bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Divergência genética entre etnovariedades de mandioca com base em caracteres agronômicos quantitativos
Authors: De Pedri Eliane Cristina Moreno , Hoogerheide Eulalia Soler Sobreira , Tiago Auana Vicente , Cardoso Elisa dos Santos , Zortéa Kelli Évelin Müller , Dos Santos Larissa Lemes , Wolf Mariéllen Schmith , Rossi Ana Aparecida Bandini
Published: June 2023

A caracterização de plantas cultivadas é importante para se conhecer a divergência genética do conjunto de germoplasma disponível para fins de conservação e utilização em programa de melhoramento genético. Diante disso, objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar a divergência genética, por meio de caracteres agronômicos quantitativos, entre 68 etnovariedades de mandioca cultivadas no norte do estado de Mato Grosso. O delineamento foi em blocos casualizados com três repetições. Os caracteres analisados foram: Massa fresca da parte aérea (MFPA); Número de raízes por planta (NRP); Produtividade de raízes (PR); Massa fresca da raiz comercial (MFRC); Comprimento da raiz (CR) e Diâmetro da raiz (DR). A distância generalizada de Mahalanobis fundamentou as técnicas de agrupamentos UPGMA e Tocher. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas com auxílio do programa GENES. Com base no método de agrupamento UPGMA foi possível a formação de cinco grupos, sendo que o grupo I reuniu o maior número de etnovariedades. Já pelo método de otimização de Tocher foi possível observar a formação de dez grupos distintos entre o material avaliado. As características MFPA e MFRC foram as que apresentaram maior e menor contribuição relativa para diversidade, respectivamente. As etnovariedades MTA05 (Cacau) e GUA03 (Casca branca) ficaram isoladas em ambos os métodos de agrupamento apresentando-se como as mais divergentes entre o acervo avaliado. Portanto, há divergência genética entre as etnovariedades de mandioca cultivadas por agricultores familiares no norte do estado de Mato Grosso, indicando que este acervo, mantido em suas roças, pode ser potencialmente útil para integrar fases seguintes em futuros programas de melhoramento com a espécie.
Cuidado espiritual de enfermagem aos familiares de pacientes em processo de morte encefálica: revisão de escopo
Authors: Ferreira Ana Carolina Torres Casaes , Pereira Eliane Ramos , Silva Rose Mary Costa Rosa Andrade , Da Silva Edilaine Pereira , De Medeiros Angélica Yolanda Bueno Bejarano Vale , Cosenza Tânia Regina dos Santos Barreiros
Published: June 2023

Introdução: Carências espirituais, tais como perda de conexão ou pertencimento, busca de sentido, dor e sofrimento podem emergir no instante em que o familiar recebe o diagnóstico de morte encefálica. A Enfermagem tem um papel dentro da sua assistência com um potencial às variadas dimensões do ser humano. Objetivo: mapear cuidados espirituais praticados pela enfermagem na assistência ao familiar no contexto de morte encefálica na UTI e analisar os cuidados propostos e sugestões para a prática clínica; para isso foi levantado duas perguntas de pesquisa: “Quais cuidados espirituais de Enfermagem na assistência aos familiares de pacientes no contexto de morte encefálica” e “Como se evidencia o cuidado espiritual de Enfermagem aos familiares de paciente na UTI”. Métodos: revisão de escopo, realizada nos meses de dezembro de 2022 e janeiro de 2023 em bases de dados nacionais e internacionais com os seguintes descritores: “família”; “espiritualidade” e “Unidade de terapia intensiva”. Foram lidos na íntegra 96 artigos, destes, 19 constituíram a amostra final. O material foi analisado e organizado por meio de estatística descritiva simples. Resultados: Respondendo a primeira pergunta da pesquisa, 4 estudos revisados abordam possibilidades de cuidados espirituais aos familiares de pacientes no contexto de morte encefálica e 15 estudos, responderam a segunda pergunta de pesquisa: “Como se evidencia o cuidado espiritual de Enfermagem aos familiares de paciente na UTI”. Conclusão: a Enfermagem carece de desenvolver mais estudos acerca da espiritualidade dos familiares em situação de ME, ser capacitada e alerta às distintas experiências, comportamentos, percepções e enfrentamentos dos familiares concernentes a vivência do processo de morte encefálica na UTI.
Can Cobalamin prevent Oxaliplatin induced peripheral neuropathy?
Authors:   Department of pharmacology, college of pharmacy, Hawler medical university, Erbil, Iraq., Shekhany Naza Shakir Shareef , Salai Jangi Shawkat ,   Department of Pharmacology and Biophysics, college of medicine, Hawler medical university, Erbil, Iraq.
Published: June 2023

Background and objectives:Peripheral neuropathy induced by oxaliplatin is one of the main reasons for discontinuing chemotherapy. In this article, we evaluated the role of vitamin B12 in the prevention of oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy. Methods: A prospective randomized interventional study was done from 1st January 2018 to 30th De- cember 2018, in which patients who were diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer in Rizgary and Nanakali teaching hospitals that have been scheduled to receive oxaliplatin-based regimen were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups: control group received chemotherapy only and prophylaxis group received chemotherapy with vitamin B12; each group included fifteen patients with no significant differences between the groups regarding age and gender. The prophylaxis group received vitamin B12 injection in scheduled periods. All Patients received at least a cumulative dose of 500 mg/m2 of oxaliplatin. Patients were evaluated by nerve conduction study, B12 level, and other laboratory tests. Results: Twenty-one patients completed the study. There was a significant decrease in the serum vitamin B12 level (601.84±398.43 to 363±337.31) post-chemotherapy among the control group. Among the prophylaxis group, the mean value of serum vitamin B12 increased significantly after chemotherapy. To summarize, there was a significant decrease in the amplitude of nerve conduction study in the control group as compared to the prophylaxis group espe- cially in left (11.85±6.84 to 8.14±5.36) and right (14.01±6.05 to 9.52±6.08) Sural nerves. Conclusions:Vitamin B12 injection had an important role in the prevention of development of chronic oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Bipolar versus monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): A prospective study of two urology centers
Authors:   KHCMS trainee of Urology, Ismael Rebaz Hamza , Al Bazzaz Pishtewan Hashim ,   M.B.Ch.B, FIBMS (Urology), FRCS, professor, Hawler medical university, college of medicine, Department of Urology, Zeebari Dazvan Nazir ,   M.B.Ch.B., C.A.B.M.S. (Urology), Lecturer, Hawler medical university, college of medicine, Department of Urology, Hassan Ashraf Fikrat ,   M.B.Ch.B., FIBMS (Urology), Department of Urology, Azady teaching hospital
Published: June 2023

Background and objectives:Recently, using of bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate has challenged the for- mal monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bipolar transurethral resection of prostate versus monopolar transurethral resection of prostate in the treatment of prostate enlargement. Methods: From September 2018 to April 2019, appropriate sample of 44 patients with symp- tomatic benign prostate hyperplasia randomly assigned to two groups, first group (n=21) operated on by monopolar transurethral resection of prostate, second group (n=23) operated on by bipolar transurethral resection of prostate in Rizgary Teaching Hospital and Zheen International Hospital, all patients were fully assessed preoperatively and postop- eratively by serum electrolyte, hemoglobin, operative time. Results: Mean resection time was 56.7 ± 5.8 minutes (mo- nopolar) and 63.1 ± 4.7 minutes (bipolar). The mean volume of irrigant was 17.6±1.6 liter (monopolar) and 20.4±1.8 liter (bipolar). The monopolar group showed a greater decrease in serum Sodium (5.7mEq/L) in contrast to the bipolar group (1.4 mEq/L), a statistically significant difference was detected. The monopolar group showed a statistically significant decrease in Hb (2.5 gm/dl) in contrast to the bipolar group (0.4 gm /dl). Conclusions: T he study showed that bipolar transurethral resection of prostate was superior to monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate with regards to less reduction in serum Sodium level and less decline in hemoglobin level as well as less hospital stay and catheterization days.
The surgical and oncological rational of partial nephrectomy for the treatment of localized renal cell carcinoma
Authors:   KHCMS Trainee of Urology, Saadoon Ahmed Abdulhameed , Al Bazzaz Pishtewan Hashim ,   Professor, Hawler Medical University, College of Medicine, Department of Urology., Agha Zubair Muhammad ,   Department of Urology, Shahid Dr. Khalid Teaching Hospital-Koya., Omar Wisam Sedeeq ,   F.K.B.M.S. Urology. Mergasur General Hospital
Published: June 2023

Background and objectives:The more frequent use of partial nephrectomy (nephron sparing surgery) in renal cancer treatment derives from a spectacular rise in the incidental diagnosis of renal tumors in patients undergoing abdominal ultrasound or computed tomography for abdominal diseases. This has markedly increased the detection of small, asymptomatic tumors. The aim of this study is to analyze the current evidence of efficacy and safety of open partial nephrectomy in patients with renal cell carcinoma and to speculate its indications and complications. Methods: Hos- pital based case-prospective & retrospective study. A Total of 36 patients with renal cell carcinoma who underwent nephron sparing surgery between september 2017 and March 2019 at Rizgary Teaching Hospital and Zheen Interna- tional Hospital were investigated, Tumor related characteristics, indication for nephron sparing surgery, postoperative complications, full histopathological data, and follow up results were reviewed. Results: Open partial nephrectomy was done successfully to treat patients with renal cell carcinoma; during the follow-up period one patient developed bleeding at day of surgery, three patients suffered from haematuria at 4th day, two weeks & one month postoperative- ly & one patient complicated by urine leakage & fistula formation, all complications were managed successfully. No patients were experienced disease progression (local recurrence and distant metastasis), there were no deaths from surgery, there was no acute renal failure, no postoperative dialysis & the disease specific survival rate was 100 %. Conclusions: artial Nephrectomy appears to be safe and effective procedure to control cases of renal tumors with relative and absolute indications for NSS.
Adverse outcomes of obesity on pregnancy
Authors:   Candidate for Higher Diploma for Medical Specialization in Obstetrics and Gynecology M.B.CH.B, Mohammed Zainab Mahmood , Alsakkal Ghada Saadalla ,   Assistant Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternity Teaching Hospital-Erbil-Iraq
Published: June 2023

Background and objectives:The prevalence of maternal obesity has increased in recent years. This study aimed to assess the impact of mothers being of an average weight versus obese ones regarding pregnancy outcomes and to evaluate the association between the body-mass index and the modality of delivery. Methods:A retrospective study was carried out at Erbil Maternity Teaching Hospital from March-2018 to March-2019. Three hundred and twenty-six (n=326) pregnant women were included and divided into two groups. Group one (171) women with a healthy body mass index (18.5-24.9 kg/m2) and group two (155) women with body mass index (>30 kg/m2). We compared the two groups for maternal and neonatal outcomes of pregnancy. Results: A total of 155 women were obese. More than half (57.9%) of the normal-weight women had attended the antenatal care clinics, compared with (45.2%) of the obese group. Gravidity, parity, as well as the number of abortions, were significantly higher in Group II. The average gestation- al age of women in the normal-weight group was 38.83 weeks, which was more significant in comparison with obese women. On the other hand, the weight of the neonates of the obese group was 3.82 Kg, which was significantly higher than in neonates (3.49 Kg) of controls. Further, the head circumference of the neonates of the obese group (35.92 cm) was considerably higher. Conclusions: Obesity carries significant risks to maternal and fetal health. Effective public, as well as primary healthcare strategies, are mandatory to prevent and manage this dilemma at early stages.
Risk factors, presentations, associated anomalies, and outcomes of patients with encephalocele
Authors:   MBChB, KHCMS (Neurosurgery) trainee. Iraq, Kurdistan Region, Sulaimani City, Shar Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Jalyzada Nawzhin Jange , Nadhim Ari Sami Hussain ,   MBChB, FRCS, FIBMS, Consultant Neurosurgeon. Iraq, Kurdistan Region, Sulaimani City, Shar Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery, Mustafa Nabaz Muhamad ,   MBChB, FIBMS (Neurosurgery). Iraq, Kurdistan Region, Sulaimani City, Shar Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery
Published: June 2023

Background and objectives: Encephalocele is a rare neural tube birth defect. Aim of this study was to find the risk factors and associated anomalies of patients with encephalocele, and its outcomes. Methods: We used a case-series study for 30 patients with encephalocele who were admitted to Shahid Dr. Aso Hospital from January 2017 to July 2018. The patients’ clinical features and computed tomography findings were recorded and their outcomes classified into death, cerebral palsy, delayed milestones, and good. Results: The genders of the patients were 11 (36.7%) male and 19 (63.3%) female with a female: male ratio of 1.7:1. There were significant associations between the site of the skull defect with microcephalus, seizure, and outcome and statistically significant association between the content of the sac and family history. The content of the sac was mostly mixed brain and cerebrospinal fluid (56.7%). The size of the sac was significantly associated with family history and hydrocephalus and all of encephaloceles were located in the midline mostly at occipital and occipito-cervical region. The outcomes were death (10%), poor (10%), delayed milestones (23.3%), and 56.7% good. There was also statistically significant association between outcome and other brain abnormality and microcephalus. Conclusions: Encephalocele was located in midline mostly at occipito-cervical region, the size of its sac is associated with hydrocephalus, the content was mixed brain and CSF, and its site was associated with seizure. Moreover, content and size of the sac was significantly associated with family history of neural tube defect.
Effect of Flurbiprofen spray on postoperative tonsillectomy pain
Authors:   M.B. Ch. B. PhD. Consultant Otolaryngologist, Emin Abdulkhaliq Kerim Hamad
Published: June 2023

Background and objectives: Tonsillectomy is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures. Up to date there are no guidelines for pain control following tonsillectomy. The aim was to determine whether oral spray flurbipro- fen reduces pain and has an influence on wound healing following tonsillectomy. Methods: A Prospective, randomized study was done in Rizgary Teaching Hospital (Erbil-Iraq). This study was conducted on 60 patients who underwent ton- sillectomy between July 2017 and July 2018. Patients were randomly chosen and they were divided into two groups (thirty patients included in test group received flurbiprofen spray, other thirty included in control group). For test group oral spray flurbiprofen was used 3 times a day, every time three puffs. Postoperative pain was evaluated on the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th postoperative days. The Efficacy was evaluated by universal pain assessment tool. Wound healing was evaluated on the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th postoperative days. Results: The flurbiprofen group include 30 patients (18 males, 12 females) with a mean age of 23 years (range 12-40 years); the control group consisted of 30 patients (16 males, 14 females) with a mean age of 22 years (range12- 40 years). The severity of throat pain was lower in the flurbiprofen group when compared with the control group, and this difference was statistically highly significant for the 4th and the 7th day. Wound healing was not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: The use of flurbiprofen oral spray decreases postoperative tonsillectomy pain.
The evaluation of platelets parameters in patients with acute coronary syndrome from single cardiac center in northeastern Iraq
Authors:   MBChB, FKBMS Sulaimani General Teaching Hospital, Sulaimani, Iraq, Abdullah Kocher Hassan , Shalli Awaz Ahmed Kamal ,   MBChB, MSC. Department of Pathology, Sulaimani College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani, Iraq, Mohammed Ali Ibrahim ,   MBChB, FIBMS. Department of Pathology, Sulaimani College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani, Iraq, Jalal Sana Dlawar ,   MBChB, FRCPath. Department of Pathology, Sulaimani College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani, Iraq
Published: June 2023

Background and objectives: Platelets are an important link between inflammation and thrombosis and play a significant role in different stages of atherosclerotic plaque formation. This study aimed to define the correlation between variation in admission platelet parameters and acute coronary syndrome and to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of platelets parameters used. Methods: The study was performed at Sulaimani Cardiac Care Hospital and Sulaimani Public Health Lab. One hundred cases of diagnosed acute coronary syndrome; ST elevation myocardial infarction, non-ST elevation myocardial infarction, and unstable angina were included and compared with 100 apparently healthy subjects. Participants were enrolled after taking a detailed history and complete blood count to assess the platelets parameters. Results: A significantly lower admission mean platelets count was found in patients (252x 109/l ± 81.3) than in control (291x109/l ± 67.6). The mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width and plateletcrit of the patients were all significantly higher. Furthermore, a significant correlation was detected between acute coronary syndrome with mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width. The risk of acute coronary syndrome rose up to approximately 9 times among patients with high mean platelet volume. Moreover, mean platelet volume showed a high sensitivity (88%) and specificity (89%) to detect patients with acute coronary syndrome, unlike platelet crit and platelet distribution width that were of lesser sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions: Admission platelets parameters are readily available laboratory tests, and are of merit in identifying acute coronary syndrome patients.
Patterns and outcomes of posterior fossa extradural hematoma-six years study in emergency hospitals of Erbil city
Authors:   M.B.Ch.B F.K.B.M.S( Neurosurgery), Muhammed Gulshan Talat , Aboud Sameer Hassan ,   M.B.Ch.B FRCS(Neurosurgery) Rojawa Emergency Hospital/ Neurosurgery Department
Published: June 2023

Background and objectives: Posterior fossa extradural hematoma is rare , however, in clinical practice it may represent a top emergency. The aim of study was to find the proportion of posterior fossa extradural hematoma to other extradural hematomas, its age incidence, main causes and factors that affect surgery and outcomes. Methods: Thirty-five cases of posterior fossa extradural hematoma were diagnosed and treated over 6 years period, from 2012 to 2018. The patients were evaluated regarding age, type of trauma, cranial computer tomography, Glasgow coma scale score, treatment and follow-up over the period of 3 months. Results: Thirty-five patients (1.8%) with posterior fossa extradural hematoma were treated. Their mean age + SD were 16.81 + 14.58 years, ranging from 2 to 65 years. The causes of head trauma in a decreasing order were fall from height (57.1%) (Twenty patients), and road traffic accident (42.9%) (Fifteen patients). Glasgow coma scale score was 13-15 in the majority (62.9) (twenty-two cases). About fifty-four point three percent were treated conservatively, and surgical intervention was done in forty-five point seven percent. Around sixty- five point seven percent were alive without deficit, and only five point seven percent died. Among those with hematoma (< 10 mL), sixteen patients were alive without deficit compared with seven with (> 10 mL). The proportion of alive patients without deficit were treated conservatively (seventeen patients) compared with six patients treated surgically.
Prognosis of patients with primary intracerebral haemorrhage in Erbil city: evaluating presentation, location and outcome
Authors:   (KHCMS candidate/ Neurology). EPU (Erbil Polytechnic University), Kheder Azad Hasan , Ahmed Abdullah Faqiyazdin ,   (Assistant Professor of Neurology /Supervisor). KHCMS (Kurdistan Higher Council of Medical Specialties)
Published: June 2023

Background and objectives: Primary intracerebral haemorrhage is the cause of a significant number of all strokes which carries a significant mortality rate and is a morbid disease. The present study aimed to investigate the clinical presentations, risk factors, outcome of primary intracerebral haemorrhage in Erbil city and to determine its prognostic factors. Methods: One hundred thirty-six patients of both genders diagnosed as primary intracerebral haemorrhage were included in the current study, all of whom were admitted in Erbil hospitals. All patients had been seen by the neurologist for history taking and neurological examination and hadnew brain CT scan. All patients were followed up for 6 months. Results: Neurological deficit and disturbed consciousness were the presenting symptoms in most patients (39.7%, 33.1%) respectively. Basal nuclei were the most frequent locations of haemorrhage (47.8%). The mortality rate was (34.6 %) after 6 months follow-up. Advanced age, large size of the hematoma, midline shift, brain stem involvement, Glasgow coma scale below 8 carried poor prognosis. Conclusions: Clinical presentation, risk factors, outcome and prognostic factors of patients with primary ICH is similar to the same descriptions in the surrounding and other locations in the world.
Caso de estudio: registro de aves residentes y migratorias en un jardín privado “amigable” en Tucumán, Argentina
Authors: Echevarria Ada Lilian , Fanjul María Elisa , Martínez María Valeria
Published: June 2023

The present study evaluates the composition and structure of the bird community in a "friendly" private garden in the city of San Miguel de Tucumán (Tucumán), carried out during the dry season (autumn-winter 2020). The garden has a wide variety of trees, shrubs and vines, transforming it into a green patch immersed in a large urban matrix. Birds were recorded using fixed radius point surveys, once a day (morning or afternoon), during the dry season (autumn-winter 2020).  In 174 counts, 5221 birds records were obtained, belonging to 38 species from 20 families and 8 orders. The assemblages present in the garden were: birds that search for food by walking on the ground, birds that search for food among the vegetation, and birds that search for food from the air and/or perches. Six main diets were identified and regional and altitudinal migratory bird records were highlighted. The high richness and diversity observed in a single urban garden would indicate the importance of these small "friendly" green spaces to be considered as reservoirs for birds in an urban environment. These gardens could be sources of food resources and refuge sites mainly when weather conditions are adverse (dry season). For this reason, we consider that this study is a first step to show the potential value of private urban gardens, regardless of their size, in San Miguel de Tucumán.
Workplace bullying in nursing
Authors: Zhang Benyan , Li Yan , Cao Mengke , Xu Cuiping
Published: June 2023

Background: The working conditions of many nurses and healthcare professionals around the world have deteriorated during the pandemic. Workplace bullying occurring among nurses has been reported more and more.
Methods: The authors systematically searched the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases for relevant articles on workplace bullying among nurses from 2020 till the present. The screening was performed strictly according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and finally, the relevant literature was read and summarized.
Results: A total of 6 articles met the criteria published between 2020 and 2022. The status of research in the field of bullying in the nurse's workplace was identified, including influencing factors and their impact on patient outcomes, nurse work, etc.
Conclusion: Published research has shown that workplace bullying among managing nurses has beneficial effects on outcomes for both nurses and patients. This study suggests that managers should pay more attention to the workplace bullying behavior of nurses and take management measures to reduce the turnover rate of nurses, improve the nursing level and reduce the level of nursing errors.
Contribution to evidence-based practice: This article brings together advances in research on workplace bullying among nurses and identifies its harm, offering ideas for reducing bullying in the workplace.
Chronic kidney disease and its risk stratification in Cuba
Authors: Marín Prada María del Carmen Marín Prada , Condori Villca Nayra , Gutiérrez Garcia Francisco , Rodriguez García Carlos Antonio , Martínez Morales Miguel Ángel , Martínez Morales Miguel Ángel , Auza Santiváñez Jhossmar Cristians , Aguilar Medrano Fidel
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Epidemiological risk stratification in health is a tool effective in identifying where the main problems lie in a program health, to distribute resources where they are most needed. kidney disease chronic is a metabolic endocrine syndrome, brings disability to people who
suffer, has become one of the main causes of death in the world, in our country has seen an increase in the last ten years.
Objective: Stratify mortality with CKD in Cuba and characterize some sociodemographic variables from 2011-2020.
Method: The universe consisted of 35031 deceased with CKD in Cuba, percentages, crude, specific and specific rates were calculated. standardized by age, sex, causes of death, by province of residence and color of the skin. The stratification by provinces was classified as very high risk, high risk, medium and low risk.
Results: There was a total of 35031 deaths, the risk of die older in men, older adults with black skin color. The main cause of death hypertensive kidney disease. The standardized rates showed slow and sustained increase in all provinces. Very high risk provinces
Artemisa (22,15), Cienfuegos (19,36) and the Isla de la Juventud Special Municipality (18,72).
Conclusions: Risk stratification presented differences in the country, the main cause of death was hypertensive kidney disease, older adults have higher risk of dying, although it is important to pay attention to the group that includes working age
Emerging Technologies in Industrial Microbiology: From Bioengineering to CRISPR-Cas Systems
Authors: Farooq Umar , Hanumanthayya Malathi , Haq Izharul
Published: June 2023

Synthetic biology advancements have led to the emergence of "engineering biology" via equivalence and platform base on hierarchical, orthogonal, and modularized biological system. Utilizing bioparts found in sequence databases, genome engineering (GE) is required to create synthetic cells with the appropriate functionality. The CRISPR system, one of several tools, is modularly made up of Cas nuclease and guide RNA, making it simple to modify the GE at will. To correctly modify the GE at the distinct nucleotide level, many techniques have recently been devised. The CRISPR-Cas (CC) system has also been expanded to molecular diagnostics for nucleic acids and pathogen identification, together with viruses that cause illness. Furthermore, metabolic biotechnology is expanding to find the target of CC methodology, which can exactly regulate the production of certain genes in cells. In the present article, we evaluate the current state of several CC technology that may be used in synthetic biology and talk about how artificial biology and CC technology have evolved in the field of microbiology
Factors Predictive of In-Hospital Mortality in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Single-Centre Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Lertwises Sujin , Rattanasupar Attapon , Chang Arunchai
Published: June 2023

Objective. We aimed to investigate the causes and factors predictive of in-hospital death among patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Thailand.

Materials and Methods. We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with SLE admitted between 2017 and 2021. We collected data related to age, sex, body mass index, comorbidities, disease duration, medication usage, clinical symptoms, vital signs, laboratory results, evidence of infection, presence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, quick sepsis-related organ assessment scores, and SLE disease activity on the date of admission. The length of hospitalization, treatment administered, and subsequent clinical outcomes (including in-hospital complications and death) were also recorded.

Results. Among 267 enrolled patients, the overall in-hospital mortality rate was 25.5%, and infection was the most common cause of death (75.0%). Multivariate analysis revealed that prior hospitalization within 3 months (odds ratio [OR]: 2.311; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.002–5.369; P=0.049), initial infection on admission (OR: 2.764; 95% CI: 1.006–7.594; P=0.048), use of vasopressor drugs (OR: 2.940; 95% CI: 1.071–8.069; P=0.036), and mechanical ventilation (OR: 5.658; 95% CI: 2.046–15.647; P=0.001) were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality.

Conclusion. Infection was the major cause of mortality in patients with SLE. Prior hospitalization within 3 months, initial infection on admission, vasopressor use, and mechanical ventilation during admission are independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality in patients with SLE.
The Brachiocephalic Trunk Variant Origin and High-Riding Course: Two Cadaveric Cases
Authors: Tsakotos George , Demesticha Theano , Karampelias Vasilios , Natsis Konstantinos , Protogerou Vasilios , Schizas Dimitrios , Chatziandreou Ilenia , Kostare Georgia , Piagkou Maria
Published: June 2023

Objective. The current report describes two rare cadaveric findings of a left sided brachiocephalic trunk (BCT) in relation to the trachea, and its high-riding course above the suprasternal notch (SN).

Cases Descriptions. In two elderly body donors dissected after death, a left-sided BCT was identified with a high-riding course (0.5 and 0.8 cm above the SN). The BCT originated from the aortic arch, in common with the left common carotid artery, more distally than the typical left-side location and crossed in front of the trachea. In the 1st case, the ascending and descending aortae, and the left subclavian artery had aneurysmal dilatation. In both cases, the trachea was displaced to the right side and had a stenosis due to the chronic compression.

Conclusion. A high-riding BCT is of paramount clinical importance, as it may complicate tracheotomy, thyroid surgery and mediastinoscopy, leading to fatal complications. BCT injury leads to a massive bleeding during neck dissection (level VI), when the vessel crosses the anterior tracheal wall.
An Overview of Azo Dyes Degradation in Textile Industry Effluents Using Microbes
Authors: Singh Vartika , Chauhan Amit , Tripathi Ashutosh , Shukla Kartikeya
Published: June 2023

The discharge of wastewater from textile industries has remained a major concern of the present days. Due to the intensity of pollutants that these effluents promote the more pernicious classes because it is highly persistent in the aquatic environment that is an integral part of our daily life. There is a compulsive requirement to treat textile wastewater before their discharge to the environment via few processes like physical, chemical and biological. Bioremediation is more sustainable than any other remediation processes and alternatives. In the last few decades, it has been found that some microorganisms have an effective ability to degrade azo dyes enzymatically under their favourable environmental conditions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancement in the degradation of azo dyes using microbes, focusing on various microbial species integration and their degradation mechanisms, influencing factors, and the potential for large- scale application as well as utilization of biomass to energy production. The study also highlights the challenges and future perspectives like gene coding and understanding the molecular mechanisms of azo dye degradation by microorganisms is optimising and developing successful bioremediation techniques for the development of efficient and eco-friendly bioremediation strategies.
Prevalence of oral diseases and availability of their treatment in Georgia
Authors: Benashvili Inga , Benashvili Mamuka
Published: June 2023

Oral diseases are widespread diseases in the modern world. This problem is quite relevant in Georgia, where 94.2% of the population suffers from some kind of oral disease. 93.7% of interviewed women and 95.3% of men have symptoms of oral diseases. The rate of prevalence of oral diseases in different age groups also varies within 90-95%. It varies from 91.2% to 95.8% by regions. Therefore, its treatment and prevention are important nowadays. However, the majority of the population (44.9% of people with oral diseases) cannot afford to visit a dentist due to low income. According to the survey, when asked to respondents, what is the main reason for not visiting to the dentist, they answer the lack of money needed for treatment. 8.9% of respondents believe that dental services are fully accessible in Georgia, 14.4% think that they are more accessible than inaccessible; 25.7% believe that there is an average level of accessibility; 34.2% consider it more inaccessible than accessible and 16.8% think it is fully inaccessible.
A szegénység kisvárosi dimenziói Magyarországon
Authors: Horeczki Réka
Published: June 2023

A válságok korát éljük, a Covid–19 időszaka számos társadalmi és jólléti kérdést helyezett új megvilágításba. A vidéki területek és az e térségek központjaiként funkcionáló kisvárosok felértékelődtek, több szempontból a nagyvárosi élet alternatívájaként jelentek meg. A megváltozott értelmezési keret újfent ráirányította a figyelmet a kisebb városokra, azokra az egyenlőtlenségekre, amelyek a nagyvárosokkal összevetve általában rejtve maradnak. A megjelenő előnyök mellett a kisvárosi térségek kiszolgáltatottságát is figyelembe kell venni: az egészségügyi szolgáltatások és az alapvető infrastrukturális elemek elérhetőségét vagy hiányát, a kereskedelmi és vendéglátóipari egységek csekélyebb számát és kvalitását, a zsúfoltságot. A tanulmány a kisvárosok vonatkozásában vizsgálja a funkcionális értelemben vett szegénység fogalmát, és választ kíván adni a következő kérdésre: milyen dinamika figyelhető meg az elmúlt években a kisvárosi életminőséget tekintve.
Pengaruh Konsentrasi Perendaman Pandan (Pandanus amarilifolius Roxb.) sebagai Pereduksi Alami Kadar Formalin Pada Ikan Asin Teri Nasi
Authors: Burhan Amelia Handayani
Published: June 2023

Ikan asin teri nasi merupakan makanan yang diminati oleh masyarakat Indonesia. Beberapa penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ikan asin teri nasi yang beredar di pasar tradisional Yogyakarta terdapat sampel ikan asin positif mengandung formalin. Formalin dapat menyebabkan menyebakan kanker hingga kematian. Oleh karena itu perlu dilakukan upaya penurunan kadar formalin, salah satunya dengan melakukan perendaman ikan asin teri nasi dalam larutan sari pandan, karena pandan mengandung senyawa saponin yang mampu mereduksi kadar formalin. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh variasi konsentrasi larutan sari pandan terhadap penurunan kadar formalin pada ikan asin teri nasi.

Penelitian dilakukan di Laboratorium Kimia Politeknik Kesehatan Bhakti Setya Indonesia Yogyakarta. Sampel yang digunakan 25 sampel ikan asin teri nasi yang didapatkan dari 5 pasar tradisional di Yogyakarta. Penelitian dilakukan pada sampel yang positif mengandung formalin, penentuan kadar formalin diuji secara kuantitatif dengan metode Titrasi Asidimetri menggunakan larutan baku HCl 0,00009 N dan indikator merah metil. Penetapan kadar dilakukan sebelum perendaman dan sesudah perendaman larutan sari pandan selama 1 jam dengan variasi konsentrasi perendaman sari pandan 25, 40, 55, 70, dan 85% sebanyak 20 ml dengan berat ikan asin teri nasi 6 gram.

Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa dari 25 sampel ikan asin teri nasi terdapat 24 sampel yang positif mengandung formalin. Kadar formalin dalam ikan asin teri nasi sebelum perlakuan sebesar 1,283% dan setelah perlakuan memiliki hasil berturut-turut sebagai berikut: 1,218; 1,142; 1,025; 0,908; dan 0,767% b/b. Hasil analisis secara statistik One Way ANOVA diperoleh nilai signifikasi 0,00 < 0,05  yang berarti variasi konsentrasi perendaman sari pandan mempunyai pengaruh terhadap penurunan kadar formalin dalam ikan asin teri nasi. Konsentrasi  perendaman sari pandan (Pandanus amarilifolius Roxb.) yang optimal untuk menurunkan kadar formalin yaitu 85% dengan penurunan kadar sebesar 40,243%
Application of EBMT, MASCC, and qSOFA Scores to Predict Complicated Febrile Neutropenia and Mortality in Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Recipients
Authors: Barros Tiago A. , Schaffel Rony , Neto Geraldo S. de Azevedo , Gaio Bianca de Lucena , Batista Arthur T. , Valentim Marcia R. , Maiolino Angelo , Garnica Marcia
Published: June 2023

Background and objectives:

Three different scores were addressed as predictors of outcomes in autologous stem cell transplant (Auto SCT): one was calculated by pretransplant characteristics (European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation [EBMT] risk score), and two were calculated at the onset of febrile neutropenia (Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer [MASCC] and Quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment [qSOFA]). We considered bloodstream infection (BSI), carbapenem prescription, admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and mortality as outcomes.

Patients:

A total of 309 patients with a median age of 54 years were enrolled.

Results:

Patients with EBMT score ≥4 (EBMT 4+) had higher ICU rates (14% vs. 4%; p < 0.01) and more carbapenem prescriptions (61% vs. 38%; p < 0.001) than those with EBMT score <4. MASCC <21 points (MASCC HR) was associated with carbapenem prescription (59% vs. 44%; p = 0.013), ICU (19% vs. 3%; p < 0.01), and death (4% vs. 0; p = 0.014). Patients with at least two points by qSOFA (qSOFA 2+) had more frequent BSI (55% vs. 22%; p = 0.03), ICU admissions (73% vs. 7; p < 0.01), and death (18% vs. 0.7, p = 0.02). EBMT 4+ and MASCC HR achieved the best sensitivities for ICU. For death, the best sensitivity was obtained with MASCC.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, risk scores for Auto SCT showed an association with outcomes and had different performances when combined or used alone. Therefore, risk scores for Auto SCT are useful in supportive care and clinical surveillance in stem cell transplant recipients.
Post-transplantation Cyclophosphamide-based Graft-versus-host-disease Prophylaxis Compared to Methotrexate-cyclosporine a in Matched-related Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Shouman Mohamed T. , Mansour Osman M. , El Gammal Mosaad M. , Abdel-Fattah Raafat M. , Samra Mohamed A. , Elhaddad Alaa M. , Maher Mohamed A. , Mahmoud Hossam K.
Published: June 2023

Background and objectives:

Post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy) has shown promising results with low rates of severe graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), either alone or combined with conventional immunosuppression (CIS). However, studies comparing PTCy with CIS as a GVHD prophylaxis are scarce. The study aimed to determine the rates of GVHD and survival outcomes for patients undergoing peripheral blood stem cell transplant (PBSCT) from HLA- matched related donors (MRD) receiving PTCy-based GVHD prophylaxis and compare these outcomes with those of patients receiving methotrexate (MTX) and cyclosporine-A (CsA) as a GVHD prophylaxis.

Patients and methods:

Seventy-five patients with advanced hematologic malignancies who underwent MRD allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) were analyzed prospectively. These patients received PTCy and CSA as a GVHD prophylaxis (therapeutic group) and their outcomes were compared with those of 75 retrospectively collected patients who received methotrexate and CsA as a GVHD prophylaxis (historical group) from the same two transplant centers.

Results:

The median recipient age was significantly lower in the MTX/CsA group at 28 years compared to 34 years in the PTCy/CSA group. Peripheral blood was the only graft source used. All patients had a complete MRD, with two patients having a one-antigen mismatched related donor within the PTCy/CsA group. The 1-year cumulative incidence (CI) of chronic GVHD was 13.4% with PTCy/CsA and 38.6% with MTX/CsA (P = .001). Acute GVHD CI across all grades did not differ between the groups, with 10.7% for PTCy/CsA and 14.7% for MTX/CsA (P = .46). At two years, the overall survival (OS) (54.4% vs 67.2%, P = 0.282), disease-free survival (DFS) (54.1% vs 66.1%, P = 0.358), relapse rates (27.4% vs 20.1%, P = 0.245), and non-relapse mortality (NRM) (29.3% vs 25%, P = 0.904) did not differ between PTCy/CsA and MTX/CsA, respectively.

Conclusion:

PTCy-based GVHD prophylaxis in MRD transplant is feasible and leads to lower chronic GVHD rates without causing a significantly different risk of relapse or survival than MTX/CsA. More extensive studies are needed to confirm our results.
Access to voluntary assisted dying in Victoria: a qualitative study of family caregivers’ perceptions of barriers and facilitators
Authors: White Ben P , Jeanneret Ruthie , Close Eliana , Willmott Lindy
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To investigate barriers to and facilitators of access to voluntary assisted dying in Victoria under the Voluntary Assisted Dying Act 2017 (Vic).

Design, setting, participants

Qualitative study; semi‐structured interviews with people who had applied for voluntary assisted dying or their family caregivers, recruited via social media and interested advocacy groups; interviews conducted 17 August – 26 November 2021.

Main outcome measures

Barriers to and facilitators of access to voluntary assisted dying.

Results

We interviewed 33 participants about 28 people who had applied for voluntary assisted dying; all but one of the interviews were with family caregivers after their relatives’ deaths, and all but three were conducted via Zoom. The major barriers to access identified by participants were finding trained and willing doctors to assess eligibility for voluntary assisted dying; the time required for the application process (especially given how ill the applicants were); the prohibition of telehealth consultations; institutional objections to voluntary assisted dying; and the prohibition of health practitioners raising voluntary assisted dying with their patients. The major facilitators mentioned were care navigators (both the Statewide service and local navigators); finding a supportive coordinating practitioner; the Statewide Pharmacy Service; and system flow once the process had been initiated (although not during the early days of voluntary assisted dying in Victoria). Access was particularly difficult for people in regional areas or with neurodegenerative conditions.

Conclusions

Access to voluntary assisted dying has improved in Victoria, and people generally felt supported while navigating the application process once they found a coordinating practitioner or a navigator. But this step, and other barriers, often still made patient access difficult. Adequate support for doctors, navigators and other facilitators of access is vital for the effective functioning of the overall process.
An Overview of Ant Colony Optimization Algorithms for Dynamic Optimization Problems
Authors: Rezvanian Alireza , Mehdi Vahidipour S. , Sadollah Ali
Published: June 2023

Swarm intelligence is a relatively recent approach for solving optimization problems that usually adopts the social behavior of birds and animals. The most popular class of swarm intelligence is ant colony optimization (ACO), which simulates the behavior of ants in seeking and moving food. This chapter aim to briefly overview the important role of ant colony optimization methods in solving optimization problems in time-varying and dynamic environments. To this end, we describe concisely the dynamic optimization problems, challenges, methods, benchmarks, measures, and a brief review of methodologies designed using the ACO and its variants. Finally, a short bibliometric analysis is given for the ACO and its variants for solving dynamic optimization problems.
Epidemiological Analysis and Effective Control of COVID-19 Outbreaks Caused by the Omicron Subvariant BA.2 in a Medium-sized City in China, 2022
Authors: Yang Zhu , Zhao Jinhong , Zhong Shuzhi , Wu Yikun , Ye Bingjie , Wang Yiming , Xiao Minmin
Published: June 2023

Background: More and more variants of concern (VOCs) of SARS-CoV-2 continued to emerge in different regions worldwide. Objectives: Studies on COVID-19 outbreaks caused by different VOCs are critical for understanding their infections in humans in different regions. Methods: In this descriptive study, the individual information of 64 confirmed COVID-19 cases reported between March 3 and April 26, 2022, was collected, and the epidemiological features were analyzed. Results: We found COVID-19 epidemic caused by Omicron subvariant BA.2 in 2022 had unique characteristics compared to the earliest COVID-19 outbreaks in 2020 in Wuhu city. First, the geographic distribution of COVID-19 cases was highly concentrated, and most infections (58/64, 90.62%) were identiﬁed in one district in this study. Second, the mean age of COVID-19 cases in this study was 39.57 ± 16.39 years old, which was younger than the COVID-19 cases identified in Wuhan and Wuhu cities in 2020. Third, the spanned period of the COVID-19 outbreak in this study was shorter than the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 in Wuhu city (13 days vs. 34 days). Conclusions: This study illustrates the epidemic of COVID-19 in Wuhu city from March to April 2022, and our result provides valuable information about COVID-19 outbreak caused by omicron subvariant BA.2. It also provides insights into developing effective strategies, such as high coverage of COVID-19 vaccination, lockdown policies, Ankang code, and population-bases COVID-19 screening, for successfully controlling the potential outbreaks caused by Omicron or future novel variants of SARS-CoV-2 in the medium-sized city like Wuhu.
Surgical Repositioning Following a Severe Traumatic Intrusion of Maxillary Permanent Incisors: A Case Report
Authors: Mojarad Farzad , Golshani Shaghayegh , Vahedi Parisa
Published: June 2023

: Intrusion is the most severe luxation injury, resulting in soft and hard tissue damage. Treatment depends on the root development stage and tooth intrusion degree. Lateral luxation describes tooth displacement in any direction other than axial. The prognosis of luxated teeth depends on the emergency treatment and elapsed time. This paper reports an 11-year-old boy who sustained displacement of central and lateral incisors into the nasal cavity, and his left canine had lateral luxation. Surgical repositioning was undertaken for intruded teeth, and a splint was placed. The canine could not be repositioned due to the delay, but its position improved toward the force of the cheek after several sessions. This study contains the data obtained from a one-year follow-up.