bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hedychium coccineum Buch.-Ham. ex Sm. (Zingiberaceae): an addition to the flora of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Rao P. Janaki , J. Prakasa Rao  , S.B. Padal
Published: August 2023

For the first time Hedychium coccineum (Zingiberaceae) is reported from the forest areas of the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, India. Detailed morphological description, ethnobotanical importance, ecology are discussed and photographs were provided for further identification.
Seasonal variation and habitat role in distribution and activity patterns of Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus (Boddaert, 1783) (Aves: Charadriiformes: Charadriidae) in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India
Authors: Gupta Sahil , Saxena Kanan
Published: August 2023

Red-wattled Lapwings Vanellus indicus are resident waders in Asia. They usually inhabit areas close to water and are mainly insectivorous. Their principal habitats are grasslands, wetlands, arable lands, gardens and open forests. These highly active and vocal birds are known for their wide range of distraction displays. A field investigation of distribution across different seasons and diverse habitats in Udaipur, Rajasthan was conducted from 2019 to 2021. Populations of lapwings varied significantly among locations, with the largest documented at Fateh Sagar Lake and the lowest at Rang Sagar Lake. Both habitat types and seasons (summer, monsoon and winter) had significant effects on lapwing distribution. Wetlands were the most preferred habitat at ten major study locations, and the monsoon was found to be the most favored season. Bird activity patterns did not exhibit significant variation with seasons, with locomotion, vigilance, feeding and maintenance being the most performed activities.
A novel anti-predatory mechanism in Indrella ampulla (Gastropoda: Ariophantidae)
Authors: Majhi Karunakar , Sil Maitreya , Datta-Roy Aniruddha
Published: August 2023

Gastropods depend on their shells and slime for defence but they also have certain other strategies which serve as effective measures to avoid predation. This is an opportunistic observational account of individuals of Indrella ampulla (Ariophantidae) smearing their slime on the surface of their shells when agitated. Such a behaviour is novel to our knowledge and has not been reported earlier. This note will further add to the natural history observations of such animals and decipher the lesser-known facts about the defence strategies.
Auto-fellatio behaviour observed in the Indian Palm Squirrel Funambulus palmarum (Linnaeus, 1766)
Authors: Abinesh Anbazhagan , C.S. Vishnu  , Ramesh Chinnasamy
Published: August 2023

Masturbation is an auto-sexual behaviour, a widespread phylogenetic trait in many taxa. Masturbation in squirrels was rarely reported. We observed an Indian palm squirrel  (Funambulus palmarum) doing the auto-fellatio activity away from the scurry in Bhavanisagar, Tamil Nadu. However, the auto-fellatio behaviour in F. palmarum is novel.
Morpho-anatomy and habitat characteristics of Xanthostemon verdugonianus Náves ex Fern.-Vill. (Myrtaceae), a threatened and endemic species in the Philippines
Authors: Jumawan Jess H. , Sinogbuhan Arlyn Jane M. , Abucayon Angie A. , Taperla Princess Ansie T.
Published: August 2023

A study provided insights on morphoanatomy of Xanthostemon verdugonianus, an endemic and vulnerable species in the Philippines.  Sampling was conducted in its natural habitat with presence of dominant vegetation and rehabilitated sites of the species. In a purposive manner, quadrats were established to collect samples and describe the morpho-anatomy, associated species, and soil particle characteristics. The leaf is opposite with a distinct reddish color when young in shoot terminal. The leaf cuticle is distinctly thick, hypostomatic with presence of paracytic stomata, and the compact spongy layer could be an adaptation to xeric conditions. The stem and roots contain tissues manifesting secondary growth having secondary xylem and formation of outer bark. Inflorescence is corymb, complete flower is bright red, with prominent cup-shaped hypanthium, persistent lobe-shaped calyx, and inferior ovary. Fruit is globular capsule round-ovoid in shape with a woody texture. Placental seeds are visible upon splitting of matured fruits which are flattened and deltoid to semicircular shape. A total of 31 species under 18 flora families are associated with X. verdugonianus with the mean abundance of 8 species per plot.      Ultramafic substrate was dominantly composed of medium sand particles, and the reddish color indicating oxidation of metallic elements in the soil.  Analyzing the morpho-anatomical features can help to explain its endemicity, survival in the wild, and adaptation to climate change.
Seed germination and storage conditions of Ilex embelioides Hook.f. (Magnoliopsida: Aquifoliales: Aquifoliaceae), a threatened northeastern Indian species
Authors: Malngiang Leoris , Upadhaya Krishna , Choudhury Hiranjit
Published: August 2023

Ilex embelioides Hook.f. is a threatened tree species endemic to northeastern India. The species propagates naturally through seeds but shows a brief dormancy period. The present study was carried out to assess the germination behaviour, and identify the suitable storage conditions of I. embelioides seeds. Results revealed that warm stratification for 30 days could effectively break dormancy. Seeds pre-treated with gibberellic acid (GA3, 2,000 mg L-1) showed highest germination (63.89 ± 0.91%) as compared to other concentrations of GA3 as well as potassium nitrate (KNO3). Highest in vitro seed germination percentage (65.56 ± 2.92%) was recorded on (Murashige and Skoog) MS medium containing 10 mg L-1 GA3. The viability of the seeds declined with storage period irrespective of its storage condition. After 30 days, highest viability (54.72 %) was observed in seeds stored in moist sand at 25°C. Therefore, application of GA3 and warm stratification (25 ± 1°C) along with a substrate (moist sand) for 30 days may be considered as ideal conditions for effective germination and storage of I. embelioides seeds. This study can also be used for mass propagation of the species for reintroduction in the wild.
Safety of Switching from a Vitamin K Antagonist to a Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulant in Frail Older Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: Results of the FRAIL-AF Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Joosten Linda P.T. , van Doorn Sander , van de Ven Peter M. , Köhlen Bart T.G. , Nierman Melchior C. , Koek Huiberdina L. , Hemels Martin E.W. , Huisman Menno V. , Kruip Marieke , Faber Laura M. , Wiersma Nynke M. , Buding Wim F. , Fijnheer Rob , Adriaansen Henk J. , Roes Kit C. , Hoes Arno W. , Rutten Frans H. , Geersing Geert-Jan
Published: August 2023

Background:
There is ambiguity whether frail patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) managed with vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) should be switched to a non-vitamin K oral anticoagulant (NOAC).

Methods:
We conducted a pragmatic, multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled superiority trial. Older AF patients living with frailty (age ≥75 years plus a Groningen Frailty Indicator (GFI) score ≥3) were randomized to switch from INR-guided VKA treatment to a NOAC or to continued VKA treatment. Patients with a glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m
2
or with valvular AF were excluded. Follow-up was 12 months. The cause-specific hazard ratio (HR) was calculated for occurrence of the primary outcome which was a major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding complication, whichever came first, accounting for death as a competing risk. Analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle. Secondary outcomes included thromboembolic events.

Results:
Between January 2018 and June 2022, a total of 2,621 patients were screened for eligibility and 1,330 patients were randomized (mean age 83 years, median GFI 4). After randomization 6 patients in the switch to NOAC arm and 1 patient in the continue with VKA arm were excluded due to the presence of exclusion criteria, leaving 662 patients switched from a VKA to a NOAC and 661 patients continued VKAs in the intention-to-treat population. After 163 primary outcome events (101 in the switch arm, 62 in the continue arm), the trial was stopped for futility according to a prespecified futility analysis. The HR for our primary outcome was 1.69 (95% CI 1.23-2.32). The HR for thromboembolic events was 1.26 (95% CI 0.60 to 2.61).

Conclusions:
Switching INR-guided VKA treatment to a NOAC in frail older patients with AF was associated with more bleeding complications compared to continuing VKA treatment, without an associated reduction in thromboembolic complications.
“When Everything Is Human, the Human Is an Entirely Different Thing …” Animal Powers in the Ancient Egyptian Demonic Imagery and Beyond
Authors: Lucarelli Rita
Published: August 2023

This article attempts a comparative analysis of the ancient Egyptian demonic imagery of animal and hybrid figures, according to anthropological studies and theories of perspectivism, as well as by referring to studies of Monster Theory and Cryptozoology. The aim is to disclose what kind of agency real and imaginary animals of the ancient Egyptian Duat (Beyond) possess and how it relates to the agency of humans and other non-human beings populating the Realm of the Dead.
To Each His Turn … Today Yours, Tomorrow Mine: François Sully’s Turn in History
Authors: Moir Nathaniel L.
Published: August 2023

François Sully (1927–1971) is an underreported figure in the critical period of U.S.-South Vietnamese relations between 1960 and 1963. As one of the earliest journalists the First Republic of Vietnam expelled in 1962, his reporting introduced Vietnam to American readers, and his journalism influenced a generation of Western reporters covering the intervention of U.S. forces in Vietnam. However, despite his extensive reporting for Newsweek and other outlets, little is known about Sully or how his contentious relationship with President Ngo Dinh Diem of the Republic of Vietnam contributed to political turbulence before Diem’s assassination on 2 November 1963. This is the first article to focus exclusively on Sully’s reporting on Vietnam and the first to assess his efforts using primary sources. It argues that Vietnamese Studies and Vietnam War scholars have underestimated or overlooked his journalism due to the “Vietnamese turn” in their scholarship. In supporting this argument, this article places Sully in the broader context of the media’s coverage – both in the East and the West – of the Vietnam War, and it focuses on Sully’s role in the political divisions between Diem and U.S. authorities. As the first article to provide a historical account of Sully’s journalism, it provides a basis for a more informed understanding of his writing. Such understanding is a precondition for analyzing his biases and perceived contributions to orthodox interpretations of the Vietnam War.
Bilateral Labor Agreement with Gendered and Unfree Labor: Vietnamese Women Domestic Workers in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Trần Angie Ngọc
Published: August 2023

Using a systemic and institutional analysis of transnational dynamics in the recruiting, hiring and placement of Vietnamese female migrants in domestic work in Saudi Arabia, this article showcases the experiences of Vietnamese female domestic workers in Saudi Arabia and contributes to the social protection and migrant domestic worker literatures. It contributes a critical analysis on whether bilateral labor agreements can be mechanisms for social protection of migrants. Focusing on the case of Vietnam, I argue that the bilateral labor agreement (bla) signed between Vietnam and Saudi Arabia, enacted by the Vietnamese labor brokerage state and the Saudi Kafala systems, is a form structural violence because it fails to provide social welfare and protection for Vietnamese women domestic workers. In this systemic/structural violence, intersectionality shows that not all female workers suffer the same since ethnic minority workers most often suffer more than the majority (Kinh) female workers. Moreover, inside the Kafeel (the employer/sponsor) homes of this system, most of these female workers suffer, as unfree labor, from being transferred from one house to another, resulting in precarity, cycle of debt and dispossession of their rights.
A Property-Response Approach to Evaluate Acute Toxicity Profile and Pharmacological Quality of Hydro-Alcoholic Extract of Walnut Root Bark Juglans Regia Linn. in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mode
Authors: Melakhessou Mohamed Akram , Becheker Imene , Marref Salah Eddine , Bensaad Mohamed Sabri , Alyamani Amal , Sami Rokayya , Helal Mahmoud , Aljaadi Abeer M. , Al-Eisa Rasha A. , Algehainy Naseh A. , Altemani Faisal H.
Published: August 2023

Juglans regia L., commonly known as walnut, is a valuable medicinal herb with the potency to treat various conditions and illnesses including diabetes, rheumatism, fever and skin illnesses. This study assessed the acute toxicity, anti-diabetic and anti-atherogenic activities
of the hydro-alcoholic extract of the walnut root bark of Juglans regia L. (Juglandaceae), in vivo, using Wistar rats. The toxicological effects of the hydro-alcoholic extract of walnut bark Juglans regia L: are still elusive. In order to evaluate the toxicity profile
of this plant, rats were orally treated with a single concentration of 2000 mg/kg and observed during a period of two weeks. For the anti-diabetic study, thirty male wistar rats (130–170 g) were randomized into 5 groups (n = 6/group). Groups I and II served as negative and normal
controls, respectively. Diabetes was induced in test groups (II–V) using 200 mg/kg of body weight (BW) streptozotocin. Concerning the clincial outcomes, no mortality, morbidity, or abnormal hematological, biochemical and histopathological alterations were observed. Accordingly, J.
regia L is considered a non-toxic plant. The extract was found to limit weight loss and reduce blood glucose levels by −32.30% after 14 days of treatment for the anti-diabetic and anti-atherogenic study. The extract also reduced dyslipidaemia. Our data indicated that J. regia
L contains bio-compounds that may alleviate chronic hyperglycemia while preventing cardiovascular complications by improving dyslipidaemia. This could be a potential herb for future studies to develop more effective drugs for improving glycemic and cholesterol control.
Remote Sensing-Based Assessment of Soil and Water Pollution in Deep Excavation Scenario
Authors: Qiao Binbin , Leng Zhenghua , Mao Shixiang , Wang Qiang , Liu Hang
Published: August 2023

Soil and water resource mismanagement can negatively intensify global poverty and jeopardize ecology. Soil can be contaminated by heavy metals, organic chemicals like biological pathogens, pesticides, micro plastics and nano particles. Contamination decreases the soil’s capability
to yield food thereby affecting food production by means of pollution and disease. Moreover, soil contaminants move into rivers damaging the water quality. Numerous technologies have been established to tackle water and soil remediation, such as deep excavation technique where transportation
of contaminated soils or water is done to remote unpopulated sites. Recent development in Remote Sensing and geographic information processing techniques have led to exciting new opportunities for investigating and closely monitoring environmental factors that influence key land and soil management
approaches. Hence, this paper uses the Deep Excavation and Remote Sensing based Assessment Model (DERSAM) to assess the soil and water pollution in contaminated areas. The data are taken from the Europe soil contamination map to classify the contaminated and non-contaminated areas. This data
obtained from the high-resolution satellite of Remote Sensing (RS) technique and Geographical Information System (GIS) with the parallel expansion of a fully assimilated geospatial database system that provides monitoring and feedback at suitable spatial scales. Thus, such data can be utilized
for long-term environmental management and monitoring of remediation and rehabilitation of excavation areas. The numerical outcomes show that the recommended DERSAM model increases the land use and land cover change prediction by 90.2%, the classification ratio by 98.2%, the pollution reduction
ratio by 96.6%, the soil contamination detection ratio by 95.9%, and the overall performance by 97.2% compared to other existing approaches.
Effect of NaCl Stress on the Anatomical Structure and Ultrastructure of Leaves of Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea and Berberis thunbergii ‘bingchuanhongye’
Authors: Li Yan , Lu Bin , Zhu Yufei , Lu Bingshe
Published: August 2023

In this study, we first investigated the effects of different concentrations of NaCl stress treatments (0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4%) on the anatomical structure and ultrastructure of plant leaves using annual seedlings of Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea and Berberis
thunbergii ‘bingchuanhongye.’ To provide a detailed analysis, scanning and transmission electron microscopy was utilized. Scanning electron microscopy indicated that the increased NaCl stress concentration decreased the number of stomatal openings, open stomatal percentage,
and stomatal length, width, and size of the lower epidermis of both Berberis species. The epidermal cells and stomata of Berberis thunbergii ‘bingchuanhongye’ were significantly wrinkled and damaged, while the arrangement of the palisade tissue and spongy tissue of Berberis
thunbergii var. atropurpurea was more orderly than that of Berberis thunbergii ‘bingchuanhongye.’ Transmission electron microscopy showed that the cytoplasm of Berberis thunbergii var. atropurpurea gradually shrank and exhibited serious plasmolysis
with the increase of NaCl stress concentration. At the same time, the chloroplasts became larger and deformed, and the number of mitochondria, osmiophilic granules, and starch granules gradually increased. In contrast, the inward contraction of the protoplasm of Berberis thunbergii
‘bingchuanhongye’ was not obvious, the chloroplasts were smaller and fewer in number, and the number of mitochondria, osmiophilic granules, and starch granules gradually decreased until degradation. This study not only preliminarily determined that Berberis thunbergii var.
atropurpurea showed slightly higher salt tolerance than Berberis thunbergii ‘bingchuanhongye,’ but also provided insights into their response mechanisms to saline environments.
The Niche Mechanism of Weeds in Cotton Field Under Drip-Irrigated in North Xinjiang, China
Authors: Sun Lizhong , Chen Jing , Hu Xiujin , Guo Tao , Liu Tong
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the niche mechanism and diversity of weeds in drip-irrigated and machine-harvested cotton fields in north Xinjiang, China. The dominant classes of weeds in 25 cotton fields under drip-irrigated and machine-harvested in 5 regions of north Xinjiang
were investigated by seven-grade visual method, and converted to important value data, the 20 main weeds niche breadth and niche overlap were caculated on the basis of the data above. The ecological similiarity revealed by DCA sorting and minimum spanning tree of graph theory cluster analysis
is drawed on the basis of the niche overlap value. The results show that Convolvulus arvensis L., Chenopodium album L., Amaranthus retroflexus L., Solanum nigrum L., Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud., Setria viridis (L.) Beauv., Abutilon
theophrasti Medicus., Hibiscus trionum L., Echinochloa crusgalli (L.) Beauv., nine species of weeds, which are the dominant species (malignant weeds) in drip-irrigated and machine-harvested cotton fields in North Xinjiang, have wide niche. The niche overlap values of S.
nigrum L. and C. album L., A. theophrasti Medicus. and A. retroflexus L., H. trionum L. and E. crusgall (L.) Beauv., A. retroflexus L. and E. crusgalli (L.) Beauv. are higher. The minimal spanning tree method based on niche overlap value
to reflect similar degree of the ecological needs of the weeds, 20 main weeds will be divided into 4 groups. DCA ordination of 20 main weeds comprehensive ecological needs of 25 sampling sites: the vicious weeds all gathered at the central sorting chart, the distinction is obvious with the
general weed and the corresponding of DCA ordination chart with minimal spanning tree is better. The minimal spanning tree by its focus on the results of which show that weeds are the most similar to the ecological requirements, but not be used for the no adjacent species, and no clear that
the ecological relationship between them, the DCA sorting can reflect the ecology similar relations between all weeds wholely, though this method will lose a small amount of ecological information through the data conversion. Therefore, the two methods will be combined, complementary advantages,
the superiority is obvious. Along with drip irrigation age years increase, S. nigrum L., C. arvensis L., C. album L. and so on, between dominant value of nine species of malignant weeds and the drip irrigation age years has the remarkable regression relations.
A Study on the Value of Green, Low Carbon and Environmentally Friendly Materials in Modern Gardens
Authors: Wen Cai
Published: August 2023

With the continued development of the modern economy, China has made great achievements in urbanisation. However, while China’s economic progress has been effective, it has also advocated the construction of green cities and the application of green materials in modern garden
construction to build a livable life for people. In order to promote the use of natural green materials, materials should be planned well in modern garden construction. On the basis of making full use of these green materials, garden design is optimised with the help of natural green materials.
This study analyses the current situation of the development of the urbanised garden industry, makes good site planning and design of modern gardens, applies natural green plants in urbanised construction, and increases the application rate of green, low-carbon and environmentally friendly
materials in modern garden construction. The study provides a reference for the full use of green, low-carbon and environmentally friendly materials in modern garden construction to enhance the level of garden design.
Impact of Coexistence of Microplastics and Biochar on the Abundance and Structure of Soil Fungal Communities
Authors: Wang Xiying , Zhao Hui , Li Deyan , Tan Zhiyong , Hou Jianwei
Published: August 2023

In this pursuit, we analyzed the effects of microplastics (PP, PE, PVC) and microplastics and biochar coexistence (PPR, PER, PVCR) on soil fungal community structure and diversity, and functional prediction analysis. Results showed that microplastics and their coexistence with biochar
had a significant impact on the soil physicochemical, with PVCR treatment exhibiting the highest soil pH, organic carbon, phosphorus, potassium, and ammonium nitrogen content. Microplastics and their coexistence with biochar significantly increased fungal abundance, with PPR treatment having
the highest fungal abundance. Microplastics and their coexistence with biochar (except for PP) significantly reduced the soil fungal diversity indices. The dominant fungal communities were Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Zygomycota, while at the genus level, Mortierella, Aspergillus,
and Fusarium were found to be dominant taxa. Microplastics and their coexistence with biochar promoted the Basidiomycota and Mortierella and inhibited the Ascomycota and Fusarium. Effect of microplastics and biochar coexistence was significantly higher than that of microplastics
alone. Soil pH, ammonium nitrogen, organic carbon, nitrate nitrogen, and potassium were main factors affecting the soil fungal community structure changes. FUNGuild functional prediction results showed that microplastics and their coexistence with biochar had a significant influence on the
functional group. The relative abundance of pathogenic-saprotrophic-symbiotic nutritional fungi was the highest in the PPR while the PVCR showed the highest relative abundance of saprotrophic nutritional fungi. In summary, the coexistence of microplastics and biochar had a significant affect
the soil fungal community, while its impact exhibited variations depending on the type of microplastics.
Advanced Molecular Docking Approach to Simulate Intermolecular Interaction and Binding Affinity Energy of Four Key Bio-Compounds Against Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) Receptor
Authors: Bensaad Mohamed Sabri , Banjer Hamsa Jameel , Alzahrani Khalid J. , Helal Mahmoud , Sami Rokayya , Ashour Amal Adnan , Algehainy Naseh A. , Harara Suzan
Published: August 2023

The scientific community has been mobilized in recent years at the international level to find concrete solution, in order to elaborate vaccines against Covid-19 with less side-effects and thus to overcome this pandemic situation. However, despite the fact that the actual situation
is partially under control, the issue of variants remains very problematic until this day. Bioinformatics as an emerging discipline has allowed scientists to understand the pathophysiological mechanism of COVID-19, a disease characterized by its complexity, as well as the comprehension of
other serious infectious diseases. In this context, this modest work aimed to explore for the first time the possible binding process of four phyto-compounds against Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor using molecular docking approach. The molecular docking analysis suggested that
our compounds may possibly interact with ACE2 receptor principally via hydrogen bound and hydrophobic contact, but with an antagonistic way. Data of this study also suggested that compounds 2 and 3 have the best and an exceptional equal binding energy score (−6.8 kcal/mol), among the
four tested compounds. This research could be considered a primordial and initial step for future preclinical and clinical experiments investigating SARS-CoV-2 variants, especially to better understand the mechanism of action of ACE2 receptor and the mode of contamination of host cells by
this virus.
The Effects of Cr/Cd Contamination on Vegetable Cultivars in Hainan Province
Authors: Wu Yujia , Zhang Dongming , Huang Yongping , Chang Kaijun , Wen Jinyuan , Zhang Wen
Published: August 2023

Cadmium (Cd) and chromium (Cr), as nonessential elements, are considered as very important pollutants, which greatly affects human health. To reduce food chain risk for vegetable soils contaminated by Cd, and/or Cr, the pot experiments were conducted to investigate Cd or Cr uptake by
9 cultivars of familiar leaf vegetables and to screen leaf vegetables with lower Cd or Cr content in Hainan Province. The results showed that the leaf Cd or Cr contents of 8 vegetables were lower than national limit of contaminants in foods under the treatments of 0.61 mg/kg Cd and 3.07 mg/kg
Cd. Only for Lactuca sativa var. longifoliaf, Cd accumulation (fresh weight, 0.2275 mg/kg) exceeded the limit of Cd (0.2 mg/kg) under the treatments (3.07 mg/kg Cd and 104 mg/kg Cr). About Cr accumulation, all tested vegetables were lower than national limit of Cr (0.5 mg/kg).
Considering the yield and Cd content (fresh weight), Brassica rapa ssp. chinensis (181.5 g, 0.0172 mg/kg) has the greatest advantage. Brassica pekinensis (11.824 g, 0.0204 mg/kg), Brassica campestris ssp. chinensis 328 (11.8 g, 0.0129 mg/kg) and Lactuca
sativa var. ramose (8.2 g, 0.0144 mg/kg) have also the relative advantage.
The Effects of A Self-Prepared Medicinal Solution of Huangbai and Kushen Combined with Psychological Care on Postpartum Perineal Incisions
Authors: Zhang Zhijuan , Cai Junhong , Xie Juan
Published: August 2023

Medicinal solution steam washing is a common clinical treatment for the management of various skin diseases and wound infections. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the lack of healing of infected incisions is often attributed to excessive intraoperative blood loss, resulting
in an imbalance of Qi and Blood, meridian obstruction, blood stasis, and the accumulation of dryness, heat, and turbid Qi at the affected area. Therefore, detoxification washing of the affected area with medicinal solutions promotes healing and is clinically recommended. Based on this premise,
a self-prepared medicinal solution using cold-natured Chinese medicinal herbs, such as Huangbai, Kushen, and Pugongying, was used to promote the healing of postpartum perineal incisions in women. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of a self-prepared medicinal solution combined
with psychological care on the healing of postpartum perineal incisions. Eighty parturient women who underwent spontaneous delivery with a mediolateral episiotomy at our hospital from August 2020 to August 2021 were enrolled in the study. The parturient women were divided into control and
observation groups using a random number table, with 40 patients per group. The control group received conventional treatment and nursing intervention. The observation group received intervention with self-prepared medicinal liquid fumigation using Huangbai and Kushen, combined with psychological
care. Pain perception, incision healing time, and the psychological status of the two groups were compared. After 3 days of nursing, the visual analog scale (VAS) scores in the observation group were significantly lower than the scores in the control group (P <0.05). The VAS scores
in the observation group were also significantly lower than the scores in the control group after nursing (P <0.05). The healing time of the incision in the observation group was significantly shorter than the healing time in the control group (P <0.05). After nursing,
the self-rating anxiety scores and self-rating depression scores in the observation group were significantly lower than the scores in the control group (P <0.05). Compared to routine treatment and nursing interventions, the combined application of self-prepared medicinal solution
steam washing and psychological care promotes the healing of postpartum perineal incisions, alleviates pain in the incision area, and improves negative emotional states in parturient women.
Clinical Effects of Cervical Dilation Balloon and Castor Oil Meal Nursing Interventions in Term Induction of Labor
Authors: Xie Juan , Zhang Zhijuan , Xu Xiaofeng
Published: August 2023

This study analyzed the clinical effects of cervical dilation balloon and castor oil meal nursing interventions in term induction of labor. The eighty pregnant women who were scheduled for delivery in our hospital between March 2020 and January 2022 were recruited into an observation
group and a control group using a random number table. The control group received oxytocin for labor induction while the observation group received cervical dilation balloon and castor oil meal nursing interventions for labor induction. In addition to clinical treatment experiments, cell experiments
are performed. BeWo cells were cultured to study the effect of estrogen on cell viability, and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 (MMP2, MMP9) was detected using Western blotting. The endpoints of this study were to investigate the impact of estrogen changes on term-induced
pregnant women and to compare the cervical dilation balloon and castor oil meal nursing interventions with regards to duration of labor, efficacy of cervical ripening, Bishop score of the cervix, postpartum complications, and other relevant indicators. The viability of BeWo cells did not significantly
differ after treatment with different concentrations of 17β-E2 (-> 0.05). The expression of MMP9 after different levels of treatment did not significantly differ (P >0.05), whereas the expression of MMP2 protein in the 5×10−7 and 5×10−8
M treatment groups was lower than that in the control group (P <0.05). The first stage and total duration of labor were significantly shorter in the observation group than that in the control group (P <0.05). The efficacy of cervical ripening was significantly higher in
the observation group than that in the control group (P <0.05). The Bishop score of the cervix was significantly higher in the observation group after intervention (P <0.05). The incidence of complications in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the
control group (P <0.05). Estrogen levels may affect the invasive function of trophoblast cells, causing abnormal placental function. Castor oil has hormonal effects and contains precursors for prostaglandin synthesis and can induce and strengthen contractions, soften the cervix,
and dilate the cervix. The combined use of cervical dilation balloon and castor oil meal in term induction of labor has clear clinical effects, including the effective shortening of labor duration, favorable cervical ripening, significant improvement in the Bishop score of the cervix, and
reduced incidence of complications. This study suggests its potential for clinical application and wider use.
Associations Between GGT/ALT Ratio and Carotid Plaque in Inpatients With Coronary Artery Disease: A RCSCD-TCM Study
Authors: Lai Ziqin , Li Zhu , Huang Mengnan , Wang Yang , Li Lin , Liu Fanfan , Yang Tong , Liu Yijia , Xu Qiang , Gao Shan , Yu Chunquan
Published: August 2023

This study investigated the relationship between gamma-glutamyltransferase/alanine aminotransferase (GGT/ALT) ratio and carotid plaques in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). This multicenter retrospective study included 8,255 patients with CAD who were divided according to GGT/ALT quartiles: Q1 (GGT/ALT ≤ 1.00), Q2 (1.00 < GGT/ALT ≤ 1.41), Q3 (1.41 < GGT/ALT ≤ 2.05), and Q4 (GGT/ALT > 2.05). Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between GGT/ALT, carotid plaques, and carotid plaque echogenicity. GGT/ALT ratio (odds ratio [OR]: 1.16; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11–1.21; P < .001) was significantly associated with carotid plaque risk. The degree of relevance was higher in men (OR: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.35–2.15; P < .001) than in women (OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.28–1.91; P < .001). The ORs value of carotid plaque risk was higher in middle-aged patients (OR: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.78–2.80; P < .001) than in older patients (OR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.44–2.18; P < .001). The GGT/ALT ratio was significantly associated with different carotid plaque echogenicity, and the highest OR values were for isoechoic plaques (OR: 1.18; 95% CI: 1.12–1.24; P < .001). These findings suggest that the GGT/ALT ratio might be associated with a high risk of developing carotid plaques and different types of plaque echoes and was more significantly associated with isoechoic plaques.
Maintaining glucose integrity ex-vivo: Impact of preanalytical specimen handling
Authors: Islam Md Nahidul , Lyons Claire , Griffin Tomas P , Hamon Siobhan , Dunne Fidelma P , O’Shea Paula M
Published: August 2023

Background

Adopting the WHO protocol for glucose analysis is arguably impractical in the routine clinical setting. Deviations may develop due to a lack of understanding regarding the impact of glycolysis on the accuracy of results.

Aim

We sought to assess the stability of glucose in two different blood collection tubes (BCT), BD Vacutainer® FX ‘Fl-Ox’ and Greiner Vacuette® FC-Mix ‘FC-Mix’ stored at room temperature (RT:18–22°C) and 4°C over 8.5 days.

Method

Each participant provided venous whole blood collected into 51 BCTs; ‘Fl-Ox’ (n = 26) and ‘FC-Mix’ (n = 25). One Fl-Ox sample from each participant was handled according to the WHO recommended method. The remaining BCTs were stored at 4°C/RT prior to analyses at designated study timepoints. Glucose was measured using the hexokinase assay on the Cobas® 8000 platform.

Results

Participants (n = 8, Male = 2) were aged 24–56 years. Plasma glucose measured in FI-Ox BCTs according to the WHO sample-handling method had a median concentration of 5.73 mmol/L (Range: 5.39–10.37 mmol/L). Glucose decreased by greater than minimal difference (>0.26 mmol/L) in blood collected into Fl-Ox and stored @4°C/RT within 24 h of phlebotomy. FC-Mix BCT maintained glucose <0.26 mmol/L @4°C over a period of 8.5 days and up to 4 days @RT when compared to the WHO recommended method.

Conclusion

Glucose in FC-Mix BCT stored @4°C demonstrated the best agreement with results determined using the WHO specifications. When FC-Mix tubes were stored @RT, glucose was stable for 4 days. These findings suggest that the FC-Mix BCT effectively inhibits glycolysis and should be introduced into routine clinical practice.
The post-socialist cities from Central and Eastern Europe: Between spatial growth and demographic decline
Authors: Sandu Alexandra
Published: August 2023

This research examines two major phenomena that have driven the transformation of cities in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) following the fall of communism: intensive urban sprawl and population decline. Using a quantitative methodology to examine the patterns and dynamics of built-up areas and population in 93 cities from CEE, the article assesses their transformation between 1990 and 2018. The findings show that, while there are overall similarities in the dynamics of built-up area and population changes in CEE cities, there are also notable differences that vary by country, city size, proximity to Western Europe and economic attractiveness.
Paranasal Schwannomas: A Comprehensive Study of 2 Cases
Authors: Saito Miyu , Tsuda Takeshi , Takeda Kazuya , Obata Sho , Umeda Daisuke , Hayama Masaki , Morii Eiichi , Inohara Hidenori
Published: August 2023

Paranasal sinus tumors are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms (with paranasal schwannomas being a rare subtype) that are often present with non-specific symptoms, such as nasal obstruction and epistaxis. Thus, early diagnosis is crucial for optimal management. This study presents 2 cases of paranasal schwannomas, detailing their clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and treatment approaches. Both patients underwent endoscopic sinus surgery with successful tumor excision and had no significant complications or recurrences during follow-up. Diagnosis was based on a combination of clinical examination, radiological imaging (computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging), and histopathological confirmation with immunohistochemical staining. Treatment consisted primarily of endonasal resection, with consideration of frontal craniotomy if necessary. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of paranasal schwannomas and emphasizes the importance of early detection and treatment to improve patient outcomes.
Functional disability in Thai older persons with self-reported visual impairment
Authors: Khamkhom Nara
Published: August 2023

This study aims to investigate what causes persons with self-reported visual impairment in Thailand to have different levels of functional disability. The study sample included 6327 older persons aged 60 and above, extracted from the ‘2021 Survey of Older Persons in Thailand’ project. A multinomial logistic model was employed to investigate the relationship between demographic characteristics, living arrangements, and household conditions with the level of functional disability. The study found that gender had only a mild effect on functional disability level, while age had a high influence on every functional disability category. Interestingly, older persons living with their children were more likely to lose their functional ability than those living with other family members. This pattern indicates the dependency of older persons with visual impairment in Thailand on their children. In addition, older persons with self-reported visual impairment with a bedroom on the upper floor and those who had no rails in the house to support their movement were less likely to have a high level of functional disability than other groups of older persons. This may be a strategy for a family to help older persons with visual impairment to be able to perform activities of daily living (ADL) by arranging for them to live in a location in the house that is easy for them to be mobile and perform ADL as recommended in the social model of disability.
More time in a community setting: A service evaluation of the impact of intrathecal drug delivery systems on place of care of patients with cancer pain
Authors: Mitchell Alison , Somerville Lesley , Williams Nicola , McGhie Jonathan , McConnachie Alex , McGinn Gordon , Lee Jiyoung
Published: August 2023

Background:

Intrathecal Drug Delivery Systems are underutilised in the management of refractory cancer pain despite evidence of their efficacy. Not all patients who are offered this treatment modality accept it. There is no current evidence that indicates if the use of intrathecal drug delivery systems impacts on place of care for patients with cancer related pain.

Aims:

This service evaluation compared place of care, place of death and morphine equivalent daily dose at end of life for patients in whom Intrathecal Drug Delivery was successfully established versus those who chose comprehensive medical management.

Setting/participants:

A retrospective longitudinal cohort study of 45 patients with cancer pain comparing those who had ongoing analgesia successfully delivered via an implanted Intrathecal Drug Delivery System ( n = 28) with those who continued to receive comprehensive medical management ( n = 17).

Results:

There was a markedly greater time spent in the community in the intrathecal group than the medical management group (median 126.5vs 25.5 days; p = 0.002) and a lower morphine equivalent daily dose at end of life (median 127.5vs 440.0 p = 0.022).

Conclusion:

In patients with advanced cancer, the successful establishment of intrathecal analgesia is associated with more time in the community and a lower morphine equivalent daily dose at end of life. The study has low numbers, and the sample was retrospectively selected. Nevertheless, these findings suggest the initial investment of time in an inpatient setting may be beneficial. Further research is required, using larger, prospective studies of patient outcomes in this setting.
Hemodynamic imaging parameters in brain metastases patients – Agreement between multi-delay ASL and hypercapnic BOLD
Authors: van Grinsven Eva E , Guichelaar Jamila , Philippens Marielle EP , Siero Jeroen CW , Bhogal Alex A
Published: August 2023

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) MRI is a routine clinical imaging technique that provides quantitative cerebral blood flow (CBF) information. A related technique is blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) MRI during hypercapnia, which can assess cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR). ASL is weighted towards arteries, whereas BOLD is weighted towards veins. Their associated parameters in heterogeneous tissue types or under different hemodynamic conditions remains unclear. Baseline multi-delay ASL MRI and BOLD MRI during hypercapnia were performed in fourteen patients with brain metastases. In the ROI analysis, the CBF and CVR values were positively correlated in regions showing sufficient reserve capacity (i.e. non-steal regions, rrm = 0.792). Additionally, longer hemodynamic lag times were related to lower baseline CBF ( rrm = −0.822) and longer arterial arrival time (AAT; rrm = 0.712). In contrast, in regions exhibiting vascular steal an inverse relationship was found with higher baseline CBF related to more negative CVR ( rrm = −0.273). These associations were confirmed in voxelwise analyses. The relationship between CBF, AAT and CVR measures seems to be dependent on the vascular status of the underlying tissue. Healthy tissue relationships do not hold in tissues experiencing impaired or exhausted autoregulation. CVR metrics can possibly identify at-risk areas before perfusion deficiencies become visible on ASL MRI, specifically within vascular steal regions.
Musical Activity as Avoidance-Based Emotion Regulation During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence Across Continents
Authors: Chmiel Anthony , Kiernan Frederic , Ramallo Hernán D. , Davidson Jane W.
Published: August 2023

Argentina and Australia endured among the most severe COVID-19 lockdowns globally. This study examined which artistic creative activities (ACAs) Argentinians in the Buenos Aries region used to support their mental health and wellbeing and compared these findings with existing data for Australians (primarily from Victoria) across a similar period. Adult Argentinians ( N = 86) responded to an online survey regarding 27 listed ACAs, as well as ratings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. While “watching films and television” was the most commonly reported ACA, it was not rated as effective in supporting mental health and wellbeing. Conversely, musical ACAs were ranked highest. We consider evidence from Australia, North America, and South America that musical ACAs (especially music listening) have been most effective at supporting mental health and wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic by way of avoidance-based emotion regulation. We also conclude from the data that Argentinians tended to place greater importance on music-based ACAs than Australians.
Sclerostin: clinical insights in muscle–bone crosstalk
Authors: Moretti Antimo , Iolascon Giovanni
Published: August 2023

Sclerostin, a protein encoded by the sclerostin ( SOST) gene, is mostly expressed in osteocytes. First described in the pathogenesis of three disorders, sclerosteosis, van Buchem’s disease, and craniodiaphyseal dysplasia, sclerostin has been identified as an important regulator of bone homeostasis, controlling bone formation by osteoblasts through inhibition of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Recent studies have highlighted a hypothetical role of sclerostin in myogenesis, thus modulating the interaction between bone and muscle. This narrative review provides an overview of the clinical implications of sclerostin modulation on skeletal muscle mass and function, and bone metabolism. Improving knowledge about muscle–bone crosstalk may represent a turning point in the development of therapeutic strategies for musculoskeletal disorders, particularly osteosarcopenia.
Vancomycin coupled chitosan/PEO nanofibrous scaffold with the desired antibacterial activity as a potential for biomedical application
Authors: Gholami Ahmad , Rahmanian Ali , Mirzaei Esmaeil , Mozaffariyan Fatemeh , Asadi Khatereh , Omidifar Navid
Published: August 2023

This study aims to evaluate the Vancomycin (VCM) combination with Chitosan (CS)/ Polyethylene oxide (PEO) nanofibers’ intrinsic antibacterial properties causing a synergistic effect against possible serious bacterial infections (PSBI). VCM/CS nanofiber scaffold was fabricated using the electrospinning method. Characterizations are performed by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) to examine the functional groups of each compound, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transient electron microscopy (TEM) to evaluate nanofiber diameter and structure. Antibacterial activities of the nanofibrous scaffold were assessed against bacterial strains, including standard Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus), VCM-sensitive Enterococcus (VSE), methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), VCM-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), and Streptococcus group A by microdilution broth methods. The FT-IR, SEM, and TEM examination results confirm the CS/PEO nanofiber scaffold fabrication. The antibacterial examination results showed no significant difference between the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of VCM and with MIC of VCM/CS nanofibers. Still, there were significant differences between the MIC of CS and VCM/CS nanofibers in S. aureus, but this is not more significant than VCM. This study illustrated that VCM coupled to CS nanofibers had acceptable antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive bacterium. This work motivated researchers’ insight into nanostructures’ potential accompanied by antibacterial polymer and antibiotics synergistic effects against PSBI.