bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empirical study on factors influence to the export market orientation and its influence on the export performance
Authors: Kumara P. G. P. , Samarakoon S. M. A. K.
Published: June 2023

There are much research on market orientation and performance, although the limited number of researchers examined the Influence of Export market Orientation (EMO) on export performance. The result of these studies shows significant influence although several studies couldn’t find out significant influence on export performance. Many of these studies conducted within developed countries, therefore novel studies need to do within developing countries. This the examined influence of EMO on business performance and factors influence the degree of EMO. The research was conducted using 135 sample firms registered under the Board of Investment (BOI) in Sri Lanka. Multiple regression analyses used to test the proposed model. The study result shows that EMO positively influence on export performance, and export experience, export coordination, and export innovations significantly influence on the degree of EMO. Moreover, the present EMO level of Sri Lanka export companies is at a satisfactory level nonetheless it is important to improve the level of existing degree of EMO within the export firms. Furthermore, Top management of the export companies should advance export coordination, export innovations to increase the degree of export market orientation. They should earn more experience in the export market and relevant activities.
Banff Park
Authors:   Department of Energy, Mines and Resources Canada
Published: June 2023

Contained within the National Parks, 1961 to 1994, Atlas of Canada series, is a map that shows Banff Park. This map is the latest edition of a map first published about 50 years before. The map is non-metric (its unusual scale is 3 miles to the inch, and its
contour lines and spot heights are all in feet). The map focuses on physical aspects of the park, showing elevation data and drainage features in great detail. There is an inset map of the northwest portion of the park.
Efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) in COVID-19 patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fatemi Behzad , Rezaei Soheila , Peikanpour Mohammad , Dastan Farzaneh , Saffaei Ali
Published: June 2023

Background and purpose:

Though controversial, many clinical trials have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) in COVID-19 cases. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis have been performed to evaluate the efficacy of IVIG in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Experimental approach:

A systematic search was performed in electronic databases and preprint servers up to November 20, 2021. Since substantial heterogeneity was expected, a random-effects model was applied to pool effect size from included studies to calculate the standardized mean differences (SMDs) for the continuous variables and relative risks (RRs) for the dichotomous variable with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Findings/Results:

Five randomized clinical trials and seven cohort studies were analyzed among the 12 eligible studies with a total of 2,156 patients. The pooled RR of mortality was 0.77 (CI 0.59-1.01, P-value = 0.06), and of mechanical ventilation was 1.50 (CI 0.29-7.83; P-value = 0.63) in the IVIG group compared with the standard care group. The pooled SMD of hospital length of stay was 0.84 (CI -0.43-2.11; P-value = 0.20) and of ICU length of stay was -0.07 (CI -0.92-0.78; P-value = 0.86) in the IVIG group compared with the standard care group.

Conclusion and implications:

This meta-analysis found that the IVIG therapy was not statistically different from the standard care group. Mortality, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, length of hospital stay, and length of ICU stay were not significantly improved among IVIG recipients. However, statistical indifference is not equal to clinical indifference.
Molecular docking, synthesis, and antibacterial activity of the analogs of 1-allyl-3-benzoylthiourea
Authors: Shalas Alvan F. , Winarsih Sri , Ihsan Bachtiar Rifai Pratita , Kharismawati Aprilia , Firdaus Azatil Ismah , Wiloka Era
Published: June 2023

Background and purpose:

The incidence of antibiotic resistance rapidly emerges over the globe. In the present study, the synthesis of thiourea derivatives as antibacterial agents and their biological evaluation are reported.

Experimental approach:

Preliminary studies were done by molecular docking of four analogs of 1-allyl-3-benzoylthiourea, clorobiocin, and ciprofloxacin on the DNA gyrase subunit B receptor (PDB: 1KZN). The nucleophilic substitution reaction of benzoyl chloride analogs to the allylthiourea yielded four 1-allyl-3-benzoylthiourea analogs (Cpd 1-4). The reactions were done by a modified Schotten Baumann method. The in vitro antimicrobial activities were determined using the agar dilution method against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Findings/Results:

The in-silico study showed that Cpd 1-4 possesses a good interaction on the DNA gyrase subunit B receptor compared to the ciprofloxacin. Cpd 3 had the best binding affinity with a rerank score of - 91.2304. Although the candidate compounds showed unsatisfactory antibacterial activity, they indicated an increasing trend of growth inhibition along with the increment of concentration. Cpd 1 and 4 exhibited in vitro antibacterial activities against MRSA with a minimum inhibitory concentration value of 1000 µg/mL, better compared to the other compounds.

Conclusion and implication:

Despite lacking antibacterial activity, all the synthesized compounds showed an increased trend of growth inhibition along with the increment of concentration. Therefore, additional development should be implemented to the compounds of interest in which optimization of lipophilicity and steric properties are suggested.
The effects of Astragalus polysaccharides, tragacanthin, and bassorin on methotrexate-resistant acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Samii Bahareh , Jafarian Abbas , Rabbani Mohamad , Zolfaghari Behzad , Rahgozar Soheila , Pouraboutaleb Elnaz
Published: June 2023

Background and purpose:

One strategy to overcome methotrexate (MTX) resistance in acute lymphoblastic leukemia is suppressing MDR1 expression. It has been proved Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) exert their anticancer effect by reversing drug resistance. Due to the structural similarity of tragacanthin and bassorin with APS, we aimed to investigate the effects of the aforementioned polysaccharides on the expression of the MDR1 gene in the MTX-treated CCRF-CEM cells.

Experimental approach:

Cytotoxicity of APS, bassorin, and tragacanthin on CCRF-CEM, CCRF-CEM/MTX (cells treated with MTX at IC50), and CCRF-CEM/R cells (CCRF-CEM cells resistant to MTX) was evaluated by MTT assay. The effect of all three compounds on MDR1 expression was evaluated using RT-PCR.

Findings/Results:

All the concentrations of tragacanthin, bassorin, and APS (except at 0.8-100 μg/mL in CCRF-CEM) decreased the viability of all the cells compared to the negative control group; and against the positive control (MTX-treated cells), only bassorin at 20-100 μg/mL in CCRF-CEM/R and tragacanthin at 50 and 100 μg/mL in CCRF-CEM/MTX and at 2-100 μg/mL in CCRF-CEM/R decreased cell viability. Tragacanthin diminished MDR1 expression in CCRF-CEM/MTX and CCRF-CEM/R cells, which MTX had already induced.

Conclusion and implication:

According to the results of this study, tragacanthin was a potent cytotoxic agent against CCRF-CEM cells and enhanced the chemosensitivity of CCRF-CEM/MTX and CCRF-CEM/R cells to MTX by down-regulation of MDR1 gene expression. Therefore, it could be a promising compound against cancer. Other possible mechanisms of action of tragacanthin should be evaluated and further in vitro and in vivo investigations are required.
Renal vascular responses to angiotensin II infusion in two kidneys-one clip hypertensive rats under partial ischemia/reperfusion with and without ischemia preconditioning: the roles of AT1R blockade and co-blockades of AT1R and MasR
Authors: Karimi Farzaneh , Nematbakhsh Mehdi
Published: June 2023

Background and purpose:

The renin-angiotensin system activation, partial ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury, and hypertension contribute to the development of acute kidney injury. The study aims to look at the vascular responses of angiotensin II (Ang II) during Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) blockade (losartan) or co-blockades of AT1R and Mas receptor (A779) in two kidneys one clip (2K1C) hypertensive rats which subjected to partial IR injury with and without ischemia preconditioning (IPC).

Experimental approach:

Thirty-three 2K1C male Wistar rats with systolic blood pressure ≥ 150 mmHg were divided into three groups of sham, IR, and IPC + IR divided into two sub-groups receiving losartan or losartan + A779. The IR group had 45 min partial kidney ischemia, while the IPC + IR group had two 5 min cycles of partial ischemia followed by 10 min of reperfusion and then 45 min of partial kidney ischemia followed by reperfusion. The sham group was subjected to similar surgical procedures except for IR or IPC.

Findings/Results:

Ang II increased mean arterial pressure in all the groups, but there were no significant differences between the sub-groups. A significant difference was observed in the renal blood flow response to Ang II between two sub-groups of sham and IR groups treated with AT1R blockade alone or co-blockades of AT1R + A779.

Conclusion and implications:

These findings demonstrated the significance of AT1R and Mas receptor following partial renal IR in the renal blood flow responses to Ang II in 2K1C hypertensive rats.
Anti-metastatic effect of taraxasterol on prostate cancer cell lines
Authors: Movahhed Morteza , Pazhouhi Mona , Esmaeili Gouvarchin Ghaleh Hadi , Jalali Kondori Bahman
Published: June 2023

Background and purpose:

Prostate cancer is the second cause of death among men. Nowadays, treating various cancers with medicinal plants is more common than other therapeutic agents due to their minor side effects. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of taraxasterol on the prostate cancer cell line.

Experimental approach:

The prostate cancer cell line (PC3) was cultured in a nutrient medium. MTT method and trypan blue staining were used to evaluate the viability of cells in the presence of different concentrations of taraxasterol, and IC50 was calculated. Real-time PCR was used to measure the expression of MMP-9, MMP-2, uPA, uPAR, TIMP-2, and TIMP-1 genes. Gelatin zymography was used to determine MMP-9 and MMP-2 enzyme activity levels. Finally, the effect of taraxasterol on cell invasion, migration, and adhesion was investigated.

Findings/Results:

Taraxasterol decreased the survival rate of PC3 cells at IC50 time-dependently (24, 48, and 72 h). Taraxasterol reduced the percentage of PC3 cell adhesion, invasion, and migration by 74, 56, and 76 percent, respectively. Real-time PCR results revealed that uPA, uPAR, MMP-9, and MMP-2 gene expressions decreased in the taraxasterol-treated groups, but TIMP-2 and TIMP-1 gene expressions increased significantly. Also, a significant decrease in the level of MMP-9 and MMP-2 enzymes was observed in the PC3 cell line treated with taraxasterol.

Conclusion and implications:

The present study confirmed the therapeutic role of taraxasterol in preventing prostate cancer cell metastasis in the in-vitro study.
Analytical determination, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Bhamrung-Lohit a traditional Thai medicine
Authors: Panchakul Chitralada , Thongdeeying Pakakrong , Itharat Arunporn , Pipatrattanaseree Weerachai , Kongkwamcharoen Chonthicha , Davies Neal M.
Published: June 2023

Background and purpose:

Bhamrung-Lohit (BRL) remedy is a traditional Thai medicine (TTM). There are few reports of biological activity, the activity of its constituent plants, or quantitative analytical methods for the content of phytochemicals. In this study, we investigated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activity, and total phenolic and flavonoid content and validated a new analytical method for BRL.

Experimental approach:

Antioxidant activity was evaluated by a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging. The cellular antioxidant activity was evaluated by inhibition of the superoxide anion (O2●-) production from HL-60 cells and anti-inflammatory activity by inhibition of nitric oxide production in RAW264.7 cells. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were analyzed using the Folin-Ciocalteu method and an aluminum chloride colorimetric assay, respectively. Validated analytical procedures were conducted according to International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) guidelines.

Findings/Results:

An ethanolic extract of BRL exerted potent DPPH radical scavenging activity and moderate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Caesalpinia sappan exerted the greatest effect and the highest content of total phenolics and flavonoids. The HPLC method validated parameters that complied with ICH requirements. Each peak showed selectivity with a baseline resolution of 2.0 and precision was less than 2.0% CV. The linearity of all compounds was > 0.999 and the recovery % was within 98.0%-102.0%. The validated results demonstrated specificity/selectivity, linearity, precision, and accuracy with appropriate LOD and LOQ.

Conclusion and implication:

BRL remedy, a TTM demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study is the first report on the biological activity and the validation of an HPLC method for BRL remedy.
The Pattern of Malignancies and Associated Factors Among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Ale Ayotunde Oladunni , Agboola Ayodeji Johnson , Ayoade Babatunde Adeteru , Bakare Jane Chiemeka
Published: June 2023

Background:

Epidemiological evidence shows that both diabetes and cancers have a devastating impact on health globally. Studies have observed a significant rise of cancer risk among diabetes patients, particularly among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in Caucasians. However, there is a dearth of epidemiological study in sub-Sahara Africa and Nigeria.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to report the pattern of malignancies and associated factors as seen among T2DM patients in a tertiary hospital in Southwest Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:

This was a prospective analysis of all cancer cases with T2DM at the diabetic outpatient clinic over a 2-year period. Their clinical data were collected. Cancers were categorized into breast, Reproductive(RE), Gastrointestinal tract and accessory organs (GIT), Hematological, Central nervous, and Dermatological (DE) systems. Results were collated and subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS 21.

Results:

Four hundred and fifty-one T2DM patients newly presenting were seen. Out of this, 29 of them had cancers within the stated period. The mean age of DM patients with and without reported cancers was comparable, 63.11 (4.77) versus 58.25 (14.26), P = 0.08. The female constituted majority (18, 62.07%) of the DM patients with cancers. The most occurring cancers were observed in breast 9 (31.03%) and GIT 9 (31.03%), followed by RE 6 (20.69%) and others 5 (17.24%). Breast cancers exclusively occurred in females while GIT 7 (63.64%) cancers were predominant in males. Associated factors with cancers are shorter DM duration, adiposity, and elevated atherogenic indices, P < 0.05.

Conclusion:

The commonly observed cancers in T2DM were breast cancers and GI cancers, mostly prevalent in the middle-aged class and with a differential gender distribution.
Thyroid Function in Obese Patients without Thyroid Disorders
Authors: Haq Tahniyah , Fariduddin Md , Sutradhar Palash Chandra , Aurpa Nishat Nayla , Hasanat Md Abul
Published: June 2023

Background:

Thyroid status influences weight and thyroid function is altered in obese individuals.

Objective:

This study aimed to see the levels of free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and their relationship with the parameters of obesity in obese children and adults with primary exogenous obesity without thyroid disorders.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective cross-sectional study was done in the Department of Endocrinology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, from May 2019 to March 2020 in 238 children and adults with primary exogenous obesity. Individuals with thyroid disorders were excluded from the study. Data were taken from hospital records to assess the thyroid function (FT4 and TSH) in obesity.

Results:

Two hundred and thirty-eight individuals with a mean age of 16.42 ± 9.72 years (range 3–62 years) and mean body mass index of 31.09 ± 7.64 kg/m2 were included in the study. The distribution of FT4 was normal and that of TSH was skewed to the right. Ninety-five percent confidence interval (CI) of FT4 and TSH was within the normal reference range. Ninety-five percent CI of FT4 was in the upper end of normal (1.176–1.251 mIU/L in ≤20 years and 1.094–1.306 mIU/L in >20 years) and that of TSH was in the lower end of normal (2.619–3.207 mIU/L in ≤20 years and 2.616–4.141 mIU/L in >20 years). About 13.4% had low FT4 and 15.4% had raised TSH. Waist circumference (WC) had a negative linear association with FT4 (r = −0.229, P = 0.003, R
2 = 5.24%), which was not present in the multivariate analysis. WC was significantly higher in the first versus third quartile of FT4 (103.974 ± 17.211 vs. 94.818 ± 14.544 cm).

Conclusion:

FT4 and TSH levels were in the lower and upper end of normal, respectively, in obese patients without thyroid disorders. Central obesity was negatively associated with FT4 in obese individuals.
Van Wyk–Grumbach Syndrome
Authors: Kamatham Vandana , Sharmila Vijayan , Babu Thirunavukkarasu Arun , Yugendhar S , Reddy Prudhvinath A
Published: June 2023

Van Wyk–Grumbach syndrome is a rare presentation of long-standing prepubertal hypothyroidism in a female characterized by bilateral polycystic ovaries, delayed skeletal growth, and isosexual precocious puberty. We report a case of juvenile primary hypothyroidism presenting as an abdominal mass due to huge bilateral ovarian cysts which responded to the thyroid hormone replacement therapy. This case report highlights that hypothyroidism and other endocrinopathies should be considered in the differential diagnosis of girls with short stature and ovarian masses to avoid unnecessary surgery in young women.
Sericin Improves Memory and Sociability Impairments Evoked by Transient Global Cerebral Ischemia Through Suppression of Hippocampal Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis
Authors: Vatandoust Seyed Mehdi , Mahmoudi Javad , Oryan Shahrbanoo , Farajdokht Fereshteh , Sadigh-Eteghad Saeed , Shotorbani Siamak Sandoghchian , Xu Huaxi , Esfahani Delaram Eslimi
Published: June 2023

Sericin (Ser) is a natural neuroactive macromolecule with diverse pharmacological properties, and our previous findings have shown its neuroprotective potentials. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of Ser on cognitive dysfunction induced by transient global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (tGI/R) and its mechanism of action. The tGI/R was induced in BALB/c mice by bilateral occlusion of the common carotid arteries for two 5 min followed by a 10-min reperfusion period. After 24 h, mice were treated with normal saline or different doses of Ser (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg) for 10 days. Cognitive performances were assessed using the Barnes maze and social interaction tasks. Oxidative stress markers including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) and anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) were assessed in the hippocampus. Markers of apoptosis (pro- and cleaved caspase-9 and 3, Bax, and Bcl-2) were assessed by Western blotting. Besides, transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling assay was used to detect apoptotic cell death. We show here that Ser administration improved tGI/R-induced cognitive deficits, enhanced the activity of SOD and GPx, increased TAC levels, while reduced MDA levels. Notably, Ser decreased neuronal apoptotic cell death in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) region, accompanied by suppression of neuroinflammation, downregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins (caspase-9, caspases-3, and Bax), and upregulation of anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2. Taken together, Ser administration protected hippocampal neurons from apoptotic cell death by impeding oxidative stress and inflammatory responses and, in turn, improved cognitive function in the tGI/R mice.
Combined remineralizing effect of arginine and fluoride on artificially demineralized human primary dentin evaluated using quantitative light induced fluorescence
Authors: Prasad Jeessica , Bhojraj Nandlal , Shanbhog Raghavendra , Ashwini K. P.
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

One the most common chronic dental diseases affecting children is dental caries. Dentin caries is a condition in which caries has progressed to the dentin and caused a significant depth of lesion. Clinical studies have revealed that an increased caries risk is associated with a decreased alkali-producing capacity of the microbial populations colonizing the oral cavity of adults, which arginine somewhat compensates for.

Aims:

To evaluate the remineralizing efficacy of fluoridated toothpaste, with fluoride-arginine containing toothpaste on demineralized dentin of primary teeth using quantitative light-induced fluorescence™.

Materials and Methods:

Forty-five primary molars were decoronated and sectioned to prepare dentin specimens and mounted in an acrylic block in a uniform manner using a customized acrylic jig. Samples were randomized into three groups, were subjected to demineralization to create artificial dentin caries lesion. Following this, all the 45 samples were subjected to multispecies bacterial pH cycling for 21 days. All the specimens were evaluated for postdemineralization, pH cycling day 7, 14, and 21 on QLF™.

Results:

On day 21, maximum fluorescence gain was observed by the positive control group followed by the arginine and negative control group. The variation observed between positive control and arginine group was found to be statistically significant.

Conclusions:

An in vitro development of artificial caries such as demineralized lesion on primary dentin sample using plaque biofilm was observed successfully under QLF after 72 h. Arginine in combination with fluoride showed almost similar remineralization of demineralized primary dentin compared to fluoride alone after 21 days of multispecies bacterial pH cycling.
An 8-year follow-up of resin infiltration on anterior white spot lesions
Authors: Omoto Érika M , Oliveira Laryssa C , Rocha Rafael S , Machado Lucas Silveira , Bresciani Eduardo , Prakki Anuradha , Fagundes Ticiane Cestari
Published: June 2023

White spot lesions (WSLs) are sites of enamel surface and subsurface demineralization that increases tissue porosity and affects the teeth appearance. The resin infiltration technique proved to be a valid alternative to arrest caries lesion progression and to masking a color change in noncavitated WSLs. Thus, this study aims to report a clinical case of anterior WSLs treated with resin infiltration technique with an 8-year follow-up. The resin infiltration protocol was performed in an 18-year-old female patient presenting WSLs on the maxillary right lateral incisor, left central incisor, and left canine. The protocol followed the manufacturer’s recommendations. The patient reported satisfaction with the smile appearance, at the end of the appointment. Infiltrated areas remained unchanged after an 8-year follow-up, showing an acceptable result for the patient’s esthetic desires. After 8 years of evaluation, the resin infiltration technique proved to be a resistant and reliable alternative in preventing caries progression and in color masking WSLs.
Antimicrobial efficacy of sodium hypochlorite, saline, and Er, Cr:YSGG laser-assisted disinfection in root canal treatment of primary molars: An in vivo study
Authors: Chauhan Neha , Kumar Gyanendra , Goswami Mridula , Johar Smriti , Sharma Abha
Published: June 2023

Aim:

The aim of the study was to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), Saline, and Er, Cr:YSGG laser-assisted disinfection through microbiological analysis in root canal treatment of primary molars.

Materials and Methods:

Forty-five primary teeth were selected for this study as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria in the age group of 4–8 years and then randomly allocated to Three Groups A, B, and C. In Group A, during root canal treatment, irrigation was done using NaOCl, in Group B, laser-assisted disinfection was done using Er, Cr:YSGG laser, and in Group C, saline was used as an irrigating agent. This was followed by obtaining pre- and postirrigation samples from the canals for microbiological investigation in all the groups. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Science-21 (SPSS-21).

Results:

NaOCl was more effective against aerobic bacteria while Er, Cr:YSGG laser was more effective against anaerobic bacteria when used for disinfection in root canal treatment. There was a significant difference among the three groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

The study showed that NaOCl and Er, Cr:YSGG laser have antimicrobial effects when used for disinfection in root canal treatment of primary teeth. Moreover, the study also shows that Er, Cr:YSGG laser may be used as a valuable tool for laser-assisted disinfection in root canal treatment of primary teeth.
Safe and secure laparoscopy-assisted jejunostomy tube placement using a percutaneous loop needle device in an infant
Authors: Matsukubo Makoto , Muto Mitsuru , Onishi Shun , Nishida Nanako , Kedoin Chihiro , Nagano Ayaka , Matsui Mayu , Murakami Masakazu , Sugita Koshiro , Yano Keisuke , Harumatsu Toshio , Yamada Koji , Yamada Waka , Kawano Takafumi , Kaji Tatsuru , Ieiri Satoshi
Published: June 2023

We, herein, report a surgical technique for laparoscopy-assisted jejunostomy tube placement in an infant using a loop needle device to fix the jejunum and abdominal wall. A 3-year-old boy with Down’s syndrome underwent nutritional management by gastrostomy due to oral feeding difficulty after radical surgery for congenital duodenal stenosis and following bile duct stenosis. However, intractable gastrostomy site leakage emerged; hence, laparoscopy-assisted gastrostomy takedown and simultaneous laparoscopy-assisted jejunostomy tube placement were planned. After laparoscopy-assisted gastrostomy closure was performed, the jejunum was extracted through the umbilical trocar wound. A jejunostomy tube kit was inserted at the left side of the umbilicus. After tube insertion into the jejunum, the jejunostomy tube was wrapped with four interrupted sutures using the Witzel technique. Suture threads were extracted by percutaneous insertion of a loop needle device, and then, the jejunum was fixed to the abdominal wall. The post-operative course was uneventful. Percutaneous insertion of a loop needle device is useful for fixing a jejunostomy tube to the abdominal wall using the Witzel technique. Our technique is safe, secure and expected to reduce the risk of dislodgement of tube and peritonitis associated with jejunostomy tube placement.
Laparoscopic adhesiolysis versus open adhesiolysis in acute adhesive small bowel obstruction
Authors: Elkomos Beshoy Effat , Fahmy Karim , Kamel Kareem Ahmed
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

Exploratory laparotomy is still the standard therapy for patients who need surgical intervention for adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO). However, the use of laparoscopy in the management of adhesive SBO is still controversial. We aimed to detect the short-term outcomes between open and laparoscopic adhesiolysis for SBO.

Patients and Methods:

This is a retrospective study of patients with adhesive SBO who underwent either laparoscopic or open surgery from June 2019 to July 2022 at Ain Shams University Hospitals. Intraoperative and early post-operative outcomes were compared in the two groups.

Results:

A total of 89 patients with adhesive SBO were included in our study. Fifty-one cases underwent open adhesiolysis and 38 cases underwent laparoscopic adhesiolysis. Laparoscopic adhesiolysis is associated with a remarkable decrease in the operative time (71 min vs. 107 min, P = 0.001) and blood loss (50 ml vs. 120 ml, P = 0.001) in comparison to open adhesiolysis. In addition to that, those who underwent adhesiolysis by laparoscopy had a short hospital stay (2.4 days vs. 3.8 days, P = 0.001), early recovery (time to pass flatus 1.3 days vs. 2.8 days) and less post-operative complications (surgical site infection [SSI] 2.6% vs. 19.6%, P = 0.001). Moreover, open adhesiolysis is associated with a higher rate of early post-operative mortality. In addition to that, the incidence of iatrogenic injury was higher in the open group.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic adhesiolysis is a safe and feasible approach for the management of SBO and has better short-term outcomes, especially if done by skilled surgeons in advanced laparoscopic techniques.
Gray Level Co-Occurrence Matrix and RVFL for Covid-19 Diagnosis
Authors: Tang Wenhao
Published: June 2023

As the widespread transmission of COVID-19 has continued to influence human health since late 2019, more intersections between artificial intelligence and the medical field have arisen. For CT images, manual differentiation between COVID-19-infected and healthy control images is not as effective and fast as AI. This study performed experiments on a dataset containing 640 samples, 320 of which were COVID-19-infected, and the rest were healthy controls. This experiment combines the gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) and random vector function link (RVFL). The role of GLCM and RVFL is to extract image features and classify images, respectively. The experimental results of my proposed GLCM-RVFL model are validated using K-fold cross-validation, and the indicators are 78.81±1.75%, 77.08±0.68%, 77.46±0.73%, 54.22±1.35%, and 77.48±0.74% for sensitivity, accuracy, F1-score, MCC, and FMI, respectively, which also confirms that the proposed model performs well on the COVID-19 detection task. After comparing with six state-of-the-art COVID-19 detection, I ensured that my model achieved higher performance.
Population features of the pea crab Dissodactylus crinitichelis Moreira, 1901 (Decapoda, Brachyura, Pinoteridade) associated with the sand-dollar Encope emarginata (Echinodermata, Echinoidea) in the southeastern Brazilian coast
Authors: Paula Julia Rodrigues de , Moraes Isabela Ribeiro Rocha de , Cobo Valter José
Published: June 2023

Crabs of the Dissodactylus genus are commonly found in symbiosis with other marine invertebrate organisms.  This study describes the structure of the population of the Pinnotheridae crab Dissodactylus crinitichelis living in symbiosis with the sand dollar Encope emarginata on a temporal scale and over the size class distribution, sex-ratio, recruitment defined as the specimens of the two first size classes, and breeding period. Specimens were collected in sand bottoms at the infralittoral zone at Flamengo Beach in Ubatuba, in the northeastern coast of São Paulo state, using free diving performed by one diver from August 2017 to July 2018, for 30 minutes per month. 337 juvenile, 51 adult females, and 38 adult males were analyzed, comprising 12 ovigerous females. There was registered recruitment, in almost all months. The sex ratio was 1:1.3, with more females than males in the population. In March, there was a significant recruitment period with 337 juveniles in one sample. The maximum carapace width was 6.6mm in males and 7.65mm in females. The representative number of specimens in the first size class may provide information that D. crinitichelis presents some levels of spatial segregation in the population in this area and should be monitored for preservation. 

Keywords: crustacea, ecology, Flamengo beach, symbiosis, Ubatuba.
Removal of 17α-ethinylestradiol and total phosphorus in a sequencing batch reactor under two different sludge retention-time conditions
Authors: Paula Lícia Murito de , Gonçalves Eline Simões , Gomes Larissa Coelho Auto , Moura Júnior José Carlos Rodrigues de , Oliveira Jaime Lopes da Mota
Published: June 2023

Sewage treatment systems can prevent the direct discharge of endocrine disruptors, such as 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2), into the environment. Treatment systems capable of promoting total phosphorus (TP) removal, such as sequencing batch reactors (SBRs), are promising in this regard. Two lab-scale SBRs with different sludge retention times (SRTs) were assessed for their EE2 and TP removal rates. Anaerobic/aerobic/anoxic phases with cycles of 6 h were used to treat sewage containing EE2 at a concentration of 5 μg L-1. The removal rates of chemical oxygen demand and TP were approximately 80% for both the SBRs. Partial nitrification was observed in the SBRs. Initially, concentrations of EE2 above 1.0 μg L-1 in the treated sewage were measured. These concentrations were smaller in SBR 1, which used lower SRTs; EE2 was removed by sludge sorption. After the 56th cycle, the concentrations of EE2 in the treated sewage were below 0.1 μg L-1 in both the SBRs, indicating that its removal may have occurred by biodegradation due to acclimation to the process. Therefore, both TP removal and nitrification seem to play an important role in EE2 removal by SBRs.

Keywords: A2O SBR, EE2 and TP removal, sewage treatments.
Psychometric Properties of the Arabic Short Version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS-SV) in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Mohammed Salem Al-Qarni , Mogeda El Sayed Aly El Keshky Mohammed Salem Al-Qarni , Mogeda El Sayed Aly El Keshky
Published: June 2023

this study aimed to translate and investigate the psychometric properties of the short version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale in Saudi Arabia.
A sample of 590 respondents participated in this study and answered the Smartphone Addiction Scale, the Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale (SABAS), the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale – Short Form (IGDS-SF) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale,
An Empirical Study on EEG Signals for Emotion
Authors: Balsam Khojah Balsam Khojah
Published: June 2023

Human emotions are too complex to be accurately recognized by others. In the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), automatic emotion recognition has become an active field for research and applications.
Developing A Sharīʿah-Compliant Precious Metal Backed Cryptocurrency
Authors: Mousa Ajouz, Adam Abdullah, Salina Kassim Mousa Ajouz, Adam Abdullah, Salina Kassim
Published: June 2023

Under the fiat standard, money is no longer backed by any assets, but rather it is backed by debt. The implication of such a system is the emergence of many socio-economic problems. Restoring the value of money has long been a controversial topic, hampered in part by the lack of theoretical and empirical evidences.
Volatility Contagion and Portfolio Diversification among Sharīʿah and Conventional Indices: An Evidence by MGARCH Models
Authors: Safika Praveen Sheikh, Shafkat Shafi Dar, Sajad Ahmad Rather Safika Praveen Sheikh, Shafkat Shafi Dar, Sajad Ahmad Rather
Published: June 2023

Risk mitigation is one of the main concerns for an investor, and has gotten renewed attention after the 2007-2008 financial crisis. This paper tries to examine the scope of Sharīʿah indices in offering an opportunity for portfolio diversification. The paper empirically analyzes the existence of volatility contagion among conventional and Sharīʿah indices and delves into the presence of portfolio diversification opportunities among them.
World Economy and Islamic Finance: Comparison of Government Policies during the Global Financial Crisis and the COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Azra Zaimovic Azra Zaimovic
Published: June 2023

COVID-19 has changed our lives and the way how business, social interacting, and healthcare is delivered like nothing else in modern history. This study aims to extend the growing body of literature on the topic of the COVID-19 crisis by critically analyzing and comparing government responses to the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, and the global financial crisis (GFC) in 2008. It focuses on investigating the similarities and differences in size, scope, structure, and timing of government policies between the two.
Factors Influencing the Success of Retail Cash Waqf Linked Ṣukūk (CWLS) Issuance: A Lesson from Indonesia
Authors: Rindawati Maulina Rindawati Maulina
Published: June 2023

In October 2020, the Indonesian government launched a Waqf-linked Islamic certificate called Cash Waqf Linked Ṣukūk (CWLS) that targeted retail investors. The CWLS SWR001 series for individuals is presented as a commitment by the government to support the national waqf movement and foster the development of social investment and productive waqf in Indonesia.
The Moderating Effect of zakāh Distribution on the Economic Well-being of the Poor: An Analysis in Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Ahmad Fahme Mohd Alia, W.A. Amir Zalb, Nurhanan Ab. Hamidc, Ahmad Fahme Mohd Alia, W.A. Amir Zalb, Nurhanan Ab. Hamidc,
Published: June 2023

The main objective of this paper is to study the moderating effect of zakāh distribution on the family structure and the economic well-being of the poor in the state of Kelantan in Malaysia. The state of Kelantan was selected for the survey because it has the highest incidence of poverty in Peninsular Malaysia. The analysis of this study is based on Variance Based Structural Equation Modelling (VB-SEM) technique, while the data mining process, descriptive statistics and demographic data of this study were conducted using SPSS software.
The Role of Zakāh in providing Health Care for the Poor in Sudan
Authors: Mohammed Abuelgasim Iddress Mohammed Abuelgasim Iddress
Published: June 2023

Despite the relatively long experience of zakāh in social protection and poverty alleviation in Sudan, there is little evidence on its role in facilitating access to health care services to the poor.
Does Financial Performance Mediate the Effect of Good Corporate
Authors: Dwi Sulistiani Dwi Sulistiani
Published: June 2023

Ṣukūk is one of the products of Islamic financial institutions IFIS), so the rating of such instruments should be considered. This study aims to provide empirical evidence of the influence of Good Corporate Governance
العدول عن إخراج المنصوص عليه في الزكاة: دراسة فقهية اقتصادية
Authors: أحمد إرشيد محمود عبد الكريم
Published: June 2023

هدف هذا البحث إلى بيان حكم دفع القيمة النقدية بدلًا عن الأعيان في زكاة الثروة الزراعية والحيوانية السائمة، وحكم دفع الزكاة في عروض التجارة من أعيانها بدلًا من القيمة، استرشادًا في الوصول لهذا العدول بالأدلة الشرعية ومقاصد التشريع، مع التركيز على جانب من وجبت عليه الزكاة، ومن استحقها. استخدم الباحث في ذلك المنهج الاستقرائي لمسائله، ومن ثم المنهج الاستنباطي لمسوغات هذا العدول عن الأصل الذي هو إخراج الزكاة من أعيان الأموال في زكاة الثروة الزراعية وسائمة الثروة الحيوانية، أو بدلها من النقود، وفي إخراج العروض في زكاة عروض التجارة بدلًا من النقد، وركز البحث على المنهج التحليلي للربط بين الجزئيات ومسوغات العدول ومقاصده للوصول إلى حكم العدول عن الأصل لدفع الزكاة، وتوصل إلى جواز العدول عن الحق الواجب في الزكاة، فيجوز إخراج النقود في زكاة الثروة الزراعية والحيوانية السائمة بدلًا من الواجب المنصوص عليه، ويجوز إخراج الأعيان في زكاة عروض التجارة بدلًا من النقد، وتم ذلك بناء على مقاصد التشريع الخاصة بالزكاة. وتكمن القيمة العلمية للبحث في بيان حكم العدول عن الأصل في زكاة الثروة الزراعية والحيوانية إلى القيمة النقدية، والعدول في زكاة عروض التجارة إلى إخراج الأعيان بدلًا من النقد، بما يحقق عددًا من المقاصد الشرعية والمنافع لمن وجبت عليه الزكاة بتحمله المسؤولية الاجتماعية تجاه الفقراء والمساكين، ويحقق لمُستحق الزكاة مقصد سد حاجاته الضرورية بما قد يكون أنفع له بكرامة وسَتْرْ.
لاقتصاد الإسلامي وسؤال التنمية
Authors: مجموعة من الباحثين مجموعة من الباحثين
Published: June 2023

يشتمل الكتاب على ١٥ بحثا من البحوث العملية
The Siganid Fish and their Endohelminth Parasites as Heavy Metal Pollution
Authors: S. Alafif S. Alafif
Published: June 2023

The rate of heavy metal pollution in an aquatic ecosystem and its effect on aquatic fauna wellbeing is on the increase. Heavy metals (Cu, Mn, Zn, Pb, and Ni) concentrations were determined in fish samples and their helminth parasites collected from two major sites in the Red Sea.
Microbially Induced Sedimentary Structures (MISS) and their Involvement in
Sediment Stabilization and Formation of Gravelly Coastal Landforms (Berms, Spits and Bars) in Salman Hypersaline Lagoon, Red Sea Coast of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ammar A. Mannaa Ammar A. Mannaa
Published: June 2023

his study documents the occurrence of several MISS such as laminated microbial mats, biostabilized ripples, gas domes, mat folds, erosional pockets and remnants, microbial cracks, and gypsified mat chips in Salman hypersaline lagoon, north Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia. This study indicates that both microbial and physical processes are reponsible for sediments biostablization and formation of spits,
Об одном уточнении теоремы Шнайдера-Ленга
Authors: Podkopaeva Viktoriya Aleksandrovna , Yanchenko Aleksandr Yakovlevich
Published: June 2023

В работе рассмотрены некоторые арифметические свойства значений мероморфных
функций $g_1(z),…,g_m(z)$ таких, что каждая из $g'_i(z)$ алгебраически
зависима над полем алгебраических чисел $K$, $[K:\mathbb Q]<+\infty$, с функциями
$g_1(z),…,g_m(z)$. Показано, что если все $\{g_i(z)\}$ - мероморфные
конечного порядка, то либо все они являются рациональными функциями, либо
все они рациональные от некоторой экспоненты, либо все они эллиптические,
либо существует дискретное множество $U$ такое, что число точек $z\notin U$
таких, что все $\{g_i(z)\}$ лежат в поле $K$, конечно.
Библиография: 4 названия.
Patterns and Causal Connections between Changes in Exchange Rates and Interest Rates in Ghana
Authors: Issahaku Haruna , Kabiru Abubakari , Basit Dawud Abdul
Published: June 2023

Trends and causal relationships between Ghana's exchange rate and interest rate are investigated in this paper using Granger causality, cointegration,  and error correction models. Monthly data from 2007 to 2020 are employed. The results show that both variables show a strong positive trend. Also,  strong causation runs from the exchange rate to the interest rate, but the interest rate only weakly accounts for exchange rate changes. The findings  further reveal that the two variables are co-integrated, and thus, using the interest rate lags in describing the exchange rate and vice versa is beneficial.  Finally, it is suggested that policymakers closely track the exchange rate-interest rate nexus to craft policies that engender macroeconomic stability in the  long run.
Factors that Influence Women Agro-Processors Credit Utilization in The Northern Region of Ghana
Authors: Mohammed Fadilah , Zakaria Hudu , Boateng SethDenkyi
Published: June 2023

Access to credit for financing agro-processing enterprises has been one of the critical constraints facing small-scale women agro-processors in  developing countries. Microfinance institutions (MFIs) have been hailed for providing tailored-made financial products for such small-scale businesses.  However, the use of borrowed money from MFIs is critical in the improvement of the general well-being of women borrowers. This paper presents the  findings of a study that examined factors affecting credit utilization among women agro-processors in the Northern Region of Ghana. The theory  underpinning the study is the life cycle theory which suggests that there exists a relationship between productivity and some socioeconomic characteristics such as age. A descriptive survey design was used to gather data from 402 women agro-processors in two districts of the Northern Region  of Ghana. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in analyzing the data. Women agro-processors surveyed largely invest about (60%)  of their borrowed monies in their agro-processing businesses. They also invest almost (13%) in other businesses and in household consumption (15.4%).  About 12% of agro-processors borrowed for others. The study also found a significant relationship between women’s socio-economic characteristics such  as household size, religious background, location of respondents, household headship status of respondents, literacy, and their utilization of credit. It is  therefore recommended that MFIs should incorporate training on credit utilization and financial management as part of their social intermediation  activities.
Factors Influencing Intentions and Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccines in Ghana
Authors: Udor Rita , Eshun Samuel Nuamah , Tampah-Naah Anthony Mwinilanaa
Published: June 2023

In this study, we examined the perceptions of Ghanaians about COVID-19 vaccines and the factors that may influence their intentions to vaccinate. We  conducted an online survey to collect data from 331 Ghanaians, between 22nd March 2021 and 15th April 2021. Descriptive multivariate analyses were  performed using STATA version 13. The findings revealed that 45.7% of respondents were reluctant to vaccinate even if the vaccines were available for  free. Age, region and residential area were significant predictors of intention to vaccinate. Misinformation, side effects and lack of trust were among  some reasons cited for not intending to vaccinate. However, some people were likely to vaccinate when they were encouraged by a trusted community  leader. To ensure higher uptake of vaccines, government officials must engage trusted community leaders to increase public education, targeting specific  age groups, areas and regions in Ghana.
On the Nexus of Foreign Capital Inflow, Volatility, Financial Development and Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Sectoral Approach
Authors: Ustarz Yazidu
Published: June 2023

There is increasing concern among policymakers over the effect of capital inflows and volatility on economic growth. The empirical literature on the  foreign capital - growth nexus in subSaharan Africa has, however, focused on aggregate growth overlooking sector-specific dynamics that might lead to  varying responses. This study, therefore, examines whether the impacts of capital inflows and volatility in the region vary across different sectors, namely service, industry, and agriculture over the period 1990 to 2017. It also assesses the role of financial development. The study employed the dynamic panel  ordinary least square technique due to its ability to correct for serial correlation and endogeneity. The results reveal that capital flows and volatility have  varying effects on the three sectors. In the service sector, only aid exerted a significant negative effect while FDI and cross-border bank lending volatilities  showed a depressing effect. Regarding the agricultural sector, only FDI had a negative impact, with the rest showing significant positive  relationships. Concerning industrial growth, FDI and remittances had the potential to drive growth, while aid exhibited negative impacts. The findings  thus have some policy implications. Policymakers in sub-Saharan Africa could target FDI and remittances to develop the industrial sector while aid and  remittances could be channeled into the agricultural sector.