bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of intra-nasal co-treatment with insulin and growth factor-rich serum on behavioral defects, hippocampus histological, and oxidative-nitrosative stress changes induced by icv-STZ in a rat model
Authors: Ghaffari Mahdi Khorsand , Rafati Ali , Karbalaei Narges , Haghani Masoud , Nemati Marzieh , Sefati Niloofar , Namavar Mohammad Reza
Published: August 2023

Impaired insulin and growth factor functions are thought to drive many alterations in neurodegenerative diseases like dementia and seem to contribute to oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. Recent studies revealed that nasal growth factor therapy could induce neuronal and oligodendroglia protection in rodent brain damage induction models. Impairment of several growth factor signaling was reported in neurodegenerative diseases. So, in the present study, we examine intranasal co-treatment of insulin and a pool of growth factor-rich serum (GFRS) which separated from activated platelets on memory and behavioral defects induced by intracerebroventricular streptozotocin (icv-STZ) rat model also investigate changes in the hippocampus oxidative-nitrosative state and histology. We found that icv-STZ injection (3 mg/kg bilaterally) impairs spatial learning and memory in Morris Water Maze, leads to anxiogenic-like behavior in the open field arena, and induces oxidative-nitrosative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal/oligodendroglia death in the hippocampus. GFRS (1µl/kg, each other day, 9 doses) and regular insulin (4 U/40 µl, daily, 18 doses) treatments improved learning, memory, and anxiogenic behaviors. The present study showed that co-treatment (GFRS + insulin with respective dose) has more robust protection against hippocampus oxidative-nitrosative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal/oligodendroglia survival in comparison with the single therapy. Memory and behavioral improvements in the co-treatment of insulin and GFRS could be attributed to their effects in the reduction of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus.
7, 8-dihydroxyflavone ameliorates cholinergic dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis via activation of Akt/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway in a rat model of vascular dementia
Authors: Dhaliwal Navneet , Dhaliwal Jatinder , Chopra Prof. Kanwaljit
Published: August 2023

Background
Vascular dementia (VD) is a degenerative cerebrovascular disorder associated with progressive cognitive decline. Previous reports have shown that 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF), a well-known TrkB agonist, is effective in ameliorating cognitive deficits in several disease models. Therefore, this study investigated the protective effects of 7,8-DHF against 2-VO-induced VD.
Methods
VD was established in rats using the permanent bilateral carotid arteries occlusion (two-vessel occlusion, 2-VO) model. 7,8-DHF (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) and Donepezil (10 mg/kg) were administered for 4 weeks. Memory function was assessed by the novel objective recognition task (NOR) and Morris water maze (MWM)tests. Inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-kβ), oxidative stress, and apoptotic (Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3) markers, along with the activity of choline acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was assessed. p-AKT, p-CREB, BDNF, and neurotransmitter (NT) (GLU, GABA, and ACh) levels were also analyzed in the hippocampus of 2-VO rats.
Results
Our results show that 7,8-DHF effectively improved memory performance, and cholinergic dysfunction in 2-VO model rats. Furthermore, 7,8-DHF treatment also increased p-AKT, p-CREB, and BDNF levels, suppressed oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic markers, and restored altered NT levels in the hippocampus.
Conclusions
These findings imply that 7, 8-DHF may act via multiple mechanisms and as such serve as a promising neuroprotective agent in the context of VD.
Anti-inflammatory effects of Placenta-derived exosomal miR-24-1-5p through targeting TNFAIP8 and its implication in enhancing placental endotoxin tolerance in a model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced placental inflammation
Authors: Zhang Yongqing , Li Lejun , Chen Luping , Fu Tiantian , Yan Guohui , Liang Zhaoxia , Sui Meihua , Chen Danqing
Published: August 2023

Objective and design: Intra-amniotic infection (IAI) represents a potentially catastrophic complication during parturition, with potential for significant maternal and neonatal consequences. As a crucial immunological organ at the maternal-fetal interface, the immunoregulatory capacities of the placenta and the underlying molecular dynamics at play in the pathogenesis of IAI continue to be unclear. Recent studies have found that placenta-derived exosomes (Pd-Exos) and their contained microRNAs (miRNAs) may be involved in immune regulation during pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate the immunoregulatory function of the placenta in connection with the progression of IAI, as well as to elucidate its potential molecular mechanisms. Material or subjects: An IAI model was developed by co-culturing full-term placental explants obtained from elective cesarean sections with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Using RT-qPCR and ELISA, the dynamic expression patterns of inflammatory factors within the placental explants were identified at varying time points post-LPS exposure. Pd-Exos were then isolated from the culture supernatant of placental explants and subjected to miRNA sequencing to pinpoint exosomal miRNAs integral to the immunoregulatory functions of the placenta. Subsequently, the role of a differentially expressed exosomal miRNA was validated. Results In the early phase of LPS stimulation, extensive pro-inflammatory responses were observed in placental explants, evidenced by the augmented expression of TNF-α and IL-1β. However, as the LPS stimulation progressed to the latter stages, a decrease in the pro-inflammatory response was noted, alongside a gradually surging anti-inflammatory response, signified by a diminishing ratio between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory indicators (TNF-α/IL-10 and IL-1β/IL-1Ra). Following prolonged LPS stimulation of placental explants, the expression of miR-24-1-5p was upregulated in Pd-Exos. Upon internalization by receptor cells (THP-1 cells and Swan 71 cells), miR-24-1-5p can inhibit the expression of its target gene Tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 8 (TNFAIP8), thereby suppressing the expression of downstream inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β. Conclusion Prolonged exposure to the LPS in human term placental tissues induced endotoxin tolerance. Additionally, the placenta-derived exosomal miR-24-1-5p down-regulated the expression of the inflammatory markers TNF-α and IL-1β by inhibiting the functionality of TNFAIP8, thereby contributing to the placental endotoxin tolerance.
Design and Simulate the Demultiplexer using Photonic Crystal Ring Resonator for DWDM System
Authors: Vijayaraj Nivethitha , Arunagiri Sivasubramanian
Published: August 2023

In this study, a new four channel de-multiplexer with a ring resonator design is proposed. The bus waveguide and drop waveguide that make up the Ring Resonator are ring-shaped. One bus waveguide and four drop waveguides in the proposed four channel demultiplexer architecture were created utilizing a photonic crystal ring resonator construction. With the resonance wavelengths for each channel in the range of 1552.4nm, 1553.2nm, 1554.1nm, and 1555.4nm, the suggested demultiplexer average quality factor was 7870.90, and its average transmission efficiency was 98.67%. The demultiplexer was created with a 0.8nm narrow channel spacing and a -15dB to -25dB crosstalk range. The proposed ring resonator structure is made of silicon, which has a refractive index of 3.47, a center wavelength ranges of 1550 nm, and a lattice constant that varies with the radius range of 540 nm. To examine the performance, one can simulate the suggested demultiplexer structure using the FDTD approach. The proposed project's 198.7 µm2 footprint is appropriate for DWDM applications.
Distinctive representations of icosagonal fuzzy numbers along with novel defuzzification techniques for solving fuzzy assignment problems
Authors: Bhadauria Jaya , Kumar Suneel , Kumar Deepak , Kumari Anita
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we represent icosagonal fuzzy numbers in a variety ofways, both symmetrically and asymmetrically, linearly and non-linearly as well as single valued and interval -valued. Along with this, we have alsodeveloped some defuzzification procedures with different approaches based on centroidmethod, the mean of alpha-cut method and bounded area method. In order todemonstrate the significance of these strategies, defuzzification approaches can be applied to many optimization problems in operational research. We have applied these strategies to solve the numerical example based on fuzzy assignment problem in the interview board panel with twenty parameters. This study deals with the situation where icosagonal fuzzynumbers are used to represent ambiguous information in the form of linguistic terms. The ranking function for icosagonal number is also proposed in this paper for the better comparison of two icosagonal fuzzy numbers and its primary goal is used in this research for the appropriate allocation to resolve the fuzzy assignment problem.
Intratumoral delivery of a Tim-3 antibody-encoding oncolytic adenovirus engages an effective antitumor immune response in liver cancer
Authors: li qiang , Zhang huii , Zhang leilei , Wang Xiaoyan , wang hui , Huang Biao , Wang Yigang , Huang Fang , Wang Yiqiang
Published: August 2023

The use of oncolytic viruses as a gene therapy vector is an area of active biomedical research, particularly in the context of cancer treatment. However, the actual therapeutic success of this approach to tumor elimination remains limited. As such, the present study was developed with the goal of simultaneously enhancing the antitumor efficacy of oncolytic viruses and the local immune response by combining the Ad-GD55 oncolytic adenovirus and an antibody specific for the TIM-3 immune checkpoint molecule (α-TIM-3). The resultant Ad-GD55-α-Tim-3 oncolytic adenovirus is capable of inducing α-TIM-3 expression within hepatoma cells upon infection, and Ad-GD55-α-Tim-3 exhibited inhibitory efficacy superior to that of Ad-GD55 when used to treat these tumor cells together with the induction of enhanced intracellular immunity. In vivo experiments revealed that Ad-GD55-α-TIM-3 administration was sufficient to inhibit tumor growth and to engage a more robust local immune response within the simulated tumor immune microenvironment. As such, this Ad-GD55-α-TIM-3 oncolytic adenovirus may represent a viable approach to the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Research on Data Annotation Based on Multi-Resolution Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Aerial Imagery
Authors: XU TAO , ZHANG BIQING , ZHANG XIAOLU
Published: August 2023

The current methods used to annotate aerial imagery from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) often have limitations when it comes to scenarios with multiple resolutions. These scenarios can include different scales, challenging weather conditions, or low light situations, where traditional annotation techniques may not be effective. To overcome this challenge, this research paper proposes an innovative approach to data annotation specifically designed for multi-resolution UAV aerial imagery. Instead of using standard image enhancement methods, this approach incorporates multiple resolutions to ensure consistent and high-quality annotation across various UAV image conditions. By utilizing enhancement, generation, and discrimination networks, a new method based on StyleGAN is introduced. This method focuses on controlling image enhancement and incorporates a regularization term error to guide the generative network towards convergence. The experimental results demonstrate a significant enhancement in annotation accuracy and robustness compared to existing models, particularly in complex multi-resolution environments.
The Effect of Body Mass Index on Short-term Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Off-pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery: A Retrospective Study from a Single Cardiovascular Center
Authors: Ding Chen ying , Qi Wen hui , An Yujie , Yao Yun-tai
Published: August 2023

Objective
This study is designed to investigate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on the short-term outcomes of patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (OPCAB) surgery.
Methods
Data was obtained from 1006 Chinese patients who underwent isolated, primary OPCAB at a high-traffic cardiovascular center during 2020. Subjects were categorized, by BMI, into a low-normal weight (LN) group (BMI < 24 kg/m2), an overweight (OVW) group (24 ≤ BMI < 28 kg/m2), and an obese (OBS) group (BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2). Information pertaining to patients’ short-term outcomes (including incidence of mortality and morbidities; duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation; length of stay in the ICU and hospital; postoperative bleeding; etc.) were extracted, and the data from each group were compared.
Results
The incidences of in-hospital mortality and morbidities were similar for all three groups. The volume of fluid infusion, postoperative bleeding within 24 h and total bleeding in LN group were higher than those in the OBS group (P < 0.001). The hemoglobin level was lower in the LN group than that in the OBS group (P < 0.001). Duration of mechanical ventilation and length of stay in the ICU in the LN group were longer than those in the OBS group (P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Our results demonstrate that BMI is not significantly related with short-term outcomes in OPCAB patients. However, they suggest that OPCAB patients with low-normal BMI are more susceptible to post-operative blood loss.
Well-posedness of nonlocal Ginzburg-Landau type equations
Authors: Shakhmurov Veli , Shahmurov Rishad
Published: August 2023

Here, the Cauchy problem for linear and nonlinear Ginzburg-Landau type equations are studied. The equation include variable coefficients with convolution terms. Here, assuming enough smoothness on the initial data and the growth conditions on coefficients, the existence, uniqueness of local and global solution, Lp-regularity, and blow up properties to solutions are established.
MSC: 35B40, 35B41, 35Q35, 37Lxx, 82C26
Low Malaria Parasite Density is Associated with Severe Malaria in Children in Eastern Uganda: a cross sectional study
Authors: Egiru Emma Isaiah Eregu , NAMAYANJA CATE , Tegu Crispus , Chebet Martin , Okiror William , Ongodia Paul , Okalebo Charles Bernard , Muhindo Rita , Abongo Grace , Paasi George , Francis Okello , Okibure Ambrose , Mukunya David , Olupot-Olupot Peter
Published: August 2023

Background: In high malaria transmission settings, there is paucity of data on the relationship between parasite density and severe malaria forms. In patients with severe malaria, we characterised parasite density for the different clinical spectra and assessed its association with mortality.
Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted as part of the Malaria Epidemiological, Pathophysiological and Intervention studies in Highly Endemic Eastern Uganda code named TMA 2016SF-1514-MEPIE Study, at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in Eastern Uganda. Children aged 2 months to 12 years with positive P. falciparum malaria on microscopy and who fulfilled the WHO 2014 clinical surveillance criteria for severe malaria were enrolled into the study. Parasite density was determined by multiplying the parasite count acquired from microscopy by the patients WBC count (parasite count*WBC count/200) and classified as hyperparasitaemia when parasite density was 10% or > 250,000 parasites/μl. Data were analysed using Stata 15 and P-value of 0.05 at 95% confidence intervals were used to show significant associations.
Results: We screened 897 children, of which 377 were eligible for recruitment with severe malaria forms according to the WHO definition. Of these, 76.9 % (290/377) presented with prostration, 55.4% (209/377) with jaundice, 48.5% (183/377) with severe anaemia, and 46.7% (176/377) with haemoglobinuria (dark or black urine). Cerebral malaria constituted 7.4% (28/377) with 64.3% of the cases among under 5 year olds, 23.1% (87/377) had impaired consciousness, 8.2% (31/377) had respiratory distress, 15.4% (58/377) had acidosis, and 13.8 % (52/377) had renal impairment. Mean parasite density was 136,000 parasites/µl (range 36- 2,791,400 parasites/ µl). The Highest parasite density was 386,000 parasites/ µl in hypovolemic shock and the lowest parasite density was 54,917 parasites/ µl in spontaneous bleeding. Over-all mortality was 3.4 % CI (1.3-5.5).
Conclusions:
There were low parasite densities in the patients with severe malaria in this area. The meanparasite density was 136,000 parasites/ µl. Highest parasite density was 386,000 parasites/µl in hypovolemic shock and the lowest was 54,917 parasites/µl in spontaneous bleeding. No association with mortality was found.
Argumentation Effect of a Chatbot for Ethical Discussions about Autonomous AI Scenarios
Authors: Hauptmann Christian , Krenzer Adrian , Völkel Justin , Puppe Frank
Published: August 2023

This study presents a German-language AI chatbot adept at fostering argumentative dialogues across various topics. A core component is the Argumentative Knowledge Graph that powers argument understanding and generation.
We showcase the Argumentation Effect of our chatbot in a comprehensive user study. This effect is characterized by the chatbot's successful ability to reshape users' attitudes towards ethically challenging topics, such as autonomous AI systems acting as medicine doctors, by imparting novel perspectives and insights. This led to a substantial gain in user knowledge and acceptance, underscoring the transformative role dialogue systems can play in promoting more informed discussions on complex ethical matters.
In tandem with this, we introduced a preliminary methodology for advancing the chatbot's Argument Recognition Unit (ARU). By harnessing real-world user arguments and generated samples from an advanced language model, we achieved significant improvements in the confidence and accuracy of argument prediction.
In summary, our research demonstrates how an AI chatbot can instigate a powerful Argumentation Effect, reshaping attitudes, widening knowledge, and facilitating informed discourse on ethically charged topics. This is further amplified by improved argument recognition capabilities, opening promising avenues for more effective, and thus more engaging, user-chatbot dialogues.
Molecular detection and characterization of emerging pathogens of Rickettsia- felis and felis-like organisms from peri-domestic fleas in Uganda
Authors: Eneku Wilfred , Erima Bernard , Byaruhanga Anatoli Maranda , Cleary Nora G. , Atim Gladys , Tugume Titus , Ukuli Qouilazoni A. , Kibuuka Hannah , Mworozi Edison , Douglas Christina , Koehler Jeffrey W. , Fricken Michael E. , Biryomumaisho Savino , Matovu Enock , Tweyongyere Robert , Wabwire-Mangen Fred , Byarugaba Denis K.
Published: August 2023

Background: Flea-borne spotted fever is an emerging zoonosis caused by Rikecttsia felis, a Gram-negative obligate intracellular bacterium. The agent is believed to be cosmopolitan, following the distribution pattern of its host and reservoir, Ctenocephalides felis. However, the epidemiology and public health risk it poses remains poorly understood in sub-Saharan Africa, including Uganda. Yersinia pestis, is primarily transmitted by rodent fleas, Xenopsylla cheopis, but other fleas, particularly C. felis, have vectoral capacity. They are neglected in Ugandan entomological surveillance and public health practices, particularly outside endemic foci of bubonic plague.
Methods: We collected 14,641 fleas from domestic animals, rodents and homestead environment; compared their diversity and abundance. Pooled into 714 flea pools by species, collection time, host, and host species, 172 pools were selected based on seasons and analyzed for Yersinia pestis Pla genes, while 62 pools were tested for Rickettsia species gltA, ompA, and 17kDA genes by qPCR and Sanger sequencing.
Results: Five flea species were identified from the collections: Ctenocephalides canis, C. felis, Echidnophaga gallinacea, Pulex irritans, and Xenopsylla cheopis. Ctenocephalides was the predominant genus, accounting for 84.8% of fleas collected, mostly found on dogs and goats. Except for P. irritans (which was found in Gulu district) the other four flea species were found across all districts, year-round, with higher numbers collected in dry seasons compared to rainy seasons (c2=47.64, df=20, p<0.001). Rattus rattus constituted 74% of rodents captured from human dwellings and was the only rodent species with fleas, where X. cheopis was the predominant species and E. gallinacea found on only three rodents. All 172 pools of fleas tested negative for Yersinia pestis. Of the 62 pools tested for Rickettsia spp., 29 (46.8%) were positive. Twenty-five PCR amplicons were successfully sequenced for 17kDa and two for ompA genes. Based on 17kDa, two were identified as R. felis from C. canis and 23 were R. asembonensis from multiple flea species, including C. canis collected goats and C. felis from cats.
Conclusion: Our survey identified a high pooled detection rate (~50%) of Rickettsia spp. in fleas tested, suggesting a potential risk of human exposure and infection. Rickettsia felis and R. asembonensis were the predominant flea-borne Rickettsia spp. identified, with this study also representing the first report of Rickettsia spp. in E. gallinacea in Uganda.
Ultra-low volume intradermal administration of radiation-attenuated sporozoites with the glycolipid adjuvant 7DW8-5 completely protects mice against malaria
Authors: Watson Felicia N , Shears Melanie J , Kalata Anya C , Duncombe Caroline J , Seilie A Mariko , Chavtur Chris , Conrad Ethan , Talavera Irene Cruz , Raappana Andrew , Sather D Noah , Chakravarty Sumana , Sim B Kim Lee , Hoffman Stephen L , Tsuji Moriya , Murphy Sean C
Published: August 2023

Malaria is caused by Plasmodium parasites and was responsible for over 247 million infections and 619,000 deaths in 2021. Radiation-attenuated sporozoite (RAS) vaccines can completely prevent blood stage infection by inducing protective liver-resident memory CD8+ T cells. Such T cells can be induced by ‘prime-and-trap’ vaccination, which here combines DNA priming against the P. yoelii circumsporozoite protein (CSP) with a subsequent intravenous (IV) dose of liver-homing RAS to “trap” the activated and expanding T cells in the liver. Prime-and-trap confers durable protection in mice, and efforts are underway to translate this vaccine strategy to the clinic. However, it is unclear whether the RAS trapping dose must be strictly administered by the IV route. Here we show that intradermal (ID) RAS administration can be as effective as IV administration if RAS are co-administrated with the glycolipid adjuvant 7DW8-5 in an ultra-low inoculation volume. In mice, the co-administration of RAS and 7DW8-5 in ultra-low ID volumes (2.5 µL) was completely protective and dose sparing compared to standard volumes (10–50 µL) and induced protective levels of CSP-specific CD8+ T cells in the liver. Our finding that adjuvants and ultra-low volumes are required for ID RAS efficacy may explain why prior reports about higher volumes of unadjuvanted ID RAS proved less effective. The ID route may offer significant translational advantages over the IV route and could improve sporozoite vaccine development.
Identification of a robust T cell marker-based gene pair signature for predicting immunotherapy response and prognosis risk in renal cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Chen Bohong , Zhou Mingguo , Huang Haoxiang , Sun Xinyue , Wu Dapeng , Chen Wei
Published: August 2023

Background
Immunotherapy has emerged as an effective approach for improving clinical outcomes in patients with advanced or conventionally drug-resistant cancers. T cells have been recognized as pivotal components in anti-tumor immune activity and the modulation of the tumor microenvironment. However, the precise contributions of T cells in the context of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remain inadequately understood.
Methods
Integrated analysis of single-cell and bulk tissue transcriptome profiling was performed to systematically investigate the association between T cells and prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy. By combining the RCC-Braun_2020, TCGA-KIRC and EMATB-1980 cohorts, a novel gene pair index(GPI) for T-cell marker genes was constructed and validated. Moreover, the immune-infiltrating cells of RCC was analyzed using ssGSEA, and the association between GPI and two important immunological factors: cytolytic activity(CYT) and immune checkpoint(ICB) expression levels was investigated. Finally, the function of PRSS23 in RCC was verified.
Results
The RCC-Braun_2020 cohort suggested that high relative infiltration abundance of T cells was associated with poor clinical outcome and immunotherapy efficacy. GPI possessed a solid ability to predict the prognosis of RCC and T cells with low GPI were significantly associated with immune-related signaling pathways. The immune infiltration results showed that the low-GPI group had significantly higher immune cell infiltration, whereas high-GPI group had higher CYT and ICB. Further, PRSS23 was identified to be involved in metastasis and immunity of RCC, and its significance has been experimentally validated in vitro.
Conclusion
Overall, a gene pair signature applicable to predict prognosis hopefully provides a reference to guide clinical practice.
Hiatal repair using non-absorbable mesh: Prosthesis-specific complications from a consecutive case series examining short-term outcomes
Authors: Drane Andrew , Bhimani Nazim , Sarich Peter , Chan Priscilla , Leibman Steven , Smith Garett
Published: August 2023

Purpose:
The use of prosthetic mesh to augment suture repair of large paraoesophageal hernias is widespread but controversial. Our aim was to identify the risk of mesh-specific complications from a large series of consecutive patients undergoing hiatal hernia repair augmented with a lightweight polypropylene mesh (TiMesh) over a 12-year period.
Methods:
A retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data for patients undergoing prosthesis reinforced hiatal repair with TiMesh between February 2005, and October 2017 were identified. Pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative data were collected for all patients undergoing hiatal repair.
Results:
In total, 393 patients underwent TiMesh augmented hiatal repair between February 2005 and October 2017. There were no intraoperative mesh-specific complications. Mesh was explanted in one patient (1/393, 0.25%) who underwent emergency paraoesophageal hernia repair complicated by sepsis. Asymptomatic mesh erosion was found in two patients (2/393, 0.51%) at endoscopy three and nine years following surgery, respectively. No cases of oesophageal or hiatal strictures were identified.
Conclusion:
From our large series, albeit without routine endoscopic and radiological follow-up, we demonstrate acceptably low rates of mesh related complications. We identified two cases of asymptomatic erosion during 393 TiMesh repairs, and the rate of mesh-specific complications in this patient series is low. This unit will continue to perform selective TiMesh hiatal repair in cases where a suture repair only is felt to be inadequate at the time of surgery. For the purposes of patient consent and ongoing discussion, we report the risk of mesh erosion and mesh explantation to be 0.51% and 0.25%, respectively.
Ectopic Eruption of the Maxillary Permanent First Molar: A Brief Review and Clinical Case Report
Authors: De Mendonça Marcos Rogério , Fuziy César Henrique Fukuji , Ferreira Mayra Fernanda , Delbem Alberto Carlos Botazzo
Published: August 2023

The Ectopic Eruption of the Maxillary Permanent First Molar (EEMPFM) is an eruption anomaly, characterized for the maxillary permanent first molar’s impaction in the distal surface of the deciduous second molar. The etiology is related with change of the axial axis of eruption of the permanent first molar associated with missing space in the maxilla. The diagnosis is the combination of clinical and complementary examination. There are two types of Ectopic Eruption: the reversible and the irreversible. The irreversible type requires orthodontics treatment, because it causes root resorption of the deciduous second molar, causing its premature loss. For the treatment, procedures can be used with the aim of promoting distal inclination of the ectopic first molar, using separator elastics, removable or fixed appliances. The aim of this work is to report a clinical case of a patient of 9 years and 6 months old, female gender, who attended the Clinic presenting EEMPFM of the maxillary right permanent first molar. The treatment was a removable appliance composed with an acrylic base plate with clasps and a finger spring activated against a resin button bonded on the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary right permanent first molar. The correction of this anomaly was obtained with 35 days of treatment. Therefore, the sequence of procedures from diagnosis to the indication of an adequate treatment method is fundamental to obtain satisfactory results.
New Germplasm for Breeding: Pink-flowered and White-fruited Strawberry
Authors: Guan Ling , Wilson Zoe A. , Zhao Mizhen , Qiao Yushan , Wu Ejiao , Wang Qinglian , Yuan Huazhao , Xu Linlin , Pang Fuhua , Cai Weijian , Chen Xiaodong , Xia Jin
Published: August 2023

Most strawberry plants have white flowers and red fruit. We developed a new strawberry selection with pink flowers and white fruit, and named it G23. Basic phenotypic data were recorded over years of observation and experimentation with the flower crown diameter, petal color, and rate of fruit set, as well as fruit skin color, flesh color, seed color and attachment status, fruit weight and shape, soluble solids contents, and firmness. We found that G23 bloomed with a stable pink flower and produced white fruit consistently with a relatively high fruit-set rate compared with its female parent, ‘Pink Panda’. G23 displayed high resistance to Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum) and anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.). It is also tolerant of high temperatures (up to 40 °C) and long-term drought. The asexual propagation ability of G23 is high, with ∼60 to 100 stolon ramets formed during the summer. In summary, this new pink-flowered and white-fruited strawberry germplasm is suitable for ornamental use, as a result of its remarkable flowering and fruiting characteristics. In addition, it provides opportunities for innovative strawberry germplasm for future breeding.
In Vivo and In Vitro Chromosome Doubling of ‘I3’ Hemp
Authors: McLeod Adigun , Contreras Ryan , Halstead Margaret , Vining Kelly
Published: August 2023

Cannabis sativa L. is a diploid (2x) herbaceous plant that provides a wide variety of products such as essential oils, fiber, and medicine. Hemp was defined in the 2018 Farm Bill as a Cannabis plant with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3% on a dry-weight basis. Polyploidy is frequently used in plant breeding to manipulate vigor, reproductive fertility, and biochemistry. By inducing polyploidy/chromosome doubling, we may increase the compounds of interest, principally CBD (cannabidiol), produced by hemp. The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the efficacy of different treatments of colchicine and oryzalin applied in vivo and in vitro to induce polyploidy in ‘I3’ hemp. After treating vegetative cuttings with colchicine or oryzalin, we had a 31% survival rate. Of the 85 survivors, we recovered two tetraploids: one from the 12-h 0.05% colchicine treatment group and the other from the 12-h 0.2% colchicine treatment group. For the in vitro portion of the experiment, the 12-h 50-µM oryzalin treatment yielded one tetraploid and the 36 h 50 µM oryzalin treatment yielded one cytochimera (mixoploid). The relative efficiency of some treatments showed potential for a simple method to induce tetraploids in clonal hemp for breeding.
Genome-wide Identification and Expression Analysis of Auxin Response Factor Genes in Arabian Jasmine
Authors: Huang Xin , Guo Haigang , Yin Lili , Wu Ruigang , Zhou Xingwen
Published: August 2023

Auxin response factors (ARFs) are an important family of auxin-mediated proteins that have key roles in various physiological and biochemical processes. To the best of our knowledge, no genome-wide identification of the ARF gene family in Arabian jasmine (Jasminum sambac) has been conducted to date. During this study, 24 ARF genes were identified in the Arabian jasmine genome. A phylogenetic analysis suggested that the 24 Arabian jasmine ARFs (JsARFs) were clustered into seven groups and distributed on 11 of the 13 Arabian jasmine chromosomes. The promoter regions of these ARFs were rich in cis-responsive elements related to hormone responses, light responses, and biotic and abiotic stresses. A collinearity analysis showed that certain genes arose by duplication, such as JsARF6 and JsARF19 and JsARF7 and JsARF24. A subsequent analysis of expression profiles based on RNA sequencing data showed that most genes had differential expression patterns among different tissues. The expression levels of 11 genes under indole-3-acetic acid hormone treatment were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and the results demonstrated that the expression levels of nine JsARF genes were downregulated. Our findings provide valuable information to create the foundation for further functional investigations of the roles of ARF genes in Arabian jasmine growth and development.
Lettuce Germplasm in Humid Subtropical Environments Tolerant to Postharvest Development of Pink Rib Disorder
Authors: Belisle Catherine E. , Sandoya Germán V. , Sargent Steven A. , Kreutz Gustavo F.
Published: August 2023

Pink rib discoloration or pinking in the midribs of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) leaves is a stress-induced disorder that leads to crop loss worldwide. Maintaining recommended field and postharvest conditions reduces its incidence but does not eliminate the issue. During the past decade, research has identified the tolerance of this disorder among lettuce types and cultivars grown in cooler climates. However, tolerance to pink rib among lettuce types grown in humid subtropical climates is unknown; therefore, it is necessary to screen lettuce germplasm under these growing conditions. During this study, diverse lettuce accessions were planted for early-season, mid-season, and late-season harvests over two seasons in Belle Glade, FL, USA. Harvested midribs were wounded to induce pink rib, stored for 6 to 9 days at 5 °C and >95% relative humidity, and rated for severity using a 5-point subjective scale. Genotype × environment interactions were evaluated to understand the environmental factors that favor the development of pink rib during storage and between planting seasons. Pink rib severity increased during storage, with the highest increase observed after 3 to 4 days in both seasons. After 9 days of storage, lettuce accessions with the least pink rib for each leaf type were identified. The lowest pink rib ratings after 9 days of storage were “moderate” (rating of 3) for crisphead, Latin, and romaine, “slight” (rating of 2) for butterhead types, and “none” (rating of 1) for leaf types. Additionally, pink rib severity increased among accessions during the late spring season harvest when field temperatures were higher and daylight hours were extended. The lettuce germplasm with low susceptibility to pink rib is promising to breed lettuce lines for future research.
Discursos de ódio e Fake news: Caminhos para a superação a partir da fraternidade
Authors: Maciel de Oliveira Alex , Martini Sandra Regina , Fleck da Rosa Stéphani
Published: August 2023

A sociedade atual, marcada pela revolução tecnológica, possibilitou a criação de novas esferas comunicacionais virtuais, notadamente com o surgimento da internet. Opiniões de ódio, veiculadas por meio desses novos ambientes, têm ganhado notoriedade em debates acadêmicos, pois os espaços digitais, sobretudo com as redes sociais, geraram um rearranjo na dinâmica da propagação destas opiniões. Orientados sob a lógica dialética do “nós contra eles”, os discursos segregacionistas, quase sempre, têm como alvos minorias fragilizadas, uma vez que o temor “ao diferente” atua como legitimador das intolerâncias. Este artigo objetiva demonstrar a superação do discurso do ódio através dos fundamentos da Metateoria do Direito Fraterno. O problema de pesquisa é identificar formas de eliminar discurso do ódio, o objetivo geral é demonstrar as possibilidades da fraternidade no enfrentamento do discurso do ódio, a construção metodológica utilizada está alicerçada nos pressupostos da Metateoria do Direito fraterno, a qual pressupõem uma análise crítica-construtiva dos fenômenos sociais a partir do desvelamento de paradoxos. Espera-se que este estudo contribua para ampliar a perspectiva de equidade e diminuição do ódio através do campo jurídico.
Assessment of Knowledge, Reported Attitudes and Practices Regarding Emergency Preparedness and Related Factors at Tertiary-Care Hospitals of Punjab Province Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Nasir Muhammad , Zakar Rubina
Published: August 2023

Hospitals need to maintain a high level of preparedness of staff and systems to mitigate the consequences of health emergencies and disasters. Therefore, the knowledge, attitude and practices of the hospital staff are of key importance in strengthening the emergency preparedness of the health system. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare workers regarding emergency preparedness and factors related to them, at the tertiary care hospitals of Punjab Pakistan
Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study conducted at six tertiary care hospitals in Punjab from February 2022 to August 2022, approved by advanced studies and the research board of the University of Punjab. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among 450 staff members of these hospitals to identify gaps in the knowledge, reported attitudes and practices of healthcare workers and their willingness to report for duty, selected by multistage sampling. Data were analysed by statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) Version 22. Results: The results found that 49.8% of the participants were aware of disasters that occurred, 50% knew
the hospital emergency plan, and 70% agreed that hospitals need written plans yet 72.4% were not aware of the major components of the plan. Regarding attitude of the staff, 73.8% of accepted that it is their duty to take care of patients, 33.6% thought that hospital preparedness is adequate and only 36.7% agreed that the hospital had adequate staff in catering for the increased patient influx. Regarding hospital preparedness practices, only 29.3% stated that hospital conducts exercises and drills and 30.4% reported that the hospital conducts other training sessions and workshops for staff. Conclusion: The majority of the staff at the studied hospitals had a positive attitudes and willingness to report for duties in case of health emergencies. But there were lacks in the knowledge and practices at these hospitals which needs to be addressed by making a written hospital emergency plan, conducting simulation drills and mock exercises and arranging training.
Steroids use in Severe/ Life Threatening COVID-19 Pneumonia: Does the Type or Dose Matter?
Authors: Arshad Abdul Rehman , Saeed Bilal , Hussain Sagheer
Published: August 2023

Objective: To compare the effect of different doses of methylprednisolone and dexamethasone on in-hospital mortality in severe COVID-19 pneumonia Methods: This retrospective chart review was done by reviewing old medical reports of patients with severe
disease admitted to COVID-19 Intensive Care and High Dependency Unit from October 2020 to September 2021. Those with suspected COVID-19 infection (suggestive radiological findings but negative PCR for SARSCoV- 2 on at least two occasions) were excluded. Patients requiring high flow oxygen (>6 liters per minute) or higher levels of respiratory support were classified as having severe disease. We recorded the type of steroids used and the doses. Methylprednisolone in doses up to 40mg per day, or other steroids in equivalent doses, were considered low dose. Primary outcome of interest was in- hospital mortality. Results: There were 279 patients aged 52.53± 11.31 years, including 216 (77.42%) males. Mean hospital stay was 10.18± 3.13 days. During hospital stay, 96 (34.41%) patients died. Amongst patients receiving dexamethasone, 70 (44.87%) expired, whereas 26 (21.14%) out of 123 patients who received methylprednisolone expired (p
Role of Post-Isometric Relaxation of Quadriceps and Core Stability Exercises in Vertical Jump Performance
Authors: Shafi Hina , Afzal Muhammad Faheem , Khan Manan Haider , Ashfaq Madiha , Bashir Sana
Published: August 2023

Objective: To determine the role of post isometric relaxation of quadriceps and core stability exercises in vertical jump performance. Methods: A Randomized Clinical Trial, conducted in Islamic International University after having the ethical permission from Institutional review Board of Riphah International University Islamabad. Sampling technique was Non-probability convenience sampling with the sample size of 30 athletes, that were divided by sealed and envelop method into core stability exercise treated group (n=17) and Post isometric relaxation treated group (n= 13). Male Athletes within age range of 20-35 years and playing at the domestic level were
included and athletes with history of sprain or strain in lower limbs within last 6 month, having neuromusculoskeletal and cardiovascular pathology were excluded from the study. Force plate was used to measure the different parameters of jump. Data were entered and analyzed through SPSS version 22. Results: The mean age of group A and B was 20.35 + 2.01 and 20.03 + 2.42 in years respectively. BMI of core stability exercise treated group and Post isometric relaxation treated group was 22.35 + 2.32, 22.58 + 1.95 respectively in kg/m2. Comparison between core stability exercise treated group and Post isometric relaxation treated group showed that there was no significant immediate effects (F= 1.235; p= 0.852) of treatment on three style of jumps.
Conclusion: No significant immediate effects of treatment on three styles of jumps was found.
Impact of Psychiatric Internship on Medical Graduates: Quasi Experimental Study
Authors: Haider Anum
Published: August 2023

Background: Physical health is incomplete without mental health; despite this fact Psychiatric teaching and training of medical health professionals is an undermined area especially in developing countries like Pakistan. This study is aimed to determine the impact of knowledge, attitude and perception towards Psychiatry and also possible change in the career choice of medical graduates (house job interns) of public sector hospital of Karachi after doing internship in Psychiatry Methods: This Quasi experimental study was conducted in 40 medical graduates house job interns who were doing 12 weeks internship in Psychiatry department of Dow Medical College & Dr Ruth K.M.Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi from April 2020 to March 2021 on quarterly basis. A Self synthesized pretested questionnaire was employed twice at pre internship and post internship levels and two semi structured questions were also administered to qualitatively compare their responses. SPSS-19 was applied to
statistically analyze the result and paired sample t-test was used to compare both pre and post internship scores Results: There was found statistically significant impact of psychiatric internship on medical graduates (preinternship; M=52.2, SD=10.8 and post internship M=60.6, SD=8.3); t(39)=-4.6,p=
Intraluminal Migration of Gossypiboma and Rectal Expulsion - Case Report
Authors: Waqar S H , Ali Sana Sharafat , Akhtar Fahad , Rauf Sidra , Ayubi Azaz
Published: August 2023

Retained surgical sponge (Gossypiboma) in the abdominal cavity following surgery is a serious complication that can be avoided. The incidence is variable and underreported, because of medico-legal consequences, but also patient remains aymptomatic. Retained sponge can erode the bowel leading to partial or complete bowel obstruction. Transmural migration of the surgical sponge is a rare entity. We present a case of intraluminal migration of gossypiboma that spontaneously expulsed through rectum with favorable recovery.
Comparison of the Effects of Conventional Physical Therapy Versus Progressive Overload Training in Patients with Shoulder Impingement Syndrome; A Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Qamar Muhammad Mustafa , Basharat Ayesha , Kiran Qurba , Nazir Amar , Ahmad Waqas , Basharat Shahnai
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background: Rotator cuff tendinitis and shoulder impingement are regarded as the frequent intrinsic reasons for shoulder discomfort and disability.
Objective: A study was conducted to compare the effects of conventional physical therapy and progressive overload training in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome.
Methods: Thirty patients with shoulder impingement syndrome were included. These patients were randomised into two groups. One group received structured, progressive resistance training, and the other received conventional therapy. The intervention group participants participated in progressive resistance training three days per week for six weeks. The numeric pain rating scale was used to assess pain intensity and the range of motion measured by the goniometer. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS), version 21 for Windows, was used for data analysis. An independent t-test was used to compare the effects between the two
groups.
Result: Out of 30 participants, there were twenty-four females and six males. The mean age of the participants was 44±5.1 years. Participants from the intervention group had better pain control (P < 0.05) and improved range of motion (P < 0.05) compared to the control group.
Conclusion: We conclude in this group of patients, progressive overload training was more effective in alleviating pain and improving the range of motion in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome.