bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular Dynamics Study on the Mechanical Properties of BCC Carbon Steel
Authors: Budiantono Reva , Sari Wilin Julian , Sunnardianto Gagus Ketut , Mahyuddin Muhammad Haris , Saputro Adhitya Gandaryus
Published: December 2024

Steel has been one of the most widely used materials in land and sea construction due to its advantageous properties, especially carbon steel. This study focuses on molecular dynamics simulation to demonstrate carbon steel’s mechanical behavior. A uniaxial tensile test was conducted for body-centered cubic (bcc) structured carbon steel and pure iron to learn the effect of carbon presence. Both simulation cells were simulated under temperature variation to reveal its effects. It was found that carbon steel is stronger than pure iron based on their value on yield and tensile strength, namely up to 2.434 GPa and 1.368 GPa respectively, which are stronger at room temperature. This study also revealed that carbon steel exhibits better elastic properties with a Young’s modulus of 285.749 GPa, compared to that of pure iron 230.117 GPa. Additionally, this molecular dynamic study also identified another phenomenon, such as brittle-to-ductile temperature of carbon steel at 340 K. Structural explanation is provided in the form of bcc structure fraction during the strain progression and under temperature variation. These findings provide a comprehensive molecular perspective to unveil mechanical properties of carbon steel.
Pectin as Pore Agent of Nylon 6.6 Membranes: Fabrication and Characterization
Authors: Elma Muthia , Aisyah Ermila Ramadani , Hastati Hastati , Putri Ramadhina Hivonda , Tunnisa Zahra , Lestari Riani Ayu
Published: December 2024

The application of membrane technology in the separation process has led to the technology's present rapid development. Nylon 6.6 polyamide membrane has hydrophilic properties and has advantages such as low fouling tendency and resistance to high temperatures. This research aims to determine the effect of pectin on the characteristics of nylon 6.6 membranes. In this study, the membrane was made from nylon 6.6 using the phase inversion technique. Modification was carried out by adding pectin at variations of 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75% by weight. The IR structure characterization results of the nylon6.6-pectin membrane show the same peak for the-NH group and the OH, C-H, amide I, amide II, amide III, CH2, and C-C groups. Membrane contact angle measurements P0, P0.25, P0.5, and P0.75 were 59.37°, 67.70°, 63.48°, and 58.00° respectively, indicating hydrophilic properties. Meanwhile, the degree of swelling after the membrane was soaked in distilled water for 24 hours showed values of 55.32%, 44.44%, 60.38%, and 63.16% for membranes P0, P0.25, P0.5, and P0.75. The P0.75 membrane has the lowest contact angle which is increasingly hydrophilic and the highest swelling value which indicates the highest absorption level compared to other variations.
Finite Element Study for Vibration of Annular Plates Resting on Concentric Ring Support
Authors: Narita Yoshihiro , Mahmuddin Faisal
Published: December 2024

A finite element is formulated to study free vibration of annular plates constrained by any combination of classical boundary conditions at outer and inner edges and also by internal concentric ring-shape simple support. Although this problem has been studied by a number of authors, few accurate results were presented by using the finite element method (FEM). It is therefore intended in this paper that a simple and straightforward FEM formulation is introduced and comprehensive sets of accurate natural frequencies are listed in tables for all combinations of classical boundary conditions and a range of internal support location.
Diagnosis and management of residual atrial septal defect after surgical failure: A case series
Authors: Sharma Satyavan , Shah Akash Bhupesh , Machigar Shankar Y. , Umbarkar Rajendra
Published: December 2024

Residual defect after surgical closure of atrial septal defect is extremely uncommon. This communication reports four cases encountered in a tertiary care center during the last three decades. Clinical diagnosis was challenging, and the diverse presentations included acute ischemic stroke, cyanosis, and right ventricular volume overload. The morphology of the residual defects was complex, and multimodality imaging (transesophageal echocardiography, peripheral venous contrast studies, computed tomography, and balloon occlusion) enabled accurate recognition. Percutaneous device closure was feasible in one but required repeat surgery owing to unfavorable anatomy in the others. The communication focuses on difficulties in diagnosis and management.
Comparing the tissue Doppler-derived left ventricular myocardial performance index before and after recovery from respiratory distress in neonates: A prospective observational study
Authors: Panigrahi Nikita , Venkatesh Harohalli A. , Mishra Manas Ranjan , Pejaver Rajath , Nagesh Karthik N.
Published: December 2024

Background and Objective:

Respiratory distress is the most common cause requiring neonatal intensive care unit admission. As respiratory and cardiac functions are closely interrelated, some cardiac dysfunction is expected in respiratory distress. The myocardial performance index (MPI) is an index to assess global myocardial function, easily measurable by bedside echocardiography and reliable. Here, we conducted this study to determine the change in cardiac function in neonates with respiratory distress before initiating respiratory support and after weaning from the support.

Methodology:

The study was carried out in 92 neonates with a gestational age of more than 32 weeks who required invasive or noninvasive respiratory support. The tissue Doppler left ventricular MPI (LV MPI) was calculated before the initiation of respiratory support and after weaning from respiratory support. The data were analyzed using a paired t-test and a Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results:

This study comprised 92 neonates with a median (interquartile range) LV MPI value of 0.56 (0.10) before initiation of respiratory support and 0.47 (0.04) after weaning from respiratory support with P < 0.001. The isovolumetric contraction time, isovolumetric relaxation time, and ejection time increased after weaning from respiratory support (all P < 0.0001). The severity of respiratory distress determined by invasive mode of ventilation and longer duration of respiratory support caused higher initial LV MPI before initiation of respiratory support compared with recovery and P < 0.001, suggesting subclinical ventricular dysfunction with respiratory distress in neonates.

Conclusion:

LV MPI was higher in neonates with respiratory distress and normalized after weaning from respiratory support, which indicates that neonates requiring respiratory support may have subclinical ventricular dysfunction and should be followed up carefully.
Prevalence of immunological aberrations and 22q11.2 deletion in children with conotruncal anomalies: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Das Souvik , Baranwal Arun Kumar , Rawat Amit , Nair Ashwini , Naganur Sanjeev Hanumantacharya , Kaur Anupriya , Mishra Anand Kumar , Jindal Ankur , Kaur Anit
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

22q11.2 deletion is associated with conotruncal anomalies and immunological aberrations. Given the common embryonic origin of conotruncus and thymus, conotruncal anomalies may be associated with immunological aberrations irrespective of 22q11.2 deletion. We planned to study the prevalence of immunological aberrations and 22q11.2 deletion among patients with conotruncal anomaly to understand the impact of their interplay.

Patients and Methods:

Preoperative children (age <12 years) with conotruncal anomalies were evaluated for clinical dysmorphism, lymphocyte subsets by flowcytometry, immunoglobulin levels by nephelometry, and 22q11.2 deletion by multiplex ligand-dependent probe amplification (January 2021–June 2022). Patients with asplenia and polysplenia were excluded from immunological studies.

Results:

Major cardiac defects ([n = 101], [median age, 32 days]) included dextro-transposition of great arteries (d-TGA) - 41.6%, tetralogy of Fallot - 37.6%, double outlet right ventricle (DORV) - 13.9%, and truncus arteriosus - 4.9%. Four patients had polysplenia with situs inversus, while 17 had clinical dysmorphism. Flow cytometry (n = 82) revealed low absolute counts of lymphocytes (33%), T-cells (51.2%), CD4+ cells (50%), and CD8+ cells (51.2%), while only 14.1% had low IgG levels. Eight patients (8/95, 8.4%) had 22q11.2 deletion, with universal deletion of TBX1-2 and TBX1-7 genes; the other 19 genes were deleted in various combinations. Two patients with 22q11.2 deletion had normal T-cell subsets, while none had a complete absence of T-cells.

Conclusion:

Immunological aberrations, especially T-cell abnormalities, were present in almost half of the patients, irrespective of 22q11.2 deletion. Only 8.4% of patients had 22q11.2 deletion. The high incidence of d-TGA among 22q11.2 deletion patients needs further exploration.
Early and midterm results of Cook Formula stent in children with right heart disease: A single-center experience
Authors: Girija Haritha , Muthukumaran Chinnasamy Sivaprakasam , Ganesan Rajaguru , Ramkishore Sankarakuttalan , Arun Vijay , Mahitha Vellusamy , Solomon Neville , Vaidyanathan Swaminathan
Published: December 2024

Background:

Branch pulmonary artery (PA) stenosis must be addressed early to prevent right ventricular scarring and establish lung blood flow. Balloon-mounted stents are more useful in managing right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction and PA stenosis.

Materials and Methods:

We studied the clinical and angiographic data of children with congenital heart disease who underwent stenting for RVOT obstruction and branch PA stenosis using the Formula stent (Cook Medical, Limerick, Ireland) between 2018 and 2024 in a tertiary pediatric cardiac center in southern India.

Results:

Our patient cohort included 65 patients with a median age of 3 years (range: 3 months to 17 years). The median weight of patients was 11.5 kg (4.8–60.4 kg), with 40% weighing <10 kg. Out of the 87 stents implanted, four stents were implanted in RVOT, while the rest were branch PA stenting. The median stent length was 20 mm (12–60 mm), and the median stent diameter was 10 mm (5–10 mm). All stents were deployed using 5Fr to 8Fr sheaths or guiding catheters. The median procedure time was 62 min (20–170 min), with a median fluoroscopy time of 15 min (4–110 min). A total of 17 (19%) stents in 14 patients required further dilatation at a mean interval of 25 ± 4 months from the time of stenting. Ballooning resulted in an increase in diameter from 7.8 ± 2.2 mm to 10.2 ± 1.7 mm. Right ventricular systolic pressure had reduced from 70.3 ± 8 to 40.1 ± 1 mmHg after balloon dilatation in patients with a biventricular heart.

Conclusion:

The Formula stent provides a comprehensive stent size option, requiring smaller sheaths, reduced procedural time, minimum complications, and an acceptable rate of reinterventions.
Combining High Protein Intake with Early Physical Exercise During Critical Illness to Maintain Muscle Mass in Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Opoda Asmaa Badr Eldin , Soliman Sohair Moustafa , Fayad Mona Blough El Mourad , Abdulrahim Taysser Mahmoud
Published: December 2024

Background:

Muscle wasting and weakness are frequent findings in critically ill patients and are associated with worse short- and long-term outcomes. We aimed to assess the efficacy of combined high protein intake with early physical exercise on the rectus femoris (RF) muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) assessed by ultrasound in a patient undergoing mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Patients and Methods:

This randomized controlled study was carried out on 70 mechanically ventilated patients of both genders aged 18–60 years old. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups; Group Ι received protein in a dose (1.2 g/kg/day) in addition to usual ICU physical exercise intervention, and Group ΙΙ received protein in a dose of 2 g/kg/day in addition to the physical exercise intervention.

Results:

The measurements of CSA at day 20 and day 30 were significantly improved in Group Π compared to Group Ι (P = 0.012 and 0.007, respectively). The measurements of muscle thickness of the RF muscle at day 20 and day 30 were significantly improved in Group Π compared to Group Ι (P < 0.001). The CSA and muscle thickness of the RF muscle showed no significant differences at baseline, day 5, and day 10. There was a significant decrease in the length of ICU stay and the incidence of infection in Group Π as compared to Group Ι (P = 0.030 and 0.029, respectively).

Conclusions:

Early protocolized physical therapy along with high protein nutritional supplementation in critically ill, mechanically ventilated patients attenuated the decrease in the CSA and thickness of the RF muscle when compared to standard medical care and standard protein supplementation.
A Comparison Between the Effects of Peribulbar and Sub-tenon Blocks Combined with General Anesthesia on the Incidence of Oculocardiac Reflex during Pediatric Strabismus Surgery: A Double-Blinded Randomized Control Study
Authors: Fathy Shymaa , Hanna Maha Gamil , Abdallah Nasr Mahmoud , El Waraky Sarah Maher , Bassyouni Essam El-Din Zaki , Shoukat Hany Mohammed El-Hadi
Published: December 2024

Background:

Pediatric strabismus surgeries have frequently been linked to the occurrence of oculocardiac reflex (OCR). This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of peribulbar and sub-tenon blocks on the occurrence of OCR during pediatric strabismus surgeries.

Materials and Methods:

A randomized, double-blinded trial was conducted with 120 children (ASA I/II) scheduled for strabismus surgery. Patients were randomized into three groups: control (intravenous paracetamol 15 mg/kg), sub-tenon (0.08 mL/kg of 0.5% bupivacaine), and peribulbar (0.25 mL/kg of a 1:1 mixture of 0.5% bupivacaine and 2% lidocaine). The study assessed the incidence rate of OCR as well as the time of occurrence of OCR after induction, hemodynamic variables, postoperative pain and analgesic requirements, the incidence of postoperative vomiting (POV), complications resulting from the orbital regional anesthesia, and total intraoperative atropine requirements.

Results:

The OCR incidence did not differ significantly between groups. Twenty-three patients (57%) in the sub-tenon group, 14 patients (35%) in the peribulbar group, and 14 patients (35%) in the control group experienced OCR (P = 0.063 and 0.201). All OCR cases were treated with atropine. Pain scores at 4 h post-surgery were significantly higher in the sub-tenon and peribulbar groups compared to the control group (P = 0.001 and 0.041, respectively). The sub-tenon group had one case of POV, whereas the control group had five cases (P = 0.025).

Conclusion:

Both sub-tenon and peribulbar blocks effectively reduced POV and analgesic requirements in pediatric strabismus surgery, but did not prevent the occurrence of OCR.
Factors Contributing to Prolonged Time to Extubation After Sevoflurane Anesthesia in Pediatric Patients who Underwent Strabismus Surgery: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Kim Kyung Mi , Lee Ki Hwa , Park Jae Hong , Kwon Ji Yeon , Park Yei Heum , Kim Jae Hwan
Published: December 2024

Background:

Rapid and smooth emergence is a crucial factor in the recovery of pediatric patients, especially after short ambulatory surgery. However, the factors contributing to the recovery time in pediatric patients after sevoflurane anesthesia have not yet been established. The present study evaluated the underlying factors affecting prolonged extubation time after sevoflurane anesthesia administration.

Materials and Methods:

Data were collected retrospectively from pediatric patients who underwent strabismus surgery between January 2011 and December 2020. Variables affecting time to extubation, including patient-related, anesthesia-related, and procedure-related factors, were investigated for univariate logistic and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results:

Overall, 459 patients were included in the final analysis. In the univariate analysis, the timing of fentanyl administration (P = 0.001), fentanyl dosage (P = 0.036), and operation/anesthesia duration ratio (P < 0.001) was found to prolong the extubation time significantly. Multiple logistic regression analysis that included intraoperative factors showed that late IV fentanyl administration (odds ratio [OR] = 3.051; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.830–5.086), use of a high (>1 µg/kg) fentanyl dose (OR = 2.61; 95% CI = 1.383–4.910), and a low operation/anesthesia duration ratio (OR = 0.92; 95% CI = 0.904–0.945) were associated with late recovery time.

Conclusion:

Late fentanyl administration, use of a high fentanyl dose, and a low operation/anesthesia duration ratio are potential risk factors for prolonged extubation time after sevoflurane anesthesia administration in pediatric patients.
Evaluation of Periodontal Wound Healing with Human Placental Extract as an Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planing – A Randomized Controlled Clinico-Histological Trial
Authors: Garapati Sahithi , Malgikar Suryakanth , Palaparthy Raja Babu , Sistny Vidya Sagar , Gooty Jagadish Reddy , Guntakandla Vikram Reddy
Published: December 2024

Aim:

The present study is aimed to assess the clinical and histological evaluation of human placental extract (Placentrex®) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in Stage III Grade A periodontitis.

Methods:

Forty sites in twelve, stage III Grade A periodontitis patients, were randomly assigned into Group I (Test) and Group II (Control). Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded, and curettage samples were collected in both groups for histological evaluation of collagen density (pixels) at baseline and one month.

Results:

Significant reduction in PI and GI was observed within the groups at baseline and one month. Probing pocket depth at the end of one month was 3.55 ± 0.83 in Group I and 2.50 ± 0.83 in Group II. The gain in clinical attachment level was 2.55 ± 0.83 in Group I and 1.65 ± 0.59 in Group II. PPD and CAL are better in Group I but could not reach statistical significance. Collagen density (pixels) at the end of one month histologically was 2884.9 ± 1386 in Group I and 447.9 ± 244.6 in Group II which were statistically significant (P < 0.05*).

Conclusions:

Local drug delivery of human placental extract played a significant role in managing Stage III Grade A periodontitis, especially as an adjunct to scaling and root planing.
Staining Efficacy of Zingiber Officinale and Curcuma Longa as a Natural Alternative to Eosin - A Comparative Study
Authors: Prajapati Mitul , Shah Monali , Ranginwala Amena , Bhojak Hiren , Nayak Saurabh , Agarwal Prakhar
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Synthetic dyes are expensive, allergic, and health hazardous to the human health and deleterious to the environment. In this era, the use of ecofriendly and biodegradable material has gained interest worldwide. Eosin is the widely used synthetic dye in histopathology. Zingiber officinale (ginger) and Curcuma longa (turmeric) contain polyphenolic compounds and several colouring compounds, which impart colour.

Aims and Objectives:

To compare the staining efficacy of ginger and turmeric dyes by observing the nuclear staining, cytoplasmic staining, overall histologic appearance, intensity, and contrast.

Material and Methods:

The fresh rhizomes of Zingiber Officinale (Z. Officinale) and Curcuma longa (C. longa) were collected, and dye preparations were done by dissolving dried powder of both extracts into 70% alcohol, which was used to stain the sections of 10 cases of oral submucous fibrosis. Stained slides were evaluated by the independent observer using the various parameters like nuclear, cytoplasmic staining, overall histologic appearance, intensity, and contrast of staining. Statistical significance was done by using Chi-square test.

Result:

Z. officinale showed better staining efficacy compared to C. longa. Z. officinale The cytoplasm of the cell and connective tissue components is stained with pale eosin by Z. officinale and by C. longa, with a yellow to golden yellow color. There was no statistically significant difference seen in nuclear staining (P = 0.133), and a significant difference was seen in cytoplasmic staining (P = 0.0008), overall histologic appearance (0.00001), staining intensity (P = 0.0258), and contrast (P = 0.012).

Conclusion:

Z. officinale showed better staining than C. longa and can be used as a natural safe alternative to the eosin in haematoxylin and eosin staining method.
The Relationship between Chewing Betel Habit and Periodontal Disease in an Indonesian Village Community - An Evaluative Study
Authors: Nurdin Nurdin , Imran Herry , Nur Arnela , Keumala Cut R. , Nasri Nasri , Reca Reca
Published: December 2024

Background:

The habit of chewing betel has some very adverse effects due to the use of lime in the betel leaf, which causes an alkaline atmosphere in the mouth, leading to the buildup of calculus.

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between betel nut habit and periodontal disease in the community of Gampong Kampung Blang, Blang Bintang District, Aceh Besar Regency.

Methods:

The type of research used in this study is an analytic Cross-Sectional design, which is a research design by making observations or measurements at a certain time. The sampling technique in this study was to use the Tro Yaname and Slovin opinion formula through Proportional Random Sampling, so that a sample of 89 people was obtained. This research was conducted starting 23 January 2023. Data analysis using statistical tests Chi-square statistical tests (α = 0.05).

Results:

The results showed that the respondents brushed their teeth well (51.7%), and periodontal disease in the community found tartar (33.7%). The results of statistical tests show a relationship between the habit of whisking to periodontal disease in the community which a P value was obtained (0.003 < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that there is a relationship between the habit of whisking and periodontal disease in the community.
Evaluation of plasma progranulin level in patients with newly diagnosed chronic lymphocytic leukemia and its correlation with clinical stages, hematological parameters, and B2-microglobulin
Authors: Mohammed Zahra Q. , Al-bayaa Israa M.
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

With a high degree of intratumoral and interpatient heterogeneity, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a malignant lymphoproliferative illness characterized by the accumulation of defective B lymphocytes in the blood and lymphoid tissues. A multifunctional glycoprotein released by the body, progranulin (PGRN) is linked to inflammation, repair, development, and carcinogenesis. As a prognostic indicator, PGRN was discovered to be elevated in a large number of solid tumors and a small number of hematological malignancies.

OBJECTIVES:

The objective of the study was to assess the plasma PGRN level in newly diagnosed CLL patients in comparison to healthy controls and to establish a correlation between it with plasma beta-2 microglobulin (β2M), hematological parameters, and disease stage.

PATIENTS, MATERIALS, AND METHODS:

From October 1, 2022, to March 1, 2023, 50 newly diagnosed CLL patients visited the Baghdad Teaching Hospital on the Medical City campus. This cross-sectional study was conducted. The diagnosis was made using immunophenotyping by flow cytometry and morphology, with a control group of 30 healthy people. PGRN and β2M plasma levels were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS:

A (P = 0.001) indicated a statistically significant difference in plasma PGRN level between the patients’ median of 5.62 ng/mL and the control groups’ median of 2.37 ng/mL. The Binet staging system revealed that there was a significant difference with regard to absolute lymphocyte count, smudge cell percentage, and plasma β2M (P = 0.01, 0.001, 0.049), respectively, but there was no statistically significant difference between the stages with regard to age and plasma PGRN level (P = 0.35, 0.9). With a P = 0.046, PGRN demonstrated a strong positive correlation with β2M.

CONCLUSIONS:

Compared to healthy controls, patients with CLL showed higher levels of PGRN. The other poor prognostic sign, β2M, and the high PGRN levels at baseline correlate well; however, no difference was found when comparing the levels at later stages of the disease.
Beclin-1 as a potential prognostic marker in correlation with E-cadherin in oral lichen planus and oral squamous cell carcinoma: an immunohistochemical analysis
Authors: Shalash Heba N. , Hussein Radwa R. , Seragel-Deen Fatma
Published: December 2024

Background/aim

Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic, unexceptional, frequent disease of inflammatory origin, autoimmune background with unspecified etiology. Also it has been regarded as an oral potentially malignant disorder and reflects the potential hazard of malignant transformation into oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Beclin-1 happens to be one of the proteins regulating autophagy, where its dysfunction has been involved in various disorders. The function of Beclin-1, as per a marker for autophagy, still needs to be verified in oral premalignant lesions and their progression to OSCC. E-cadherin is an integral intercellular epithelial component responsible for intercellular adhesion, in which its down-expression denotes diminished cellular adhesion and propensity for invasion. Our work aimed to explore the levels of Beclin-1 and E-cadherin in erosive and nonerosive OLP and OSCC to assess the possible role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of OLP and estimate the malignant potential in each OLP type.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study was carried out in the pathology unit Ain Shams University Specialized Hospital. Sixty formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks, along with their clinicopathologic records, were retrieved from the archives of the Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, Ain Shams University, Egypt. They were classified into three groups (20 each) as follows: group 1: the negative control group; group 2: comprised OLP cases, subdivided into two groups (10 each): group 2A, the erosive type and group 2B, the nonerosive type and group 3: comprised the OSCC cases, subdivided into two groups (10 each): group 3A, well-differentiated OSCC and group 3B, moderately differentiated OSCC. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to assess the expression levels of both Beclin-1, as a marker of autophagy and E-cadherin, as a marker of invasiveness and aggressiveness, to validate the malignant transformation potential.

Results

The present result obtained significant increases (P<0.05) in the levels of Beclin-1in a group of patients with OLP, the erosive type (G2A), and both groups of OSCC cases (G3A and B), while G3B was the highest level. Regarding E-cadherin, a significant decrease (P<0.05) was found in their levels in all groups of OLP and OSCC cases, compared to the control group; however group G3B exhibited the lowest reduction. Correlation between Beclin-1 and E-cadherin revealed an insignificant correlation between the two markers in all groups, except a significant negative correlation (r=−0.9, P<0.03) was found in a group of OLP patients with erosive type.

Conclusion

Beclin-1 could potentially be an important prognostic marker in OLP and OSCC. Low levels of E-cadherin expression in erosive OLP indicate greater potential for invasiveness, migration capability and a higher tendency to malignant transformation, which was found comparable to OSCC.
Assessment of obesity indices and disease severity in male patients with obstructive sleep apnea: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gharib Ahmed , Elsheikh Mai S. , El-Hinnawy Yasmine H. , Hamdy Gehan
Published: December 2024

Background/aim

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with multiple chronic conditions and increased risks of complications and mortality. The relationship between OSA and obesity is complex but increased body fat is widely recognized as a major risk factor for OSA. This work aims to determine the cut-off values of the body mass index (BMI), waist to hip ratio (WHR), neck circumference (NC) that can be used to predict the occurrence of OSA and its severity.

Patients and methods

This observational cross-sectional study included 241 Egyptian male patients, complaining from symptoms of OSA. The patients were subjected to measurements of obesity indices and underwent polysomnography to confirm the diagnosis of OSA according to the recommended guidelines for the manual scoring of respiratory events.

Results

The present study exhibited a significant association between BMI, WHR and NC with different polysomnographic parameters. BMI, NC, and WHR were the most significant predictors of OSA (P<0.05). Cutoff values reported 34.35 kg/m2 for BMI with 73.2% sensitivity and 69.4% specificity, while for NC reported 42.5 cm with 68.3% sensitivity and 75.5% specificity, and for WHR exhibited 1.0259 cm, with 59.9% sensitivity and 65.3% specificity. The severity of OSA in male sex was associated with older age, increased BMI, NC, WHR. The severity of OSA was also associated with decreased O2 saturation and higher Desaturation index, Arousal index, and snoring index.

Conclusion

Increased BMI, NC, and WHR were the most significant predictors of OSA and correlated with the severity of the disease in male patients.
DNA methylation of leptin before and after weight loss intervention program among sample of Egyptian obese females: Epigenetic approach in obesity
Authors: Hassan Nayera E. , El-Masry Sahar A. , Zarouk Waheba A. , Mehanna Nayra S. , Mosaad Rehab M. , Kobesiy Maha M , Kishta Mohamed S. , Selim Mohamed , Afify Mahmoud A.S. , Alian Khadija , Khalil Aya , Aboud Heba T.
Published: December 2024

Background/aim

Obesity phenotype results from interactions between epigenotype and genotype. DNA methylation constitutes the most relevant epigenetic mechanism that regulates gene expression in human cells. Leptin (LEP) has a promoter region that presents CpG (CG dinucleotide repeats) islands which may undergo a methylation process. The DNA methylation process could be influenced by nutrition and alter adipocyte LEP gene expression. This study aimed to investigate whether the LEP gene promoter could be epigenetically modified by dietary weight reduction intervention and whether these changes affect its circulating level which may be involved in regulating the expression of the LEP gene in obesity.

Patient and methods

A total of 82 obese females were prescribed 3 months weight loss program. Fifty-eight women with a mean age of 41.62±10.70 years and a mean baseline BMI of 38.32+ 4.01 kg/m2 completed this longitudinal follow-up intervention study. Epigenetic mark, baseline and endpoint anthropometric, and laboratory parameters were assessed. Therefore, the methylation of the promoters of the LEP gene, using methylation-specific PCR, and measuring LEP levels before and after the dietary intervention program, and after bisulfite modification were investigated.

Results

After successful weight loss in obese females, Leptin receptor (LEPR) promoter methylation patterns had significantly higher values, and serum LEP levels had significantly lower values compared with before the dietary intervention program (P<0.05). Among the obese females with BMI equal to or more than 40 kg/m2the most increased variable was LEP promoter methylation (↑10.2%), while among the obese females with BMI less than 40 kg/m2, it increased by ↑1.7%. Among both groups of obesity, the most decreased variable was LEP (↓94.7% and ↓89.4, respectively).

Conclusion

These results support the assumption that in obesity, there is a link between LEPR methylation and LEP blood levels. The epigenetic profile of LEP gene could be affected by serum LEP via feedback regulation.
Conversion of 2-dimensional to 3-dimensional mesh for resource-limited centres in developing countries
Authors: Nazrah Shaikh , Rajesh Shrivastava
Published: December 2024

Background:

In recent years, laparoscopic hernia repair, i.e. transabdominal pre-peritoneal and totally extraperitoneal repairs have been considered the method of choice, especially for recurrent hernias after open repair or bilateral inguinal hernias. However, they pose numerous challenges such as increased post-operative pain due to tacking or fixation of mesh, chronic pain syndrome due to entrapment of nerves and mesh migration or invagination. A 3-dimensional (3D) mesh was introduced to overcome the shortcomings of a 2-dimensional (2D) mesh which does not conform to inguinal anatomy. However, in a resource-limited country like India, the widespread use of a 3D mesh may not be possible owing to its high cost.

Patients and Methods:

We included a total of 55 patients in our study who underwent laparoscopic extended totally extraperitoneal repair hernia repair for 1 year beginning from December 2021 to November 2022 with a follow-up of a minimum of 1 year till November 2023. In our study group (n = 27), we used a novel technique of converting a 2D mesh to a 3D mesh, which was subsequently placed without fixation. In our control group (n = 28), we used a standard polypropylene mesh with one-point suture fixation.

Results and Conclusions:

All patients in our study showed satisfactory post-operative recovery. There was no significant difference in the post-operative pain (assessed by mean Visual Analogue Scores 1.24 ± 0.44 vs. 1.87 ± 0.56; P > 0.1) and the mean length of hospital stay in days (1.12 ± 0.33 vs. 1.16 ± 0.38; P > 0.1), respectively, in the study and control groups. None of our patients showed signs or symptoms of chronic pain or recurrence in our period of follow-up. Our technique of converting 2D to 3D mesh is a safe and feasible approach and maybe a potential alternative to a traditional 3D mesh in resource-limited settings.
Evaluation of the Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DR-TB) management component under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) in Kerala, India, 2021-22
Authors: Vaman Raman Swathy , Kalyanasundaram Madhanraj , Mohan Malu , Pradeepa Narayana , Murhekar Manoj V.
Published: December 2024

Background and Objective:

We evaluated the DR-TB component of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) in a high-burden district in Kerala to identify the programmatic gaps, if any, in screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of notified DR-TB patients.

Methods:

A mixed-methods design was used, and the evaluation was performed in two steps. In the first step, we reviewed the program documents and conducted stakeholder interviews to develop a detailed description of the program design and developed a logical framework to evaluate program performance. Consequently, in the next step, we conducted programmatic data reviews, facility surveys, and in-depth interviews with key stakeholders to identify the programmatic gaps in implementation, guided by the logic framework.

Results:

Of the 494 microbiologically confirmed TB patients during 2021-22, 342 (69%) were tested for drug sensitivity, and 30 DR-TB patients were identified. There was no separate district DR-TB treatment center with airborne infection control facilities, and only 16% (66/422) of the various categories of staff were trained in recent guidelines. Only 30% (9/30) of DR-TB patients were provided with any psychological assessment. The favorable treatment outcome was 80% Interviews revealed poor readiness and motivation from the private sector for screening, contextual barriers in human resource availability, transportation, and financial barriers to the beneficiary despite providing financial benefits.

Conclusion:

Prioritizing the establishment of a district DR-TB treatment center and sputum transport mechanism, posting a clinical psychologist dedicated to counseling patients on therapy, and training all categories of staff on DR-TB management guidelines will significantly contribute to improving program outcomes.
Molecular diagnosis of vitreoretinal lymphoma
Authors: Kwak Jay Jiyong , Lee Christopher Seungkyu
Published: December 2024

Vitreoretinal lymphoma (VRL) is a rare ocular malignancy that involves the retina, the retinal pigment epithelium, and the vitreous. It is a subtype of primary central nervous system lymphoma (CNSL). Most cases of VRL and CNSL are classified as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Despite its indolent nature, VRL can lead to permanent vision loss and even death due to CNS involvement. The gold standard for diagnosing VRL is the identification of lymphoma cells in a vitreous biopsy. However, diagnosis is challenging due to the rarity and fragility of lymphoma cells. Consequently, various diagnostic methods, such as interleukin level measurement, immunoglobulin clonality assays, flow cytometry, and molecular analysis have been developed to improve diagnostic accuracy. Tools from molecular biology, such as next-generation sequencing and single-cell based analyses, are being investigated as emerging diagnostic modalities. This review aims to discuss the conventional and up-to-date molecular tools for VRL diagnosis and to present important genetic variations and their clinical implications in VRL.
Involuntary Hospitalization in Serbia: Present State and Future Perspectives
Authors: Miljevic Cedo , Lecic-Tosevski Dusica
Published: December 2024

Involuntary hospitalization represents the most delicate decision in psychiatric practice. As a protective measure it is indicated in situations where persons’ mental state is so severely impaired that they are unable to realistically assess their condition, thereby endangering their own life or the lives of others. Although it is essentially a protective measure, abuses are possible, and preventing potential them is a matter of joint study by psychiatry, law, and ethics. Data indicate the existence of significant variations in the frequency of involuntary hospitalizations across different regions of the world that are primarily attributed to varying legal procedures. It is always important to keep in mind that involuntary hospitalization carries the risk of stigmatizing patients. Moreover, stigma-related stress has negative effect on the recovery of patients. In order to decrease involuntary hospitalization humanization and individualization of treatment, as well as person-centered psychiatry should be applied in psychiatric services. Education on how to improve compliance and adherence with patients as well as on psychopharmacology and the use of the best treatment options are additional tools for that cause.
Volunteer Perspective: Field Experiences in a Community-based Program for Rehabilitation of Chained Mentally Ill Persons
Authors: Udasin Madhodas , Gupta Dhanesh Kumar
Published: December 2024

Thousands of persons with mental illness are kept chained or locked inside their houses by their carers. Program Mukti is an initiative by the Nishkam Foundation to identify, treat, and rehabilitate these patients. Mental health services under Program Mukti are delivered at the doorstep of the patients through home visits by the Mukti Care Teams. During these visits, the team members came across directly with the ground-level realities of these patients and their families and witnessed their plight closely. The field experiences of Niskham Mukti teams were deeper than merely observations made during home visits. While they became aware of mental trauma, agony, and helplessness of the patients and their families, they themselves also went through a range of emotional and cognitive experiences. This article shares those experiences with aim to provide a social and community perspective of intervention with this highly marginalized subgroup of persons with mental illness.
Co-Creation of E-Services Enabled by the Digitalization of Physical Products
Authors: Chowdhury Soumitra
Published: December 2024

With the advent of digitalization, e-services are now enabled by embedded digital technologies in physical products such as vehicles, elevators, construction equipment. In spite of numerous instances of e-services enabled by the digitalization of physical products, little research has been carried out to investigate the characteristics of co-creation of such e-services. This paper attempts to fill the gap by reporting from a three-year long research project with a vehicle manufacturing company. Using the translation phases from the Actor-Network theory (ANT) as a theoretical lens, this paper presents three propositions that characterize the co-creation of e-services enabled by the digitalization of physical products. The propositions highlight the role of physical products, establishment of trust and setting priorities about digitalization.
«Mato por escuchar una buena historia»
Authors: Vázquez Touriño Daniel
Published: December 2024

Del 15 al 19 de abril de 2024, en la Universidad de Liubliana, en el marco del proyecto Erasmus+ «Literature in praxis: Professional challenges of reading, translating and editing in digital age», tuvo lugar la Escuela de primavera Litprax, centrada en el teatro en español del siglo XXI, en la que se creó un espacio polifónico que reunió voces de expertos de diferentes ámbitos. Las actividades culminaron con un encuentro en vivo con Juan Mayorga y la entrevista con el dramaturgo realizada por Daniel Vázquez Touriño.
Antónia Coutinho, Clara Nunes Correia, Maria do Céu Cetano (orgs.) (2024). «Sedia la fremosa...» Textos de Teresa Brocardo
Authors: Markič Jasmina
Published: December 2024

«Sedia la fremosa...» Textos de Teresa Brocardo é uma obra publicada em homenagem à doutora Teresa Brocardo, professora da Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas (FCSH) da Universidade Nova de Lisboa (UNL), organizada por suas colegas e amigas as doutoras Antónia Coutinho, Clara Nunes Correia e Maria do Céu Cetano. Teresa Brocardo (1959-2023), professora catedrática do Departamento de Linguística e investigadora do Centro de Linguística da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (CLUNL) – Grupo Gramática & Texto, deixou uma marca incontornável sobretudo nos trabalhos que desenvolveu nas áreas de História da Língua Portuguesa e de Linguística Histórica.
Hinduizm’i Tasavvufla Telif İddiaları Bağlamında Bir Nakşibendiyye Şeyhi: Mazhar Cân-ı Cânân
Authors: Eker Mehmet
Published: December 2024

Bu makalede Nakşibendiyye şeyhi Mazhar Cân-ı Cânân’ın (ö. 1195/1781) Hinduizm ile ilgili görüşleri tasavvufla telif iddiaları bağlamında ele alınmaktadır. Çalışma; Mazhar’ın Hinduizm’e dair görüşlerini ve bu fikirlerinden dolayı kendisine yöneltilen eleştirileri kapsamaktadır. Mazhar’ın, Hinduizm’in semavî bir din olup olmadığına dair cevaben yazdığı bir mektup, kendisi hakkında birçok tartışmayı da beraberinde getirmiştir. Bazı araştırmacılar Mazhar’ın Hinduizm’e müsamahakâr davrandığını hatta tasavvufla Hinduizm’i telif çabasında olduğunu iddia etmişlerdir. Mezkûr iddialar Diyanet İslâm Ansiklopedisi’nde de kendisine yer bulmuş, Hindu tanrıları olan Krişna ve Rama’ya cezbe sülûk atfedecek kadar ileri gittiği, zikir halkasına Hinduları almış olabileceği de ileri sürülmüştür. Bu hali ile bakıldığında Şeyh Mazhar yarı sûfî yarı yogi bir kişi olarak görülmektedir. Bu ciddi iddiaları ele alması, realitesini tartışması bakımından çalışma önem taşımaktadır. Bu makalenin amacı Şeyh Mazhar’ın Hinduizm ile ilgili görüşlerinin bağlamlarını ortaya çıkarmak, zikredilen iddiaların gerçekliğini ele almaktır. Yöntem olarak Şeyh Mazhar’ın hayatı ile görüşleri birbirleriyle karşılaştırılmış, düşüncelerinin iz düşümleri tespit edilmeye çalışılmıştır. Bunun neticesinde Mazhar’ın Hinduizm’e dair yaptığı değerlendirmelerin bu dinin semâvî olup olmadığını irdelemeye yönelik olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Mazhar’a göre Hindistan coğrafyasına peygamberler gelmiş, insanları hidayete sevk etmeye çalışmışlardır. Vedalar ilahî bir kitap, Rama ve Krişna gibi mitolojik şahsiyetler de bu dinin peygamberi olabilirler. Zira Hint inancında monoteizm, cennet, cehennem, âlemin hudûsu gibi inanışlar mevcuttur. Hint kutsal kitaplarına bakıldığında; monoteizm, ahiret, âlemin hudûsu konularında Mazhar’ın yaklaşımlarını destekleyecek, birçok pasaj bulunmaktadır. Mazhar, Hinduizm’in nesh edilmiş semavî bir din olduğu düşüncesini Kur’ân-ı Kerim’e dayandırmaktadır. Zira Kur’ân’da her kavme bir peygamber gönderilmiş olduğu bildirilmiştir. Bundan hareketle İslâm itikadına muvafık Hindu inançlarının geçmiş peygamberlerin bir izi olduğunu düşünmüştür. Mazhar bu ifadeleriyle beraber Hz. Muhammed’e iman etmeyenleri kâfir olarak görmüş, Hindu ritüel ve merasimlerine katılmayı yasaklamış, bunlara iştirak edenleri de küfürle itham etmiştir. Hinduların merasim yemeklerini yememiş, Allah’tan başkası adına tutulan oruçları şirk olarak nitelemiş, kâfir olarak nitelediği kişiler için de ayağa bile kalkmamıştır. Kendisi hayatı boyunca sünnete uygun yaşamaya çalışmış, gündelik hayatın en basit hareketinden ibadetin en ince detayına kadar sünnete uymayı amaçlamıştır. Kâfir olarak gördüğü Hinduları zikir halkasına almış olduğuna dair bir emare bulunamamıştır. Bu bilgiler göz önünde bulundurulduğunda Mazhar’ın Hinduizm ile tasavvufu telif çabasında olmadığı görülmektedir.
Giant hamartomic colon polyp in a child with Peitz–Jaegers syndrome
Authors: Lokhmatov Maksim M. , Khvatova Elisaveta I. , Korolev Grigoriy A. , Oldakovskiy Vladislav I. , Tupylenko Artem V. , Budkina Tatiyana N. , Dyakonova Elena Yu. , Bekin Aleksandr S.
Published: December 2024

Relevance. Peutz–Jeghers syndrome is an orphan variant of hereditary polyposis, which manifests itself by the formation of melanin spots on the mucous membrane, lips, and skin, as well as the formation of hamartomatous polyps in the gastrointestinal tract.
The aim of the work is to demonstrate a rare manifestation of Peutz–Jeghers syndrome with a single giant polyp in the colon.
Clinical observation. The patient’s parents first began to notice “freckles” in the nasolabial triangle at the age of two years. At the age of 6 years, streaks of blood appeared in the stool. The reason for contacting a medical specialist was the presence of blood clots in the stool several months later. The child was diagnosed with formations in the descending colon. The patient was referred for further examination and determination of treatment tactics.
Conclusion. Hamartomatous polyposis usually the manifests itself by the formation of multiple polyps along the gastrointestinal tract. In Peutz–Jeghers syndrome, the vast majority of polyps are formed in the small intestine and stomach, but in clinical practice, atypical manifestations of this disease may be encountered, requiring a multidisciplinary approach to determine the treatment tactics.
Dasar Menolak Homoseksualitas?
Authors: Rouw Randy Frank
Published: December 2024

Narasi singkat Ham melihat aurat Nuh (Kej. 9:20-27) menurut beberapa orang dipandang sebagai teks yang dapat dipergunakan untuk menentang homoseksualitas. Hal ini tidak mengejutkan dikarenakan cukup besarnya tafsiran yang mendukung bahwa Ham sedang melakukan penyimpangan seksual dan salah satunya adalah teori veyourism atau teori Ham memandangi ketelanjangan Nuh dengan hawa nafsu seksual. Tentu saja bagi beberapa orang hal ini berimplikasi pada penggunaan teks Kejadian 9:20-27 sebagai salah satu bentuk penolakan Alkitab terhadap homoseksualitas. Tujuan utama dari artikel ini adalah menolak penggunaan narasi Ham melihat aurat Nuh sebagai dasar pengajaran untuk menolak homoseksualitas. Untuk mencapai tujuan tersebut, saya membahas kata רָאָה atau ‘melihat’ dalam Kejadian 34:2 dan 38:15 yang bernuansa seksual serta diawali aktivitas melihat kemudian membandingkannya dengan Kejadian 9:22. Dari perbandingan teks, ada perbedaan yang signifikan antara Kejadian 34:2 dan 38:15 dengan teks Kejadian 9:22 terkait kata רָאָה. Dalam 34:2 dan 38:15, perilaku seksual jelas dicatat setelah aktivitas melihat. Ini menjadi bukti kuat bahwa kata רָאָה dalam 2 ayat ini mengandung hasrat seksual. Namun berbeda dengan Kejadian 9:22, perilaku seksual tidak dicatatkan setelah aktivitas melihat. Oleh karena itu, tidak tepat jika menyebutkan bahwa Ham melihat Nuh dengan hasrat seksual. Hal ini tentu saja pada akhirnya membantah penggunaan narasi Ham melihat aurat Nuh sebagai dasar pengajaran menolak homoseksualitas.