bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DDNS Data analysis and quality control checks v2
Authors: Shaw Alex , Akello Joyce , Troman Catherine , OToole Aine , not provided c.ansley , Pratt Catherine , Bujaki Erika , Vance Zoe , not provided rachel.colquhoun , Rambaut Andrew , Martin Javier , Grassly Nick
Published: October 2024

This standard operating procedure indicates how to perform data analysis, quality control checks, and data reporting for DDNS and provides guidance on best practice for ensuring relevant sequencing run data are recorded. The document is structured into quality control steps after a DDNS sequencing run. Procedure For DDNS results to be valid and suitable for reporting, sufficient sample metadata must be recorded and data integrity maintained throughout the planning stage of the experiment, during the experiment and after the experiment. Quality control checks have been included to ensure that the protocol has been performed correctly and that results are valid. Later comparison of the DDNS results with culture-based poliovirus detections can be facilitated by adding further metadata describing the timelines and results for processing of the same samples by cell-culture. An overview of the procedure is shown in Figure 1. It is the responsibility of the Lab senior scientist to designate staff to conduct the QC analysis report and to ensure that the personnel conducting the data analysis has provided complete and accurate data, and the report generated is correct prior to approval. Data must be reviewed and approved by the lab senior scientist before QC analysis review with the technical team (PSC member). Designated, technical team lead then submit the QC’d data to the GSL for review/approval. Once approved, the GSL share the QC'd data to the program. A log should be kept of the sequencing runs that are performed, indicating whether all quality control checks have been completed or whether some remain pending, and confirming that all reportable sequences have been reported. All VP1 poliovirus sequences generated by DDNS (even in cases of sample or run QC fail) should be collected into a laboratory sequence QC database folder to aid in the identification of contamination. This addition can be performed by annotating the vp1_sequence.fasta from a run with the run name (e.g. "vp1_sequences_Run21.fasta") and copying it into the database folder. We recommend that if you are using this protocol for stool surveillance, do not add RNA from cell-culture isolates to the same run. The RNA from cell-culture will be hugely more concentrated resulting in the sequencing data skewing towards these samples rather than the stool samples.
[Proof Reading] Dengue virus serotype 1 NS2B-NS3 protease fusion construct small scale expression and purification protocol v1
Authors: Wang Korvus , fairhead michael , Williams Eleanor
Published: October 2024

This protocol details the co-expression and purification of Dengue virus serotype 1 NS2B-NS3 protease fusion construct bearing a N-terminal His-StrepII tag at small scale (<6L).
Reference Sequence Browser: An R application with a User-Friendly GUI to rapidly query sequence databases v2
Authors: Ramesh Sriram , Rapp Samuel , Tapias Gomez Jorge , Truong Zia , Chung Dickson , Levine Benjamin , Tapias-Gomez Daniel
Published: October 2024

Knowledge of which organisms have publicly available reference sequences at known DNA barcoding loci is crucial for both metabarcoding studies and the design of new primers. In a metabarcoding study, taxa of interest can not be detected if there are no labeled reference sequences to compare to. Similarly, designing species-specific primers is only possible if there are enough reference sequences for both the target taxa and their phylogenetic relatives to represent the genetic diversity across individuals. The purpose of this is to tool allow scientists to automatically gather reference sequences from NCBI, BOLD and CRUX. It is important to note that this is just a in-depth guide on how to use the tool, for more details on the features and their importance please refer to our paper in: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0309707
MODELING OF DISTRIBUTED NONLINEAR OPTICAL AMPLIFICATION IN TRUEWAVE AND G.652 TELECOMMUNICATION FIBERS
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, Felinskyi G.S. , Zhyrov G.B. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, Korchak O.V. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, Reznikov M.I. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, Kononenko A.A. ,   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: October 2024

Common techniques for modeling of the nonlinear optical amplifiers, specifically based on the effect Raman effect, despite the simplicity of its technical implementation, are quite complex and cumbersome due to the necessity of theoretically describing the nonlinear interaction of many pump and signal optical waves using the corresponding systems of high-order differential equation. The fundamental limitations of such methodologies lie not only in the number of equations but also in the existence of special points in each equation describing the dynamics of signal waves (these points correspond to threshold values of pump power). Under these conditions, the solutions instabilities of the differential equations and their ambiguity sometimes have a detrimental impact on modeling results. An alternative modeling approach using the specified pump approximation requires particular investigations of its practical applicability to the analysis of distributed optical amplification in telecommunications fibers. Therefore, there is a need to determine the criterion for the applicability of the specified pump approximation for the development of a simplified model of nonlinear optical signal amplification under the conditions of their propagation along standard silica fibers. Among the undeniable advantages of analytical solutions obtained based on the simplified model there is the elimination of the mentioned constraints of solving systems of many differential equations. This article is devoted to modeling the dynamics of distributed Raman amplification, as function the length of standard single-mode optical fiber (SMF) and pump power. In justifying the proposed modeling methodology, it is shown that the parameters of active fibers and fiber Raman amplifier (hereinafter referred to as FRA) schemes correspond to the criterion for the applicability of the specified pump approximation. The paper presents an analytical expression for the criterion of the applicability of the specified pump approximation in the form of an upper limit of the signal power, which cannot exceed the amplified signal. Comparative analysis results of the distributed FRA parameters depending on the length of active fibers, such as G.652 and TrueWaveRS, are presented.
MODEL OF PHYSICAL PROCESSES IN THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CONVERTERS OF THE DETECTOR FOR RADIATION MONITORING SYSTEMS
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, Lienkov S.V. , Banzak O.V. ,   State University of Intellectual Technologies and Сommunication, Odesa, Ukraine, Sieliukov О.V. ,   Sichuan Normal University, China, Zherebtsova L.N. ,   State University of Intellectual Technologies and Сommunication, Odesa, Ukraine
Published: October 2024

The level of development and application radiations technologies is largely determined by the state of nuclear instrumentation. The advent of modern semiconductor sensors for the first time connected nuclear instrumentation and electronics into a single complex - semiconductor detector. It combines a semiconductor primary converter of ionizing radiation (sensor), secondary converter of information from the sensor (electronics) and software for processing this information, interconnected in terms of problem being solved and parameters. The block diagram of the detector consists of two main parts: the primary converter of ionizing radiation (IR) energy into an electrical signal - sensor; secondary converter of this electrical signal. The characteristics of the detector are determined mainly by the physical properties of the semiconductor crystal as the sensitive element of the primary transducer, as well as by the features of process recording the electrical signal. The process of registering IR consists of con
The 1912 Seismic Swarm in Guadalajara, Mexico: An Example of Intense and Unusual Seismicity in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt
Authors: Suárez Gerardo , Ángel Jaimes Miguel
Published: October 2024

The residents of the Guadalajara, Mexico metropolitan area awakened on 8 May 1912 to a strong earthquake. In the next two months, ∼1500 shocks followed this first event. Two additional clusters of microearthquakes occurred in July and September. Although no significant structural damage was reported, several churches, public buildings, and private dwellings in the cities of Guadalajara and Zapopan suffered damage. Based on the macroseismic data, the intensity of the larger earthquakes was modified Mercalli intensity (MMI) VI–VII. The area that strongly felt the earthquakes and where the damage was concentrated is contained within a radius of ∼5 km. We assume that the swarm took place within this circle. Based on the relations of MMI versus peak ground acceleration (PGA), it is estimated that the PGA during the swarm was ∼190 gals. The magnitude of the largest earthquakes in the swarm was initially estimated as Mw 5.7, using a published PGA-to-Mw relation. However, this relation was based on earthquakes located 20 km away from downtown Guadalajara. Considering that the distance of the swarm from the city was ∼5 km, the magnitude of the largest events in the swarm was recalibrated as Mw 4.7. A second estimate of the magnitude was based on ground-motion models to calculate the PGA resulting from an earthquake located 5 km away, at a depth of 1 km. The resulting magnitude is Mw 5.3 ± 0.5. Thus, we suggest that the largest earthquakes of the swarm had an approximate magnitude of Mw 5.0. The location of the swarm suggests the presence of active faults underlying the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, where no seismicity has been recorded. This should be carefully considered to assess the seismic hazard of this important city of over 5 million people.
Entornos virtuales de aprendizaje: Análisis situacional de una experiencia universitaria
Authors: González Urdaneta Maribel del Carmen , Arellano Madelein , Urbina Chirinos Ángel
Published: October 2024

La investigación explora el tema relacionado con los estudios B-learning en entornos virtuales, como una manera de fomentar el crecimiento profesional. Se basa en la implementación de enfoques educativos innovadores, que buscan la calidad académica y el compromiso con la sociedad dentro de las instituciones educativas, contando para ello con capacidades y competencias de parte de los docentes. El objetivo es analizar los entornos virtuales de una universidad pública venezolana a partir del diagnóstico situacional realizado con la matriz FODA. La metodología precisa una investigación de corte descriptiva - aplicada mediante un enfoque de investigación de campo no experimental y de corte transversal, se sustenta en teorías de autores como García (2012), Marsh (2012), Lozano (2011), Suárez (2010) y Tobón (2010-2013), entre otros. Los resultados resaltan la existencia de debilidades relacionadas con interrupciones a nivel de la plataforma y el rechazo del empleo de entornos virtuales como herramienta de autoaprendizaje. Entre las fortalezas relacionadas con la diversificación de la acción formativa y la irrelevancia de las barreras geográficas. Se precisaron amenazas relacionadas con la paralización de servidores y oportunidades relacionadas con la implementación del aula virtual, la autogestión del tiempo para la enseñanza y la actualización de habilidades tecnológicas. Se concluye que se deben afianzar esfuerzos para romper las barreras existentes y superar las debilidades existentes, mitigar las amenazas y avanzar en la consolidación de espacios virtuales de aprendizaje desde las oportunidades existentes.
Past Suffering and Current Caring
Authors: Anderson Kim M.
Published: October 2024

This article aims to provide a comprehensive picture of research on the prevalence and impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among social work students. In doing so, we highlight where ACE research with social work students is most robust and point out gaps that need further inquiry. This article is organized into four parts, each summarizing pertinent ACE research for that section, limitations, and next steps for further inquiry. Part 1 offers an overview of the operational definitions of ACEs within the context of general population studies. Part 2 reviews foundational studies of childhood adversity with social work students that explored prevalence and influences on career choice. Part 3 provides a composite profile of current ACE prevalence studies with social work students and compares them to non-majors to describe differing trends and patterns. Part 4 presents empirical research on the impact of ACEs on social work students’ well-being and professional development. Implications for social work educators are included.
Keeping Community During a Pandemic
Authors: Marmo Suzanne , Pardasani Manoj , Vincent David
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this qualitative exploratory study was to better understand how LGBTQ+ senior centers created virtual communities and implemented organizational adaptation in the earliest stages of the pandemic. Three focus groups (n=22) were conducted with program facilitators and senior center employees to better understand how these key stakeholders contributed to the transition from in person senior center to virtual senior center programming in March of 2020. The experiences of LGBTQ+ program facilitators and senior center staff varied based on the nature of their assigned roles. Latent pattern content analysis of the focus groups unveiled both shared and divergent categories and themes from the two cohorts. Themes identified for program facilitators included: adaptation, interconnectedness, some not served, and virtual preference. Themes identified for senior center staff included: communication, the blurring of the personal/professional, urgent needs, and future planning.
Impact of Trauma on the Lives of Black Men With Multiple Arrests
Authors: Salaam Tony Faseeh , Bruhn Christina
Published: October 2024

A mixed-methods study was carried out to better characterize the life course experiences, with a focus on trauma, of men who had perpetrated gun violence and other violent crime, and who had multiple arrests and incarcerations. A small sample of 13 men with a history of a minimum of 12 arrests each as well as histories of gun violence, other violent crime, and incarceration was drawn from a social program providing cognitive therapy and job skills training in a major urban center. Participants completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 and completed an in-depth interview. Results demonstrated that the participants had extraordinarily significant levels of trauma exposure but that they had minimal avowed trauma symptoms. The exception is that every participant demonstrated a clinically relevant score on the Arousal subscale (Criterion E). Participants in interviews discussed a number of characteristics of their developmental years. They described near constant exposure to traumatic events, in some cases starting from very young ages. Most participants described a personal experience of numbing or desensitization to their experiences. They described the impact of gangs on both protecting them from trauma and exposing them to trauma, and they described their subsequent experiences of incarceration. They offered recommendations for strategies to minimize violent crime in communities.
Beginning the Healing Journey
Authors: Hill JaShawn , Soprych Andrya
Published: October 2024

Storytelling is a pathway to healing for youth, families, and communities impacted by gun violence. It allows survivors to re-story the devastation and trauma into narratives that re-member the person lost and find purpose and meaning from the painful experience. Tree of Life is a group storytelling intervention developed in Southern Africa and rooted in narrative traditions that is emerging as a powerful starting point for addressing the traumatic impact of homicide in Chicago. This case study weaves together the narrative of the first author in her work at Chicago Survivors with research on gun violence, homicide bereavement, and Tree of Life in order to make an argument for its relevance in treating survivors of community gun violence in the United States. We contend that Tree of Life has potential to work across systems levels as youth and families find purpose through the pain generated from violent loss. We encourage social work clinicians to bring narrative practices and the Tree of Life approach into their practice and challenge social work researchers to develop partnerships with community organizations such as Chicago Survivors to develop a research base for this promising approach.
Social Work Education Leadership
Authors: Chiarelli-Helminiak Christina , Elias-Lambert Nada , Lane Shannon R. , Papanikolaou Melina
Published: October 2024

Social work education-specific leadership models are necessary to maximize the effectiveness of the profession’s role in addressing societal issues that impact individuals, families, and communities and promote feminist leadership within the profession and academy. A cross-sectional electronic survey design gathered information from faculty and staff members at accredited social work programs within the United States. Study participants included 88 full- and part-time faculty and staff. 50 of the 88 participants (57%) answered the open-ended question from which data for this study were analyzed and triangulated with responses to other questions. The data analysis process resulted in identification of three main themes: conceptualization of leadership, support for leadership, and barriers to leadership. Participants expressed the need for more thoughtful succession planning, leadership specific training, and support in removing barriers to leadership. Many of the problems raised could be addressed through systemic change in higher education, including the proposed model of social work education leadership praxis.
The Efficacy of Team-Based Learning in Social Work Education
Authors: Minnick Dane , Weathersby Shelby , Hobson Kimberly
Published: October 2024

This article details the findings of a multi-year (2019-2022), cross-sectional study that examined the utility of using Team-Based Learning as an instructional pedagogy in social work courses. The study was conducted from August 2019 to December 2022 and was composed of surveys of 166 students from 15 individual bachelor and masters-level social work courses at a medium-sized university in East-Central Indiana. Demographic data including race, gender, age, course number, and program level were collected for each student participant, with the purpose of the study centering on 1. Identifying whether student participants preferred Team-Based Learning or a different teaching pedagogy, and 2. Assessing how well the students comprehended the course content delivered via Team-Based Learning. The results of the study showed that 81% of the surveyed students preferred Team-Based Learning to other teaching pedagogies, and that there were no significant differences in responses based on any of the demographic data collected. Students also performed exceptionally well in the courses where Team-Based Learning was implemented, as demonstrated by the 95% cumulative course average for all participating students. Students additionally rated the courses highly (4.5/5 average) in anonymous course evaluations performed at the end of each semester.
Summer 2024 Editorial
Authors: Hostetter Carol , Decker Valerie D.
Published: October 2024

In the Summer 2024 issue of Advances in Social Work, we continue our examination of violence and social work’s response in the three initial papers. The next 13 articles focus on clinical and community practice, through both empirical work and conceptual pieces.  We wrap up this issue with a guide to conducting evidence synthesis reviews, which can help improve our understanding of the literature in whatever field we dive into.
Fertility awareness and oocyte cryopreservation among obstetrics and gynecology physicians
Authors: Almulhim Abdulmohsen E. , Al Subaie Renad S. , Almakhaytah Saleh A. , Alsheraiwi Saleh K. , Alduraywish Waad A. , Alkhamis Fatimah H.
Published: October 2024

Background: Fertility awareness, including the natural decline in fertility with age and fertility preservation through oocyte cryopreservation, is vital for reproductive health. OB/GYN physicians play a crucial role in educating women on these topics, yet their knowledge and attitudes in Saudi Arabia are underexplored. This study assessed OB/GYN physicians’ perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes regarding fertility awareness and oocyte cryopreservation, focusing on their understanding of age-related fertility decline and integration into patient discussions.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 100 OB/GYN physicians in Saudi Arabia was conducted from April to July 2024, using stratified random sampling. The survey evaluated their knowledge of fertility issues, attitudes towards preconception planning, and views on incorporating oocyte cryopreservation discussions in practice. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA.
Results: Most physicians showed substantial knowledge of fertility decline, with 71% recognizing a slight decline at 35-39 years and 57% a marked decline at 45-49 years. Nearly all (96%) supported OB/GYN-initiated discussions on preconception planning, and 95% endorsed discussing age-related fertility decline. Additionally, 78% favoured discussing oocyte cryopreservation, with 63% supporting its inclusion in routine visits. Concerns about discussion frequency and potential emotional distress were noted by a minority.
Conclusions: OB/GYN physicians in Saudi Arabia are generally aware of fertility issues, but knowledge gaps persist, particularly among less experienced physicians. While there is broad support for proactive fertility discussions, some reservations remain, highlighting the need for targeted educational initiatives.
Clinical profile and treatment outcome of non-surgical management of tubal ectopic pregnancy in a tertiary care hospital: retrospective study
Authors: Prabhu Santoshi R. , Sabavat Alekya , Mishra Nigamananda
Published: October 2024

Background: Tubal ectopic occurs when fertilized egg implants and develops in fallopian tube instead of normal endometrial cavity. Late diagnosis of condition leads to tubal rupture, life-threatening hemorrhage, warrants salpingectomy affecting future fertility of patient. When diagnosed early, non-surgical management can be offered preserving the tube. This study aimed to identify the factors which affect clinical course and treatment outcome of non-surgically managed tubal ectopic pregnancies.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 56 tubal ectopics in department of obstetrics and gynaecology, BARC hospital, Mumbai from January 2017 to December 2023. Associated risk factors, clinical profile, treatment outcomes of all cases were analysed based on case sheets by simple descriptive statistics and percentage method.
Results: The 53.58% were in 31-40 years of age. The 46.42 % were multiparous. PID (20%) and assisted reproductive technology (ART) (17.5%) was identified risk factor. Pain in lower abdomen was commonest presenting symptom. Out of 56, 21 were (37.5%) eligible for non-surgical treatment. Of these 4 (19.05%) underwent successful expectant management. Remaining 17 (80.95%) received medical management with multidose methotrexate (MTX) of these 13 were successful. (success rate 76.47%).  Remaining 4 failed medical cases eventually underwent salpingectomy. Overall success rate of non-surgically managed cases was 17 out of 21 being 80.95%. No drug induced morbidity or blood transfusion was required in non-surgically managed cases. No mortality was recorded.
Conclusions: ‘Suspicion of ectopic pregnancy (EP) in reproductive aged woman seeking medical attention’ is the key for its early diagnosis. Our study confirms non-surgical management: expectant or with multidose MTX is a viable therapeutic option in early tubal ectopic management with main advantage of preserving fallopian tube.
Maternal collapse in tertiary care center over a year
Authors: Basanti Namoijam , Devi Khumanthem Pratima , Tauro Sheral Raina
Published: October 2024

Background: Maternal collapse is defined as an acute event involving the cardiorespiratory systems and/or central nervous system resulting in a reduced or absent conscious level (and potentially cardiac arrest and death). Causes can be hypovolemia, hypoxia, electrolytes imbalance, thromboembolism, toxicity, etc. Since the maternal physiology is different from the general adult, modifications are necessary during the cardiorespiratory resuscitation process. This study aimed to find out the prevalence and causes of maternal collapse.
Methods: It was a hospital based cross-sectional study conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynecology, RIMS for a duration of one year.
Results: The total number of maternal collapse during the study period was 43, with a mortality of 8 among them. Uterine rupture and placenta accreta spectrum were the topmost causes for maternal collapse.
Conclusions: The study of the factors involved in maternal collapse will help in better understanding of the causes and management of the same.
A study on primary caesarean section at tertiary care hospital
Authors: Gori Mahejbin I. , Akhani Riddhi , Patal Mosam R. , Bhatt Jalpa K.
Published: October 2024

Background: Caesarean section represents the most significant operative intervention in obstetrics and its development and application has saved the lives of countless mothers and infants. However, there has been a steady increase in the rate of caesarean sections worldwide. In this study, we aim to find the primary caesarean section rates and strategies to cut it down.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at SMS Multispecialty Hospital and Dr. M. K. Shah Medical College and Research Centre from November 2022 to April 2023.The study include all the patients for primary caesarean section those patient have previous cesarean section were excluded.
Results: In this study the rate of primary caesarean section was found to be 14.5% and the majority of the study subjects belonged to the age group of 18-27 years (91.4%). With respect to parity, primigravida were high in number (85%), followed by multigravida. The number of emergency caesarean sections were (79%) more than elective (21%). The most common intra-operative complication was post-partum haemorrhage (PPH) in 8.5% and the most common postoperative complication was wound gape in 8.5%.
Conclusions: Maximum efforts should be made to allow progression of vaginal delivery in primigravida which helps us to bring down the primary caesarean rate.
Histopathological changes in placenta in pregnancies affected by Covid-19 infection
Authors: Jan Sami , Khan Nowsheen , Wani Sabreen
Published: October 2024

Background: The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a novel zoonotic disease, was first discovered in late December 2019 following an outbreak of severe pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. There is increasing evidence that COVID-19 infection leaves tell-tale signs of injuries in the placenta. This study was conducted to study the histopathological changes in placenta in pregnancies affected by COVID-19 infection in any trimester.
Methods: It was a prospective observational study conducted in the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics SKIMS MCH for a period of one year in all pregnant patients attending our department with the history of Covid 19 infection in any trimester during this pregnancy. The placentas of patients delivered by NVD or LSCS were sent for histopathology.
Results: The women enrolled in the study were from Kashmir. The average age was 25-39 years. The average duration of pregnancy at delivery was 37-40 weeks. 37% pregnant women were affected by covid infection in their first trimester, 49% in 2nd trimester and 14% in third trimester. 29% had acute inflammatory pathology, 34% had chronic pathology, 23% had placental infarction meanwhile no placental pathology was seen in 49% patients.
Conclusions: This study concludes that Covid 19 infection does affect the placentas in pregnancies complicated by Covid infection during any trimester of their pregnancy and it does play a role in the fetal outcome as well due to the placental changes.
Neoadjuvant chemoradiation for down staging of locally-advanced rectal cancer, and assessment of clinical response with digital rectal examination, magnetic resonance imaging and colonoscopy
Authors: Pawar Sanjay R. , Koppad Ravi , Ishwarappagol Sheetal , Kallappa Shashidhar , Guttedar Dastayya
Published: October 2024

Background: In this era of total neoadjuvant treatment (TNT) followed by rectal preservation non-operative management (NOM) or wait and watch (WW) approach for non-metastatic locally-advanced rectal cancer (LARC), reliable and reproducible response evaluation to neoadjuvant therapies forms the cornerstone. Through this study, we try to evaluate clinical response of locally-advanced rectal cancer to neoadjuvant chemoradiation (CRT) in terms of downstaging and total mesorectal excision (TME), and the accuracy of digital rectal examination (DRE), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and colonoscopy in the assessment of clinical response to neoadjuvant CRT.
Methods: Histologically proven locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma patients, after pretreatment evaluation, were considered for neoadjuvant chemoradiation, i.e., intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and leucovorin-based concurrent chemotherapy. Patients were evaluated 6-8 weeks after completion of CRT and clinical response assessed by means of DRE, colonoscopy and MRI of pelvis. Following surgery, pathological response was assessed on the final histopathological examination (HPE).
Results: Twenty-two patients were accrued for this protocol, of which, 15 (68.2%) were male and 7 (31.8%) were female. Downstaging and TME was achieved in 90.9% of the patients. The sensitivity of DRE, colonoscopy and MRI to detect a complete response was 66.67% and specificity was 94.74%. There were no severe toxicities or deaths reported.
Conclusions: Neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy with bolus 5-FU and leucovorin is an accepted modality of treatment for locoregionally-advanced rectal cancer, which offers higher rates of downstaging and TME. Digital rectal examination, colonoscopy and MRI together can be reliably used to assess response following neoadjuvant CRT.
A prospective review of laparoscopic common bile duct exploration with nephroscope and primary closure without T tube
Authors: Jolly H. S. , Veetil Sreejith Kannummal , Sharma Binni , Dhingra Anshul , Jain Aashima
Published: October 2024

Background: Here we present a pioneering laparoscopic method for common bile duct (CBD) stone management, evaluating its practicality, safety, and effectiveness when employing a nephroscope and omitting the placement of a T tube.
Methods: We have prospectively collected data from 100 patients who underwent exclusive CBD laparoscopic CBD exploration (LCBDE) along with/without laparoscopic cholecystectomy diagnosed to have Cholelithiasis with choledocholithiasis with a radiological CBD diameter of 10mm or more. Mortality, morbidity, hospital stay, and average duration of hospital stay were all assessed.
Results: In this prospective series 100 patients underwent the procedure, of which we had no mortality, of the 100 patients, 4 patients (4%) had bile leak i.e., bile output of more than 100 ml n drain, and 2 patients (2%) needed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and stenting. The other 2 patient’s leak settled by itself without any interventions. One patient (1%) was diagnosed to have sepsis post LCBDE which also required a prolonged stay of 7 days for antibiotics.
Conclusions: LCBDE offers good clinical outcomes in dealing with CBD stones. Surgeons experienced in laparoscopy can perform this procedure securely and efficiently.
Unusual associations of bilateral Morgagni hernia in a child with Down’s syndrome: a case report
Authors: Shayba Nabil Ahmed , Malkani Izzat , Shaikh Mishraz , Alshamiri Kamal Mostafa
Published: October 2024

Morgagni hernia is a rare form of congenital diaphragmatic hernia. It is associated with Down’s syndrome as well as other congenital anomalies. Pediatric patients usually present with respiratory manifestations, the clinical presentation of Morgagni hernia is non-specific. Therefore, Morgagni hernia is mainly diagnosed by radiological imaging. The rarity of this type of hernia along with the vague clinical presentation can lead to missed diagnosis.
On selected views in the recent analytical philosophy of religion
Authors: Łukasiewicz Dariusz
Published: October 2024

W artykule przedstawiam skrótowo wybrane stanowiska w analitycznej filozofii religii, w szczególności epistemologię reformowaną oraz epistemologię woli Staram się również wyjaśnić na czym polega związek semantycznego realizmu z pluralizmem religijnym w kontekście możliwości pokojowego współistnienia w ramach jednej wspólnoty/państwa wyznawców rożnych religii i światopoglądów. Odwołuję się również do koncepcji tego co rzeczywiste w rozumieniu Johna Hicka i ostatecznej rzeczywistości Johna Schellenberga jako propozycji mających wskazać dalsze kierunki rozwoju duchowego wielokulturowych społeczeństw.
There will be a space-battle tomorrow: Future contingents in the 21st century
Authors: Wawer Jacek
Published: October 2024

Artykuł ten jest przeglądem najnowszych badań związanych z orzekaniem o przygodnej przyszłości, ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem trendów, które były drugoplanowe lub nieobecne w klasycznej debacie na ten temat. Referowane są bieżące prace nad futuris contingentibus skupiające się wokół zagadnień relatywizmu, pragmatyki, probabilistyki, epistemologii, oraz metafizyki.
Enhancing Mental Health Outcomes for Adolescent and Older Veterans through Conflict Management and Therapeutic Communication Strategies in Trauma-Informed Care
Authors: Fuseini Mahani Soale , Boateng Josephine Akuamoah , Osekre Evans Ablorh , Braimoh Jimoh Junior
Published: October 2024

Objectives: This study investigates the application of Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) for military veterans, particularly those with trauma-related experiences, emphasizing conflict management and therapeutic communication. It focuses on addressing the unique needs of adolescent and older veterans to improve mental health outcomes and facilitate smoother transitions to civilian life.
Method: The research examines TIC’s effectiveness in enhancing veterans' emotional regulation, collaborative problem-solving, and interpersonal conflict management skills. It emphasizes therapeutic communication techniques such as active listening and reflective statements to foster trust and support veterans in exploring their emotions safely.
 Results: TIC helps adolescent veterans, who often struggle with emotional expression, and older veterans, who may have repressed emotions over time, in managing conflicts and understanding their trauma. Therapeutic communication under TIC builds trust between veterans and healthcare providers, facilitating open emotional expression. However, barriers, including limited TIC training for healthcare providers, rigid care structures, and organizational constraints, impede effective implementation.
Discussion: While TIC provides a promising framework for supporting veterans, its success relies on overcoming institutional challenges. Expanding training, restructuring healthcare models, and fostering an organizational culture that prioritizes trauma-sensitive care are critical steps to fully integrating TIC. Addressing these challenges could significantly improve mental health outcomes for adolescent and older veterans, promoting resilience and facilitating successful reintegration into civilian life.
Immunohistochemical Assessment of HER3 Expression in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors:   Department of Laboratory Sciences, Zahedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zahedan, Iran, Hoseini Hosnie , Sarani Azade
Published: October 2024

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most lethal tumor malignancies, which has a poor prognosis and can be the cause of death despite tumor removal. New molecular investigations for therapeutic purposes have shown the expression of HER3 in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Family receptors HER3 play an effective role in malignancies such as lung and colon cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate the expression of HER3 in pancreatic cancer samples and the relationship between the expression of the receptor HER3 and the clinical complications of patients. Samples were taken from 75 patients with pancreatic cancer and subjected to immunohistochemical staining to evaluate the expression. Based on the intensity of staining, scores were assigned to each sample for HER3 receptor. Scores of +2 or +3 were defined as positive staining. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS 16 software and Chi-square tests. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The results showed the expression of HER3 in normal pancreatic tissue. The expression decreased from the early to late stage (p=0.05). Multivariate survival analysis showed that only stage had independent prognostic value (p=0.015). HER3 expressed in normal pancreatic tissue, but the expression is lost in pancreatic cancer. According to the study, it seems that targeted treatment in pancreatic cancer has no relationship with expression. Keywords EGFR, HER3, Pancreatic adenocarcinoma, Prognosis
Analysis of Package Inserts Available in the Indian Market
Authors:   Department of Pharmacology, GCS Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Ahmadabad, Gujarat, India, Patel Alay , Thaker Vidhi , Chaudhari Vipul
Published: October 2024

Medicine has advanced, necessitating access to accurate drug information. Package inserts (PIs) are crucial sources, approved by authorities, providing essential and updated drug details. Package inserts significantly impact patient compliance and drug effectiveness in chronic therapy. This study examines Indian market PIs, evaluating information quality and accessibility to improve medication safety. A prospective observational cross-sectional study was carried out. A total of 300 package inserts were collected from various pharmacies situated across different sites in Ahmedabad. Package inserts were scored out of 21 based on assessment criteria, expressed as percentages, and analysed descriptively. A total of 300 package inserts were analysed, among them 130 were tablets, 81 were injections, 17 were capsules, 15 were eye drops and the rest includes syrup, ear drops, nasal drops, suppositories, powder, ointment, gel, cream, lotion and suspension. 209 PIs were single drug preparations while 91 were fixed dose combinations. More than 90% of the score was achieved by 37 PIs. 96 PIs had scored between range 81% to 90%, while 86 PIs had scored between 71% to 80%. Only 6 PIs had scored below 50%. Most commonly missing information was the average duration of treatment (83% of PIs), excipients (93% of PIs), and shelf life (81% of PIs). The finding of this study revealed that, although only 2% of PIs had scored below 50%, some crucial information was lacking from a major number of PIs. Regular review and collaboration among stakeholders ensure updated, reliable and comprehensive information, benefiting patient care and healthcare delivery. Keywords: Drug information, Package insert, Indian market
Molecular Docking-Based Screening of Five Heterocyclic Quinone Compounds for Antifungal Activity on Yeast Sec14p and Validation by Redocking
Authors:   College of Pharmacy, Govt. T D Medical College, Alappuzha, Kerala, India, Kurian Thomas
Published: October 2024

Discover new antifungal drugs by evaluating the efficacy of heterocyclic compounds. Investigate the potential of yeast Sec14p protein as a target for antifungal drugs. Compare the effectiveness of Auto Dock and PyRX software for docking simulations of heterocyclic compounds against Sec14p. Docking simulations were performed using Auto Dock and PyRX software to assess the binding affinity of five specific heterocyclic compounds to the yeast Sec14p protein. The reference compound for comparison was a known antifungal agent with a Picolamide scaffold (PDB ID: 6FOE). Atovaquone exhibited the strongest binding affinity (-9.4 kcal/mol) using PyRX. A known antifungal agent showed a significant discrepancy in binding energy between Auto Dock (-6.2 kcal/mol) and PyRX (-3.64 kcal/mol). This study explores a novel class of compounds (Quinones) for antifungal drug discovery. It highlights the potential of yeast Sec14p protein as a target for antifungal drugs. The findings suggest that PyRX might be more suitable for docking simulations of certain compound classes than Auto Dock. This emphasizes the importance of software selection based on the specific molecules under investigation. Keywords: Molecular docking, Quinones, Antifungal, PyRX, Auto dock
Topical Delivery of Voriconazole Loaded on Lyotropic Liquid Crystal Gel for Management of Fungal Infections
Authors:   Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assiut University, Assiut, 71526, Egypt, Shafie Mohamed A Attia , Mohamed Maha Abdel-Azeem Hassan , Mohamed Ahmed Abd-El Zaher Saadi
Published: October 2024

Topical antifungal therapy is recommended for the treatment of fungal infections of the skin. Due to its benefits, including the ability to direct drugs to the infection site and a lower chance of systemic adverse effects. The nano size and structure of LLC with the skin enhance the permeation and deposition of drugs within deep parts of skin. In this a novel formulation of voriconazole LLC gel was planned. Surfactant, co-surfactant, oil, and water pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were created in order to determine the LLC gel and microemulsion zones. The formulations were evaluated using polarizing microscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy. For each formulation, the polydispersity index, zeta potential, and mean droplet size were determined. The release patterns revealed that the prepared LLC gel provide sustained release profile up to 24 hr. Ex-vivo permeation of selected formulations exhibited higher permeability values for voriconazole. The drug skin deposition results from selected formulations showed that, in comparison to other studied formulations, a much larger amount of the drug was deposited in the skin after 24 hours. The confocal pictures appeared that the LLC gel was able to provide fluorescent color to all skin layers. The skin irritation study data of LLC gel formulations could be announced as safe and non- irritant for human skin. The selected formulations underwent a six-month stability testing at room temperature and 4–8 °C. The results showed that the pH, drug content, and viscosity values did not change significantly during this time. Keywords: Lyotropic liquid crystal, Release and diffusion, Skin permeability, Skin deposition, Pathohistology
In Silico Docking and Admet Prediction of a Novel Antibacterial Derivatives (Schiff Base) Targeting Dihydropteroate Synthase (1aj2)
Authors:   Shivajirao Pawar College of Pharmacy, Ahmednagar, 413725, Maharashtra, India, Karle Shubham N , Salve Megha T
Published: October 2024

Schiff base-containing (imine or azomethine–C=N–) derivatives have been investigated in relation to a broad range of activity, including antibacterial activity, antiviral activity, anticancer activity, polymer technology and in many other areas due to the presence of moiety in their structures. Antibacterial activity of Schiff bases can achieve by various enzyme inhibitory mechanism. Primary target for the antibacterial drugs is inhibiting dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) enzyme which result in inhibition of bacterial folate synthesis and act as bactericidal. In this research article Molinspiration software were used to predict pharmacokinetic properties and bioactivity score, in silico docking studies were carried out using 1-click docking software and protox3.0 software were used to toxicity prediction of 10 Schiff base compounds i.e., SB1, SB2, SB3, SB4, SB5, SB6, SB7, SB8, SB9, enzyme (1AJ2) was examined, and possible probability were recorded. and SB10 were carried out against dihydropteroate synthase enzyme (1AJ2) was examined and possible probability were recorded. The purpose of this research is to focus on investigate novel Schiff base derivative by using various computerized software’s to explore their pharmacokinetic properties, bioactivity score, toxicity and docking interaction of ligand and targeted protein. Keywords Schiff base, Dihydropteroate Synthase Inhibition, Molecular Docking, ADME Prediction, Antibacterial activity
Cost Variation Analysis of Hypolipidemic Drugs Currently Available in Indian Pharmaceutical Market
Authors:   Department of Pharmacology, Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh, Assam, India, Kalita Prajnyan Prasad , Saikia Hiteswar , Chaliha Meghali
Published: October 2024

42% of all fatalities worldwide resulting from non-communicable diseases (NCD) are attributable to cardiovascular illnesses. The availability of several brands and generic medications causes a wide range in the pricing at which they are sold. This study was conducted to raise awareness among health care workers and patients about the cost difference between different brands of the same hypolipidemic drug, so that, if possible, a cheaper effective brand can be prescribed to ensure better patient adherence. Maximum retail price (MRP) of various hypolipidemic drugs of same strength and dosage forms manufactured by different pharmaceutical companies were obtained from various online and offline sources. The maximum and minimum cost of 10 tablets/capsules were noted. The cost ratio and percentage cost variation were calculated for single drug and fixed dose combinations. The ceiling price (as per DPCO) of hypolipidemics (as per national list of essential medicines) was compared with their maximum cost. Maximum cost variation observed in case of single drug was Atorvastatin 10mg (3043.9393%), and in case of FDC was seen in Rosuvastatin 10mg + Aspirin75mg (561.341%). This study led us to the conclusion that the majority of hypolipidemic medications should be governed by DPCO in order to lessen the economic load of healthcare services on the Indian population. Keywords: Pharmacoeconomic, Cost variation, Hypolipidemic, Statins
Spontaneous large hematoma of rectus abdominis muscle as complication of plasma coagulation disorders in 32-year-old man with terminal liver cirrhosis
Authors: Jakubiak Grzegorz K. , Pietrzak Mikołaj , Stanek Agata , Cieślar Grzegorz
Published: October 2024

Marskość wątroby oraz jej powikłania stanowią jedną z najważniejszych przyczyn hospitalizacji na oddziałach internistycznych. Marskość wątroby nie stanowi jednorodnej jednostki chorobowej, lecz jest końcowym stadium wielu różnych chorób wątroby, a najważniejszymi przyczynami prowadzącymi do jej rozwoju są alkoholowa choroba wątroby oraz wirusowe zapalenia wątroby. Jednym z typowych powikłań marskości wątroby są objawy skazy krwotocznej. Najczęstszym powikłaniem krwotocznym u chorych z marskością wątroby jest krwawienie z górnego odcinka przewodu pokarmowego. Celem niniejszej pracy jest przedstawienie opisu przypadku 32-letniego mężczyzny w stadium terminalnym, hospitalizowanego z powodu niewyrównanej alkoholowej marskości wątroby, u którego w trakcie hospitalizacji wystąpił samoistny duży krwiak w obrębie mięśnia prostego brzucha po stronie lewej. Opisany przypadek pokazuje, że
w opiece nad chorymi z niewyrównaną marskością wątroby należy zachowywać czujność pod kątem rozpoznania powikłań krwotocznych, również takich o nietypowym przebiegu klinicznym.