bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Listen to What the Body Says: Reading Unnatural Narratives in Light of Readers’ Affective Responses
Authors: Kang Mengni
Published: October 2022

In terms of making sense of unnatural narratives, there has been an ongoing debate between the unnatural approach and the cognitive approach—the former captures the distinct qualities of unnatural texts, and the latter examines how linguistic and narrative constructs express human concerns. This study adds an affective dimension to the discussion on combining these two perspectives on narrative and proposes to base the interpretive move on readers’ affective responses. It stresses the heterogeneity of the affective dimension and argues for the necessity of distinguishing between affect and emotion. On the correlation between the affective dimension and interpretive activities, two paths are suggested: the elicitation of affect signposts unnatural readings and the evocation of emotion points to cognitive readings. The essay also applies the proposed approach to reading two affectively distinct unnatural works—Italo Calvino’s If on a Winter’s Night a Traveller and Paul Auster’s Timbuktu.
Mapeamento cruzado das intervenções aplicadas ao diagnóstico de enfermagem: risco de hipotermia perioperatória
Authors: Fiorin Bruno Henrique , Matos Oliveira Tiffani , Leal Aranha Alcy , Bolsoni Lopes Andressa
Published: October 2022

Objetivo: Mapear e validar as intervenções/atividades aplicadas ao paciente com diagnóstico de enfermagem de risco de hipotermia perioperatória. Método: Trata-se de estudo metodológico, com foco na construção e na validação de atividades/intervenções de enfermagem específicas para o diagnóstico de risco de hipotermia perioperatória da NANDA-I, realizado de agosto de 2020 a setembro de 2021. O processo envolveu três etapas: levantamento das atividades na literatura, mapeamento cruzado com as intervenções/atividades da Classificação das intervenções de enfermagem (NIC) e validação por especialistas, considerando válidos os itens com índice de validade de conteúdo>0,79. Resultados: Na revisão de literatura, foram elencados 12 artigos, que geraram 57 atividades, agrupadas em métodos ativos e passivos de aquecimento, além de medidas de monitoramento; em relação às intervenções de enfermagem, na NIC, foram mapeadas 3 intervenções, englobando 96 atividades. Por meio do mapeamento cruzado, foi possível construir 17 atividades de enfermagem a serem propostas para o perioperatório, sendo 15 validadas pelos 8 especialistas. Conclusão: Foram mapeadas e validadas 15 intervenções/atividades advindas do diagnóstico risco de hipotermia para serem desenvolvidas no período perioperatório, a fim de favorecer a qualidade assistencial.
Clinical Correlation between Cervical Cancer Screening Using Pap Smear Test
Authors: Shaheen Zubaida , Ullah Muhammad Sami , Imran Sajida , Akram Nabila , Alorini Mohammed , Sarwar Urwa
Published: October 2022

Objective: The study's objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Pap smear screening procedure for identifying precancerous lesions. Study Design: Prospective study Place and Duration: Department of Pathology, Nishtar Medical University Multan, From 1st October, 2021 to 31 March, 2022. Methods: There were 162 females had age 18-50 years were presented in this study. All of the women were given a complete physical examination, including a speculum exam and a vaginal exam, and their medical histories were recorded. Women's cervical cancer screenings often involved a Pap smear. Using an Ayre spatula, a smear was collected and spread over a labelled glass slide before being stored in 95% ethyl alcohol and delivered to the Pathology Department for cytopathological testing. SPSS 24.0 was used to analyze all data. Results: Among 162 females, 45 (27.8%) had age 18-30 years, 73 (45.1%) were aged between 31-40 years and 44 (27.2%) patients had 41-50 years. Mean BMI of the females was 22.4 ±6.52 kg/m2. Frequency of smokers was 4 (2.5%). Most common complaint was vaginal discharge, followed by irregular menstrual cycle and abdominal pain. We found that 63 (32.7%) cases had no pathology, frequency of inflammatory was 49 (30.2%) cases, atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASUS) was 28 (17.3%), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSILs) was 8 (4.9%) and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs) was 5 (3.1%). As per HPV, low risk and high risk virus was found in 11 (6.8%) cases. Conclusion: The Pap smear is an easy, quick, and inexpensive way to check for cervical epithelial precancerous abnormalities. It has the potential to be employed as a routine screening tool, leading to better treatment outcomes and lower death rates. Increased detection of these lesions is facilitated by the Pap test and the HPV-PCR test. Keywords: Cervical Cancer, Pap smear Test, HPV, Pathology
Prevalence of Dental Caries Among Smoking and Smokeless Tobacco Users Attending A Dental Hospital
Authors: Shahid Farah , Zaheer Sadi , Chema Ahmed Mukhtar , Khattak Osama , Afzal Muhammad , Ali Waqar
Published: October 2022

Objective: To determine the prevalence of dental caries among smoking and smokeless tobacco users attending a dental hospital. Study design: Randomized Controlled Trial. Study Setting: The study was conducted at Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Akhtar Saeed Medical & Dental College, Lahore from November 2021 to April 2022. Methods: Patients were instructed to brush their teeth and gargle with water before their examinations, after which a cotton swab was used to dry the teeth and note any instances of dental caries. We utilised an index called DMFT, where D stands for decaying teeth, M for missing teeth, F for filled teeth, and T for tooth health Results: There were 42 chewers and 42 non-chewers in the age between 20 – 60 yrs. Subjects of same age groups were selected in both the groups. 73.8% of the study subjects in both the groups were males and the remaining 26.2% were females. Results shows the distribution of the study subjects according to DMFS scores. Among the chewers, 38.1% of study subjects were caries free (DMFS = 0) and 61.9% were caries affected (DMFS = 1 or more). In the non-chewers group, 9.5% were caries free and 90.5% were caries affected. Conclusion: A greater incidence of dental caries has been linked to tobacco use. Those who smoked cigarettes had a higher DMFT score. They also had a higher caries index, which is an indicator of poor oral hygiene. Keywords: Prevalence, Dental Caries, Smokeless Tobacco Users
Association of Hand Grip Strength with BMI in Cardiovascular Disease Patients
Authors: Gulzar Khushboo , Waheed Hamna , Islam Farooq , Raza Asim
Published: October 2022

Background: The strength of one's grip is a good determining factor of their overall muscularity. Grip strength can be utilized in a variety of circumstances to assess and monitor a variety of health-related conditions. Objective: To evaluate the association of hand grip strength with BMI in cardiovascular disease patients. Methodology: An analytical cross sectional study was done on a population basis. A total of 256 patients of cardiovascular diseases were included in this study. Data were collected through purposive sampling technique. A proforma used to get demographic data including name, age, height, weight and occupation. Their BMI was also calculated. Hand grip strength was measured through handheld dynamometer of both hands. Three trials were performed by the patients from both hands. Results: Out of 256 total participants, 133 (52%) were males and 123 (48%) were females. Their mean age was 51.12 (SD = 12.513) and mean BMI was 26.533 (SD = 5.1012). Hand grip strength (HGS) and body mass index (BMI) had a negative and statistically significant association, for dominant hand (pearson’s r = -0.309, p = 0) and for non-dominant hand (pearson’s r = -0.308, p = 0). Mean hand grip strength of dominant hand was 24.677 (SD = 9.0567) and of non-dminant hand was 21.861 (SD = 8.8035). Age and duration of diseases also had a negative and statistically significant association with the hand grip strength of both hands of the patients with p value 0. Conclusion: It was concluded that the BMI had a great impact on HGS. Presence of CVD and the duration of this disease also affect HGS. With increasing age and obesity hand grip strength decreases. Keywords: Body mass index, Hand grip strength, Cardiovascular diseases.
Pak-Afghan Border: A Case Study of Border Management
Authors: Amina Khan
Published: October 2022

The controversy surrounding the Pak-Afghan border and its mismanagement continues to be one of the most contentious bilateral issues between Pakistan and Afghanistan. In the recent past, relations between the two neighbours have reached their lowest following a number of clashes along the Pak-Afghan border, which have led to fatalities on both sides. Although internationally the Durand Line is accepted as a recognised border, yet all successive Afghan regimes, including the Taliban have rejected the legality of the border. Since 2012-13, there has been a steady rise in cross-border movement, cross-border attacks and militancy, which has sparked a debate in Pakistan to advocate for effective management and regulation of the Pak-Afghan border. However, all border initiatives proposed by Pakistan have been rejected by Afghanistan. There appears to be a contradiction in the Afghan position. On the one hand, Afghan authorities claim that the Durand Line divides families living on both sides of the border, yet at the same time they continue to accuse Pakistan of interference, supporting the Afghan Taliban, cross-border terrorism, considering Afghanistan its ‘backyard,’ and ‘fifth province.’ The Afghans allege that Pakistan does not respect Afghanistan’s sovereignty. Ironically, whenever Pakistan has raised the issue of border recognition, management or regulation, there has been stern opposition from Afghanistan. Therefore, it is essential that Pakistan and Afghanistan find a mechanism to manage, stabilise and control the unregulated border. This requires an effective border control regime that transforms this historically contentious border into a conduit for cooperation rather than confrontation. This paper focuses on the reasons that have made the Pak-Afghan border so contentious, the steps Pakistan is taking to secure this border, and reasons for Afghan opposition.  The paper also suggests a way forward.
Pakistan-China Relations: Developments in Economic and Security Areas in the 21st Century
Authors: Minhas Majeed Khan and Mirwais Kasi
Published: October 2022

Considering new trends in global politics, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan appreciates the peaceful rise of the Peoples Republic of China. The well-established Pak-China camaraderie entered the 21st century with the new hopes of exploring innovative economic opportunities. The paper examines this relationship based on the interest of both the countries to be vigilant of the emerging regional and global scenario and to come up with appropriate economic and security strategy to meet their common challenges. The prospects of Pak-China relations reveal its significant impact on the global politics in future. This article spotlights the adjustments and the new areas of cooperation, which China and Pakistan explored in their relations. Keeping in mind the belligerent neighbour of Pakistan i.e., India and China’s relationship with India and the US, from the perspective of neorealist school of thought this paper explores the nature of bilateral partnership in the anarchic order of the 21st century and two-pronged promising approach of Pakistan and China. It also seeks to understand whether coordination between the two countries to assure their economic prosperity and security in the 21st century will help in achieving their national interest or not.
Changing Geopolitical Dynamics in Central Asia: Causes and Effects
Authors: Sarwat Rauf
Published: October 2022

This study attempts to identify geopolitical competition and capacities of the US, Russia and China in Central Asia. The aim of this research is to assess whether the engagement of great powers in Central Asia is identical to the old Great Game. An interesting tug-of-war has been going on, in which the Central Asian Republics (CARs) are offering space to their patrons. The great powers have promised to promote stability in this region as deteriorating security in adjacent Afghanistan could have a domino effect on the regional and global security. Central Asia, after 25 years of independence, is still seeking partners to improve its security. The great powers are aware of the geopolitical and geo-economic importance of this region and focusing on fostering ties with the CARs by promoting regionalism. This paper seeks to offer an overview of the new emerging regional dynamics in Central Asia and dealing of the CARs (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan) with the great powers.
String of Pearls and China’s Emerging Strategic Culture
Authors: Junaid Ashraf
Published: October 2022

This research paper focuses on the strategic culture of China in the 21st century and establishes a link with the Chinese 'String of Pearls' strategy. The article explores the relevant literature and develops an empirical premise that China’s contemporary strategic culture is still defensive, in line with it past practices. However, after the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Beijing’s strategic culture is more focused on its defence preparedness as 'String of Pearls' is aimed at establishing the maritime Silk Road along the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The paper also briefly discusses China’s importance on developing partnerships and economic relations with different regions like Asia, the Middle East, Europe and America to show its peaceful rise and defensive strategic culture.
Representações sociais acerca da frequência de atendimentos de mulheres usuárias de crack
Authors: Ventura Jeferson , Perim Laura , Corrêa Leandro , Scarton Juliane , Gomes Giovana , Brum Aline
Published: October 2022

As gestantes usuárias de crack necessitam de apoio social com um olhar diferenciado e compreensivo, para que consigam enfrentar o medo e a inabilidade frente à problemática, sendo que os profissionais precisam dar-lhes suporte. Objetivo conhecer as representações sociais acerca da frequência de atendimentos de mulheres usuárias de crack nos setores. Metodologia: Pesquisa qualitativa. Usou como referencial teórico a Teoria das Representações Sociais. Participam 14 enfermeiras que atuavam na maternidade e centro obstétrico. Os dados foram coletados em 2018 por entrevistas semiestruturadas e analisados pela técnica do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Resultados: A equipe percebe que o número de mulheres que fazem uso do crack durante a gestação vem aumentando. A frequência de atendimento dessas mulheres na maternidade e centro obstétrico é semanal. O número de mulheres usuárias de crack atendidas nos setores é grande e frequente. Conclusão: Percebeu que esse número vem aumentando. A frequência de atendimentos dessas mulheres é semanal. O número de mulheres usuárias de crack atendidas nos setores é grande e frequente.
Gestión de casos para personas con accidente cerebrovascular: estudio cuasi experimental
Authors: Bahls de Souza Pollyanna , de Fátima Mantovani Maria , Maris Peres Aida , Silva Marcon Sonia , Bittencourt Madureira Alexandra , Gryczak Gevert Vania
Published: October 2022

Objetivo: comparar el efecto de la intervención de la enfermera gestora de casos sobre los factores de riesgo y la presión arterial en personas que han sufrido un accidente cerebrovascular.

Método: estudio cuasi experimental realizado a lo largo de seis meses con 14 pacientes post ictus en el sur de Brasil. La intervención con gestión de casos consistió en consultas de enfermería, acciones educativas individualizadas y derivaciones a otros profesionales, operativas en tres visitas domiciliarias y seis contactos telefónicos. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó la estadística descriptiva y la prueba de Fisher, con un nivel de significación de p≤0,05.

Resultados: se observó una reducción del consumo de tabaco (p=0,0414), de la ingesta de bebidas alcohólicas (p=0), del consumo de sodio (p=0,0024), de la gordura (p=0,0027), de los carbohidratos (p=0,0203) y del azúcar (p=0,0111), un aumento de la práctica de la actividad física (p=0,0382) y una reducción no significativa de los niveles de presión.

Conclusión: El manejo de casos, conducido por el enfermero, es una estrategia válida para acompañar a las personas en la recuperación de la acidez vascular cerebral.
Nanotoxicology: An Integrative Environmental Challenge
Authors: Hassan Dastan Salim , Hasary Hemin Jumaa
Published: October 2022

A contemporary and expanding area of toxicology research is nanotoxicology. It focuses on evaluating the toxicological characteristics of nanoparticles (NPs) in order to determine whether and how much of a risk they pose to society or the environment. Fundamental characteristics of nanoparticles (consisting of shape, size, surface charge, surface area, solubility/dissolution, coating, and crystal structure), in addition to coincidental aspects (like climate, pH, salinity, ionic potency, and organic material), generally impact NP attitude, circumstance, and movement, and basically toxicity. The processes underpinning nanomaterials' (NMs) toxicity have recently been intensively researched. One such mechanism is the toxicity of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Excessive production of ROS causes oxidative stress, which causes cells to lose their capacity to sustain normal redox-regulated processes. This review consists of details referring to the physical and chemical characteristics of nanomaterials and their properties for convenient toxicological assessment, disclosure, and coincidental transport, fate, and genotoxic effects.
Expressief individualisme en religie
Authors: Zondag Hessel
Published: October 2022

This article reports on a study of the relation between expressive individualism and religiosity. Data were collected among participants of Internet forums about New Age and Christian Religiosity (N=422). By way of factor analyses four dimensions of expressive individualism were distinguished: autonomy, to set oneself apart from others, self-development and expression of emotions. The relationship between expressive individualism and religion turns out to be ambivalent and is negatively dominated by autonomy. After removing the effect of autonomy, two patterns are still visible, both characterized by a positive connection to religiosity. To distinguish oneself from others is connected to a more traditional and institutional religiosity, and self-development more to private religiosity. The explanation of this (hidden) longing for religion is sought in the pressure resulting from an expressive individualistic way of life. Some suggestions for further research are given at the end of the article.
Religie als instrument voor ontwikkelingssamenwerking
Authors: Renkema David
Published: October 2022

Development cooperation engages with people for whom religious identity is very significant. However, it is not the remit of development policy to be immediately concerned with the truth content of theological concepts such as an afterlife, God, paradise or spirits. What matters is that most people in developing countries have strong religious convictions, and that development cooperation takes appropriate account of them. In this context religious resources (spiritual experiences, religious ideas, religious movements and religious practices) can be a useful instrument in strifing for sustainable development. In order to tap religious resources, development organisations need some skills, such as: • Religious empathy • Contextal knowledge of the religious map and the religious resources • Awareness of one’s own ideological and religious identity. Besides this functional rationality, there is such a thing as substantial rationality. In debates where religious leaders engage in criticism of the development model, they tend to express a range of different visions for the ideal society, for the relationship between humans and the natural world, and on ultimate questions about good and evil. Development cooperation has to deal with differences.
A Meta-analysis of the Literature on Mobile Assisted Language Learning in Response to COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almudibry Khaled
Published: October 2022

This study attempts a meta-analysis of research conducted in Saudi Arabia on Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL) related to the teaching and learning of English language in response to COVID-19 that led to the lockdown of education institutions. In this connection, a comprehensive search on Google Chrome and Google Scholar was conducted to collect data to answer the research questions and thus achieves its objectives. Fifty research articles and PhD dissertations were identified, but only seven of them met two selection criteria used in this study: the study should be conducted during or after COVID-19; and it should focus on mobile applications per se. These criteria excluded forty-two articles and PhD dissertations from selection. The studies that were not selected for meta-analysis were either review research articles or data-driven research articles that did not center upon specific mobile applications as in the case of articles that simply focused on “pronunciation applications” without naming one such application. The studies selected for meta-analysis used qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods to collect their respective data. Positive results emerged from all the studies regarding the use of mobile applications in EFL learning in the Saudi context. This conclusion is equally true for motivation, perception and attitude studies. The results fell roughly into three major categories: the use of mobile applications in informal learning, learners’ motivation, perceptions and attitudes towards mobile phone applications as learning platforms, and the effect of mobile applications on learning style.
Cultural Relativism and Ethnocentrism as Two Alternative Principles of Сross-cultural Communication
Authors: Yuliya Boyko , Oksana Sierhieieva , Yulia Kupchyshyna , Olena Matsiuk , Denys Dmytroshkin
Published: October 2022

Globalization and integration processes in the modern world are developing very dynamically, which leads to the actualization of cross-cultural communication. Cultural relativism and ethnocentrism are the two fundamental principles that ensure the effective interaction of cultures. These two principles fully encompass both the material-rationalistic and the moral-spiritual components that shape the dialogue of cultures. Scientific exploration aims to develop theoretical-methodological and practically oriented guidelines, which will determine the positioning of the principles of cross-cultural communication and allow more effective use of their potential. The key tasks of the modern humanitarian-scientific discourse in the cultural dimension are the reorientation of all existing ideas, principles, and concepts of the synergetic model of development. The methodological arsenal capable of achieving the results of positioning ethnocentrism and cultural relativism in the processes of cross-cultural dialogue is divided into general scientific (analysis, classification, structurization), culturological (communicative linguistics methodology, semiotic), and philosophical (dialect). Prospective directions of research on cultural relativism and ethnocentrism are the search for balances in the use of these principles in the dialogue of cultures. So, in the course of the research, we distinguish the following models of the interrelation of principles of cross-cultural communication: conceptual-synergetic (relativism and ethnocentrism), procedural-dichotomous (relativism vs ethnocentrism), cultural-historical (from ethnocentrism to relativism). The modern interpretation of ethnocentrism and cultural relativism as principles of organization of cross-cultural communication should meet the requirements of the time, namely: dynamism, universality, pragmatism, identity, and efficiency.
Challenges University Students Faced in Their Online Paragraph Writing
Authors: Al-Sobh Mahmoud Ali
Published: October 2022

The study aimed to explore the challenges that faced Ajloun National University EFL students through their online paragraph writing course using Microsoft Teams. 40 second-year EFL students participated in the study. They completed a 10-item questionnaire at the end of an online paragraph writing course. Means and standard deviation for the type and number of challenges were calculated. The Independent Sample t- Test was applied. The results showed that they faced five challenges: inability to focus, lack of interaction, problems getting knowledge, cooperating with classmates, and placing distractions. Based on the results of the study some recommendations for teaching and learning online paragraph writing were suggested.
Exploring Learner Autonomy: Secondary School EFL Teachers’ Beliefs and Practices in the Saudi Context
Authors: Alrashidi Oqab
Published: October 2022

Learner autonomy is considered one of the fundamental factors leading to success in foreign language learning. This research study explored 76 Saudi secondary school EFL teachers’ beliefs and reported practices of learner autonomy. The English Language Teachers’ Beliefs about Learner Autonomy Questionnaire (Borg & Al-Busaidi, 2012a) was employed as the data collection tool. The results indicated that the teachers had positive perceptions of various features of learner autonomy. The findings also showed that while most teachers positively desired to implement learner autonomy principles in their teaching, they were less optimistic about the feasibility of developing these principles in practice. In addition, most of the teachers indicated that they offered their students opportunities to promote learner autonomy. However, the majority of the teachers did not view their students as autonomous. They identified four main factors that contributed to their perceptions of a lack of learner autonomy in their students: lack of motivation, students’ low proficiency in English, students’ overdependence on their teachers, and limited time allocated for teaching the syllabus.
Minat Musik Dangdut Koplo dan Kemampuan Interaksi Sosial Anak Desa Sendangcoyo RT 02 RW 02 Kecamatan Lasem Kabupaten Rembang
Authors: Prasetyo Prasetyo , S Tritjahjo Danny , Windrawanto Yustinus
Published: October 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menngetahui minat mendengarkan musik dangut koplo kemampuan interksi anak di Desa Sendangcoyo, Kecamatan Lasem, Kabupaten Rembang. Adapun alasan penulis dalam memilih metode ini adalah penulis ingin memaparkan, menjelaskan dan menguraikan data-data yang terkumpul kemudian disusun secara sistematis dan dianalisis untuk kemudian diambil kesimpulan. Hasil analisis anak usia 7-10 tahun terhadap minat music dangdut koplo yaitu Anak anak mengetahui musik dangdut merupakan musik khas Indonesia. Anak anak sejak kecil sudah mendengar musik dangdut melalui media seperti HP, TV, Sound, Youtube. Anak anak  mendengarkan musik dangdut di rumah, di acara desa atau di hajatan. musik dangdut membuat semangat dan ingin berjoget, iramanya membuat gembira. Merujuk pada hasil wawancara  topik minat mendengarkan musik dangdut koplo diperoleh gambaran kelima responden anak usia 7-10 tahun Desa Sendangcoyo mulai mendengar dan menyukai musik dangdut dari kecil. Anak-anak menyukai musik dangdut karena iramanya yang membuat gembira dan berjoget. Hal ini berkaitan dengan perasaan anak-anak ketika mendengar music dangdut koplo. Dari hasil enelitian dapat disimpulkan Minat mendengarkan musik anak Desa Sendangcoyo ini karena pengaruh dari keluarga, lingkungan sekitarnya dan mereka mencari cara untuk mendengarkan musik dangdut dengan melakukan pemutaran lagu melalui media yang mereka miliki atau mengunjungi tempat adanya musik dangdut.
Process optimization and GC analysis of Pathadisura, a fermented ayurvedic product used in Shwas Vyadhi [Bronchial asthma]
Authors: Pawar Madhuri , Khadtar Nilkanth
Published: October 2022

Pathadi sura [PS] is an ayurvedic fermented formulation, prescribed for respiratory disorders. It contains Suramanda [prepared from Shali shastika tandula and Guda] and herbal drugs [Patha Murva, Rasna, Saral, Devdaru]. Compositions and therapeutic effect of PS are stated in ayurvedic classical text; however the scientific preparation method and quality parameters of PS are not documented yet. Present study is aimed to develop and validate the preparation method of PS and to generate quality standards for the formulation. Preparation of Sura and PS was done as per standard protocols of ayurvedic pharmaceutics blended with modern techniques. All herbal drugs, Sura and PS were tested with standard analytical methods. Obtained values for herbal drugs were within limits as per API standards which signify quality and purity of plant materials. Analytical profile of Sura provides quality standards and qualitative - quantitative estimation of alcohols and acids. Three batch samples of Sura and PS have shown identical values. Thus, it is concluded that the method of preparation of PS is developed and validated by using standard methods of analysis. The results obtain through this study can be used by the researchers to plan further research work on Pathadi Sura.
Ayurveda interventions in the management of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – A Review
Authors: Pathak Vijay , Mahapatra Arun , S Rajagopala
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is a heterogeneous group of inherited disorders caused due to mutation in the gene for the protein dystrophin, located on the short arm of the X chromosome in the Xp21 region. It is characterized by proximal muscle weakness, calf hypertrophy, frequently developing contractures, and loss of walking by the 2nd decade. Patients are predisposed to severe, fatal pulmonary infections and lose their lives due to dysfunction of muscles involving the respiratory system. The incidence is 1 in 5000 live boys.
Objective: To review existing human case reports and clinical trials for treating Duchenne muscular dystrophy through the Panchakarma interventions.
Design: The literature research comprised an electronic database from January 2000 to April 2021. The study included MEDLINE, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Google scholar, Ayush research portal and DHARA database. Search terms were used “Duchenne muscular dystrophy”, “Ayurveda”, “Panchakarma”, “DMD” No limits were used. The search strategy was adapted for each database as necessary. Only trials on humans were included in the patient review. The study applied inclusion criteria while screening the records.
Intervention: Treatment with any regimen of “Panchakarma”.
Outcome measures: Number and results of studies identified in the review.
Results: Seventeen articles were screened; Eight human trials met inclusion criteria. Ayurvedic Panchakarma based procedures effectively relieve the signs and symptoms and reduce the CPK level in children with DMD. There are only few studies published in Ayurveda in the management of DMD. The Conventional System of medicine and Ayurveda System of medicine are at the same level in the case of DMD for therapeutic purposes as there is no permanent cure for this disease in both systems. A combined approach should be made to manage this disease with the conventional method of medicine and Ayurveda. The integrative approach could open new hope for patients of DMD, and it is a need of time.
Traditional Food for Dermal Health- A Review
Authors: S Nanma , Nateshan Pravith , Soman Devipriya
Published: October 2022

Ayurveda, Indian system of medicine aims to revitalize and preserve the health of the healthy and alleviate the disease of the sick. Proper lifestyle and diet play a major role in the prevention and curative aspect of ailments. Diet in its simplest form can be described as the food consumed. A diet can be compatible or incompatible to the human body depending on the various factors such as time, weather, topography, domicile, digestive power of an individual. In ayurveda this compatible diet is termed as pathya ahara and incompatible diet is termed as apathya ahara. In the present scenario, current life style and food habits such as incompatible diet and irregular timings contribute to various ailments. Skin is the most exposed organ and thereby more prone to pathological changes. Present research works and published papers are observed to be focused on diseases and medications and their curative effects. There is lackadaisical approach on the part to control and alleviate diseased conditions through a strict pathya apathya (wholesome and unwholesome) rather than outright administration of medicine. The present review highlights the same. In Ayurveda, skin disease occurs mostly due to the kapha pitta (humors) and rasa- rakta dushti (vitiated rasa, rakta body constituents). This review enlists certain diets that cause rakta prasadana (nourishing rakta) and pacify kapha pitta dosha. Unlike other diseases, skin disease is anushangi (long term) and recidivistic in nature. Treatment along with life style modifications with pathya and apathya can only completely target the skin disease. Therefore, present review aims to focus on the importance of diet in dermal health. In this study, Ayurveda classics were reviewed in terms of various aspects of pathya and apathya in major skin diseases like kushta, visarpa shwitra etc. The electronic databases Google Scholar and PubMed were searched for relevant contemporary literature. In this article mostly mentioned food articles are richest source of vitamin C. Vitamin C is the most important vitamin for upkeep of a healthy skin, as it helps to prevent skin pigmentation and damage caused by UV light exposure, it also helps to reduce visible signs of aging such as wrinkling of skin. Also most compatible food mentioned in the article are sheeta veerya(cold in potency), which reduces deranged pitta and having madhura rasa (sweet )which can pacify pitta dosha. Some specific types of viruddha (incompatible) mentioned here plays an key role in imparting tissue level damage. Thus, this review covers various aspects of dermal health in terms of diet. In fact there are effective dietary modifications in Ayurveda through which fast recovery and prevention can be ensured in the spectrum of skin manifestations.
Does dietary intake of acrylamide affect hydroxyproline levels? An animal study
Authors: Agbektas Tugba , Pazarci Ozhan , Tas Ayca , Cakmak Nese , Kilinc Seyran , Silig Yavuz
Published: October 2022

Acrylamide is a chemical that occurs due to high temperatures during cooking. It consists of an amino acid found in foods and sugars. Studies have shown that cancer formation occurs within the scope of oxidant reagents and DNA damage due to exposure to acrylamide. Our study aims to examine the effects of dietary acrylamide intake on plasma hydroxyproline levels in rats. In this study, 4 groups were formed with 8 rats in each group (total number=32). Blood samples were collected on days 14 and 28. Acrylamide solution was applied to each rat in the treatment group by gastric gavage process at 5 mg/kg three times a week. Hydroxyproline levels in rats’ plasma samples were measured. The median (IQR) hydroxyproline levels were 7.40(2.45) µg/L in group 1 (14. days control group) and 7.98(3.34) µg/L in group 2 (14. days acrylamide applied) who received acrylamide. The mean hydroxyproline levels were 7.25(1.96) µg/L in group 3 (28. days control group) and 9.76(2.64) µg/L in group 4 (28. days acrylamide applied) who received acrylamide. No difference was observed between the groups. Dietary acrylamide intake did not have a significant effect on hydroxyproline levels at the application dose and duration in our study.
Evaluation of smoking behaviour according to gender, symptoms and diagnoses at a pulmonology outpatient visit
Authors: Eroglu Selma , Sonkaya Esin
Published: October 2022

Smoking during the hours prior to an examination in a pulmonology outpatient clinic may provide valuable information regarding patients’ smoking behaviour. The objective of our study was to examine the association of gender, symptoms, and current diagnoses with active smoking status and smoking on the day of outpatient visits. This was a retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study. A total of 1863 patients were included. Symptoms, diagnoses, smoking history, and the last smoking time prior to the outpatient clinic visit were recorded. Males were more likely to be active or ex-smokers, while females were more likely to be non-smokers (p<0.001, for all). The rate of continued smoking was higher in younger patients (p<0.001), patients with chest/back pain (p=0.003), and in women (p<0.001), whereas smoking cessation was more common in COPD (p<0.001) and bronchiectasis patients (p=0.002), sputum producing patients (p=0.02), and men (p<0.001). A total of 66.9 % (n=420) of the active smoking group smoked on the day of the outpatient clinic visit. The median value of the smoking duration before the examination was 60 minutes (64.5%, n=271) on the day of the outpatient clinic visit. Smoking behaviour was significantly more common within the last 24 hours (p<0.001) and on the day of the clinic visit among female smokers (p<0.001). Patients with COPD, bronchiectasis, or sputum production were significantly less likely to smoke on the day of outpatient visit (p<0.001, p=0.05, and p=0.004, respectively), while younger patients, asthmatic patients, and those with chest/back pain were significantly more likely to smoke on outpatient visit day (p<0.001, p=0.02, p<0.001, respectively). Thus, female gender and pain emerged as the most important determinants of smoking behaviour on the outpatient visit day. The success of anti-smoking campaigns may be positively impacted by paying more attention to gender differences, specific patient groups, and appropriate management of existing symptoms.
Pleural empyema management: The impact of Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery
Authors: Hekimoglu Baris , Beyoglu Muhammet
Published: October 2022

In recent years, Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) has caused many changes in thoracic surgery practice. This study aimed to analyze the results of early VATS surgery in patients with empyema. Thirty-two cases of empyema who underwent VATS drainage, debridement, pleural pouch jointing, and partial decortication between November 2018 and June 2022 were included in the study retrospectively. The cases were examined for demographic information, the duration of symptoms, the stages of empyema, treatment outcomes, and complications. Twenty-three (79.9%) cases were male, 9 (28.1%) were female, and the mean age was 46.4±19.9. Preoperative symptom duration was 2.68±1.46 weeks. 28 (87.5%) cases were in stage 2 and 4 (12.5%) cases were in stage 3 empyema. A single incision VATS was performed in 23 (71.9%) cases, and double incision VATS was performed in 9 (28.1%) cases. Postoperative hospital stay was 12.1±3.3 days. Acceptable symptomatic and radiological improvement was observed in 28 (87.5%) cases after VATS. Pleural decortication with thoracotomy was used in four (12.5%) cases of stage 3 empyema. In cases of stage 2 empyema, which occurs within the first four weeks of the onset of symptoms, the VATS procedure with drainage, debridement, pouch jointing, and partial decortication provides curative results. We recommend evaluating VATS as the first-line therapy in treating early-stage empyema.
Comparative study of frontal QRS-T angle and inflammatory parameters in obsessive compulsive disorder patients and healthy control group
Authors: Abus Sabri , Kapici Yasar , Ayhan Selcuk , Guc Bulut , Tekin Atilla
Published: October 2022

It is argued that the average life expectancy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) decreases. However, data on the reasons for this are limited. This study compared sociodemographic characteristics, electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters, and laboratory values of 56 patients diagnosed with OCD with 60 healthy controls. We aimed to interpret the risk of cardiovascular disease in OCD through ECG parameters. OCD patients and the control group did not differ statistically in age or gender (p=0.689 and p=0.756, accordingly). Patient's with OCD have significantly longer corrected QT interval (QTc) (p=0.001). In comparison to the control group, OCD patients had statistically greater frontal QRS-T angle (fQRS-T) (p=0.044). The levels of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), pan immune inflammation value (PIV), and systemic immune inflammation index (SII) were elevated significantly in OCD patients (p=0.001, p=0.002, and p=0.009, respectively). The monocytes to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (MHR) and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) values of OCD patients were significantly greater than those of the control group (p<0.001 and p=0.006). Based on the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis, MHR had the highest area under curve (AUC) value (AUC=0.699, p<0.001, cut-off=0.0097). It was determined that a 0.0097 increase in MHR value could be used in diagnosing OCD with 66% sensitivity and 71% specificity. According to the results of our study, cardiovascular mortality can be predicted by measuring fQRS-T in the electrocardiogram or AIP and MHR values in laboratory findings in OCD patients, and treatments and recommendations can be made in this regard. Calculating MHR and fQRS-T can also be used in routine practice because it is inexpensive and easy to apply. It seems possible that clinicians can reduce mortality and morbidity in this patient group by examining these parameters more in routine practice.
An epidemiological study on body perception imaging and lifestyle behaviors among adolescents during COVID-19 pandemic in a rural area of West Bengal
Authors: Manna Nirmalya , Reja Abhishek , Das Adwitiya , Das Sudipta , Das Debasis
Published: October 2022

Background: Adolescence is the intermediary linking phase from childhood to adulthood. Physical, sexual, psychological and social developmental changes during this period. Adolescence is a period of increased awareness of bodily cues and self-reflection, including evaluation of one’s own body and appearance. Body misconception and body dissatisfaction, two very important potential causative factors of bad nutritional status of adolescents, have not been adequately investigated in rural India.

Aims and Objectives: The present study on adolescents was conducted to assess the lifestyle factors and degree of dissatisfaction and misconception of their body.

Materials and Methods: An observational, descriptive, and community-based cross-sectional study was conducted by interviewing adolescents residing in the field practice area of the Department of Community Medicine, Medical College, Kolkata, during the months of March–April, 2022. The data were analyzed with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences.

Results: A total of 239 respondents were interviewed (74.1% male and 25.9% female). About 47.3% were early adolescents, 46.4% were middle adolescents, and rest 6.3% were late adolescents. About 56.5% was indulged in some kind of exercise. According to the total adolescent body image satisfaction scale score, 66.5% seemed to be satisfied with their body image. Body image dissatisfaction was associated with participants’ age, gender, socio-economic status, and type of family.

Conclusion: It is evident from the study that girl children, adolescents of the lower socio-economic status group, and middle, and late adolescents are more prone to be dissatisfied with their body image. Hence, they need to be given extra focus for restoration of their mental health.
A rare urachal abscess in a young bull with conservative management
Authors: Abdelhadi Jalal , Shalgum Aiman , Abushhiwa Mohamed
Published: October 2022

ABSTRACT:
Background: The urachus is an embryonic remnant occurring as result of involution of the allantoic duct and the ventral cloaca. This canal becomes progressively obliterated after birth. It uncommonly persist as different variants after birth. Case presentation: One Frisian inbreeding young bull was presented at Al-Etgaan private clinic, Tripoli, Libya, with distended abdomen and clinical signs of chocking, with low grade fever, loss of appetite, frothy mouth, arched back, grinding, with clear distended left flank region with no ruminal movement sound. On the first time of inspection the suspected diagnosis was simple indigestion because of the same clinical sings the bull had. A stomach tube was introduced with little relief had showed on distension, but the animal vitally was in bad shape. Five days later surgical intervention has been done through laboratomy, a big balloon cyst like structure extended ventrolatrally was noted. The structure was located on the floor of the abdominal wall extending from pelvic rim caudally to umbilical region cranially. We deal with situation as it should be. The bull made an uneventful recovery. Conclusion: urachus is an urgent case that it needs instant diagnosis, a good treatment and a good prognosis would expect. Literature on the embryology and anatomic basis of such duct is discussed beside more detailed on the case will addressed in this report.
Influence of genistein and diadizine on regularity of estrous cycle in cyclic female Wistar rat: interaction with estradiol receptors and vascular endothelial growth factor
Authors: Elsayed Doaa , Helmy seham , Dessouki Amina , Nahla Amal , Abdelrazek Heba , Hak Heba
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Background: The study was planned to explain the interactions of isoflavones with estrogen receptors alpha (ERα), beta (ERβ) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expressions in ovarian and uterine tissues during different stages of estrous cycle of regular cyclic female Wistar rats.
Methods: Thirty-two regular cyclic females were divided equally into control group: fed casein-based diet and isoflavones group: fed casein-based diet and gavaged 50 mg/kg/day soy isoflavones extract 40%. Regularity of estrus cycles was monitored. Final body weight (FBW), weight gain (BWG), ovarian and uterine weights were estimated. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry for ERα, ERβ and VEGF in ovarian and uterine tissues were performed.
Results: All females (100 %, n=16) in control group showed regularity in estrous cycle compared to 62.5% (n=10) in isoflavones group. Estrus and diestrus phases revealed prolongation and shortening in isoflavones rats than control, respectively. Non-significant variation was noted in the duration of the whole cycle of both groups. FBW and BWG significantly decreased however, ovarian and uterine weights increased significantly in all estrous phases of isoflavones group than control. Histopathology demonstrated increase in number of follicles/ ovaries besides, hyperplasia and proliferation of luminal epithelium with hydropic degeneration in isoflavones group. Also, uterine connective tissue stroma showed edema in isoflavones group during all estrous phases. Immunostaining percentages of ERα, ERβ and VEGF protein expression significantly elevated in isoflavones group during all estrous phases.
Conclusion: Isoflavones induced irregularity of estrous cycle that encountered by increased and altered ERα, ERβ and VEGF expressions in ovarian and uterine tissues.
The Vietnamese weapons of the 17th century from the collection of the National Museum of Netherlands
Authors: Vetyukov Vladimir A.
Published: October 2022

This article is a first part of an investigation of rare and little-known items from the Oriental weapons collection of Admiral Cornelis Tromp (16291691), which are now on display in Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam). The Dutch investigators claim, that the wooden weapon-rack with the specimens of cold-weapons and firearms, as well as the additional accessories on it, originates from Tonquin (North Vietnam).
The author undertakes research of the collections history and the problems of its attribution. The work indicates the probable path, by which the weapons could be brought to Amsterdam from Vietnam in the 17th century. The questions of the Dutch East India Company activities in Southeast Asia are touched in that aspect.