bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Profile of Deaths Due to Drowning among Autopsies Conducted at Autopsy Center of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Patliputra Medical College, Dhanbad, Jharkhand 826005, India, Shubhendu Kumar , Singh Bhoopendra ,   Professor cum Toxicologist, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, India, Kumar Rohan ,   Tutor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology,Dumka Medical College, Dumka, Jharkhand 814110, India, Kumar Anand ,   Final Year PG, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, India, Chaudhary Ajit ,   Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, India, Kumari Suchita ,   Tutor, Department of Physiology, Dumka Medical College, Dumka, Jharkhand 814110, India.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Drowningis the 3rd leading cause of unintentional injury death, accounting for 7% of all injury-related deaths. The global burden and death from drowning is found in all economies and regions. In this study we aim to find out the demographic profile of drowning among cases brought for autopsy in the Department of FMT, RIMS, Ranchi. Material and Method: This Observational study was carried out in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, during the period from January 2019 to December 2019, wherein a total of 3342 autopsies were conducted out of which 109 cases were of Drowning. Results: Drowning was found to occur more commonly in rural areas (58.7%). Males are more prone to drowning (75.2%). Most common age group involved was found to be 31–40 years. Lakes were the most common place of occurrence (38.5%). Incidence of married females (66.7%) was slightly greater than married males (63.4%). Drowning was found to be most commonly accidental in nature (35.8%). Familial and financial problems (26.6%) along with depression (26.6%) accounted for most of the cases of drowning.
Study of Histopathological Findings in Sudden Unexpected Natural Deaths in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department, Department of Pathology, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560066, India., Kupati Shailaja , T Gayathri ,   Associate Professor, Department, Department of Pathology, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560066, India., V Shashikala ,   Associate Professor, Department, Department of Pathology, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560066, India., S Prathima ,   Professor and Head of the Department, Department of Pathology, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560066, India.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Sudden death (SD) is defined by World Health Organization (WHO) as ‘death within 24 hours from onset of the symptoms’.1 It is by definition natural and it excludes all deaths due to poison and trauma. The incidence of sudden cardiac death has been steadily increasing all over the world. When SD occurs in adults and elderly persons, coronary atherosclerosis is the usual cause. These diseases are frequently concealed and discovered with surprise only at post mortem using macroscopic and microscopic examination of heart. Methods: Present study is a retrospective study, conducted in the department of Pathology, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre Bengaluru from July 2016 to June 2020. Patients of all age groups who died within 24 hours from the onset of symptoms were included. Results: A total of 483 autopsy cases were received for histopathological examination, among which there were 134 cases with history of sudden death during the study period. Age distribution ranged from 6 days to 86 years. In our study we observed male preponderance. Maximum number of cases was observed in 31 to 40 years of age. Major causes for sudden deaths observed were coronary artery diseases in 98 cases (73%) followed by pulmonary causes in 12 cases (8.96%). Conclusion: Present study highlighted the presence of increasing cases of sudden deaths among young males compared to developed countries. This will emphasize the need for research studies to find out the cause and early interventional measures to prevent the same.
An Autopsy Study of Rheumatic Heart Disease: A Prevalent Iceberg Disease
Authors:   IV Year MBBS Student, Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600116., Hussain Muhammed Aseel Zahir , B Archana ,   Demonstrator, Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600116., J Thanka ,   Professor, Department of Pathology, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai 600044, India., Pradhan Priyadarshee ,   Professor and Head of Department, Forensic Medicine, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai 600116.
Published: January 2024

Cardiovascular diseases are a chief cause of sudden death. Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) exists as a hidden burden in developing countries. It occurs as a sequelae to Rheumatic Fever caused by Group A β Hemolytic Streptococcus. Despite the existence of antibiotics and prophylaxis by Penicillin it is still prevalent. A 33 year old male was found unresponsive in his house and was later declared dead. He had a history of abdominal pain for the past 6 months for which he was on medication. There was no other relevant family and past history. He had no history of alcohol intake or smoking. Complete medico legal autopsy was done and confirmed to be RHD. RHD is an “iceberg” disease which is still prevalent in developing countries. A cross reaction between foreign antigen and cardiac proteins leads to formation of autoantibodies causing autoimmune reaction. Mitral valve is commonly involved. RHD diagnosis can be established using Jones criteria during clinical examination. RHD still exists despite use of advanced antibiotics and Penicillin prophylaxis and needs to be therefore considered as a diagnosis of sudden death of young adults.
A Report on Illegal Abortions in Transkei Region of South Africa
Authors:   Professor, HIV/AIDS Management (Stellenbosch), Research Associate, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6017 South Africa., Meel Banwari
Published: January 2024

Background: The Choice on Termination of Pregnancy Act of 1996 )Act 92 of 1996) has so far had very little impact on criminal abortions in the Transkei region of South Africa. This raises the serious question why the women opt for an illegal abortion rather than go to designated legal abortion clinics which carry out safe abortions in South Africa. Objective: To study the underlying reasonswomen,prefer to go for an illegal abortion in Transkei region of South Africa. Method: Two medical students voluntarily found out the facts regarding illegal abortions in Transkei region of South Africa. These students went to an illegal abortionist and then described in a student research assignment what they saw there. Results: In 2015 two medical students consulted both a legal and an illegal abortionist facility in rural pretendingtowant an abortion. Their conversationswere recorded. The legal clinic was not user-friendly, misbehaved with the girls, cast doubt on their confidentiality and took a long time to do the abortions, while the illegal abortionist charged money for their service, but they were quick and kept confidentiality. Conclusion: Illegal facilities are more user-friendly and ensured confidentiality which leads to women going to anillegal abortionist instead. Keywords | Abortion, Confidentiality, Illegal abortion, Abortion clinic.
Human Biometric Authentication using Dental Features
Authors:   Dean-Academics & Research, Department of ECE, KIT-Kalaignarkarunanidhi Institute of Technology, Coimbatore 641402, Tamil Nadu, India., Ramasamy K , Jayasheela M ,   Professor, Department of ECE, KIT-Kalaignarkarunanidhi Institute of Technology, Coimbatore 641402, Tamil Nadu, India., Gomathi E ,   Associate Professor, Department of ECE, KIT-Kalaignarkarunanidhi Institute of Technology, Coimbatore 641402, Tamil Nadu, India., Udayakumar E ,   Assistant Professor, Department of ECE, KIT-Kalaignarkarunanidhi Institute of Technology, Coimbatore 641402, Tamil Nadu, India.
Published: January 2024

Now a days, Human identification has become a major issue. Many biometric authentications like fingerprint, Iris, hand veins, etc., were introduced to identify individuals and they have more complex features in it. Under numerous occasions like disasters, traditional biometric attributes like fingerprints and so on, may not work in light of their contrariness in such cases. They may lead once in a while towards high blunder rate and furthermore the investigation is more perplexing. Biometric using dental features are becoming a leading technique for human identification. Research says that dental features of persons are unique by nature. By research, it was found that the maxillary and mandible jaws of every individual are found to be unique. Here, the majority of the likenesses are coordinated with the goal that person can be actually recognized by its novel element. Along these lines dental biometrics gets need over rather in considering highlights and examination perspective. In this sense, it has been a savvy way to deal with investigate the new fields of exploration. In this paper, a human dental biometric image processing system has been implemented using MATLAB software for easy identification and this system is rotation invariant with greater accuracy.
Age Determination from Coracoid Process of Shoulder Joint in Males of Central India
Authors:   Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences, Indore, Madhya Pradesh 452001., Surwade Vishal Babulal , Meena Sachin Kumar ,   Senior Demonstrator, Department of Forensic Medicine, Govt Medical College, Kota 324005, Rajasthan., Tirpude B H ,   Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sewagram, Wardha, Maharashtra 442102, India., Murkey P N ,   Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sewagram, Wardha, Maharashtra 442102, India.
Published: January 2024

There is no statistical data to establish variation in coracoids process fusion of shoulder joint in males in central India population. This significant oversight can lead to exclusion of persons of interest in a forensic investigation. Coracoid process fusions in males were analyzed on radiological basis to assess the range of variation of coracoids process fusion at each age. In this study the X ray films of the subjects were divided into three groups on the basis of degree of fusion. Firstly, those which were showing No Fusion )N), secondly those showing Partial Union )PC), and thirdly those showing Complete Fusion )C). Observations made were compared with the previous studies.
Physical Indicators of a Grave: A Review
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Science, Jain (Deemed-to-be University), Bangalore 560027., Mane Manashree , Rao Saptarshi Suresh ,   B.Sc Student, Department of Forensic Science, Jain (Deemed-to-be University), Bangalore 560027., Sharma Urvita ,   B.Sc Student, Department of Forensic Science, Jain (Deemed-to-be University), Bangalore 560027., Chhasia Sandip Kumar ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Science, Jain (Deemed-to-be University), Bangalore 560027.
Published: January 2024

The observable characteristics or the geographical indicators of a burial site can help locate the buried remains. The investigator has to use every available technique in the search and hence needs training in search techniques. Several factors can influence the appearance of a grave. Deliberate burials tend to leave surface evidence and are commonly revealed as a depression. Unidentified graves can also be detected by plant growth, animal signs and other surface objects or indicators. Soil anomalies )depressions and cracking) are more pronounced at larger grave sites versus the smaller grave. The objective of our article is to review these processes and provide guidance as to which search, or instrument technique will be an effective strategy for locating graves.
A Case of Megacolon with a Giant Fecaloma on Medico-Legal Autopsy
Authors:   Chief Specialist, Department of Forensic Medicine, Witwatersrand University, Johannesburg, South Africa., Ngude Robert , Meel B ,   Research Associate, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6017, South Africa.
Published: January 2024

Chronic constipation is one of the causes of megacolon. It is generally a natural death, provided not died during procedure under anesthesia. This case )NM) is of a 15-year girl )NM) who died on the operation table and referred for a medico-legal autopsy. There has been a history of repeated episodes of constipation since the age of six, and frequently hospitalized but no definite diagnosis was made by primary health care physician. On autopsy, large bowel was distended with a hard giant fecaloma. On histopathological examination, hirschsprung’s disease is ruled, and idiopathic megacolon was considered as a cause of death. History, clinical examination, autopsy findings, and histopathological picture along with medical negligence are discussed in this report.
Misconception, Misbelieve of Child sexual Abuse and Cure of HIV in Transkei, South Africa: A Case Report
Authors:   Professor, Research Associate, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6031 South Africa., Meel B
Published: January 2024

Background: South Africa has one of the highest numbers of rapes in the world, and Transkei, a former black homeland, now a part of the Eastern Cape Province, is one locality with many child rapes. The unemployment, poverty and crime levels are very high in the region. Objective: To highlight the problem of sexual abuse and HIV in the Transkei region of South Africa. Case History: This report presents a victim of rape, a two-year-old female child, who was brought to the Umtata General Hospital in the evening with profusely bleeding per vaginum. She was sexual assaulted by a HIV positive caretaker adult male in his 30s, acting on a mistaken belief that sex with a virgin will cure an HIV-infected person or AIDS sufferer of his illness. The young mother of the victim has also experienced a rape in her childhood, and her husband was murdered a year ago in front of her child. She does not know about her father and was raped in her childhood by a foster father. The history, the physical examination and the uneventful antiretroviral therapy are discussed in this manuscript. Conclusions is drawn and preventive steps are suggested. Conclusion: There is a high misconception and strong misbelief in child sexual abuse and a cure of HIV infection in the Transkei region of South Africa.
Analysis of Pattern of Medico Legal Cases Registered in the Casualty Department of a Teaching Hospital, Karimnagar, Telangana
Authors:   Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Chalmeda Anand Rao Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar, Telangana 505001, India., Rajesham Karukuri , .. Afreen ,   Fellowship in Molecular HematoOncology, Department of Pathology, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 410210, India., Rajashekar Neelakanti ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Chalmeda Anand Rao Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar, Telangana 505001, India., Reddy A Bharath Kumar ,   Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Government Medical College, Nalgonda, Telangan
Published: January 2024

context: A medicolegal case is any medical case with legal implications. These medico-legal cases differ among regions based on socio-economic status, cultural diversities, capability of law enforcing agencies and the prevailing standards of health care services available in the community. aim: This study was aimed to know the pattern and magnitude of medico legal cases. material & methods: It is a record based analytical cross sectional study in which all the MLC cases registered in MLC record book of Chalmeda Anand Rao Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar between January to June 2017 were included. Cases found non medico-legal were excluded. Variables considered were gender, age, time of arrival. Findings were expressed in numbers and percentages. results: Total cases were 464, of which 355 (76.50%) were males and 109 (23.50%) were females. Maximum cases were from the age group of 21-40 years i.e., 206 (44.39%). Most of the medico-legal cases registered were due to Road Traffic Accidents (53.67%) followed by machinery (factory) injuries (20.25%), poisoning (8.84%), fall from height (6.26%), assault (4.52%), thermal injuries (4.52%), injuries by animals (0.86%), self-inflicted injuries (0.64%), injuries due to violent asphyxia (0.22%), railway injuries (0.22%). conclusions: Most of the victims were males, young adults. Most common cases reported as medico legal cases were road traffic accidents followed by machinery injuries and poisoning cases, etc.
Petroleum Potential and Organic-Matter–Oil Correlation in the Rocks of the Upper Riphean Iremeken Formation in the Kamo Arch of the Baikit Anteclise (Siberian Platform)
Authors: Boldushevskaya L.N. , Fadeeva S.V. , Goncharov I.V. , Trushkov P.V. , Samoilenko V.V. , Veklich M.A. , Krasil’nikova N.B. , Savchik D.M. , Rudaya G.U. , Turova A.B. , Nikolaeva Yu.L.
Published: January 2024

—A complex of laboratory studies of Riphean rocks and oils was carried out by the organic-geochemistry methods to construct a basin model for the Kamo arch of the Baikit anteclise of the Siberian craton. We compared the parameters of the organic matter (OM) and oils of the Upper Riphean Iremeken carbonaceous member by biomarker hydrocarbons. Analysis of the obtained chromatography–mass spectrometry data showed an unordinary group hydrocarbon composition of extracts from the OM and oils and low contents of cheilanthanes and steranes in them. Within the Kamo arch, the Upper Riphean Iremeken OM-enriched deposits with a high petroleum potential might have reached the peak of petroleum generation only in the deepest part of the Madra trough; thus, the traps could not be completely filled with oil. The distribution of tricyclic terpanes in the rock bitumens from the studied wells testifies to immature OM in the Iremeken Formation. However, in the most submerged zones of the Kamo arch and in the adjacent areas, oil was generated from the OM of the Iremeken Formation. This is evidenced by the oils of the Upper Iremeken Subformation in the Kuyumbinskoe field and the Ter’-Kamo license area.
Geochemistry of Crude Oils from the Bazhenov Horizon (West Siberia)
Authors: Fursenko E.A. , Kontorovich A.E. , Kostyreva E.A. , Padalko N.L. , Rodchenko A.P. , Ryzhkova S.V.
Published: January 2024

—The Bazhenov horizon is the main source rock stratum of the West Siberian petroleum province, which possesses significant resources of hard-to-recover hydrocarbons, making it a unique exploration target. The study summarizes geochemical data on crude oils (39 samples) collected from pools within the Bazhenov and Tutleima formations. A comparative analysis of the carbon isotope composition and geochemical parameters calculated from the composition of the identified saturated and aromatic compounds (pristane/phytane, C29/C27 steranes, C35/C34 homohopanes, tricyclane index, relative concentrations of dibenzothiophenes) confirm a common aquatic genotype of the studied oils and their genetic affinity to the organic matter of the same age. At the same time, significant variations in the main physical and chemical characteristics of the studied Bazhenov oils may be caused their fractionation during migration processes.
Molecular Integration in Neurological Diagnosis (MIND) Parkinson's Disease Inception Cohort Study Protocol
Authors: Tropea Thomas F , Hartstone Whitney , Amari Noor , Baum Dylan , Rick Jacqueline , Suh Eunran , Zhang Hanwen , Paul Rachel A. , Han Noah , Zack Rebecca , Brody Eliza M , Albuja Isabela , James Justin , Spindler Meredith , Deik Andres , Aamodt Whitley W , Dahodwala Nabila , Hamedani Ali , Lasker Aaron , Hurtig Howard , Stern Matthew , Weintraub Daniel , Vaswani Pavan , Willis Allison W , Siderowf Andrew , Xie Sharon X , Deerlin Vivianna Van , Chen-Plotkin Alice S.
Published: January 2024

This is an inception cohort study protocol to enroll people with Parkinson's disease into a biobanking protocol at the clinic-wide level collecting clinical information and blood for future research use. The informed consent process includes optional recontact for future research studies, access to the medical record, and use of samples for future studies. Blood products (plasma and genomic DNA) are banked for future use. Clinical data is obtained through a questionnaire. Each visit lasts between 10-20 min between a clinical research coordinator and patient at the time of their return visit to the medical office. The strength of this protocol is the broad research enrollment across a whole clinic target for recruitment, optional consents for future research and access to the medical record. Weakness include the time needed for enrollment and limited clinical information collected.
MC-GAT: Multi-channel Graph Attention Networks for capturing diverse information in complex graph
Authors: La Zhiyao , Qian YuRong , Leng Hongyong , Gu Tianyu , Gong Weijun , Chen Jiaying
Published: January 2024

Much attention has been paid to Graph Attention Networks (GAT), which excel at various analytical tasks involving graph and network data. However, complex real-world networks have both edge topology and node features. GAT only relies on the topology of edges to extract network information, and the association between node features is underutilized, which may seriously hinder GAT's expressive ability on some tasks. In addition, the attention mechanism can automatically assign different weights to different pieces of information, making it easier to express information with multiple aspects. Therefore, we propose semi-supervised multi-channel attention networks (MC-GAT), which simultaneously extract node futures, topological structures, and their combinations. To create node embeddings containing various informational aspects, we then use the attention mechanism to assign weights to each of them. Extensive testing on benchmark datasets has shown us to be at our best. The performance of the proposed model is demonstrated by the fact that MC-GAT achieves relative maximum improvements of 4.22% for accuracy (ACC) on BlogCatalog and 5.23% for macro F1-score (F1) on UAI2010. The proposed model is available at https://github.com/123123-2/LZY/tree/main/AM-GCN-master.
Fight, Not Flight! Avoidant Behavior Strengthens Attentional Shift Toward Threat Stimuli During Anxiety
Authors: Sakemoto Natsuki , Tanaka Hideyuki
Published: January 2024

Attentional systems prioritize threat-related stimuli, and this tendency increases with heightened anxiety. The detrimental effects of anxiety on perceptual and motor performance may result in part from this automatic mechanism in which attention is predominantly biased toward threat stimuli, that is, attentional bias. Understanding the relationship between attentional bias and motor control systems is expected to aid in the development of methods to cope with anxiety in athletic situations. With this in mind, the present study investigated how the difference in behavioral goals affects attentional control against threat-related stimuli during induced anxiety. Participants performed a visual probe task, with half responding to the probe target in hit mode and half in avoidance mode. Anxiety levels were manipulated using a threat-of-shock method. Threatening conditions increased the degree of attentional bias toward negative information compared to safe conditions for the avoidance action goal but had no effect on the hit action goal. The differences in fight-or-flight behavioral goals, represented by hit or avoidant actions, were found to interact with state anxiety, resulting in the different degrees of attentional bias toward threat stimuli. Avoidance behavior may strengthen the relationship between attentional bias and anxiety. These findings suggest a hypothesis that when anxiety increases, deliberate efforts to avoid threatening stimuli would rather worsen perceptual and motor performance.
A dynamical interpretation of the intensification of the winter North Atlantic jet stream in reanalysis
Authors: Verger Alejandro Hermoso , Riviere Gwendal , Harvey Ben , Methven John , Schemm Sebastian
Published: January 2024

Jet streams play an important role in determining weather variability and extremes. A better understanding of the mechanisms driving changes in the jet is essential to successfully anticipate extreme meteorological events. This study analyzes the intensification trend of the North Atlantic jet using the ERA5 reanalysis and investigates the dynamical mechanisms involved. The results highlight the importance of an increase in diabatic heating in the free troposphere below the jet entrance over the Gulf Stream sector. This change in diabatic heating modifies the jet directly and produces a local intensification and a slight poleward shift. A two-dimensional frontal-geostrophic model illustrates this mechanism by considering the enhanced diabatic heating associated with the baroclinic growth of extratropical cyclones. The change in diabatic heating also affects the jet indirectly by increasing the mean baroclinity and subsequent eddy momentum flux convergence. This indirect mechanism has also an effect downstream, where there is an acceleration of the jet core and reduced westerlies along the flanks, reducing the width of the jet. An idealized warming experiment confirms this mechanism by determining the jet response downstream of an idealized land-sea contrast. Finally, using an ensemble of fully-coupled climate simulations, we show that the uncertainty in the evolution of the North Atlantic jet is related to a large spread in the position of the upper-level increase in baroclinicity. What emerges from the model hierarchy is a consistent dynamical chain of mechanisms associated with the intensification trend of the North Atlantic jet stream not captured by climate models.
The prevention process of anammox inhibited by nitrite: cannot by change the external conditions, turning inward to enhance the antifragility of anammox bacteria
Authors: Ma Bin , Li Beiying , Liu Conghe , Su Run , Wei Yan
Published: January 2024

To minimize the effect of nitrite inhibition and increase the antifragile of anammox reactor, exposing partially sludge to high nitrite in a side-stream unit to enhance nitrite tolerance of anammox sludge. In this study, anammox reactor with the side-stream unit reduced by 56.04% in nitrogen removal rate (NRR) with initial 30 mg·L-1 nitrite exposure, while increased 33.3% with later 100 mg·L-1 exposure. The sludge subjected to nitrite exposure exhibited enhanced levels of tolerance, with the specific anammox activity (SAA) was 16.81 times higher compared to the non-exposed sludge. The NRR decrease rate of reactor equipped with side-stream unit was twice times slower to response nitrite shock. After nitrite exposure, the dominant anammox bacteria shifted to Candidatus Jettenia. BugBase predicted functional results suggest that anammox sludge may adapt to nitrite by reducing potentially pathogenic. In conclusion, a novel strategy for enhancing operational stability of the anammox system was proposed.
A procedure for temperature-sensitive, fluorescence-active carrageenan nanogel using disoriented conformation of carrageenan with de-solvating agent.
Authors: purohit Priyank , Bhatt Akanksha , Kailkhura Shashank
Published: January 2024

Polymers, in their grafted and derivatized forms, are frequently used in medical research due to their unique properties as diagnostic, targeted, sustained, and regulated carriers. The method of iota carrageenan nanogel has been developed in this invention. The method is based on solubility, which was first investigated using the solvent screening technique. The de-solvating agent was then used to reduce the particle size and produce the gel in nano form, moreover, the viscosity and other physical properties were evaluated. Furthermore, it was compared to the basic gel, which was formed by adding polymer to hot water without any additional procedures, as opposed to the nano gel. The nanogel has an advantage over the regular gel due to its increased stability, fluorescence activity, and other favorable qualities. The special benefit of nanogel was discovered to be that it is an effective spreader material due to its low gel point and viscosity. The breakthrough technique that depends just on temperature and desolation without the need for crosslinking compounds will be more ecologically friendly and advantageous to polymer scientists, particularly in the domain of medical science.
Effect of in-line filtration in newborns. Study protocol of the Intravenous Neonatal Central Access Safety (INCAS) randomized controlled trial.
Authors: Cresi Francesco , Maggiora Elena , Capetti Cecilia , Capitanio Martina , Ferroglio Mattia , Spada Elena , De Matteis Francesca , Cosimi Sara , Mosca Fabio , Coscia Alessandra
Published: January 2024

Background: Particulate contamination due to infusion therapy (administration of parenteral nutrition and medications) carries a potential health risk for infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). This particulate consists of metals, drug crystals, glass fragments or cotton fibers and can be generated by drug packaging, incomplete reconstitution and chemical incompatibilities. In line-filters have been shown to remove micro-organisms, endotoxin, air and particles in critically ill adults and older infants, but its benefits in newborn remain to be demonstrated. Moreover, 50% of inflammatory episodes in the setting of NICUs are blood culture-negative. These episodes could be partly related to the presence of particles in the infusion lines.
Methods: A multicenter randomized single-blind controlled trial was designed. All infants admitted to NICUs for which prolonged infusion therapy is expected will be enrolled in the study and randomized to the Filter or Control arm. All patients will be monitored until discharge, and data will be analyzed according to a “full analysis set”. The primary outcome is the frequency of patients with at least one sepsis-like event, defined by any association of suspected sepsis symptoms with a level of c-reactive protein (CRP) > 5mg/L in a negative-culture contest. The frequency of sepsis, phlebitis, luminal obstruction, and the duration of mechanical ventilation and of catheter days will be evaluated as secondary outcomes. The sample size was calculated at 368 patients per arm.
Discussion: This is the first multicenter randomized control trial that compares in-line filtration of parenteral nutrition and other intravenous drugs to infusion without filters. Sepsis-like events are commonly diagnosed in clinical practice and are more frequent than sepsis in a positive culture contest. The risk of these episodes in the target population is estimated at 30-35%, but this data is not confirmed in the literature. If the use of in-line filters results in a significant decrease in sepsis-like events and/or in any other complications, the use of in-line filters in all intravenous administration systems may be recommended in NICUs.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05537389. Registered on 12 September 2022.
Changes in the shape of carrageenan molecules, from bricks to nanospheres with unique procedures
Authors: Bhatt Akanksha , Kailkhura Shashank , purohit Priyank
Published: January 2024

The interactions between the polymer's surface area and kinetic behaviors make the polymer's size, shape, and related properties of concern to polymer scientists. Polymers, especially when grafted or derivatized to improve their diagnostic, targeted, sustained, or controllable carrying capacities, are a strong selling point. In this investigation, we characterize iota-carrageenan power as it is used to fabricate a brick-shaped and spherical nanoparticle. Our previous work with solvent screening led us to the discovery of the solubility, ionic effect, and desolvation process upon which our newly developed methodology is based. The de-solvating agent's effect was responsible for the smaller particle size. The particles' sizes and shapes were compared to one another and correlated with their potential applications in the pharmaceutical industry. The size progression from powder to nanosphere is difficult, but maintaining the high surface energy (brick shape) bearing shape is more difficult. This is the focus of the current research.
Effectiveness of lifestyle interventions for glycemic control among adults with Type 2 Diabetes in West Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Peprah Ellen , Abdul-Basit Abdul-Samed , Appiah Tony Danso , Mirzoev Tolib , Antwi Edward , Jahan Yasmine , Balabanova Dina , Agyepong Irene
Published: January 2024

Background: Lifestyle interventions are key to the control of diabetes and the prevention of complications, especially when used with pharmacological interventions. This protocol aims to review the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in relation to nutrition and physical activity within the West African region. This systematic review and meta analysis seeks to understand which interventions for lifestyle modification are implemented for the control of diabetes in West Africa at the individual and community level; what evidence is available on their effectiveness in improving glycaemic control; and why these interventions were effective.
Methods:We will review randomised control trials and quasi-randomised control trials on physical activity and nutrition interventions within adult populations from all 16 West-African countries. Language will be restricted to English and French as these are the most widely spoken languages in the region. No other filters will be applied. Searching will involve 4 electronic databases - Pubmed, Scopus, and Africa Journals Online and Cairn.info using natural-language phrases plus reference/citation checking.
Two reviewers will independently screen results according to titles and abstracts against the inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify eligible studies. Upon full text review, all selected studies will be assessed using Cochrane’s Collaboration tool for assessing the risk of bias of a study and the data will be extracted. Evidence will be synthesised narratively and statistically where appropriate. We will conduct a meta-analysis when the interventions and contexts are similar enough for pooling and compare the treatment effects of the interventions in rural to urban settings and short term to long term wherever possible.
Discussion: We anticipate finding a number of studies missed by previous reviews and providing evidence of the effectiveness of different nutrition and physical activity interventions within the context of West Africa. This knowledge will support practitioners and policymakers in the design of interventions that are fit for context and purpose within the West African region.
Registration: This systematic review has been registered in the International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews - PROSPERO, with registration number CRD42023435116. All amendments to this protocol during the process of the review will be explained accordingly.
The moderating role of gender in the impact of intolerance of uncertainty on earthquake fear
Authors: TORPUS KEMAL , USTA Galip , ÖZBAY Sevil ÇINAR , KANBAY Yalçın
Published: January 2024

This study aimed to examine the moderating role of gender in the impact of intolerance of uncertainty on earthquake fear. The population of the study consisted of people from different age groups (n=555). In terms of gender distribution, 71.2% of the sample consisted of female individuals, while the mean age was calculated as 41.1 ± 4.4 (Min = 18; Max = 79). Personal Information Form, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, and Fear of Earthquake Scale were employed as data collection tools. The data of the study were examined using SPSS 26 and AMOS 23 package software. The moderation analysis was conducted using the "Process Macro" developed by Hayes. Regression analysis based on the bootstrap method was performed to determine the moderation role of the "gender" factor on the effect of intolerance of uncertainty on the fear of earthquakes. According to the findings, as the level of intolerance of uncertainty increases, the fear of earthquakes also increases. In addition, gender was found to be effective in the fear of earthquakes. Females exhibit higher levels of earthquake fear compared to males. In addition, this effect of gender plays a moderating role in the effect of intolerance of uncertainty on fear of earthquakes. Fear of earthquakes increases at low, medium, and high levels of intolerance of uncertainty, but this increase is higher in females than in males.
Antimicrobial Activity of Cefepime-Tazobactam Combination against Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase and/or AmpC Beta-Lactamase- Producing Gram-negative Bacilli
Authors: Elawady Basma Ahmed , Mahmoud Noha Refaat , Badawi Hala El-Sayed , Badr Azza Essam Eldin , Gohar Noha Mahmoud
Published: January 2024

Background
The problem of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics, which is caused by ESBL and AmpC β-lactamases, is getting worse globally. Infections caused by bacterial isolates harboring these enzymes are difficult to treat with carbapenems being the sole effective treatment option for such infections. The objective of this study was to assess the sensitivity of the cefepime-tazobactam combination against ESBL- and/or AmpC-producing Gram-negative bacilli.
Methods
This is an observational cross-sectional study carried out on 100 Gram-negative bacilli. ESBL production was screened by using the disc diffusion test followed by confirmation by the combined disc confirmatory test, the screening for AmpC production was conducted using the cefoxitin disc test, which was subsequently confirmed by the AmpC disc test. Isolates confirmed positive for ESBL and/ or AmpC production were investigated for their susceptibility to antibiotics.
Results
Among 100 Gram-negative bacilli, 44 isolates were confirmed as ESBL producers by the combined disc confirmatory test out of 56 isolates that tested positive for ESBL production through the disc diffusion test. The presence of AmpC production was assessed using the cefoxitin disc test, 32 isolates were screened to be AmpC producers, and the AmpC disc test confirmed AmpC production in 9 isolates of them. Using the Mast® D68C set, 32 isolates were ESBL producers, 3 were AmpC producers, and 4 isolates were ESBL/AmpC co-producers. The highest sensitivity was to cefepime-tazobactam (91.48%) followed by the carbapenems.
Conclusion
Cefepime-tazobactam showed remarkable activity against ESBL and/or AmpC-producing Gram-negative bacilli and may be considered as a therapeutic alternative to carbapenems.
Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of symptomatic neurosyphilis in people with HIV compared with uninfected individuals
Authors: de Almeida Sérgio Monteiro , Neto José Tresoldi , Rocha Amanda , Medeiros Ana , Gonçalves Debora , Guimarães Fausto
Published: January 2024

We evaluated the diagnostic clinical performance characteristics (DCPC) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) total protein (TP), white blood cell count (WBC), and lactate (LA) with different cutoff points as adjunct biomarkers of confirmed or presumptive symptomatic neurosyphilis (NS) and the impact of HIV infection. From 5,640 participants who underwent lumbar punctures, 236 participants were included, and classified as either people with HIV (PWH) or people without HIV (PWoH) according to the CDC criteria for confirmed NS (n=42), presumptive NS (n=74), systemic syphilis (SS) (n=38), serological diagnosis of syphilis (n=18), PWH without SS and NS (n=10), and negative control (n=72). In PWoH, for presumptive NS, the combination of CSF TP >45 mg/dL and/or WBC >5.0 cells/mm3 is valuable for screening, whereas in PWH, it is not recommended for either screening or case-finding NS. In PWoH, the value of CSF TP >45 mg/dL is adequate for both screening and confirmation of presumptive NS, subject to prevalence. For WBC count >20 cell/mm3, the positive predictive value (PPV) of the test is almost perfect, suggesting a confirmatory test. In PWH, CSF TP is an inadequate marker of NS. The WBC count, with cutoffs of >10 or >20 cells/mm3, was moderately applicable for screening. As conclusions: CSF WBC count and TP showed distinct DCPC in confirmed or presumptive NS, being better in the former. However, these biomarkers could be included for presumptive NS diagnosis. Additionally, the DCPC of these biomarkers for the diagnosis of NS is greatly affected by HIV co-infection.
A Metaheuristic-based Scheme for Allocation and Sizing of Fast Charging Stations
Authors: Guler Nivine
Published: January 2024

The widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) hinges significantly on effective network management, particularly the allocation and sizing of fast-charging stations (FCS) for EV users. The problem is framed as a multi-objective network management model that incorporates metrics such as EV user satisfaction with respect to fast charger station access time and waiting time, enhancing voltage stability, enhancing FCS profits, improving technical performance of the network grid, and minimizing carbon dioxide emissions. Applying queuing theory based on M/M/c, the model seeks to identify the most effective number of chargers to minimize waiting time for electric vehicle users and ensure optimal utilization of the Fast Charging Station (FCS). The problem is formulated as a multi-optimization problem where finding the optimal solution is done by implementing the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm. Simulation results indicate that the model successfully enhances EV user satisfaction, FCS profits, environmental impact, and overall FCS utilization. In a comparative analysis with state-of-the-art models, the proposed approach demonstrates a notable 40% improvement in EV user satisfaction and a significant 45% enhancement in FCS utilization. This underscores the effectiveness of the proposed model in addressing key challenges and optimizing the performance of the EV charging network.
A mathematical modeling to determine the evolutionaryrelationships between Bat and Human corona virus
Authors: Borah Manash Jyoti , Panda Sumati Kumari , Bhattacharjee Swarupa , Hazarika Bipan , Khan Ilyas , Niazai Shafiullah
Published: January 2024

In this article, we present novel correlation coefficients for measuringthe relationship between two fuzzy sets. Here also present mathematical models todetermine the evolutionary relationships between SARS-CoV & SARS-CoV-2 andfive other commonly known corona viruses in human which includes MERS-CoV,HCoV-OC43, HCoV-229E, HCoV-NL63 and HCoV-HKU1 and two bat coronaviruses (RsSHC014 and RaTG13) with special emphasis on their correlation
Quality Aspects Of Wheat Produced And Consumed In Albania
Authors: Mato Lorena , Damani Zamir , Topi Dritan
Published: January 2024

Background: Wheat and its processed flour-based items have been one of the main dietary choices among Albanians. The nutritional significance of wheat lies in its function as a vital provider of microelements and its adaptability for transformation into many processed goods, such as bread, pasta, and pastry. Wheat quality indicators have taken more focus in global markets, both in safety and security aspecits. Using near-infrared spectroscopy, the study has examined the wheat quality produced in the country by observing physicochemical parameters -protein, gluten, starch, moisture, and sedimentation index.
Results: A total of seventy-five samples were collected from various districts from the harvesting season of 2022 directly to the field or silo. The protein content ranged from 9.6% to 15.0%, with an average of 12.7%. The gluten content ranged from 19.4% to 37.5%, with an average of 27.5%. The starch content exhibited a range of 66.3% to 71.5%, with an average value of 68.9%. The sedimentation index was quantified within the range of 21.1–57.8 cm3, with a mean value of 37.6 cm3. Ultimately, the moisture content ranged from 9.8% to 12.5%, which means that none of the wheat samples surpassed the maximum threshold of 14.5% as mandated by national and European Union food laws.
Conclusions: The crop quality indicators produced in Albania fulfilled the quality standards according to EU Food regulations and national food law. Data produced by Near Infrared spectroscopy applications to grain quality control give perspective to include analysis of other indicators such as mycotoxins’ contamination.
The Tannin acyl hydrolase from Bacterium Enterobacter hormaechei Z8b-60: Purification and Biochemical Characterization
Authors: Narayanaswamy Sharadamma , Rangappa Nagesh Babu
Published: January 2024

The tannase enzyme was produced by the bacterial strain Enterobacter hormaechei Z8B-60 isolated from the slaughterhouse waste soil. Maximum tannase has been produced under ideal circumstances in a selective medium made of MSM-tannic acid as a sole carbon source. Ion exchange chromatography was used to partially purify the tannase using DEAE-cellulose. With a yield of 37.39% and a total purification of 21.23fold, purified tannase exhibited a specific activity of 24.864 U/mg. The enzyme that had been largely purified displayed an optimal pH of 6.5 and a temperature range of 50oC. The enzyme was stable up to 60oC and was most stable at a pH of 6.5. The purified enzyme displayed Km and Vmax values for methyl gallate of 9.268928mM and 0.667646U/mL and for propyl gallate of 6.818419mM and 0.180015U/mL, respectively. Ten mmol/L concentrations of Zn2+ and Co2+ were shown to stabilize tannase activity, whereas Mn2+, Fe2+ and Cu2+ inhibit tannase activity.