bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment on infection prevention and control knowledge among medical professionals in south Indian population
Authors: Radhakrishnan Rahul , Datchanamoorthy Maheswary , Narayanasamy Damodharan , Leela Kakithakara Vajravelu
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Healthcare workers are always at higher risk of biological exposure as the healthcare setting is hazardous, and it is impracticable to exclude infection. Poor compliance with standard precautions among healthcare workers is one of the leading causes of healthcare-associated infections. This study analyzed the gaps in knowledge, attitude, and practice of infection control among healthcare workers and the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic, internet, and social media usage on infection control.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1st to 31st March 2022 among various healthcare professionals using a self-administered structured questionnaire to evaluate knowledge, attitude, and practice on infection control. The impact of COVID-19, Internet, and social media usage on infection control practices was also analyzed.
Results: Among 382 healthcare workers who participated in the study, 89.4% of the participants had good knowledge, 55.26% had a neutral attitude, and all showed good practice levels on infection control. Similarly, the result showed that internet and social media usage during COVID-19 had significantly enhanced the knowledge, attitude, and practice on infection control.
Conclusions: Healthcare professionals must be frequently updated on infection control guidelines and routine training programs. The hospital's adherence to the Joint Commission International (JCI) guidelines reduces the risk of healthcare-associated infections. As observed in this study, due to the prominent influence of social media and the internet, these platforms can be exploited to provide training and awareness to healthcare professionals and the public.
Prevalence of amoebiasis and associated risk factors among population in Duhok city, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Authors: Hasan Haliz Khalid , Mero Wijdan Mohammed Salih , Mohammed Ahmed Basheer
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is the third major contributor to human mortality and morbidity outside of malaria and schistosomiasis. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the prevalence of Entamoeba spp. among outpatients of two teaching hospitals in Duhok city who agreed to participate in the study from April 2021 to March 2022 to assess the impact of associated risk variables on the infection rate.
Methodology: Stool specimens were collected from outpatients suffering from diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms in two teaching hospitals: Azadi and Heevi Pediatric in Duhok city, Kurdistan Region- Iraq. The collected stool specimens were examined macroscopically, followed by microscopic examination using the direct wet mount and zinc sulfate flotation methods, respectively.
Result: Infection with Entamoeba species was recorded in 21.68% (562/2592) of the analyzed specimens. Males had a significantly higher infection rate than females (67.43% vs. 32.56%). This difference was statistically significant (p < 0.000). The highest rate was seen in the age group 1–10 years (p < 0.001). Lower levels of education, low incomes, eating unwashed fruits and vegetables, drinking well water, eating frequently outside of homes, not using antidiarrheal medications and living in overcrowded families were risk factors that showed high levels of infection (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions: The present study concluded that improving living conditions, providing clean water, and promoting health education programs are essential to reduce the rate of this disease among the population.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on diagnosis and treatment access of patients with viral hepatitis in Turkey
Authors: Eser Fatma , Güner Rahmet , Gürbüz Yunus , Akdoğan Meral , Bilgiç Zeynep , Korkmaz Nesibe , Arı Derya , Şanlıdağ Gamze , Kesim Uçar Şengül , Düzenli Tolga , Yamazhan Tansu
Published: May 2023

Introduction: We aimed to evaluate access to diagnosis, treatment and follow-up in patients with viral hepatitis during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methodology: Patients who started treatment for hepatitis B and hepatitis C were included in the study and analyzed in two periods: before-pandemic and during-pandemic. Indication for treatment and frequency of laboratory follow-up was obtained from hospital records. A telephone survey was administered to evaluate treatment access and compliance.
Results: Four centers with 258 patients were included in the study. Of these 161 (62.4%) were male, median age was 50 years. The number of patients, admitted to outpatient clinics was 134647 in the before-pandemic period and 106548 in the during-pandemic period. Number of patients who started treatment for hepatitis B were significantly high during-pandemic period compared with before-pandemic (78 (0.07%); 73 (0.05%) respectively; p = 0.04). The number who received treatment for hepatitis C was similar in both periods: 43 (0.04%); 64 (0.05%), respectively (p = 0.25). Prophylactic treatment for hepatitis B, due to immunosuppressive agents was significantly higher in during-pandemic period (p = 0.001). In the laboratory follow-ups at 4th, 12th and 24th weeks of treatment, worse adherence was detected in during-pandemic (for all p < 0.05). Access to treatment and compliance of all patients was over 90% and did not differ in the two periods.
Conclusions: During-pandemic, hepatitis patients' access to diagnosis, treatment initiation and follow-up had worsened in Turkey. The health policy implemented during the pandemic had a positive impact on patients' access to and compliance to treatment.
Surveillance of omicron variant in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh, India during the 3rd disease wave of COVID-19
Authors: Kumar Suresh , Choudhary Sahdev , Thakur Sharad , Kumar Arbind , Kumar Sanjay
Published: May 2023

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) wave has fluctuated erratically around the globe over the past three years of the pandemic, sometimes declining and at other times surging. The cases of infection in India have remained low, despite the continued surge of Omicron sub-lineages reported in a few countries. In this study, we determined the presence of the circulating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) strains in the population of Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Methodology: In vitro diagnostic real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was performed using Tata MD CHECK RT-PCR Omisure kit (Tata Medical and Diagnostics Limited, Maharashtra, India), to detect the presence of Omicron in target samples. A total of 400 samples were analyzed in this study; 200 each for the second and third waves, respectively. The S gene target failure (SG-TF) and S gene mutation amplification (SG-MA) primer-probe sets were used.
Results: Our results corroborated that during the third wave, SG-MA amplification was noted, while amplification of SG-TF was not, and vice versa in the case of the second wave, indicating that all the tested patients were infected with the Omicron variant during the third wave, while Omicron was absent during the second wave.
Conclusions: This study added more information about the prevalence of Omicron variants during the third wave in the chosen area, and it projected a use of in vitro RT-qPCR method for rapid prospective determination of the prevalence of the variant of concern (VOC) in developing countries with limited sequencing facility.
COVID-19-induced Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Review of 77 Cases
Authors: Alharbi Mohmmed , Alnizari Osama , Aldarwish Hadi , Alhamazani Abdulmalik , Alsadun Abdulmajeed
Published: May 2023

Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Existing research related to the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which caused the COVID-19 pandemic has found that this was not only a respiratory disease. Instead, it can impact other organs such as the heart, and increase disease severity.
AIM: This study aims to review ACS cases which result from COVID-19, to improve comprehension of the presentation, clinical features, diagnostic process, and outcomes of this rare but potentially severe complication.
METODS: In this review, case report studies confirmed Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS), and a reported diagnosis of COVID-19 was included. A literature research was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. However, only 77 cases met the inclusion criteria.
RESULTS: Regarding the clinical features of COVID-19 infection, the symptoms patients most frequently presented with were shortness of breath (SOB), fatigue, fever, and cough. Regarding vessels impacted by COVID-19, it was found that the right coronary artery (RCA) was the most involved vessel.
CONCLUSION: The cases with ACS frequently displayed typical symptoms of fever, chest pain, SOB, and a cough. However, This review shows that no association was found between ACS and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rising from the ashes: A new treefrog (Anura, Hylidae, Scinax) from a wildfire-threatened area in the Amazon lowlands of central Peru
Authors: Chávez Germán , Aznaran Wilmar , García-Ayachi Luis A. , Catenazzi Alessandro
Published: May 2023

We describe a new species of tree frog from the middle Ucayali River, Peru. Scinax pyroinguinissp. nov. is known from two males found in a patch of Amazon rainforest at 160 masl. Externally, the new species is similar to those in the Scinax rostratus group but it differs from all members by having a rounded head from dorsal view without proboscis or pointed tubercle on the tip of the snout, large conical tubercles on upper eyelids and heels, and bright orange blotches and spots on groins, posterior surface of thighs, and shanks. Genetic analysis supports our morphological study and confirms S. pyroinguinis sp nov as a new species, being tentatively the most basal member of the S. rostratus group. The new species is only known from the type locality that is currently threatened by habitat loss caused by wildfires.
Sinosasa gracilis (Poaceae, Bambusoideae), a new combination supported by morphological and phylogenetic evidence
Authors: Li Xing , Ni Jing-Bo , Cai Zhuo-Yu , Tong Yi-Hua , Xia Nian-He
Published: May 2023

The results of phylogenetic analysis, based on the whole chloroplast genome and morphological study support the transfer of a long ignored bamboo species, Sasa gracilis, to the recently established genus, Sinosasa, in this study. Morphologically, this species differs from all the other known Sinosasa species by having very short (2–3 mm) foliage leaf inner ligules, which is unusual in this genus. A revised description of its morphology and colour photos are also provided.
On four new species of the orb-weaver spider genus Araneus Clerck, 1757 (Araneae, Araneidae) from southern China
Authors: Wu Yibei , Wang Cheng , Wu Nanfei , Zhang Mengfei , Mi Xiaoqi
Published: May 2023

Four new species of Araneus Clerck, 1757 from southern China are described: A. mayanghe Mi & Wang, sp. nov. (♂♀) from Guizhou, A. shiwandashan Mi & Wang, sp. nov. (♂♀) from Guangxi, and A. zhoui Mi & Wang, sp. nov. (♂♀) from Hainan are assigned to the A. sturmi group, and A. fenzhi Mi & Wang, sp. nov. (♂♀) from Hunan, Guizhou and Jiangxi is not assigned to any species group. A new combination is also proposed: Aoaraneus octumaculalus (Han & Zhu, 2010) comb. nov.
A new Neotropical ant species of genus Linepithema Mayr (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Dolichoderinae) with partial revision of the L. fuscum group based on males
Authors: Cantone Stefano , Di Giulio Andrea
Published: May 2023

The genus Linepithema was erected by Mayr (1866) for his male-based species L. fuscum. In this study a new species is described also based on male morphology, L. paulistanasp. nov., collected in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, which is attributed to the fuscum group (Formicidae: Dolichoderinae). Linepithema paulistanasp. nov. is the only species of fuscum group present in the eastern part of South America. It is easily distinguishable from the other species of the group because of the presence of a triangular volsellar tooth, which is distally situated between the digitus and the basivolsellar process. By using SEM and optical microscopy, the external genitalia of L. paulistanasp. nov. were analyzed and illustrated and some characters and previous interpretations have been re-evaluated in the Linepithema fuscum group. The male external genitalia are also comparatively analyzed in three species representative of the three Linepithema species groups, those of fuscum, humile, and neotropicum. The present work confirms that the morphological characters of male ants, especially those of male external genitalia, are effective for the identification of genera or species. Given the discrete morphological differences between the external genitalia of the fuscum group and the other species of this genus, a re-evaluation of the generic status of Linepithema is suggested.
Adaptation Process After Kidney Transplantation in Older Adult Recipients: Applied Grounded Theory
Authors: Chong Hye Jin , Kim Hyun Kyung
Published: May 2023

Despite the increase in older adults receiving kidney transplantation (KT), little is known about their experience and adaptation process after KT. The current study aimed to explore the process of adaptation after KT in older adult recipients using a qualitative design and grounded theory methodology. Sixteen recipients who had KT at age ≥60 years and received follow-up care were recruited at a university hospital in South Korea. Data were collected from July to December 2017 through in-depth interviews with individual participants. The core theme of the adaptation process after KT in older adult recipients was
A Journey of Straining to Save the Last Lifeline
. The adaptation process comprised three stages: confusion, depression, and compromise. Tailored interventions based on the in-depth understanding of the adaptation process found in the current study are needed to improve adaptation after KT in older adult recipients. [
Research in Gerontological Nursing, 16
(4), 183–193.]
Study on the physicochemical and sensory profile of pliek-u: A traditional dried fermented coconut endosperm from Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Khathir Rita , Muzaifa Murna , Yunita  , Rahmawati Marai
Published: May 2023

Pliek-u is dried fermented coconut endosperm that has been produced by people in Aceh Province, Indonesia for a long time. It is made by implementing a highly efficient process; thus, we want to conserve this tradition. The objective of this study was to determine the physicochemical and sensory quality of pliek-u. A survey was conducted in five local markets in Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar District. About 12 samples were collected and analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The parameters observed were moisture, ash, fat, protein, fiber and carbohydrate contents, as well as pH-value, color and volatile compounds. Three expert panelists were interviewed to document the information about the sensory quality of pliek-u. Results showed that the quality of pliek-u highly varied among the processors, as indicated by the distribution of those samples in all quadrants of the principal component analysis (PCA) biplot graph. About two principal components (PCs) were determined and two parameters were excluded i.e., fat and fiber content; PC1 contributed to 34.111% of the variance, with pH value as the most important factor; while PC2 contributed to 24.968% of the variance, with protein content as the most important factor. Interestingly, the volatile compounds of the three best samples selected by panelists were unique and different from the others. Therefore, the sensory quality of pliek-u should be supported by the physicochemical quality to guarantee the safety of consuming the product. Further studies on determining certain volatile compounds produced during fermentation are recommended.
Prediction of the equivalent circulation density using machine learning algorithms based on real-time data
Authors: Kandil Abdelrahman , Khaled Samir , Elfakharany Taher
Published: May 2023

Equivalent circulation density (ECD) is one of the most important parameters that should be considered while designing drilling programs. With increasing the wells' deep, offshore hydrocarbon extraction, the costly daily rate of downhole measurements, operating restrictions, and the fluctuations in the global market prices, it is necessary to reduce the non-productive time and costs associated with hole problems resulting from ignoring and incorrect evaluation of ECD. Therefore, optimizing ECD and selecting the best drilling parameters are curial tasks in such operations. The main objective of this work is to predict ECD using three machine learning algorithms: an artificial neural network (ANN) with a Levenberg-Marquardt backpropagation algorithm, a K neighbors regressor (knn), and a passive aggressive regressor (par). These models are based on 14 critical operation parameters that have been provided by downhole sensors during drilling operations such as annular pressure, annular temperature, and rate of penetration, etc. In the study, 4663 data points were selected and included, where 80% to 85% of the data set has been used for training and validation according to the algorithm, and the remaining data points were reserved for testing. In addition, several statistical tests were used to evaluate the accuracy of the models, including root mean square error (RMSE), correlation coefficient (R2), and mean squared error (MSE). The results of the developed models show various consistencies and accuracy, while the ANN shows a high accuracy with an R2 of nearly 0.999 for the training, validation, and testing, as well as the overall of them. The RMSE is 0.000211, 0.000253, 0.00293, and 0.00315 for overall, training, validation, and testing, respectively. This work expands the use of artificial intelligence in the gas and oil industry. The developed ANN model is more flexible in response to challenges, reduces dependence on humans, and thus, reduces the chance of human omission, as well as increasing the efficiency of operations.
Statistical correlation coefficients for single-valued neutrosophic sets and their applications in medical diagnosis
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyan , Lin Mingwei , Wang Weiwei
Published: May 2023

The concept of single-valued neutrosophic sets (SVNSs) is considered as an attractive tool for dealing with highly ambiguous and uncertain information. The correlation coefficient of SVNSs acts as an important measure in the single-valued neutrosophic set theory and it has been applied in various fields, such as the pattern recognition, medical diagnosis, decision-making and also clustering analysis. To alleviate the weakness of the existing correlation coefficients, a novel statistical correlation coefficient is put forward to measure the degree of correlation between two SVNSs. This statistical correlation coefficient is developed based on the variance and covariance of SVNSs and its value is between −1 and 1. When solving the multicriteria decision making problems, the criteria show different weight values. To consider the weight information of multiple criteria, the weighted statistical correlation coefficient is developed for SVNSs. Afterwards, two numerical examples are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed statistical correlation coefficient in the pattern recognition, which can accurately classify unknown patterns into known patterns. Finally, the feasibility and practicability of the proposed correlation coefficient formula are illustrated by a practical multiple attribute decision making problem of traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis. The comparative results show that the proposed correlation coefficient formula is rational and effective.
Russian economy under sanctions (Case of the northwest of Russia)
Authors: Lukin Evgenii , Leonidova Ekaterina , Shirokova Elena , Rumyantsev Nikita , Sidorov Maksim
Published: May 2023

The article analyzes the state of the production sector of the economy in the Northwest of Russia in 2022. The problems and prospects of its functioning in new geopolitical conditions are assessed, and the processes of its adjustment to sanctions are studied. The work is based on data provided by the Federal State Statistics Service of Russian Federation, as well as questionnaire surveys conducted by the Vologda Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Economic Forecasting of the Russian Academy of Sciences from April–June 2022. It is shown that the negative consequences of the Western sanctions strengthened in the first half of 2022 turned out to be more severe for the production sector of the region under analysis than for the whole country; many respondents found it important to revise logistics routes, search for new suppliers and consumers of products, and focus on the domestic market.
Corrosion Resistance Potential of Metal-Matrix Composites Reinforced With Carbon Nanofibers and Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Madkour Loutfy
Published: May 2023

Carbon nanotubes are attractive and promising fillers due to their chemical inertness and high mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. From the conjugation of carbon nanotubes with inorganic hybrid, it is expected to obtain nanocomposite coatings that combine high anti-corrosion efficiency with improved mechanical stability. This book chapter presents a concise review of microstructure and corrosion behaviour of different nanotube composite coatings. In the first section, the authors briefly explain the science behind the corrosion and corrosion resistance of nanotube composite coatings, followed by a selection of current state and recent advances on promoted nanotube composite coating: Al, Cu, Mg, Fe, Ni, Mg–Zn, Mg–Al, NiCo, and ZnCo-carbon nanotube composite and based matrix composites coatings. Recent development of graphene reinforced metal matrix nanocomposites has been studied. Challenges needed to be rectified before the synthesis of metal-matrix nanocomposites. Finally, the authors discuss the relevant topics, highlighting recent progress and unresolved questions.
Pharmaceutical Drugs as Prominent Corrosion Inhibitors
Authors: Elyor Berdimurodov , Ilyos Eliboev , Kholikov Abduvali , Akbarov Khamdam , Verma Dakeshwar Kumar , Rbaa Mohamed , Dagdag Omar , Khasan Berdimuradov
Published: May 2023

Corrosion of metals is a large problem in the gas-oil, petrochemical, metallurgy, automobile, and electronic industries. To protect metals from corrosion destruction, corrosion inhibitors are the most effective ways of corrosion protection. Among corrosion inhibitors, pharmaceutical drugs are most effective, water-soluble, eco-friendly, low-cost, good adsorbent, polar structural molecule, biodegradable or persistent, lipophilic, hydrophilic, non-volatile, recyclable, and effective at low concentrations and high temperatures. In this chapter, the main inhibition characteristics of pharmaceutical drugs for various metal types in the acidic, saline, and other corrosion medium were reviewed and discussed. This chapter revealed herein would be helpful as a reference for both industrial and academic researchers.
Imidazole Derivative as a Novel Corrosion Inhibitor for Mild Steel in Mixed Pickling Bath
Authors: Ouakki Moussa , Aribou Zakia , Dahmani Khadija , Kharbouch Otmane , Ech-chihbi Elhachmia , Rbaa Mohamed , Galai Mouhsine , Cherkaoui Mohammed
Published: May 2023

Mild steel is a well-known and widely used material in various industries. However, its exposure to aggressive environments limits its use because of its tendency to corrode. This work focuses on the inhibition of corrosion of mild steel by two organic compounds based on Imidazole, namely 2-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,4,5-triphenyl-1H-imidazole and 1,2,4,5-tetraphenyl-1H-imidazole, in mixed pickling bath. The experimental investigation was carried out using several techniques including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization. The adsorption process of corrosion inhibitors on the mild steel surface follows Langmuir adsorption model. Surface characterization analysis using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) supported the formation of a barrier layer that covers the mild steel surface. Weight loss measurements were also tested using UV-vis spectrometry (UV-vis).
Corrosion Inhibition of Mild Steel in Acidic Pickling Baths
Authors: Kharbouch Otmane , Dahmani Khadija , El Hajri Fatima , Ouakki Moussa , Galai Mouhsine , Nassali Hakima , Boukhris Said , Touhami Mohamed Ebn
Published: May 2023

In this chapter, the authors investigate recent advancements in the manufacture of chemical compounds containing a benzoxazepine-based heterocycle. Specifically, they synthesized the Benzoxazepine Derivatives using two organic reactions to test its efficacy as an inhibitor against the corrosion of mild steel in acidic pickling baths. The findings reveal that the corrosion inhibitor efficiency increased from 79.4% to 93.3%. This study also employed the Langmuir adsorption model to show that Benzoxazepine Derivatives studied adsorbed spontaneously on the metal surface with a mixed-type nature, forming a coating that is verified by SEM/EDS. The negative free energy of adsorption values and the significant relationship between the inhibitor molecule and the adsorption energy further support our findings. This study demonstrates the potential of benzoxazepine derivatives as effective inhibitors of mild steel corrosion in acidic pickling baths, with significant implications for the manufacturing industry. Continued research in this field is of utmost importance.
Enhancement of Intensity of Emission and Photoluminescence Properties of Red Light Emitting YPO4:Eu3+ by Infiltration of Li+ in the Crystal Structure of YPO4:Eu3+
Authors: Pyngrope Davidson , Prasad Amresh I. , Pradhan Rajiv
Published: May 2023

Red light emitting YPO4: Eu3+ and YPO4: Tb3+: Li+ nanoparticles were synthesised using polyol method at low temperatures. The phase purity, micromorphology, and luminescence characteristics were studied using Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transfer Infrared absorption spectroscopy (FT-IR). Combined XRD and TEM analysis showed that the YPO4 nanoparticles crystallized into a single phase of tetragonal (I41/amd) structure. The energy transfer from Li+ ions to Eu3+ ions was tested by studying the photoluminescence properties of YPO4: Eu3+and YPO4: Eu3+: Li+ nanoparticles and how it results in the improvement of the luminescence intensity.
Photoluminescence Studies of Europium Doped Di-Strontium Magnesium Silicate Phosphors
Authors: Shrivastava Ravi
Published: May 2023

This article reports the study of photoluminescence spectra of Di Strontium Magnesium Silicate (Sr2MgSi2O7) doped with various concentration of Europium (Eu3+) prepared using solid-state reaction technique. The doping concentration (s) of Eu3+ were 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 mol% respectively. Excitation spectrum monitored at 620 nm wavelength that exhibited two prominent peaks centered at 256 nm and 277 nm. Peak observed at 277 nm was more intense therefore the emission spectra were monitored at 277. Emission Spectra of all the samples revealed intense peaks centred at 607, 618 and 637 are attributed to 5D0 7F2 of Europium (III) ions accommodated at various lattice sites having different energies. Overall emission was found in the red colour region which was confirmed using a CIE chromaticity diagram with coordinate (0.4805, 0.3763). Critical distance for energy transfer in the concentration, beyond which concentration quenching occurred in PL spectra, was calculated. In this case, the critical distance was found to be 19.87 Å, therefore the mechanism involved in concentration quenching of Sr2MgSi2O7 doped with 2.0 mol % of Europium (III) must be only multipole-multipole exchange whereas the exchange interaction is ineffective.
A Correlation of Serum Histamine and Mast Cell Count with the Established Prognosticators in Oral Cancer
Authors: Hasan Nabeel Rashid , Dehuri Priyadarshini , Jena Amitabh , Kanungo Srikanta
Published: May 2023

Context:

We undertook this study in view of the rising interest in the interactions between tumor cells and mast cells in the tumor microenvironment and the mounting evidence of the role of mast cells in the prognosis of various cancers.

Aims:

The aim of the study is to determine the prognostic utility of mast cells and their mediators in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Settings and Design:

This is a cross-sectional analytical study. A total of 41 cases were studied for determining the correlation of mast cell counts with histopathological prognostic variables and 29 cases for determining the serum histamine levels and to further correlate the values with the histopathologic determinants.

Subjects and Methods:

Mast cell assessment was done using Toluidine blue stain on tissue sections while histopathological prognostic factors were evaluated with routine stains. The serum histamine levels were obtained by sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Statistical Analysis:

Mann–Whitney U-test was used to test the difference between parameters and a Spearman correlation coefficient was used. P < 0.05 was considered significant for statistical analysis.

Results:

We found statistically significant correlations between increased median mast cell counts and higher grade of tumor, presence of lymphovascular invasion, greater depth of invasion, and presence of regional lymph node involvement. The serum histamine values correlated only with the depth of tumor invasion.

Conclusions:

Hence, as per our results, we suggest the use of mast cell counts in OSCC cases as a prognostic indicator in conjunction with other clinicopathological factors. At the same time, we acknowledge the fact that extensive studies are required to establish the role of mast cell mediators in the prognostic curve of oral cancer patients.
Targeting Oxidative Stress, Autophagy, and Apoptosis by Quercetin to Ameliorate Cisplatin-induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Rats
Authors: Mahmoud Heba A. , Horany Hemat E. El , Aboalsoud Marwa , Abd-Ellatif Rania Nagi. , Sheikh Amal Ahmed El , Aboalsoud Alshimaa
Published: May 2023

Background:

Quercetin is a flavonoid, with antioxidant and autophagy-modulating activities. Cisplatin is one of the platinum-based anticancer drugs. Early development of peripheral neuropathy as an adverse effect of cisplatin interferes with the continuation of therapy. Oxidative stress and autophagy impairment may play a role.

Aim:

This study aimed to explore the possible protective effects of quercetin against cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Methods:

Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Group 1 (control group) and Group 2 (cisplatin group) where peripheral neuropathy was induced using single ip injection of cisplatin. Group 3 (cisplatin + quercetin group) received single ip injection of cisplatin and was then treated with quercetin for 14 days. At the end of the experiment, nociception was evaluated by tail immersion test, and then, blood was collected for analysis of nerve growth factor. Sciatic nerve was used to assess histopathological changes and light chain 3-II by immunohistochemical staining. Reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, mTOR, and caspase-3 were estimated in sciatic nerve tissue homogenate.

Results:

This research work revealed that quercetin significantly improved cisplatin-induced nociceptive impairment, attenuated cisplatin-induced oxidative stress, autophagy, and apoptosis to protect against neuronal death.

Conclusion:

From the current study, quercetin can act as a promising protective agent against cisplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy.
Development and deployment of a smartphone application for diagnosing trachoma: Leveraging code-free deep learning and edge artificial intelligence
Authors: Milad Daniel , Antaki Fares , Robert Marie-Claude , Duval Renaud
Published: May 2023

PURPOSE:

Automated machine learning (AutoML) allows clinicians without coding experience to build their own deep learning (DL) models. This study assesses the performance of AutoML in diagnosing trachoma from field-collected conjunctival images and compares it to expert-designed DL models.

METHODS:

Two ophthalmology trainees without coding experience carried out AutoML model design using a publicly available image data set of field-collected conjunctival images (1656 labeled images). We designed two binary models to differentiate trachomatous inflammation-follicular (TF) and trachomatous inflammation-intense (TI) from normal. We then integrated an Edge model into an Android application using Google Firebase to make offline diagnoses.

RESULTS:

The AutoML models showed high diagnostic properties in the classification tasks that were comparable or better than the bespoke DL models. The TF model had an area under the precision-recall curve (AuPRC) of 0.945, sensitivity of 87%, specificity of 88%, and accuracy of 88%. The TI model had an AuPRC of 0.975, sensitivity of 95%, specificity of 92%, and accuracy of 93%. Through the Android app and using an external dataset, the AutoML model had an AuPRC of 0.875, sensitivity of 83%, specificity of 81%, and accuracy of 83%.

CONCLUSION:

AutoML models created by ophthalmologists without coding experience were comparable or better than bespoke models trained on the same dataset. Using AutoML to create models and edge computing to deploy them into smartphone-based apps, our approach brings the whole spectrum of DL model design into the hands of clinicians. This approach has the potential to democratize access to artificial intelligence.
Frequent apocrine changes in pleomorphic adenoma with malignant transformation: a possible pre-malignant step in ductal carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma
Authors: Song Joon Seon , Kim Yeseul , Lee Yoon-Se , Choi Seung-Ho , Nam Soon Yuhl , Kim Sang Yoon , Cho Kyung-Ja
Published: May 2023

Background: The most common type of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CPA) is histologically equivalent to salivary duct carcinoma, which has an apocrine phenotype. Invasive CPA is often accompanied by non-invasive or in situ carcinoma, an observation that suggests the presence of precursor lesions. The aim of this study was to identify candidate precursor lesions of CPA within pleomorphic adenoma (PA).Methods: Eleven resected cases of CPA with residual PA and 17 cases of PA with atypical changes were subjected to immunohistochemistry (IHC) for p53, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), androgen receptor (AR), pleomorphic adenoma gene 1, gross cystic disease fluid protein-15 (GCDFP-15), and anti-mitochondrial antibody.Results: Invasive or in situ carcinoma cells in all CPAs were positive for AR, GCDFP-15, and HER2. Atypical foci in PAs corresponded to either apocrine or oncocytic changes on the basis of their reactivity to AR, GCDFP-15, and anti-mitochondrial antibody. Atypical cells in PAs surrounding CPAs had an apocrine phenotype without HER2 expression.Conclusions: Our study identified frequent apocrine changes in residual PAs in CPA cases, suggesting a possible precursor role of apocrine changes. We recommend the use of HER2 IHC in atypical PAs, and that clinicians take HER2 positivity into serious consideration.
Clinicopathologic characterization of cervical metastasis from an unknown primary tumor: a multicenter study in Korea
Authors: Lee Miseon , Jo Uiree , Song Joon Seon , Lee Youn Soo , Woo Chang Gok , Kim Dong-Hoon , Kim Jung Yeon , Yoon Sun Och , Cho Kyung-Ja
Published: May 2023

Background: Research regarding cervical metastasis from an unknown primary tumor (CUP) according to human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) status in Korea has been sporadic and small-scale. This study aims to analyze and understand the characteristics of CUP in Korea according to viral and p16 and p53 status through a multicenter study.Methods: Ninety-five cases of CUP retrieved from six hospitals in Korea between January 2006 and December 2016 were subjected to high-risk HPV detection (DNA in situ hybridization [ISH] or real-time polymerase chain reaction), EBV detection (ISH), and immunohistochemistry for p16 and p53.Results: CUP was HPV-related in 37 cases (38.9%), EBV-related in five cases (5.3%), and unrelated to HPV or EBV in 46 cases (48.4%). HPV-related CUP cases had the best overall survival (OS) (p = .004). According to the multivariate analysis, virus-unrelated disease (p = .023) and longer smoking duration (p < .005) were prognostic factors for poor OS. Cystic change (p = .016) and basaloid pattern (p < .001) were more frequent in HPV-related cases, and lymphoepithelial lesion was frequent in EBV-related cases (p = .010). There was no significant association between viral status and p53 positivity (p = .341), smoking status (p = .728), or smoking duration (p = .187). Korean data differ from Western data in the absence of an association among HPV, p53 positivity, and smoking history.Conclusions: Virus-unrelated CUP in Korea had the highest frequency among all CUP cases. HPV-related CUP is similar to HPV-mediated oropharyngeal cancer and EBVrelated CUP is similar to nasopharyngeal cancer in terms of characteristics, respectively.
User Experience of Augmented Reality Glasses-based Tele-Exercise in Elderly Women
Authors: Yoo Inhwa , Kong Hyoun-Joong , Joo Hyunjin , Choi Yeonjin , Kim Suk Wha , Lee Kyu Eun , Hong Jeeyoung
Published: May 2023

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify any difference in user experience between tablet- and augmented reality (AR) glasses-based tele-exercise programs in elderly women.Methods: Participants in the AR group (n = 14) connected Nreal glasses with smartphones to display a pre-recorded exercise program, while each member of the tablet group (n = 13) participated in the same exercise program using an all-in-one personal computer. The program included sitting or standing on a chair, bare-handed calisthenics, and muscle strengthening using an elastic band. The exercise movements were presented first for the upper and then the lower extremities, and the total exercise time was 40 minutes (5 minutes of warm-up exercises, 30 minutes of main exercises, and 5 minutes of cool-down exercises). To evaluate the user experience, a questionnaire consisting of a 7-point Likert scale was used as a measurement tool. In addition, the Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to assess differences between the two groups.Results: Of the six user experience scales, attractiveness (p = 0.114), stimulation (p = 0.534), and novelty (p = 0.916) did not differ significantly between the groups. However, efficiency (p = 0.006), perspicuity (p = 0.008), and dependability (p = 0.049) did vary significantly between groups.Conclusions: When developing an AR glasses-based exercise program for the elderly, the efficiency, clarity, and stability of the program must be considered to meet the participants’ needs.
Case Report: Role of Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Bacillary Angiomatosis
Authors: Stroffolini Giacomo , Rambiki Kelvin , Wallrauch Claudia , Tomoka Tamiwe , Brunetti Enrico , Heller Tom
Published: May 2023

Clinical skin manifestations are commonly seen in resource-limited settings, but they are frequently misdiagnosed due to the lack of microbiological tests with ensuing stigma and long-term disability. The adoption of portable ultrasound devices, which extend physical examination in the hands of trained clinicians, has partially improved the situation. Specific protocols, such as focused assessment with sonography for HIV-associated tuberculosis (FASH), have led to simplified diagnostic pathways. Here we describe a case of bacillary angiomatosis in a patient with advanced HIV disease presenting with subacute unusual cutaneous lesions. The patient also presented with significant weight loss, anemia, and prostration. Highly sensitive rapid tests for tuberculosis and cryptococcosis were negative, and CD4 count was very low. Ultrasound scanning (US) and biopsy of the cutaneous lesions finally led to diagnosis and treatment. This report illustrates the benefits of integrating ultrasound-based protocols with clinical skills, as the diagnosis was suspected based on clinical presentation and US and confirmed by pathology. The importance of adoption of US protocols by infectious diseases clinicians is discussed.
Case Report: A Case of Sepsis due to Shewanella algae Infection in the Colombian Caribbean
Authors: Serrano-Coll Héctor , Arrieta Andres , Miranda Jorge , López Astrid , Mattar Ameth Salim , Arrieta Germán , Mattar Salim
Published: May 2023

Shewanella algae is an opportunistic Gram-negative bacillus that inhabits marine ecosystems and can cause sepsis in humans. This case report describes an 80-year-old obese woman with liver cirrhosis who presented with neurological and respiratory impairment. Shewanella algae were isolated in the blood cultures. Due to age and comorbidities, sepsis could be the cause of the patient’s fatal outcome. Shewanella algae infection is a risk for immunocompromised people in the tropics.
Vision Loss in Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis: A Systematic Review of Case Reports and Case Series
Authors: Garg Ravindra Kumar , Paliwal Vimal , Kumar Neeraj , Agrawal Akshaya Anand , Agrawal Preeti , Rizvi Imran
Published: May 2023

Vision loss is a presenting complaint in many patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE). Data related to vision loss in SSPE is available only in the form of case reports. In this systematic review, we evaluated characteristics of vision loss, affected anatomic site, and patient course and outcome. We extracted data from four databases: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The last search was done on October 26, 2022. We adhered to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022362652). Dyken’s criteria were used for the diagnosis of SSPE. The data were recorded in an Excel sheet. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of data. The mean age of patients with SSPE was 17.9 years. Males outnumbered females (60:34). In 73 patients (76%), duration of illness/onset of vision loss was less than 6 months. In 76% patients (n = 73), visual manifestations appeared before encephalopathy. Involvement of the retina (58 of 96, 60.4%), optic nerve (9 of 96, 9.3%), or cerebral cortex (29 of 96, 30.2%) was responsible for vision loss. T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parieto-occipital hyperintensities were the most frequent (71.4%) neuroimaging abnormality. Retinal biopsy revealed similar findings revealed by brain histopathology. All patients died and became akinetic mute during the follow-up period, which ranged from a few weeks to a few years. In conclusion, retinal involvement was the most common cause of vision loss. Vision loss often precedes encephalopathy. Cortical vision loss was associated invariably with T2/FLAIR MRI hyperintensities in the parieto-occipital region.
Case Report: Unusual Bullous Reaction to Physalia physalis Venom after Recurrent Envenomation
Authors: Yang Kevin , Klausner Jeffrey D.
Published: May 2023

Physalia physalis, often referred to colloquially as Portuguese man-of-war or bluebottle jellyfish, is a jellyfish-like organism found in tropical and subtropical areas of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. Most often, envenomation by P. physalis tentacles results in painful but self-resolving epidermal stings. We report on two clinic visits of a patient who suffered from worsening reactions to recurrent P. physalis envenomation. The first clinical episode involved urticaria and severe pruritus that was worse than the pruritus the patient had experienced upon envenomation in the past. The second episode involved an unusual bullous reaction. Further study into the compounds present in P. physalis venom may help elucidate the mechanism of the present case and other abnormal reactions to envenomation. Patients and providers who care for patients at risk for recurrent stings (e.g., surfers, fishermen) should be cognizant of the potential for worsening reactions to envenomation. Further study into therapies such as oral antihistamines and Aloe vera gel may uncover additional appropriate treatments for symptomatic relief of P. physalis envenomation.
China’s international cooperation: assisting developing countries to build intellectual property systems
Authors: Garcia Gabriel , Xu Qinqing
Published: May 2023

The world has witnessed the rapid transformation of China from a country with a limited legal system to support global trade and protect intellectual property (IP) to a nation with a mature legal framework supportive of an economy driven by knowledge and innovation. This transition has facilitated a change in the role played by China in its cooperation in the field of IP, from a recipient of foreign technical assistance to a provider of such assistance to other developing nations. This article assesses China’s collaboration with other developing countries to strengthen the protection of IP in the context of the rising significance of technology and innovation in the economic plans implemented by Beijing. It argues that China’s engagement in the IP arena follows a South-South cooperation approach supportive of the interests of the developing world in international forums. The essay concludes that the collaboration between the Asian powerhouse and the Global South will continue in the near future but it may change by 2035 when China’s economy will rely more on innovation.
Estimation of age from digital chest radiographs in district Mandi, Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Patyal Shama , Pandey Tejasvi
Published: May 2023

In forensic investigations estimation of age is a crucial part. Age estimation assists in narrow downing the search possibilities in the case of unidentified bodies and living individuals, it can also help in the determination of preparators and deciding the penalty for any criminal liability. Different body parts are often investigated at the crime scene, so estimating the age using different areas of the body is important. Hence, we conducted this study for age estimation from costal cartilage calcification. Only posterior-anterior (PA) digital chest radiographs are taken, and the first rib of the left side is evaluated. The degree of calcification and age showed a positive correlation; similarly, the value of Spearman’s rho showed significant results (for the whole sample =0.914, p < 0.01 (for male subjects was =0.925, p < 0.01. For females was =0.905, p < 0.01). The degree of calcification is useful in estimating age groups and becomes more determined with advancing age. Prediction of age using the radiological method gives the advantages of ease, inexpensiveness, rapidity, and high accuracy. In developing countries, this type of study will be very useful because infrastructure and lack of sources are major issues. The article provides a non-destructive method of age estimation in a forensic context that may act as a preliminary method of age estimation in mass disasters and dismembered bodies when a thoracic cage is only present.