition, often resulting in costly, unnecessary, and stressful investigations as well as prolonged hospital admissions.

Objective

With this first up-to-date systematic review of 134 cases of psychogenic purpura in over a decade, we aim to thoroughly investigate the diagnostic strategy and treatment regimens used in the last decade. With a sooner diagnosis, patient stress and nosocomial ecchymoses can be minimized, and treatment can be expedited.

Methods

We conducted a literature review of 4 databases (PubMed, Ovid Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science) on October 5, 2022 that yielded 46 full-text articles, which were reviewed and extracted by 2 independent reviewers.

Results

We analyzed a total of 134 cases, consisting largely of females (125/134, 93.3%) with purpura on the upper (103/134, 76.9%) or lower limbs (112/134, 83.6%). Apart from a paresthesia prodrome, patients commonly experienced headaches, malaise, and arthralgia or myalgia. Approximately 70% (95/134) of patients reported a physiological or psychological stressor or psychiatric diagnosis before the development of the purpura. Laboratory testing almost always revealed unremarkable results. The intradermal washed autoerythrocyte sensitization test was positive in 98% (42/43) of cases. Histopathology biopsy findings commonly revealed dermal erythrodiapedesis or hemorrhage (n=34) and perivascular inflammatory infiltrates (n=17). Approximately 42% (56/134) of patients received a novel psychiatric diagnosis, with depression being the most common (40/72, 56%). In both patients with and those without a novel psychiatric diagnosis, observation, counseling, treatment with antidepressants (ie, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), and psychotherapy (ie, cognitive behavioral therapy) prevailed in the resolution of the purpura.

Conclusions

Due to the unclear etiology and infrequent presentation of this condition, it remains a diagnosis of exclusion based on clinical suspicion evaluating the presence of stressors or psychiatric comorbidities and exclusion of systemic conditions. Clinical confirmation can be sought through a positive autoerythrocyte sedimentation test, characteristic histopathology findings, and remission of purpura after psychiatric treatment.
Contrastive Clustering: Toward Unsupervised Bias Reduction for Emotion and Sentiment Classification (Preprint)
Authors: Mowery Jared
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

When neural network emotion and sentiment classifiers are used in public health informatics studies, biases present in the classifiers could produce inadvertently misleading results.

OBJECTIVE

This study assesses the impact of bias on COVID-19 topics, and demonstrates an automatic algorithm for reducing bias when applied to COVID-19 social media texts. This could help public health informatics studies produce more timely results during crises, with a reduced risk of misleading results.

METHODS

Emotion and sentiment classifiers were applied to COVID-19 data before and after debiasing the classifiers using unsupervised contrastive clustering. Contrastive clustering approximates the degree to which tokens exhibit a causal versus correlational relationship with emotion or sentiment, by contrasting the tokens’ relative salience to topics versus emotions or sentiments.

RESULTS

Contrastive clustering distinguishes correlation from causation for tokens with an F1 score of 0.753. Masking bias prone tokens from the classifier input decreases the classifier’s overall F1 score by 0.02 (anger) and 0.033 (negative sentiment), but improves the F1 score for sentences annotated as bias prone by 0.155 (anger) and 0.103 (negative sentiment). Averaging across topics, debiasing reduces anger estimates by 14.4% and negative sentiment estimates by 8.0%.

CONCLUSIONS

Contrastive clustering reduces algorithmic bias in emotion and sentiment classification for social media text pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health informatics studies should account for bias, due to its prevalence across a range of topics. Further research is needed to improve bias reduction techniques and to explore the adverse impact of bias on public health informatics analyses.
Health Information Seeking Behavior on Social Networking Sites and Self-Treatment: Pilot Survey Study (Preprint)
Authors: Silver Reginald A , Johnson Chandrika
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Social networking site use and social network–based health information seeking behavior have proliferated to the point that the lines between seeking health information from credible social network–based sources and the decision to seek medical care or attempt to treat oneself have become blurred.

OBJECTIVE

We contribute to emerging research on health information seeking behavior by investigating demographic factors, social media use for health information seeking purposes, and the relationship between health information seeking and occurrences of self-treatment.

METHODS

Data were collected from an online survey in which participants were asked to describe sociodemographic factors about themselves, social media use patterns, perceptions about their motivations for health information seeking on social media platforms, and whether or not they attempted self-treatment after their social media–related health information seeking. We conducted a binomial logistic regression with self-treatment as a dichotomous categorical dependent variable.

RESULTS

Results indicate that significant predictors of self-treatment based on information obtained from social networking sites include race, exercise frequency, and degree of trust in the health-related information received.

CONCLUSIONS

With an understanding of how sociodemographic factors might influence the decision to self-treat based on information obtained from social networking sites, health care providers can assist patients by educating them on credible social network–based sources of health information and discussing the importance of seeking medical advice from a health care provider.
Study on the Development of Green Transformation and Development of Commercial Banks in the “Double Carbon” Background
Authors: Li Na
Published: August 2023

China has pledged to achieve carbon neutrality within 30 years, which is half the time frame of major European countries. The task is urgent, and the challenges are unprecedented. The goals of carbon peak and carbon neutrality will promote a comprehensive upgrade of the national economic industry structure, compelling Chinese enterprises to seek a path of high-quality development. This poses new challenges to the operational and managerial capabilities of commercial banks. This paper reviews the current domestic and international research status, analyzes the opportunities and challenges faced by commercial banks under the context of the “dual carbon” goals, and further explores the transformation strategies for commercial banks under this context.
The Effects of Violent Civil Conflicts on Household Security and Government Responses in East Wallaga Zone, Oromia Regional State
Authors: Tolera, PhD Megersa
Published: August 2023

This article provides a qualitative analysis of the impacts of violent armed conflicts on households and government responses. The study identifies direct effects such as deaths and forced migration, and indirect effects such as long-term losses in social capital, social networks, and infrastructure. These conflicts also harm institutions in the social, political, and economic spheres. The study recommends two policy suggestions at national and international levels: policies to rebuild household and community cohesiveness, and policies to aid recovery, such as income-generating activities and peacebuilding. Overall, the article highlights the need for comprehensive and coordinated efforts to address the effects of violent conflicts on households and communities.
Enhancing Flexural Performance of GFRC Square Foundation Footings through Uniaxial Geogrid Reinforcement
Authors: A. El-Kasaby El-Sayed , Roshdy Mohab , Awwad Mahmoud , A. Abo-Shark Ahmed
Published: August 2023

This study investigates how the flexural characteristics of square foundation footings, strengthened with glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC), are influenced by uniaxial geogrids. The research involves tests on five reinforced concrete square footings under square loading until failure. Variables include geogrid layer count and longitudinal reinforcement proportion. The analysis covers factors like different stage loads, deflection, energy absorption, ductility, and crack patterns. Results indicate that adding geogrid layers with GFRC significantly improves footing flexural performance and fracture mechanism. More geogrid layers lead to notable load increases at each stage. The data also reveals that geogrid reinforced GFRC footings surpass those reinforced with steel and standard concrete mixes in strength resistance. Moreover, a simplified empirical equation correlates footing moment directly to geogrid tensile strength, offering efficient predictive accuracy for their relationship. This research emphasizes uniaxial geogrids' benefits in reinforcing GFRC footings, enhancing flexural performance, and offering valuable insights for earth structure design and construction.
An Analysis on the UV-Visible Spectrophotometry Method
Authors: Singh Satyendra , Denial Vivek , Singh Manmeet
Published: August 2023

In the pharmaceutical industry, quality control is a necessary process. Pharmaceutical medicinal products must be advertised as safe, therapeutically active formulations with predictable qualities and performance. The main aim of the study is an analysis on the UV-Visible Spectrophotometry Method. UV spectroscopy was performed on Shimadzu 1700 uv spectrometer, 1cm cell quartz cuvette. Mode was set as UV mode and Detector wavelength was kept at 231 nm and 276 nm. A simple, rapid, accurate, sensitive and cost economical methodology for simultaneous estimation and precise ultraviolet radiation methodology has been developed and valid as per ICH guidelines for simultaneous Estimation of MET and AGP in Their Combined dose form.
Study of Parameters Affecting Web-Shear Capacity of Multiple Deep Hollow Core Slab System through Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Nagarajan Kaviya , Thenmozhi Dr. R.
Published: August 2023

Abstract: Precast industry is gaining popularity in construction industry due to its faster erection and less labour requirement as it manufactured in factories. In this paper, an overview of hollow core, how they are cast, advantages and disadvantages of hollow core slab are described. Generally, it is known that the hollow core slabs are critical in web shear. Parameters which potentially affect the web shear behaviour are explained. This paper reviews the previous research works published on web shear capacity of hollow core slabs studied experimentally, numerically and parametrically
A Study of Students Perception towards Digital Payments - with Special Reference to Chikodi Education District
Authors: Kankanawadi Mr. Babu G
Published: August 2023

Abstract: Technology has made advances in all fields of life. When it comes to the banking and finance sector, recent technological advances introduced us to paperless transactions that can be done via any mobile device online in the comfort of our home. The country felt the desperate need for paperless transactions during the demonetization in 2016. The need to shop anywhere digitally and not always carry paper cash made people of the country slowly shift from paper mode to digital mode of payments. This gave rise to different digital platforms like Gpay, Phonepay, PayTM and others. These platforms together with banks created a seamless infrastructure to have payments done digitally. The objective of this paper is to study the impact of digital payment systems keeping students in focus and how it benefits students. Data is gathered from 500 respondents from Chikodi education district through a questionnaire and the responses were analyzed using statistical techniques.
Design and Fabrication of Solar-Powered Portable Thermoelectric Refrigeration System for Thermolabile Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Mehenge Rutvik , Patel Aksh , Shahidkhan Pathan
Published: August 2023

Abstract: In order to maintain the therapeutic efficacy of thermolabile medicine and vaccines, electrical energy must be continuously supplied. For remote areas lacking access to electrical electricity, this poses a serious dilemma. The potency level of thermolabile medications and vaccines is decreased, particularly during last-mile delivery, which causes significant financial loss. In this study, we designed and developed a portable active refrigeration system that runs on solar photovoltaic cells for the refrigeration of thermolabile pharmaceuticals to be utilized in rural areas without access to electricity, especially to facilitate last-mile vaccination delivery. The system makes use of a thermoelectric refrigeration system that, when given electrical power, causes a temperature difference based on the Peltier effect. It will be demonstrated that a solar panel with a peak power of roughly 50W and batteries with a storage capacity of 10Ah are needed for a typical application for vaccine refrigeration. The developed refrigeration system has a 3-liter volume capacity and can store 150 vaccine ampules, each with a 10ml capacity, at temperatures between 2°C to 8°C using a Peltier cell (TEC), that consumes 66 W at 12V
Significance of Artificial Intelligence in Mental Health Detection for Overall Development
Authors: Yadav Gaurav , Bokhari Mohammad Ubaidullah
Published: August 2023

Abstract: With the rapid development of human civilization, the capability of the human brain is also increasing with the fast pace of development which is eventually leading to mental health issues varying from young stage students to working professionals. Mental health is the least concerning issue in the life of today’s generation when compared to physical health. One of the main concerns about which very few are aware is that mental problems can lead directly to several other physical problems and several terminal diseases. Such cases can affect a person’s normal life adversely in various ways from affecting day-to-day routine, the standard of living, and relationship trauma. Early-stage detection is significantly important for the cause but gets delayed due to irresponsible handling or ignorance of the situation, where artificial intelligence can play a vital role. In today’s era, everything can be predicted using complex mathematical calculations which can be promptly paced up when integrated with computer science and programming concepts. Numerous pieces of research are being done in the dimension of artificial intelligence and machine learning for early-stage detection of issues related to mental health with optimized accuracy. This can lead directly to the early treatment required with the concerned patient with the help of a counsellor or a psychiatrist if required. This study concluded the implementation of AI for early detection of the mental health issues focuses in dimension of AI and its sub fields such as, machine learning for early-stage detection of issues related to mental health with optimized accuracy. A nation like India is a great way to become a developed nation and implementing AI-based technology will accelerate the developing phase for overall sustainable development.
Correlation Between Pranayam and Occurrence of Covid-19: An Observational Study
Authors: Deulkar Nikita , Misar Wajpeyi Dr.Sadhana
Published: August 2023

Due to the widespread COVID-19 outbreak, people are consistently exposed to difficult circumstances and are morelikely to become infected. Yoga includes the practice of Pranayama, which is a method of controlled breathing. It is well known toboost immunity and lessen illness. However, there has yet to be a scientific investigation on the effectiveness of Pranayama inavoiding COVID-19. This research aimed to study the association between Pranayam and the occurrence of COVID-19. Thestudy's objectives are to increase awareness amongst the population regarding the importance of practicing Pranayam forstrengthening respiratory system functions and immunity. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 Subjects betweenthe age groups 18 to 60. Group A comprises subjects practicing daily Pranayama, and Group B is not practicing Pranayama. Thenincidence of COVID in both groups was assessed based on diagnostic criteria by filling out pre-designed proforma, and acomparison was made by statistical analysis. Subjects in Group A practicing daily Pranayama showed less percentage of COVID-19 infection. Also, the positive subjects had no symptoms, or the severity of symptoms was less than Group B subjects notpracticing Pranayama. The comparison of the groups was statistically significant. It may be due to increased strength and immunityin subjects practicing Pranayama. This study concluded that Pranayama proved beneficial in the prevention and fought againstCOVID infection.Keywords: , , , , Pranayama, Yoga.
Evaluation and Co-Relation of Temporomandibular Disorders Concerning Dental Anomalies in Adolescents and Early Adulthood
Authors: Bhargava Dr.Pragati , Bhowate Dr. Rahul
Published: August 2023

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a complex, multi-factorial etiology. TMDs in the pediatric populationmay go unreported in most cases and can negatively impact their quality of life and their learning ability. To evaluate andcorrelate parafunctional habits in the causation of temporomandibular disorder in adolescents and early adulthood. 340 subjectswith adolescents and early adulthood from 6-18 years were included in the present study. Detailed parameters relevant to TMJdisorder, including the clinical examination findings, were recorded in the structured case sheet. Further, these subjects werecategorized into symptomatic and asymptomatic TMDs. Of the 340 study population, 194 (57%) were identified as suffering fromTMD. A significant difference was recorded in diet practice and oral habits with the patients suffering from TMDs (p<0.05).There was a significant difference in the habits of symptomatic patients. A high prevalence of TMDs in adolescents and earlyadulthood was found in women with bruxism and nail-biting oral habits. Active screening of children with various predisposingfactors is recommended to aid in the early recognition and treatment of TMDs.
Eosinophilic Ulcer of the Tongue in Smokeless Tobacco "Shamma User”: Case Series Report
Authors: Faris Shreefah , M. Makrami Ali , A Essa Dr Afnan , Mukram Ali Fareedi
Published: August 2023

Oral eosinophilic ulcers (OEU) are rare, benign, reactive, and often self-limiting lesions. As the lesion is self-limiting, it develops rapidly,usually disappearing after several weeks. Although the exact pathogenetic mechanisms are unknown, the possibility that trauma may play a rolehas been postulated. The lesion frequently misleads to the suspicion of squamous cell carcinoma because of its prolonged duration. Despite traumabeing suggested as the main culprit of oral eosinophil ulcers, the exact pathogenesis mechanism of this disease remains controversial. However, itmay misdiagnose as malignancy, particularly in smokeless tobacco "Shamma users." The study emphasizes the clinical and histopathological aspectsof diagnosing and treating this pathology. The study aims to demonstrate the importance of knowledge and its course. The novelty of our studycan be described in terms of thorough early clinical diagnosis with confirmatory histopathological findings that can aid towards perfect diagnosis,as part of treatment - removal of etiological factors (trauma) saw the Oral eosinophilic ulcers (OEU) completely healed, which was earlier can bemisdiagnosed as malignancy based on the use of Shamma smokeless tobacco by patients for a longer period. We present the two male cases ofSaudi residents with a long history of painful ulcers on the lateral borders of the tongue. Both had a long history of being "Shamma users" ofsmokeless tobacco. The ulcers were ulceration with indurated and elevated borders and no evidence of regional lymph node involvement.Histopathologically, the lesion showed an infiltrate with several eosinophils, was ulcerated, and no cellular atypia was observed. After the treatment,the ulcer rapidly healed with an incisional biopsy and the cause removal. A definite diagnosis was achieved by combining histologic findings andclinical follow-up. A biopsy is not only the best approach for a proper diagnosis but also for its therapeutic management. Understanding thisdisease is necessary since its lesion can mimic an oral squamous cell carcinoma occurring as an indurated ulceration coupled with its frequentoccurrence on the tongue.
Prevalence of High and Low-Level Mupirocin Resistance in Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus Aureus from Skin and Soft Tissue Infection
Authors: Subhash Mohite Miss. Aishwarya , V. Shinde Dr. Ravindra , S. Patil Dr. Deepak , T. Mohite Dr. Shivaji , R. Patil Dr. Satish , R. Shinde Dr. Anjali , B. Shinde Dr. Sandeep
Published: August 2023

The skin has an extremely diverse ecology of organisms that may produce infection. The clinical manifestations of skin and soft tissue infection(SSTIs) culminate in a two-step process involving invasion and the interaction of bacteria with host defenses. Approximately 7% to 10% of hospitalized patientsare affected by SSTIs. Mupirocin has been used to treat skin infections and eradicate the nasal carriage of MRSA. Our aim is to estimate the prevalence of lowand high-level Mupirocin resistance among the clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus from skin and soft tissue infection. The study was conducted in theDepartment of Microbiology, Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Krishna Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Karad, District- Satara. Specimen collectionand processing of samples were performed as per standards. The Kirby -Bauer disc diffusion method was used for the sensitivity to common antibioticsrecommended Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI 2021). Mupirocin resistance was detected using 5μg and 200μg Mupirocin discs to determineLow and High -level resistance. 135 Staphylococcus aureus isolates were obtained from patients admitted to various medical, surgical, and intensive care unitsand patients attending outpatient departments. Out of 415 clinically suspected cases of skin and soft tissue infection, 91.33% were culture positive, and 8.67%were culture negative. Out of 379 microorganisms, 44.06% were Gram-positive cocci, 27.44% were Gram negative bacilli, 24.27% were Gram negative cocci,and 14.22% were Gram-positive bacilli. Out of 167 Gram positive cocci, 135 (80.84%) were Staphylococcus aureus, 22 (13.17%) were Coagulase NegativeStaphylococcus and 10 (5.99%) were Micrococcus. We conclude that the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus was 32.53%, among which Mupirocin high and lowlevelresistance was 5.92% and 7.41%, respectively.
An Emerging Alternative for Pain Control: Mechanism and Applications of Cryotherapy in Endodontics
Authors: Sarangi Swayangprabha , Chandak Manoj , Ikhar Anuja , Dayanand Mrinal , Jidewar Namrata
Published: August 2023

Patient discomfort after conventional root canal therapy remains inevitable in endodontic practices. It depends onthe clinician to lessen the postoperative pain encountered by the patient. This review article aims to get acquainted withCryotherapy, a current modality designed to reduce patients' anxiety, pain, and inflammation levels. Extensive studies have beenprovided on the applications of cryotherapy in the fraternity of medicine, but its utilization has been restricted in the Endodonticregime. Cryotherapeutic agents benefit in the regard that they eliminate the need for prescribing supplementary medications.The application of cryo-therapeutic agents is technique sensitive and requires the clinician to have thorough and correctknowledge regarding its underlying mechanism of action. Several expected outcomes can be derived after cryotherapyapplication. It is proven that intracanal application of the cryotherapeutic agent provides anodyne–like action serving as anessential tool for pain control. The concept of frozen tissues is related to ancient times, such as treating sports injuries, while itsrecent introduction into endodontics has been a boon to already practicing clinicians. Although it is a slow process requiringmultiple appointments of visits to the clinician, its long-term benefits can be a breakthrough in meeting the benefits of deliveringquality patient care. This article sheds light on its recent applications in endodontics, focusing on the chemistry behind freezingcells to newer advancements. However, significant and valid trials need to be carried out to reach evidence of certainty aboutthe therapeutic benefits and additional tools of delivery. It will pave the way for further scientific work to broaden its range ofapplications in dentistry.
Invitro Anticancer Activity of Seagrass Cymodocea Serrulata Against Different Cell Lines
Authors: Meena B. , Neelarathi P. , Durgadevi K. , Ramamurthy V.
Published: August 2023

Seagrasses have a long history of being used for a variety of remedial purposes, such as the treatment of fever, skindiseases, muscle pains, wounds, and stomach problems. Cancer is a debilitating disease resulting from uncontrolled proliferation.One major treatment strategy for cancer is the application of chemotherapeutic drugs which kill cancer cells. In this study, theanticancer potentials of Cymodocea serrulata seagrass were investigated against the MCF7 cell line (Human breast adenocarcinomacell line) and SHP-77 (human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cell line). Cytotoxicity of seagrass extract was determined by MTTassay. The results showed that the ethanolic extract of Cymodocea serrulata has moderate anticancer activity, and the IC50 valuewas recorded. The most potent anticancer activity was observed with the ethanolic extract of C. serrulate with IC50 values of 52.5μg/ml and 51.7μg/ml on MCF7 and SHP-77 cells respectively. The ethanolic extract would be studied further to isolate andcharacterize active components for lead optimization studies.
Common-garden study of introgression at loci associated with traits adaptive to coastal environment from Quercus dentata into Q. mongolica var. crispula
Authors: Nagamitsu Teruyoshi , Uchiyama Kentaro , Izuno Ayako , Shimizu Hajime
Published: August 2023

Adaptive introgression has been proposed in oaks (genus Quercus). In
northern Japan, Q. mongolica var. crispula (Qc) is common in inland
habitats, and Q. dentata (Qd) occurs in coastal habitats. At the
northern distributional limit of Qd, Q. × angustilepidota (Qa), a hybrid
taxon between Qc and Qd, occurs in coastal habitats. The three taxa, Qc,
Qa, and Qd, were transplanted to inland and coastal common gardens
(sites). Genotypes at 27495 loci, phenotypes of eight traits of leaves
and shoots, and 30-year-old tree size were measured for 224 individuals
in both sites. Genotypic variation revealed a hybrid zone between Qc and
Qd, including both northern-edge Qd admixed with Qc and coastal Qa
backcrossed to Qc. Phenotypes of Qa trees were intermediate between
those of Qc and Qd trees. Size of Qa and Qd trees was smaller than that
of Qc trees in the inland site but was larger in the coastal site,
suggesting adaptation of Qa and Qd to coastal environment. Local
ancestry was estimated from phased genotypes of admixed trees using
reference genotypes of 47 Qc and 25 Qd trees, indicating heterogeneous
ancestry along chromosomes. Association mapping of genotypes and
admixture mapping of ancestry suggested that some loci potentially
associated with four traits were related to stress response and were
located at introgressed genomic regions. Further studies are necessary
to show the genetic basis of adaptive introgression resulting in Qd-like
phenotypes of Qa in coastal habitats.
Sex-ratio and short-term cold-adaptation of a typical migratory songbird (Tarsiger cyanurus) wintering in southwest China
Authors: Peng Kexin , Chen Zhangmin , Feng Kaize , Zhang Shangmingyu , Yang Zhixiong , Haase Ian , Hu Zhengrui , Gou Anran , Wu Yi , Wu Yongjie
Published: August 2023

Winter, the most challenging season for animals, is usually accompanied
by extremely cold temperatures and limited food resources. Harsh winter
conditions force birds to develop behavioral and physiological
adaptations to reduce mortality. Birds might select for sexual
segregation to reduce conflict between different social hierarchies at
the population level. They can also adjust their body conditioning via
fat reserve to balance the trade-off between starvation and predation at
the individual level. Using mist-netting surveys and bird banding, we
traced 61 orange-flanked bush-robin (Tarsiger cyanurus), an abundant and
easily-observed long-distance migratory bird exhibiting delayed plumage
maturation, to better understand the winter adaptation of these
songbirds. We found that the number of 2yr+ adult males with bright-blue
plumage was significantly lower than the number of males with
olive-brown plumage. However, the sex-ratio was only slightly skewed to
males with olive-brown plumage, suggesting that habitat-type influences
sexual segregation. This robin tends to become heavier and store more
fat over the course of winter, as they can fine-tune their fat reserve
in response to changes in weather (including temperature, humidity, and
snowfall) and food abundance. Interestingly, capturing the birds may
also have a significant positive effect on their fat reserve. Overall,
these results improved our understanding of the flexibility in
adaptation of small passerine birds wintering in a subtropical forest
and provided vision for considering the inevitable influence by
ornithology field methods.
Chalcones accelerate the recovery period after cuprizone-induced noxious changes in the C57BL/6 mice model
Authors: Rowhanirad Soodeh , Taherianfard Mahnaz
Published: August 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disorders of
the CNS. Despite advancements in medicine, there remains an absence of
an efficient cure without side effects and MS patients suffer from the
progressive symptoms. On the other hand, the impact of natural compounds
and the mechanisms of their actions in ameliorating neurodegenerative
disorders have been poorly known. The current study investigated the
effect of Chalcones from Ashitaba (ChA) on accelerating the recovery
period in the Cuprizone model. The control group with no Cuprizone or
ChA treatment (CNT), Cuprizone-exposed 1 and 2 (CPZ1, CPZ2) groups with
0.2% Cuprizone feeding for five weeks without and with recovery period;
respectively. And ChA-treated (Treated1, Treated2) groups received ChA
at 300 or 600 mg/kg/day; respectively, for 2 weeks following cuprizone
removal. The degree of demyelination in the corpus callosum (CC),
impairment of cognitive function, and serum and brain levels of
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha
(TNFα) were evaluated by the histological, Y-maze, and enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests, respectively. The results
demonstrated that the ChA treatment significantly improved the serum and
brain levels of BDNF and the behavioral responses compared to the
CPZ-exposed groups. Moreover, the ChA-treated groups had a significant
decrease in the serum and brain TNFα levels and the extent of CC
demyelination compared to the CPZ-exposed groups. The present study
showed that ChA treatment for 2 weeks accelerated remyelination of the
CC through suppressing inflammation caused by TNFα and promoting
myelination resulted from BDNF.
Full-state monitoring of protein refolding reactions using particle filters and delayed measurements
Authors: Karger Julian , Pauk Jan Niklas , Igwe Chika Linda , Herwig Christoph
Published: August 2023

Proper monitoring as basis for process optimization and control of
protein refolding reactions in real-time is difficult and currently
available techniques are either expensive, not applicable in real-time
or give only limited information about the ongoing process. Model-based
methods such as particle filters (PFs) have been used in different
biological systems for state-estimation to overcome difficulties arising
from states that are hard or impossible to measure, often low
measurement frequencies and high measurement delay. Since recent
approaches had difficulties to overcome all these problems, a novel
approach via a PF including a mechanistic model is used. The PF is
calibrated and tuned with experimental data and its applicability
validated with two additional experiments. It is shown how augmentation
of model parameters can be used for state-estimation in real-time to
better adapt to model inaccuracies, poor model calibration or
application of the calibrated model to a new process. Furthermore, it is
shown that the PF can deal with low measurement frequencies and high
measurement delay, resulting in reliable tracking of the process with
normalized root mean squared errors (NRMSE) of the native protein and
folding intermediates between 3.44 and 6.62 %, values in the range of
18 to 93 % less compared to simple feed-forward simulation.
Putting self at stake by telling a story: Storyteller’s narcissistic traits modulate physiological emotional reactions to recipient’s disengagement
Authors: Koskinen Emmi , Henttonen Pentti , Harjunen Ville , Krusemark Elizabeth , Piispanen Matias , Voutilainen Liisa , Wuolio Mariel , Peräkylä Anssi
Published: August 2023

Telling a story to a disengaged recipient induces stress and threatens
positive self-image. In this study we investigated whether grandiose and
vulnerable narcissism associated with overly positive and fragile
self-image increase storytellers’ behavioral, emotional, and
psychophysiological reactivity to recipient’s disengagement. Building on
Bavelas, Coates, and Johnson (2000), we conducted a conversational
experiment instructing the participants to tell about a “close call”
experience to a previously unknown co-participant. We modified
co-participant’s level of interactional engagement by asking them either
to listen to the story carefully or to simultaneously carry out a
counting task that distracted them from the content of the story. We
found that the distraction condition was unrelated to the storytellers’
narration performance, but a significant positive association was found
between the story-recipients’ observed lack of affiliation and the
tellers’ narration performance. The distraction of recipient was also
associated with increased self-reported arousal in the tellers,
indicating disengagement-induced stress in the tellers. Moreover,
tellers higher in grandiose narcissism reacted with higher skin
conductance response to disengagement, and vulnerable narcissism was
associated with higher heart rate during narration in general. Our
experiment thus showed that grandiose narcissists are emotionally
sensitive to their co-participants’ disengagement.