bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Iodine status, including breastmilk iodine content, of lactating mothers and their infants aged 0 to 6 months in Vhembe and Mopani districts of the Limpopo province, South Africa.
Authors: Hlako S C , Mushaphi L F , Mabapa N S , Baumgartner J
Published: October 2023

Background. Both iodine deficiency and excess may affect lactating women and their infants. In Limpopo Province, South Africa (SA), there are no data on the iodine status of individuals in these vulnerable groups.Objective. To determine the iodine status, including breastmilk iodine content, of lactating mothers and their infants aged 0 - 6 months in Vhembe and Mopani districts, Limpopo, SA.Methods. A cross-sectional descriptive study in the quantitative domain was undertaken in Vhembe and Mopani districts. Mother-infant pairs were randomly selected. Breastmilk iodine content (BMIC), urinary iodine content (UIC) of infants, UIC of mothers, household (HH) salt iodine content (SIC) and water iodine content (WIC). The iodine nutrition knowledge of mothers was determined.Results. The median (interquartile range (IQR)) of BMIC among lactating mothers in Vhembe and Mopani was 102 (62 - 179.7) μg/Land 150.4 (89.4 - 201.7) μg/L, respectively. The median (IQR) UIC of mothers in Vhembe and Mopani was 96.3 (54.8 - 154.8) μg/L and137.9 (72 - 212.4) μg/L, respectively. The median UIC of infants was 217.7 (107.1 - 409.9) and 339.8 (162.9 - 490.3) μg/L in Vhembe andMopani, respectively. There was a significant difference between SIC of coarse and fine salt in both districts. Lactating mothers in both areas had limited iodine nutrition knowledge.Conclusion. The results suggest that iodised salt is a major contributor to iodine status in lactating mothers and their infants. Our results also show that the salt iodisation programme in SA supplies sufficient iodine for children, women of reproductive age, lactating mothers and breastfed infants.
Nucleated red blood cells in neonates with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy treated with hypothermia: A worthwhile prognostic biomarker for clinicians in LMIC?
Authors: Mfingwana L , Van Zyl J , Smith J , Rutherford M , Kali G T J
Published: October 2023

Background. Neonatal hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a leading cause of term neonatal death worldwide, with a higherincidence in low- to middle-income settings.Objective. To investigate whether nucleated red blood cell (nRBC) counts could predict severity of HIE and outcomes in term neonatestreated with therapeutic hypothermia (TH).Methods. We conducted a retrospective sub-study at Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town, South Africa. The review included all cooledneonates’ clinical records and blood samples from a National Health Laboratory Services database. One experienced neurodevelopmental expert assessed patients over a period of 12 months.Results. Twenty-five files out of a total of 100 were excluded owing to missing data. In accordance with the Thompson HIE score,the cohort was classified as mild (56%), moderate (27%), and severe (17%). All included patients (n=75) had full blood counts within6 hours of delivery. nRBC were detected in 52% of the samples. There was no correlation between nRBC category and HIE severity(p=0.265). Raised nRBCs (≥30 cells/100 white blood cells (WBCs)) were more frequent in infants who died than in those whosurvived (p=0.008). Infants with nRBC counts ≥30 cells/100 WBCs had an increased likelihood of having cerebral palsy or impairedneurodevelopment (p=0.013).Conclusion. The study demonstrated a significant association between an early increase in nRBC counts in HIE infants treated with TH,and both short- and long-term outcomes. A larger multicentre study is required to better understand the relationship between nRBCcounts and HIE in the era of cooling in our local setting.
Evaluation of the accuracy of the Asanté assay as a point-of-care rapid test for HIV-1 recent infections using serum bank specimens from blood donors in South Africa, July 2018 - August 2021
Authors: Singh B , Mthombeni J , Olorunfemi G , Goosen M , Cutler E , Julius H , Brukwe Z , Puren A
Published: October 2023

Background. Point-of-care (POC) rapid recency testing can be used as a cost-effective tool to identify recently infected individuals (i.e. infected within the last 12 months) in near-real time, support epidemic control and identify hotspots for transmission as part of recent infection surveillance.
Objective. To evaluate the performance of the Asanté (HIV-1) rapid recency assay as a POC rapid test among blood donors in South Africa (SA). Methods. The study was a cross-sectional and validity study of the Asanté HIV-1 Rapid Recency Assay performed on 715 consecutively archived plasma donor specimens from the SA National Blood Services to determine their recency and established HIV infection status. ELISA and rapid assays for HIV antibody detection were used as the reference-testing standard for confirming an infection, while the Maxim HIV-1 limiting antigen (LAg) avidity assay was used as a reference for comparing HIV recency status. Validity tests (sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values) and Cohen-Kappa tests of the agreement were conducted to compare the Asanté HIV-1 rapid recency assay results with the reference tests.
Results. Of the 715 studied blood samples, 63.1% (n=451/715) were confirmed to be HIV-positive based on the reference standard. The sensitivity and specificity of the Asanté HIV-1 rapid recency assay in diagnosing established HIV infection compared to the ELISA were 98.4% (95% CI 96.7 - 99.3) and 99.6% (95% CI 97.6 - 100), respectively. Compared with HIV rapid assay, the sensitivity and specificity of the Asanté HIV-1 rapid recency assay was 98.7% (95% CI 97.0 - 99.4) and 99.2% (95% CI 97.1 - 100), respectively. Of the 451 HIV-positive blood samples, 43% were confirmed as recent HIV infections by the Maxim HIV-1 LAg avidity assay. There was high agreement between the Asanté HIV-1 rapid recency assay and the Maxim HIV-1 LAg avidity assay (94.1%, k=0.879, p<0.0001). The sensitivity and specificity of the Asante HIV-1 assay was 89.4% (95% CI 84.0 - 93.0) and 97.7% (95% CI 94.8 - 99.0), respectively.
Conclusion. The Asanté HIV-1 rapid recency assay test results demonstrated high accuracy (>90%) compared with the HIV ELISA and rapid assays for determining established infection and the Maxim HIV-1 LAg avidity assay for classifying recent HIV-1 infections. The assay’s sensitivity for established infections was below the World Health Organization criteria (<99%) for POC devices. The Asanté HIV-1 rapid recency assay can be used to distinguish between recent and long-term infections, but may not be considered a POC test for determining HIV infection.
Comorbidities associated with COVID‑19 mortality: A retrospective study in an intermediate care facility in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Krüger S , Dun L , Joseph JA , Van Hoving N , Phillips L
Published: October 2023

Background. The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic continues to place a significant burden on healthcare systems across the globe. Previous studies have shown that patients with comorbidities who contract SARS-CoV-2 develop more severe COVID‑19 disease and are at a higher risk of mortality. However, literature in the intermediate care setting is limited. Objectives. To evaluate the association between comorbidity and mortality in the intermediate care setting.Methods. A retrospective observational study was performed at Brackengate Intermediate Care Facility (BICF), a 330-bed field hospital, during the second wave of COVID‑19 in Cape Town, South Africa. Data of all adult patients admitted from 1 November 2020 to 28 February 2021 who met the inclusion criteria were analysed. Data were obtained from electronic hospital patient administration systems. Comparisons were made using χ2 or Fisher’s exact testing with a 5% level of confidence used to determine significance. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the independent association between clinical variables of interest and overall mortality.Results. A total of 2 508 patients were analysed, of whom 2 476 (98.7%) were laboratory confirmed cases of COVID‑19. The median number of admissions per day was 14. The mean age was 58 years, and 1 449 (57.8%) were female. The most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension (62.6%), diabetes (46.9%) and obesity (28.0%), while 8.0% of patients were HIV-positive. The overall mortality was 13.3% (333/2 508). Patients with at least one comorbidity were 1.4 times more likely to die (odds ratio (OR) 2.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6 - 3.5), and this risk increased significantly with cumulative comorbidities. Patients who required >40% oxygen were at 5.5 (95% CI 4.3 - 7.1) times higher mortality risk. Variables independently associated with mortality were age >60 years, FiO2>40%, previous cerebrovascular accident, concurrent tuberculosis infection and chronic kidney disease.Conclusion. Patients with comorbidities are at an increased risk of death in COVID‑19 disease, and should be monitored closely. Oxygen requirement >40% is also associated with a higher likelihood of dying. Intermediate care facilities can provide valuable relief to acute care facilities by admitting high-risk patients for closer monitoring and management.
Aviation Developers Worldwide: Constructors and Aviators (1900–1914)
Authors: Sollinger Guenther
Published: October 2023

Despite speculations long back in history, heavier-than air flight made its breakthrough during the first decade of the 20th century, based on the designs and practical experiments of at first a handful of constructors in Europe and the United States. Already by early 1911, the activities of several thousand aviators, including the constructors of airplanes, attracted not only wide public attention but also the interest of military establishments. The article analyzes significant data – nationality, profession, military rank, date and location of certification, location of airplane operations, domestic and foreign airplane types, and fatalities – for 13 369 constructors and aviators from 51 countries worldwide who were active between 1900 and 1914. Added to this group are the constructors of helicopters, ornithopters, gliders, and other flying apparatuses, resulting in a total of 14 142 individuals.
Transformation of the Historical Positioning of the Reform and Opening-up Era in the CCP's Ideology under Xi Jinping
Authors: Skosyrev Vladimir Alekseevich
Published: October 2023

The object of the research is the change in the image of the Reform and Opening-up Era in the historiography of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) under Xi Jinping. The goal is to trace the transformation of the historical positioning of the reform period in the context of Xi Jinping's announcement of a "New Era" in the history of the PRC and to identify aspects of continuity and break points between the two stages of the country's history. The most representative texts were selected as sources: speeches of party leaders on the occasion of the round anniversary of the start of the Policy of reforms and openness in 1998, 2008 and 2018 and the 2021 "Resolution of the CCP Central Committee on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party over the Past Century". The research method is qualitative content analysis. The novelty of the work lies in the consideration of issues that have not yet received proper coverage either in domestic or foreign science. The studies currently available on the topic of the change in the CCP’s approaches to its own historiography after the adoption of the “historic resolution” in 2021 are mainly publicistic in nature. The author comes to the conclusion that the proclamation of a "New Era" means the end of the period of reforms and openness, which the PRC entered in 1978 following the results of the 3rd plenum of the 11th CPC Central Committee. The related changes in party politics are indicated.
Assessment of the impact of industrial-type special economic zones on the socio-economic development of regions
Authors: Belousova Svetlana Nikolaevna , Trubin Anton Gennadevich
Published: October 2023

The relevance of the topic is related to the study and assessment of the impact of industrial-type special economic zones on the socio-economic development of regions. Industrial-production zones are territories with an area of up to 40 square kilometers located in economically developed regions of the state with a large number of industrial–production enterprises, experienced workers with high qualifications, natural resources and developed transport infrastructure. This is part of the state customs territory, where certain types of products are produced, and investors carry out their activities on preferential terms, which affects the development of the country's economy. The main purpose of the work is to study the types of special economic zones in the Russian Federation, to analyze the activities of special economic zones of the industrial and production type of the Russian Federation, as well as to assess the impact of special economic zones on the socio-economic development of regions. The analysis includes the main indicators and trends determining the effectiveness of the functioning of industrial-type special economic zones operating on the territory of the Russian Federation. The main conclusions of the study are that for the Russian Federation, the creation and further deployment of effective activities of special economic zones is important in order to solve acute strategic tasks, spatial development of the country and reduce inequality in the socio-economic development of regions, therefore, 8 new zones were created in 2022. As of 2023, there are 25 zones in Russia, besides 6 new zones are being created. The role of special economic zones in regional development is significant: economic diversification, localization of foreign capital, production of import-substituting goods, creation of new jobs, development of competition.
Un nuovo libro sulla «lex Voconia»
Authors: Battistini Simone
Published: October 2023

Abstract - The theme of the lex Voconia is illustrated by the author in an innovative way with respect to the previous bibliography on the subject, focusing on the rationale of the lex of wanting to affect the juridical-social position of women. It is illustrated how the provision was often evaded – also through recourse to historical sources – and how, despite the validity of the law, there were Roman marriages in possession of large assets. The problem of female succession thus presents itself as a starting point for reflection on the juridical status of women.
Da ‘opus’ a ‘opera’: considerazioni tra lingua e diritto
Authors: Ceglia Luca
Published: October 2023

Abstract - The linguistic derivation of ‘opera’ from ‘opus’ allows us to advance useful hypotheses on the recent nature of the locatio operarum. From the primitive unity of the locatio-conductio the locatio operarum would in fact have detached itself from the locatio rei in order to move the object of the assignment from the person of the worker to his activity and thus allow the work of the free man who subjected himself imperio alterius et potestati (Cic. Off. 22) for economic reasons. An attraction towards the obligation to do from the original obligation to give would have been exercised precisely by the locatio operis, which left the worker with greater managerial autonomy, limiting the control of the counterpart to the fairness of the corpus perfectum to be returned, without dividing the actions into individual operae to be carried out under the guidelines of others.
Discorso minimo sopra la «Consultatio veteris cuiusdam iurisconsulti»
Authors: Giomaro Anna Maria
Published: October 2023

Abstract - The article aims to illustrate the topic of Consultatio veteris cuiusdam iurisconsulti based on the latest studies, briefly considering its various aspects (bibliography, discovery of the manuscript, its edition, formal and content aspects, nature of the work). The approach is particularly problematic, aimed at pointing out the doubts and perplexities that persist and require new solutions or hypotheses. In particular, the emphasis is placed on the possibility of a more concrete use for the particular study of the sources that appear in it (individual norms of the Gregorian, the Hermogenian, the Theodosian, the Pauli Sententiae) and their development in the Late Antiquity centuries, thanks to the specific comparison with the tradition in common use.
Il sistema dell’editto. A cura di Iole Fargnoli
Authors: Lenel Otto
Published: October 2023

Abstract - The contribution makes available in open access the translation from the German into Italian of the first part of one of the classics of Roman law studies, Das edictum perpetuum. Ein Versuch zu seiner Wiederherstellung by Otto Lenel. The reconstructive effort of praetor’s edict, elaborated by the German scholar who lived at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, is to this day in its entirety still unsurpassed.
Il nutrimento dell'infante tra costume e diritto
Authors: Perani Renato
Published: October 2023

Abstract - In ancient Rome, the phenomenon of infants fed by hired nurses could be dated back as early as the late republic. The practice became even more widespread during the imperial age, owing to the updating social customs and the medical culture of that time. Although it is widely believed in the literature that the age of the Antonines there was an attempt to curb this tendency, by reverting back to encouraging mothers to assume the role of feeding the infants, there is no specific legislative intervention to attest. However, my research points out that the testimony of Gellius, who reports on Favorinus, a strenuous defender of traditional maternal care for infants, and some other sources from the 2nd century seem to give actual confirmation of the great topicality of this subject at that historical moment.
L’ «aequitas» a Sofistopoli. Note sull’ «aequitas» nell’antologia di Seneca padre
Authors: Rizzelli Giunio
Published: October 2023

Abstract - The paper deals with aequitas and its relationship to ius from the perspective of the declaimers of Seneca the father’s anthology of controversiae, a scholastic practice in many ways connected to the world of jurists, which also teaches to apply rhetorical status theory, in turn of great importance for the development of jurisprudence. In them, aequitas, which appears in the divisio between quaestiones iuris and quaestiones aequitatis or tractationes, adapts the ius, general and abstract, produced by the lex to the individual concrete case without opposing it.
Considerazioni minime sulla terminologia tardoantica negli interventi sui testi classici
Authors: Zuccotti Ferdinando
Published: October 2023

Abstract - Starting from the 1950s, the reaction to the interpolation critique, on the one hand, allowed the abandonment of an extremism that had led to excesses and apriorisms, and on the other, led to an anti-interpolationist extremism and to a consequent superficiality in the study of the sources, approached in a sectorial and uncritical manner, rejecting any possibility of their alteration. Illustrative of such illogical genuinism are the attempts to save two texts, namely D. 8.5.10. pr.-1 and D. 39.3.1.23, which, despite appearing to raise insurmountable problems both as regards the terminology and therefore the conceptualisations used by them, and especially the legal regulation of iura in re aliena implied by them, are considered classical. Urgent then is the need to revise this tendency, aspiring to a «critical neo-interpolationism», centred on the historical study of the text and on the identification of its possible various drafts - focusing on the specific reasons that led the late antique jurist or the Justinian commissioner to that specific type of intervention on the classical text - with the consequent return of the sources to their intrinsic diachrony.
Overvåking av graving i gårdshaugen i Kilbotn, Harstad k.
Authors: Henriksen Jørn Erik
Published: October 2023

Overvåking av grøfting og annet gravearbeid i forbindelse med nytt vann og avløpsanlegg til Aspelivegen 11 og 13 ble gjennomført i perioden 20-22 juni 2022. Arbeidet berørte gårdshaugen Id. 28739-1, i kulturminnets sørlige del.

To områder med bevarte gårdshaugmasser ble dokumentert, profil 1 i det vestre området som ble berørt av tiltaket og profil 2 noe lenger øst i grøfteområdet. Profil 1 viste to meter kulturlag, hvorav 50 cm i bunn tolkes som meget intakt gårdshaug. Prøve fra en trekull- og askekonsentrasjon sentralt i disse kulturlagene ble datert til høymellomalder.

En prøve fra en lignende kontekst i profil 2 ble datert til seinmellomalder/tidlig nytid. Kulturlagene i dette var 30-50 cm tykke, og har trolig i sin helhet blitt avsatt på senere tid enn mellomalderlagene dokumentert i profil 1.

Konklusjonen er at kulturminnets planavgrensning i Askeladden og antydede dybde (opptil 3-4 m), trolig er korrekt. Datering til mellomalder er også sannsynliggjort med denne overvåkingen, men mulighetene for eldre dateringer holdes åpne siden det ikke foreligger datering av bunnlag i profil 1.
Morphology and ontogeny of carpus and tarsus in stereospondylomorph temnospondyls
Authors: Witzmann Florian , Fröbisch Nadia
Published: October 2023

Skeletal development is well known in temnospondyls, the most diverse group of Paleozoic and Mesozoic amphibians. However, the elements of carpus and tarsus (i.e., the mesopodium) were always the last bones to ossify relative to the other limb bones and with regard to the rest of the skeleton, and are preserved only in rare cases. Thus, in contrast to the other parts of the limb skeleton, little is known about the ontogeny and sequence of ossification of the temnospondyl carpus and tarsus. We intended to close this gap by studying the ontogenies of a number of Permo/Carboniferous stereospondylomorphs, the only temnospondyls with preserved growth series in which the successive ossification of carpals and tarsals can be traced. Studying the degree of mesopodial ossification within the same species show that it is not necessarily correlated with body size. This indicates that individual age rather than size determined the degree of mesopodial ossification in stereospondylomorphs and that the largest individuals are not necessarily the oldest ones. In the stereospondylomorph tarsus, the distal tarsals show preaxial development in accordance with most early tetrapods and salamanders. However, the more proximal mesopodials exhibit postaxial dominance,i.e., the preaxial column (tibiale, centrale 1) consistently started to ossify after the central column (centralia 2–4, intermedium) and the postaxial column (fibulare). Likewise, we observed preaxial development of the distal carpals in the stereospondylomorph carpus, as in most early tetrapods for which a statement can be made. However, in contrast to the tarsus, the more proximal carpals were formed by preaxial development,i.e., the preaxial column (radiale, centrale 1) ossified after the central column (centralia 2–4, intermedium) and before the postaxial column (ulnare). This pattern is unique among known early tetrapods and occurs only in certain extant salamanders. Furthermore, ossification proceeded from distal to proximal in the central column of the stereospondylomorph carpus, whereas the ossification advanced from proximal to distal in the central column of the tarsus. Despite these differences, a general ossification pattern that started from proximolateral (intermedium or centrale 4) to mediodistal (distal tarsal and carpal 1) roughly in a diagonal line is common to all stereospondylomorph mesopodials investigated. This pattern might basically reflect the alignment of stress within the mesopodium during locomotion. Our observations might point to a greater variability in the development of the mesopodium in stereospondylomorphs and probably other early tetrapods than in most extant tetrapods, possibly mirroring a similar variation as seen in the early phases of skeletogenesis in salamander carpus and tarsus.
Association between serum ferritin and uric acid levels and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the Chinese population
Authors: Zhou Fangli , He Xiaoli , Liu Dan , Ye Yan , Tian Haoming , Tian Li
Published: October 2023

Background

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing worldwide. Accumulating evidence suggests that serum ferritin and uric acid (UA) are strongly associated with the risk of NAFLD, but no consensus has been reached.

Objective

We sought to demonstrate the association between serum ferritin, UA levels, and NAFLD risk in a large cohort study.

Methods

We separated 2,049 patients into non-NAFLD and NAFLD groups. The NAFLD group had four subgroups based on serum ferritin and four subgroups based on UA quartile levels. We used binary logistic regression to evaluate the correlation between serum ferritin, UA, and NAFLD. Additionally, an area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic analysis (ROC) was used to predict the diagnostic value of combined serum ferritin and UA for NAFLD.

Results

Serum ferritin and UA levels were higher in the NAFLD group compared with the non-NAFLD group. Serum lipid and liver transaminase concentrations were elevated with the increase of serum ferritin and UA. The logistic regression results showed an independent correlation between serum ferritin, UA, and NAFLD. In the NAFLD group, the AUC value of serum ferritin and UA was 0.771.

Conclusions

Increased serum ferritin and UA levels are independent risk factors for NAFLD. Increased serum UA is a stronger risk factor for NAFLD than elevated serum ferritin. Serum ferritin and UA can be important predictors of NAFLD risk.
High-risk histological subtype-related FAM83A hijacked FOXM1 transcriptional regulation to promote malignant progression in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Fei Wei , Yan Yan , Liu Guangjun , Peng Bo , Liu Yuanyuan , Chen Qiang
Published: October 2023

Background

According to the histopathology, lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) could be divided into five distinct pathological subtypes, categorized as high-risk (micropapillary and solid) group, intermediate-risk (acinar and papillary) group, and low-risk (lepidic) group. Despite this classification, there is limited knowledge regarding the role of transcription factors (TFs) in the molecular regulation of LUAD histology patterns.

Methods

Publish data was mined to explore the candidate TFs associated with high-risk histopathology in LUAD, which was validated in tissue samples. Colony formation, CCK8, EdU, transwell, and matrigel assays were performed to determine the biological function of FAM83A in vitro. Subcutaneous tumor-bearing in BALB/c nude mice and xenograft perivitelline injection in zebrafish were utilized to unreal the function of FAM83A in vivo. We also performed chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), dual-luciferase reporter, and rescue assays to uncover the underline mechanism of FAM83A. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to confirm the oncogenic role of FAM83A in clinical LUAD tissues.

Results

Screening the transcriptional expression data from TCGA-LUAD, we focus on the differentially expressed TFs across the divergent pathological subtypes, and identified that the expression of FAM83A is higher in patients with high-risk groups compared with those with intermediate or low-risk groups. The FAM83A expression is positively correlated with worse overall survival, progression-free survival, and advanced stages. Gain- and loss-of-function assays revealed that FAM83A promoted cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of tumor cell lines both in vivo and in vitro. Pathway enrichment analysis shows that FAM83A expression is significantly enriched in cell cycle-related pathways. The ChIP and luciferase reporter assays revealed that FAM83A hijacks the promoter of FOXM1 to progress the malignant LUAD, and the rescue assay uncovered that the function of FAM83A is partly dependent on FOXM1 regulation. Additionally, patients with high FAM83A expression positively correlated with higher IHC scores of Ki-67 and FOXM1, and patients with active FAM83A/FOXM1 axis had poor prognoses in LUAD.

Conclusions

Taken together, our study revealed that the high-risk histological subtype-related FAM83A hijacks FOXM1 transcriptional regulation to promote malignant progression in lung adenocarcinoma, which implies targeting FAM83A/FOXM1 is the therapeutic vulnerability.
Assessment of Responsibilities of Parents and Healthcare Workers in Routine Immunisation Practices: A Communitybased Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Prashanth HL , Anupama K , Chandrashekar SV , Koppad Raghavendraswamy , Kumar N Praveen , Aseeba OPK , Chandana M , Revathy R
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Every year, nearly two million children die before their 5th birthday, with 21.5% of all under five deaths attributed to vaccine-preventable diseases. Approximately 50% of undervaccinated children come from three countries, including India. In India, the Universal Immunisation Program (UIP) has played a crucial role in eliminating polio and maternal and neonatal tetanus. Both parents and healthcare providers play vital roles in children’s immunisation, with healthcare providers raising awareness about the importance of immunisation and parents understanding its significance. Aim: To estimate and assess the responsibilities of parents and healthcare providers in routine immunisation practices. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Community Medicine, Shivamogga Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), Shimoga, Karnataka, India among 153 parents or guardians of children aged six months to five years in urban and rural areas of Shimoga district. A questionnaire designed for the study was used, and a pilot study was conducted to test its effectiveness. The study duration was three months, from July 2022 to September 2022. Sociodemographic details and information on child immunisation were collected. Data were described in terms of frequencies and percentages. The association between knowledge of immunisation and the parents’ residence was tested using the Chi-square test, with a significance level set at p<0.05. Results: Out of 153 children, 46 (31%) were aged between 1 to 2 years. Among the study participants (N=153), 104 (68%) correctly recalled the last vaccine administered to their child, but 117 (76.5%) were unaware of the specific disease it protected against. Additionally, 69 (45.1%) participants were not aware of the four key messages related to immunisation. However, the majority of participants (152, 99.3%) expressed willingness to receive other vaccines. There was a significant (p=0.007) difference in knowledge regarding the retention period of a Mother Child Protection card (MCP) for 16 years between rural and urban areas. Conclusion: The responsibilities of parents and healthcare workers were found to be unsatisfactory. Parents mainly relied on Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) for keeping track of immunisation dates, while healthcare workers failed to communicate all four key messages effectively.
Histomorphological Spectrum of Various Systems in Sudden Deaths: An Autopsy Study at a Tertiary Care Centre in Gujarat, India
Authors: Gujarati Sheetal Yogeshbhai , Shah Pinal Chintan , Vaghasiya Kavita Vitthalbhai , Tandel Kajal Chandrakantbhai
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The phenomenon of sudden death is a concern, despite tremendous technological advances in healthcare. Sudden death in adults without any past history of chronic illness is increasing worldwide and is a significant issue for medical professionals. In this modernised medical world, diagnostic tools lack precision in comparison to autopsy cause of death when it comes to finding the clinical cause of death. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines sudden death, according to the International Classification of Diseases, version 10 (ICD10), as non violent death occurring less than 24 hours from the onset of symptoms, without any other explanation. Aim: To examine the different histomorphological changes observed in autopsy specimens of sudden deaths. Materials and Methods: This retrospective descriptive crosssectional study was conducted in the Department of Pathology at a Tertiary Care Hospital affiliated with a Medical College in South Gujarat, India. Data was collected from autopsies performed between January 2018 and December 2019, and the study was conducted from January 2020 to December 2021. A total of 430 cases of sudden death were systematically examined during the study period. The autopsy forms were used to retrieve the history, and all slides from the 430 cases were reviewed. The history, gross findings, and microscopic features were noted and entered into an Excel sheet. Results: A total of 1671 autopsies were performed during the study period, out of which 430 were sudden deaths. The most commonly affected age group was 41-50 years, with 114 cases (26.51%), followed by the 31-40 years age group with 101 cases (20.16%). Among the cases, 387 were males and 43 were females, resulting in a male-to-female ratio of 9:1. The most common cause of sudden death was cardiovascular pathology 267 (62.10%). Non cardiac causes were attributed to respiratory system involvement 79 (18.37%), followed by cases where no specific cause was identified 43 (10%), multiple system involvement 28 cases (6.51%), hepatobiliary causes 7 (1.62%), genitourinary system causes 4 (0.94%), and Central Nervous System (CNS) causes 2 (0.46%). Conclusion: The present study revealed a significant number of cases of sudden natural death. Cardiac causes were found to be the major contributor to sudden death, posing a health concern in our society. Atherosclerosis was identified as the main culprit in causing myocardial infarction. Sudden death remains a significant concern, and a meticulous postmortem and histopathological {Haematoxylin & Eosin (H&E)} examination are necessary to determine its cause. To prevent sudden natural deaths, it is essential to educate the population about the importance of undergoing annual health check-ups for early diagnosis and treatment.
Hypoglycaemic Encephalopathy following Coronavirus Disease in a Six-month-old Infant: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Bisen Yuganshu , Vardhan Sauvik , Bisen Ghrunanshu , Ambildhuke Ketki , Gowda Harshith
Published: October 2023

Hypoglycaemia refers to a state when the blood sugar level drops below the normal range of 70-110 mg/dL. Blood sugar level, or glucose in the blood, is responsible for various vital functions. A decrease in blood glucose levels causes a wide range of clinical presentations, from tremors to coma and even death. Long-term hypoglycaemia can lead to extensive neuronal damage due to apoptosis and energy failure. Additionally, authors discuss a rare case of a six-month-old male neonate who presented with fever, diarrhoea, and two episodes of convulsions over the last two days. The movements started with an ictal cry and were followed by micturition and defecation. Nasal and throat swabs were positive for SARS-CoV-2 viral antigen. A plane Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain was performed, which revealed evidence of altered signal intensity in the cortical and subcortical areas of the right frontal-temporal-parietal-occipital region, suggesting hypoglycaemic encephalopathy. The patient was given a breastfeeding trial and managed with 25% dextrose initially at a rate of 0.2 g/kg for 48 hours, as the patient was symptomatic, followed by an infusion of dextrose normal saline. After ruling out all possibilities of hypoglycaemic encephalopathy, the diagnosis of hypoglycaemic encephalopathy secondary to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) was made.
Novel STXBP2 Mutation Causing Familial Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Type 5 in a Preterm Neonate with Fatal Outcome: A Case Report
Authors: Basany Laxman , Batthula Vinay , Gandrakota Priyanka Naga , Mamidi Navya , Reddy Upparpally Pooja
Published: October 2023

Familial Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (FHL) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterised by a hyperinflammatory state due to widespread infiltration of organs with macrophages and lymphocytes. Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) presents with fever, hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenia, hyperferritinemia and haemophagocytosis in the reticuloendothelial tissues causing multi organ failure with fatal outcome. HLH is rare in neonates with an incidence of 1 in 50,000 to 1 in 150,000. FHL is diagnosed based on clinical criteria, biochemical abnormalities, and genetic mutation. Mutations involving the gene STXBP2 contributes to around 10% of cases of FHL and there are only a few cases of FHL5 reported from India. A six-week-old neonate presented with sepsis which was unresponsive to antibiotics. Persistent fever, bicytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly and laboratory tests made us suspect HLH, and evaluate further with whole exome sequencing. FHL5 was diagnosed based on the identification of homozygous missense mutation in exon 3 of STXBP2 gene (chr19: 7642803_7642803delA). The baby succumbed to sepsis and multi organ failure. HLH should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any sick infant who presents with prolonged fever, sepsis unresponsive to antibiotics and an unusual clinical course.
The Influence of Knowledge Management on Increasing Innovation and Competitive Advantage in the Private University Sector in Kuwait
Authors: Shebaib Shebaib Fahad
Published: October 2023

The main aim of current study is to examine the influence of knowledge management KM (Knowledge Creation, Knowledge acquisition, Knowledge sharing, Knowledge storage, Knowledge dissemination, Knowledge utilization, Knowledge retention) in increasing innovation capability IC and competitive advantage CA within private universities sector in the state of Kuwait. The study launched its aim through the aid of resource-based view theory which states that non-tangible assists of an organization help in supporting its journey to competitiveness and innovation. Through depending on quantitative methodology, a questionnaire was distributed on a sample of (303) respondents from private universities sector in the state of Kuwait. SPSS was used to deal with primary data depending on multiple regression and Pearson correlation. Results indicated the acceptance of the fact that KM has the ability to increase innovative abilities and competitive advantage within private universities sector in the state of Kuwait.  Influence of KM on innovation capability appeared to be higher with a variance of 94.9% compared to competitive advantage which was also influenced by KM with a variance of 92.3%. Results also indicated that there was a correlation between variables of KM and both variables of competitive advantage and innovation capability.  The highest relationship was between Knowledge sharing and Innovation Capability; whereas the highest relationship was between Knowledge storage and Competitive Advantage. Study recommended organizations should focus more on training and development in the field of knowledge storing and retaining so employees can have more awareness of how to deal with knowledge through their daily tasks.
Hydroponics: The Potential to Enhance Sustainable Food Production in Non-Arable Areas
Authors: Sharma Sahil , Lishika Balara , Shahi Aditya , Shubham  , Kaushal Shilpa
Published: October 2023

Hydroponics, a revolutionary soil-less cultivation method, has garnered significant attention in recent years for its potential to redefine modern agriculture. This review paper delves into the fundamental aspects of hydroponics, ranging from its inception to the cutting-edge developments that promise to reshape the future of food production. This provides an in-depth exploration of the basic principles of hydroponics, Through detailed discussions, we investigate the diversity of methods, from nutrient film technique (NFT) and deep water culture (DWC). A nuanced understanding of each system's mechanics, advantages, and limitations serves as a guide for hydroponic enthusiasts, researchers, and prospective farmers. Nutrient management, the lifeblood of hydroponics, is another focal point. We delve into the precise formulation, monitoring, and delivery of essential nutrients to optimize plant growth and yield. This section offers insights into pH and EC control, nutrient solutions, and the art of maintaining nutrient balance, all of which are crucial for successful hydroponic cultivation. The future of hydroponics beckons with boundless possibilities. The paper emphasizes the need for sustainable Eco-friendly, and efficient methods to feed a growing global population, making hydroponics a key contender. In a world with diminishing arable land and climate change challenges, hydroponics stands as a beacon of hope, promising to revolutionize agriculture and secure the future of food production. This review paper offers a comprehensive road map for anyone interested in understanding the basics of hydroponics, exploring its myriad systems, mastering nutrient management, and envisioning a greener future through hydroponic agriculture.
Predictive Modeling and Comparative Analysis of Reference Evapotranspiration with Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Gaddikeri Venkatesh , Jatav Malkhan Singh , Siddharam  , Asha K. R. , Aiswarya L. , Preeti  , Nageswar Bandi
Published: October 2023

Accurate estimation of reference evapotranspiration (ET0) is crucial for a multitude of applications, encompassing drought detection, irrigation scheduling, water resource management, and disaster risk reduction. This investigation utilized the FAO-PM equation for ET0 estimation and subsequently incorporated meteorological variables as input variables with machine learning (ML) models to enhance ET0 predictions. The dataset was bifurcated into training and testing data segments. Four distinct machine learning models were deployed in this study, namely Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), and Linear Regression (LR). The performance of these models was evaluated using various statistical indices, including Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Sum of Error (MSE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and the coefficient of determination (R2), to pinpoint the most efficacious ML algorithm. After conducting a comprehensive analysis involving both training and testing data, the results unequivocally identify GBM with MAE values of 0.054 and 0.077, MSE values of 0.005 and 0.011, MAPE values of 0.014 and 0.022, RMSE values of 0.072 and 0.107, and an R2 value of 0.096 and 0.092 during training and testing, respectively. This model has been selected as the optimal choice for precise ET0 estimation within the study region. Subsequently, SVM, RF, and LR follow as alternatives in terms of performance, in descending order.
Effect of Sowing Methods and Nitrogen Levels on Growth, Yield and Economics of Oats (Avena sativa L.) under Mid-Hills of Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Sharma Parv , Choudhary Kartikeya
Published: October 2023

In Himachal Pradesh, farmers typically possess small land holdings where machinery isn't practical for various sowing techniques, limiting them to broadcasting. Regarding nitrogen, it facilitates more vegetative growth by enhancing the photosynthetic rate. The higher the nitrogen content, the greater the vegetative growth potential. Therefore, present investigation titled “Effect of Sowing Methods and   Nitrogen Levels on Growth, Yield and Economics of Oats (Avena sativa L.) under Mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh, India” was conducted during rabi season of 2022-23 at Chamelti Agriculture Farm, MS Swaminathan School of Agriculture, Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences, Solan, Himachal Pradesh. The field experiment was laid out in Split Plot Design comprising twelve treatments with three replications. The experiment consists of three sowing methods in main plot i.e., (S1) Broadcasting, (S2) Line sowing and (S3) Crisscross and four levels of nitrogen N0 (0 kg ha-1), N1 (75 kg ha-1), N2 (100 kg ha-1) and N3 (125 kg ha-1) as sub plot. OL 12 variety of oats was used for sowing. Sowing methods and nitrogen levels were done as per treatment. Other crop management practices were followed as per the recommendation of the area. Results indicated that among the sowing methods, (S3) crisscross, recorded significantly higher growth and yield, over line sowing and broadcasting which was on par with (S2) line sowing over the rest of the treatments except for grain, straw and biological yield.  In case of nitrogen levels, (N3) application of 125 kg N ha-1 recorded significantly higher growth and yield of oats, over rest of the nitrogen levels and was on par with 100 kg N ha-1. Economically, (S3) crisscross sowing with application of (N3) 125 kg N ha-1 resulted in higher gross returns, net returns and B: C ratio under Mid Hills of Himachal Pradesh.
Effect of Cultivar and Nutrient Management on Productivity, and Profitability of Summer Greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek
Authors: Pareek Akshay , Satyajeet  , Kumar Amit , Bhardwaj Sumit , Godara Mohit , Abhishek
Published: October 2023

The present study was carried out at Research Farm of Regional Research Station, Bawal, CCS HAU, Hisar, Haryana during summer, 2020. In this study, main plot consisted of three different varieties, namely MH-421 (V1), MH-318 (V2) and SML-668 (V3) and subplot included four nutrient treatments, namely Control (F1), 100% RDF (F2), 75% RDF + 25% N/ha (FYM) + ST with Rhizobium + PSB (F3) and 50% RDF + 50% N/ha (FYM) + ST with Rhizobium + PSB (F4). The result revealed that, greengram variety and nutrient treatment significantly influenced the growth, yield and economics of summer greengram. Among the greengram variety, MH-318 variety yielded significantly higher seed yield, net return and B:C ratio compared to MH-421 and SML-668. Further, application of 75% RDF + 25% N/ha (FYM) + ST with Rhizobium + PSB resulted in significantly higher yield, and monitory benefits. Therefore, the study suggests that fertilizing MH-318 variety with 75% RDF + 25% N/ha (FYM) + ST with Rhizobium + PSB to obtain higher yield and economic returns of summer greengram.
Effect of FYM, Vermicompost and Fertility Levels on Yield Attributes of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Yadav D. D. , Singh Shivendra , Verma V. K. , Prasad Janki , Singh Utkarsh , Sachan Dhruvendra Singh
Published: October 2023

The field experiments were carried out during Rabi seasons of 2021 and 2022 at Student’s Instructional Farm (SIF), Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology, Kanpur, to study the Effect of FYM, Vermicompost and Fertility levels on growth and yield of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.). The results from the research revealed that 100% RDF + 50% N through Vermicompost recorded significantly higher primary branches per plant, secondary branches per plant and also the total number of branches per plant at maturity stages. The same treatment also showed the highest number of siliques per plant (218.67) and highest weight of Silique / plant (16.30 g). The Length of Silique (6.50 cm) and number of seeds per siliques (16.40) was highest in the T14 treatment. Results from research also revealed that the treatment T14 also gave highest test weight of 6.40 grams.