bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Characteristics of First Permanent Molars with Delayed Eruption
Authors: Lee Hosun , Lee Koeun , Kim Misun , Nam Okhyung , Lee Hyo-Seol , Choi Sungchul
Published: March 2022

The first permanent molars play a key role in maxillofacial development and occlusion. The purpose of this study is to investigate the characteristics and development stages of first molars with delayed eruption, and to evaluate their associations with congenital missing teeth. Eight-year-old patients who had delayed eruption in their first molars were classified into 75 patients with physical barriers and 77 patients without physical barriers. The development stages of the first and second molars in the delayed area were analyzed using Nolla method from the panoramic radiographs. The relationship between congenital missing teeth and delayed area was also investigated. Delayed eruption of first molars were more common in the maxilla alone. With the presence of physical barriers, male patients showed higher frequency in unilateral cases, while female patients had higher bilateral cases when there was no physical barrier. Delayed development of first molars were observed in delayed eruption area. In the absence of physical barriers, adjacent second molars were also developed slowly and the incidence of congenital missing teeth was high in delayed area. If first molars with delayed eruption are observed, clinical and radiographical follow-ups are necessary for the evaluation of their developmental stages and congenital missing teeth.
Knowledge management and digital business transformation
Authors: Erceg Vanja , Zoranović Tihomir
Published: March 2022

The fourth industrial revolution is in progress, and the center of this revolution is the digital transformation. Companies need to keep up with new business models and advances in digital technologies so that they can agilely adapt to changes in the market. Also, organizations should become aware of the growing importance of knowledge management, as well as the skills needed to make business decisions. Research related to knowledge management is becoming more complex, which indicates the multi-disciplinarity of this area and its close connection with digital technologies and digital transformation. The aim of this paper is to try to explain the importance of knowledge management in organizations and where it fits into the digital business transformation. For the purpose of this paper, a standard methodology of the systematic literature review was used. The paper provides an overview of the current scientific cognition of knowledge management and knowledge management systems and analyzes the relationship between knowledge management and digital transformation.
Influence of Psychological Factors on College Students' Smoking Behavior: Moderating Role of Tobacco Advertising Receptivity and Health Behavior
Authors: Yang Qianqian , Yang Fei , Zhang Kuo
Published: March 2022

Objectives: The main objective of this study was to examine the role of psychological factors affecting college students' smoking behavior. We considered 3 psychological factors in this study – depressive symptoms, novelty seeking personality, and stress, which are common
among learners in institutions of higher learning. Furthermore, we also considered the moderating effect of tobacco advertising receptivity and health behavior. Methods: In this study, we used a cross-sectional research design, wherein data were collected through a survey questionnaire,
designed on a Likert scale. We received 160 responses for data analysis. Our primary analysis used partial least squares (PLS). Results: Depressive symptoms, novelty seeking personality, stress, and tobacco advertising receptivity had significant positive relationships with college
students' smoking behavior; however, pro-health behavior had a negative effect on smoking behavior. Conclusion: Our results reveal a major role of depressive symptoms, novelty seeking personality and stress in shaping the smoking behavior of college students in China. Additionally,
the moderating variables of tobacco advertising receptivity and health behavior showed considerable impact, as both showed a positive influence on psychological factors and smoking behavior of college students. Finally, our results provide insights for practitioners to devise strategies to
address smoking behavior in college students.
Análisis del desarrollo normativo de las criptomonedas en las principales jurisdicciones: Europa, Estados Unidos y Japón
Authors: García-Ramos Lucero Miguel Angel , Rejas Muslera Ricardo
Published: March 2022

Las criptomonedas o divisas digitales son un nuevo tipo de activo digital que se puede utilizar en múltiples aplicaciones, como transferir dinero e invertir. A diferencia de la mayoría de las empresas en las que invertir, las criptomonedas carecen de una entidad legal específica a cargo de la protección del consumidor. El carácter virtual y descentralizado de esta tecnología imposibilita la aplicación de los marcos legales tradicionales. Además, la ausencia de una entidad legal específica hace que la aplicación de cualquier nuevo marco legal sea poco confiable. Por estas dos razones, con independencia de su naturaleza, el estado regulatorio actual de las criptomonedas genera muchas dudas. Este artículo pretende una descripción analítica de los diferentes enfoques que han adoptado las entidades legislativas en las principales economías (Unión Europea, Estados Unidos y Japón) para hacer frente a los desafíos que suponen las criptomonedas. El artículo pretende mostrar los pros y los contras de cada enfoque y mostrar las corrientes de opinión reciente del mundo académico-científico.
Recent advances in solar-thermal surfaces for anti-icing/anti-frosting/anti-fogging
Authors: Ma Wei , Li Yang , Yao Shu-Huai , Huang Bao-Ling ,   Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong 999077, China
Published: March 2022

Icing, frosting, and fogging are all natural phenomena in cold climates, which bring a lot of inconvenience and safety problems to our daily life and industry when formed on the infrastructures. Solar-thermal anti-icing, anti-frosting or anti-fogging surfaces have attracted a lot of interest due to their effectiveness and green ecofriendly features in comparison with the conventional mechanical, thermal, and chemical methods. This short review aims at summarizing the recent progress of solar-thermal anti-fogging/anti-icing/anti-frosting surfaces. First of all, both the fundamental of solar-thermal energy conversion and the mechanism of solar-thermal anti-fogging/anti-icing/anti-frosting are introduced. After that, recent advances in solar-thermal anti-fogging surfaces, and superhydrophobic solar-thermal anti-icing/anti-frosting surfaces are summarized according to the categories of photothermal materials. The results of our collaborative research groups in this field are highlighted in this review. In the end, through comparing those reported surfaces, we point out the bottlenecks in the existing researches of this field, and suggest the potential significant research directions in the future.
Millimeter wave-terahertz substrate integrated waveguide transition structure based on low temperature co-fired ceramic
Authors: Teng Lu , Yu Zhong-Jun , Zhu Da-Li ,   Microwave Microsystem R&D Department, Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100094, China,   The Fourth Research Office, Institute of Information Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100093, China,   University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Published: March 2022

In a microwave circuit system, the discontinuity caused by electromagnetic wave entering into another transmission medium from one transmission medium will greatly affect the transmission performance of the system, which has always been the focus of microwave circuit design. When the electromagnetic wave band enters into the millimeter wave and terahertz band, how to realize the efficient and low loss transmission of electromagnetic wave from the metal rectangular waveguide interface to the dielectric substrate is the key to the realization of millimeter wave terahertz communication system. Substrate integrated waveguide to rectangular waveguide transition structure is an important structure connecting waveguide interface and planar circuit in millimeter wave and terahertz communication system, and it is the basis of designing planar antenna array. In this paper, a W-band and D-band substrate integrated waveguide to rectangular waveguide transition structure is designed, which improves the transmission performance and expands the bandwidth through the stepped structure. On this basis, a one-in-two divider structure is designed, with an empty cavity structure used to reduce the loss and expand the bandwidth. These two structures have the characteristics of simple structure and easy processing, and their practicalities are verified by simulation optimization and actual low temperature co-fired ceramic substrate processing and assembly test. The actual test results show that the substrate integrated waveguide to rectangular waveguide transition structure can achieve a return loss of less than –10 dB in a frequency ranges of 126–149 GHz and 112–139 GHz, the one-in-two divider structure can achieve a return loss of less than –10 dB in the frequency band of 132–155 GHz.
GFPT2/GFAT2 and AMDHD2 act in tandem to control the hexosamine pathway
Authors: Kroef Virginia , Ruegenberg Sabine , Horn Moritz , Allmeroth Kira , Ebert Lena , Bozkus Seyma , Miethe Stephan , Elling Ulrich , Schermer Bernhard , Baumann Ulrich , Denzel Martin Sebastian
Published: March 2022

The hexosamine biosynthetic pathway (HBP) produces the essential metabolite UDP-GlcNAc and plays a key role in metabolism, health, and aging. The HBP is controlled by its rate-limiting enzyme glutamine fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFPT/GFAT) that is directly inhibited by UDP-GlcNAc in a feedback loop. HBP regulation by GFPT is well studied but other HBP regulators have remained obscure. Elevated UDP-GlcNAc levels counteract the glycosylation toxin tunicamycin (TM), and thus we screened for TM resistance in haploid mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) using random chemical mutagenesis to determine alternative HBP regulation. We identified the N-acetylglucosamine deacetylase AMDHD2 that catalyzes a reverse reaction in the HBP and its loss strongly elevated UDP-GlcNAc. To better understand AMDHD2, we solved the crystal structure and found that loss-of-function (LOF) is caused by protein destabilization or interference with its catalytic activity. Finally, we show that mESCs express AMDHD2 together with GFPT2 instead of the more common paralog GFPT1. Compared with GFPT1, GFPT2 had a much lower sensitivity to UDP-GlcNAc inhibition, explaining how AMDHD2 LOF resulted in HBP activation. This HBP configuration in which AMDHD2 serves to balance GFPT2 activity was also observed in other mESCs and, consistently, the GFPT2:GFPT1 ratio decreased with differentiation of human embryonic stem cells. Taken together, our data reveal a critical function of AMDHD2 in limiting UDP-GlcNAc production in cells that use GFPT2 for metabolite entry into the HBP.
Role of Nrp1 in controlling cortical inter-hemispheric circuits
Authors: Martín-Fernández Fernando , Bermejo-Santos Ana , Bragg-Gonzalo Lorena , Briz Carlos G , Serrano-Saiz Esther , Nieto Marta
Published: March 2022

Axons of the corpus callosum (CC) mediate the interhemispheric communication required for complex perception in mammals. In the somatosensory (SS) cortex, the CC exchanges inputs processed by the primary (S1) and secondary (S2) areas, which receive tactile and pain stimuli. During early postnatal life, a multistep process involving axonal navigation, growth, and refinement, leads to precise CC connectivity. This process is often affected in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and epilepsy. We herein show that in mice, expression of the axonal signaling receptor Neuropilin 1 (Nrp1) in SS layer (L) 2/3 is temporary and follows patterns that determine CC connectivity. At postnatal day 4, Nrp1 expression is absent in the SS cortex while abundant in the motor area, creating a sharp border. During the following 3 weeks, Nrp1 is transiently upregulated in subpopulations of SS L2/3 neurons, earlier and more abundantly in S2 than in S1. In vivo knock-down and overexpression experiments demonstrate that transient expression of Nrp1 does not affect the initial development of callosal projections in S1 but is required for subsequent S2 innervation. Moreover, knocking-down Nrp1 reduces the number of S2L2/3 callosal neurons due to excessive postnatal refinement. Thus, an exquisite temporal and spatial regulation of Nrp1 expression determines SS interhemispheric maps.
Left hemisphere dominance for bilateral kinematic encoding in the human brain
Authors: Merrick Christina M , Dixon Tanner C , Breska Assaf , Lin Jack , Chang Edward F , King-Stephens David , Laxer Kenneth D , Weber Peter B , Carmena Jose , Thomas Knight Robert , Ivry Richard B
Published: March 2022

Neurophysiological studies in humans and nonhuman primates have revealed movement representations in both the contralateral and ipsilateral hemispheres. Inspired by clinical observations, we ask if this bilateral representation differs for the left and right hemispheres. Electrocorticography was recorded in human participants during an instructed-delay reaching task, with movements produced with either the contralateral or ipsilateral arm. Using a cross-validated kinematic encoding model, we found stronger bilateral encoding in the left hemisphere, an effect that was present during preparation and was amplified during execution. Consistent with this asymmetry, we also observed better across-arm generalization in the left hemisphere, indicating similar neural representations for right and left arm movements. Notably, these left hemisphere electrodes were centered over premotor and parietal regions. The more extensive bilateral encoding in the left hemisphere adds a new perspective to the pervasive neuropsychological finding that the left hemisphere plays a dominant role in praxis.
Ecological and social pressures interfere with homeostatic sleep regulation in the wild
Authors: Loftus J Carter , Harel Roi , Núñez Chase L , Crofoot Margaret C
Published: March 2022

Sleep is fundamental to the health and fitness of all animals. The physiological importance of sleep is underscored by the central role of homeostasis in determining sleep investment – following periods of sleep deprivation, individuals experience longer and more intense sleep bouts. Yet, most sleep research has been conducted in highly controlled settings, removed from evolutionarily relevant contexts that may hinder the maintenance of sleep homeostasis. Using triaxial accelerometry and GPS to track the sleep patterns of a group of wild baboons (Papio anubis), we found that ecological and social pressures indeed interfere with homeostatic sleep regulation. Baboons sacrificed time spent sleeping when in less familiar locations and when sleeping in proximity to more group-mates, regardless of how long they had slept the prior night or how much they had physically exerted themselves the preceding day. Further, they did not appear to compensate for lost sleep via more intense sleep bouts. We found that the collective dynamics characteristic of social animal groups persist into the sleep period, as baboons exhibited synchronized patterns of waking throughout the night, particularly with nearby group-mates. Thus, for animals whose fitness depends critically on avoiding predation and developing social relationships, maintaining sleep homeostasis may be only secondary to remaining vigilant when sleeping in risky habitats and interacting with group-mates during the night. Our results highlight the importance of studying sleep in ecologically relevant contexts, where the adaptive function of sleep patterns directly reflects the complex trade-offs that have guided its evolution.
A plasma membrane-localized polycystin-1/polycystin-2 complex in endothelial cells elicits vasodilation
Authors: MacKay Charles E , Floen Miranda , Leo M Dennis , Hasan Raquibul , Garrud Tessa AC , Fernández-Peña Carlos , Singh Purnima , Malik Kafait U , Jaggar Jonathan H
Published: March 2022

Polycystin-1 (PC-1, PKD1), a receptor-like protein expressed by the Pkd1 gene, is present in a wide variety of cell types, but its cellular location, signaling mechanisms, and physiological functions are poorly understood. Here, by studying tamoxifen-inducible, endothelial cell (EC)-specific Pkd1 knockout (Pkd1 ecKO) mice, we show that flow activates PC-1-mediated, Ca2+-dependent cation currents in ECs. EC-specific PC-1 knockout attenuates flow-mediated arterial hyperpolarization and vasodilation. PC-1-dependent vasodilation occurs over the entire functional shear stress range and via the activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and intermediate (IK)- and small (SK)-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels. EC-specific PC-1 knockout increases systemic blood pressure without altering kidney anatomy. PC-1 coimmunoprecipitates with polycystin-2 (PC-2, PKD2), a TRP polycystin channel, and clusters of both proteins locate in nanoscale proximity in the EC plasma membrane. Knockout of either PC-1 or PC-2 (Pkd2 ecKO mice) abolishes surface clusters of both PC-1 and PC-2 in ECs. Single knockout of PC-1 or PC-2 or double knockout of PC-1 and PC-2 (Pkd1/Pkd2 ecKO mice) similarly attenuates flow-mediated vasodilation. Flow stimulates nonselective cation currents in ECs that are similarly inhibited by either PC-1 or PC-2 knockout or by interference peptides corresponding to the C-terminus coiled-coil domains present in PC-1 or PC-2. In summary, we show that PC-1 regulates arterial contractility through the formation of an interdependent signaling complex with PC-2 in ECs. Flow stimulates PC-1/PC-2 clusters in the EC plasma membrane, leading to eNOS, IK channel, and SK channel activation, vasodilation, and a reduction in blood pressure.
Characterization of amphoteric bentonite-loaded magnetic biochar and its adsorption properties for Cu2+ and tetracycline
Authors: Deng Hongyan , He Haixia , Li Wenbin , Abbas Touqeer , Liu Zhifeng
Published: March 2022

To realize simultaneous adsorption of heavy metal and antibiotic pollutants by a BC-based recyclable material, Fe3O4 magnetic biochar (MBC) was prepared by co-precipitation method. Then different ratios of dodecyl dimethyl betaine (BS-12)-modified bentonite (BS-B) were loaded on the surfaces of biochar (BC) and MBC to prepare BS-B-loaded BC and MBC composites, called BS-B/BC and BS-B/MBC, respectively. The physicochemical and structural properties of the composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, thermogravimetric analysis, specific surface area (SBET) analysis, and vibrating sample magnetometry, and the adsorption efficiencies of BS-B/BC and BS-B/MBC to Cu2+ and tetracycline (TC) were studied. The following results were obtained. (1) Compared with BS-B/BC, BS-B/MBC had decreased pH and cation exchange capacity (CEC) and increased SBET. The pH, CEC, and SBET of BS-B/BC and BS-B/MBC decreased with the increase in the BS-12 proportion of BS-B. The surface of BS-B/MBC became rough after Fe3O4 loading. (2) The residual rate of BS-B/MBC was higher than that of BS-B/BC after high-temperature combustion, and the residual rate decreased with the increase in the BS-12 proportion of BS-B. The 2D infrared spectra showed that Fe3O4 and BS-12 were modified on the surface of BS-B/MBC. MBC and BS-B/MBC had splendid magnetism and could be separated by external magnetic field. (3) Compared with unmagnetized ones, the adsorption effects of Cu2+ and TC on different BS-B/MBCs improved, and the average adsorption rate reached the largest value of 91.92% and 97.76%, respectively. Cu2+ and TC adsorptions were spontaneous, endothermic, and entropy-increasing processes. The pH and SBET of the material had a great influence on Cu2+ and TC adsorptions, respectively, than CEC.
SEPALLATA­-like genes of Isatis indigotica can affect the architecture of the inflorescences and the development of the floral organs
Authors: Ma Yan-Qin , Pu Zuo-Qian , Tan Xiao-Min , Meng Qi , Zhang Kai-Li , Yang Liu , Ma Ye-Ye , Huang Xuan , Xu Zi-Qin
Published: March 2022

Background

The architecture of inflorescence and the development of floral organs can influence the yield of seeds and have a significant impact on plant propagation. E-class floral homeotic MADS-box genes exhibit important roles in regulation of floral transition and differentiation of floral organs. Woad (Isatis indigotica) possesses unique inflorescence, floral organs and fruit. However, very little research has been carried out to determine the function of MADS-box genes in this medicinal cruciferous plant species.

Results

SEPALLATA orthologs in I. indigotica were cloned by degenerate PCR. The sequence possessing the highest identity with SEP2 and SEP4 of Arabidopsis were named as IiSEP2 and IiSEP4, respectively. Constitutive expression of IiSEP2 in Columbia (Col-0) ecotype of Arabidopsis led to early flowering, and the number of the flowers and the lateral branches was reduced, indicating an alteration in architecture of the inflorescences. Moreover, the number of the floral organs was declined, the sepals were turned into carpelloid tissues bearing stigmatic papillae and ovules, and secondary flower could be produced in apetalous terminal flowers. In 35S::IiSEP4-GFP transgenic Arabidopsis plants in Landsberg erecta (Ler) genetic background, the number of the floral organs was decreased, sepals were converted into curly carpelloid structures, accompanied by generation of ovules. Simultaneously, the size of petals, stamens and siliques was diminished. In 35S::IiSEP4-GFP transgenic plants of apetalous ap1 cal double mutant in Ler genetic background, the cauliflower phenotype was attenuated significantly, and the petal formation could be rescued. Occasionally, chimeric organs composed of petaloid and sepaloid tissues, or petaloid and stamineous tissues, were produced in IiSEP4 transgenic plants of apl cal double mutant. It suggested that overexpression of IiSEP4 could restore the capacity in petal differentiation. Silencing of IiSEP4 by Virus-Induced Gene Silencing (VIGS) can delay the flowering time, and reduce the number and size of the floral organs in woad flowers.

Conclusion

All the results showed that SEPALLATA-like genes could influence the architecture of the inflorescence and the determinacy of the floral meristems, and was also related to development of the floral organs.
Alterations of gut fungal microbiota in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Sun Xiaoyu , Wang Yushuang , Li Xinke , Wang Meiling , Dong Jianyi , Tang Wei , Lei Zengjie , Guo Yuling , Li Ming , Li Yuyuan
Published: March 2022

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease, in addition, gut microbiota plays an important role in the etiology of RA. However, our understanding of alterations to the gut fungal microbiota in Chinese population with RA is still limited.

Methods

Serum samples were obtained from 62 patients with RA, and 39 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs). Fecal samples were obtained from 42 RA patients and 39 HCs. Fecal fungal microbiota targeting internal transcribed spacer region 2 (ITS2) rRNA genes was investigated using MiSeq sequencing, as well as their associations with some diagnostic biomarkers for RA.

Results

Our results showed that the fungal diversity did not alter in RA patients but taxonomic composition of the fecal fungal microbiota did. The gut mycobiota of RA patients was characterized by decreased abundance of Pholiota, Scedosporium, and Trichosporon. The linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size analysis (LEfSe) analysis identified several RA-enriched fungal genera, which were positively correlated with most RA biomarkers. Furthermore, since RA is an age- and gende-related disease, we classified RA patients into subgroups with age and gender and analyzed the sequencing results. Our data demonstrated that Wallemia and Irpex were the most discriminatory against RA patients over 60 years old, while Pseudeurotiaceae was the most discriminatory against female RA patients.

Conclusions

The case-control study presented here confirmed the alterations of gut fungal microbiota in Chinese patients with RA, and we speculated that the fungal dysbiosis may contribute to RA development.
Iatrogenic Left Main Coronary Artery Dissection Treated with Bare Metal Stents: A Case with Twelve Years Angiographic Follow-up
Authors: Ray Shuvanan , Jain Sunil , Mitra Sabyasachi
Published: March 2022

Complications during the course of Percutaneous Coronary Interventions (PCI) are common. One of the complications is iatrogenic Left Main Coronary Artery (LMCA) dissection, which is considered as lethal in nature and prevails in around 0.07% PCI cases. Timely diagnosis and immediate revascularisation is mandatory to manage LMCA dissection in order to avoid worsening of patient’s haemodynamic condition and to re-establish antegrade coronary blood flow. Here, authors report a case of catheter-induced iatrogenic LMCA dissection developed during stenting of a lesion in Left Anterior Descending (LAD) coronary artery of a 32-year-old male patient. The patient was managed by implantation of two Matrix (Sahajanand Medical Technologies, Pvt., Ltd., Surat, India) Bare Metal Stents (BMS) using double barrel technique to treat the dissection in left main coronary bifurcation. The patient was regularly followed-up and even after 12 years of the index procedure, the angiographic data revealed good patency of stents in LMCA without any major cardiac events.
Massive Haemoperitoneum Postovulation: A Rare Complication of Unmonitored Anticoagulant Therapy
Authors: Joshi Ketav Samir , Acharya Neema Sourya , Acharya Sourya , Joshi Samir Vinod
Published: March 2022

Derangements in coagulation profile due to on-going anticoagulant medication can complicate the most primitive physiology in a woman, ovulation. Unmonitored anticoagulant therapy can lead to an array of complications, one of which is intraperitoneal haemorrhage secondary to numerous medical and surgical conditions. The resultant haemoperitoneum can cause sudden hypovolemic shock, especially in a patient with compromised cardiovascular status. This report narrates the case of a 30 years old nulliparous female patient on anticoagulant therapy, operated for multiple cardiac defects and developed massive haemoperitoneum as a consequence of ovulation. The patient presented in shock to the Emergency Department with unstable haemodynamic status. A multi-disciplinary approach to the case converged on ruptured functional ovarian cyst as a working diagnosis. Conservative management of haemoperitoneum was decided upon, whereby correcting shock and providing pro-coagulant therapy along with blood products was the main line of management. All efforts failed soon after when the cyst wall ruptured catastrophically, leading to collapse of the general condition of the patient. Surgical approach was undertaken and a ruptured ovarian cyst wall was identified to be the cause. The cyst wall was subsequently repaired electrosurgically and the patient recovered well with an uneventful postoperative period. However, the characteristic feature of this case is the lack of follow-up due to lockdown restrictions of this continuum, the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The management of such cases must be carefully titrated, keeping in mind the risks and benefits of both pro-coagulant and anti-coagulant therapy wherein one can jeopardise the effects of the other.
A Case of Facial Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (LE) with Oral Lichen Planus (LP): A Dig into Co-existence and LE-LP Overlap
Authors: Manoharan K , Manoharan D , Kumar N Ashok , Salam Arisha
Published: March 2022

A distinction between ‘co-existence of Lupus Erythematosus (LE) and Lichen Planus (LP)’ and ‘LE-LP overlap’ bears importance as the criterion for true overlap necessitates histological and immunological features of both LE and LP to be found in the same tissue specimen. However, in the present case report the lesions of LE and LP were present in two different sites. A 51-year-old male presented with a large erythematous scaly atrophic plaque on the right cheek with similar lesions on chin and lips for 10 years. He also had violaceous lesions on the bilateral buccal mucosa and a white lesion over the left buccal mucosa for three years. Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) and Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) were suspected. Dermoscopy of the facial plaque showed features consistent with DLE. Histopathology of the facial plaque confirmed the diagnosis of DLE, whereas the white plaque on the left buccal mucosa showed features of early invasive squamous cell carcinoma. Violaceous lesion over the right buccal mucosa showed features suggesting OLP. A Direct Immunofluorescence (DI) was also performed for the buccal mucosa to rule out the possibility of DLE with oral involvement, which turned out to be negative. Therefore, a diagnosis of synchronous presentation of DLE and OLP along with Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) of the buccal mucosa was made and patient was treated with topical corticosteroids, systemic hydroxychloroquine and surgical intervention for the squamous cell carcinoma. It is also imperative that not only long standing cutaneous lesions, but also oral lesions like LP should be investigated and kept under observation to look for any early malignant changes.
Long Term Use of Metformin and its Effect on Serum Vitamin B12 with its Oral Manifestations: A Review
Authors: Sanjay CJ , Patil Karthikeya , Nagabhushana D , Panda Romali , Mahima VG
Published: March 2022

Metformin is the most frequently prescribed first line therapy for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and it is one of the fewer antihyperglycaemics associated with improvements in the morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular disease associated with T2DM. Although there are major beneficial effects but it is shown to have disadvantages with long-term use of metformin. Recent studies have shown that metformin induces malabsorption of Vitamin B12, which may increase the risk of developing Vitamin B 12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is one of the integral nutritional components that affect the oral health with individuals with decreased levels exhibit various oral manifestations such as glossitis, glossodynia, recurrent ulcers, angular cheilitis, dysgeusia, lingual paraesthesia, burning sensations and pruritis. Most of the vitamin B12 deficiencies are associated with malabsorption syndrome, gastrectomy cases, and elderly people. The prevalence of oral manifestations with regard to metformin induced Vitamin B12 has to be considered as new paradigm in routine diagnosis and investigations. This review likewise centers around the mechanism involved in metformin induced vitamin B12 deficiency and possible implications in the diagnosis and management of oro-mucosal lesions associated with such deficiency.
Perceptions and Experience of Medical Students Regarding E-learning during COVID-19 Lockdown- A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Bhardwaj Manisha , Kashyap Surender , Aggarwal Deepak , Bhawani Rajesh
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Medical education has been adversely affected during COVID-19 pandemic. Imparting medical education through e-platforms exclusively was a novel experience both for students and teachers. Even though online classes have been ongoing since almost a year and half, not much data on perception and experience about e-learning among medical students is available from India. Aim: To evaluate perceptions, experiences and challenges faced by medical students regarding e-learning during lockdown period owing to COVID-19 along with their future preferences. Materials and Methods: The present study was a questionnaire based cross-sectional survey regarding use of e-learning during COVID-19 pandemic among 340 MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) and Bachelor of Science Nursing (BSc-NUR) students. Study was conducted in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Medical College and Hospital Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India from May-July 2021. Students perceptions’ of e-learning were assessed using the validated Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) model and responses were measured on 5-point Likert scale. Quantitative data was expressed by mean and standard deviation and significant level of differences between means were tested by Student’s t-test (unpaired). Proportions were compared by Chi-square test or Fisher’s-exact test. Results: Out of 400 students, 340 responded of which 225 were females. Of the total 340 students, 97.9% (n=333) respondents, had an idea of e-learning and more than half (n=188; 55.3%) had used any type of e-learning platform prior to onset of COVID-19. More number of MBBS students had used e-learning than BScNUR students (55% v/s 41%; p=0.033). Cell phone was the most common device (n=324; 95.3%) used. The quick sharing of material (n=258; 76%) and flexibility (n=233; 68.5%) were top rated benefits of e-learning. The key disadvantages were suboptimal practical training (n=222; 65.3%) and lack of face-to-face interactions (n=146; 43%). Majority of students voted for traditional learning (n=156; 45.9%) closely followed by blended learning (n=140; 41.2%). Conclusion: The students had an overall positive attitude towards e-learning and wanted to continue e-learning alongside traditional teaching i.e., blended learning. Exploration of merits and barriers to e-learning during pandemic can act as a guide to implement blended learning in medical curriculum for enhanced teaching/learning experience.
Household Food Insecurity Evidence among Rural Pastoralist Community in South Omo, Ethiopia
Authors: Alemu Tsegaye , Nkosi Zerish Zethu
Published: March 2022

Background: Food insecurity is a significant public health problem in developing nations particularly in Ethiopia. During COVID- 19, food insecurity has worsened as result of lock down in most part of Africa as well as Ethiopia. In this regard, several studies have been conducted in central and agrarian communities, yet there is little evidence of studies on food insecurity in pastoralist communities. Thus, the study aimed to assess the burden and factors associated with food insecurity at rural pastoralist community.

Methodology: A community-based, comparative cross-sectional study conducted among 536 households. Pre-tested and structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Data were entered in Epi info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 25 for data analysis.

Results: The overall prevalence of food insecurity in this study area was 88% [95% CI: 88.2, 91.0]. Low land agro-ecology [(AOR=3.1, 95% CI: (1.5, 6.3)], pastoralist community [AOR=3.7, 95% CI: (1.6, 8.7)], low wealth index [(AOR=2.5, 95% CI: (1.1. 3.6)], and larger family size composition which were statistically significant with food insecurity at household level.

Conclusion: The burden of food insecurity was 88% in the study area.  This was substantially high level and a severe public health problem. Low wealth index, family size, and low land agro ecology were contributing factors for food insecurity. Therefore, policy makers and local administration advised to invest pastoralist income generating intervention and modernize agricultural technology to tackle food insecurity in the study area.
Intellectual Capital and Coporate Performance of Quoted Consumer Goods Manufacturing Companies in Nigeria
Authors: Theresa Nkechi Ofor , Onyekachi Nath Okeke
Published: March 2022

This study investigated the effect of intellectual capital on corporate performance of selected consumer goods manufacturing companies in Nigeria from (2010-2019). Two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated for the study. Ex-post facto research design was employed in the study. The population of the study included all manufacturing firms quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) as at 30th June 2020 with a sample size of Sixteen (16) consumer goods manufacturing companies randomly selected from the population sector. The study relied on secondary sources of data which was obtained from Annual reports of sampled companies as provided by individual companies and Nigerian Exchange Group (NXG) website. The Fixed effect panel least square regression analysis was employed in validating the hypotheses. The study revealed a significant positive effect of human capital on returns on assets. The findings also revealed a significant effect of structural capital on returns on assets which was used to proxy corporate performance. Consequent on the findings, the study therefore recommends amongst others that business executives and the entire stakeholders should begin to realize and treat intellectual capital as a very important business resource as it is a direct influencer of the firms’ corporate performance.
Sudha Murty’s Select Fiction: A Literary Panorama of the Global Humanitarian Perspectives
Authors: N. Kesur Bhupendra , Vispute Shekhar B.
Published: March 2022

The humanitarian perspective is the emblem of ethics which is studied as a fundamental doctrine in Axiology. It is one of the intrinsic values signifying the existence of human beings in the world. The present research paper ascertains the significance of the humanitarian perspectives through the textual analysis of Sudha Murty’s select novels Dollar Bahu, Gently Falls the Bakula and House of Cards. Sudha Murty being a renowned philanthropist and prolific Indian writer in Kannad and English reflects the philanthropical approach through her own real experiences about human beings in society. Humanitarian perspectives are the replica of the tendency of people behaving to one another in the form of love, affection, respect, emotion, sympathy, compassion, and humanity etc. An attempt has been made to shed light on the evaluative nature of humanitarian perspectives in Sudha Murty’s aforesaid novels which are the best examples of the humanitarian approach. The characters in the novels represent such perspectives which should be achieved by every individual in the world to make human life happier and more peaceful. Ethical values are advocated through the significance of humanitarian perspectives in the light of select novels. Ethics is the principle of human life that can be cherished through such humanitarian perspectives of the people.
Yield of Mustard as Influenced by Date of Sowing and Varieties in Western Rajasthan, India
Authors: Shivran Hansraj , Singh S. P. , Mandeewal Rameshwr Lal , Choudhary Ramesh , Nitharwal Praveen Kumar , Jakhar Maniram
Published: March 2022

An experiment was conducted at agricultural research station, SKRAU, Bikaner during rabi season of 2017-18 to evaluate yield of mustard as influenced by date of sowing and varieties in western Rajasthan. The treatment consisted of three dates of sowings viz., 10th October, 25th October and 9th November were kept in main plot and five varieties viz. RH-119, NRCHB-101, RGN-48, RH-749 and Laxmi was kept as sub plot replicated thrice in split plot design. Crop sown on 25th October recorded significantly higher seed yield as compared to 9th November sowing. In case of stover yield of mustard maximum was recorded under 25th October as compared to 10th October and 9th November. Days taken for emergence were no significant difference in varieties. RH-749 taken maximum days for 50 per cent flowering as compared to all varieties and for Siliqua appearance maximum days also taken by RH-749 as compared to NRCHB-101 and it statistically at par with RH-119, RGN-48 and Laxmi. RH-119 days to maturity and no. of branches/plant were minimum as compared to all varieties and these were remained statistically at par with each other. Maximum number of siliqua /plants was recorded under RGN-48 which was superior over rest of varieties and statistically at par with NRCHB-101. Highest grain/siliqua was recorded under NRCHB-101 over RH-119, RGN-48 and RH-749.
The Possible Role of Nanocurcumin in Rat Model of Statin Induced Myopathy: Histological and Immune Histochemical Study
Authors: Mohamed Doha S. , Abdelhaleem Nesreen G. , Shaaban Ebtsam A. , Abu-Dief Ahmed M.
Published: March 2022

Background: Statins are the most commonly used drugs for reducing hypercholesterolemia. Unfortunately, statins induced myopathy is a common side effect of statins. Usually represented by fatigue, muscle pain, muscle tenderness, muscle weakness and nocturnal cramping. Curcumin has been proved as anti –inflammatory agent in the inflammatory conditions.

Aim: This research aimed to study the protective effect of nanocurcumin on the histological changes produced by atorvastatin in the skeletal muscles.

Material and Methods: A thirty albino rats (2-3 months old) were used in the present study.

The rats were randomly divided into four groups.

Group I: (five rats) and was used as a control group (control) , they were given 2 ml carboxy methyl cellulous (0.5%)orally through orogastric tube daily for 4 weeks.

Group II: (five rats) They were given nanocurcumin in a dose of 15ml \kg b.w orally through orogastric tube daily for 4weeks.

Group III: (ten rats) They were be given atorvastatin in a dose of 40 ml \kg b.w orally through orogastric tube daily for 4 weeks and divided into two subgroups.

Group III a (animal model): scarified 24h after the last dose.

Group III b (recovery group): scarified 2weeks after the last dose.

Group IV: (ten rats) they were given atorvastatin in a dose of 40 ml \kg b.w orally through orogastric for 4 weeks followed by nanocurcumin in a dose of 15mg \kg b.w orally daily for 4weeks.

Results: Degenerative and apoptotic changes were observed in the skeletal muscles in the atorvastatin treated groups, these changes could be attenuated by administration of nanocurcumin.

Conclusion: Apoptosis is a mechanism of atorvastatin induced myopathy. Nanocurcumin particles could attenuate this process and attenuated the toxicity of the drug. After stoppage of atorvastatin some of histopathological changes could be recovered.
Possible Protective Role of Aqueous Tomato Extract on Hemato-Biochemical Parameters against Sodium Arsenite Toxicity in Albino Rats
Authors: Sharma Suman , Rani Saroj
Published: March 2022

Due to rapid industrialization and technological development, humans are constantly exposed to heavy metals at minimum to maximum tolerable levels. Arsenic is ubiquitously distributed and most concerned element now-a-days, inorganic arsenicals mainly enter into the body via the route of lungs and gastrointestinal tract and 55-95% of it gets absorbed. Sodium arsenite poisoning leads to disturbance in hematological and biochemical processes. In the present study, toxic effects of sodium arsenite on the hematological parameters, serum transaminases and possible modulatory role of aqueous tomato extract were studied. Female rats were allocated into four different groups: 1. Control (given normal diet), 2. Sodium arsenite treated (10mg/kg B.W.), 3. Combination of sodium arsenite (10 mg/kg B.W.) and aqueous tomato extract (50 mg/kg B.W.) treated rats 4. Only aqueous tomato extract treated (50mg/kg B.W.) rats. It was observed that arsenic significantly decreased the total erythrocytes count (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), hematocrit value (HCT) and platelets (PLT), whereas significantly elevated the total leucocytes count (TLC) and activities of serum transaminases such as ALT and AST. Supplementation of aqueous tomato extract to arsenic treated rats showed decrease in values of WBC, ALT and AST which almost matched to values of control rats. So, from this study it can be concluded that antioxidants and vitamins present in the aqueous tomato extract showed protective role against arsenic toxicity in albino rats.
Notice of Beehive Houses in Harris and Lewis; with Traditions of the Each-uisge,' or Water-horse, connected therewith
Authors: Thomas F W L
Published: March 2022

The author describes the beehive-like houses (bothans) found in Lewis and Harris, and compares them to the clochán huts found in Ireland and the brochs on Shetland and Orkney. Although he is interested in their historical usage, he does note that some of these dwellings were still used in the nineteenth century. The article focuses on the structure and features present in these dwellings. There is also some discussion of the folklore of the Each-uisge, a shape-shifting horse creature that appears in several legends about young women living in such dwellings.
Note of Incised Marks on one of a Circle of Standing Stones in the Island of Lewis
Authors: Stuart John , Matheson James
Published: March 2022

John Stuart communicated James Matheson's continued excavation of standing stones on the Isle of Lewis, where he reported a second set of standing stones nearby the Calanais stones that he described in a previous paper (see pp.110-112). The article questions whether some deliberate markings on these stones might be a writing system similar to Ogham, but the specialist that the author consulted argued that these markings were not Ogham.
Notice of a 'Quigrich' or Crozier of Saint Fillan
Authors: Wilson Daniel
Published: March 2022

A letter from Dr Daniel Wilson in Toronto describing the Quigrich of Saint Fillan, a Scottish artefact owned by Alexander Dewar. Wilson is disappointed by the Society's rejection of his earlier proposal to buy the Quigrich from Mr Dewar, which was rejected due to the high asking price.

Meeting notes for 19 April, 1859 are appended.
Notice respecting an Illuminated MS. On Vellum which formerly belonged to Mary, Queen of Scots
Authors: Smyth C Piazzi , Smith R M
Published: March 2022

Professor C Plazzi Smyth describes how he acquired a photograph of an illuminated copy of a missal that once belonged to Mary Queen of Scots that was held in the Hermitage in St Petersburg. Professor Smyth also provides details about the book's dimensions, decoration, history and content. The photograph of the book is included in the article.
Some account of the Original Protest of the Bohemian Nobles against the Burning of John Huss, by the sentence of the Council of Constance, in 1415, preserved in the Library of the University of Edinburgh
Authors: Small John
Published: March 2022

An article about the protest letter sent by Bohemian nobles to the Council of Constance after they sentenced two Church reformists to death. The author begins by describing the circumstances of the document’s creation and then explains how the document came to Scotland. He also notes that there were at least four copies of this letter but suggests that the copy in Edinburgh might be the ‘principal’ copy. The Edinburgh copy of the protest is then quoted in full. Some coins commemorating the event were also exhibited at this meeting.
On the Use of Wine amongst the Lower Orders in Scotland in the Seventeenth Century
Authors: Robertson Joseph
Published: March 2022

Joseph Robertson presents his argument that wine was a common drink in Scotland. As evidence, he quotes legislation from the seventeenth century prohibiting the sale and consumption of wine in the Western Isles.
Notice of two 'Crannoges' or Pallisaded Islands, in Bute; with Plans
Authors: Mackinlay John
Published: March 2022

John McKinlay describes the remains of a crannog he discovered in 1812 on Dhu Loch in Bute.
On the Use of Bronze and Iron in Ancient Egypt, with reference to general Archaeology
Authors: Rhind Alexander Henry
Published: March 2022

This article covers the arguments and conclusions of Alexander Henry Rhind's presentation about the creation and use of iron in Egypt. He provided evidence that the Egyptian pharaohs were buried with iron objects and suggested that they had the ability to create these items themselves, rather than importing them from elsewhere. However, he declined to offer a timeframe for when they might have begun using iron instead of bronze.