bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Women's Empowerment Through Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies
Authors: Arora Manpreet , Singh Swati
Published: March 2024

The concept of women entrepreneurship has the ability to transform the whole society, it gains more relevance in emerging economies. Through women's entrepreneurship, not only the economic freedom of women can be ensured but it also fosters creativity innovation, and productivity in emerging nations. One of the best ways to make women empower along with education is “women entrepreneurship.” In the process of women entrepreneurship, women not only earn self-respect, but they also understand the peculiarities of economic and social dimensions of life. The abilities of women are many-fold, which can be harnessed easily by adopting the path of women entrepreneurship. The tool of women entrepreneurship can act as a facilitator, motivator as well as moderator of fostering women empowerment. If access to finance through microfinance and other interventions, is provided to women they become empowered in many aspects. This chapter highlights the role of women entrepreneurship for women empowerment in emerging economies. This piece of research highlights various policy implications also in order to nurture women entrepreneurship.
A Brief Overview on Intelligent Computing-Based Biological Data and Image Analysis
Authors: Roy Mousomi
Published: March 2024

Biological data analysis is one of the most important and challenging tasks in today's world. Automated analysis of these data is necessary for quick and accurate diagnosis. Intelligent computing-based solutions are highly required to reduce the human intervention as well as time. Artificial intelligence-based methods are frequently used to analyze and mine information from biological data. There are several machine learning-based tools available, using which powerful and intelligent automated systems can be developed. In general, the amount and volume of this kind of data is quite huge and demands sophisticated tools that can efficiently handle this data and produce results within reasonable time by extracting useful information from big data. In this chapter, the authors have made a comprehensive study about different computer-aided automated methods and tools to analyze the different types of biological data. Moreover, this chapter gives an insight about various types of biological data and their real-life applications.
Bioinformatics Resources for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Dixit Rekha , Kapoor Neelesh , Singh Naresh Pratap , Kumar Amit
Published: March 2024

Plant breeding and genetic engineering have made significant contributions in improving crops and thus addressing the problem of food security over the last few decades. However, due to continuously growing population, increasing urbanization, environmental pollution, land degradation, and global climate change, food security is still a major concern worldwide. More attention needs to be paid to sustainable crop production for ensuring enough food for current and future generations. Emergences of genomic technologies holds promise for improving crop productivity and provide solutions to the food shortage. Recent advances in high throughput technologies have led to generation of a tremendous amount of genomics data from plants that can be put to a variety of uses. Computational tools are essential to analyze this complex data generated from sequencing of genomes, determine complete set of genes, analyze transcripts and proteins encoded by an organism, and understand their interactions that bring out changes in phenotypes.
Data Access Control in the Cloud Computing Environment for Bioinformatics
Authors: Namasudra Suyel
Published: March 2024

Bioinformatics is a branch of science that applies computational science in the biological world. In bioinformatics, large sizes of biological data (genome) are processed in the cloud computing platform. Due to the advantages of cloud computing, such as reduced cost scalability, high performance, unlimited storage and many more, the applications of cloud computing in bioinformatics are increasing exponentially. However, cloud computing has some disadvantages like security, privacy, transferability, etc. Among all these problems, access control is a critical issue in the cloud computing environment. The main objective of this paper is to present many access control models along with their advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, some of the popular cloud-based bioinformatics applications are also introduced for the benefit of researchers.
Drug Optimization for Cystic Fibrosis Patients Based on Disease Pathways Crosstalk
Authors: Lin Shuting , Wang Yifei
Published: March 2024

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common autosomal recessive disease characterized by pancreatic insufficiency and progressive deterioration of lung function. It has been shown that CF is caused by the presence of mutations in both alleles at the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene. The severity of CF disease reflects the change of molecular mechanism, including DNA mutations on CFTR gene and polymorphic variations in disease modifier genes. Better understanding the differences among different CF severity group is helpful for improving therapeutic plans for patients. In this paper, the authors present a computational network biology approach to screen precision drugs for CF patients, which is based on the intensity of drugs impact on the pathway crosstalk mediated by differential methylation genes. The results indicate that ivacaftor, tezacaftor, and lumacaftor are applicable to all severity cohorts, gefitinib, sorafenib, sunitinib, and imatinib mesylate have the potential to treat intermediary CF patients, and tamoxifen may be useful to mild and sever CF patients.
Genome Editing and CRISPR/Cas System of Extremophiles and Its Applications
Authors: Panicker Suneeta Gireesh
Published: March 2024

Extremophiles will be the choice of next generation industrial biotechnology (NGIB) as they are known to be contaminant resistant, but engineering their genomes has always been difficult and time consuming task. CRIPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat and CRISPR associated proteins) system can be employed for this reason. The genome of an industrially important halophile (i.e., Halomonas) was edited to study a combined effect of four different genes on glucose breakdown and production of poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate). This editing has resulted in 16-fold increase of 3HV, and the mutants generated by CRIPR/Cas system were significantly effective in synthesizing PHBV. Unfortunately, this system does not always work, specifically in extremophilic microorganisms because Cas9 or Cpf1 are from mesophilic bacteria. Therefore, alternatively, the endogenous CRISPR/Cas system is used for editing the genomes of such organisms. This genome editing of extremophiles will open the doors for developing next generation industrial biotechnology (NGIB).
Machine Learning Applications for Classification Emergency and Non-Emergency Patients
Authors: Çil Zeynel Abidin , Caliskan Abdullah
Published: March 2024

Emergency departments of hospitals are busy. In recent years, patient arrivals have significantly risen at emergency departments in Turkey like other countries in the world. The main important features of emergency services are uninterrupted service, providing services in a short time, and priority to emergency patients. However, patients who do not need immediate treatment can sometimes apply to this department due to several reasons like working time and short waiting time. This situation can reduce efficiency and effectiveness at emergency departments. On the other hand, computers solve complex classification problems by using machine learning methods. The methods have a wide range of applications, such as computational biology and computer vision. Therefore, classification of emergency and non-emergency patients is vital to increase productivity of the department. This chapter tries to find the best classifier for detection of emergency patients by utilizing a data set.
Nutrigenomics and Green Technologies
Authors: Gupta Shalani , Rani Varsha
Published: March 2024

Green technologies can operate in diversified areas, and at the same time, these technologies contribute to produce more healthy and nutritious food. Biotechnology, the greenest tool of green technology, has the potential to increase the agricultural production, as well as to genetically modify food or its nutritional components to support health and to reduce the risk of diet-related diseases. Recent advances in molecular biology coupled with the wealth of information from ‘omics technologies' have fostered the emergence of a multidisciplinary field of science ‘Nuturigenomics' that tends to unfold the role of nutrition on gene expression. Amalgamation of both green technologies and nutrigenomics will help to solve problems arising due to negative effects of food, nutrition, and environment. The chapter provides an overview of green technology and its impact on nutrition and health through the study of nutrigenomics.
Prospects of Machine Learning With Blockchain in Healthcare and Agriculture
Authors: Singh Pushpa , Singh Narendra , Deka Ganesh Chandra
Published: March 2024

Presently, machine learning (ML) techniques have gained considerable attention, with growing interest in various areas and applications. Healthcare, agriculture, and bioinformatics are the most identified areas to study with the help of ML. This chapter introduces about the basic principle of ML such as data, model, basic mathematical details of ML, and types of learning. The important aspect of ML is “how to teach a machine.” This chapter focuses on the types of learning: supervised, unsupervised, semi-supervised, and reinforcement learning. Some commonly used ML algorithms such as decision tree (DT), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), naïve Bayes, k-mean, q-learning, etc. are briefly discussed for understanding. Finally, the author offers the application of ML with blockchain that is reforming the traditional healthcare and agricultural sector to a more reliable means.
Protein-Protein Interactions (PPI) via Deep Neural Network (DNN)
Authors: Gao Zizhe , Lin Hao
Published: March 2024

Entering the 21st century, computer science and biological research have entered a stage of rapid development. With the rapid inflow of capital into the field of significant health research, a large number of scholars and investors have begun to focus on the impact of neural network science on biometrics, especially the study of biological interactions. With the rapid development of computer technology, scientists improve or perfect traditional experimental methods. This chapter aims to prove the reliability of the methodology and computing algorithms developed by Satyajit Mahapatra and Ivek Raj Gupta's project team. In this chapter, three datasets take the responsibility to testify the computing algorithms, and they are S. cerevisiae, H. pylori, and Human-B. Anthracis. Among these three sets of data, the S. cerevisiae is the core subset. The result shows 87%, 87.5%, and 89% accuracy and 87%, 86%, and 87% precision for these three data sets, respectively.
Role of Data Mining Techniques in Bioinformatics
Authors: Singh Pushpa , Singh Narendra
Published: March 2024

Data mining offers a highly effective technique that is useful in research and development of bioinformatics. Bioinformatics consists biological information such as DNA, RNA, and protein. Data mining tasks/techniques are classification, prediction, clustering, association, outlier detection, regression, and pattern tracking. Data mining provides important correlation, hidden patterns, and knowledge from the bioinformatics data set. This paper presents the role of data mining techniques in bioinformatics application. Classification of gene and protein structure, analyzing the gene expression, association of co-disease, outlier detection and gene selection, protein structure prediction, and drug discovery are some typical biological example that has proven data mining as a suitable technique for bioinformatics.
Integrated Design of Building Environment Based on Image Segmentation and Retrieval Technology
Authors: Li Zhou , Aljuaid Hanan
Published: March 2024

Existing models still exhibit a deficiency in capturing more detailed contextual information when processing architectural images. This paper introduces a model for architectural image segmentation and retrieval based on an image segmentation network. Primarily, spatial attention is incorporated into the U-Net segmentation network to enhance the extraction of image features. Subsequently, a dual-path attention mechanism is integrated into the U-Net backbone network, facilitating the seamless integration of information across different spaces and scales. Experimental results showcase the superior performance of the proposed model on the test set, with average dice coefficient, accuracy, and recall reaching 94.67%, 95.61%, and 97.88%, respectively, outperforming comparative models. The proposed model can enhance the U-Net network's capability to identify targets within feature maps. The amalgamation of image segmentation networks and attention mechanisms in artificial intelligence technology enables precise segmentation and retrieval of architectural images.
Mathematical Model of Unsteady MHD Couette Flow of Maxwell Viscoelastic Material and Heat Transfer with Ramped Wall Temperature
Authors: Mundell-Thomas Karema , Job Victor M.
Published: March 2024

The time-dependent magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Couette flow of Maxwell material in a rotating system with ramped wall temperature has been examined under Ohmic (Joule) heating. The Continuity equation, Cauchy’s equation of motion, the constitutive equation for the Maxwell model, and the energy equation with Ohmic heating with relevant initial and boundary conditions are all considered in obtaining a mathematical model for the investigation. The finite element technique is applied to numerically solve the non-dimensionalized governing equations using the mathematical software MATLAB. The values of Weissenberg number, Hartmann number, Eckert number, and angular velocity of the rotating system are varied, and their effects on the fluid temperature and velocity are shown graphically and discussed.
Microstructural Characteristics, Hardness and Tribological Behavior of Additive Manufactured CM247LC Nickel Super Alloy
Authors: Palanisamy Chandramohan , Raman Raghu , Olubambi Peter Apata
Published: March 2024

Nickel superalloys are being used in applications subjected due to its excellent creep and oxidation behavior. The CM247LC nickel based super alloy is considered due to its exceptional combination of high-temperature strength, creep resistance, oxidation/corrosion resistance, and mechanical properties suitable for applications, particularly in the aerospace industry. Though, unfavorable tribological behavior is primary challenge in gas turbine applications. Nickel-based superalloy CM-247LC was manufactured through laser powder bed fusion process under two different conditions. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) was carried out to study phases present in as built CM247LC alloy. Microhardness and tribological characteristics were investigated on the as built alloy. XRD spectrum was predominantly observed with γ and γ′ peaks. Presence of γ′ and MC carbides offered strengthening to the as built CM247LC alloy which enhanced the hardness and tribological properties. The wear rate of samples gets increased with increase in load applied during the wear test. Worn out surfaces were examined and it is observed that the predominant type of wear mechanisms as adhesion and abrasion.
Development and Implementation of an Artificial Neural Network for the Simulation of Flood Phenomena in a Natural Area
Authors: Keramaris Evangelos , Petikas Ioannis
Published: March 2024

In this study an Artificial Neural Network for the simulation of flood phenomena in a natural area was developed. Then this network was implemented in the urban area of a Greek city (Amyntaio, Florina). The neural networks have many advantages: non-linearity, adaptability, input-output mapping, indicative response, damage resistance, possibility of implementation with VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) technology, content related information and analysis and design uniformity. With neural networks, mathematical simulation of the considered phenomenon is not attempted, but the extraction of quantitative conclusions for specific data, based on similar cases. With the development and implementation of this network all the points that are in risk for flood are identified. The results showed that the help of an Artificial Neural Network in these cases is crucial for the future decisions in cases of flood phenomena.
Adverse Drug Reactions in the Bipolar Disorder Patients Treated With Mood Stabilizers
Authors: Jankar Bhausaheb Baliram , Gosavi Devesh , Mishra Kshirod Kumar , Sathe Harshal Shriram
Published: March 2024

Background:

Bipolar disorder is a chronic illness requiring long-term use of mood stabilizers such as lithium and sodium valproate. The adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of these medicines can severely affect the quality of life of the patients. A comparative study of ADR profile of lithium and valproate in terms of prevalence, severity, and causality has not been done in the rural population of India.

Methodology:

A cross-sectional, observational study was done in the psychiatry outpatient department of a tertiary health care center. The bipolar disorder patients on lithium carbonate or divalproate monotherapy were chosen for documentation of ADRs after informed consent. The Naranjo causality algorithm and Modified Hartwig and Siegel scale for severity assessment were applied to all participants. The data obtained were statistically analyzed using Epi Info open-source software.

Results:

The study participants having mean age of 33.83 ± 12.02 years comprised nearly equal number of males and females. Tremors (19.4%), polyuria (11.5%), and polydipsia (11.2%) were the most common ADRs due to lithium, whereas nausea (12.6%), anorexia (10.6%), and sedation (9.1%) were more commonly seen in patients on valproate. Most of the ADRs had a mild severity and were categorized as possible in the Naranjo causality algorithm.

Conclusion:

Although ADRs are common in bipolar disorder patients treated with lithium or valproate, they are often mild and well tolerated by the patients.
Exploring the Burden and Outcome of Acute Pancreatitis: An Experience from a Tertiary Referral Center
Authors: Vaidya Arun , Patra Partha Sarathi
Published: March 2024

Background and Aims:

Changing trends are observed in acute pancreatitis (AP); hence, this study was conducted to determine various etiologies, severity, complications, and outcome of AP.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective study was conducted on admitted 122 AP patients.

Results:

The male:female ratio was 1.77. The mean age was 34.11 ± 15.45 years. Various etiologies were alcohol seen in 26.2%, gallstones in 22.1%, postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in 15.6%, pancreatic divisum in 4.9%, hypercalcemia in 0.8%, hypertriglyceridemia in 0.8%, viral in 0.8%, worm in 0.8%, and idiopathic in 32.8% of patients. Mild, moderately severe, and severe AP were seen in 46.7%, 36.1%, and 17.2% cases, respectively. Among local complications, peripancreatic collections were seen in 25.4%, pseudocyst or walled-off necrosis in 23.8%, ascites in 26.2%, pleural effusion in 23%, biliary obstruction in 4.9%, vascular thrombosis in 3.3%, intestinal obstruction in 3.3%, upper gastrointestinal bleed in 2.5%, and gastric outlet obstruction in 1.6% of patients. Total 27 patients had organ failure, out of which 6 had transient. Respiratory failure was the most common, followed by renal failure and circulatory failure. Percutaneous drainage was performed in 11 and endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage in 3 patients. Mortality rate was 6.6%.

Conclusions:

Common etiologies of AP were idiopathic, alcohol, biliary, and post-ERCP. Mortality was 6.6% attributed to respiratory failure in severe AP.
Morphometry and Significance of Collodiaphyseal Angle among Bini Tribe in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Omotoso Dayo Rotimi , Okwuonu Uche Christiana , Yawson Emmanuel Olusola , Awoniran Paul Olugbemiga
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

The collodiaphyseal angle (CDA) is an angle formed between the femoral neck and femoral shaft axes. It is a vital determinant of femoral neck fracture as narrower angle is often used as a predictor of stress fracture. It is also important in orthopedic treatment planning, especially hip replacement surgery.

Aim:

This study was carried out to evaluate the CDA values among the Bini tribe and elucidate its significance.

Methodology:

This study employed 200 anterior-posterior pelvic radiographs of the Bini tribe (100 males and 100 females) aged between 25 and 55 years obtained from selected radiological diagnostic centers in Benin City, Nigeria, after obtaining the Institutional Ethical Approval. They were used to evaluate the right and left CDA as an angle formed by intersection of the femoral neck and shaft axes and measured using the goniometer. Data were statistically analyzed using IBM-SPSS (version 20) with the mean, standard deviation, and range evaluated, and side and gender comparisons were done using t-test, and P < 0.05 was set as statistically significant level.

Results:

The average CDA was 135.56° ± 5.75° and 131.67° ± 6.15° in males and females, respectively. This angle showed significant gender differences bilaterally (P < 0.05). However, the bilateral differences in the CDA were not statistically significant among either male or female Binis (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

The CDA can be employed as a morphometric indicator of sexual differences and for other clinical applications.
Effects of Coronavirus Disease 2019 on Prevalence of Acute Respiratory Viruses: Changes during the Pandemic
Authors: Lee Yonghee , Jang Tae Su , Kim Jae Kyung
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may have influenced the prevalence and seasonality of acute respiratory viral infections. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of all viruses causing acute viral respiratory infections before and after social distancing measures were lifted

Methods:

Cross-sectional study where outpatients and inpatients at Kyunghee University Hospital were examined. From January 2021 to December 2022, respiratory samples were analyzed using multiplex reverse transcriptase real-time polymerase chain reaction

Results:

Of 3953 samples obtained, 412 (10.42%) were positive for acute respiratory viral infection, and 502 viruses were detected. The number of viral infections increased from 184 in 2021 to 318 in 2022. Human metapneumovirus was detected from August to November 2022. Human bocavirus (HBoV) was frequently detected from April to June 2021; however, in 2022, HBoV was frequently detected from July to October. Human parainfluenza virus 3 was rarely detected after its initial frequent detection from October to December 2021 but was continuously observed after frequent detection in September 2022. Co-infection occurred in 78 (18.9%) cases. The most common combination of simultaneous infections was human rhinovirus–HBoV (n = 30, 38.5%)

Conclusions:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the incidence of acute respiratory viral infection decreased significantly but increased in 2022 when measures were lifted. The prevalence and seasonality of respiratory viral infections have changed since the pandemic. Our findings contribute to the prediction of an effective response to changes in the prevalence of respiratory viruses.
Epidemiological and Financial Aspects of Hospitalizations for Bacterial Meningitis in Brazil
Authors: Oliva Isabela Oliveira , Xavier Ana Clara Santos , Chaves Hiara Francielly Carvalho , Moreira Luis Fernando Vasconcelos , Oliveira Marcos Vinicius Macedo de , Oliva Henrique Nunes Pereira
Published: March 2024

Introduction:

Understanding the epidemiology and cost implications of acute bacterial meningitis is crucial for effective health planning, timely treatment implementation, and comprehensive patient support measures, as well as for determining appropriate hospital expenses. Therefore, we conducted an analysis of hospitalization cases for bacterial meningitis in Brazil from January 2008 to December 2019

Methods:

This is a descriptive ecological study that utilized the Hospital Information System of Brazil’s National Unified Health System (SIH/SUS) database. The variables included sex, region, age group, hospitalizations, deaths, lethality rate, and hospital service expenses. The data were tabulated to focus specifically on the epidemiological aspect of bacterial meningitis

Results:

During the study period, there were 20,207 hospitalizations for bacterial meningitis in Brazil. Men accounted for a higher number of cases, with 11,690 (57.67%), while women had a higher lethality rate of 10.64%. The Southeast region had the highest percentage of both hospitalizations (45.78%) and deaths (46.42%). Bacterial meningitis remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality, particularly in children under 5 years of age. Notably, the elderly and the Northeast region showed higher rates of lethality. The total expenditure on hospital services exceeded 43 million in Brazilian real, with the highest expenditure observed in 2019 and the lowest in 2011

Conclusion:

A higher prevalence of the disease was observed in males, in children under 1-year-old and in the southeast region. Hospital expenditures were found to be substantial and increasing over time, underscoring the significance of early diagnosis and the promotion of vaccination campaigns.
Sternoclavicular Tuberculosis: An Unusual Presentation
Authors: Chandanwale Shirish Sahebrao , Raj Akshi , Singh Madhuri , Kundlia Aakriti
Published: March 2024

Extra pulmonary tuberculosis is on the rise worldwide, and younger patients, are females. And people from Asia and Africa are at high risk. Sternoclavicular TB is extremely rare, even in countries that have a high prevalence of TB. It can be in the absence of pulmonary TB. It has a varied clinical presentation. Painless chest wall swelling can be the presenting symptom of sternoclavicular diagnosis. Ultrasonography and high-resolution computed tomography can identify the nature of the lesion and the extent of bone involvement. Aspiration from the swelling or histopathology examination is mandatory for diagnosis. Caseous necrosis is diagnostic of TB. Detection of acid-fast bacilli in smears or tissue or molecular methods is required for definitive diagnosis. A high degree of clinical suspicion is required for early diagnosis. The treatment of thoracic TB is the subject of controversy. Anti-tubercular drugs are the mainstay of treatment. Surgical intervention is basically for flattening cold abscesses and removing infected tissue, including affected bones and cartilage.
A Curious Case of Black Limb in Tuberculosis
Authors: Balasundaran Pournami , Manoharan Heyma Krishna , Bhargava Jitendra Kishore , Arya Veerendra , Natarajan Gowtham
Published: March 2024

With a global burden of 10 million new cases per year, tuberculosis (TB) is a major health problem in developing countries like India, with an incidence of 2.69 million. With its varied presentations and huge infected numbers, TB continues to remain a dilemma to physicians. The incidence of peripheral gangrene in TB has been rarely reported. Presentation is mostly in the form of symmetrical peripheral gangrene related to sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Here, we present a case of 26-year-old male who presented as tubercular pyopneumothorax with peripheral gangrene involving a single limb.
Topical povidone-iodine ointment resulting in irritant contact dermatitis of the pinna in a 12-year-old boy
Authors: Swain Santosh Kumar , Dubey Debasmita
Published: March 2024

Povidone-iodine is widely used as an antiseptic and disinfectant. It is available in different forms such as aqueous solution, ointment, tincture, or foam. Povidone-iodine is the most commonly used antiseptic scrubbing solution before performing surgeries. The shortcomings of iodine preparation although rare, irritation to the skin is usually due to oxidative effects of topical iodine preparations such as irritant effects and short-lasting actions are not well known. Nevertheless, allergic contact dermatitis caused by povidone-iodine has not been widely documented in medical literature. In this instance, we present a case of an individual allergic to povidone-iodine who experienced a severe form of contact dermatitis on the pinna and surrounding area subsequent to its local application.
Retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma in adult female
Authors: Singh Guddi Rani , Singh Ayushi , Kumari Mamta , Sinha Neetu
Published: March 2024

One percent of all lymphangiomas are retroperitoneal lymphangiomas, which are uncommon benign cystic lymphatic tumors. Lymphangioma mainly occurs in the age group of <2 years. This report describes retroperitoneal cystic lymphangioma in a 29-year-old female. She had a complaint of abdominal pain in the right lower region. The provisional diagnosis based on computed tomography scan was retroperitoneal mass. By en bloc, resection cyst was completely removed.
Ecopharmacovigilance: A new direction toward “One Health”
Authors: Dikshit Harihar
Published: March 2024

The “One Health concept” recognizes the interdependence and firmly relationship between human health, that of domestic and wild animals, plants, and the environment as a whole, including ecosystems. Pharmaceutical pollution affects the environment either directly or indirectly, posing a risk to human health and welfare. A tool that aids in the identification, assessment, comprehension, and mitigation of pharmaceutical adverse effects in the environment is referred to as ecopharmacovigilance (EPV). This can aid in the containment of pharmaceutical pollution. This narrative review explores the consequences of prolonged exposure to pharmaceutical pollutants on animals and plants, emphasizing potential impacts on human health; sources and ways of environmental contamination; methods of EPV and its prospective role in achieving the overarching goals of “One Health”.
Role of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in evaluation of bone marrow edema of the knee
Authors: Hashad Marwa F.E. , Ali Fathy H. , Ahmed Abdullah H. , Matrawy Khaled A. , Ahmed Walid M.
Published: March 2024

Background

Bone marrow edema (BME) has not been recognized as a significant pain generator or as a primary contributor to disease until recently. BME is characterized by a nonspecific pattern of ill-defined high signal intensity on short-tau inversion recovery and T2-weighted MRI and low signal intensity on T1-weighted images.

Objective

To assess the value of diffusion-weighted MRI in the diagnosis and evaluation of BME at the knee region.

Patients and methods

This study was conducted on 130 patients referred with clinical suspicion of knee edema with or without history of trauma. They were divided into group ‘A,’ with lesions less than 15 mm, and group ‘B,’ with lesions greater than 15 mm. Their ages ranged between 9 and 75 years, with a mean age of 42 years. There were 43 females and 87 males.

Results

Between groups A and B, we found that bone marrow lesions (BMLs) were approximately two times larger on apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps than on fat-saturated (FS) proton density (PD)-weighted turbo spin echo images. The most important value of adding the ADC-derived maps in routine MRI examination of the knee is to show additional BMLs that only can be detected at the ADC maps but could not be detected at the FS PD. Approximately 27 more lesions in 27 patients and one patient with two more lesions were detected. These nonconcordant lesions accounted totally for 29 more BMLs.

Conclusion

MRI is the mainstay of diagnosis, staging, and management plan of knee traumatic and nontraumatic disorders. ADC maps are more sensitive than corresponding FS PD-weighted turbo spin echo images allowing for detection of significantly more and larger BMLs. In addition, they represent a valuable add-on in knee imaging protocols.
Role of multislice computed tomography and virtual bronchoscopy in evaluation of pulmonary masses
Authors: Ali Marwa R.A.R. , Abd-Elaziz Emam M. , ELNaggar Aliaa A.
Published: March 2024

Background

Multidetector computed tomography-generated virtual bronchoscopy (VB) is a recent technical development that allows visualization of the lumen and wall of the trachea and proximal part of the bronchial tree. A dynamic image is produced that resembles what is seen with fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB).

Patients and methods

This prospective study was conducted on 54 patients examined in National Cancer Institute, Radiology Department, between January 2017 and February 2020. All patients underwent both multidetector computed tomography and VB. We included patients with histologically proved lung cancer either by true-cut needle biopsy or FOB guidance. The local ethical committee had approved the study protocol, and the patients had given informed consent before the examinations.

Results

We detected 53 lesions by VB, whereas 56 bronchial lesions were detected by FOB. Two patients with findings of bronchial lesions on FOB had normal findings on VB. One patient had normal findings on both VB and FOB. Two patients with normal bronchial findings on FOB had a bronchial lesion according to VB (as the endobronchial masses were located distal to obstruction.

Conclusion

VB should be performed in cases with bronchial obstructing tumors owing to its ability to detect obstructive masses distal to high-grade stenosis and bypassing beyond the obstructing mass lesion to detect the distal changes beyond the tumor. Moreover, by adding multiplanar reformat (MPR), we can determine the extrabronchial part of bronchial mass and its actual size and can detect any other extrabronchial associated findings such as lymphadenopathies and metastases. Moreover, it can detect the etiology of the external compression and carinal widening.
Sacroiliac joint fusion
Authors: Fraig Mohamed E.E. , Farhoud Hesham M.E. , Elbehiry Hasan F.
Published: March 2024

Background

Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) fusion represents a unique area of orthopedic surgery with procedural literature dating to the early 1920s, showing limited innovation in either technique or hardware over the past 90 years. Recent improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of SIJ dysfunction warrant comparisons with older surgical techniques.

Aim and objectives

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SIJ fusion, whether open or minimally invasive, for the management of chronic low back pain.

Materials and methods

This was a systematic review and metaanalysis. The electronic databases up to June 2019 of ‘Pub med Medline,’ ‘EMbase,’ and ‘Google Scholar’ were explored using the combination of the following search terms: sacroiliac joint, fusion, arthrodesis, and back pain. We used different combinations of the following queries: sacroiliac joint AND (fusion OR arthrodesis) and back pain. A primary search of databases yielded 420 records. After duplicates removal, 228 potentially eligible articles were identified. A total of 21 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the final systematic review.

Results

Assessments of outcome were done by pain score, Oswestry Disability Index, Majeed score, and SF-36 Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS) component scores changes before operation and after operation. Visual analog scale score was used by nine studies with mean pre operation value of 7.3, which decreased after operation to 2.8, and regarding Oswestry Disability Index score, it used by 12 studies, with mean preoperative score of 40.45, which improved postoperatively to 22.89.

Conclusion

SIJ fusion appears to be a satisfactory procedure for alleviating low back pain.
The value of maternal serum levels of growth differentiation factor-15 as a predictor of preeclampsia
Authors: Tahaa Amira M. , Abd Raboub Iman B. , Abd Halim Hala W.
Published: March 2024

Back

ground Preeclampsia is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) is a stress-induced cytokine and related to the prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. It was expressed in the placentae of both normal and preeclamptic pregnancies.

Objective

To evaluate the value of GDF-15 as a predictor of preeclampsia and its correlation with the severity of the disease.

Patients and methods

This was a prospective study in which we enrolled a number of primigravidae at gestational age between 19 and 20 weeks. After complete and thorough history taking and examination in addition to basal ultrasound, serum blood samples were taken from all women and were frozen at −20°C for later assay. After Institutional Ethics Committee approval, antenatal care for all women till delivery was done. Women who developed preeclampsia, 40 of them, were chosen as the study group (group B), and 40 women who were passed the antenatal period without complications were included as the control group (group A).

Results

We found that serum levels of GDF-15 were higher in preeclamptic group than control group, and this reached a highly significant level. The mean±SD level of GDF-15 in the preeclamptic group was 383.42±130.67 versus 118.73±28.88 pg/ml in the control group (P=0.000). The more the severity of preeclampsia, the higher GDF-15 level, with the highest level being detected in severe–early preeclampsia.

Conclusion

GDF-15 is increased in preeclampsia than normal physiological pregnancy, with the highest level detected in severe–early preeclampsia.
The effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor on motor development and its relation to the pattern of feeding in early infancy
Authors: Abdel Salam Seham H. , Menazie Esaad M. , Elhady Marwa , El Attar Shahinaz
Published: March 2024

Background

Infant feeding is a modifiable health behavior that has long-term effect on various aspects of infant's neurodevelopmental achievement. Neurotrophins are a family of proteins, especially nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), that play a major role in the development, nutrition, growth, and maintenance of the neurons. Moreover, BDNF has a major role in axonal guidance, promoting growth of dendrites and dendritic spines, and in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative, cardiometabolic, and autoimmune diseases.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding pattern in the first 6 months of life on BDNF serum level and motor development in early infancy.

Patients and methods

This cross-sectional study included 60 clinically healthy infants aged 6–12 months who were categorized according to their feeding pattern in the first 6 months of life into 30 breastfed and 30 formula-fed infants. BDNF serum levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Denver developmental screening tests were assessed in relation to the feeding pattern.

Results

Infants with delayed achievement of motor milestones had significant lower level of BDNF than those with appropriate development. Breastfed infants had higher BDNF level (3.45±1.6 ng/ml) than formula-fed infants (1.98±1.30 ng/ml) (P<0.0001). Achievement of motor developmental milestone was significantly delayed in artificially fed than breastfed infant (43.3 vs. 16.7%) (P=0.02). Regression analysis demonstrated that BDNF is an independent predictor of motor development in early infancy.

Conclusion

BDNF is an important regulator of motor development in early infancy. Serum level of BDNF was higher; achievement of motor milestones was earlier in breastfed than formula-fed infants. Health programs encouraging exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months of life should be established. Efforts should be done to follow-up the motor development of artificially fed infant for early detection of any delay.
The clinical use of positron emission tomography–computed tomography in breast cancer management and follow-up
Authors: Maher Sayed Ahmed Ateya Hala , Abd-Elaziz Emam M. , Abd-Elfattah Ahmed
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Breast cancer affects women of all ages, races, ethnicities, socioeconomic strata, and geographic locales. Once breast cancer is diagnosed, the tumor stage has to be accurately determined before therapy is chosen and the prognosis known.

Aim

Whole-body 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET/CT) improves staging of patients with breast cancer and significantly changes the therapeutic management of these patients.

Patients and methods

This study was carried out in Cairo Scan Radiology Center from March 2018 to September 2018 for 34 female patients. The age ranged from 37 to 79 years, and the mean age was 56 years. All data were acquired with a combined PET/CT in-line system.

Results

Combined 18-FDG PET/CT provides the ability to combine functional and morphologic information in a single study. So, combined PET/CT sensitivity was 98.11% compared with 81.7% for CT alone, with P value of combined PET/CT compared with CT alone being 0.002.

Conclusion

Combined 18-FDG PET/CT provides the ability to combine functional and morphologic information in a single study, thus becoming a powerful imaging modality for diagnosis and staging of breast cancer.
Serum level of osteopontin in patients with alopecia areata and its correlation with ocular changes
Authors: El Gareh Mai Mohamed A.A. , Omar Ghada Abd El-Badea A. , Shalaby Sawsan A.S. , Morsy Amal A. , Kamel Radwa O.M.
Published: March 2024

Background

Alopecia areata (AA) is a type of nonscarring hair loss affecting anagen-stage hair follicles with a multifactorial autoimmune pathogenesis and an unknown etiology. Osteopontin (OPN), also known as bone sialoprotein I and early T-lymphocyte activation-1, is a member of the small integrin-binding ligand N-linked glycoprotein family. OPN is widely distributed in human tissues and expressed in several cell types. The significant increase in the immunopositivity of the perifollicular inflammatory cells for OPN in AA cases as well as its strong expression in the hair follicles, especially the miniaturized ones, offers further proof for its role in AA. OPN was found to be strongly expressed in retina, trabecular meshwork, optic nerve, iris, and vitreous humour. Ocular findings associated with AA, the most prevalent of these, are cataracts and retinal pigment epithelial changes.

Aim

The aim of the present study is to evaluate serum level of OPN in patients with AA and correlate it with ocular changes to assess its possible role in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Patients and methods

This case–control study included 40 patients who presented with AA diagnosed on the basis of typical clinical features, representing the patient group. Moreover, 40 age-matched and sex-matched apparently healthy individuals were also included, representing the control group. All patients were recruited (according to inclusion and exclusion criteria) from the Outpatient Clinic of Dermatology and Venereology of Al-Zahra University Hospital during the period from February 2017 to February 2018.

Results

In our study, there was a highly statistically increase in serum level of OPN in the patient group. There was no significant difference between male and female regarding serum levels of OPN. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between serum OPN level in patient group and duration of disease. There was no correlation between serum OPN and age and severity of alopecia tool score. There was more significant increase in eye manifestations in patients than controls. Mean break-up time was statistically higher among patients than controls. There was a statistically highly significant positive correlation between serum OPN level and break-up time, lens abnormalities, and fundus abnormalities.

Conclusion

Patients with alopecia may have more lenticular and retinal abnormal findings than individuals without alopecia, but those findings do not interfere with visual acuity.
Effect of letrozole plus misoprostol in terminating nonviable first-trimester pregnancies
Authors: Hanaa Nada G. , Abdel Wahed Rania M. , Al Noor Iman I.
Published: March 2024

Background

The abortion rate is roughly 15–20%, and it is the most common complication of early pregnancy in humans. Over the past decade, medical termination of pregnancy in the first-trimester gained popularity with the highly effective regimen combining mifepristone and misoprostol.

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of letrozole plus misoprostol to terminate nonviable pregnancies in first-trimester compared with the use of misoprostol alone.

Patients and methods

This was a single-blind randomized controlled study conducted at Itay El-Baroud General Hospital, where 90 pregnant women diagnosed as missed abortions were approached and divided into two groups. Group A included 45 women who received letrozole 10 mg daily for 3 days before receiving 600 μg misoprostol orally. Group B included 45 women who received four tablets of placebo for 3 days before receiving 600 μg of oral misoprostol.

Results

There were significant differences between the two groups, with better outcomes found for the letrozole group in terms of complete abortion rate, decreased rate of surgical intervention, and decreased major adverse effects compared with misoprostol alone.

Conclusion

The use of 10 mg daily for 3 days of oral letrozole combined with 600 μg of oral misoprostol in missed abortion can significantly the increase rate of complete abortion, decrease surgical intervention, decrease blood loss, decrease the time to induce abortion, and decrease the major adverse effects when compared with misoprostol alone.
Effect of third trimester formation of lower uterine segment on the thickness of previous cesarean scar measured by transvaginal sonography
Authors: Moustafa Asmaa O. , El-Mallah Samira Y. , Abd-ElMonem Hind S.
Published: March 2024

Background

Several studies have been conducted using various methods to evaluate the correlation of lower uterine segment (LUS) measurement with the risk of uterine rupture or dehiscence, with relative success.

Patients and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 patients admitted for cesarean section. The patients were subjected to complete general, obstetric examination, and ultrasound measurement of LUS scar by transabdominal ultrasound (TAS) on partially full bladder and by transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) on empty bladder, and measurement of actual thickness intraoperatively.

Results

Uterine dehiscence was found in 24 (12%) cases. At 28 weeks, the mean scar thickness as measured by TAS was 6.796±1.84 mm, with a range of 3.6–11 mm, and by TVS was 4.11±1.29 mm, with a range of 3–10.1 mm, and at 38 weeks, the mean scar thickness as measured by TAS was 6.796±1.84 mm, with a range of 3.6–11 mm, and by TVS it was 2.9±0.9 mm, with a range of 1.3–3.9 mm. However, intraoperatively, it was 4.12±1.25 mm, with a range of 3–9 mm, by TVS. The cutoff value was 2.33 mm, and this yields a sensitivity of 96.2% and a specificity of 90%.

Conclusion

The LUS scar thickness measured sonographically is a good predictor of uterine scar dehiscence in pregnant women at term with previous cesarean section. Data from the present study demonstrated the superiority of TVS over TAS for the assessment of LUS scar thickness.