bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New records of Geometridae and Noctuidae (Insecta: Lepidoptera) from Omsk and  Novosibirsk Regions of Russia
Authors: Knyazev Svyatoslav A. , Ivonin Vadim V. , Vasilenko Sergei V. , Saikina Sofya M.
Published: December 2021

Nine species of Lepidoptera from the territory of Omsk and Novosibirsk Regions are reported. Four species are new to Omsk Region, among them, Panchrysia ornata (Bremer, 1864), Sympistis campicola Lederer, 1853, Pseudohadena argyllostigma (Varga & Ronkay, 1991), Orthosia cerasi (Fabricius, 1775). Six species are new to Novosibirsk region, among them Eupithecia carpophillata Staudinger, 1897, Idaea nitidata (Herrich-Schäffer, 1861), Sympistis campicola Lederer, 1853, Sidemia spilogramma (Rambur, 1871), Polia malchani (Draudt, 1934), Sideridis lampra Schawerda, 1913.
Revision of the banding sequence pool and new data on chromosomal polymorphism in natural populations of Chironomus agilis Shobanov et Djomin, 1988 (Diptera, Chironomidae)
Authors: Golygina Veronika V. , Ermolaeva Oksana V.
Published: December 2021

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of chromosomal polymorphism in 19 natural populations of Ch. agilis had been performed. Most studied populations showed a medium level of chromosomal polymorphism: on average 45±3.0% of specimens are heterozygotes with 0.52±0.01 heterozygotic inversion per larvae. Besides inversions, B-chromosomes were found in two populations. The total number of banding sequences found in banding sequence pool of Ch. agilis is 16. Three banding sequences – p’agiB3, p’agiD3, p’agiF3 – are described for the first time.
Methodology for calculating the criteria of economic efficiency of investments in nuclear icebreakers
Authors: Klauz Artem V. , Frolov Igor E. , Kharitonov Vladimir V. , Shaeva Aleksandra A.
Published: December 2021

An economic and analytical model for evaluating the criteria of efficiency (profitability) of investments in the projects of innovative nuclear icebreakers of the Northern Sea Route is suggested. The model is based on the new analytical representation of the methodology for forecasting the investment project efficiency that is widely used in international practice. The mathematical expression for the net discounted income provides convenient formulas for calculating several investment efficiency criteria for nuclear icebreakers: internal rate of return, minimum annual revenues from icebreaker convoys, discounted payback period, and the volume of delivered cargo. The paper gives estimates of the criteria for the efficiency of investments in “Leader” class icebreakers that depend on the discount rate of cash flows, capital, and operating costs. It is shown that at high capital costs, typical for construction of “Leader” class nuclear icebreakers, the minimum required revenue of an icebreaker, representing a financial burden for ships transporting cargo along the NSR, rapidly increases with the growth of discount rate and the reduction of investment payback period. This means that the profitability of such icebreakers is only possible at low discount rates of 2–3% per year, which is an extremely low-interest credit. Even with low interest and impressive technical characteristics of the icebreaker (high speed of navigation, large number of ships in the caravan and their maximum capacity) the payback period would exceed 25 years.
Compassion Practice by Ugandan Nurses Who Provide HIV Care
Authors: Harrowing Jean
Published: December 2021

Compassion is fundamental to ethical nursing practice; it represents a commitment to acknowledge and respond to the suffering of the patient. Many structural, economic, and sociopolitical challenges confront Ugandan nurses in their efforts to incorporate compassion into their care of persons with HIV illness. After reviewing the literature related to compassion fatigue, the author describes nursing in sub-Saharan Africa and presents a qualitative study exploring the impact of education on 24 nurses’ lives, including their capacity to avoid or mitigate the development of compassion fatigue. Data were collected through interviews, observation, and focus group discussions. Findings illustrate the barriers participants faced in providing competent care and the liberating effects of new knowledge and skills. Engaging in meaningful relationships, maintaining hopeful attitudes, and advocating for the profession were found to transform and affirm the nurses’ approach toward their work and enhance their experiences of compassion satisfaction. The author discusses the unique aspects of the experience of compassion among Ugandan nurses caring for persons with HIV illness.
Using Maslow’s Pyramid and the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators™ to Attain a Healthier Work Environment
Authors: Groff Paris Lisa , Terhaar Mary
Published: December 2021

The strongest predictor of nurse job dissatisfaction and intent to leave is that of stress in the practice environment. Good communication, control over practice, decision making at the bedside, teamwork, and nurse empowerment have been found to increase nurse satisfaction and decrease turnover. In this article we share our experience of developing a rapid-design process to change the approach to performance improvement so as to increase engagement, empowerment, effectiveness, and the quality of the professional practice environment. Meal and non-meal breaks were identified as the target area for improvement. Qualitative and quantitative data support the success of this project. We begin this article with a review of literature related to work environment and retention and a presentation of the frameworks used to improve the work environment, specifically Maslow’s theory of the Hierarchy of Inborn Needs and the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators™ Survey. We then describe our performance improvement project and share our conclusion and recommendations.
L’image de la ville à l’épreuve de la prostitution. Attractivité économique ou réminiscence de la moralité ?
Authors: André Sophie
Published: December 2021

À partir d’une enquête quantitative sur la population du centre-ville de Liège (n=557), cette contribution analyse les perceptions des habitants vis-à-vis des nuisances engendrées par la présence d’une activité prostitutionnelle, et plus largement de divers commerces à caractère sexuel. Les résultats, tendant à démontrer la coexistence a priori paradoxale d’une certaine tolérance abstraite vis-à-vis du phénomène et d’un rejet net de ses manifestations concrètes, sont interrogés à l’aune des logiques économique et morale qui les parcourent, puis discutés en regard du contexte néolibéral global et à la recherche d’attractivité qui caractérisent les grandes villes européennes.
Crime et famines. Europe, Afrique, Asie, XIX e et XX e siècles
Authors: Bonnet François
Published: December 2021

Cette revue de littérature porte sur l’effet de la famine sur la criminalité et vise à démontrer que la pauvreté absolue est criminogène. Les travaux issus de la recherche en histoire dans des pays et à des époques différentes (Europe, Afrique, Asie, XIX e et XX e siècles) suggèrent une augmentation des vols et le développement d’une petite délinquance de nécessité lors des famines, avec notamment une plus grande participation des femmes. Les approches économétriques identifient un effet causal de l’augmentation des prix alimentaires sur les atteintes à la propriété en analysant notamment l’effet des variations climatiques ou celui des parasites agricoles. Les deux approches, historiques et économétriques, tendent à constater que la faim n’entraîne pas une augmentation des violences criminelles. L’augmentation des vols pendant les famines n’est vraisemblablement donc pas liée à un surcroît d’activité du système pénal.
Pension d’un salarié du secteur privé et transitions vers un système universel de retraite par points : étude d’impact sur des profils-types de carrière complète sous plafond
Authors: Gannon Frédéric , Le Garrec Gilles , Lenfant Gautier , Touzé Vincent
Published: December 2021

L’adoption d’un système universel de retraite par points modifie le lien entre revenus du travail et pension de retraite. Dans cet article, pour des salariés du secteur privé aux carrières complètes (sous plafond de sécurité sociale), nous montrons que : une redistribution s’observe en faveur des carrières moins dynamiques ; une conversion immédiate en points des droits acquis dans l’ancien système, contrairement à une imbrication des règles de calcul, s’avère être une méthode qui avantage plutôt les carrières les moins dynamiques ; pour des carrières comportant de mauvaises années cotisées, des baisses de pension significatives sont possibles ; pour les carrières à faibles salaires, une hausse de la pension minimum peut conduire à une pension finale plus élevée. Classification JEL : H55, D31, I38
La vengeance originaire
Authors: Bonnet Gérard
Published: December 2021

Chaque être humain vit inconsciemment sous une menace de vengeance sans nom et sans visage. Chez certains sujets, dans la psychose ou dans la perversion, elle suscite parfois des réactions violentes. C’est pourquoi il importe de savoir où cette conviction prend sa source, ce qu’elle signifie et comment la gérer.
La relation d’aide aux adolescents en situation de décrochage scolaire : théorie et pratique
Authors: Versnaeyen Lucie , Trappeniers Éric
Published: December 2021

L’espace Claude-Chassagny est un centre médico-psycho-pédagogique (CMPP) spécialisé qui propose une approche thérapeutique pluridisciplinaire du décrochage scolaire chez les adolescents (de 12 à 20 ans). D’un point de vue systémique, le décrochage scolaire est envisagé comme le symptôme qui témoigne d’une situation de mal-être d’un adolescent et d’un niveau d’alerte du fonctionnement du système familial. Au sein du CMPP, la mise en articulation du travail individuel avec un travail familial permet à l’adolescent d’accéder à l’autonomie en se libérant de loyautés aliénantes. Cette prise en charge psychothérapeutique s’inscrit également dans un travail de réseau qui implique la mise en articulation de l’ensemble des intervenants dans la situation de l’adolescent : école, famille, intervenants sociaux et institutions soignantes.
A new dynamical proof of the Shmerkin–Wu theorem
Authors: Austin Tim
Published: December 2021

Let \begin{document}$ a < b $\end{document} be multiplicatively independent integers, both at least \begin{document}$ 2 $\end{document}. Let \begin{document}$ A,B $\end{document} be closed subsets of \begin{document}$ [0,1] $\end{document} that are forward invariant under multiplication by \begin{document}$ a $\end{document}, \begin{document}$ b $\end{document} respectively, and let \begin{document}$ C : = A\times B $\end{document}. An old conjecture of Furstenberg asserted that any planar line \begin{document}$ L $\end{document} not parallel to either axis must intersect \begin{document}$ C $\end{document} in Hausdorff dimension at most \begin{document}$ \max\{\dim C,1\} - 1 $\end{document}. Two recent works by Shmerkin and Wu have given two different proofs of this conjecture. This note provides a third proof. Like Wu's, it stays close to the ergodic theoretic machinery that Furstenberg introduced to study such questions, but it uses less substantial background from ergodic theory. The same method is also used to re-prove a recent result of Yu about certain sequences of sums.
Hermite-Hadamard-Fejér type fractional inequalities relating to a convex harmonic function and a positive symmetric increasing function
Authors: Latif Muhammad Amer ,   Department of Basic Sciences, Deanship of Preparatory Year, King Faisal University, Hofuf 31982, Al-Hasa, Saudi Arabia, Kalsoom Humaira , Khan Zareen A. ,   Department of Mathematics, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China,   Department of Mathematical Sciences, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P. O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this article is to discuss some midpoint type HHF fractional integral inequalities and related results for a class of fractional operators (weighted fractional operators) that refer to harmonic convex functions with respect to an increasing function that contains a positive weighted symmetric function with respect to the harmonic mean of the endpoints of the interval. It can be concluded from all derived inequalities that our study generalizes a large number of well-known inequalities involving both classical and Riemann-Liouville fractional integral inequalities.
Analysis of yellow fever prevention strategy from the perspective of mathematical model and cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Handari Bevina D. ,   Department of Mathematics, Universitas Indonesia, Kampus UI Depok, Depok 16424, Indonesia, Aldila Dipo , Dewi Bunga O. , Rosuliyana Hanna , Khosnaw Sarbaz H. A. ,   Department of Mathematics, University of Raparin, Ranya 46012, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
Published: December 2021

We developed a new mathematical model for yellow fever under three types of intervention strategies: vaccination, hospitalization, and fumigation. Additionally, the side effects of the yellow fever vaccine were also considered in our model. To analyze the best intervention strategies, we constructed our model as an optimal control model. The stability of the equilibrium points and basic reproduction number of the model are presented. Our model indicates that when yellow fever becomes endemic or disappears from the population, it depends on the value of the basic reproduction number, whether it larger or smaller than one. Using the Pontryagin maximum principle, we characterized our optimal control problem. From numerical experiments, we show that the optimal levels of each control must be justified, depending on the strategies chosen to optimally control the spread of yellow fever.
Neotype of Amanita spissa var. laeta (Basidiomycota, Amanitaceae)
Authors: Wartchow Felipe
Published: December 2021

While studying the genus Amanita in Brazil, a specimen identified by J. Rick as Amanita spissa var. laeta was found. Its morphological analysis suggested that this material certainly corresponded to the one used in the protologue of this name. For this reason, it is designated here as the neotype.
Publishing Without Exclusive Rights
Authors: Suber Peter
Published: December 2021

Journal publishers don’t need exclusive rights. Or, they don’t need them for publishing. They don’t need them to make a work public or to add value in the form of peer review, copy editing, metadata, formatting, discoverability, or preservation. Nor do they need them to make enough money to pay their bills and grow. Publishers only need exclusive rights for monopoly control over the published work and any revenue it might yield. Publishers who say they need exclusive rights are saying they need this monopoly control. The best evidence that journal publishers don’t need exclusive rights is that so many peer-reviewed journals do without them, for example, open access journals using CC-BY. 
Renaissance plaster casts: first insights by means of Structured Light 3D Scanner
Authors: Gariani Gianluca , Hochart Charlotte , Mélard Nicolas
Published: December 2021

As part of an ongoing project dealing with the technical study of 15th century Florentine devotional reliefs, a focus was made to investigate their production by serial casting. Manufacturing techniques of the so-called Madonne di gesso were investigated on 12 artworks chosen after three different models of Donatello and B. Bellano, Desiderio da Settignano and Antonio Rossellino. Results obtained with a structured light 3D scanner were invaluable for art historians. Despite their location, a simultaneous examination of the reliefs kept in the Louvre Museum and in Florence (Bargello and Bardini Museums) was carried out, as well as a mesh comparison of their 3D models. This allowed us to identify and measure millimetric differences of shapes and topography between reliefs of the same type and/or casting series. Indeed, direct correlations have been established by verifying the low-reliefs most likely produced from the same mould/prototype. In some cases, a chronology within the casting series has been proposed. Results disclosed manufacturing insights on these artworks produced in 15th century Florentine botteghe.
La campagne de restauration de dix reliefs en stuc italiens dans le cadre du programme ESPRIT : aspects matériels d’une réhabilitation
Authors: Gérard Alexandra
Published: December 2021

En quatre ans, de 2014 à 2018, le programme ESPRIT (Étude des stucs polychromés de la Renaissance italienne) a permis la restauration d’une dizaine de reliefs en stuc italiens de la Renaissance : sept du département des sculptures du musée du Louvre et trois du musée des Beaux-Arts de Strasbourg. Tous restaurés dans les ateliers du Centre de recherche et de restauration des musées de France, ils ont fait l’objet de diverses analyses et du suivi d’un comité de restauration. Ces reliefs forment un corpus homogène et représentatif des différentes problématiques propres à la restauration de ce type d’objet. En l’absence d’archives ou presque, ils ont bénéficié d’une approche méthodologique et déontologique commune impliquant notamment la mise en place systématique d’études préalables avant restauration. Au terme de ces études de cas, on peut distinguer trois niveaux d’intervention de restauration en fonction de l’état de conservation de chaque œuvre, en particulier de sa polychromie.
Ateliers Plan de sauvegarde des biens culturels : une méthode innovante pour l’accompagnement des musées dans la rédaction de leur plan opérationnel
Authors: Courselaud Marie , Périllat-Mercerot Jocelyn
Published: December 2021

Face au faible nombre de plans de sauvegarde réalisés en France et aux diverses difficultés rencontrées par les professionnels du monde culturel pour s’engager dans leur élaboration, le département de la Conservation préventive du Centre de recherche et de restauration des musées de France a développé une méthode d’accompagnement collaborative pour assister pas à pas les établissements culturels dans la rédaction de leur plan opérationnel. Ce travail, aujourd’hui en cours de déploiement à l’échelle nationale, a permis de concevoir des outils spécifiquement dédiés à ce sujet, pouvant être diffusés à l’ensemble des institutions culturelles du territoire. La simplicité de sa mise en œuvre laisse entrevoir des perspectives intéressantes pour soutenir et suivre les musées lors de projets complexes et pluridisciplinaires à construire.
La restauration d’un chef-d’œuvre bruxellois de la fin du Moyen Âge : le petit retable de la Nativité du musée de Cluny
Authors: Gérard Alexandra , Berné Damien , Levy-Hinstin Juliette , Vatelot Jennifer
Published: December 2021

Dans le contexte de sa rénovation, le musée de Cluny – Musée national du Moyen Âge a mené une grande campagne de restauration de sa collection de sculpture en partenariat avec le Centre de recherche et de restauration des musées de France. Le petit retable de la Nativité, sculpté et polychromé à Bruxelles autour de 1500, a pour la première fois fait l’objet en 2018 d’une étude préalable suivie d’une restauration fondamentale qui ont permis d’apprécier l’exceptionnelle qualité de son exécution et le raffinement de sa polychromie. Cette œuvre n’avait en effet jamais fait l’objet d’une approche matérielle approfondie permettant de la replacer dans son contexte de création.
Analyzing the Omni-Channel Shopper Journey Configuration of Generations Y and Z
Authors: Chang Wei-Lun , Chen Li-Ming
Published: December 2021

Omni-channel retailing has been an essential issue to enterprises nowadays. This research applies goal theory to Engel-Kollat-Blackwell model in the omni-channel context and adapt the concept of Harris, Riley & Hand (2018) to shopper journey configurations, including search, evaluation, and purchase of decision making process. This study selected iPhone as the product and collected 179 participants of Gen Y and 126 participants of Gen Z to analyze shopper’s journey. The results indicated Gen Y replied on online review after searching and made own judgement, and preferred store purchase. Gen Z either replied on online review or directly made own judgement after searching, and preferred store purchase. Both generations utilized all types of search and referred to online reviews of evaluation process, and purchased at the store. Our findings also benefit to companies’ mange profitable omni-channel strategy.
Diffusion in Metallic Glasses and in Oxide Glasses - An Overview
Authors: Mehrer Helmut
Published: December 2021

We remind the reader to some common features of metallic and oxide glasses. We then introduce the radiotracer method for diffusion studies, which can be applied for both types of glasses. We provide an overview on diffusion in metallic glasses in which we consider both types of metallic glasses – conventional and bulk metallic glasses. In the last part we discuss diffusion and ionic conduction in oxide glasses. For ionic glasses, conductivity measurements are an important complement to tracer diffusion studies. We remind the reader to the method of impedance spectroscopy. We discuss results for soda-lime silicate glasses, single alkali borate glasses and mixed alkali borate glasses and present evidence for collective jump processes in glasses.
The Diffusion Isotope Effect and Diffusion Mechanism in Liquid Cu-Ag and Cu-Ni Alloys
Authors: Sarder Ujjal , Paul Tumpa R. , Belova Irina V. , Murch Graeme E.
Published: December 2021

In this paper, the diffusion isotope effect and diffusion mechanism are investigated by means of molecular dynamics simulations in two liquid alloys, Ni-Ag and Ni-Cu. The values for the diffusion isotope effect parameter allow for the estimate of the number of atoms which are moving cooperatively in a basic diffusion event as experienced by a given atomic species. It is shown that the composition dependence ofNDis typically very small. However, the temperature dependence of this parameter is much more pronounced. In addition, it is shown that, on average, in these alloys and temperatures considered,NDis limited to the range: 5<ND<17. This is consistent with results of molecular dynamics simulations on the average coordination number calculations. This would suggest that, together with a given atom, depending on temperature, the neighbouring atoms are all involved in the basic diffusion event.
Numerical Solution Strategies in Permeation Processes
Authors: von der Weth Axel , Koch Daniela Piccioni , Arbeiter Frederik , Glage Till , Klimenko Dmitry , Schlindwein Georg , Pasler Volker , Prothmann Norbert , Zinn Kevin
Published: December 2021

In this work, the strategy for numerical solutions in transport processes is investigated. Permeation problems can be solved analytically or numerically by means of the Finite Difference Method (FDM), while choosing the Euler forward explicit or Euler backwards implicit formalism. The first method is the easiest and most commonly used, while the Euler backwards implicit is not yet well established and needs further development. Hereafter, a possible solution of the Crank-Nicolson algorithm is presented, which makes use of matrix multiplication and inversion, instead of the step-by-step FDM formalism. If one considers the one-dimensional diffusion case, the concentration of the elements can be expressed as a time dependent vector, which also contains the boundary conditions. The numerically stable matrix inversion is performed by the Branch and Bound (B&B) algorithm [2]. Furthermore, the paper will investigate, whether a larger time step can be used for speeding up the simulations. The stability range is investigated by eigenvalue estimation of the Euler forward and Euler backward. In addition, a third solver is considered, referred to as Combined Solver, that is made up of the last two ones. Finally, the Crank-Nicolson solver [9] is investigated. All these results are compared with the analytical solution. The solver stability is analyzed by means of the Steady State Eigenvector (SSEV), a mathematical entity which was developed ad hoc in the present work. In addition, the obtained results will be compared with the analytical solution by Daynes [6,7].
On the Analytical Inversion of Solver Matrices Used in Numerical Approximations for the Diffusion Equation
Authors: Glage Till , von der Weth Axel , Arbeiter Frederik , Koch Daniela Piccioni
Published: December 2021

The goal of this paper is to introduce an analytical approach for the inversion of nxn solver matrices, which are typically used in Finite Difference Method approximations. In the present case, they are used to solve the Diffusion Equation numerically, since in many physics and engineering fields, partial differential equations cannot be solved analytically. The method presented in this work is primarily formulated for cylindrical coordinates, which are often used in Gas Release Experiments as those described in [8]. However, it is possible to introduce a generalized method, which also allows solutions for Cartesian solvers. The advantage of having the explicit inverse is considerable, since the computational effort is reduced. In this paper we also carry out an investigation on the eigenvalues of the backward and forward solver matrix in order to determine an optimal range for the discretization parameters.
Influence of Diffusion through a Porous Film under Electrode Surface in Chronoamperometry Problems
Authors: Bograchev Daniil
Published: December 2021

In the presented work on chronoamperometry, the Cottrell model has been generalized by taking into account a thin porosity layer covering the surface of the electrode and Tafel kinetics of an electrode reaction. The effective diffusion coefficient inside a porosity layer is calculated by Bruggeman’s law. It is shown that in the quasi-stationary approximation of diffusion inside a thin porous layer, the chronoamperometry problem can be solved analytically. The obtained solution has been compared with the results of direct numerical simulations and a good agreement is shown. Limiting cases of the solution related to low and high porosity are considered.
Neurological Disorders Seen During Second Wave of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic from Two Tertiary Care Centers in Central and Southern Kerala
Authors: George Minu , Baby Neena , Azad Ameen , Rajan Aswathy , Radhakrishnan Suresh Kumar
Published: December 2021

Background and Objective:

SARS-CoV-2 infections present with predominant respiratory symptoms. Only a few anecdotal reports of neurological involvement have come out from India so far. Adverse neurological events following immunization (AEFI) were also reported. We present the neurological symptoms seen either in association with vaccination or COVID-19 infection during the second wave.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study that included consecutive COVID-19 patients’ admissions during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in two tertiary health care centres in Kerala. Neurological symptoms two weeks prior or thirty days after a positive status of antigen or RTPCR was termed as COVID-19-Associated Neurological Disorders (CAND) and those with neurological symptoms within one month of COVID-19 vaccination was termed as Post-Vaccinal Neurological Disorders (PVND).

Results:

During the study period, 1270 COVID-19 admissions were reported. We identified neurological symptoms in 42 patients (3.3%), of which 35 were CAND and 7 were PVND. Stroke was the most common (50%), followed by seizures and peripheral nervous system disorders (14.2% each). Encephalitis/demyelination (11.9%) and COVID-19-associated infections (9.5%) were also seen.

Conclusion:

During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, CAND and PVND have been emerging. Association of some of these may be fortuitous; however it is worth mentioning as pathogenic mechanisms of COVID-19 affecting various organ systems still remain unclear. Moreover, this may be helpful in future studies designing management options.
Spectrum of Paediatric Surgical Cases in a Private Mission Teaching Hospital in Nigeria
Authors: Ajao Akinlabi Emmanuel , Adeniran James Olaniyi
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Establishing the nature of conditions requiring surgery among children in a particular location may be crucial for policy formulation and implementation as regards paediatric surgery.

Objective:

This study aimed to describe the pattern and outcome of paediatric surgical cases operated upon in a newly established paediatric surgical unit in Nigeria.

Subjects and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study of all subjects that were operated upon by the paediatric surgery unit over a 28-month period. Data obtained included age, sex, diagnosis, timing of surgery, post-treatment complications and outcome. Diagnoses were categorised based on the International Classification of Diseases 11th revision for morbidity and mortality statistics. Data analysis was done using Stata version 12.

Results:

A total of 377 procedures were performed on 336 patients with a male-to-female ratio of 2.1:1. The median age at surgery was 36 months. Disorders of the digestive system (184, 48.8%) and developmental anomalies (119, 31.6%) accounted for majority of the cases, with inguinal hernias and hydrocoeles accounting for 17.0% of all cases. Thirty-six per cent of the procedures were emergent ones, and the overall complication rate was 23.6% (89/377). The unplanned re-operation rate was 7.4% (25/336) and mortality rate was 5.1% (17/336). Typhoid ileal perforation was responsible for 4 (23.5%) of the deaths.

Conclusion:

Congenital anomalies and surgical infections represent a major surgical burden among children in our sub-region of Nigeria. There is, therefore, the need for focused research on these conditions and the integration of children surgery into public health programmes for children in sub-Saharan Africa.
Neonatal Testicular Torsion
Authors: Kylat Ranjit I. , Ahmed Mohamed N.
Published: December 2021

Rotation of the testis around the axis of the spermatic cord results in tissue ischaemia and testicular torsion (TT). TT in the newborn infant in the 1st month of life is referred to as neonatal TT (NTT) or perinatal TT and occurs in 6.1/100, 000 live births. The true incidence could be higher as some of these occur prenatally and can be asymptomatic. TT can be extravaginal, intravaginal and mesorchial and NTT is usually extravaginal. Physical examination can be adequate for the diagnosis, and utility of ultrasound (US) is mainly to exclude other conditions. If the timing of the torsion is prenatal, the testicle may not be salvageable. But, in certain situations, these could be asymptomatic bilateral TT. When the timing of torsion is not simultaneous (asynchronous torsion) early contralateral orchiopexy done at the time of exploration would prevent the occurence of asynchronous torsion. Non-operative maneuvres to detorse in NTT are not successful and not recommended. This review focuses on the diagnostic approach and management.
Fetus Acardiac Amorphous Presenting as Placental Tumor
Authors: Singh Pratibha , Bansal Shavina , Ghuman Navdeep , Elhence Poonam
Published: December 2021

Fetus acardius is a rare manifestation of twin reversed arterial perfusion and is a parasite due to vascular circulation from donor twin and lacks any resemblance to human embryos. Antenatal diagnosis is challenging as there are no well-defined features. We report here a case which presented as placental mass, the diagnosis of which was evident after delivery. Antenatal diagnosis, review of the literature, and differential diagnosis from the placental mass are discussed. A primigravida in the late third trimester had ultrasonography (USG) showing a 7 cm × 5 cm mass adjacent to the placenta. She had no complaints and fetal biometry was normal. She delivered a healthy baby; placenta showed an attached mass without identifiable fetal body or limbs, and was covered with skin having scanty hairs, which was identified as an amorphous fetus. Early diagnosis is possible by early USG; an acardiac amorphous fetus may present as placental mass. Characteristic feature on USG supplemented by magnetic resonance imaging may help in reaching a correct diagnosis and optimal management.
Atypical Antenatal Presentation of an Unusual Nonmucinous Papillary Variant of Giant Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformation Masquerading as Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia with Volvulus
Authors: Mathews Basil , Karmegaraj Balaganesh , Vidya C , Krishnan Vivek
Published: December 2021

We report a case of a huge congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) that was referred as congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Initial ultrasound evaluation revealed a huge cystic lesion with septations, in the thorax, causing mediastinal shift and compression effects, suggesting the possibility of a thoracic lymphangioma, or bowel herniation with obstruction. A fetal magnetic resonance imaging reported possible bowel herniation through a posterior defect in the diaphragm, with volvulus, reinforcing the diagnosis of CDH. It was only on autopsy and subsequent histopathology examination that the diagnosis of a rare variant of CPAM–nonmucinous papillary type, could be made. To the best of our knowledge, a CPAM this huge has not been reported prenatally at this gestation. We recommend considering the potential diagnosis of CPAM in any thoracic cystic irrespective of its size or appearance.
Tin (IV) Oxide (SnO2) Nanoparticles Inhibit the Viability of Cervical Cancer HeLa Cells Through Induction of Apoptosis
Authors: Bazsefidpar Parisa , Koochakkhani Shabnaz , Inchehsablagh Behnaz Rahnama , Eftekhar Ebrahim , Aliasgari Elahe
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Resistance to chemotherapy and severe side effects have been reported as the main reasons for treatment failure in patients with cervical cancer. Therefore, it is necessary to find new treatment strategies with fewer side effects and more efficacy. This study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic property of tin (IV) oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles (NPs) against human cervical cancer cells (HeLa cells). In addition, the molecular mechanism of anticancer activity of SnO2 NPs was evaluated.

Materials and Methods:

The cytotoxicity of SnO2 NPs against HeLa cells and normal mouse fibroblast cells (L929) was studied using an MTT assay. To determine the mechanism of action of SnO2 NPs, the cells were treated with the half maximal inhibitory concentration values of SnO2 NPs for 24 h and apoptotic cell percentage was assessed by Annexin-PI and flow cytometry. In addition, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to evaluate the mRNA expression levels of apoptotic genes (Bax and Bcl-2).

Results:

SnO2 NPs suppress the viability of HeLa cells in a dose-dependent manner. This compound was more cytotoxic against HeLa cells than L929 cells. Flow-cytometry analysis revealed that SnO2 NPs significantly caused cell growth arrest. Moreover, real-time PCR results showed that SnO2 NPs treatment decreased Bcl-2 and increased Bax expression level.

Conclusion:

SnO2 NPs treatment significantly inhibit HeLa cells viability through the induction of apoptosis. Interestingly SnO2 NPs were more cytotoxic against HeLa cells than normal fibroblast cells, which may provide promising evidence for their applications as an anticancer drug.
Effects of Aegle marmelos (L.) Methanolic Leaf Extracts on Biochemical Parameters in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Birudu Ravi Babu , Pamulapati Padmavathi , Manoharan Sathish Kumar
Published: December 2021

Background:

Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa is a widely found plant in India as well as in South Asia. For more than several centuries, it is being widely used for its medicinal properties.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the biochemical changes in alloxan-induced diabetic rats treated with methanolic leaf extracts of A. marmelos.

Materials and Methods:

Six treatment groups (namely control, diseased, standard (glimepiride), low dose (100 mg/kg), medium dose (250 mg/kg), and high dose (500 mg/kg) of methanolic leaf extracts were used in the study. The biochemical effects were evaluated by the determination of albumin-to-globulin ratio (A/G ratio), albumin, amylase, bilirubin, blood urea, blood urea nitrogen, calcium, direct bilirubin, globulin, glucose-6-phosphate, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), homocysteine, indirect bilirubin, inorganic phosphate, lipase, mean blood glucose, serum uric acid, and vitamin D3.

Results:

No significant changes were observed in A/G ratio among the treatment groups when compared with the diseased and control treatment groups. Low- and medium-dose-treated animals showed a significant change in albumin, bilirubin, calcium, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, globulin, glucose-6-phosphate, homocysteine, inorganic phosphate, lipase, and vitamin D3 levels when compared with standard treatment group as well as diseased group. Low-dose treatment group animals showed a significant increase in amylase and mean blood glucose levels than the diseased treatment groups, whereas low-dose treatment group animals showed a significant decrease in HbA1c levels than the diseased treatment groups.

Conclusion:

Through the biochemical changes, it is evident that the low and medium dose of methanolic leaf extract of A. marmelos can be used in the treatment of diabetes and its complications.
Hepatoprotective Effects of Hertia cheirifolia Butanolic Extract and Selenium Against CCL4-induced Toxicity in Rats
Authors: Menakh Mouna , Boutellaa Saber , Mahdi Djahida , Zellagui Amar , Lahouel Mesbah , Öztürk Mehmet
Published: December 2021

Background:

Hertia cheirifolia, a traditional plant endemic to both Tunisia and Algeria, is used for the treatment of various disorders. This study investigates the antioxidant and protective effects of H. cheirifolia butanolic extract (BEHC) alone and combined with selenium (Se) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage in rats.

Experimental Procedure:

Thirty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: (1) normal control, (2) hepatotoxic control, (3) positive control received silymarin 100 mg/kg body weight (bw), (4) BEHC (100 mg/kg bw), (5) BEHC (400 mg/kg bw), and (6) BEHC (400 mg/kg bw) + Se (0,3 mg/kg bw) once daily for 14 consecutive days, followed by hepatotoxicity induction with CCl4 in olive oil 0.6 mL/kg bw intraperitoneally. Some biochemical and oxidative stress parameters were investigated. Quantity and quality of phenolics in BEHC were determined by spectrophotometer and high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD) analysis, respectively.

Results and Conclusion:

BEHC contained high amounts of total phenolics and flavonoids where seven compounds were identified. The pretreatment with BEHC or with BEHC and Se significantly reduced the levels of plasma aminotransferases (alanine aminotransferase [AST] and aspartate aminotransferase [ALT]), alkaline phosphatase, malondialdehyde (MDA), and increasing glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in hepatic tissues. In conclusion, BEHC has a potent natural antioxidant activity that can be used with Se to reduce hepatotoxicity.
Solid SMEDDS
Authors: Pawar Ashish Y. , Harak Yogesh S. , Tambe Santosh R. , Talele Swati G. , Sonawane Deepak D. , Derle Deelip V.
Published: December 2021

Bioavailability improvement of poorly water-soluble drugs is a challenging task for many of the drug candidates. In recent years, an area that is ahead in popularity for different formulation expertise is the use of lipid-based careers to formulate self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) for enhancing the oral bioavailability of lipophilic drugs. The self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS) are thermodynamically stable and isotropic solutions containing an oil, surfactant, co-surfactant (CoS; or solubilizer), and mixtures of drug which forms oil-in-water microemulsions when incorporated in water and stirred. Different techniques are available to convert liquid–self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (L-SMEDDS) to solid among which an adsorption technique is economical and very simple. The solid–self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (S-SMEDDS) of telmisartan (TEL) was developed in the present study which is a poorly water-soluble drug. Different formulations of L-SMEDDS were developed using Capmul PG 8 as oil, Cremophor RH 40 as a surfactant, and Transcutol P as a CoS and were later transformed to S-SMEDDS. The formulations were assessed for dilution study by visual observation, differential scanning calorimetry, analysis of solid S-SMEDDS morphologically, in vitro dissolution test, zeta potential measurement, etc. Significantly higher drug release was observed from S-SMEDDS as compared to plain TEL. Hence, it can be concluded that the adsorption technique is a promising approach for the formulation of S-SMEDDS with improved dissolution rate and concomitantly bioavailability.
Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis and Sonchus arvensis L. Inhibit Gentamicin-induced Nephrotoxicity
Authors: Suliska Nova , Kurniati Neng Fisheri , Sukandar Elin Yulinah
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Anredera cordifolia (Ten.) v Steenis and Sonchus arvensis L. have been used traditionally to treat many diseases such as inflammation, hypercholesterolemia, and kidney stones. This study investigated the renoprotective effect of the best combination of A. cordifolia (Ten.) Steenis and S. arvensis L. against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats reduced the urinary N-acetyl beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAGase) specific marker.

Materials and Methods:

This study used male Wistar rats, weighing 200–300 g. The experiment consisted of a negative control group, a positive control group, A. cordifolia 100 mg/kg (body weight) b.w. group (AE), S. arvensis 100 mg/kg b.w. group (SE), A. cordifolia 50 mg/kg b.w. + S. arvensis 50 mg/kg b.w. (AE50 + SE50), A. cordifolia 100 mg/kg b.w. + S. arvensis 100 mg/kg b.w. (AE100 + SE100), A. cordifolia 75 mg/kg b.w. + S. arvensis 25 mg/kg b.w. (AE75 + SE25), and A. cordifolia 25 mg/kg b.w. + S. arvensis 75 mg/kg b.w. (AE25 + SE75). All groups were given the extract according to the group for 14 days orally. On day 15, all groups except the negative control group induced renal failure by administering gentamicin 100 mg/kg b.w. for 8 days along with the extract. On day 22, the evaluation was carried out by measuring urea, creatinine, and NAGase.

Results:

All treatment groups showed significantly decreased levels of creatinine and urea in serum and urinary NAGase when compared with the positive control group (P < 0.05). The AE75 + SE25 group showed the smallest elevated levels of creatinine (14, 36%) and urea (17.4%) in serum and urinary NAGase (29.4%) when compared with the positive control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The combination of A. cordifolia 75 mg/kg b.w. and S. arvensis 25 mg/kg b.w. extract showed a better nephroprotective effect in decreasing the NAGase as the early biomarker in kidney failure.
Investigation of the Effects of Satureja edmondi on Memory Impairment Caused by Chemical Kindling in Adult Male Rats
Authors: Mahmoodi Gelavij , Bohlouli Somayeh
Published: December 2021

Introduction:

Epilepsy causes neuronal damage that disturbs normal brain functioning, especially in the hippocampal formation. In addition, it has been shown that cognitive inconsistencies, changes in emotional behavior, and neuronal loss in the hippocampus occur during pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced kindling. So, the purpose of the present research was to investigate whether administration of Satureja edmoni is able to prevent memory impairment, caused by PTZ-induced kindling in adult male rats.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, male rats were kindled by repeated (two or three) injection of PTZ intraperitoneally (i.p.) (25 mg/kg); then all animals in the extract groups were treated with 100, 200, or 400 mg/kg of S. edmondi. For behavior assessment, an inhibitory passive avoidance task was used.

Results:

Our results showed that animals in the kindled group took less time to enter dim hutch than control rats. There was a significant difference in step-through latency (STL) recorded from group of rats with PTZ-induced kindling treated with S. edmondi at concentrations 100 and 200 mg/kg and control rats, but differences between STL of PTZ-induced kindling animals treated with S. edmondi 400 mg/kg vs. control rats were not significant.

Conclusion:

In this study, we observed that PTZ induced impairing effects on passive avoidance memory; in contrast, administration of S. edmondi could abolish the impairment effect of epilepsy on memory.
Corneal topography and wavefront data changes in dry eye
Authors: Kasem Ahmed M. M. , Awara Amr M. , Shafik Heba M. , Shalaby Osama E.
Published: December 2021

Background

Dry eye is a very common eye presentation nowadays due to extensive use of digital devices, so that it was important for us to see the impact of dry eye on corneal topography and wavefront data because it has a strong relation with refractive surgeries. In the past, it was hard to know the effect of dry eye on corneal parameters, but after the new medical technology, it is possible to do that.

Aim

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of dry eye on corneal topography and wavefront data.

Patients and methods

In total, 40 patients were included in this study with mild and moderate dry eye. Corneal topography and wavefront data were collected before and after treatment with artificial eye drops for 4 weeks.

Results

Eleven eyes show an increase in peak central corneal thickness after treatment from 1 up to 5 μm. Five eyes show changes in corneal volume after treatment. Eight eyes show a decrease in k1 after treatment. In total, 13 eyes show a decrease in k2 after treatment. Seven eyes show a decrease in root mean square values.

Conclusion

Dry eye can affect corneal topography increasing the higher order aberrations, so that screening for dry eye is important in the preoperative evaluation of refractive surgery candidates.
Contribution of polyol pathway, p16, and tristetraprolin to chemically induced liver injury
Authors: Refaat Esraa S. , Maria Reham A. , Keshk Walaa A. , Abdallah Ahmed A.
Published: December 2021

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common cause of mortality and morbidity related to cancer in Egypt. Garlic with its organosulfur content has the ability to lower the risk of certain cancers.

Aims

The aim was to see the importance of polyol pathway, redox status, p16, and RNA-binding protein tristetraprolin (TTP) in chemically induced liver injury and subsequent cancer in addition to the role played by garlic extract in chemoprevention.

Materials and methods

In total, 50 male rats were allocated in four groups at random. Group II received garlic extract (0.4 g/100 g body weight) by oral gavage, HCC was induced chemically in groups III and IV by single intraperitoneal dose of diethylnitrosamine (200 mg/kg body weight) and maintained on a weekly subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride (3 ml/kg body weight) for 10 weeks. Group IV received garlic extract in parallel with the induction. Hepatic p16 and TTP levels were immunoassayed. Moreover, hepatic function tests, aldose reductase activity, and redox status (malondialdehyde and catalase) were evaluated, in addition to the histological evaluation.

Results

Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, hepatic malondialdehyde level, and aldose reductase activity were increased in the HCC group upon induction. Meanwhile, serum albumin, hepatic p16 and TTP level, and catalase activity were decreased. Garlic administration in parallel with the induction reverses the obtained biochemical changes and protected against chemical induction of HCC. Histological findings confirmed the laboratory results.

Conclusion

Garlic could protect against diethylnitrosamine/carbon tetrachloride −induced HCC and so it may be effective in protecting the liver against chemically induced hepatocyte damage and cancer.