bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Insurance for Economically Disadvantaged People in LMICs: What are the Best Options?
Authors: George Anarwat Samuel
Published: October 2022

The choice of a health care financing system can have both good and unintended devastating consequences on access to and delivery of quality affordable universal health care of a country. This paper aims to explore successful factors of health insurance schemes and health policies that will ensure universal health coverage (UHC). The chapter explores equity or fairness as defined by the theory of justice to elucidate why there tend to be inequities in health insurance coverage. It proposes measures that could be adopted to ensure social health protection and financial sustainability of health financing schemes to achieve universal health coverage in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Good health is an essential capital good for promoting well-being and longevity, and quality health care is a derivative of good health among other social and economic determinants of health. Universal health insurance schemes provide financial risk protection for many population groups, especially the less privileged, against catastrophic episodes of illness and injury. However, inequities in health care are pervasive and have impoverished many because of catastrophic health care expenditures. Health insurance based on solidarity and progressive tax financing system with premium exemptions for the vulnerable, might be best for LMICs.
GABA-enriched Oolong Tea: Reducing Stress in a Student Cohort May Involve More than Just GABA
Authors: Hinton Tina , M. Li Kong , Viengkhou Vincent , Yoo Kam Sin , Kindaro Sandra , F. Jelinek Herbert , Matthews Slade , A.R. Johnston Graham
Published: October 2022

We have previously shown that the consumption of GABA-enriched oolong tea is effective in reducing stress in a student cohort. However, key constituent content has not been previously investigated, especially as applied to a standard cup of tea. Further, it has not been substantiated whether it is the suggested GABA content or other constituents that lead to these observed changes in stress behaviour. Using reverse-phase HPLC, we determined the actual content of four chemicals known to influence stress in 200 mL cups of regular or GABA-enriched oolong tea brewed to manufacturer’s instructions. We found eight times as much γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and 1.5 times as much caffeine in GABA-enriched oolong tea as in regular oolong tea. In contrast, there was 10 times less epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and half as much theanine in the GABA-enriched tea. Thus, there are changes in multiple constituents in GABA-enriched oolong tea that may contribute to the biological effects we observed in students consuming these teas.
Biostimulants Application: An Innovative Approach to Food Security under Drought Stress
Authors: Amjad Bashir Muhammad , Raza Qurat-Ul-Ain , Rehim Abdur , Umair Sial Muhammad , Muhammad Ali Raza Hafiz , Ali Saba , Ijaz Muhammad , Faiz-Ul-Hassan  , Geng Yucong
Published: October 2022

Climate change is a global threat to food security as it causes various biotic and abiotic stresses that adversely disturb agriculture production. With an increase in the worldwide population, the demand for food has also arisen. It is an immediate challenge for the scientific community to introduce an innovative tool to achieve food security with quality plant production and develop tolerance against abiotic stresses, specifically drought. Genetically modifications are effective and time-consuming, while biostimulants are in/organic substances with the potential to support plant development under stress conditions. This chapter focuses on the impacts of climate change on agriculture, challenges for agriculture sustainability and food security, the interrelationship between drought, climate change and food security, the potential role of biostimulants against drought, future aspects and challenges due to climate change specifically drought, and food security challenges. Various studies reported that the application of biostimulants results in enhancement of crop productivity and mitigates the harmful effects due to climate change. To ensure the quality of chapter, we collected references from well-reputed international journals using keywords ““biostimulants,” “drought,” “food security,” “agriculture sustainability,” and “climate change.” In conclusion, biostimulants has a potential to address adverse environmental conditions without affecting crop quality and yield loss.
Non-Surgical Treatment of Periodontal Diseases: Responsibilities of the Dentist and the Patient in Periodontal Therapy
Authors: V. Maita-Véliz Luis , M. Maita-Castañeda Luis
Published: October 2022

Periodontal diseases, throughout history, remain among the most prevalent in humans. Despite the notable scientific advances in the knowledge of its etiology and pathophysiology, its clinical forms, diagnosis and corresponding treatment, the most transcendental stage has yet to be completed: making not only patients in particular, but the entire community aware of the need for surveillance and prevention of periodontal diseases in children, adolescents and adults. Developing a wide-ranging periodic program, with effective and sufficient procedures to anticipate the onset of periodontal diseases, would mean enormous economic savings in the public health budget of the countries. Periodontal diseases can be avoided with simple measures and procedures: correct brushing and good use of dental floss. Both practices would be enough to prevent periodontal diseases in millions of people around the planet. It is a challenge for dental professionals to achieve, through appropriate teaching techniques, that their patients learn these notions and their benefits, thus gradually turning them into essential and daily tasks. The basic objective of promotion and prevention is precisely to ensure that the information produces changes in individual oral hygiene habits.
Efficient Simulation Tools (EST) for Sediment-Laden Shallow Flows
Authors: Martínez-Aranda Sergio , García-Navarro Pilar
Published: October 2022

Rapid flows of water-sediment mixtures are probably the most challenging and unknown geophysical gravity-driven processes. The fluidized material in motion consists of a mixture of water and multiple solid phases with different specific characteristics. Modeling sediment transport involves an increasing complexity due to the variable bulk properties in the sediment-water mixture, the coupling of physical processes, and the presence of multiple layer phenomena. Two-dimensional shallow-type mathematical models are built in the context of free surface flows and are applicable to most of these geophysical surface processes. Their numerical solution in the finite volume framework is governed by the dynamical properties of the equations, the coupling between flow variables and the computational grid. The complexity of the numerical resolution of these highly unsteady flows and the computational cost of simulation tools increase considerably with the refinement of the non-structured spatial discretization, so that the computational effort required is one of the biggest challenges for the application of depth-averaged 2D models to large-scale long-term flows. Throughout this chapter, the combination of 2D mathematical models, robust numerical methods, and efficient computing kernels is addressed to develop Efficient Simulation Tools (EST’s) for environmental surface processes involving sediment transport with realistic temporal and spatial scales.
Monitoring of Temporary Ponds as Indicators of Environmental Quality
Authors: Campanale Claudia , Felice Uricchio Vito , Massarelli Carmine
Published: October 2022

Temporary ponds represent a specific type of ecosystem extensively widespread worldwide. They are better known as copular pools, ephemeral waters, karst sinkholes, seasonal wetlands, and vernal pools. Among these, Mediterranean Temporary Ponds (MTPs) represent a priority habitat according to the Natura 2000 network of the European Union. Their main characteristic is represented by their depth of only a few centimeters and lack of communication with permanent water bodies. MTPs habitats are vulnerable to human activities, especially agriculture, and they are considered priority habitats to safeguard. Threats affecting this habitat are various and many and depend on specific site conditions, including intensive agriculture, tree planting, abandonment of traditional land use, and excessive grazing. In the present manuscript, we report the results of monitoring activity of some of these sites in Southern Italy aimed at understanding the ecological status of these ephemeral ecosystems with a specially developed methodology based on data integration.
Electrical Resistance Tomography Applied to Slurry Flows
Authors: Graham Lachlan
Published: October 2022

Electrical resistance tomography (ERT) is used to investigate a variety of slurry flow applications including pipe flow, mixing tanks, and thickener feed wells. Transparent liquids such as Carbopol polymer solutions and water are often used to allow for visualization of slurry flows, but ERT can provide data about solids behavior when the liquid phase is transparent or when it is opaque. The state of suspension of solids using ERT is often useful even when the technique is not a primary requirement of a test. The chapter introduces ERT from the point of view of a user in a research environment, but with flow scenarios relevant to industrial applications in mineral processing. Relevant literature concerning slurry flow applications of ERT is reviewed. The basic theory of ERT will be presented together with a discussion of the image reconstruction problem which is a topic of research activity in the slurry transport community. An overview of ERT applications in slurry pipe flow and mixing tanks will be presented. Examples of the application of ERT to pipe flow and tanks will be discussed in detail, including practical experiences with integrating ERT into slurry pipe and tank rigs.
When LASIK Goes Wrong or LASIK Complications Dilemmas
Authors: Gilevska Fanka , Bohač Maja , Popović Suić Smiljka , Jagić Mateja
Published: October 2022

Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is one of the most commonly performed refractive surgical procedures. During the last two decades, surgical procedure has evolved, but still, there are several intraoperative and postoperative complications possible. Every young LASIK surgeon spends most of the reading time on LASIK complications. They are not frequent, but you have to know precisely what to do when they happen. This chapter should be a guide, based on literature and experience, on how to deal with intraoperative, early postoperative, and late postoperative complications. This chapter will include managing irregular flaps, buttonholes, and free flaps. The treatment scheme for DLK, epithelial ingrowth, and PISK, and when is the time for flap re-lifting. How frequent should be patients’ visits not to miss the complication on time? When is the right time for LASIK reoperation? Post LASIK corneal ectasia and how to perform cross-linking over LASIK. Young surgeons need precise guidelines, not just theoretical treatment options to achieve optimal visual outcomes after LASIK procedure.
Relationship Between BMI and Disease Severity in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Moezzi Meisam , Ghanavati Mandana , Heydarnezhad Mozhan , Farhadi Elham , Rafati Navaei Ali Reza
Published: October 2022

Background: Obesity and increased body mass index (BMI) are associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related complications and severity. They can exacerbate the cytokine storm and lead to severe symptoms or death in obese patients. Objectives: This cross-sectional descriptive study included patients with COVID-19 admitted to the Razi Hospital in Ahvaz, Iran, from January 2019 to December 2020. Methods: We evaluated the effect of BMI of patients admitted to the general ward and invasive unit care (ICU) on the length of hospitalization. Results: We included a total of 466 patients (male: 281 or 60.3% vs. female: 185 or 39.7%) with a mean age of 59.49 ± 14.5 years in the study. Also, 47 (10.1%) patients were admitted to the ICU, and 418 (89.7%) patients to the general ward. A higher BMI was associated with longer hospitalization (P < 0.001). Patients with BMI in the range of 18.5 - 24.9 experienced a longer hospitalization (10-20 days) (P < 0.001). BMI had no significant effect on ICU hospitalization (P = 0.36). Also, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding the length of hospitalization (P = 0.49). Furthermore, non-diabetic patients were less likely to be admitted to the ICU (73.3% vs. 26.7%) (P < 0.001). The number of discharged patients was higher in patients admitted to the general ward compared to those admitted to the ICU (93.8% vs. 63.8%) (P < 0.001). Conclusions: According to our results, a higher BMI was a risk factor for COVID-19, especially in the early stage of infection.
A Case of Swyer Syndrome Complicated with Left-sided Gonadoblastoma and Asexual Cell Tumor
Authors: Shengfang Xu , Li Zhao , Jinlong Zhang , Lei Yang , Jifang Qian
Published: October 2022

Introduction: 46,XY pure gonadal dysgenesis (PGD) is also known as Swyer syndrome. The chromosome analysis indicates a 46,XY karyotype. As different degrees of gonadal hypoplasia or degeneration occur in the process of embryonic development due to several factors, gonadal dysplasia or gonadal tumors are probable. Case Presentation: The patient was a 22-year-old female with no menstruation during puberty. Her chest was funnel-shaped, the breast development was classified as Tanner III grade, the vulva was normal, the pubic hair was classified as Tanner II grade, and the vaginal long was 6 cm. The endocrine examination indicated a follicle-stimulating hormone level of 95.0 mIU/mL and an estradiol level of 34.0 pg/mL. Tumor markers, including alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), were normal. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry revealed that the bone mineral density was lower than the normal range at this age. Ultrasonography showed a hypoechoic mass in the left adnexal area, considering gonadal tissue with calcification. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated a gonadal malignancy, and the gonadal tissue of the right adnexal area was cord-shaped. The chromosome analysis indicated a 46,XY karyotype. Accordingly, a clinical diagnosis of PGD was established. Moreover, laparoscopic gonadectomy and pathological examination were performed, and a final diagnosis of Swyer syndrome, complicated with a left-sided gonadoblastoma and asexual cell tumor, was made. Conclusion: PGD is associated with a high risk of gonadal tumors. Considering the rarity of this disease, a detailed evaluation of gonadal size and timely preventive gonadectomy are recommended for patients with gonadal dysplasia. Overall, imaging examinations can provide important information for the diagnosis of gonadal dysplasia. MRI can clearly indicate the size and shape of the gonads and the tumor, as well as the relationship between the tumor and the surrounding tissue.
Levinas in Lyotard’s Ear
Authors: Sebbah François-David , Laferté-Coutu Mérédith ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: October 2022

This article explores the seemingly exaggerated emphasis of Lyotard on the importance of hearing the ethical commandment in Levinas, instead of seeing or perceiving it in sensibility. Lyotard wants to read Levinas as a “Jewish thinker,” and his ethics as deeply connected to “Hebraic ethics.” Such a reading contrasts with phenomenological and Christian interpretations of Levinas, like Jean-Luc Marion’s, that focus on incarnation, the face, love, and the concrete relation to the other. Yet Lyotard outbids the rigor of commandment in Levinas, insisting on the radical heterogeneity of hearing and any phenomenological seeing. Ethics is completely outside phenomenology. This article argues that, instead of reading Lyotard as misreading Levinas, his approach can be one of the names for the skeptical phase that suspends or interrupts the Levinasian Said itself, especially when it tends to become excessively Christian.
Interpolative generalised Meir-Keeler contraction
Authors: Jain Shobha , Stojiljković Vuk , Radenović Stojan
Published: October 2022

Introduction/purpose: The aim of this paper is to introduce the notion of an interpolative generalised Meir-Keeler contractive condition for a pair of self maps in a fuzzy metric space, which enlarges, unifies and generalizes the Meir-Keeler contraction which is for only one self map. Using this, we establish a unique common fixed point theorem for two self maps through weak compatibility. The article includes an example, which shows the validity of our results. Methods: Functional analysis methods with a Meir-Keeler contraction. Results: A unique fixed point for self maps in a fuzzy metric space is obtained. Conclusions: A fixed point of the self maps is obtained.
Matter as the New Wilderness: Cognitive Obstacles, Radium, and Radioactivity in British and American Popular Fiction from the 1910s
Authors: Stachura Paweł
Published: October 2022

At the beginning of the 20th century, the radical paradigm shift in atomic phys- ics and chemistry attracted attention from non-scientific culture, and provided a new set of imagery in literary representation of matter, particularly in popular fiction. The article presents a number of texts whose themes and plots were rooted in a peculiar manner of writing, featuring a radical and consistent projection of emotions and desires onto literary representation of matter. The theoretical background has been derived from recent discus- sion of cultural materialism, and from Gaston Bachelard’s psychoanalysis of the scientific mind. The selection of literary texts covers popular novels and short stories published in Britain and the United States between 1880 and 1918. The conclusions present a some- what surprising link between the new developments in atomic theory, and the tradition of frontier settings in the American adventure romance.
The Coloniality of Law in Peru:Legal Positivism, Rape & Racialized Morality in Early Twentieth-Century Courts
Authors: Bunt-MacRury Laura
Published: October 2022

Objective/context: In the early twentieth century, Peru rejected legal pluralism and, once again, selected a highly European-inflected penal code, undergirded by the prevailing tenets of legal positivism. In doing so, criminal courts became a particularly contested site, where indigenous and mestizas (mixed-race) women shaped and negotiated racial sentiments constructed around their sexuality. In also shaping the meaning of the law itself, I contend that virginity—or lack thereof—patterned legal positivism in Peru. I first detail the historical impact of legal positivism on Peru’s judiciary. I then showcase women’s courtroom narratives (alongside other juridical testimonies) that reveal their struggle for political inclusion. Methodology: This article is built from an analysis of primary and original archival data and is the synthesis of 55 cases of alleged sexual transgressions occurring in the region of Cuzco from 1924 to 1949. Originality: This paper is significant because it is one of only a few that examine the history of legal positivism and rape prosecution in the early twentieth century by incorporating primary archival data to show how women were protagonists in shaping Peru’s unique legal, political and cultural history. Conclusions: Expanding the arguments of imminent Andean scholars of postcolonialism, I argue that the ‘coloniality of law’ in Peru is illuminated by the collusion of legal positivism and fin de siècle racial ideologies that created a new subjectivity for women. In addition to refashioning repressive honor codes (literally embodied in ideas about morality and chastity), the new penal code also broadened a gap where indigenous and mestizo women argued their juridical humanity in criminal courts.
Middle meningeal artery embolization for chronic subdural hematoma in elderly patients at high risk of surgical treatment
Authors: Seok Jin Hoo , Kim Jong Hyun , Kwon Taek Hyun , Byun Joonho , Yoon Won Ki
Published: October 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) in elderly high-risk patients with symptomatic chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) in terms of reduction in hematoma volume and recurrence rate.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data prospectively collected from nine patients who underwent 13 MMAE for CSDH between June 2017 and May 2022. The volume of the subdural hematoma was measured using a computer-aided volumetric analysis program. Hematoma volume changes during the follow-up period were analyzed and clinical outcomes were evaluated.Results: The mean follow-up period was 160 days (range, 46−311 days). All procedures were technically successful and there were no procedure-related complications. Of the 13 MMAE, 84% (11 out of 13 hemispheres) showed mean 88% of reduction on follow-up volumetric study with eight cases of complete resolution. There was one refractory case with MMAE which had been performed multiple burr-hole trephinations, for which treatment was completed by craniotomy and meticulous resection of multiple pseudomembranes. There was no recurrent case during the follow-up period, except for refractory case.Conclusions: MMAE for CSDH in selected high-risk elderly patients and relapsed patients might be effective. Despite the small cohort, our findings showed a high rate of complete resolution with no complications. Further prospective randomized trials are warranted to evaluate its usefulness as a primary treatment option for CSDH.
Nested mechanosensory feedback actively damps visually guided head movements in Drosophila
Authors: Cellini Benjamin , Mongeau Jean-Michel
Published: October 2022

Executing agile locomotion requires animals to integrate sensory feedback, often from multiple sources. For example, human gaze is mediated by multiple feedback loops that integrate visual and vestibular information. A central challenge in studying biological feedback loops is that they are nested and dynamically coupled. Here, we develop a framework based on control theory for unraveling nested feedback systems and apply it to study gaze stabilization in the fruit fly (Drosophila). By combining experimental and mathematical methods to manipulate control topologies, we uncovered the role of body-generated mechanosensory feedback nested within visual feedback in the control of head movements. We discovered that visual feedback changed the tuning of head movements across visual motion frequencies whereas mechanosensory feedback damped head movements. Head saccades had slower dynamics when the body was free to move, further pointing to the role of damping via mechanosensory feedback. By comparing head responses between self-generated and externally generated body motion, we revealed a nonlinear gating of mechanosensory feedback that is motor-context dependent. Altogether, our findings reveal the role of nested feedback loops in flies and uncover mechanisms that reconcile differences in head kinematics between body-free and body-fixed flies. Our framework is generalizable to biological and robotic systems relying on nested feedback control for guiding locomotion.
Architecture of the chikungunya virus replication organelle
Authors: Laurent Timothée , Kumar Pravin , Liese Susanne , Zare Farnaz , Jonasson Mattias , Carlson Andreas , Carlson Lars-Anders
Published: October 2022

Alphaviruses are mosquito-borne viruses that cause serious disease in humans and other mammals. Along with its mosquito vector, the Alphavirus chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has spread explosively in the last 20 years, and there is no approved treatment for chikungunya fever. On the plasma membrane of the infected cell, CHIKV generates dedicated organelles for viral RNA replication, so-called spherules. Whereas structures exist for several viral proteins that make up the spherule, the architecture of the full organelle is unknown. Here, we use cryo-electron tomography to image CHIKV spherules in their cellular context. This reveals that the viral protein nsP1 serves as a base for the assembly of a larger protein complex at the neck of the membrane bud. Biochemical assays show that the viral helicase-protease nsP2, while having no membrane affinity on its own, is recruited to membranes by nsP1. The tomograms further reveal that full-sized spherules contain a single copy of the viral genome in double-stranded form. Finally, we present a mathematical model that explains the membrane remodeling of the spherule in terms of the pressure exerted on the membrane by the polymerizing RNA, which provides a good agreement with the experimental data. The energy released by RNA polymerization is found to be sufficient to remodel the membrane to the characteristic spherule shape.
New deep data hiding and extraction algorithm using multi-channel with multi-level to improve data security and payload capacity
Authors: Hardan Hanan , Alawneh Ali , El-Emam Nameer N.
Published: October 2022

The main challenge in steganography algorithms is balancing between the size of the secret message (SM) that is embedded in the cover image (CI) and the quality of the stego-image (SI). This manuscript proposes a new steganography algorithm to hide a large amount of secret messages in cover images with a high degree of non-perception in the resulting images. The proposed algorithm applied a multi-channel deep data hiding and extraction algorithm (MCDHEA) based on a modified multi-level steganography (MLS) approach. This approach used a new modification of the least significant bits (NMLSB) to make it hard to extract a secret message from attackers. The secret message was distributed among n-blocks; each block was hidden into a sub-channel that included multi-level hiding and flows into the main channel. Different grayscale images were used through the levels of each sub-channel and using the color image in the last level of the main channel. The image size of the multi-level was expanded from one level to the next level, and at each level, lossless image compression using the Huffman coding algorithm was applied to enable the size of the data hiding at the next level. In addition, the encryption of secret messages and intermediate cover images based on the XOR encryption algorithm is applied before the hiding process. Finally, the number of bits to be replaced at each level for both sub and main channels was four bits per byte except at the last level of the main channel based on a new approach using a non-uniform number of bits replacements. This algorithm’s performance was evaluated using various measures. The results show that the proposed technique is effective and better than the previous works concerning imperceptibility and robustness. Furthermore, the results show that the maximum peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of 61.2 dB for the payload of 18,750 bytes, the maximum video information fidelity (VIF) of 0.95 for the payload of 19,660 bytes, and the maximum structural similarity index measure (SSIM) of 0.999 for the payload of 294,912 bytes.
THE STUDY ON THE EFFICACY AND OUTCOME OF CHARAKOKTA GARBHINI PARICHARYA IN THE FIRST TRIMESTER OF PREGNANCY
Authors: Patil Ashwini Ravindra , Turlapati Vishala
Published: October 2022

Pregnancy is the most essential and critical part of every woman's life. Garbhini paricharya is nothing, but the care given to women during their pregnancy, mainly through ahara, vihara and vichara. So systematic examination, dietary and other advice are critical; this systematic supervision is called garbhini paricharya (Antenatal care). In Ayurveda, food is considered the best source of nourishment and medication for a pregnant woman. Ayurveda is described as month-wise Paricharya that helps in the development of the foetus and healthy growth and gives health and care to the mother. In Ayurveda, food is considered the best source of nourishment and medication for pregnant women. The main intention of advising garbhini paricharya is paripurnatya (providing growth of mother and foetus), anupaghata (pregnancy without complications), and sukhaprasava (for a healthy delivery and healthy child). The ancient Ayurvedic literature described in various Samhita; is not unique but also scientific as modern medical sciences. So antenatal care should be integrated, i.e., as per modern science and as described in Ayurveda. In this study, we took patients into two groups, Group A (Trial Group-30 patients) and Group B (Control Group- 30 patients) and gave them Ayurvedic garbhini paricharya in group A and folic acid supplement in group B. After the study, it is found that the incidence of first trimester ailments like fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and constipation shows a statistically significant advantage over the control group.
PHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECT OF AARTAVVAHA SROTAS: A REVIEW
Authors: Girdhar Shipra , Sharma Rajesh Kumar , Sharma Dinesh Chandra
Published: October 2022

Srotas, meaning channels or pores, are present throughout the visible body and at the “invisible” or subtle level of the cells, molecules, atoms, and subatomic strata. The nutrients and other substances are transported in and out of human physiology through these channels. When the flow of appropriate nutrients and energies through these channels is unimpeded, there is health; when there is excess, deficiency, or blockage in these channels’ disease can take root. The Sanskrit root "Srugatau (Sru + Tansi = Srotas)" signifies "moving, sifting, flowing, secreting, and leaking." The "structure through which Sravanam (flow) occurs" is Sravanat Srotanshi. Sravanat, according to Chakrapani, refers to the Sravarnam of Rasadi Poshya Dhatu. Srotas are the circulation channels that transport the Dhatus undergoing metamorphosis to their final destination. Different Acharyas mention a variety of numbers and types of Srotas. Srotas was explained by Acharya Charak from a medical perspective, while Acharya Sushrut explained Srotas from a surgical perspective. Artav-vaha srotas have two roots, according to Acharya Sushruta: Garbhasaya (uterus) and Artav-vaha Dhamani. Here, Artav-vaha Srotas, also known as Yogvahi Srotas, is Antermukh Srotas. Artava refers to menstrual blood, whereas Artav vaha Srotas refers to the part of the female reproductive system responsible for generating menstrual blood and the passages that carry it during the monthly cycle.
A REVIEW ON KESHA NASHAKA LEPA: AN AYURVEDIC TOPICAL FORMULATION FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ATILOMA UTPATTI
Authors: Sujatha K , Harshitha H
Published: October 2022

Atiloma utpatti is a trending cosmetic concern affecting most of the population worldwide. It is well-thought-out as a social stigma and considered abhorrent to a person. An elegant, smooth skin enhances the self-esteem and confidence of an individual in society. Prevalence of this condition is seen majorly in teenage to elderly adults. In the ancient era, Ayurveda classics emphasized topical applicators for skin beautification, including measures to tackle the concern of atiloma utpatti. In modern cosmetology, varied choices are available for depilatory and epilatory actions but are intricate and harmful to the skin. The presently available depilatory formulations, although effective, are not long-lasting. In this regard, Bheshaja Samhita has quoted a topical lepa preparation providing depilatory action. So, this study aims to appraise the pharmacological activity of the formulation Kesha nashaka lepa regarding depilatory efficacy. The pharmacological actions were compiled from original research articles in google scholar, research gate, PubMed etc. research databases. Thus, the collective pharmacological actions of Kesha nashaka lepa showed a synergistic action of ingredients in the formulation, leading to an increase in pilosebaceous uptake, promoting an effective depilatory activity. Hence, the formulation can be taken for study in the management of the atiloma utpatti condition.
Resource Use Efficiency in Paddy Cultivation: A Comparative Study of Telangana Sona and Chintu Varieties in Nalgonda District of Telangana State of India
Authors: Karingu Shiva , Bandumula Nirmala , Reddy D. Srinivasa , Meena A.
Published: October 2022

The present study was undertaken to assess the resource use efficiency in the cultivation of the rice variety, Telangana Sona. A total sample of 120 farmers from 6 villages of three mandals in Nalgonda district of Telangana was selected. Cobb-Douglas production function analysis was used to study resource use efficiency. The results of the study revealed that in the cultivation of Telangana Sona, human labor, machinery, and fertilizers were underutilized and there is a scope for maximizing returns by increasing the use of these inputs. The Marginal Value Product (MVP) was less than one for costs incurred on plant protection chemicals, which means that the resource was over-utilized i.e. decrease in the use of this input is suggested. The study recommends the reallocation of resources for profitable rice cultivation.
Biological Study on Aerial Parts of Hyoscyamus boveanus (Dunal) Asch. & Schweinf
Authors: Ibrahim Magda Tohamy , Saad Sheren Fares , Nasser Mahmoud M. , El–Dahmy Samih I.
Published: October 2022

Family Solanaceae is one of the largest families in the plant kingdom. A family of 98 genera and over 2700 species; tropical and temperate; herbs, shrubs or small trees.

Secondary metabolites of Solanaceae plants, sharing tropane skeleton as a common structural feature, sharply divided into two classes: tropine and ecgonine derivatives. The first group, represented by well-known alkaloids: atropine and scopolamine, which are considered to be model anticholinergic drugs, continues to provide inspiration in the search for more selective muscarinic receptor antagonists. This work, aim to study the biological effect of Hyoscyamus boveanus alkaloid fraction as Antimuscarenic, mydriatic and anti microbial agent. Basal alkaloid fraction was isolated from collected wild plant by using authentic atropine (sigma USA). Fifteen rabbits weighing 1700 – 2000 gram used in this study, divided into three groups (5 each); control (solvent) group, standard (atropine) group and the Hyoscyamus boveanus Dunal basic alkaloid fraction group. Two cm rabbit intestine muscle was isolated to study anti spasmodic activity of the basic alkaloid fraction of Hyoscyamus boveanus Dunal. As well as, anti microbial activity of Hyoscyamus boveanus basal alkaloid fraction was studied. The results revealed that Hyoscyamus boveanus basal alkaloid fraction showed mydriatic, Antimuscarenic and anti microbial activity against gram negative and gram-positive bacteria. In conclusion, Hyoscyamus boveanus Dunal basic alkaloid fraction, showed mydriatic, Antimuscarenic and anti microbial activity against gram negative and gram-positive bacteria.
A Review on the Role of Exogenous Fibrolytic Enzymes in Ruminant Nutrition
Authors: Anil . , Yadav Sukanshi , Anand V. M. , Chouraddi Rakesh , Yadav Sushil K. , Singh Amit Kumar , Nair Prasanth M. , Prabhakar . , Tiwari Jigyasha , Durge Ajay
Published: October 2022

Dairy production system in developing countries mainly depends on forage plants and crop residues as major portion of the Ruminants diet. The majority of the dry matter in forage crops is made up of fibre whose digestibility is limited in rumen ecosystem. Use of exogenous fibrolytic enzymes (EFE) is gaining popularity in recent days as they overcome the limitations of other methodologies which are used to improve the digestibility of fibre. Due to microbial enzyme activity, ruminants are able to break down fibrous feedstuff, but structural polysaccharides like cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin will only be partially broken down. The primary purpose of these enzymes is to provide as many nutrients as possible from the indigestible, potentially digestible, and digestible portions of the cell wall. EFE employed in ruminant diets can be divided into three primary categories based on the specific substrates on which their enzyme activity can take place: fibrolytic, amylolytic, and proteolytic. Enzymes can be applied in liquid or granular form to hay, silage, concentrate, TMR, supplement or premix. Even though positive results were obtained, up to date animal responses to EFE supplements have varied greatly due to enzymatic handling, dosage, diet constituents, time and method of applications. This renders need for further dedicated research efforts for the broad generalization of exogenous enzyme usage in ruminant nutrition. The goal of this study was to give a concise summary of the current state of knowledge about EFE usage in ruminant diets and to discuss potential future research areas.
Genetic Variability, Heritability and Genetic Advance Studies on Yield, Its Components, Quality Traits and Gall Midge Incidence in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Sudhakar D. , Sreedhar S. , Suresh J. , Malathi S.
Published: October 2022

Twenty-eight lines including 18 F1 plants, 9 parents, and one commercial were studied for estimation of genetic variability, heritability, and genetic advance at Agricultural Research Station, Kunaram. Analysis of variance revealed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits studied indicating the presence of a considerable amount of variability among the genotypes for yield and its components, quality traits and gall midge incidence. PCV values for the number of productive tillers per plant were significantly greater than GCV indicating highly sensitive to environmental changes. The GCV and PCV were high for the percentage of gall midge incidence, the number of productive tillers per plant, the number of filled grains per panicle, and grain yield per plant, whereas, low for hulling percentage, head rice recovery, milling percentage, and kernel length. Additive gene action was predominant for Gall midge incidence, number of productive tillers per plant, number of filled grains per panicle, grain yield per plant and grain weight per 1000 grains as they registered high heritability coupled with high genetic advance values.
Quality Parameters as Influenced by Different Integrated Nutrient Management of Rustica Tobacco (Nicotiana rustica L.) and Its Residual Impact on Succeeding Summer Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)
Authors: Ninama S. D. , Gediya K. M. , Rathwa M. K.
Published: October 2022

The present research work entitled “Quality parameters as influenced by different integrated nutrient management of rustica tobacco (Nicotiana rustica L.) and its residual impact on succeeding summer green gram (Vigna radiata L.) ” a field experiment was conducted during rabi and summer season of years 2020-21 and 2021-22 at Bidi Tobacco Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat. The experimental field had an even topography with a gentle slope having good drainage and sandy loam in texture. The soil of the experimental field at 0-15 cm depth was low in organic carbon and available nitrogen, medium in available phosphorus and potassium and slightly alkaline in reaction. The ten integrated nutrient management treatments viz., T1: 100% RDF (200-00-00 kg/ha), T2: 75% RDF + 25% N from FYM, T3: 75% RDF + 25% N from poultry manure, T4: 75% RDF + 25% N from castor cake, T5: 50% RDF + 50% N from FYM, T6: 50% RDF + 50% N from poultry manure, T7: 50% RDF + 50% N from castor cake, T8: 50% RDF + 25% N from FYM + Azotobacter, T9: 50% RDF + 25% N from poultry manure + Azotobacter, T10: 50% RDF + 25% N from castor cake + Azotobacter were tested in Randomized Block Design with four replications. Rustica tobacco variety GCT 3 was considered as main rabi crop and green gram variety GAM 5 was considered as summer residual crop. The experiment was conducted on the same site during both the years without changing randomization of treatments. Results of the experiment showed that quality parameters viz. nicotine content was found significant due to various integrated nutrient management during both the years (2020-21 and 2021-22) in pooled analysis, while reducing sugar and chloride content was found non-significant during both the years (2020-21 and 2021-22) but significant result was observed in pooled analysis due different integrated nutrient management in both quality parameters under application of 75% RDF + 25% N from poultry manure (T3). In case of residual summer green gram protein content in seed and protein yield exerted significant result due to various integrated nutrient management during the years 2021, 2022 and in pooled analysis under application of 50% RDF + 50% N from FYM (T5). Interaction effect (Y x T) was found non-significant on all the growth parameters during the experiment.
Assessment of Effectiveness of the Recognition of Stroke in the Emergency Room Scale in Emergency Department of Suez Canal University Hospital, Egypt
Authors: Abdelaati Sarah Khaled , Abdelgeleel Nashwa M. , Zeid Ahmed El Sayed Abou , Ahmed Rasha M.
Published: October 2022

Background: The Recognition of Stroke in The Emergency Room (ROSIER( scale has been designed to provide physicians in the emergency department with a framework which can be used to assess patients with suspected stroke and to facilitate early identification of acute stroke & appropriate referral.

Aims: To assess the sensitivity and specificity of the ROSIER score in order to improve outcome of stoke patients.

Methodology: The current study was designed as a prospective cross sectional study that included Patients over 18 years of age with suspected stroke presenting at emergency department in Suez Canal university hospital.

Results: Patients with stroke formed about 65.2% of the patients with suspected stroke in the ER. Patients with stroke/ TIA were found to have significantly higher age compared to other patients (63.58 ±12.55 vs 39.18±11.12) (p<0.001). The most frequent comorbid diseases among patients were hypertension and diabetes mellitus. For ROSIER accuracy, a value of 1.00 or more was found to be the best cut-off point for prediction of stoke among patients attending with suspected stroke, with sensitivity = 98.3% and specificity = 87.5 % and accuracy= 94.5%.

Conclusion: The ROSIER scale is simple, rapid, effective and sensitive screening tool in early detection of patients presenting with stroke and differentiating stroke from stroke mimics in the emergency room.
Association of Intravenous Potassium and Magnesium Administration With Spontaneous Conversion of Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter in the Emergency Department
Authors: Cacioppo Filippo , Reisenbauer Denise , Herkner Harald , Oppenauer Julia , Schuetz Nikola , Niederdoeckl Jan , Schnaubelt Sebastian , Gupta Sophie , Lutnik Martin , Simon Alexander , Spiel Alexander O. , Buchtele Nina , Domanovits Hans , Laggner Anton N. , Schwameis Michael
Published: October 2022

Importance

Whether the simultaneous intravenous administration of potassium and magnesium is associated with the probability of spontaneous conversion to sinus rhythm (SCV) in the acute treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) is unknown.

Objective

To assess potassium and magnesium administration and SCV probability in AF and AFL in the emergency department.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A registry-based cohort study was conducted in the Department of Emergency Medicine of the Medical University of Vienna, Austria. All consecutive patients with AF or AFL were screened between February 6, 2009, and February 16, 2020.

Interventions

Intravenous administration of potassium, 24 mEq, and magnesium, 145.8 mg.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the probability of SCV during the patient’s stay in the emergency department. Multivariable cluster-adjusted logistic regression was used to estimate the association between potassium and magnesium administration and the probability of SCV.

Results

A total of 2546 episodes of nonpermanent AF (median patient age, 68 [IQR, 58-75] years, 1411 [55.4%] men) and 573 episodes of nonpermanent AFL (median patient age, 68 [IQR, 58-75] years; 332 [57.9%] men) were observed. In AF episodes, intravenous potassium and magnesium administration vs no administration was associated with increased odds of SCV (19.2% vs 10.4%; odds ratio [OR], 1.98; 95% CI, 1.53-2.57). In AFL episodes, in contrast, no association was noted for the probability of SCV with potassium and magnesium vs no administration (13.0% vs 12.5%; OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.65-1.69).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this registry-based cohort study on intravenous administration of potassium and magnesium suggest an increased probability of SCV in nonpermanent AF, but not AFL, during a patients’ stay in the emergency department.
A Call for the Collection of Data on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity for Surgical Research—What We Don’t Know Can Hurt Us
Authors: Broekhuis Jordan M. , Cloonan Daniel J.
Published: October 2022

This Viewpoint advocates for universal collection of sexual and gender minority data in the field of surgery as a means to promote equitable care and outcomes across patient populations.
Adherence to the TQIP Palliative Care Guidelines Among Patients With Serious Illness at a Level I Trauma Center in the US
Authors: Pierce Jennifer Geiger , Ricon Rafael , Rukmangadhan Samveda , Kim Matthew , Rajasekar Ganesh , Nuño Miriam , Curtis Eleanor , Humphries Misty
Published: October 2022

Importance

The American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) guidelines encourage trauma service clinicians to deliver palliative care in parallel with life-sustaining treatment and recommend goals of care (GOC) discussions within 72 hours of admission for patients with serious illness.

Objective

To measure adherence to TQIP guidelines–recommended GOC discussions for trauma patients with serious illness, treated at a level I trauma center in the US.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study included 674 adults admitted to a trauma service center for 3 or more days between December 2019 and June 2020. The medical records of 486 patients who met the criteria for serious illness using a consensus definition adapted to the National Trauma Data Bank were reviewed for the presence of a GOC discussion. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts based on admission before or after the guidelines were incorporated into the institutional practice guidelines on March 1, 2020.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were GOC completion within 72 hours of admission and during the overall hospitalization. Patient and clinical factors associated with GOC completion were assessed. Other palliative care processes measured included palliative care consultation, prior advance care planning document, and do-not-resuscitate code status. Additional end-of-life processes (ie, comfort care and inpatient hospice) were measured in a subset with inpatient mortality.

Results

Of 674 patients meeting the review criteria, 486 (72.1%) met at least 1 definition of serious illness (mean [SD] age, 60.9 [21.3] years; mean [SD] Injury Severity Score, 16.9 [12.3]). Of these patients, 328 (67.5%) were male and 266 (54.7%) were White. Among the seriously ill patients, 92 (18.9%) had evidence of GOC completion within 72 hours of admission and 124 (25.5%) during the overall hospitalization. No differences were observed between patients admitted before and after institutional guideline publication in GOC completion within 72 hours (19.0% [47 of 248 patients] vs 18.9% [45 of 238]; P = .99) or during the overall hospitalization (26.2% [65 of 248 patients] vs 24.8% [59 of 238]; P = .72). After adjusting for age, GOC completion was found to be associated with the presence of mechanical ventilation (odds ratio [OR], 6.42; 95% CI, 3.49-11.81) and meeting multiple serious illness criteria (OR, 4.07; 95% CI, 2.25-7.38).

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this cohort study suggest that, despite the presence of national guidelines, GOC discussions for patients with serious illness were documented infrequently. This study suggests a need for system-level interventions to ensure best practices and may inform strategies to measure and improve trauma service quality in palliative care.