bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aortic volume determines global end-diastolic volume measured by transpulmonary thermodilution
Authors: Akohov Aleksej , Barner Christoph , Grimmer Steffen , Francis Roland CE , Wolf Stefan
Published: January 2020

Background

Global end-diastolic volume (GEDV) measured by transpulmonary thermodilution is regarded as indicator of cardiac preload. A bolus of cold saline injected in a central vein travels through the heart and lung, but also the aorta until detection in a femoral artery. While it is well accepted that injection in the inferior vena cava results in higher values, the impact of the aortic volume on GEDV is unknown. In this study, we hypothesized that a larger aortic volume directly translates to a numerically higher GEDV measurement.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from 88 critically ill patients with thermodilution monitoring and who did require a contrast-enhanced thoraco-abdominal computed tomography scan. Aortic volumes derived from imaging were compared with GEDV measurements in temporal proximity.

Results

Median aortic volume was 194 ml (interquartile range 147 to 249 ml). Per milliliter increase of the aortic volume, we found a GEDV increase by 3.0 ml (95% CI 2.0 to 4.1 ml, p < 0.001). In case a femoral central venous line was used for saline bolus injection, GEDV raised additionally by 2.1 ml (95% CI 0.5 to 3.7 ml, p = 0.01) per ml volume of the vena cava inferior. Aortic volume explained 59.3% of the variance of thermodilution-derived GEDV. When aortic volume was included in multivariate regression, GEDV variance was unaffected by sex, age, body height, and weight.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the aortic volume is a substantial confounding variable for GEDV measurements performed with transpulmonary thermodilution. As the aorta is anatomically located after the heart, GEDV should not be considered to reflect cardiac preload. Guiding volume management by raw or indexed reference ranges of GEDV may be misleading.
Blood pressure and heart failure
Authors: Oh Gyu Chul , Cho Hyun-Jai
Published: January 2020

Background

Hypertension is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and death. It affects a substantial proportion of the population worldwide, and remains underdiagnosed and undertreated.

Body

Long-standing high blood pressure leads to left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction that cause an increase in myocardial rigidity, which renders the myocardium less compliant to changes in the preload, afterload, and sympathetic tone. Adequate blood pressure control must be achieved in patients with hypertension to prevent progression to overt heart failure. Controlling blood pressure is also important in patients with established heart failure, especially among those with preserved ejection fractions. However, aggressive blood pressure lowering can cause adverse outcomes, because a reverse J-curve association may exist between the blood pressure and the outcomes of patients with heart failure. Little robust evidence exists regarding the optimal blood pressure target for patients with heart failure, but a value near 130/80 mmHg seems to be adequate according to the current guidelines.

Conclusion

Prospective studies are required to further investigate the optimal blood pressure target for patients with heart failure.
The prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity and its relationship to the severity of alcohol dependence in the population of rural south India
Authors: Ravikanth Tangella , Sultan Sadia
Published: January 2020

Background

Many international studies have reported a high prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity in alcohol-dependent individuals and highlighted the clinical, prognostic, and treatment implications of such findings. However, there is a paucity of such information within the context of India. This study investigates the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidity in treatment-seeking alcohol-dependent individuals and its relationship with the severity of this dependence.

Result

This was a prevalence study conducted for a period of 1 year. Patients were identified from Mahbubnagar, a local area in rural south India, and recruited at outpatient deaddiction clinic of SVS hosital. Application for research ethics approval was approved. A consecutive sample of 100 inpatients diagnosed with alcohol dependence syndrome was recruited. The Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used to assess psychiatric comorbidity 2 weeks after detoxification. The severity of dependence was judged using the Severity of Alcohol Dependence questionnaire. One-hundred (male, n = 65; female, n = 35) alcohol-dependent patients were recruited. The mean age of participants was 41.9 (SD = 9.3) years. Participants (n = 33, 33%) had a co-occurring psychiatric disorder, the commonest being mood disorder (n = 18), which sub-divided into major depressive disorder (n = 8), dysthymia (n = 5), manic episode (n = 3), and hypomanic episode (n = 2), followed by anxiety disorders (n = 11) and then psychotic disorder (n = 4). The comorbid psychiatric disorders were significantly associated with the severity of dependence (p = 0.001) and longer duration of alcohol (p = 0.003) use.

Conclusion

This result emphasizes the need to thoroughly assess patients for possible under-identified dual diagnosis and provide treatments accordingly.
Are neonatal age and small weight predictive of in-hospital death and prolonged hospital stay in children undergoing heart surgery?
Authors: Al-Radi Osman O.
Published: January 2020

Background

The effect of young age and low weight on outcomes of congenital heart disease surgery is controversial. It is still widely believed both by parents and referring cardiologists that they do have a significant deleterious effect and may prohibit surgical care. This study was intended to determine the independent predictors of in-hospital death and prolonged hospital stay in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The effects of age and weight were the focus of analysis. To adjust for heterogeneity and complexity, the Risk Adjustment in Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS-1) system and other factors were used.

Results

All patients between birth and 18 years of age who underwent cardiac surgery with or without the use of cardiopulmonary bypass from April 1, 2011, to September 30, 2019, were included. Patients undergoing isolated patent ductus ligation were excluded. For the analysis of in-hospital death, a multivariable logistic regression model was used. For the analysis of length of stay, a generalized linear regression model with Poisson distribution and a multivariable logistic regression model were used. The RACHS-1 categories were used to adjust for complexity.

The study included 934 index operations. Neonates (age < 28 days) accounted for 11% of the operations. After adjusting for complexity and other operative variables, we found that age and weight were not significant predictors of in-hospital death or prolonged hospital stay. RACHS category and cardio-pulmonary bypass time were, however, significant predictors of in-hospital mortality,pvalue 0.009, and 0.002, respectively. The complexity of the operation was also predictive of prolonged hospital stay.

Conclusion

Age and weight are not significant predictors of in-hospital death or prolonged hospital stay. Except for severe prematurity and prohibitive genetic or metabolic disease, patients with CHD should get appropriate and expeditious surgical care regardless of age and weight.
Unravelling spiral cleavage
Authors: Martín-Durán José M. , Marlétaz Ferdinand
Published: January 2020

Snails, earthworms and flatworms are remarkably different animals, but they all exhibit a very similar mode of early embryogenesis: spiral cleavage. This is one of the most widespread developmental programs in animals, probably ancestral to almost half of the animal phyla, and therefore its study is essential for understanding animal development and evolution. However, our knowledge of spiral cleavage is still in its infancy. Recent technical and conceptual advances, such as the establishment of genome editing and improved phylogenetic resolution, are paving the way for a fresher and deeper look into this fascinating early cleavage mode.
The stalk-eyed fly as a model for aggression – is there a conserved role for 5-HT between vertebrates and invertebrates?
Authors: Bubak Andrew N. , Watt Michael J. , Yaeger Jazmine D. W. , Renner Kenneth J. , Swallow John G.
Published: January 2020

Serotonin (5-HT) has largely been accepted to be inhibitory to vertebrate aggression, whereas an opposing stimulatory role has been proposed for invertebrates. Herein, we argue that critical gaps in our understanding of the nuanced role of 5-HT in invertebrate systems drove this conclusion prematurely, and that emerging data suggest a previously unrecognized level of phylogenetic conservation with respect to neurochemical mechanisms regulating the expression of aggressive behaviors. This is especially apparent when considering the interplay among factors governing 5-HT activity, many of which share functional homology across taxa. We discuss recent findings using insect models, with an emphasis on the stalk-eyed fly, to demonstrate how particular 5-HT receptor subtypes mediate the intensity of aggression with respect to discrete stages of the interaction (initiation, escalation and termination), which mirrors the complex behavioral regulation currently recognized in vertebrates. Further similarities emerge when considering the contribution of neuropeptides, which interact with 5-HT to ultimately determine contest progression and outcome. Relative to knowledge in vertebrates, much less is known about the function of 5-HT receptors and neuropeptides in invertebrate aggression, particularly with respect to sex, species and context, prompting the need for further studies. Our Commentary highlights the need to consider multiple factors when determining potential taxonomic differences, and raises the possibility of more similarities than differences between vertebrates and invertebrates with regard to the modulatory effect of 5-HT on aggression.
Terahertz spectroscopy and imaging for gastric cancer diagnosis
Authors: Wahaia Faustino , Kašalynas Irmantas , Minkevičius Linas , Carvalho Silva Catia , Urbanowicz Andrzej , Valušis Gintaras
Published: January 2020

Terahertz waves are sensitive to differences in biological tissue hydration, we present promising results regarding
the feasibility of applying this with terahertz time-domain spectroscopy and imaging for early detection of cancer through
the characterisation of human gastrointestinal tissue with cancer-affected regions. To do that, healthy (normal) and
carcinoma-affected gastric tissue samples at different stages were measured using transmission terahertz time-domain
spectroscopy in the frequency range of 0.15–2.00 THz. Absorption coefficients and refractive index spectra of both
normal and carcinoma-affected tissue were extracted and analysed. The results confirm that the techniques may be
powerful tools to perform qualitative, early diagnosis of human cancer.
Women’s Empowerment in Action: Evidence from a Randomized Control Trial in Africa
Authors: Bandiera Oriana , Buehren Niklas , Burgess Robin , Goldstein Markus , Gulesci Selim , Rasul Imran , Sulaiman Munshi
Published: January 2020

We evaluate a multifaceted policy intervention attempting to jump-start adolescent women’s empowerment in Uganda by simultaneously providing them vocational training and information on sex, reproduction, and marriage. We find that four years postintervention, adolescent girls in treated communities are more likely to be self-employed. Teen pregnancy, early entry into marriage/cohabitation, and the share of girls reporting sex against their will fall sharply. The results highlight the potential of a multifaceted program that provides skills transfers as a viable and cost-effective policy intervention to improve the economic and social empowerment of adolescent girls over a four-year horizon. (JEL I25, J12, J13, J16, J23, J24, O15)
Estimating Adjustment Frictions Using Nonlinear Budget Sets: Method and Evidence from the Earnings Test
Authors: Gelber Alexander M. , Jones Damon , Sacks Daniel W.
Published: January 2020

We introduce a method for estimating the cost of adjusting earnings, as well as the earnings elasticity with respect to the net-of-tax share. Our method uses information on bunching in the earnings distribution at convex budget set kinks before and after policy-induced changes in the magnitude of the kinks: the larger is the adjustment cost, the smaller is the absolute change in bunching from before to after the policy change. In the context of the Social Security Earnings Test, our results demonstrate that the short-run impact of changes in the effective marginal tax rate can be substantially attenuated. (JEL H24, H31, H55, J22, J31)
Educational Investment Responses to Economic Opportunity: Evidence from Indian Road Construction
Authors: Adukia Anjali , Asher Sam , Novosad Paul
Published: January 2020

The rural poor in developing countries, once economically isolated, are increasingly being connected to outside markets. Whether these new connections crowd out or encourage educational investment is a central question. We examine the effects on educational choices of 115,000 new roads built under India’s flagship road construction program. We find that children stay in school longer and perform better on standardized exams. Heterogeneity in treatment effects supports a standard human capital investment model: enrollment increases most when nearby labor markets offer high returns to education and least when they imply high opportunity costs of schooling. (JEL I25, I26, J24, O15, O18, R42)
A Precinct Too Far: Turnout and Voting Costs
Authors: Cantoni Enrico
Published: January 2020

I study the effects of voting costs—specifically, distance to polling location—using geographic discontinuities. Opposite sides of boundaries between voting precincts are observationally identical, except for their assigned polling locations. This discontinuous assignment produces sharp changes in voters’ travel distance to cast their ballots. In nine municipalities in Massachusetts and Minnesota, a 1 standard deviation (0.245 mile) increase in distance reduces ballots cast by 2 to 5 percent across four elections. During non-presidential elections, effects are three times larger in high-minority areas than in low-minority areas. Finally, I simulate the impact of various counterfactual assignments of voters to polling places. (JEL D72, J15, R41)
Crafting Intellectual Property Rights: Implications for Patent Assertion Entities, Litigation, and Innovation
Authors: Feng Josh , Jaravel Xavier
Published: January 2020

We show that examiner-driven variation in patent rights leads to quantitatively large impacts on several patent outcomes, including patent value, citations, and litigation. Notably, Patent Assertion Entities (PAEs) overwhelmingly purchase patents granted by “lenient” examiners. These examiners issue patents that are more likely to be litigated by both PAEs and conventional companies, and that also have higher invalidity rates. PAEs leverage a specific friction in the patent system that stems from lenient examiners and affects litigation more broadly. These patterns indicate that there is much at stake during patent examination, contradicting the influential “rational ignorance” view of the patent office. (JEL K11, K41, O31, O34, O38)
All the Single Ladies: Job Promotions and the Durability of Marriage
Authors: Folke Olle , Rickne Johanna
Published: January 2020

We study how promotions to top jobs affect the probability of divorce. We compare the relationship trajectories of winning and losing candidates for mayor and parliamentarian and find that a promotion to one of these jobs doubles the baseline probability of divorce for women, but not for men. We also find a widening gender gap in divorce rates for men and women after being promoted to CEO. An analysis of possible mechanisms shows that divorces are concentrated in more gender-traditional couples, while women in more gender-equal couples are unaffected. (JEL J12, J16, M12, M51)
The Weak Job Recovery in a Macro Model of Search and Recruiting Intensity
Authors: Leduc Sylvain , Liu Zheng
Published: January 2020

We show that cyclical fluctuations in search and recruiting intensity are quantitatively important for explaining the weak job recovery from the Great Recession. We demonstrate this result using an estimated labor search model that features endogenous search and recruiting intensity. Since the textbook model with free entry implies constant recruiting intensity, we introduce a cost of vacancy creation, so that firms respond to aggregate shocks by adjusting both vacancies and recruiting intensity. Fluctuations in search and recruiting intensity driven by shocks to productivity and the discount factor help bridge the gap between the actual and model-predicted job-filling rate. (JEL E24, E32, J41, J63, J64)
Older Americans Would Work Longer if Jobs Were Flexible
Authors: Ameriks John , Briggs Joseph , Caplin Andrew , Lee Minjoon , Shapiro Matthew D. , Tonetti Christopher
Published: January 2020

Older Americans, even those who are long retired, have strong willingness to work, especially in jobs with flexible schedules. For many, labor force participation near or after normal retirement age is limited more by a lack of acceptable job opportunities or low expectations about finding them than by unwillingness to work longer. This paper establishes these findings using an approach to identification based on strategic survey questions, purposefully designed to complement behavioral data. These findings suggest that demand-side factors are important in explaining late-in-life labor market behavior and need to be considered in designing policies aimed at promoting working longer. (JEL D91, J15, J22, J26)
Genome-wide analysis identifies cis-acting elements regulating mRNA polyadenylation and translation during vertebrate oocyte maturation
Authors: Yang Fei , Wang Wei , Cetinbas Murat , Sadreyev Ruslan I. , Blower Michael D.
Published: January 2020

Most cells change patterns of gene expression through transcriptional regulation. In contrast, oocytes are transcriptionally silent and regulate mRNA poly(A) tail length to control protein production. However, the genome-wide relationship of poly(A) tail changes to mRNA translation during vertebrate oocyte maturation is not known. We used Tail-seq and polyribosome analysis to measure poly(A) tail and translational changes during oocyte maturation in Xenopus laevis. We identified large-scale poly(A) and translational changes during oocyte maturation, with poly(A) tail length changes preceding translational changes. Proteins important for completion of the meiotic divisions and early development exhibited increased polyadenylation and translation during oocyte maturation. A family of U-rich sequence elements was enriched near the polyadenylation signal of polyadenylated and translationally activated mRNAs. We propose that changes in mRNA polyadenylation are a conserved mechanism regulating protein expression during vertebrate oocyte maturation and that these changes are controlled by a spatial code of cis-acting sequence elements.
Case—Workforce Scheduling for Airport Immigration on the Island of Tropical Paradise
Authors: Sharkey Thomas C. , Bublak Steve , Disselkamp Lisa , Shkil Brittney
Published: January 2020

This case study focuses on modeling and analyzing the practices concerning the staffing of the immigration agency at the Island of Tropical Paradise International Airport (ITPIA), which is responsible for processing arriving passengers into the country. Immigration at ITPIA has engaged you to understand the trade-offs between the number of employees and the time passengers spend in the queue waiting to be processed by an immigrations employee. A specific overview of the current practices of this staffing and a discussion of the analysis required to be conducted is provided.
Data Analytics Research-Informed Teaching in a Digital Technologies Curriculum
Authors: Lu Jing
Published: January 2020

In the business environment, the goal of data analytics can be characterized as improving decision making and its links to big data and other data-driven technologies. In UK higher education, degree apprenticeships are business-led and government-supported nationally recognized qualifications, where delivery is tailored to partner employer requirements. This paper focuses on the development of the data analytics specialism of the BSc Digital and Technology Solutions degree apprenticeship at the University of Winchester Business School informed by current research and practice. A data-driven analytical framework is first proposed to provide an overarching methodology for extracting knowledge and insights from (big) data. It covers key components of the analytics lifecycle from data management, data preprocessing, and integration through data modeling and business intelligence to insight management. Software tools related to collecting, cleansing, processing, analyzing, and visualizing data have been systematically discussed to provide the technological dimension. The methodology is then applied to the development of the specialist modules in data analytics, which represent the core thematic structure of the degree apprenticeship pathway. The culmination of the paper is an evaluation of the educational innovation of this digital technologies curriculum, highlighting teaching, learning, and assessment from the perspective of data-analytic thinking.
Case Article—DeLand Crayon Company: An Application of the Traveling Salesman Problem to Production Scheduling with Sequence-Dependent Setup Times
Authors: Rao B. Madhu , Xanthopoulos Petros , Zheng Qipeng Phil
Published: January 2020

NP-complete problems such as the traveling salesman problem (TSP) play a prominent role in most advanced undergrad/graduate courses in discrete optimization modeling. Teaching such an important topic from a purely mathematical perspective without discussing specific applications may result in reduced student interest and motivation. The DeLand Crayon Company case introduces students to an application of the TSP to a practical production-planning scenario with realistic data. In crayon production, proper sequencing of colors in production can result in significant savings in total production time. The primary objective of the case is to provide students with hands-on experience in applying the TSP model. The case requires the students to consider variations of the basic model with the goal of encouraging them to think logically through the process of mathematical modeling and to consider the decision-making implications of their models. This case study can be used in undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in linear/integer programming or in production planning. It was implemented as part of a term project in a graduate operations research course with overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Case—Production Scheduling at DeLand Crayon Company
Authors: Rao B. Madhu , Xanthopoulos Petros , Zheng Qipeng Phil
Published: January 2020

DeLand Crayon Company (DCC) is a large manufacturer of molded wax crayons. DCC sells three sizes of crayons, namely standard, large and jumbo. Standard-sized crayons, which account for most of the demand, include nine basic colors (red, blue, green, yellow, orange, violet, brown, black, and white), seven popular combination colors (red-orange, yellow-orange, yellow-green, red-violet, blue-green, blue-violet, and pink), 16 fluorescent colors, and four metallic colors. DCC also manufactures several specialty crayons, such as reduced length, hexagonal shaped, golden glitter, glow-in-the-dark, wipe-off, washable, and keno. Demand for non–standard-size crayons, fluorescent, and metallic-colored standard crayons and the specialty crayons is low and uneven, but DCC believes that they must be maintained to create the perception of a broad product line.
Can Public Reporting Cure Healthcare? The Role of Quality Transparency in Improving Patient–Provider Alignment
Authors: Saghafian Soroush , Hopp Wallace J.
Published: January 2020

In the past two decades, government and private organizations have ramped up efforts to measure and publicly report clinical outcomes, a practice known as “public reporting.” For example, in 2005 the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services launched the website Hospital Compare with share outcome data. Other sites, including CalHospitalCompare.org , the ProPublica Surgeon Scorecard, the Compare Hospitals site by the Leapfrog Group, and the hospital-rating websites of Healthgrades, Consumer Reports, Yelp, and U.S. News, have provided similar information. Despite making more and more information available, empirical evidence suggests that the reality of public reporting has fallen short of the promise. In “Can Public Reporting Cure Healthcare? The Role of Quality Transparency in Improving Patient-Provider Alignment” S. Saghafian and W. J. Hopp use a model of the impact of quality transparency via public reporting to generate insights into why previous efforts have been less than fully successful and to suggest ways in which future efforts can be more effective.
An Exact Solution Framework for Multitrip Vehicle-Routing Problems with Time Windows
Authors: Paradiso Rosario , Roberti Roberto , Laganá Demetrio , Dullaert Wout
Published: January 2020

The need to reduce pollution and traffic in city centers requires the use of small vans, electric vehicles, and drones to distribute goods. Because of autonomy and capacity issues, these vehicles need to perform multiple trips from/to the depot during the day. The category of decision-making problems modeling such distribution problems are known as multitrip vehicle-routing problems (MTVRPs), which generalize the well-known vehicle-routing problem by allowing vehicles to perform multiple trips per day. Several MTVRPs are solved in the literature with different mathematical models and algorithms. In “An Exact Solution Framework for Multitrip Vehicle-Routing Problems with Time Windows,” R. Paradiso, R. Roberti, D. Laganà, and W. Dullaert propose a single algorithm that can solve, to optimality, the MTVRP with capacity and time windows constraints and four variants of this problem featuring additional operational constraints. The proposed framework significantly outperforms the state-of-the-art algorithms from the literature.
Hidden Hamiltonian Cycle Recovery via Linear Programming
Authors: Bagaria Vivek , Ding Jian , Tse David , Wu Yihong , Xu Jiaming
Published: January 2020

Optimal Recovery of a Hidden Hamiltonian Cycle with Applications in Genome Sequencing
Modelling and Simulation of Mho Type Distance Relay for High Voltage Transmission Line Protection Using MATLAB Software
Authors: Tun Win Win , Lin Ohn Zin , Yin Han Su
Published: January 2020

Transmission lines are an important part of a power system. Transmission lines have high power transmission capacity and they are prone to faults of larger magnitudes. Various faults occur in transmission lines. Therefore, protection relays are necessary to protect transmission lines. The purpose of protection system is to interrupt the faulty section from the healthy section because the fault currents may damage the electrical equipments. One of the protection relays is distance relay and it is mainly used in transmission line. Sometimes these relay are used for backup protection. Distance relays for determining the impedance need the voltage and current. Transmission lines are typically protected by distance protection relay. Distance relays are considered of high speed class and can provide transmission lines. Nowadays, numerical distance relays have been used instead of using electromechanical and static distance relays. The proposed model was verified under different tests such as single line to ground (L-G) fault, double line to ground (L-L-G) fault, line to line (L-L) fault and three phase (L-L-L) fault. SimPower System was used for modelling and simulation of distance relay, transmission lines and faults. The simulation results were obtained from MATLAB software shows the feasibility of analysis of transmission line protection with mho type distance relay for single line to ground fault, double line to ground fault, line to line fault and three phase fault at different location of transmission lines. The difficulties understanding on operation of distance relay can be cleared by using MATLAB/SIMULINK software.
Bidirectional Power Flow Control in AC/DC Hybrid System under AC and DC Fault Conditions
Authors: Hnin Wai Wai
Published: January 2020

This paper presents a hybrid AC-DC microgrid to reduce the process of multiple conversions in an individual AC microgrid or DC microgrid. The proposed hybrid microgrid compose of both AC microgrid and DC microgrid connected together by bidirectional interlink converter (BIC). Utility grid, 150kVA diesel generator (DG) and 100kW AC load are connected in AC microgrid. DC microgrid is composed of 100 kW photovoltaic array (PV), 20kW battery energy storage system (BESS) and 20kW DC load. The droop control technique is applied to control the system for power sharing within the sources in AC/DC hybrid microgrid in proportion to the power rating. When the faults occur at AC bus, protection signal applied to breaker for isolating the healthy and faults system. DC faults occur at DC bus, DC breaker isolate the AC and DC bus. The system performance for power flow sharing on hybrid AC-DC microgrid is demonstrated by using MATLAB/SIMULINK.
Chloroquine and Gemifloxacin Potentiate the Anticancer Effect of Doxorubicin: In-Vitro and In-Vivo Models
Authors: Ezeldien Sahar , Khalil Waleed F , Fayez Mostafa , Abdel-Daim Mohamed M.
Published: January 2020

Doxorubicin is one of the most effective anthracycline anticancer drugs, but it causes several adverse effects. Our study was designed to assess the consequences of combining doxorubicin with chloroquine or gemifloxacin. Drugs cytotoxicity was assessed on two different cell lines; A549 lung adenocarcinoma and MCF7 breast cancer. The in-vitro oxidative stress was also measured. In the in-vivo experiment, Ehrlich ascetis carcinoma-bearing mice, different treatments with doxorubicin, chloroquine, gemifloxacin and their combinations were evaluated. Survival indices (MST and ILS%) and blood biochemical parameters as well as the histopathological picture were studied. Results showed that, doxorubicin combinations were more cytotoxic on MCF7 and A549 cell lines than doxorubicin alone. The combinations significantly decreased the oxidative stress resulted from doxorubicin treatment. Furthermore, these combinations improved hematological parameters and histopathological pictures in the treated mice. In conclusion, chloroquine and gemifloxacin significantly enhance the antitumor properties of doxorubicin and reduce its toxicity.
Significance of Myeloperoxidase in the Onset of Cardiovascular Disease among Obese Children and Adolescents
Authors: El-Alameey Inas R , Ahmed Hanaa H , Mahmoud Rehab A , Kairy Sahar A. , Medany Eman A
Published: January 2020

Obesity has become a serious health issue as it is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation and cardiovascular risk. Studies in adults proved that serum myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a potent mediator for cardiovascular diseases. This study was planned to assess serum MPO activity in obese children and adolescents to elucidate if MPO is linked with cardiovascular risk parameters. This research work was conducted on 90 subjects (50 obese and 40 controls of matched age and sex). Each group was classified into 2 subgroups according to tanner stage into prepubertal and pubertal. Clinical examination and anthropometric measures were performed for all subjects. Also serum MPO, glucose, insulin, CRP, and lipid panel were analyzed. Significant rise (P<0.05) in serum MPO, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and a significant drop (P<0.01) in serum HDL values were recorded in the group of prepubertal, and pubertal obese individuals relative to controls. Serum MPO activity showed positive correlation with waist: hip ratio, body fat percentage, serum insulin, and HOMA-IR. While it revealed inverse correlation with basal metabolic rate. Linear regression indicated that serum MPO activity has a good association with cardiovascular risk parameters as BMI-z score, waist: hip ratio, serum insulin and HOMA-IR in both prepubertal, and pubertal obese subjects. The cut off value of MPO activity was 480 pg/ ml in pre-pubertal group with sensitivity of 85.8% and specificity of 71%, and 490 pg/ ml in pubertal group with sensitivity of 84.6 % and specificity of 59%. This study emphasized the elevated MPO activity in the serum of prepubertal, and pubertal obese individuals. Therefore, MPO could be considered as a potential link between obesity and cardiovascular complications in prepubertal, and pubertal population.
Current Perspectives in Human Papilloma Virus: Where We are and What We Need?
Authors: Anjali Devi B.S , Bovilla Venugopal Reddy , Madhunapantula SubbaRao V.
Published: January 2020

It is now well-established that Human Papilloma Viruses (HPV) are responsible for causing >90% of cervical cancers. Existing evidences have also demonstrated a key role for HPV in a portion of Head and Neck cancers as well as carcinomas of Vulva, Vagina, Penis and Anus. Therefore studies aiming at developing highly sensitive diagnostic methods have become high-priority in the recent years. To date, an estimated 202 types of HPV have been identified, of which only a small percentage viruses are involved in carcinogenesis. Among the carcinogenic HPV, the most predominant ones are HPV 16 and HPV 18. The other high risk types are 31, 33, 34, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, and 70. In general, HPV is detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and hybrid capture (HC) methods. However, the existing PCR methods specifically identify only HPV 16 and HPV 18, but not the other types. More over, the PCR protocols are known for errors, and are not suitable for on-field screening procedures, hence, a suitable much quicker and sensitive method is required at the earliest. More over, the PCR and HC methods are expensive, hence, require more funds to conduct public health screening campaigns. Therefore, in this book chapter we have made an attempt to address the recent developments in HPV screening methods, and covered various advanced procedures available in the literature to identify HPV in patient specimens. For example, a section is dedicated to cover the “Biosensors”, which have been developed in detecting the HPV DNA in body fluids. These devices are much simpler compared to sequencing technologies and likely to be the next-generation detection devices for HPV
Afatinib Associated Papulopustular Phototoxic Eruptions- A Novel Case Report
Authors: Begum U. Zeenath , Krishnakanth M. , Rajesh Gayathri , Veeraraghavan Mahalakshmi , R Sudha , Murugan S.
Published: January 2020

Non Small Cell Lung Cancer(NSCLC) is the most common type of Lung Cancer. It is characterized by multiple mutations, the commonest being the EGFR and KRAS. Afatinib is an immaculate drug used in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, with EGFR mutations. Here we are presenting a case of a 70 year old male, with Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma, started on Afatinib, who subsequently developed multiple raised skin lesions over the face, neck and the upper chest. On examination, multiple crusted papules and pustules over the face and anterior chest were present. A diagnosis of Photo distributed Acneiform Eruption secondary to Afatinib was made. Patient was treated appropriately and lesions subsided with post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.This article highlights the characteristic Afatinib induced papulo – pustular eruptions, which eventually responded to treatment.
Investigation of Wound Healing Effect of Acalypha Indica Extract in Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Yeng Ng Kit , Shaari Rumaizi , Nordin Muhammad Luqman , Sabri Jasni
Published: January 2020

This study was conducted to investigate the wound healing effect of the ethanol extract of Acalypha indica in different parts of the body. Two set of cutaneous wounds were created on an individual rat. A set of wound consisted of a 5mm wound on dorsum and a 5mm wound on hind limb. The wound on left side was treated while the right side acted as control. Three rats were euthanized every 3 days, which was on day 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 after wounding. The body weight of the rats were recorded and skin samples were obtained for histopathology. Parameters such as epithelialization, angiogenesis, number of PMNLs and macrophages, fibroblast and collagen deposition were used in evaluating the wound healing effect. A semi quantitative scoring system was used to grade the parameters. Results showed increasing of the body weight of the rats indicated that rats were not affected by the wound induction. Gross findings revealed that the percentage of wound contraction was higher in treated wound, indicating that the wound healing process was improved by the application of the extract. Histological findings showed that the period of epithelialization was shorter in the treated wound. The fibroblastic activity, collagen deposition and angiogenic activity were also much higher in the treated wound. In conclusion, A. indica extract has good wound healing effect and plausibly can be further commercialised for wound healing treatment.
Estimation of Levels of Glutathione Peroxidase (Gpx), Malondialdehyde (Mda), Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (Tnf Alpha) and Alpha Feto Protein (Afp) In Saliva of Potentially Malignant Disorders and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
Authors: Sabarathinam Jembulingam , Selvaraj J. , Devi Sree
Published: January 2020

The aim of the study was to estimate the levels of Glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and Alpha feto protein (AFP) in saliva of potentially malignant disorders and oral squamous cell carcinoma, use them as an effective biomarkers in screening and diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma as it is less invasive and more economical. 30 newly diagnosed patients with oral sub mucous fibrosis, oral leukoplakia, oral squamous cell carcinoma, who were not previously treated for the disease was selected for the study. 5ml of unstimulated saliva was collected from the patient for one minute in a sterile URICOL container and stored in sub-zero temperature before processing of the samples. Glutathione, malondialdehyde, alpha feto protein and TNF alpha was biochemically estimated and tabulated. There was increase mean concentration of glutathione, malondialdehyde, alpha feto protein and TNF alpha in carcinoma group and PMD group when compared to control group (p<0.05). Glutathione, Malondialdehyde, TNF alpha and alpha Feto protein are found to increase gradually from potentially malignant disorder to malignant condition. These factors can be used as potential biomarkers to indicate the prognosis of the disease and can be used as diagnostic tool for screening and early detection.
Survey and Documentation of Ethnobotanicals used in the Traditional Medicines System of Tribal Communities of Chirang District of Assam Against Helminthiasis
Authors: Swargiary Ananta , Roy Mritunjoy Kumar , Daimari Manita
Published: January 2020

Ethnobotanical knowledge has been the backbone of rural healthcare since ancient times. Many diseases including helminthiasis are cured by traditional medicine in many parts of the world. The present study aims at exploring the ethnobotanicals used as anthelmintic medicines by the tribal communities of Chirang district of Assam. The present study was conducted in different villages under Chirang district of Assam, India. A face-to-face interview was carried out during survey work along with readymade questionnaire. In our survey work, 20 neighbouring villages were taken as a single cluster and one sample informant was collected. Information regarding the plant and plant parts used, methodology of use as well as informant demography such as age, sex, education was also collected. A total of 20 villages were surveyed and information was gathered from 27 informants, 23 kaviraja and 4 elderly people, 15 male and 12 female. The information collected revealed 43 medicinal plants belonging to 27 families. Lamiaceae was found to be most common family followed by Cucurbitaceae, Fabaceae, Zutaceae and Zingiberaceae. The most highly cited plants were Ananas comosus, Andrographis paniculata, Asparagus racemosus, Alstonia scholaris and Leucas aspera. Leaves, fruits and tubers were found to be the most commonly used plant parts. Except few, most of the herbal medicines were prepared as raw materials and are consumed orally. Documentation of important ethnomedicinal information from the remote areas of Assam will help scientific investigators to look into its scientific aspect leading to the development of new medicines against helminthiasis and many other diseases.
Molecular Pathogenesis of Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Critical Appraisal
Authors: Rai Arpita , Siddiqui Musarrat , Parveen Shama , Parveen Saba , Rasheed Abdur , Ali Sher
Published: January 2020

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, potentially malignant condition of the oral mucosa and the habitual chewing of areca nut is believed to be the most potent etiological factor. The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and various cytokines and growth factors has been established in recent studies. The components of areca nut particularly, arecoline, flavonoids and copper have been found to affect fibroblasts, endothelial and epithelial cells through various biological pathways which are either down-regulated or up-regulated during different stages of the disease. However, the underlying molecular pathogenesis of OSMF is still partially understood.
Chromium and their derivatives causes physiological and biochemical modifications in diverse fish models: A review
Authors: N Rashmi , T Ranjitha , Chandra SP Sharath
Published: January 2020

The current literature surveyreviews the physiological and biochemical impact of chromium and their derivative across various fish species in aquatic ecosystem around the globe. Chroium and its derivatives such as sulphates, oxides, chlorides, nanoparticles etc have been found to have a deleterious effect on neurology, ionoregulatory, physiology, biochemistry, metabolism and histological parameters in fish. Different species of fish like Labeorohita, Channa punctatus, Danio rerio, Catla catla, Carassiusauratus and their reaction to titanium toxicity has been chiefly discussed in the review. In conclusion centered on studies accomplished by various research groups, we can infer that chromium and their derivatives pose analarming threat not only to fish, but also to ecology and environment.
ANATOMIC VARIATION OF CT SCAN IN CHRONIC RHINOSINUSITIS PATIENTS IN SANGLAH PROVINCIAL GENERAL HOSPITAL
Authors: Made Ratnawati Luh , Yupindra Pradiptha I Putu
Published: January 2020

The anatomical abnormalities of the nose and paranasal sinuses are the most common causes of rhinosinusitis. These anatomical variations can cause obstruction of the ostiomeatal complex (OMC) and interfere with the mucociliary clearance which allows the occurrence of chronic rhinosinusitis. Knowing the anatomic variations of the nose and paranasal sinuses in rhinosinusitis patients whose undergo operative procedure at Sanglah Provincial General Hospital is important because it can be used as a reference for proper intervention to treat rhinosinusitis. This research is a descriptive study in the Ear Nose Throat - Head Neck Departement, Udayana University Medical School / Sanglah Provincial General Hospital Denpasar, from January 2018 to December 2018. The research location is at the ENT clinic, Sanglah Hospital, Denpasar. This research will be conducted in approximately 2 months (January 2019 to February 2019). The sample from this study was all rhinosinusitis patients who underwent operative procedure, both male and female for the period of 1 January – 31 December 2018. Based on the results of the research data, it was found that the most anatomic variation was septal deviation which was 24 people Anatomic variations cause chronic sinusitis by causing obstruction in the ostiomeatal complex (OMC) and affecting the mucociliary transport pattern. The most anatomical variation in this study is septal deviation.
Erythema Multiforme versus Herpes Simplex Virus, what is the diagnosis? A review and a case report.
Authors: Ali Ahmed Fuoad Sura , Michel Kusairy Fadia , Shabban Al-Sayed Walid , M. N. Prabhu , Narain Adtani Pooja
Published: January 2020

One of the commonly encountered lesions in oral cavity is oral ulceration. They arise from various etiology, being associated with discomfort or pain, rarely results in complications and scarring. The nonspecific clinical presentation of oral ulceration in the oral cavity, will made their diagnosis crucial, however a detailed patient history, comprehensive clinical examination together with background knowledge of possible causes will lead to correct diagnosis and subsequent treatment, moreover distinguishing between erythema multiforme (EM) and herpes simples viral infection (HSV) when there is only oral involvement is of a great importance as the treatment of EM is contra indicated for HSV.
Ventricular False Tendons in Human Hearts, an Autopsy Study of the Incidence, Morphology, Histology and Distribution in Basrah City
Authors: Mustafa Abdullah Nawal , Abed Hazza Mazin , Kareem Qasim Mohamed Abdul
Published: January 2020

The left ventricular false tendons (LVFTs ) are fibrous or fibromuscular bands crossing the left ventricle in human hearts ,they arise mainly from the ventricular septum to the free wall or to a papillary muscle .They are considered as normal anatomical variant with different numbers, location and type. LVFTs had been associated with many clinical studies and discussions regarding their function . Literatures were reviewed and their incidence ,morphology , histology and clinical correlation were discussed .This study was intended to evaluate the existence LVFTs in Basrah city , and to compare the findings with other data verified in literatures. A prospective autopsy study of the prevalence and morphology of LVFTs in 215 cadaveric human hearts was performed to estimate the number ,types and location .of these bands .10 out of 215 samples were undergo routine histopathological processing to obtain 4 micrometer thickness slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin and examined for histological characteristics . LVFTs of varying number, types and different attachment were recorded in 62 ( 28.8% ) of 215 adult human cadaveric hearts studied. A complete morphologic assessments were done. No significant differences was found regarding age or gender. , Majority of LVFTs are single , commonly between the ventricular septum and papillary muscle .Fibrous and fibro muscular type is predominant . In our community false tendons are frequent anatomic variants of normal human LV which may be identified at routine examination and should not be mistaken as pathologic structures such as flail chordae tendineae or thrombi, further radiological and clinical studies are suggested to ensure their role and function