bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of maximal nasal septal deviation with deviation at the maxillary insertion
Authors: Gupta Keshav Kumar , Davda Dean , Mughal Zahir , Lotfallah Andrew , Anari Shahram
Published: May 2023

Purpose It is unclear if septal deviation at the insertion points to the nasal cavity is associated with the overall septal deviation. This study aimed to assess septal deviation at the cribriform plate (CP) and maxillary crest (MC) using CT scans and to see if there was any correlation with overall septal deviation.Methods All consecutive CT sinus scans between January 2020 and December 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were excluded if they had a history of head, nasal or facial trauma, or any previous nasal surgical procedure. Angles between the septum and MC and the septum and CP as well as maximal angle of septal deviation (MSD) were measured.Results A total of 70 scans were included in the final analysis. The mean MSD was 8.14°. The mean septal deviation was 0.89° at the CP and 2.02° at the MC. The correlation coefficient between the deviation at the CP and MSD was 0.025 and between the deviation at the MC and MSD was 0.321.Conclusion Our data reveal a positive correlation between septal deviation at the floor of the nose and overall septal deviation; this was not observed at the septal deviation at the roof. This could be explained due to the inherent tilt in the cribriform plate or by earlier ossification and fixation of the septum during its development at its insertion to the roof, thereby allowing further growth and potential for deviation of the lower part of the septum and its insertion to the floor.
Broad spectrum bioactivity of a β-glucan rich heteropolysaccharide- Pestalopine isolated from endophytic fungi Pestalotiopsis chamaeropsis CEL6
Authors: Santra Hiran Kanti , Banerjee Debdulal
Published: May 2023

A biologically potent exopolysaccharide (EPS); Pestalopine was produced by Pestalotiopsis chamaeropsis CEL6, an endophytic fungal isolate of Chloranthus elatior Sw. Pestalopine is composed of glucose, arabinose, fucose, rhamnose, and galactose in a molar ratio of nearly 10:1:2:2:4 having an Mw ∼ 3.29 x 105 Da. Pestalopine exhibited a radical scavenging effect and significantly increased antioxidant parameters (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione oxidized glutathione) in peritoneal macrophage cells in a concentration-dependent manner, with a maximum effect at 500 mg mL− 1. Pestalopine is hepatoprotective in nature and improves the liver function profiles; - total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, hepatic enzymes- alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase of liver fibrosis induced (through Thioacetamide) male Wistar rats in comparison to control. Pestalopine-fed rats are reported to have higher counts of beneficial Lactobacillus sp. Present findings suggest that Pestalopine may have promise as a non-toxic exogenous antioxidant with hepatoprotective and probiotic efficacies.
Littoral zone provide habitats for dormant stages of cladocerans in tropical lakes
Authors: Daré Luana , Henry Raoul , Perbiche-Neves Gilmar , Castilho Maria Carolina A. , Portinho Jorge L.
Published: May 2023

There is still a lack of fundamental knowledge about the dormant egg bank in the littoral zone, as much of the existing knowledge comes from studies conducted in the pelagic zone. In this study, we compared the diversity and composition of active cladocerans collected from the water column with cladocerans hatching from sediment and macrophyte roots containing dormant egg banks, all collected from the littoral zone of four tropical lakes. Two hypotheses are tested: (1) dormant assemblage will have highest diversity than active assemblage, and (2) pelagic taxa integrate the variability of both active and dormant assemblage in the littoral zone. Dormant assemblages hatchlings from macrophytes contributed less than 2% of the total assemblage numerical abundance, which was too low to undertake any ecologically meaningful analyses. However, dormant assemblage hatchlings from sediment samples showed the highest diversity for two of the four lakes studied, partially supporting our first hypothesis. Our results revealed that pelagic species (Bosminopsis, Ceriodaphnia, and Diaphanosoma) contributed half of the total species richness of active and dormant assemblages in all four lakes. These findings provide new insights into how the littoral zone of shallow lakes with well-developed macrophyte stands can offer a habitat for persistent dormant egg banks of certain pelagic cladocerans. Our increasing understanding of the interaction between dormant banks and active assemblages can be used to predict the dynamics of the zooplankton and develop restoration programs in lakes affected by climate change, such as extreme drought or human land and water use.
Why do Female Scientific Labor Force Eschew Scientific and Engineering Fields? Evidence from United States Using Mincer’s Earnings Function Correcting for Major Selection Biases and Multinomial Logistic Regression Models
Authors: Lyu Ya-Pin
Published: May 2023

This study attempts to explore the phenomenon of US native females’ under-representation in scientific and engineering fields and investigate whether this is the consequence of self-selection. To answer this, two vital academic issues have been studied: first, whether native female scientists’ major or occupational selection are based on maximization of (expected) lifetime earnings; and second, whether supply-side attributes such as time devoted to housework and childcare can account for female scientists’ eschewing S&E related occupations and majors? Using US Scientists and Engineers Statistical Data System and using earnings function correcting for major selection biases, this research finds that elder females who had a period of time of dropout will experience job skill atrophy. A predicted time period young female scientists plan to drop out of labor market or reduce human capital investment for family reasons could explain lower chances of choosing S&E related majors. Based on our empirical results, females currently work in the occupations that can maximize lifetime earnings, whether they work in S&E fields or not. Females would be more likely to major and work in S&E related occupations if they neither plan to intermit their human capital investment nor suffer from job skills atrophy.
JEL: J16, J22, J24
Evolution of ToM abilities among older adults and the elder.
Authors: Iglesias Ledicia , Pellicena Miquel Àngel , Valero-Garcia Jesús , Ivern Ignasi , Vila-Rovira Josep Maria
Published: May 2023

Theory of Mind (ToM) is a construct of cognitive, social and affective skills that contributes to a better effectiveness of interpersonal relationships, as well as a better understanding of social scenarios. Its evolution throughout adulthood is being subject of extensive study. We have done a quasi-experimental design study with a healthy aging sample of 69 people ranging in age from 65 to 94. The purpose was to understand the evolution of ToM abilities in this group of age; to determine whether these abilities evolve equally and clarify which aspects influence this evolution. Results show a progressive decrease in the scores registered in the elders, mainly from the age of 79. But this decline is uneven, since 2nd order false belief tasks, that is, tasks with greater cognitive complexity, obtain worse results at an older age. On the other hand, findings indicate that the variable that has the most influence on ToM skills is social activity, followed by verbal reasoning. Likewise, in line with the most recent literature, age itself is not shown as a factor that justifies the decrease in mental abilities, but rather the individual social and cognitive changes associated with it. These results reinforce the link between social activity, mental performance and cognitive health, in such a way that social activity based on interpersonal relationships becomes a tool for the prevention of social isolation and cognitive deterioration associated with the most advanced stages of adulthood.
Combining different ion-selective channelrhodopsins to control water flux by light
Authors: Lin Fei , Tang Ruijing , Zhang Chong , Scholz Nicole , Nagel Georg , Gao Shiqiang
Published: May 2023

Water transport through water channels, aquaporins (AQPs), is vital for many physiological processes including epithelial fluid secretion, cell migration and adipocyte metabolism. Consequently, modulation of water transport poses significant therapeutic potential in edema, cancer, obesity, brain injury, glaucoma etc. Water flux through AQPs is driven by the osmotic gradient that results from concentration differences of small molecules or ions. Here, we developed a novel optogenetic toolkit that combines the light-gated anion channel GtACR1 either with the light-gated K+ channel KCR1 or the new NCR1 with high Na+ permeability, to manipulate water transport in Xenopus oocytes non-invasively. Water efflux through AQP was achieved by inducing K+ and Cl− efflux through light-gated HcKCR1 and GtACR1, respectively. Contrarily, when GtACR1 was co-expressed with NCR1, a final inward movement of Na+ and Cl− was triggered, and an osmotic gradient was formed to drive water influx through AQP1. In sum, we demonstrated a novel strategy to manipulate water movement into and out of Xenopus oocytes non-invasively through light. These findings provide a new avenue to interfere with water homeostasis as a means to study related biological phenomena across cell types and organisms.
Assessment of Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity Risks and Source Apportionment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons of Monitored Black Carbon (Soot) in Air and Swimming Pool Water in Port Harcourt
Authors: Muhyideen Oloyede , Lukman Shittu , Ajibola Yusuf Falola , Okechukwu Igwe Patrick
Published: May 2023

Mutagenicity and carcinogenicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) of monitored soot in air and water in Port Harcourt swimming pool environment were assessed due to incessant downpour of soot in the area. Samples of soot were collected each for six hours in wet and dry seasons. Samples of water were also collected in the two seasons. PAH samples were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) to generate data which were described using descriptive statistics. In wet season, the total PAHs concentration in the air is 4.603E-03 ppm and in water 7.782E-03 mg/l while in the dry season, it’s 3.636E-03 ppm in the air and 5.172E-03 mg/l in water. The PAH distribution patterns in water followed the same trend in air in wet and in dry seasons with the diagnostic ratios indicating similar source thus suggesting that the major source of PAHs in water is atmospheric deposition from the air. Also, HMW-PAHs dominated each profile with air and water in the study area act as secondary sources for LMW-PAHs in the wet season and water acts as a sink for HMW-PAHs in both the wet and dry seasons. The results of mutagenic equivalent (MEQ) of the study ranged between 5.01E-04 ppm (mg/l) and 1.82E-03mg/l (ppm) while that of toxic equivalent (TEQ) ranged between 1.88E-04ppm (mg/l) and 3.71E-03mg/l ppm. The highest contributions to the MEQ and TEQ and their respective potentials (MP and CP) which is the capacity to cause modiﬁcations in human’s DNA thus forming PAH-DNA adduct thereby resulting in mutations and cancer were made in the wet season by IcdP contributing 64% MP and 60 % CP and those of dry season were made by DahA contributing 61% MP and 90% CP. These dominant PAH compounds ie IcdP, DahA, BghiP, BbF, BaP, etc with diagnostic ratios indicated artisanal refineries and other minor contributory sources. Due to the effect of soot toxicants, individuals are to limit exposure while Governments need to take strict measures to reduce the activities of artisanal refineries.
A calpain inhibitor ALLN alleviates bleomycin-induced skin and lung fibrosis
Authors: Kasamatsu Hiroshi , Chino Takenao , Hasegawa Takumi , Utsunomiya Natsuko , Utsunomiya Akira , Yamada Masami , Oyama Noritaka , Hasegawa Minoru
Published: May 2023

Background Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease that is characterized by fibrosis in the skin and internal organs, such as the lungs. Activated differentiation of progenitor cells, which are mainly resident fibroblasts, into myofibroblasts is considered a key mechanism underlying the overproduction of extracellular matrix and the resultant tissue fibrosis in SSc. Calpains are members of the Ca2+-dependent cysteine protease family, whose enzymatic activities participate in signal transduction and tissue remodeling, potentially contributing to fibrosis in various organs. However, the roles of calpain in the pathogenesis of SSc remain unknown. This study aimed to examine the anti-fibrotic properties of a potent calpain inhibitor N-acetyl-Leu-Leu-norleucinal (ALLN) in vitro and in vivo, to optimally translate into the therapeutic utility in human SSc.Methods Normal human dermal and lung fibroblasts pretreated with ALLN were stimulated with recombinant transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), followed by assessment of TGF-β1/Smad signaling and fibrogenic molecules.Results ALLN treatment significantly inhibited TGF-β1-induced phosphorylation and nuclear transport of Smad2/3 in skin and lung fibroblasts. TGF-β1-dependent increases in α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), collagen type 1, fibronectin 1, and some mesenchymal transcription markers were attenuated by ALLN-induced mRNA and protein expression. Moreover, our findings suggest that ALLN inhibits TGF-β1-induced mesenchymal transition in human lung epithelial cells. Consistent with these in vitro findings, administering ALLN (3 mg/kg/day) three times a week intraperitoneally remarkably suppressed the development of skin and lung fibrosis in a bleomycin-induced SSc mouse model. The number of skin and lung infiltrating CD3+ T cells decreased in ALLN-treated mice compared with that in control-treated mice. Phosphorylation of Smad3 and/or an increase in αSMA-positive myofibroblasts was significantly inhibited by ALLN treatment on the skin and lungs. However, no adverse effects were observed.Conclusions Our results prove that calpains can be a novel therapeutic target for skin and lung fibrosis in SSc, considering its inhibitor ALLN.
Unaided visual assessment of ventral curvature during hypospadias repair is inferior to objective measurement using app goniometry.
Authors: Babu Ramesh , Prasad Arun , Chandrasekharam VVS
Published: May 2023

Objective: Failure to perform artificial erection or objectively assess ventral curvature (VC) during primary hypospadias repair is an important reason for residual/ recurrent chordee. The present study aimed to compare the accuracy of unaided visual inspection (UVI) with objective VC assessment using smartphone app goniometry.
Methods: All patients who underwent primary hypospadias repair between January 2021 and September 2022 were included. Assistant surgeons were asked to grade the degree of VC on UVI (after degloving and an artificial erection test) into: none, mild (<30o), severe(>30o). Lateral profile photograph was taken and angle measurement was performed on an android mobile application (Angulus). Correlation was performed with both methods of assessment.
Results: During this period a total of 210 patients were analyzed; VC was noted in 40/138 (29%) cases of distal and in 62/72 (86%) cases of proximal hypospadias. Erroneous visual inspection was noted in 41/210 (20%; 95% CI 14-25%) on UVI (15 erroneously marked none while 26 marked mild). Among those found to have chordee, UVI assessed 39/82 (47%) as severe while app goniometry assessed 65/97 (67%) as severe. There was significant relative risk of labelling severe chordee as a mild one by UVI: 1.4 (95%CI 1-1.8; p=0.01).
Conclusions: UVI was erroneous in 20% of cases. UVI was less accurate in differentiating severe chordee from mild one. In 60% patients UVI alone could have led to erroneous VC assessment and thus wrong selection of technique. Further studies are required to validate our findings and standardize VC measurement using an app goniometry
Zika Virus Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Among Women of Reproductive Age in Central Brooklyn, New York
Authors: Dowling Russell , Thompson Azure , Kolokotronis Sergios-Orestis
Published: May 2023

Zika virus (ZIKV) is spread by mosquitos, sexual intercourse and vertically during pregnancy. The 2015–2016 ZIKV epidemic infected millions in the Americas and resulted in thousands of infants born with malformations. Though the clusters of severe birth defects have subsided since 2017, ZIKV transmission remains a concern throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Travel-associated and sexually-transmitted Zika, therefore, remain potential routes of transmission for women of reproductive age and their partners. This is particularly true for communities with high immigrant and foreign-born populations in Central Brooklyn, New York. Limited information has been collected on the perception by this population of ZIKV and how high-risk women engage in preventive practices. Using a survey adapted from the WHO, we assessed engagement in mosquito-related preventive practices while traveling. Data from 483 respondents on knowledge and perceived ZIKV concern, along with demographics as correlates of engagement in preventive practices were collected using a convenience sample between September 2020 and January 2021. Data were collected via a multipronged approach using social media in REDCap. Our findings show that being white/not Hispanic, pregnant, knowledgeable and concerned about ZIKV, and having enough information about ZIKV were all significantly associated with an increased likelihood of engaging in preventive practices while traveling. Multivariable logistic modeling revealed that knowledge was significantly associated with an increased likelihood of engaging in preventive practices while traveling (AOR = 1.90, 1.28–2.83). These findings underscore the importance of directing tailored health education efforts to vulnerable populations.
Assessment of PSA responses and changes in the rate of tumor growth (g-rate) with immune checkpoint inhibitors in US Veterans with prostate cancer
Authors: Leuva Harshraj , Moran George , Jammaleddine Nader , Maseeha Mina , Zhou Mengxi , Im Yunju , Rosenberg Ta-Chueh , Luhrs Carol , Bates Susan , Park Yeun-Hee , Fojo Tito , Faiena Izak
Published: May 2023

Background:
The value of immune checkpoint inhibitors (PD1/PDL1 inhibitors; ICI) in treating prostate cancer (PC) is limited. We examined data from US Veterans with PC to assess disease response to ICIs as monotherapy or combined with abiraterone or enzalutamide. We compared results with reference datasets to assess ICI efficacy in the real-world.
Methods: We queried the VA corporate data warehouse (CDW) to identify Veterans with a diagnosis of PC who received ICI for any malignancy and had ≥1 PSA measurement while receiving ICI. To evaluate ICI monotherapy, we restricted analysis to Veterans who had not received LHRH agonists/antagonists, PC-directed medical therapy, or radiation/extirpative surgery of the bladder/prostate within and preceding the duration of ICI administration. For ICI combination analysis, we identified Veterans who received abiraterone or enzalutamide for PC while on ICI. We calculated rates of tumor (PSA) growth (g-rates), comparing them to a 1:2 matched reference cohort.
Results: We identified 787 Veterans with PC and ≥1 PSA measurement while receiving an ICI. The median duration of ICI therapy was 155 days. 223 Veterans received ICI monotherapy, with only 17(8%) having a reduction in PSA (median decline=43%). 12 (5%) had PSA declines >30% (PSA30) which included 6 (3%) who had PSA reductions greater than 50% (PSA50). Median g-rates for ICI plus abiraterone (n=20) or enzalutamide (n=31) were 0.000689/d-1 and 0.002819/d-1, respectively, and were statistically insignificant compared to g-rates of matched cohorts receiving abiraterone (g=0.000925/d-1, p=0.73) or enzalutamide (g=0.001929/d-1, p=0.58) alone.
Conclusion: Our data align with clinical trial data in PC, demonstrating limited benefit from ICI monotherapy and predicting no survival benefit from simultaneous administration of abiraterone or enzalutamide with an ICI using g-rate. We demonstrate the value of estimating g-rates and of our reference database in approaching challenging clinical questions and as aids in drug development.
Reevaluating the utility of kidney ultrasonography during initial evaluation of presumed idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in pediatric patients.
Authors: Chawla Jonathan , Angelo Joseph , Braun Michael
Published: May 2023

Background Current guidelines do not recommend kidney ultrasonography (KUS) during initial evaluation of nephrotic syndrome (NS) secondary to presumed minimal change disease (pMCD). However, KUS is still frequently obtained. This chart review assessed incidence and impact of abnormal sonographic findings in these patients.Methods Patients 1–18 years, newly diagnosed at our institution with NS from pMCD between 2011–2021 were identified. Hypertension, urinalysis, kidney function, and steroid responsiveness data were collected. Imaging findings were abstracted from radiology reports. Clinical impact of KUS was defined by actions taken in response to KUS.Results 173 patients identified with new NS; 98 met inclusion criteria. 54% had KUS during initial encounter. Demographic and laboratory data did not differ between those with and without KUS. KUS were abnormal in 45% of studies: increased kidney echogenicity (39.6%) and nephromegaly (35.8%) were the most common abnormal findings. Decreased corticomedullary differentiation, lobular kidney contour, solitary simple kidney cyst, and mild unilateral hydronephrosis were each noted on a single KUS. The latter two were deemed the only actionable findings. Steroid resistance was not associated with either nephromegaly or abnormal echogenicity.Conclusions Our data showed no clinically relevant ultrasound findings causing deviations from the standard of care for pMCD. There was no association between KUS findings and steroid resistance. These data suggest that there is little to no benefit from kidney ultrasound imaging in patients with pMCD upon initial presentation.
A Novel Method of Indian Penal Code Section Classification for Offence Incident Report
Authors: Srivas Ambrish , prajapat shaligram
Published: May 2023

Judiciary system a sector of world in which lot of text data (like First information report (FIR), investigation report, trail etc.) generated day to day. Some other document like rule book, legal article also has a lot of text information. Similarity of these documents helps us to take decision in some way. In India, Indian Penal Code is main legal judgment article for defining offence. Any information can be used well only when that information is presented properly and when it comes to computer program, it becomes very important to have the information in a specific structured format. The development of a corpus for the Indian Penal Code (IPC) document is necessary for text similarity between description or keywords of IPC section and offence report related to the judiciary system of India. IPC document is already available as unstructured text in hard and soft copy. This document is used manually by human for reference in judiciary related tasks, but for computerized work it is required in structured and specific format. In this paper, we provide an idea of development of corpus for IPC document and find novel method for classification of IPC Section by comparing different type of word embedding technique for text similarity of two documents and introduce leveled searching method for better result.
Microglial depletion does not impact alpha-synuclein aggregation or nigrostriatal degeneration in the rat preformed fibril model
Authors: Stoll Anna C. , Kemp Christopher J. , Patterson Joseph R. , Kubik Michael , Kuhn Nathan , Benskey Matthew , Duffy Megan F. , Luk Kelvin , Sortwell Caryl E.
Published: May 2023

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by the presence of proteinaceous alpha-synuclein (α-syn) inclusions (Lewy bodies), markers of neuroinflammation and the progressive loss of nigrostriatal dopamine (DA) neurons. These pathological features can be recapitulated in vivo using the α-syn preformed fibril (PFF) model of synucleinopathy. We have previously described the time course of microglial major-histocompatibility complex-II (MHC-II) expression and alterations in microglia morphology in the PFF model in rats. Specifically, the peaks of α-syn inclusion formation, MHC-II expression, and reactive morphology in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) all occur two months post PFF injection, months before neurodegeneration occurs. These results suggest that activated microglia may contribute to neurodegeneration and could represent a potential target for novel therapeutics. The goal of this study was to determine whether microglial depletion could impact the magnitude of α-syn aggregation, nigrostriatal degeneration, or related microglial activation during the α-syn PFF model.
Methods: Male Fischer 344 rats were injected intrastriatally with either α-syn PFFs or saline. Rats were continuously administered Pexidartinib (PLX3397B, 600mg/kg), a colony stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF1R) inhibitor, to deplete microglia for a period of either two or six months.
Results: PLX3397B administration resulted in significant depletion (45-53%) of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 immunoreactive (Iba-1ir) microglia within the SNpc. Microglial depletion did not impact accumulation of phosphorylated α-syn (pSyn) within SNpc neurons and did not alter pSyn associated microglial reactivity or expression of MHC-II. Further, microglial depletion did not impact SNpc neuron degeneration. Paradoxically, long term microglial depletion resulted in increased soma size of remaining microglia in both control and PFF rats, as well as expression of MHC-II in extranigral regions.
Conclusions: Collectively, our results suggest that microglial depletion is not a viable disease-modifying strategy for PD and that partial microglial depletion can induce a heightened proinflammatory state in remaining microglia.
Impact of Culture Sensitivity Reports on the Pattern of Antibiotics use and Cost of Therapy: A Prospective Observational study
Authors: Altaf Ummara , Akhtar Muhammad Furqan , Godman Brian , Saleem Zikria
Published: May 2023

Background: There are concerns with inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics in hospitals especially broad spectrum in Pakistan and the subsequent impact on antimicrobial resistance rates. One recognized way to reduce inappropriate prescribing is for empirical therapy to be adjusted according to the result of culture sensitivity reports.Objective: To find the impact of culture sensitivity reports on the use of antibiotics and cost in a leading tertiary care hospital in Lahore.Methods: This prospective observational study was carried out in Ghurki trust teaching hospital. A total of 465 positive culture patients were taken over an 8 month study period using convenient sampling techniques and immediately sent to the microbiology laboratory for pathogen identification and susceptibility testing using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Additional data was collected from the patient medical file which included demographic data, sample type, causative microbe, anti-microbial treatment given in empirical and definitive treatment as well as medicine costs. Results: Total of 497 isolates were detected from the 465 patient samples, which included 309 gram-negative rods and 188 gram-positive cocci. Out of 497 isolates, the most common Gram-positive pathogen isolated was MSSA (28.4%) and Gram-negative was E. coli (23.8%). Most of the gram-negative isolates were found to be resistant to ampicillin and co-amoxiclav. Most of the A. baumannii isolates were resistant to carbapenems. Gram-positive microorganism showed the maximum sensitivity to linezolid and vancomycin. The most widely used antibiotics in empirical therapy were cefoperazone+sulbactam, ceftriaxone, amikacin, vancomycin and metronidazole whereas high use of linezolid, clindamycin, meropenem and piperacillin + tazobactam was evidenced in definitive treatment. Empiric therapy was adjusted in 222 (71.8%) cases of Gram-negative infections and 131 (69.6%) cases of gram-positive infections (p-value <0.0001). Compared with empirical therapy, there was a 13.8% reduction in the number of antibiotics in definitive treatment. The average costs of antibiotics in definitive treatment was less than the empirical treatment (8.2%) and the length of hospitalization also decreased.Conclusion: Culture sensitivity reports helped reduce antibiotic utilization, hospital stay and costs as well as helping select the most appropriate treatment. We also found an urgent need for implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs and the development of hospital antibiotic guidelines within the hospital to reduce future unnecessary prescribing of broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Radiative capture cross sections for nuclear astrophysics in activation experiments
Authors:   , Reich Markus
Published: May 2023

In order to understand the origin of the elements in the universe, one must understand the nuclear reactions by which atomic nuclei are transformed. There are many different astrophysical environments that fulfill the conditions of different nucleosynthesis processes. Even though great progress has been made in recent decades in understanding the origin of the elements in the universe, some questions remain unanswered. In order to understand the processes, it is necessary to measure cross sections of the involved reactions and constrain theoretical model predictions. A variety of methods have been developed to measure nuclear reaction cross sections relevant for nuclear astrophysics. In this thesis, two different experiments and their results, both using the well-established activation method, are presented. A measurement of the proton capture cross section on the p-nuclide 96Ru was performed at the Institute of Structure and Nuclear Astrophysics ISNAP - Notre Dame, USA. The main goal of this experiment was to compare the results with those obtained by Mei et al. in a pioneering experiment using the method of inverse kinematics at the GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH - Darmstadt, Germany. Therefore, the activations were taken out at the same center of mass energies of 9 MeV, 10 MeV and 11 MeV. Another activation was taken out at an energy of 3.2 MeV to compare the result to a measurement of Bork et al. who also used the activation method. While the results at 3.2 MeV agree quite well with those of Bork et al., the results at higher energies show significantly smaller cross sections than those measured by Mei et al.. Experimental details, the data analysis and sources of uncertainties are discussed. The second part of this thesis describes a neutron capture cross section experiment. At the Institut für Kernphysik - Goethe Universtität Frankfurt an experimental setup allows to produce quasi maxwell-distributed neutron fields to measure maxwell-averaged cross sections (MACS) relevant for s-process nucleosynthesis. The setup was upgraded by a fast electric linear guide to transport samples from the activation to the detection site. The cyclic activation of the sample allows to increase the signal-to-noise ratio and to measure neutron captures that lead to nuclei with half-lives on the order of seconds. In a first campaign, MACS of the reactions 51V(n,γ), 107,109Ag(n,γ) and 103Rh(n,γ) were measured. The new components of the setup aswell as the data analysis framework are described and the results of the measurements are discussed.
ULTRASONOGRAPHIC MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF UTERUS IN NULLIPAROUS AND MULTIPAROUS FEMALES ATTENDING TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Authors: Gaharwar Anamika , Pandey Priyanka , Tewari Vineeta
Published: May 2023

Background: Uterus is considered as a major reproductive organ in women which is responsible for pregnancy and delivery of the foetus. The dimensions of the uterus can act as the markers for the reproductive health of the women. The dimension of the uterus deviates from the normal dimensions in the presence of any anomalies. Therefore, the uterine dimensions can help in predicting the reproductive health of the women and help in the treatment. Ultrasonography is an overexploited technique due to the key advantages it provides in diagnoses purposes. The uterine dimension can easily be measured by this technique. Aims and Objectives: To measures the uterine dimension using Ultrasonography of women lying in the age group of 15-45 years. Methods- Uterine dimensions of 200 nulliparous and parous women were measured in the study and comparison were made from the normal counterparts. Results: Women lying in 15-25 years of age were having the mean longitudinal length as 6.43Ã‚Â±0.24 cm, mean Anteroposterior diameter as 2.96Ã‚Â±0.33 cm and mean transverse diameter as 3.77Ã‚Â±0.45cm. In age group of 26-35 years, the mean longitudinal length was 7.72Ã‚Â±0.630, mean anteroposterior diameter was 3.59Ã‚Â±0.42 cm and mean transverse diameter was 4.42Ã‚Â±0.52 cm. In age group of 36-45 years the mean longitudinal length was 8.57Ã‚Â±0.55, mean anteroposterior diameter was 4.12Ã‚Â±0.45cm and mean transverse diameter was 4.93Ã‚Â±0.46cm. Conclusion: Our study showed a significant increase in uterine dimensions with Age and Parity. These values are of immense importance for predicting and later on diagnosing any uterine pathology affecting its dimensions.
EFFECT OF IMPLANT POSITION ON PROSTHESIS MOVEMENT OFMANDIBULAR TWO IMPLANT-SUPPORTED OVERDENTURE UNDERSIMULATING BITING FORCE - AN INVITRO STUDY
Authors:   Postgraduate, Department of Prosthodontics& Crown and Bridge & Implantology, Drs Sudha & Nageswarara Rao Sidhartha Institute of Dental Sciences, Gannavaram, Andhra Pradesh- 521286., Vyshnavi Kollu , Chandra Tripuraneni Sunil ,   Head & professor, Department of Prosthodontics& Crown and Bridge & Implantology, Drs Sudha & Nageswarara Rao Sidhartha Institute of Dental Sciences, Gannavaram, Andhra Pradesh- 521286., Kaleswara Rao Atluri ,   Professor, Department of Prosthodontics& Crown and Bridge & Implantology, Drs Sudha & Nageswarara Rao Sidhartha Institute of Dental Sciences, Gannavaram, Andhra Pradesh- 521286., Harsha Babu Vadapalli Sri ,   Associate Professor, Department of Prosthodontics& Crown and Bridge & Implantology, Drs Sudha & Nageswarara Rao Sidhartha Institute of Dental Sciences, Gannavaram, Andhra Pradesh- 521286., Ramoji Rao M.V. ,   Head & professor, Department of Periodontics & Implantology, Drs Sudha & Nageswarara Rao Sidhartha Institute of Dental Sciences, Gannavaram, Andhra Pradesh- 521286., Chowdary Pavuluri Tejosmita ,   Undergraduate, Drs Sudha & Nageswarara Rao Sidhartha Institute of Dental Sciences, Gannavaram, Andhra Pradesh- 521286.
Published: May 2023

Purpose: Purpose of this study to evaluate the effect of implant position on prosthesis movement of mandibular two implant-supported overdenture under simulating biting force. Materials and methodology: 30 experimental overdentures (N=30) were made for an edentulous mandibular test model, which included artificial mucosa. Based on implant position, 30 samples overdentures were divided into three groups (n=10) (i.e., A and E, B and D,in between B and D). For this study, the ball and O-ring attachment system was used. 100 N vertical loads were used on the left first molar region, 55N on the left canine, and 40N on the mid-anterior area. The loading points vertical displacement as well as the right distal edges horizontal and vertical displacements were measured.A 1-way analysis of variance test was used to statistically analyse the displacement values with the implant position as a factor, (p=.05) was used to statistically analyze the values of the vertical and horizontal displacement at the distal edge of the overdenture. Results:The mean horizontal displacement at right distal edge on incisor, canine and molar loading was highest in Group III with p value < 0.05. when compared in between groups with paired t tests there was no statistically significant difference on incisor loading between group II and Group III with p value >0.05. Mean vertical displacement at right distal edge on incisor loading was highest in group II and on canine and molar loading, it was highest in Group III. Conclusion:Change in implant position influences the displacement of implant supported overdenture.
CLINICO-PATHOLOGICAL PROFILE OF BENIGN ANO-RECTAL DISEASES: HAEMORRHOIDS, FISSURE IN ANO, FISTULAE AT HIND INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL SCIENCES, SAFEDABAD, BARABANKI, UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA
Authors:   Professor, Dept. of Gen. Surgery, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Safedabad, U.P, India., Bahadur Singh Rajendra , Kumar Goel Vijay ,   Professor & Head, Dept. of Gen. Surgery, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Safedabad, U.P, India., Pratap Singh Raghvendra ,   Assistant Professor, Dept. of Gen. Surgery, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Safedabad, U.P, India., Luthra Sonia ,   Professor, Dept. of Obs& Gynae, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Safedabad, U.P., India., Ahmad Arshad ,   Professor, Dept. of Gen. Surgery, King Georges Medical University, Lucknow, U.P., India., Singh Kushal ,   Assistant Professor, Dept. Radio-diagnosis, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Safedabad, U.P, India., Dubey Sunil ,   Junior Resident, Dept. of Gen. Surgery, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Safedabad, U.P, India.
Published: May 2023

Background: Benign anorectal diseases are frequently encountered conditions presenting to a surgical facility. However, there are limited studies on its epidemiology and clinical profile, especially from countries like India. In the present study, we made an attempt to study the clinical spectrum of different benign anorectal diseases among patients presenting to our facility. Aim and Objective: To study aetiopathogenesis and clinical presentation of Benign Ano-Rectal Diseases â€“ i.e., Hemorrhoids, Fissures and Fistulae. Methods: It is an analytical study conducted between January 2021 to June 2022 at Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Safedabad, Barabamki, Uttar Pradesh, India, where clinical records of all the patients presenting to surgical outpatient department or indoor patients wards with any ano-rectal condition were retrieved and a list of those presenting with benign ano-rectal conditions was made. Spectrum of benign ano-rectal conditions, their age and sex profile were noted. Results: Majority of patients with benign anorectal conditions were males. The age group of 30â€“40 years was most commonly affected by anorectal diseases.Pain and constipation were most common presenting complaint followed by bleeding and pus discharge. Among different benign ano-rectal conditions, fissure in anowas the most common.
PLEURISY IN CHILDREN : EXPERIENCE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS
Authors:   Department of Pediatrics, Childrens University Hospital, Marrakech, Morocco., Abidi Kaoutar , Aballa Najoua ,   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Childrens University Hospital, Marrakech, Morocco., El Fakiri Karima ,   Department of Pediatrics, Childrens University Hospital, Marrakech, Morocco., Rada Noureddine ,   Department of Pediatrics, Childrens University Hospital, Marrakech, Morocco., Draiss Ghizlan ,   Department of Pediatrics, Childrens University Hospital, Marrakech, Morocco., El Ouafi El Aouni Kamili ,   Department of Pediatric Surgery, Childrens University Hospital, Marrakech, Morocco., Bouskraoui Mohamed ,   Department of Pediatrics, Childrens University Hospital, Marrakech, Morocco.
Published: May 2023

Purpose: Our study aims to investigate the epidemiological, clinical, biological, therapeutic and evolutionary profile of pleurisy in children. Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 245 cases of pleurisy who were seen from 2008 to 2023 in the pediatric department of the university hospital center of Marrakesh. Results: Pleurisy represent 1.4% of hospitalized cases. Boys were the most affected. The average age was 7.8 years. 75.5% of the patients we treated were vaccinated, and the history of tuberculosis infection was present in 18.36% of patients. Functional signs were represented by fever in 88.5% (217 cases), dry cough in 50.2% (123 cases) and productive cough in 22.8% (56 cases), dyspnea in 66.5% (163 cases) and chest pain in 66.12% (162 cases). A chest X-ray was performed in all patients showing pleurisy of high abundance in 30.6% (78 cases), medium abundance in 46.1% (113 cases) and low abundance in 22% (54 cases). Pleurisy was associated with a pulmonary focus in 37 cases (15.1%). A chest ultrasound was performed in 193 cases (78.77%) with the aim of identifying and eliminating a hydatid cyst before puncturing. Pleural puncture was performed in 177 patients. The etiologies were dominated by purulent pleurisy representing 66.5%, tuberculous causes 29.8% and 3.7% were of malignant origin. The treatment has two components: an etiological component and a symptomatic component. The evolution of pleurisy is generally good. Conclusion : Pleurisy is a pathology that is common in our environment of poor functional prognosis, necessitating early treatment.
INNOVATIVE MODEL TO AUGMENT SMALL DATASETS FOR CLASSIFICATION
Authors:   Delhi University, Department of Electronics, Sri Aurobindo College, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, 110017., Bhalla Vandna
Published: May 2023

A vast number of applications do not have ample training data and consequently the accuracies suffer. There is a need to develop a technique to optimally and intelligently augment such datasets and design an automated classifier which gives good performance despite the smallness of dataset size. Meticulously stored data will ease retrieval. Artificial Immune System (AIS) is one amongst many computational algorithms in literature that are inspired by the dynamic learning mechanism of the human system. AIS based classification algorithm was proposed initially as one of the machine learning techniques which is suited for supervised learning problems. There are various applications areas of this powerful algorithm. We present a novel technique inspired by clonal selection to augment small datasets and classification.
IMPACT OF AYUSHMAN BHARAT PRADHAN MANTRI JAN AROGYAYOJANA (AB-PMJAY) SEHAT SCHEME ON CARDIAC HEALTH CARE DELIVERY IN KASHMIR VALLEY- A SINGLE CENTRE STUDY
Authors:   Lecturer, Department of Cardiology, GMC Srinagar., Bashir Hamed , Zahoor Fouzia ,   Research Scholar, Department of Psychology, University of Kashmir., Rashid Beig Jahangir ,   Lecturer, Department of Cardiology, GMC Srinagar.
Published: May 2023

For proper use of health care services and to guarantee better health results, Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana (AB-PMJAY) SEHAT scheme, one of the biggest healthcare schemes sponsored by the Government of India, was launched by Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.Aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana (AB-PMJAY) SEHAT scheme insurance on cardiac health care delivery in Kashmir valley. The current study was a retrospective observational study. One year data of all cardiac interventional procedure done for one financial year, before and after launch of (AB-PMJAY) SEHAT scheme was collected and analyzed.In our study we found that there was significant increase in number of all interventional cardiac procedures performed after the launch of (AB-PMJAY) SEHAT scheme. There was an increase in both elective and emergency procedures. More interventional devices, including CRT-P, CRT-D, AICD, were implanted after the launch of (AB-PMJAY) SEHAT scheme.
ACUTE SURGICAL ABDOMEN: UNEXPECTED MEDICAL CAUSE
Authors:   Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Military Hospital Oued Eddahab, Faculty of Medecine and Pharmacy, University Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco., Bouhabba Najib , Meziane Imane ,   Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Military Hospital Oued Eddahab, Faculty of Medecine and Pharmacy, University Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco., Tarchouli Mohammed ,   Department of General Surgery, Military Hospital Oued Eddahab, Faculty of Medecine and Pharmacy, University Ibn Zohr,Agadir, Morocco., Driss El Jaouhari Sidi ,   Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Military Hospital Oued Eddahab, Faculty of Medecine and Pharmacy, University Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco., Filali Karim ,   Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Military Hospital Oued Eddahab, Faculty of Medecine and Pharmacy, University Ibn Zohr, Agadir, Morocco.
Published: May 2023

Acute surgical abdomen is a diagnostic and therapeutic emergency, manifested by a generalized contracture of the abdominal muscles following a peritoneal irritation. In the majority of cases, acute peritonitis is the most common etiology requiring urgent surgical intervention. Nevertheless, some medical pathologies, notably acute adrenal deficiency and inflammatory colitis, can mimic this surgical situation, leading to an aberrant surgical intervention. Through a clinical case, we report the diagnostic and therapeutic modalities of a multifocal tuberculosis initially admitted for an acute surgical abdomen.
LAPAROSCOPIC TRANSPERITONEAL PYELOPLASTY FORURETEROPELVIC JUNCTION OBSTRUCTION IN PAEDIATRICPOPULATIONGROUP
Authors: Ahmad Adil , Saleem Khanday Zaffer , Mahmood Ahmed Mufti , Javaid Qadri Syed , Ahmad Chalkoo Manzoor , Iqbal Arshad
Published: May 2023

Background: The ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) is one of the most prevalent genitourinaryabnormalities in children. PUJO is considered as the most common cause of congenital hydronephrosis.Pyeloplasty is the main treatment method for patients with UPJO [5]. An ideal treatment should have thehighest success rate and be minimally invasive. There are many techniques for PUJO repair, but theDismembered AndersonHynes pyeloplasty remains thegoldstandardfor surgicalreconstruction[8].LaparoscopicAnderson-Hynes pyeloplasty has becomethegoldstandardinmanypediatriccenters Objectives: To assess the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic transperitoneal pyeloplasty in children withPUJ obstruction. Methods: The study included 30 consecutive cases of congenital unilateral PUJO with SRF <40% managedduring the 24-month period from November 2020 to November 2022. All the patients were properlyevaluated before proceeding for procedure. Results: In our study the mean age of patients was 6.4 years. Most of the children affected were males(76.7%) andinvolvement of left pelvi-ureteric junction. The commonest cause of pelvi-ureteric junctionobstruction was an abnormal proximal segment (53.3%) followed by crossing vessel (20%).Thepre-opAPPD on ultrasonography was in range from 21mm to 50mm, with a mean pre op APPD of 36.26mm.Most of the patients (83%) had a pre-operative differential renal function in the range of 31-40%(34.8%).Mean operative time was 99.06mins. Mean post op APPD was 27.38mmand DRF was 40.72%. 96% ofthe patients had an indwelling catheter in situ for a period of less than one week. Out of total 30 patientsanastomoticdrainwaskeptfor6daysin28patients(93.34%).Meanhospitalstayindays was7.53days. Conclusion:Laparoscopictransperitonealpyeloplastyisasafeandeffective,minimallyinvasiveprocedure in pediatric patients, characterized by good surgical efficiency, reduced complications, fasterrecoveryand satisfactory followup results.