bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Foreign Experience in Ensuring the Legal Status of Underage Migrants
Authors: Epifanov Alexander
Published: February 2025

Introduction: The complex migration situation in the Russian Federation requires constant study of the experience of foreign countries with high rates of migration population growth for the purpose of theoretical and practical updating of legal approaches to the observance of human rights, taking into account the peculiarities of the national legal system. The root causes of migration, as a rule, are very diverse: from socio-economic factors to the desire of families to provide their children with a more promising future. However, in connection with the increase in the number of minors migrating without parents or legal representatives, the study of foreign experience in the legal regulation of the situation of children when crossing national borders may have practical significance in predicting migration trends and their national regulation. The purpose of the study: to consider modern foreign approaches to ensuring the rights of the child during the migration of minors. Methods: When writing the article, the method of analyzing the current state of migration processes in countries with the largest number of arriving migrants was used. Foreign experience in forming legal protection for minors during migration was studied using the comparative legal method. The use of the formal legal method made it possible to identify the features and current state of legal regulation of the situation of migrants. Results: The data reviewed indicate an increase in restrictive tendencies of legal regimes for arriving migrants, including minors, whose constant influx is considered a threat to national security and requires tougher measures to enhance stability at state borders in opposition to the globalist trends of the last decade. Conclusions: International legal standards in the field of children’s rights oblige national states to form child protection systems based on the principles of best meeting the needs of minors for protection and well-being. However, the uncontrolled migration situation and the need to strengthen the security of national borders by strengthening border control measures are considered by national governments as sufficient grounds for derogation from accepted international legal obligations in the field of human rights and the rights of the child.
Plasmid DNA Strand Breaks Are Dose Rate Independent at Clinically Relevant Proton Doses and Under Biological Conditions
Authors: Kunz Louis V. , Schaefer Robert , Kacem Houda , Ollivier Jonathan , Togno Michele , Chappuis Flore , Weber Damien , Lomax Anthony , Limoli Charles L. , Psoroulas Serena , Vozenin Marie-Catherine
Published: February 2025

We investigated the effect of proton FLASH radiation on plasmid DNA. Purified supercoiled pBR322 plasmids were irradiated with clinical doses (≤10 Gy) of protons at ultra-high and conventional dose rates using the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) isochronous cyclotron. The proton beam in this clinical facility has been validated to produce the FLASH effect in preclinical models. Plasmid samples were irradiated under various oxygen tensions, scavenger levels, pH conditions and Fe (II) concentrations as these biochemical parameters vary across tissues and tumors. Over the range of doses used, plasmid DNA strand breaks were found to be dose rate independent at all conditions investigated. Irradiation within the Bragg peak and spread-out Bragg peak increased clustered strand breaks, except in the presence of scavengers. With this model system, we demonstrate conclusively that plasmid DNA strand breakage is dose rate independent at doses below 10 Gy and does not constitute a high throughput assay endpoint predictive of the biological effect of FLASH.
Controle interno e gestão de riscos
Authors: Silveira Jucilene Santana , Carvalho Ronaldo Fróes de , Peleias Ivam Ricardo , Fernandes Francisco Carlos
Published: February 2025

O objetivo da pesquisa é identificar e analisar a percepção de um grupo de gestores financeiros de IES privadas sobre a existência e aplicabilidade de práticas de controle interno e gestão de riscos, e seus efeitos na área financeira, à luz do modelo COSO ERM (Enterprise Risk Management). É uma pesquisa descritiva, cujo questionário, respondido por 39 gestores financeiros, possui duas partes: a primeira identificou o perfil dos respondentes; a segunda é baseada no modelo COSO ERM, com questões no formato da escala Likert, relativas aos oito componentes da 2ª dimensão do COSO ERM. Os dados foram analisados com a Estatística Descritiva e o Teste Qui-Quadrado. A pesquisa revelou a percepção dos respondentes quanto ao nível de alinhamento às recomendações do COSO ERM, influenciado por tempo de experiência, tempo de trabalho nas IES e auditoria interna. Constatou-se a existência de controles internos e gestão de riscos nas IES; porém, são necessárias melhorias nas práticas adotadas. A pesquisa contribui para a prática, para a academia e indica caminhos futuros para aprofundar as investigações sobre as práticas de controle interno e gestão de riscos em IES privadas.
Urban Quality of Life from the Perspective of Industrial Migration: Bursa Inegol Huzur Neighbourhood
Authors: Gür Miray , Koyun Ezgi
Published: February 2025

Aside from its numerous beneficial impacts, the Industrial Revolution has also resulted in environmental issues and the unchecked expansion of urban populations. The allure of enhanced employment prospects, educational opportunities, and improved access to healthcare facilities, particularly in urban areas, has emerged as a compelling incentive for individuals residing in rural regions, prompting a surge in migration towards cities. The influx of people moving to metropolitan areas has resulted in the unchecked expansion of cities and the emergence of detrimental urban settings. Slums and haphazard urbanization are tangible illustrations of detrimental urban environments. Urban planners, architects, and researchers in related fields are studying the urban quality of life (QoL) to address the problems caused by migration and unplanned urbanization. They aim to identify and improve these issues, as well as to prepare for potential future threats. The study's objective is to assess the urban QoL in the Huzur Neighborhood. This area has experienced distorted urbanization due to migration in the outskirts of the Inegöl district of Bursa. The neighbourhood has developed primarily due to the furniture industry. The evaluation will be based on the opinions of residents living in the Huzur Neighborhood and on-site observations of the physical environment. Physical environment observation pertains to examining the living environment and public amenities in the local community. The in-depth interview consisted of 18 questions categorized under demographic structure, accessibility and transportation, satisfaction and feeling of belonging, security, expectation, and environment. According to the findings, the urban QoL is negatively affected as a result of unhealthy housing conditions, infrastructure deficiencies, idle building density and environmental pollution, inadequate public transportation and parking, inefficient public services, socio-physical elements that threaten physical and social security in the settlement formed as a result of industrial migration. Within the scope of conclusions and recommendations, the results of the study are summarized and recommendations for future studies are developed.
Screening of Moderately Halophilic Bacteria Producing Ectoine Resulting in Selection of Virgibacillus salarius BHTA19
Authors: Leszczewicz Martyna , Broncel Natalia , Frączak Oliwia , Kapela Tomasz , Makowski Krzysztof
Published: February 2025

Research background. Ectoine is a desirable molecule with high application potential, particularly in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries. The current production method involves microorganisms that require high salinity. Therefore, product purification is expensive, complex, and requires proper equipment. To overcome these obstacles, we were searching for new moderately halophilic, ectoine-producing bacteria.
Experimental approach. The bacteria were isolated from high salinity environments: the vicinity of Tyrawa Spring, Złockie vicinity of Na Mokradłach Spring, and Rajcza all in Poland. Their capacity for biosynthesizing ectoine and additionally hydroxyectoine in a 10% premixed seawater environment was assessed semi-quantitatively using mass spectrometry (MS). The growth of bacteria was also compared under these conditions. Then the most promising strains were identified based on 16S rDNA sequence, and their morphological, biochemical, and physiological features were described. The biosynthesis of ectoine was conducted based on the collected data and the preferences of individual strains. Final product concentrations were estimated by HPLC. Following the screening process, the most suitable strain was pointed out.
Results and conclusions. 56 bacterial strains were isolated. Most produced insignificant amounts of ectoine or hydroxyectoine in the presence of 10% salt. However, ten, all isolated from Tyrawa Spring, showed promising properties and were used in further studies. Based on the 16S rDNA sequence four were as assigned as Halobacillus sp., two Virgibacillus sp. and one from Bacillus sp., Pseudalkalibacillus sp., Salimicrobium sp., and Thalassobacillus sp. The basic biochemical and physiological features as well as the ability to grow in the presence of NaCl, KCl, (NH4)2SO4 and MgSO4 were described. The biosynthesis of ectoine was conducted following the best parameters estimated for each strain. Based on the results Virgibacillus salarius BHTA19 was singled out as a new potential producer of ectoine.
Novelty and scientific contribution. We isolated promising ectoine producer, moderately halophilic bacteria - Virgibacillus salaries BHTA19. The BHTA19 is a wild-type strain that produces significant quantities of ectoine in environments with moderate salt concentrations. It shows great potential and possibility of industrial application.
Postural Risks and musculoskeletal discomfort of three preferred positions during laptop use amongst students
Authors: Hough PA , Nel Mariette
Published: February 2025

The need to access information technology in modern day occupations has encouraged the use of laptops on a daily basis. It is assumed that using a laptop in a static position over a prolonged period of time may cause postural risk as well as musculoskeletal discomfort.  A previous study identified 3 most preferred positions assumed during laptop use. This study investigates the postural risk involved during laptop use by students while assuming these 3 preferred positions.  It also investigates the musculoskeletal discomfort experienced by students during laptop use as well as the methods students use to alleviate this discomfort.  A quantitative, cross-sectional study design was used amongst a sample of 72 third year academic students from the University of the Free State. Data was collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire and the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment tool (RULA). For all 3 positions, 69.1% of participants scored in the postural risk category 3-4, indicating a low postural risk.  Most (62.5%, n=45) participants experienced musculoskeletal discomfort with regard to pain or numbness, stiffness and spasms with 95% CI for prevalence [ 51.0% ; 72.8%].  Stiffness in the neck was experienced by 47.2% (n=34) participants and spasms in the neck experienced by 44.4% (n=32).  Tendencies and statistical significant differences are indicated between genders for adaptations made during laptop use.  A recommendation for further studies could be to investigate the postural risk involved while the students assume their most preferred posture within the 3 positions.
KEYWORDS:  laptop, university students, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), postural risk, musculoskeletal discomforts
CARACTERIZAÇÃO METALÚRGICA E MECÂNICA EM JUNTA DE AÇO ESTRUTURAL CA50 SOLDADA ATRAVÉS DOS PROCESSOS ELETRODO REVESTIDO (SMAW) E MIG/MAG (GMAW)
Authors: Braga Dnilson Silva , Costa Thiago Antônio Paixão de Sousa , Almeida Hélio Antônio Lameira de , Nascimento Luiz Gabriel da Silva
Published: February 2025

O setor da construção civil impulsiona a busca por técnicas e produtos com melhor desempenho, nesse aspecto se enquadra o aço CA50, como um dos materiais mais difundidos na construção civil pela sua característica de soldabilidade. Este trabalho estudou as características de juntas soldadas com emenda tipo traspasse, através dos processos a arco elétrico, Eletrodo Revestido (SMAW) e MIG/MAG (GMAW), com três diferentes variações de parâmetros de soldagem. Os resultados mostraram que os cordões de solda obtidos a partir do processo eletrodo revestido apresentaram falta de fusão e de maneira geral, para as condições estudadas, este processo de soldagem não apresentou características adequadas como o processo MIG/MAG. A metalografia revelou a presença de microestruturas características dos aços baixa liga, isto é, ferrita-α e perlita. O ensaio de tração realizado nos corpos de prova soldados através do processo MIG/MAG indicou que os cordões de solda apresentaram bom desempenho mecânico de tração. Conclui-se que a soldagem do vergalhão CA50 por emenda tipo traspasse, com eletrodo revestido 7018, nos parâmetros utilizados, não se apresentou adequada. Já as soldas produzidas com o processo MIG/MAG comprovou a viabilidade deste processo na construção civil com os parâmetros estudados.
O LUGAR DO SER HUMANO É ONDE ELE QUISER: PERCEPÇÃO DE PROFISSÕES FEMININAS E MASCULINAS SOB O OLHAR DA GESTALT
Authors: Batista Ana Carolina Gonzalez , Silva Iris do Carmo Carvalho Barbosa Bastos da , Zandonai Paola Sebben , Figueredo Patrícia da Motta Vieira , Coelho Sabrina Pascoal
Published: February 2025

O presente artigo, elaborado por meio de revisão de literatura e pesquisa quanti-qualitativa, buscou analisar a percepção de alunos universitários, de uma instituição de ensino superior privada da Zona Sul do Rio de Janeiro, em relação às representações socialmente construídas sobre o gênero e profissões ditas masculinas ou femininas, tomando como base conceitos da teoria da Gestalt. Para tal, foi realizada uma pesquisa de campo, utilizando dois instrumentos, um de cunho quantitativo (um questionário com 25 perguntas) e um outro de cunho qualitativo (uma entrevista semiestruturada). O questionário contemplou questões com perguntas sobre as mais diversas profissões e sua relação com o gênero, a serem respondidas por meio de uma escala de Likert de cinco pontos. A entrevista contava com duas perguntas, onde foi solicitado que o entrevistado apontasse as atividades profissionais consideradas adequadas a cada gênero. Através da análise dos dados foi possível perceber que a compreensão sobre os gêneros se inicia na infância, tendo influências das percepções trazidas pelo mundo externo, além disso, observou-se também que os estudantes universitários percebem algumas profissões como pertencentes à esfera masculina e outras, à esfera feminina, embora tal percepção não tenha interferido em suas próprias escolhas profissionais.
Biosorption of Cadmium from Freshwater Cultured with (Nile Tilapia) using Neem Leaf Aqueous Extract (NLAE). A Review
Authors: Koplamma Nenchini Bala
Published: February 2025

In the quest to achieve economic prosperity and industrialization, sustainable water management, agriculture, biodiversity resources and food security have been marginalized. These have birthed serious intolerable environmental challenges such as heavy metal contamination and wastewater discharge into water bodies, particularly cadmium, lead and mercury. All these pose a serious threat to water bodies or the environment. These could adversely affect the biodegradation that demands bio-friendly remediation. A total of 180 healthy Oreochromis niloticus were used for this comparative research to evaluate neem leaf aqueous extract and pulverized neem leaf biosorption of cadmium in contaminated aquaria. This research focused on the review of neem leaf aqueous extract as a primary alternative for biosorption of heavy metals contamination in aquaculture or the environment. Following the trend of results obtained in recent research, the result depicted stressful acclimatization, death of Orechromis niloticus and irreversible damage to muscle, liver, and kidney tissues or photomicrographs cultured with Cadmium. This is due to the chemical composition of the neem leaf aqueous extract being acidic and has a short shelf life. The reviewed findings showed that pulverized neem leaf is considered eco-friendly, a primary biosorbent for biosorption and is cost-effective in lead-contaminated aquariums cultured with cats and fish. The research results revealed normal acclimatization, insignificant bioaccumulation below normal range, drastic low mortality rate, chemical composition within range and physical and morphological characteristics of pulverized neem leaf are supportive factors for heavy metal binding. Photomicrographs of muscles, liver and kidney in contemporary research conducted with cadmium and lead showed that damage is reversible, unlike neem leaf aqueous extract that caused irreversible damage to muscles, liver and kidney tissues of fish.
A Model Decomposition-in-Time of Recurrent Neural Networks: A Feasibility Analysis
Authors: L D’Amore
Published: February 2025

In the context of Recurrent Neural Networks, minimization of the Loss Function (LF) causes the most training overhead. Following the Parallel In-Time approaches, we introduce an ab-initio decomposition across time direction. The key point of our approach lies in the innovative definition of local objective functions which allows us to overcome the sequential nature of the network and the management of dependencies between time steps. In particular, we define local RNNs by adding a suitable overlapping operator to the local objective functions which guarantees their matching between adjacent subsequences. In this way, we get to a fully parallelizable decomposition of the RNN whose implementation avoids global synchronizations or pipelining. Nearest neighbours communications guarantee the algorithm’s convergence. We hope that these findings encourage readers to further extend the framework according to their specific application requirements.
Copper oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent and gelatin as a capping agent v1
Authors: Okonogi Siriporn , Sasarom Mathurada
Published: February 2025

Copper oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent and gelatin as a capping agent according to the method previously described with some slight modifications of method of Liu et al., 2012.
Cultural production on social media: case study of occupied town
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, Soklakov Maksym
Published: February 2025

Background. Since the start of the Russian full-scale invasion, major transformations in the media consumption of Ukrainians have occurred. Social media platforms are utilized as means of informational warfare and play a major role in the cultural production of everyday content on both local and nationwide levels. The logic of content production on social media platforms fosters the constitution of the so-called 'digital public sphere', and in this way affects the Ukrainian public sphere overall. The goal of this article is to explicate the potential uses of social media platforms as sources of research, that allow to observe the cultural production on the occupied territories, and in this way foster the creation of policies for the re-integration. The research objectives are to identify established social media informational infrastructures in the occupied town of Berdiansk and explore the utilized principles of cultural production of the image of the city, through the concept of the digital public sphere.

Methods. Case studies, content analysis, netnographic study, narrative, and textual cultural analysis, interdisciplinary analysis of metadata and statistic data available online, and cultural history approach – reconstruction of the logic of material devices, and functioning of virtual spaces overall.

Results. Two simultaneous and mutually exclusive informational infrastructures are established, Ukrainian and Russian. Both are creating mutually exclusive but intersecting images of the city, framing ongoing events as either occupation or 'liberation'. The images of the city are constituted via the cultural production of everyday content on social media platforms. This cultural production follows the logic of attention economy.

Conclusions. Russian informational military units and occupational administrations actively utilize social media platforms as an instrument of informational warfare, to reinforce and legitimize their presence. However, at the same time, social media affordances foster the emergence of new practices of resistance from the Ukrainian side. The openness of the network environment allows Ukrainian citizens under occupation to stay in touch with the Ukrainian media sphere, and vice versa. The digital public sphere allows us to research the transformations occurring under occupation. New forms of social and cultural production emerge within a network environment of social media platforms, particularly within a situation of a full-scale war.
Autoethnographic Exploration of Design Justice as a Framework for Anti-Racist, Equitable Curriculum Design
Authors: Boyce Erin , Clockston Julie , Sullivan Ann , Cottrell Rebecca
Published: February 2025

As higher education contends with the complexity of providing a more diverse and equitable education for students, we believe that social workers should lead this movement. This case study's purpose is to share the experiences of social work educators engaging in a justice-centered practice guiding curriculum development. In addition, we hope to inspire other faculty to consider implementing similar practices within their curriculum. The following study presents the experiences of four faculty and staff members at an urban-centered, generalist practice social work department in higher education. Using an autoethnographic model, we engaged in an in-depth exploration of our own educational experiences, uncovering our own biases, and working towards more progressive and equitable models of education. We learned new ways of sharing content, grading, and accepting the expertise of others. There are important implications of this work, such that design justice can increase students’ engagement, sense of belonging, and ultimately degree completion.
Impact of COVID-19 on Formal Mentorship
Authors: Holcomb Dana
Published: February 2025

Despite numerous benefits, formal faculty mentorship remains underutilized within academia. Formal mentorship has been shown to aid faculty in acclimating to the expectations of higher education, assist in balancing work-life obligations, and provide professional and psychosocial support. These areas of formal support and connection are critical given the significant changes and disruptions caused by the pandemic. Through use of a narrative approach, 10 social work faculty who were teaching during the pandemic, as well as mentees in a formal mentoring relationship, were interviewed to explore the impact the COVID-19 pandemic had on their experiences with formal mentorship. All participants maintained a virtual connection with their mentor during the pandemic, though two experienced a decrease in communication. Four themes that emerged were how mentors helped mentees frame professional development during the pandemic, the shifting focus and deepening of the mentoring relationship, the adjustment to virtual mentoring, and the impact of faculty and institutional leadership attrition. Implications for higher education as it relates to the provision of formal mentorship as a means to increase a sense of faculty connection and support are explored, particularly within the virtual environment.
Graduate Research Through the Rebirth of Social Work Education in Ethiopia
Authors: Mehari Getaneh , Butterfield Alice K. , Kebede Wassie
Published: February 2025

The research activities of graduate students of social work at Addis Ababa University (AAU) have not been documented and analyzed in a way that it could be published. This article explores and examines social work graduate research from 2006 to 2019. Data and our unit of analysis included 580 theses and dissertations listed in graduation books and another 280 electronically stored master’s theses and dissertations from the AAU Institutional Repository. The total graduates in the program (2006-2019) were 752, of which 65% (484) were males. Further analysis was made based on review of 280 sample master’s theses and doctoral dissertations. The study site for 73% of these theses and dissertations was in Addis Ababa. The rural-urban comparative analysis indicates that 84% of research projects were carried out in urban areas. In terms of the methodological orientations, 81% employed qualitative methods. From the fifteen thematic categories identified in our study, the five most researched thematic areas which covered 67% of all master’s thesis and PhD research projects include issues of children; women and gender; health and healthcare services; community and community development, and family, marriage, and divorce. This article concludes that the rebirth of social work education at AAU in 2004 paved the way for the expansion of graduate social work research. The urban bias of the research demonstrates a limitation of social work graduate research.
Multiscale Design and Numerical Modeling of a Porous Lattice for Concentrated
Solar Thermal Applications
Authors: McConnehey Aidan T.
Published: February 2025

Due to the rising demand in the market for renewable energy, concentrated solar
power (CSP) systems are increasing in popularity. One CSP receiver configuration
showing increased promise is the volumetric cavity solar receiver, which employs
a porous lattice for radiative heat absorption and transport. However, due to
the presence of large temperature gradients, mechanical failure as a result of
thermal expansion is a crucial metric in the design of these systems.

This thesis involves the design of a porous lattice, constrained by thermal
transport requirements as well as mechanical failure criteria. The design is
then numerically analyzed to determine thermal transport and failure
characteristics under various loading conditions. Furthermore, a multiscale
methodology is employed on the porous lattice and solar receiver levels,
coupling them through a structural homogenization and re-localization schema.
These various analyses are synthesized to demonstrate the validity of the design
and characterize its performance.
Benefit of the Doubt
Authors: O'Connell Sasha Mourene
Published: February 2025

Federal regulations give states flexibility to waive hourly work reporting for
the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food
stamps) during periods of high unemployment. Unemployment does not fully predict
state decisions to waive work reporting in SNAP though and little is known about
other factors influencing state decisions. This dissertation uses social
construction theory to examine policy changes in SNAP following the Great
Recession of 2008. An experimental survey found that public opinion, especially
among Republicans, is affected by the social construction of SNAP participants.
Survey findings suggest that if policymakers were responsive to constituents,
Republican states would be more likely to have work reporting than Democratic
states. An event history analysis found that policymakers were responsive to
unemployment rates and the social construction of target populations, but not to
the policy preferences of Republicans. These findings add to the growing field
of research on changing social constructions and administrative burden in policy
design, while raising many more questions about the relationship between
politics and administration.
Associations Between Landscape Changes and Declines in Golden Eagle Territory
Occupancy in the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation
Area
Authors: Santiago Ashley
Published: February 2025

Rapid loss of native shrubs and expansion of invasive annuals like cheatgrass
(Bromus tectorum) have extensively altered shrub-steppe
systems. Vegetation changes can have bottom-up effects on trophic interactions
and ecosystem dynamics. Predators, like Golden Eagles (Aquila
chrysaetos) that forage on shrub-reliant prey, may increase their
territory size to cope with degraded habitat or abandon historically occupied
territories. We used a multi-season occupancy model that accounted for imperfect
detection to investigate the associations between landscape cover (i.e., shrub
and annual herbaceous), fire history, neighbor density, and territory occupancy
of 36 Golden Eagle nesting territories in the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of
Prey National Conservation Area (NCA), Idaho, USA from 1986–2022. The
probability of Golden Eagle occupancy decreased 23 % from 0.82 in 1986 to 0.59
in 2022. Further, once territories became vacant, they tended to remain vacant,
suggesting that the territories were no longer suitable for eagles or no new
eagles were recruiting into the population. Territory occupancy was negatively
associated with annual herbaceous cover (β: -0.86, 95% CI: -1.53 to -0.24) and
tended to be positively associated with shrub cover (β: 0.63, 95% CI: -0.11 to
1.39) and time since last burn (β: 0.25, 95% CI: -0.28 to 0.83). Territories
that were farther from other occupied territories had a higher probability of
occupancy than territories with closer neighbors (β: -3.56, 95% CI: -4.22 to
-2.92), likely because as habitat degraded, eagles compensated by expanding
their territories into nearby vacant territories. The probability of detection
was high at 0.90 but improved in surveys conducted earlier in the day and later
in the breeding season. Together, these results show that landscape change and
habitat degradation have bottom-up effects on Golden Eagle behavior and
territory occupancy, resulting in an overall decrease in the local carrying
capacity for eagles. Understanding associations between environmental change and
territory occupancy has important implications for predicting population
persistence and eagle adaptability to changing landscapes.
Effects of Antifreeze Proteins on Lipid Membrane Stabilization at Cold
Temperatures
Authors: Vernon Emily
Published: February 2025

Cold-adapted organisms use antifreeze proteins (AFPs) and antifreeze
glycoproteins (AFGPs) to enable survival in freezing habitats. AF(G)Ps have been
proposed to prevent leakage of intracellular metabolites by stabilizing cellular
membranes, a property that could be of great physiological and biomedical
relevance. The generality of this effect is not understood, and for the known
examples of membrane leakage prevention by AF(G)Ps, the mechanisms remain
unclear. Here, we report a comprehensive evaluation of the effects of different
AFPs on the leakage of ions and dyes from model membrane systems. We find that
leakage is best prevented by AFGPs, while insect AFPs showed negligible effects.
The reduction of antifreeze activities of AFGPs further showed no effect on
membrane leakage inhibition activities. Thus, the ability to stabilize membranes
through phase transitions is not an intrinsic property of AF(G)Ps, and the
interactions proceed through protein-specific mechanisms that are decoupled from
general antifreeze activities.
Misoprostol versus Dinoprostone for induction of labour in premature rupture of membranes
Authors: R. S. Rachana , Bangal V. B.
Published: February 2025

Background: To compare the efficacy of misoprostol (PG E1 analog) and Dinoprostone (PGE2) for induction of labour in patients with premature rupture of membranes (PROM).
Methods: This prospective study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dr. BVP Rural medical college, Loni, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra. A total of 120 women (60 in each group) presenting with PROM (premature rupture of membranes) within 48 hours with gestational age between 34 weeks to 40 weeks were included. Group A women received tab misoprostol 25 mcg orally and Group B women received Dinoprostone gel vaginally kept in posterior vaginal fornix for induction of labour. Dose was repeated every 4th hourly in Group A with maximum of 4 doses and it was repeated 6th hourly In Group B with maximum of 3 doses.
Results: Among 60 patients in Group A, 47 (78.33%) delivered vaginally and 13 (21.66%) were delivered by caesarean section. In Group B, 39(65%) patients delivered vaginally and 21(35%) were delivered by LSCS.
Conclusions: Oral misoprostol 25 mcg 4 hourly is efficient and cost-effective alternative to PGE2 gel for cervical ripening and induction of labour in PROM patients.
Diagnostic accuracy of office based endometrial biopsy when compared with subsequent findings of dilatation and curettage in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding in age group of 25 to 45 years
Authors: Khandare Madhuri , Anuradha K.
Published: February 2025

Background: Endometrial sampling is considered the gold standard method for assessing Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). The primary objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of office based endometrial biopsy using Pipelle method when compared with subsequent findings of Dilatation and Curettage (D&C) which is an inpatient procedure and to make a comparative analysis between these two approaches.
Methods: This was a prospective study carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, Central Railway, Mumbai over a period of one year on 100 gynaecological patients with one or more than one episode of abnormal uterine bleeding. Pipelle endometrial biopsy was taken on OPD basis and patients were subjected to D&C subsequently. Endometrial samples obtained using both methods then sent to the Department of Pathology for adequacy of sample and for histopathological analysis.
Results: In my study, I got adequate sample in 100% of cases of D&C whereas with pipelle, one sample was inadequate. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of pipelle for diagnosing atrophic endometrium, secretory phase endometrium, simple endometrial hyperplasia was 100% and for proliferative phase endometrium it was 99% when compared with that of D&C.
Conclusions: Endometrial sampling by suction curette device is an inexpensive, safe OPD procedure that appears to be a feasible alternative to more invasive procedure like D&C for evaluation of patients with abnormal uterine bleeding in reproductive and premenopausal patients.
Comparative analysis of sperm DNA fragmentation index with sperm chromatin dispersion in varied infertility types: a retrospective study
Authors: Khandhedia Parth , Pandey Shubhra
Published: February 2025

Background: Infertility is a major modern concern amongst couples due to the change in their lifestyle and being carrier-oriented leading to late marriage/s. Out of all the couples suffering from infertility, approximately 30-40% cases are contributed to the male factor. As the age advances, the reduced sperm count magnifies the problem. However, in addition to that, the qualitative change along with quantity is of much more importance. Aims and objectives were to find the prevalence of sperm DNA fragmentation with sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test and its comparison with types of infertility
Methods: The present study was retrospective that collected data from the semen sample given for routine check-up during the period of August 2022 to August 2023. A total of 138 semen analysis and sperm DNA Fragmentation Index (DFI) were carried out during this period. All 138 couples were further divided into 2 groups- 62 couples having oligozoospermia as cases and 76 couples with normozoospermia as controls and the data was compared.
Results: Among 138 subjects, (62 cases and 76 control) a significant difference in the age was found. Smoking as a risk factor was found to be statistically significant. While the sperm count was not significantly different in cases and controls, a statistically significant difference was found in DFI (p=0.001) in both the groups. The highest value for DFI was 12.78 % in controls and 24.98% in cases. DFI and sperm count showed negative correlation both in DFI and sperm count with a Karl Pearson’s correlation coefficient being 0.213 (p value <0.01) and 0.754 (p value <0.005), respectively. A significant difference was observed in the median value of sperm DFI. When DFI was compared to semen analysis, it yielded 87% sensitivity and 83% specificity. Surprisingly, 13 controls out of 76 i.e. around 17.1% had poor DFI inspite of normal semen analysis parameters.
Conclusions: On comparing, significant difference was observed in the median value of sperm DFI. SCD method is simple, easiest and standard tool to assess DFI.
Association of serum ferritin with gestational diabetes mellitus: a longitudinal study
Authors: Bhatnagar Dhruvi , Luthra Sonia , Gupta Madhuri , Srivastava Jyoti , Shajia Arafeen
Published: February 2025

Background: Serum ferritin is an iron storage protein, also functions as an acute phase reactant and is elevated in inflammatory environments. Elevated serum ferritin is also associated with iron overload. Inflammation and iron overload are linked to occurrence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The purpose of this research was to determine whether serum Ferritin levels are associated with GDM.
Methods: A total of 150 non anemic females with singleton pregnancy were enrolled in the study. Serum ferritin was measured at 12-16 weeks of gestation. Oral glucose tolerance test OGTT was done at 24-28 weeks and repeated at 32-34 weeks. Patients were observed for development of GDM and association of serum ferritin and GDM was evaluated.
Results: Among the participants (mean age 25.46±4.0 years), 26.0% were diagnosed with GDM. Higher serum ferritin levels (61-90 ng/ml) showed the highest percentage (48.7%) compared to other groups. Significant differences across groups with a p value of less than 0.001 was noted establishing association of serum ferritin with GDM.
Conclusions: We can infer that higher serum ferritin is associated with GDM.
Analysis of trial of labour in previous one LSCS and its correlation with maternal and fetal outcome
Authors: Kohare Chaitali Y. , Jain Amrita J. , Jadhao Ruchita B.
Published: February 2025

Background: A rise in caesarean rate worldwide is one of the causes of maternal and perinatal mortality as well as morbidity. The goal of present study was to assess maternal and fetal outcome of patients with previous one LSCS who were given trial of labour. This research aimed to study the incidence of VBAC and repeat CS in cases with previous one LSCS. And to compare the fetomaternal outcome between vaginal and repeat caesarean delivery. Also, to discover factors predicting outcome of trial of labour after previous one caesarean delivery.
Methods: In this prospective observational study in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Grant Govt medical college and JJ group of hospital Mumbai,100 patients with previous one LSCS were evaluated over period of one and half years.
Results: During the above period, out of 100 patients of previous 1 LSCS who were given trial of scar, 47 patients delivered vaginally and 53 required repeat LSCS. VBAC rate was higher in patient with history of previous vaginal delivery. Out of 53 cases who required repeat LSCS, scar tenderness was the most common indication followed by fetal distress. Complication rate were higher in LSCS group. NICU admission rate was higher in LSCS group.
Conclusions: After careful selection of cases, trial of scar after previous one LSCS is safe and often successful. A prior vaginal delivery, Bishop Score > 6, estimated fetal birth weight <2.5 kg, spontaneous onset of labour, interconceptional period >3 years are associated with higher VBAC rate.
Association between polycystic ovary syndrome and endometrial cancer risk: a systematic review
Authors: Alsulayem Reem A. , Alibrahim Aseel A. , Alabdulmohsen Nour A. , Almubark Hawraa A. , Bukhamsin Fatimah A. , Almuqarrab Zahra J. , Almutairi Razan M. , Alshammari Haya M. , Alhubail Rawan M. , Alkhamis Fatimah H.
Published: February 2025

Background: Objective of the study was to clarify the relationship between the risk of endometrial carcinoma (EC) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Methods: A thorough search across four databases identified 816 relevant publications. After removing duplicates using Rayyan Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI) and screening for relevance, 383 full-text articles were reviewed, with 6 studies ultimately meeting the criteria for inclusion.
Results: A total of 25,016 women with PCOS diagnoses were involved in six investigations. With a total incidence of 254 (1%), the prevalence of EC among PCOS patients varied from 0.13% to 52%. Patients with PCOS are more likely to get EC, according to many research. The underlying causes are linked to chronic endometrial estrogen stimulation, with contributing factors including hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. These factors increase the chance of EC in women with PCOS.
Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the robust correlation between PCOS and a higher risk of EC, emphasizing the need for proactive monitoring and prevention in clinical practice. While the evidence points to significant risk factors such as metabolic disturbances, further research is needed to establish a direct causal link and address potential biases. Nevertheless, integrating cancer risk management into the care of women with PCOS is essential for reducing long-term complications.
Mystery of a missing Cu-T: a case report
Authors: Tiwari Ajiti , Hiremath P. B. , Indu N. R. , Jayashree  , Shaheen
Published: February 2025

The Cu-T intrauterine device (IUD) is a popular contraceptive method. However, a "missing" Cu-T IUD poses a clinical challenge. This situation arises when the IUD cannot be visualized on ultrasound or X-ray, raising concerns about potential complications. This review discusses the etiology, diagnosis, and management of a missing Cu-T IUD, including the role of imaging modalities, surgical interventions, and patient counseling. This case report aims to discuss the complications and consequences of a "missing Cu-T" IUD, including perforation, migration, and infertility. We examine the causes, diagnosis, and management of this condition, highlighting the importance of timely detection and appropriate intervention to prevent long-term consequences.
A case report on disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis
Authors: Kanmani  , Pavithra
Published: February 2025

Disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis (DPL) is a rare benign Smooth muscle tumor proliferating along the sub peritoneal and peritoneal surface. The pathogenesis of the disease remains unknown, but iatrogenic implantation, hormonal effects, heredity, and peritoneal mesenchymal stem cell metaplasia has been implied. Approximately 200 cases have been reported worldwide. Owing to the rarity of the disease and the lack of typical clinical symptoms and signs, the misdiagnosis rate is extremely high. We present a case of DPL intervened in our centre.
Hysterectomy with trans-cervical resection of a prolapsed submucosal fibroid: a challenging surgical approach
Authors: Dhandapani Kalyani Sai , Sezhian Varshini
Published: February 2025

Uterine fibroids or leiomyomas, are the common benign tumors of female reproductive tract that affects women of almost all age groups, leading to various gynecological problems such as heavy menstrual bleeding, dysmenorrhea, subfertility, and anemia. The increasing prevalence of these fibroids, due to prolonged estrogen exposure, influenced by lifestyle factors such as obesity, alcoholism, nulliparity and medical conditions like hypertension, have made necessitate their timely management to reduce significant morbidity. Surgical interventions, particularly hysterectomy, are considered definitive for women of perimenopausal and postmenopausal age group with symptomatic fibroids, though challenging due to the altered uterine anatomy.  Here we present a case of a 46-year-old woman, P2L2, who reported with a history of heavy menstrual bleeding, dysmenorrhea, and intermenstrual bleeding, along with anemia (Hb 8.4 g/dL). Ultrasonography revealed a bulky uterus with multiple intramural fibroids and a prolapsed submucosal fibroid protruding through the cervical OS which bled on touch. She underwent a successful abdominal hysterectomy, with a unique surgical approach to manage the prolapsed submucosal fibroid. A vertical incision on the anterior cervix facilitated the clamping and removal of the pedunculated fibroid through the vagina, followed by its removal with minimal blood loss. This case highlights the importance of accurate preoperative imaging and surgical planning and use of surgical strategies such like this to improve operative outcomes and reduce morbidity, especially in anemic patients.
Large uterine leiomyoma with smooth muscle tumour of uncertain malignant potential: a case report
Authors: Chatterjee Abhinibesh , Chatterjee Polly , Bhadra Avishek , Biswas Rumela
Published: February 2025

Smooth muscle tumours of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP) are a category of uterine neoplasms that do not meet the criteria for benign or malignant tumours, potentially representing an intermediate stage between leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas. A 26-year-old nulliparous woman presented with heavy menstrual bleeding and an abdominal mass, with preoperative imaging suggesting a benign uterine myoma. Following a laparoscopic myomectomy, histological analysis revealed STUMP, characterized by a low mitotic index and marked nuclear pleomorphism without necrosis. The patient was advised to conceive soon and plan for definitive surgery after completing her family. She later delivered via elective caesarean section at 35 weeks and is currently recovering well. STUMP often mimics benign leiomyomas and is usually diagnosed post-surgery, complicating preoperative assessment. Recurrence rates vary, particularly in younger patients, emphasizing the need for individualized management strategies that balance fertility preservation with monitoring for recurrence. Regular follow-ups are essential for optimal care.
Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction after emergency lower segment caesarian section: a case report
Authors: Sharma Deepti
Published: February 2025

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO) is rare condition due to acute dilation of large bowel without any mechanical obstruction. It is usually found in patients with severe illness, trauma and surgical procedures; of which caesarian section is most common operation associated with it. It creates a diagnostic dilemma and caries high mortality if not managed early and appropriately with multidisciplinary approach. Here, I present a case report of ACPO developed after emergency lower segment caesarian section (LSCS).