bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Energy Absorption Characteristics of the Tropical Jackfruit (Artocarpus Heterophyllus) Inspired Sandwich Panel
Authors: Syed Mohaimenul Islam  , Abu Shadat Muhammad Sayem  , Muhammed Kamrul Islam
Published: December 2023

Different biological systems and objects have existed in nature in a best-fitted way for millions of years under various environmental conditions. These objects, with their extraordinary features, can be the design inspiration for engineers and scientists. Energy absorption characteristic is an important parameter for structures that safeguard human life and precious goods from accidental loading conditions. Moreover, sandwich panels, known for their excellent weight-to-stiffness ratio, are widely used for tailoring this purpose. In this study, a bio-inspired sandwich panel has been developed, drawing inspiration from the spiky structure of the outer shell of the tropical Jackfruit. The energy absorption characteristics and some other parameters are investigated using a computational approach and compared with two other types of structures (i.e., solid and hollow structures). The computational approach primarily entails a nonlinear static analysis that emulates a quasi-static compression test. Compared to the solid structure, the proposed biomimetic structure exhibits a mass and volume reduction of approximately 82% and 83%, respectively. The densification strain is also higher than the solid one, which ultimately increases the effective crushing distance for the proposed structure. In addition, the energy absorption (EA) and specific energy absorption (SEA) of the proposed biomimetic structure are approximately 4 and 2.5 times higher than those of the hollow structure. However, further investigations are required to justify its feasibility as an efficient energy absorber.
A Review of Copyright License Issues and Fair Use in the Broadcasting Field: Focusing on broadcasting monitoring
Authors:   Legal Research Institute of Chonnam National University, Pak Yunseok , Kim Siyeol
Published: December 2023

Disputes related to copyright frequently arise in the broadcasting and OTT services. There are three types of disputes. The first is disputes between broadcasters and collective management organizations regarding trust agreements for phonogram incorperated in audiovisual works. The second issue is related to broadcasting remuneration for using audiovisual works and phonograms in broadcasting, and the last is the the application of broadcasting remuneration claims according to international treaties. Some legislative proposals were announced to solve these problems. However, these proposals also have inherent problems that make them difficult to implement. The broadcasting monitoring system is being introduced as a solution to solve copyright rights issues in broadcasting. It is important to point out that the quantitative criteria for fair use need to expand the fair use of copyrights with the broadcasting monitoring system. It might be observed that if a user is sued based on fair use, the user will bear litigation costs. Therefore, if the copyright license fee is lower than the lawsuit cost, it is advantageous for the users to pay for the use of a very small portion of copyrighted works. With the introduction of the broadcasting monitoring system, particularly when implementing a monitoring system for literary works, it is necessary that fair use has to be distinguished from licensed uses of copyright works, and a substantial database for literary works may be required.
Regarding the Necessity of Unified Application of the Exclusion Period for the Request for Cancellation and the Request for Restoration in the Exercise of Obligee's Right of Revocation
Authors:   Legal Research Institute of Chonnam National University, Lee Jun min
Published: December 2023

Under the Korean Civil Code, the obligee's right of revocation is characterized by the fact that only the plaintiff and the defendant have the effect of cancellation according to the theory of relative invalidity, and other creditors can also enjoy the effect of restoration. In addition, a short-term exclusion period is provided to minimize the liquidity condition caused by the exercise of the right to cancel. The precedent takes a position to consider a request for restoration in determining the scope of cancellation of a fraudulent act.
Under this premise, once a request for cancellation is made, the beneficiary will be in an unstable position for a long time if the limit of the exclusion period is not applied to the request for restoration. This is not consistent with the purpose of our creditor revocation system, and it is difficult to agree with the attitude of the target judgment in that only creditors can make various choices, giving creditors an edge over bene- ficiaries, and infringing on relative invalidity and creditor egalitarianism. It would be most desirable to resolve this legislatively, but the current civil law amendment does not include this. It may be possible to consider a solution that requires the merger of cancellation claims and restoration claims, and a plan to specify the scope of the exclusion period. And even before the revision of the Civil Code, the attitude of the target judgment needs to be changed through a change in precedent.
A study on “Bail à nourriture” in French civil law: Expansion of reverse mortgage to prepare for an aging society
Authors:   Legal Research Institute of Chonnam National University, Park Jun-hyeok
Published: December 2023

According to recent articles, Korea is aging very rapidly. In order to prepare for an aging society, various laws and policies are being studied, such as providing certain financial support or providing housing to stabilize housing. In Korea, a Housing Reverse Mortgage is implemented to provide financial assistance to the elderly, and the number of subscribers is increasing every year. Our Housing Reverse Mortgage is a simple system in which a certain amount of money is received using the house as collateral. While it can address economic problems among the many challenges of an aging society, we need to consider various ways to support the elderly, especially given the high value of housing these days. However, since the value of housing is very high these days, it is necessary to think of various ways to use it to secure the elderly. In this respect, France’s “Bail à nourriture” is very interesting topic as a new reverse mortgage method.
“Bail à nourriture” has not yet been introduced in Korea because it has existed only as precedent for a long time without any provisions in the Civil Code and is not explained in detail in legal literature. “Bail à nourriture” is similar to a reverse mortgage in that one party to the contract transfers his/her house to the other party, but the difference is that the other party has an obligation to support the party rather than simply paying a certain amount of money. According to the precedent of the Court of Cassation in France, the contract may include not only matters related to food, clothing, and shelter, but also matters related to medical care and physical activities. Through this contract, France seeks not only to solve the financial problems of the elderly, but also to solve various problems such as social isolation and difficulties in living among the elderly.
Today, in France, the value of houses has increased, “Bail à nourriture” is attracting attention again. In order to prepare for an aging society, Korea also needs to consider expanding reverse mortgages, which can address a variety of problems rather than simply paying money in exchange for high value housing.
Editorial
Authors: Grant Rhiannon
Published: December 2023

This article was published open access under a CC BY licence:
https://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0
.
Selecting from the Writings of John Woolman: ‘On Christian Moderation’
Authors: Plank Geoffrey
Published: December 2023

In 1816 the Friends Tract Association published an excerpt from John Woolman’s first antislavery essay
Some Considerations on the Keeping of Negroes
with every reference to slavery edited out. The editors wanted to highlight Woolman’s ‘general’ message, that those who maintained their health, lived humbly and served God were rewarded with true happiness. In the excerpt, using biblical citations and an invocation of the early Quaker colonisation of the Delaware Valley, Woolman asserted that God rewards his servants. The excerpt successfully highlights this easily overlooked feature of Woolman’s lifelong ministry, but by omitting Woolman’s discussion of slavery it violated his original intention. The excerpt appeared in the last year of Quaker consensus on the issue of slavery. The editors believed they could set the issue aside because they thought the Quakers were in agreement on it, but shortly after their excerpt appeared the Quaker consensus on slavery fell apart.

This article was published open access under a CC BY licence:
https://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0
.
Peace Studies at Bradford University – Reflections on Fifty Years
Authors: Rogers Paul
Published: December 2023

2023 marked the 50th anniversary of Peace Studies – a discipline which has been closely connected with the Quaker community – at Bradford. Peace Studies as an academic centre of teaching and research at Bradford University was set up in 1973, starting its first postgraduate course in 1974 and welcoming its first undergraduate students the following year. It would not have been established without the determination of a group of Quakers to see such a centre in a UK university, and this Research Note looks primarily at the first 25 years and how the department came about and survived the many internal and external challenges. It also includes some personal reflections, as I joined the department 45 years ago and have retained a close connection through to the present.

This article was published open access under a CC BY licence:
https://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0
.
Solar Observations by Angelo Secchi. I. Digitization of Original Documents and Analysis of Group Numbers over the Period of 1853–1878
Authors: Ermolli I. , Chatzistergos T. , Giorgi F. , Carrasco V. M. S. , Aparicio A. J. P. , Chinnici I.
Published: December 2023

Angelo Secchi, an Italian Jesuit and prominent scientist of the 19th century, and one of the founders of modern astrophysics, observed the Sun regularly at the Collegio Romano in Rome, Italy, for more than 25 yr. Results from his observations are reported in articles published in the scientific journals of the time, as well as in drawings and personal notebooks that are stored in the historical archive of the Istituto Nazionale di Astrofisica Osservatorio Astronomico di Roma. The latter material, which reports solar observations performed from 1853–1878, includes original documents from Secchi and from a few of his close collaborators. The above unique material has recently been digitized for preservation purposes and for allowing the scientific exploitation of data not easily accessible so far. A total of more than 5400 digital images have been produced. Here we present the archival material and the new digital data derived from it. We also present results obtained from our primary analysis of the new digital data. In particular, we produced new measurements of the group number from 1853–1878, which will be available for future recalibration of the group number series.
Comment se font les administrations municipales de la sécurité
Authors: Freyermuth Audrey
Published: December 2023

En étudiant la naissance et les réorganisations des administrations municipales dédiées à la sécurité entre 1995 et 2020 à Lyon, Nice, Rennes et Strasbourg, nous montrons comment les dynamiques du jeu politique local favorisent la disqualification et la consécration de savoir-faire et d’expertises qui, en retour, contribuent à la technicisation et à l’institutionnalisation de la sécurité dans le cadre municipal. Si les recompositions politiques contribuent à une reconfiguration des administrations locales par la création de services et de rôles spécifiquement dédiés à la sécurité et à la tranquillité publiques, les dynamiques du jeu politique local orientent également le recrutement des responsables de ces services. À travers la comparaison des trajectoires et des ressources professionnelles des agents retenus ou gardés à distance de l’administration municipale, l’article montre que la sélection de ces nouveaux professionnels de la sécurité dont les profils sont très hétérogènes, est dépendante des rapports de force politiques locaux. Plus particulièrement, la disqualification singulière des savoir-faire policiers à Rennes apparaît comme un levier de mise en conformité politique de la sécurité qui rend possible son institutionnalisation.
Les transferts en œuvres dans les mondes scolaires durant le régime de Vichy
Authors: Wieviorka Capucine
Published: December 2023

Cette recherche se fonde sur l’étude et la diffusion des lettres et dessins d’écoliers réalisés dans le cadre de concours nationaux, adressés à Pétain et commandés par le régime de Vichy pour transmettre la propagande officielle. Des millions de courriers sont acheminés à travers la France et les meilleurs se retrouvent sur le bureau du Maréchal, à Vichy. Le succès est tel que des expositions itinérantes sont organisées à Vichy, Marseille, Lyon et Paris. D’œuvres scolaires, les dessins et lettres se transforment pour un temps en œuvres muséales.
Végétarisme et transmission culinaire en France et en Corée du Sud. Comment une nouvelle pratique alimentaire impacte la transmission ?
Authors: Yun Heejin
Published: December 2023

La transmission d’un savoir-faire culinaire est un processus complexe parce que changeant selon les lieux et les sociétés. Autrement dit, elle peut être influencée par de nouveaux modes de vie qui impactent l’alimentation, comme le végétarisme, le régime sans gluten et le locavorisme (la consommation de produits locaux), etc. Elle peut l’être par l’adoption de concepts philosophiques, de nouvelles visions du monde que créent par exemple actuellement le réchauffement climatique ou la crise sanitaire. En France et en Corée du Sud, la population végétarienne connaît une augmentation et le régime végétarien est souvent vu comme une pratique « urbaine ». Ce travail de recherche s’appuie sur les enquêtes qualitatives auprès des Parisiens et des Séouliens qui suivent le végétarisme, encore pratiqué par une minorité. Il est intéressant de voir dans quelle mesure ce régime alimentaire végétarien coexiste avec les pratiques traditionnelles de transmission des cuisines française et sud-coréenne, voire les menace, et comment il est transmis.
Le métissage en Sibérie au xix e siècle, enjeux ethnographiques, sociaux et culturels
Authors: Bashkirov Mikhail
Published: December 2023

Cette étude présente le processus de création de nouvelles communautés ethnoculturelles sur le territoire de la Sibérie par la colonisation russe et le métissage qui s’est ensuivi. Au cours des xvii e - xix e  siècles, divers groupes d’origine mixte sont apparus dans différentes régions de Sibérie. Néanmoins, dans la tradition russe, aucun ethnonyme ou identité commune n’a émergé pour ces groupes, alors que le Métis existe au Canada. Bien que leur présence ait été documentée dans de nombreuses sources, y compris la fiction et l’ethnographie impériales, les métis sibériens sont restés dans une sorte de « zone grise » et n’ont pas bénéficié d’un statut colonial particulier. La seule exception est l’Amérique russe, c’est-à-dire les possessions russes en Amérique du Nord ou les métis avaient un statut spécial. Dans la plupart des sources, les groupes d’ascendance mixte se trouvent à la frontière entre la « civilisation » et la « sauvagerie ». En conséquence, les groupes métis étaient soit considérés comme trop « sauvages », ou « pas assez russes ». Mais un auteur a proposé une vision et des concepts spécifiques pour traiter de ces communautés. A. Shchapov a en effet compris le métissage comme un moyen d’intégrer les peuples autochtones dans l’espace impérial.
Common Knowledge in Game Theory
Authors: Ménager Lucie
Published: December 2023

Lorsque tout le monde sait une chose, que tout le monde sait que tout le monde la sait, que tout le monde sait que tout le monde sait que tout le monde la sait et ainsi de suite, cette chose est dite connaissance commune. Aumann [1976] fut le premier à proposer une caractérisation formelle de la notion de connaissance commune dans l’article « Agreeing to Disagree ». Ce formalisme a soulevé un certain nombre de questions passionnantes. Peut-on expliquer les différences de comportements ou de croyances au sein d’un groupe par des asymétries d’information lorsque ces différences sont connaissance commune dans le groupe ? Des joueurs ont-ils besoin d’une forme de connaissance commune pour se coordonner sur un profil d’actions ? La communication permet-elle de faire émerger la connaissance commune au sein d’un groupe d’individus ? L’objectif de cet article est de passer en revue les travaux ayant proposé des réponses à ces questions.
Biomechanical study of the effect of traction on elbow joint capsule contracture
Authors: Wang Fang , Wang Jiaming , Li Mingxin , Hu Jun , Song Kehua , Zhang Jianguo , Fan Yubo
Published: December 2023

Dynamic orthoses have a significant effect on the treatment of elbow capsular contracture. Because of the lack of quantitative research on traction forces, determining the appropriate traction force to help stretch soft tissues and maintain the joint's range of motion is a challenge in the rehabilitation process. We developed a human elbow finite element (FE) model incorporating the activity behavior of the muscles and considering different capsular contracture locations, including total, anterior and posterior capsular contractures, to analyze the internal biomechanical responses of different capsular contracture models during flexion (30 to 80 degrees). Traction loads of 10, 20, 30 and 40 N were applied to the ulna and radius at the maximum flexion angle (80 degrees) to explore the appropriate traction loads at week 4 after a joint capsule injury. We observed a significant increase in posterior capsule stress with anterior capsular contracture (ACC), and the maximum peak stress was 1.3 times higher than that in the healthy model. During the fourth week after elbow capsule injury, the appropriate traction forces for total capsule contracture (TCC), ACC and posterior capsule contracture (PCC) were 20, 10 and 20 N, respectively; these forces maintained a stable biomechanical environment for the elbow joint and achieved a soft tissue pulling effect, thus increasing elbow mobility. The results can be used as a quantitative guide for the rehabilitation physicians to determine the traction load for a specific patient.
Inflammasome Activation and IL-1β Release Triggered by Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Fields in Murine Innate Immune Cells and Skin
Authors: Mazzarda Flavia , Chittams-Miles Alexandra E , Pittaluga Julia , Sözer Esin B , Vernier P Thomas , Muratori Claudia
Published: December 2023

Although electric field–induced cell membrane permeabilization (electroporation) is used in a wide range of clinical applications from cancer therapy to cardiac ablation, the cellular- and molecular-level details of the processes that determine the success or failure of these treatments are poorly understood. Nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF)–based tumor therapies are known to have an immune component, but whether and how immune cells sense the electroporative damage and respond to it have not been demonstrated. Damage- and pathogen-associated stresses drive inflammation via activation of cytosolic multiprotein platforms known as inflammasomes. The assembly of inflammasome complexes triggers caspase-1–dependent secretion of IL-1β and in many settings a form of cell death called pyroptosis. In this study we tested the hypothesis that the nsPEF damage is sensed intracellularly by the NLRP3 inflammasome. We found that 200-ns PEFs induced aggregation of the inflammasome adaptor protein ASC, activation of caspase-1, and triggered IL-1β release in multiple innate immune cell types (J774A.1 macrophages, bone marrow–derived macrophages, and dendritic cells) and in vivo in mouse skin. Efflux of potassium from the permeabilized cell plasma membrane was partially responsible for nsPEF-induced inflammasome activation. Based on results from experiments using both the NRLP3-specific inhibitor MCC950 and NLRP3 knockout cells, we propose that the damage created by nsPEFs generates a set of stimuli for the inflammasome and that more than one sensor can drive IL-1β release in response to electrical pulse stimulation. This study shows, to our knowledge, for the first time, that PEFs activate the inflammasome, suggesting that this pathway alarms the immune system after treatment.
Free fatty acids cause podocytes dysfunction and inflammation
Authors: Colia Anna Laura , D'Apolito Maria , Ranaldi Alessandra , D'Ambrosio Maria Francesca , Giardino Ida , Maffione Angela Bruna
Published: December 2023

The mechanisms underlying obesity-related kidney disease are not well understood. Growing evidence suggests that free fatty acids (FFAs), a cause of oxidative stress, play an important role in obesity and its related complications. So, we decided to investigate, in a human-conditioned immortalized podocyte cell line, the capacity of physiopathological concentrations of 27nM of nonconjugated palmitate to induce intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, podocytes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, podocytes inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. A conditionally immortalized human podocyte cell line was exposed to different percentages of palmitate conjugated to bovine serum albumin (BSA) for 24h. We observed that palmitate, at the same concentrations seen in obese patients, caused overproduction of ROS in human podocytes and this oxidative stress induces dysfunctions in podocytes like inflammation and changes in profibrotic and lipotoxic markers. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is likely known to be a major mediator of ROS damaging effects, as its pharmacological inhibition prevents all ROS effects on podocytes. Our study shows how, in podocytes, an unbounded fraction of 27nM of palmitate can induce dysfunctions similar to that observed in obesity-related glomerulopathy (ORG). These results could contribute to elucidating underlying mechanisms contributing to the ORG pathogenesis.
Endovascular treatment of a Right Internal Jugular Vein occlusion in a hemodialysis patient with severe neurological symptomatology
Authors: Giambra Martina Maria , Lomonaco Gaetano , Lumia Maria Grazia , Barbanti Marco , Setacci Francesco , Giaquinta Alessia , Veroux Massimiliano , Veroux Pierfrancesco
Published: December 2023

In the last decade, Internal Jugular Vein (IJV) obstructive disease has been gaining increasing attention due to different confounding symptoms that impair patients’ quality of life and cannot be explained by other established causes. The most common clinical symptoms associated with IJV stenosis are tinnitus and sleep disturbances (60.5%), headache (48.8%), visual disturbances (39.5%), hearing disorders (39.5%) and anxiety or depression (37.5%). We report a complex case of a woman with a wide range of severe neurological inexplicable disorders. Using Duplex Ultrasound, an IJV occlusion was successfully diagnosed and the patient was then treated using endovascular techniques. IJVs occlusion and outflow alteration were detected by the means of Duplex Ultrasound (DUS) demonstrating the need of a carefully assessment of neck vessels in patients with drug-resistant neurological symptomatology as headache, tinnitus and sleep disturbances.
One Health System Strengthening in India: Co-creating One Health Workforce to Combat Future Pandemics
Authors: Yasobant Sandul , Saxena Deepak , Bhardwaj Pankaj , Quazi Zahiruddin Syed
Published: December 2023

One Health has been coming of age through the G7 and G20 leadership and explicitly referred to in increasing ministerial declarations. Those leaderships, however, have been slow in knitting the One Health approach into the larger systems approach. by understanding the complexity of resilience and health system resilience is one of the key features of pandemic preparedness. Among others, health system strengthening is another key factor that urgently requires much attention in the theme of pandemic preparedness. Here, how the health system strengthening requires more imperative attention in the One Health gambit is discussed in the Indian context.
“CoviSainik Program” – A Novel Public Private Partnership Initiative in the Control of COVID-19 in Rural India
Authors: Sabale Rupali , Velhal Gajanan , Sonawane Vinayak , Gupta Shilpi
Published: December 2023

Background:

“CoviSainik Program” was implemented in collaboration with the Ambuja Cement Foundation and Community Medicine Department in rural districts of eight states of India from May to December 2021 to create a cadre of volunteers. The aim of the present paper is to describe the program and evaluate it so that the findings can be the guiding tool for policymakers to replicate a similar program.

Material and Method:

A cross-sectional, mixed-method – concurrent study design was adopted to evaluate the program for its short-term outcomes such as gain in the basic knowledge of COVID-19 amongst master trainers and their feedback and program output viz – the proportion of volunteers trained and their profile by census sampling. Motivational factors, experiences of volunteers, and outcomes of COVID-19 work in their villages were explored by purposive with maximum diversity sampling with 62 online in-depth interviews and 8 online focus group discussions (FGDs).

Results:

There was a statistically significant difference in the pre-test (12.8 ± 5.6) and post-test (25.9 ± 9.3) scores of the Master Training Program evaluation test. Out of 6534 trained volunteers, 5901 worked as volunteers, and amongst those, 47.1%, 35.1%, and 17.8% worked for ≤3 months, 3 to 6 months, and ≥6 months, respectively, in their villages. The major themes generated for motivational factors to join the program were altruism, savior nature, generating awareness, and concern for others. The major outcomes generated by trained volunteers COVID-19 vaccination were in raising awareness on COVID-19 appropriate behavior and early identification of COVID-19 cases in their villages.

Conclusion:

The “CoviSainik Program” was successful in creating cadres of trained volunteers.
Mental Health Morbidities and their Correlates among the Adolescents in Kamrup (Metro), Assam: A School-Based Study
Authors: Saikia Anku M. , Das Hemen , Rajendran Vinoth
Published: December 2023

Background:

India has the largest adolescent population worldwide, and among this group, mental health issues account for 16% of the total global burden of disease and injury. Disturbingly, approximately half of these health conditions manifest before the age of 14 years. To assess the prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress along with its correlates among the adolescents in the schools of Kamrup (Metro) district, Assam.

Methods and Material:

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 randomly selected high schools in the study area among the adolescents selected from 8th to 10th standards in the age group of 14 to 17 years. A pre-designed, pre-tested interview schedule, the modified Kuppuswamy scale, and ‘Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 Items’ (DASS 21) questionnaire were used for data collection.

Results:

The mean ± 2SD age of the adolescents was 14.74 ± 1.58 years. Among the adolescents, the overall prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress was found to be 22.2%, 24.4%, and 6.9%, respectively.

Conclusions:

The occurrence of mental health morbidities among adolescents is notably widespread, yet researchers have largely overlooked this aspect. This underscores the need for comprehensive investigations into the factors that contribute to these mental health issues.
Prevalence of Asymptomatic Bacteriuria (ASB) in Pregnant Women in India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Khapre Meenakshi , Sharma Divita , Mehta Aprajita , Sinha Smita
Published: December 2023

Background:

Asymptomatic bacteriuria is prevalent during pregnancy. If it goes undetected, it can lead to urinary tract infection with severe maternal and neonatal complications. Until date, India does not have any guidelines to test for ASB during pregnancy.

Objective:

To estimate the pooled prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnant women at national level in India.

Material and Methods:

We searched Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using search strategy with keyword. Two authors independently assessed the eligibility of study. The checklist of the JBI was used for evaluating the quality of reporting. The extracted data were analyzed, and the results were reported using a random-effects model with 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analysis was conducted for zones of India, parity and trimester. Publication bias is reported as funnel plot.

Result:

Pooled prevalence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among pregnant women in India is 13.5% [CI 11.1; 15.8]. Subgroup analysis based on the various geographic zones of the country the pooled prevalence ranged from 9.2% in central zone to 14.8% in south zone. Distribution of prevalence of ASB as per parity was approximately identical. The prevalence of ASB was found to be high in third (21.8%).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of ASB is found to be high among Indian pregnant women, especially in third trimester. It is therefore recommended for guideline to screen and treat every pregnant woman for ASB to prevent further complications.
Subsets of natural killer cells in chronic myeloid leukemia and their relation with some inflammatory cytokines
Authors: Faraj Yusur Falah , Salih Khalid Mahdi , Khelif Abderrahim , Hameed Elaf Zuhair
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:

As in other malignancies, different subsets of natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in the recognition and lysing of malignant cells in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

OBJECTIVES:

This study aims to identify two subsets of NK, cytotoxic (cluster of differentiation [CD] 16+bright) and cytokine-producing NK (CD56+bright) in newly diagnosed CML patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study is conducted on 20 newly diagnosed Iraqi patients (12 males and 8 females) with CML, in chronic phase, at the age range of 17–55 years. Along with patients, 20 healthy subjects (with matched age and gender) were enrolled to act as a control group. To identify NK cells and their subsets in peripheral blood samples, the expression of CD45, CD3, CD56, and CD16 markers was evaluated by flow cytometry technique. Furthermore, the serum level of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-18 was determined by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique.

RESULTS:

The age of patients at the diagnosis of disease is (35.6 ± 12.2 years) and the male: female ratio was 1.5:1. The serum level of IL-18 in newly diagnosed CML patients (30.3 ± 6.5 pg/mL) was significantly (P < 0.0001) higher than those in control group (18.3 ± 7.8 pg/mL), while the serum levels of IFN-γ in newly diagnosed patients are significantly (P = 0.006) dropped down to (89.1 ± 7.2 pg/mL from that in control group (109.4 ± 30.3 pg/mL). The percentage of NK cells in newly diagnosed CML patients is significantly lower than in control group. There is a significant elevation in the cytotoxic NK cells (CD16+bright) subset, and a significant decrease in the cytokine-producing NK subset (CD56+bright) in newly diagnosed patients when compared to those in control group.

CONCLUSION:

Although there is an elevation in the percentage of cytotoxic NK cells (CD16+bright) subset of CML patients at the first diagnosis, these cells are not able to recognize and attack malignant cells, which may be due to low expression of their activating receptors and needs more investigation. Furthermore, present results found a low percentage of cytokine-producing NK cells (CD56+bright) and a low level of IFN-γ in CML patients, although there is an elevation in IL-18, which indicates that IL-18 may be not the main stimulator to these cells, so activation pathway of this subset of NK cells needs further investigation.
The Problem with Capitalism in the Trichological Sciences
Authors: Trüeb Ralph Michel , Gadzhigoroeva Aida , Kopera Daisy , Luu Ngoc-Nhi Catharina , Dmitriev Angelina
Published: December 2023

Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels exposed a pattern of societal conduct they chose to name capitalistic bourgeoisie. The bourgeoisie created a common language of communication through collaboration, gathered in circles such as free academies, scientific academies, literary circles, and the media, that provided forums for the emerging bourgeoisie to conceive of new social orders. One aspect of bourgeoisie culture is conspicuous consumption, central to which, is a culture of prestige through material consumption. Capitalism is an economic system based on private ownership and the operation for profit. Characteristic features of capitalism include competitive market, commercialism, property rights recognition, capital accumulation, material consumption, culture of prestige, sycophancy, and coterie. Critiques of capitalism allege that it is exploitative, alienating, unstable, unsustainable, and inefficient. In turn, critical theory inspired philosophers such as Michel Foucault to conceptualize how we form identities through social interaction. When the patient’s body entered the field of medicine, it also entered the field of power where the patient can be manipulated by professional authority. Without forcibly being a proponent of political theory, as an academic, one is inevitably confronted with Marxism in terms of philosophy. As a discipline at the interface of medicine, lifestyle, and cosmetics, trichology is particularly susceptible to the primary aims of profit, consumption, and prestige that characterize the capitalistic bourgeoisie. The trichological sciences, particularly trichoscopy, have discovered a profitable market for itself. The practice of trichology is not immune to malpractice. It has created an industry that dwells on the autistic thinking of patients and doctors, and because it is prosperous, makes propaganda among lay people and doctors that necessarily leads to abuses.
Arterial Oxygen Saturation: A Vital Sign?
Authors: Singhal A , Prafull K , Daulatabad VS , John NA , John J
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

The physical examination is a key part of a continuum that extends from the history of the present illness to the therapeutic outcome. An understanding of the pathophysiological mechanism behind a physical sign is essential for arriving at the correct diagnosis. Early detection of deteriorating physical/vital signs and their appropriate interpretation is thus the key to achieve correct and timely management. By definition, vital signs are “the signs of life that may be monitored or measured, namely pulse rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and blood pressure.” Vital signs are the simplest, cheapest and probably the most inexpensive information gathered bedside in outpatient or hospitalized patients. The pulse oximeter was introduced in the 1980s. It is an accurate and non-invasive method for the measurement of arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SaO2). Pulse oximetry-based arterial oxygen saturation can be effectively used bedside in in-hospital and ambulatory patients with diagnosed or suspected lung disease. The present pandemic of COVID-19 should be considered as a wake-up call. Articles related to arterial oxygen saturation and its importance as a vital sign in patient care were searched online especially in PubMed. Available studies were studied in full length and data was extracted. Discussion: A. Clinical Utility of Oxygen Saturation Monitoring: There are many studies reporting the clinical applicability and usefulness of pulse oximetry in the early detection of hypoxemic events during intraoperative and postoperative periods. B. Role of clinical expertise accompanied by knowledge of physiology: A diagnostic sign is useful only if it is interpreted accurately and applied appropriately while evaluating a patient. The World Health Organisation also appreciates these facts and published “The WHO Pulse Oximetry Training Manual.” Understanding the physiology behind and overcoming limitations of the diagnostic sign by clinical expertise is important. While using pulse oximetry, a clinician needs to keep in mind the sigmoidal nature of the oxygen-Hb dissociation curve. Considering these benefits of SaO2 measurement, there have been several references in the past to consider oxygen saturation as the fifth vital sign. In the present pandemic oxygen saturation i.e., SpO2 (arterial oxygen saturation) measured by pulse oxymeter, has been the single most important warning and prognostic sign be it for households, offices, street vendors, hospitals or governments. Measurement of trends of SaO2 added with respiratory rate will provide clinicians with a holistic overview of respiratory functions and multidimensional conditions associated with hypoxemia.
Association between Smartphone Addiction and Breathing Pattern in Sedentary Young College-Going Students – A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Shah IK , Kumar A , Rajasekar S , Pathak AA , Suvarna N , Gopal K , Muthukrishnan R
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:

The number of smartphone users has progressively increased worldwide. Altered biomechanics of the cervicothoracic spine and ribcage could limit the chest wall function that affects the respiratory muscles strength, reducing diaphragm function in smartphone users. This study aimed to compare breathing patterns between smartphone-addicted and -nonaddicted user groups.

Objective:

To find the association between excessive smartphone use and breathing pattern in sedentary young college-going students.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study includes 230 participants. The participants were screened for the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were asked to fill out a Smartphone Addiction Scale questionnaire. These breathing patterns were then assessed by self-evaluation of breathing questionnaire (SEBQ), manual assessment of respiratory motion (MARM), breath-holding test, and capnography.

Results:

The correlation of smartphone-addicted and -nonaddicted groups with breathing patterns was performed by Spearman rank correlation. Results show no significant association between the smartphone-nonaddicted and -addicted users.

Conclusion:

This study concluded that excessive smartphone use and breathing patterns are not associated.
Relationship between Kidney Dysfunction, Stroke Severity, and Outcomes in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital: A Prospective Study
Authors: Akemokwe FM , Adejumo OA , Odiase FE , Okaka EI , Imarhiagbe FA , Ogunrin OA
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:

Stroke is a common neurologic disease associated with fatal outcomes. Kidney dysfunction may be an important predictor of stroke severity and outcome.

Aim:

To determine the relationship between kidney dysfunction at admission and stroke severity and 30-day outcome.

Materials and Methods:

This was a prospective study that involved 150 stroke patients. Stroke severity at admission was assessed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Renal dysfunction was assessed by the presence of albuminuria and or reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) at admission. Neurological outcome was assessed using mortality, modified Rankin Scale (mRS), and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GCS).

Results:

The mean age of the study participants was 61.0 ± 13.2 years. Renal dysfunction was present in 66% of the participants while the case fatality rate of stroke was 26%. Poor neurological outcome at 30 days was found in 44.1% of survivors. Those with albuminuria had lower GCS (P = 0.041), lower GFR (P = 0.004), higher mRS score on day 14 (P = 0.041) and day 30 (P = 0.032), and higher NIHSS score (P = 0.034). Independent predictors of 30-day mortality were albuminuria (Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR) 3.60, 95%CI: 1.07–12.17) and increasing NIHSS score (AOR = 1.15, 95%CI: 1.04–1.28). Lower GCS (P < 0.001), elevated white blood cells (P = 0.003), serum creatinine (P = 0.048), and NIHSS score (P < 0.001) were associated with poor neurological outcome. NIHSS score was the only significant predictor of neurologic outcome (AOR: 1.25; CI: 1.11-1.41; P ≤ 0.001).

Conclusions:

Kidney dysfunction was associated with stroke severity and mortality. However, it was not an independent predictor of neurological outcome.
The Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide Colloidal-Ag Used in Dental Unit Waterline on Shear Bond Strength of Orthodontic Brackets
Authors: Ozsoy FS , Muftuoglu O , Bulut A , Torun OY , Memikoğlu U Toygar
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:

The quality of the water passing through the water lines is crucial to dental procedures. Studies on bracket adhesion of hydrogen peroxide colloidal-Ag, which is widely used to prevent biofilm formation, are limited in the literature.

Aim:

To determine whether disinfecting the dental units’ waterlines (DUW) with hydrogen peroxide colloidal-Ag has any effect on the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets bonded to enamel.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty premolar teeth were divided randomly into two groups. The study and control groups consists of 30 teeth that were etched for 30 seconds with 37% phosphoric acid. Study groups washed with hydrogen peroxide colloidal-Ag water and the control group washed with municipal water. Transbond XT adhesive system was used to bond stainless steel brackets on all the teeth. A 300-g force was applied using a tension gauge to ensure a uniform adhesive thickness and light cured with 6 seconds. The SBS was quantified by means of a universal testing machine. The residual adhesive on the enamel surface was evaluated after debonding using the adhesive remnant index (ARI).

Results:

The t-test results indicated that there were no significant differences in the SBS. The comparison of the results of ARI scores was found statistically insignificant.

Conclusion:

It has been found that hydrogen peroxide colloidal-Ag, which is used to reduce the amount of biofilm in DUW, does not have a negative effect on the adhesion of the brackets.
Evaluation of Knowledge among Medical Students Attending an Obstetrics and Gynecology Preparatory Course: A Non-Experimental Study
Authors: Bahkali NM , Abualsaud RM , Basuliman AA , Alkhalifah ZA , Hijji SB
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:

Preparatory courses are frequently utilized strategies to assist, simplify, prepare, and give receivers a better understanding of varied knowledge. Nonetheless, data on this topic are rare throughout the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia.

Objectives:

This study aimed to look at the progress of students who took the “Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) Made Easy” course, a preparatory course for the fifth-year medical students studying OBGYN for the first time, at our institute.

Materials and Methods:

This is a non-experimental study performed in August 2021 among fifth-year medical students who attended the course at our university institute in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. An online questionnaire with 13 questions covering various course contents was used to collect data. Each student completed the identical questionnaire twice with randomized assortment: as a pretest and as a post-test of their knowledge. The qualitative data were described using the mean and standard deviation. P < 0.05 was considered significant when used to determine whether the difference in scores was statistically significant.

Results:

This research involved a total of 66 female students. These students’ mean pre-course test score was 7.32 ± 1.807 out of 13. The mean post-course test score was 9.52 ± 2.054. There was a significant difference between the pre- and post-course outcomes when they were compared (P = 0.01).

Conclusion:

According to this study’s findings, the students who took the course improved their post-course exam performance. The “OBGYN Made Easy” course should be offered for medical students to assist and guide them in preparing for their rotation in OBGYN.
Fistula-in-Ano with Broomsticks: An Unusual Etiology
Authors: Olaomi OO , Okoye OG , Badejo OA , Amaefuna KD
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT

Fistula-in-ano is caused by idiopathic infection of the cryptoglands located in the anal intersphincteric plane when the resultant cryptoglandular abscess drains internally and externally. It is a common surgical disease that responds well to surgical intervention. In cases of recurrent non-healing fistula-in-ano, an underlying cause should be suspected and searched for. We present a 29-year-old man who had recurrent complex fistula-in-ano caused by broomsticks of an unknown source. Fistulotomy, tactile wound exploration, extraction of the broomsticks, and wound debridement were done. The wound healed well by secondary intention. Few cases of recurrent complex fistula-in-ano had been reported in the literature. However, this is the first time to the best of our knowledge that broomsticks causing non-healing, complex fistula-in-ano that is being reported. We suggest the use of a bending machine instead of mashing broom bunch in the preparation of Ewedu soup which is a delicacy for the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria to eliminate the chances of inadvertent ingestion of broomsticks when eating Ewedu soup.
Machine Learning in Robotics with Fog/Cloud Computing and IoT
Authors: Singh Kiran Deep , Singh Prabh Deep
Published: December 2023

Robotics has been transformed by machine learning (ML), enabling intelligent and adaptive autonomous systems. By delivering massive computational resources and real-time data, fog/cloud computing  and the Internet of Things boost ML-based robotics. Intelligent and linked robotics have emerged from fog/cloud computing, IoT, and machine learning. Robots using distributed computing, real-time IoT data, and advanced machine learning algorithms could alter industries and improve automation. To maximize its potential, this revolutionary combination must overcome several obstacles.  This paper discusses the benefits and drawbacks of integrating technologies. It offer rapid model training and deployment for robots ML algorithms like deep learning and reinforcement learning. Case studies demonstrate how this combination might enhance robotics across industries. This study discusses the benefits and drawbacks of fog/cloud computing, IoT, and machine learning in robots. We propose solutions for security and privacy, resource management, latency and bandwidth, interoperability, energy efficiency, data quality, and bias. By proactively addressing these difficulties, we can establish a secure, efficient, and privacy-conscious robotic ecosystem where robots seamlessly interact with the physical world, improving productivity, safety, and human-robot collaboration. As these technologies progress, appropriate integration and ethical principles are needed to maximize their benefits to society.
Społeczne aspekty edukacji higienicznej w Litwie Sowieckiej w latach 1944–1989: choroby weneryczne
Authors: Žalnora Aistis
Published: December 2023

Social aspects of hygienic education in Soviet Lithuania in the years 1944–1989: venereal diseases

In Soviet Lithuania many fields of daily life fell under heavy political influence. Medicine and health care was no exception. The health care system that existed at that time was presented in public discourse as the best possible and beyond any criticism. However, the society suffered from diseases, e.g. venereal diseases, just like at any other historical period or political system. Therefore, preventive actions in fighting the diseases had to be organized. The medical doctors and hygienists had to inform society about the possible health risks. And at the same time, they also had to keep with the “red line” by not criticising the faulty social system, which was partly responsible for the social origins of the diseases. Or, in a case there was a need to criticise someone/something, they needed to find someone/ something to criticise, e.g. gay people, hippies.