bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laparoscopic Hysterosacropexy: Is it A Safe Option for Fertility Spearing?
Authors: Algeri Paola , Colonna Laura , Bergamelli Silvia , Imbruglia Laura , Mastrocola Nunzia , Von Wunster Silvia
Published: September 2023

Objective: In case of uterine prolapse, hyseroxacropexy, a conservative surgical approach, which allows the sparing of body image and sexuality, could be the choice in fertile women. Few information are reported on subsequent pregnancy after surgery.
Case report: A 33 years-old women with symptomatic prolapse underwent a laparoscopic hysterosacropexy. Subsequently she expressed her pregnancy desire and she got pregnant. A scheduled caesarean section was performed without complication. The subsequent follow-up was regular: the patient was asymptomatic and presented no sign of prolapse recurrence.
Conclusion: In motivate and well counselled patient, informed about the risk of prolapse recurrence, pregnancy could be considered after hysterosacropexy.
Investigation of the relationship between childhood traumas, psychological resilience, cognitive flexibility and emotion regulation skills in adults
Authors: GÜLER Kahraman , GÜMÜŞ DEMİR Zeynep , YURTSEVEN Cansu Selin
Published: September 2023

Objectives: This paper looked into the relation between childhood traumas, resilience, cognitive flexibility, and adult emotion regulation skills in adults.
Methods: The sample, which is based on the relational screening model, includes 395 participants (female: 202, male: 193). Sociodemographic Information Form, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Cognitive Flexibility Scale and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire were applied to the participants to obtain the research data. Data collection was carried out online (google forms) through convenient sampling. The t-test was used to compare the study's quantitative data, and Pearson Correlation analysis was utilized to test the relationship between the scales. Multiple Linear Regression analysis was used for predictive analysis and finally PROCESS was used for mediator role analysis.
Results: The investigation's findings revealed that there is a statistically significant difference between the scores of the two groups compared. Findings showed that there is a moderately positive correlation between acceptance and CTQ scores, a weak positive correlation between acceptance and emotional abuse scores, a weak positive correlation with physical abuse scores, a weak positive correlation with physical neglect scores, a weak positive correlation with emotional neglect scores and weak positive correlation with sexual abuse scores. A weak and negative correlation exists between Putting into Perspective and the CTQ, an even weaker and negative correlation exists between Putting into Perspective and the Emotional Neglect and Sexual Abuse scores. Rumination scores have a weak and negative relationship with emotional abuse scores.
Conclusions: In order to prevent them from serving as the foundation for difficulties with adult mental health, it is crucial to understand the relationship between traumatic childhood events and psychological resilience, cognitive flexibility, and cognitive emotion regulation techniques. In order to assist people, analyze their thoughts and feelings, be aware of negative coping mechanisms, rigid, inflexible cognitive styles, and negative thinking patterns, clinical psychology practices will benefit from research on these characteristics.
Metode Fuzzy TOPSIS Sebagai Sistem Pendukung Keputusan dalam Menentukan Pegawai Berprestasi
Authors: Izdhihar Fairuz Nadhif , Alisah Evawati , Abdussakir Abdussakir
Published: September 2023

Fuzzy TOPSIS as a decision support system is a mathematical method with the best alternative concept chosen not only to have the shortest distance to the positive ideal solution, but also to have the longest distance to the negative ideal solution. The use of Fuzzy TOPSIS as a decision support system can minimize the weaknesses that exist in the TOPSIS method. The purpose of this study is to apply the Fuzzy TOPSIS method as a Decision Support System (SPK) to determine outstanding employees at the Batu City Population and Civil Registration Office. The Human Resources (HR) Division has the task of validating the value and processing the value of employee work goals and work behavior using the Fuzzy TOPSIS implementing into recommendations for outstanding employees. Data processing is carried out fuzzy, while calculations are carried out by the TOPSIS method. The output of this calculation is in the form of ranking the value of preferences and recommendations available for all employees. The calculation results obtained the highest preference value, namely by the first alternative with a value of 1. The alternative occupied a position as an outstanding employee at the Batu City Population and Civil Registration Office.
Metodología para la determinación de sobre anchos en vías- carreteras a partir de la evaluación de trayectorias de giro
Authors: Rodríguez González Jorge Luis , Martínez Puerto Johana Andrea , Pacheco Pacheco Brayan David
Published: September 2023

En el diseño de sección transversal de una carretera se determina un parámetro al que se le denomina “sobreancho” con el que se pretende generar condiciones de seguridad y comodidad para aquellos vehículos que circulan a través de una curva horizontal. La determinación de sobreanchos es un tema poco estudiado a nivel nacional, los diseñadores generalmente utilizan el modelo presentado por el Manual de Diseño Geométrico de Vías del año 2008. Este modelo presenta inconsistencias en su metodología afectando su efectividad y aplicación debido a que existen varios factores que no son tenidos en cuenta y en otras ocasiones, en los diseños finales los sobreanchos son valores arbitrarios que no corresponden a las trayectorias efectuadas por los vehículos en la maniobra. Adicionalmente, esta metodología conlleva un incremento de costos constructivos generados por el sobredimensionamiento del sobreancho dadas las actividades de corte innecesarias para conformar la sección transversal, en especial para vías secundarias y terciarias en terrenos montañosos, las cuales representan un gran porcentaje de las carreteras nacionales.
Pediatric blunt pancreatic trauma at a single center in Korea: a retrospective review from 2007 to 2022
Authors: Youn Joong Kee , Yang Hee-Beom , Ko Dayoung , Kim Hyun-Young
Published: September 2023

Purpose: Blunt pancreatic trauma in pediatric patients is relatively rare, yet it is associated with high risks of morbidity and mortality This study aimed to review pediatric patients with blunt pancreatic trauma treated at a single center and provide treatment guidelines.Methods: This study included patients under the age of 18 years who visited our center's pediatric emergency department and were diagnosed with pancreatic injury due to abdominal trauma via radiological examination between January 2007 and December 2022. Patients’ medical records were retrospectively reviewed and analyzed.Results: Among 107 patients with abdominal trauma, 14 had pancreatic injury, with a median age of 8.2 years (interquartile range, 3.1–12.3 years). Eight patients were male and six were female. The most common mechanism of injury was falls from a height and bicycle handlebars (four cases each). Six patients had associated injuries. Two patients had American Association for the Surgery of Trauma grade I or II, eight had grade III, and four had grade IV or V injuries. Eight patients underwent surgical resection, and four were discharged with only an intervention for duct injuries.Conclusions: Patients with blunt pancreatic trauma at our center have been successfully treated with surgical modalities, and more recently through nonsurgical approaches involving active endoscopic and radiologic interventions.
The Increasing of Employee Retention in The Hotel Industry: Diagnosing the Effect of Work-Life Balance
Authors: Aufa Firza Tullah , Istiqomah Febbi Ari , Fadillah Nur , Ferdian Feri
Published: September 2023

Purpose: This paper investigates the influence of job engagement and work-life balance on increasing employee retention in the Hotel Industry.
Method: The study used quantitative research with a causal associative approach. The population in this study was 63 employees of Natra Bintan Resort. 40 respondents were successfully collected using simple random sampling techniques. Data was obtained through a structured questionnaire and supplemented with a desk review of the literature.  The proposed model is analyzed through the Smart PLSS assessment.
Result: The result of this study found that there is a significant influence on the significant work engagement path. Meanwhile, there is an insignificant influence of the work-life balance path on employee retention. Job engagement and work-life balance are predictors of employee retention in the hospitality industry.
Contribution: The contribution of this study is manifestly found as a significantly increasing employee retention which will give a big impact on the Hotel Industry. The company is expected to pay attention to the relationship between employees and superiors about work-life balance and job engagement and employees get complete information about the requirements for occupying a position. The theoretical contribution of this research lies in its exploration of the influences of work-life balance and job engagement on employee retention within the hotel industry. By empirically testing these relationships and differentiating their impacts, the study provides valuable insights for both academia and the practical management of human resources in the hospitality sector
Effect of Graded Levels of Zinc and Zinc Solubilizing Microbes on Growth Parameters and Yield of Ginger
Authors: Satwadhar Priya , Ismail Syed , Zade Swati
Published: September 2023

The pot culture experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2019-20 in the Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth, Parbhani to evaluate the response of ginger to graded levels of zinc and zinc solubilizing biofertilizers. Experiment consist of sixteen treatment combinations which includes four zinc solubilizing cultures (Control, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas striata, and Trichoderma viride) and four levels of zinc (0, 20, 30 and 40 kg ZnSO4 ha-1) in factorial complete randomized design. The results emerged out indicated significant effect of zinc solubilizing cultures particularly Pseudomonas striata and zinc level upto 40 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 on plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and rhizome yield of ginger over the other treatments. Effect of zinc solubilizing cultures i.e. Pseudomonas striata noted maximum plant height (37.06-49.59-60.84 cm for 90,150 and 210 days).The zinc level @ 40 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 was having better effect on plant height (34.83-47.38-57.84 cm for 90,150 and 210 days) zinc solubilizers influenced the number of leaves of ginger plant at various growth stages and was recorded stage wise in the range between 10.55 to 15.62, 16.64 to 21.59 and 20.50 to 25.54 at 90, 150 and 210 days respectively. Significantly highest leaf area noted in pot treated with Pseudomonas strita (32.11-33.33-34.76 cm2) and significant effect of levels of zinc up to 40 kg ha-1 have influenced on leaf area and noted highest in 40 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 (28.71-30.56-32.08 cm2). The highest rhizome yield was found in pots inoculated with Pseudomonas striata (374.72 g pot-1) and zinc level @40 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 (355.78g pot-1).
Estimation of Lactation Persistency in Different Classes of Crossbred Jersey and Red Sindhi Cows
Authors: Prabhakar Pramod , Herbert Sarvjeet , Singh Ram Pal , Ramesh Pandey Neeraj
Published: September 2023

Lactation persistency is a critical economic factor in the dairy cow production system. It refers to a cow's ability to continue producing milk after it has reached its peak. Milk yield is an important trait in dairy industry; thus, information regarding this phenotype is essential to measure the productivity of a farm. This article aims to estimate the persistency of milk yield in lactation first of various grades of ½ Jersey × ½ Red Sindhi, ¼ Jersey × ¾ Red Sindhi, 3/8 Jersey × 5/8 Red Sindhi, 1/8 Jersey ×7/8 Red Sindhi crossbred of cows. Data was collected from pedigree cum history sheet. Milk yield from the first lactations (L1) of 83 cows and 498 observations of various grades of Jersey x Red Sindhi crossbred cows were recorded in kilograms. Samples were collected up to six months. The mean of milk yield for six months in L1were 168.93±6.46 kg of ½ Jersey × ½ Red Sindhi crosses, 176.72±4.73Kg of ¼ Jersey × ¾ Red Sindhi crosses,158.64±10.66 kg of 3/8 Jersey × 5/8 Red Sindhi crosses, 157.63±4.86kg of 1/8 Jersey ×7/8 Red Sindhi crosses, respectively. The peak of milk yields was achieved at the second month of the lactation for L1 were 190.78-274.63 kg of ½ Jersey × ½ Red Sindhi crosses, 162.29-310.71 kg of ¼ Jersey × ¾ Red Sindhi crosses, 155.16-267 kg of 3/8 Jersey × 5/8 Red Sindhi crosses, 142.32-283.99 kg of 1/8 Jersey ×7/8 Red Sindhi crosses, respectively. The persistency of milk yield for L1 were 2.51±0.16 of ½ Jersey × ½ Red Sindhi crosses, 2.30 ± 0.09 of ¼ Jersey × ¾ Red Sindhi crosses, 2.62±0.22 of 3/8 Jersey × 5/8 Red Sindhi crosses, 2.58±0.14 of 1/8 Jersey ×7/8 Red Sindhi crosses respectively. Milk yield persistency is the ability of animal to maintain milk production after reaching its peak yield during lactation period. The more persistent dairy cattle show better performance. The present study concluded that persistency of cows could be useful in selecting those have the higher estimates in order to improve the productivity of the herds.
Anti-UV Properties of Baco (Organic Cotton+Banana) Fabric Dyed with Terminalia arjuna as Dye and Selected Mordants
Authors: karwasara Daksha , Srivastava Meenu
Published: September 2023

Ultraviolet (UV) radiations are carcinogenic, repeated UV exposure causes damage to skin cells and leads to develop skin cancer. Present research work has been undertaken to develop eco-friendly Bacofabric blend of Organic cotton and Banana having UV protective action along with good colorfastness properties by extracting the dyes using Terminalia arjuna at various dyeing concentrations. Optimal results were achieved by dyeing at 80 °C for 90 minutes using the pre-mordanting method with different mordants. The developed dyed samples very good results in terms of colour fastness to washing and sunlight.Findings showed that the mordanted samples have high dye uptake with excellent UPF values. These results are very important for industrial application with the application of Terminalia arjunadye on Baco fabric in providing UV protection to textiles for varied end uses.
Microbial Population in the Rhizosphere of Some Cultivation Region from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alyousif Mazen M. , Al Barakah Fahad N. I. , El Saeid Mohamed H.
Published: September 2023

This study was conducted to investigate the current status of soil properties and microbial population density in different rhizosphere cropping regions from Saudi Arabia. Rhizospheric soil samples (0-20 cm depth) were collected from different cropping farms of two regions, namely Al-Kharj and Al-Ahsa for estimation of their physical, chemical, heavy metals and microbial current status. The average of total bacterial counts in Al-Kharj was about double than average of total bacterial counts in Al-Ahsa. Also, the average of total fungi counts was also higher in Al-Kharj soil samples than Al-Ahsa. The results also depict that Al-Kharj region occupies more organic matter than Al-Ahsa. Heavy metals in all samples were less than the acceptable limits in the agricultural soils comparative to the Saudi standards. Correlation analysis, among the studied physical and chemical properties, depicts that EC and pH are negatively correlated with each other. This study is helpful for exploring the different characteristics of soils at the agricultural regions in Saudi Arabia as a results of the different monument.
Uncertainty of the Ground Water Fluctuation Based on ANN Approach
Authors: Kumar Sachan Shashindra , Sherring Arpan , M. Denis Derrick
Published: September 2023

This study pursues to determine the accuracy of the groundwater level fluctuations forecasted at the Kanpur district of India using artificial neural networks (ANNs). The results indicated that performance of multilayer perceptron (MLP) based neural network (M-3, architecture 4-18-1) is satisfactory in the groundwater level fluctuations forecasting. The performance assessment shows that the MLP model performs significantly better. The uncertainty analysis shows that, input of Absent- RF and Absent- ERF, Absent- GWt-1, and Absent- GWt-5 were found more sensitive for GWFs forecasting and can’t ignore as input combination & input of Absent- WS and RH were found less sensitive for GWFs forecasting and may be discarded as input combination for GWFs forecasting.
Standardization of Recipe for Preparation of Beverage Nectar from Dragon Fruit
Authors: Dansena Sonia , Sharma Shishir Prakash
Published: September 2023

The current investigatory work entitled “Studies on Standardization of recipe for preparation of beverages Nectar of dragon fruit” was executed at Pomology Laboratory, Department of Pomology, Pt K.L.S. CHRS, Pendri, Rajnandgaon, IGKV, Raipur, Chhattisgarh during year 2019-2020. The research was performed on sensory analysis of Nectar of dragon fruit at fortnight meantime for course of 45 days preservation by implementing CRD with 3 replication inside lab condition. Each replication comprised of 7 treatments for Nectar. The nectar comprise of 20 percent pulp and 0.3 percent acidity and receipe is varied by different concentration of TSS which are as follows for T1 (16%TSS), T2 (17 % TSS), T3 (18 % TSS), T4 (19 %t TSS), T5 (20 % TSS), T6 (21%TSS), T7 (22 % TSS).Nectar with treatment T7 comprising of 20% pulp, 0.3% acidity and 22% TSS got peak score on colour, flavour, taste, appearance and overall acceptability among various recipe implemented. While it also obtained peak score in TSS, ascorbic acid, TSS Acid ratio, TS and RS is peak, while acidity and NR sugar was least for treatment T7 comprising of 20% pulp, 0.3% acidity and 22% TSS. NR sugar, and acidity got peak score in case of treatment T1 comprising of 20% pulp, 0.3% acidity and 16% TSS. The organoleptic score, pH, NR sugar and TSS acid ratio shows diminishing pattern whereas TSS, acidity, ascorbic acid, TS and RS shows rising pattern.
Transfer of lead through different trophic levels: Microalgae (Nannochloropsis oculata), rotifer (Brachionus plicatilis), and prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)
Authors:   División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación. Instituto Tecnológico de Boca del Río, Tecnológico Nacional de México, Km. 12 Carr. Veracruz-Córdoba, Boca del Río, Veracruz. 94290. México., Benítez-Fernández Nayeli Carmen , Pérez-Legaspi Ignacio Alejandro ,   División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación. Instituto Tecnológico de Boca del Río, Tecnológico Nacional de México, Km. 12 Carr. Veracruz-Córdoba, Boca del Río, Veracruz. 94290. México., Rubio-Franchini Isidoro ,   Laboratorio Estatal de Salud del Estado de Aguascalientes, del ISSEA, Av. Siglo XXI 105. Aguascalientes, Ags. 20270. México.
Published: September 2023

Aquatic ecosystems suffer alterations by the input of several pollutants as potentially toxic elements which interact with the planktonic community with likelihood of bioconcentration, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification through the trophic chains despite the fact of being in low concentrations. The goal of this study involves assessing the toxicity, bioaccumulation, and transfer of the lead under controlled laboratory conditions by estimating the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and bioaccumulation factor (BAF) in organisms usually used in aquaculture, as Nannochloropsis oculata microalgae, Brachionus plicatilis rotifer, and the Malaysian prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii. We assessed toxicity, bioconcentration, and transfer of the lead from the microalgae to higher trophic levels, the rotifer, and the prawn larvae. We performed three bioassays: (1) lead-exposed microalgae, (2) rotifer fed with lead-exposed microalgae, and (3) prawn larvae fed with either lead-exposed microalgae or rotifers fed with these microalgae. The toxicity endpoints were obtained for microalgae. The concentration of the lead in all organisms was analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry for estimating BCF and BAF values. The endpoints No Observed Effect Concentration (NOEC) and Effective Concentration 50 (EC50) are 1 and 5.42 mg/L, respectively, for N. oculata. The BCF in the microalgae decreases as lead concentration increases. A BAF of 2948 in rotifers, and a BAF of 42.1 in prawns were obtained. In conclusion, lead can concentrate in microalgae, transfer, and accumulate through consumption toward the consecutive trophic levels, but not among invertebrates due to their detoxification mechanisms.
Biased Random Process of Randomly Moving Particles with Fixed Mean and Group Velocities
Authors: Guo Tao
Published: September 2023

In a particle swarm with a fixed kinetic energy, the constituent particles move randomly and their velocity magnitudes follow a Maxwell distribution characterized by specific parameters. Within a certain time frame, particles in a sub-swarm may exhibit a bias in their movement direction. Thus, the particles may exhibit a special characteristic (biased random motion), where the group velocity in a particular direction remains constant u. For this biased particle swarm, composed of randomly moving particles with a fixed average speed c, particles have a higher probability of moving in a specific direction. Conversely, their likelihood of moving in all other directions is equally reduced. This study starts from the perspective of biased random walks and using Mathematica software proves that the diffusion rate of particles (in the reference frame Ru observed from R0) in all directions is slower than that of an unbiased particle swarm with the same average speed c. Specifically, the degree of reduction is determined by the Lorentz-like factor. Lastly, we present the Ito equation for this biased random motion and provide associated verification examples. This study aims to serve as a reference for comprehending the underlying principles of the special relativity effect.
A Benchmark of In-House Homologous Recombination Repair Deficiency Testing Solutions for High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Guarischi-Sousa Rodrigo , Kroll José Eduardo , Bonaldi Adriano , Pierry Paulo Marques , Villela Darine , Souza Camila Alves , Silva Juliana Santos , Burger Matheus Carvalho , Oliveira Felipe de Azevedo , De Paula Marcelo Gomes , Meliso Fabiana Marcelino , De Almeida Luiz Gustavo , Monfredini Priscilla Morais , De Oliveira Ana Gabriela , Milanezi Fernanda , Scapulatempo-Neto Cristovam , Yamamoto Guilherme Lopes
Published: September 2023

Homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) has become an important prognostic and predictive biomarker for patients with high-grade serous ovarian cancer who may benefit from poly-ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi) and platinum-based therapies. HRD testing provides relevant information to personalize patients’ treatment options, and it has been progressively incorporated in diagnostic laboratories. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of in-house HRD testing deployable in a diagnostic clinical setting, comparing results from two commercially available next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based tumor tests (SOPHiA DDMTM HRD Solution and AmoyDx HRD Focus Panel) with the reference assay from Myriad MyChoice CDx. A total of 85 ovarian cancer samples were subjected to HRD testing. An overall strong correlation was observed across the three assays evaluated, regardless of the different underlying methods employed to assess genomic instability, with the highest pairwise correlation between Myriad and SOPHiA (R=0.87, p-value=3.39x10-19). The comparison of the assigned HRD status to the reference Myriad’s test revealed a positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 90.9% and 96.3% for SOPHiA’s test, while AmoyDx’s test achieved 75% PPV and 100% NPV. This is the largest HRD testing evaluation using different methodologies and provides a clear picture of the robustness of NGS-based tests currently offered in the market. Our data show that the implementation of in-house HRD testing in diagnostic laboratories is technically feasible and it can be reliably performed with commercial assays. Also, the turnaround time is compatible with clinical needs, being an ideal alternative to offer to a broader number of patients, while still maintaining high-quality standards at more accessible price tiers.
Kinetic Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate in Predicting Paediatric Acute Kidney Disease
Authors: Chisavu Flavia , Gafencu Mihai , Chisavu Lazar , Stroescu Ramona , Schiller Adalbert
Published: September 2023

Kinetic estimation of glomerular filtration rate (KeGFR) proved its utility in predicting acute kidney injury (AKI) in both adults and children. Our objective is to assess the clinical utility of KeGFR in predicting AKI severity and progression to acute kidney disease (AKD) in patients already diagnosed with AKI and to examine major adverse kidney events at 30 days (MAKE30). We retrospectively calculated the KeGFR in the first 24 hours of identified AKI (KeGFR1) and in the 24 hours prior to AKD (KeGFR2) in all admitted children under 18 years old. The cohort consisted of 803 patients with AKI. We proposed a new classification of KeGFR stages, from 1 to 5, and assessed the predictive value of KeGFR stages for AKD development and MAKE30. AKI severity was associated with lower KeGFRs. KeGFR1 and KeGFR2 predicted AKD with AUC values between 0.777 and 0.841 respectively, p<0.001. KeGFR2 had the best performance in predicting MAKE30 (AUC of 0.819) with a sensitivity of 66.67% and specificity 87.7%. KeGFR1 stage 3, 4 and 5 increased the risk of AKD by 3.07, 6.56 and 28.07 times respectively while KeGFR2 stage 2, 3, 4 and 5 increased the risk of AKD 2.79, 3.58, 32.75 and 80.14 times fold. Stage 5 KeGFR1 and KeGFR2 stages 3, 4 and 5 increased the risk of MAKE30 by 7.77, 4.23. 5.89 and 69.42 times in the adjusted models. KeGFR proved to be a useful tool in AKI settings. KeGFR dynamics can predict AKI severity, duration and outcomes.
Assessing the Toxicity of Lagocephalus sceleratus Pufferfish from Southeastern Aegean Sea and the Relationship of Tetrodotoxin with Gonadal Hormones
Authors: Anastasiou Thekla I. , Kagiampaki Eirini , Kondylatos Gerasimos , Tselepides Anastasios , Peristeraki Panagiota , Mandalakis Manolis
Published: September 2023

Given the dramatic increase of L. sceleratus population in southeastern Aegean Sea, there is growing interest in assessing the toxicity of this pufferfish and the factors controlling its tetrodotoxin (TTX) content. In the present study, liver, gonads, muscle and skin of L. sceleratus specimens from Rhodes island, Greece were subjected to multi-analyte profiling using liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in order to quantitate TTX and evaluate whether this biotoxin interrelates with hormones. TTX and its analogues 4-epiTTX, 11-deoxyTTX, 11-norTTX-6-ol, 4,9-anhydroTTX and5,11-6,11-dideoxyTTX were detected in all tissue types. Liver and gonads were the most toxic tissues, with the highest TTX concentrations being observed in the ovaries of female specimens. Only 22% of the analyzed muscle samples were non-toxic according to the Japanese toxicity threshold (2.2 μg TTX eq g-1), confirming the high poisoning risk from from the inadvertent consumption of this species. Four steroid hormones (i.e., cortisol, testosterone, androstenedione and β-estradiol) and the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) were detected in the gonads. Androstenedione dominated in female specimens, while GnRH was more abundant in males. A positive correlation of TTX and its analogues with β-estradiol was observed. Though, a model incorporating sex rather than β-estradiol as independent variable was proved more efficient in predicting TTX concentration, implying that other sex-related characteristics are more important than specific hormone-regulated processes.
Fitness Determinants of Influenza A Viruses
Authors: Griffin Emily Fate , Tompkins Stephen Mark
Published: September 2023

Influenza A (IAV) is a major human respiratory pathogen, causing illness, hospitalizations, and mortality annually worldwide. IAV is also a zoonotic pathogen with a multitude of hosts, allowing for interspecies transmission, reassortment events, and the emergence of novel pandemics, as was seen in 2009 with the emergence of a swine origin H1N1 (pdmH1N1) virus into humans, causing the first influenza pandemic of the 21st century. While the 2009 pandemic was considered to have high morbidity and low mortality, studies have linked the pdmH1N1 virus and its gene segments to increased disease in humans and animal models. Genetic components of the pdmH1N1 virus currently circulate in the swine population, reassorting with endemic swine viruses that co-circulate and occasionally spillover into humans. This is evidenced by the regular detection of variant swine IAVs in humans associated with state fairs and other intersections of humans and swine. Defining genetic changes that support species adaptation, virulence, and cross-species transmission, as well as mutations that enhance or attenuate these features will improve our understanding of influenza biology, aid in surveillance and virus risk assessment, and guide the establishment of counter measures for emerging viruses. Here, we review current understanding of determinants of specific IAV phenotypes, focusing on the fitness, transmission, and virulence determinants that have been identified in swine IAVs and/or in relation to the 2009 pdmH1N1 virus.
Title Mature Triphyllic Cystic Teratoma of the Posterior Mediastinum in a Fetus: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Salzillo Cecilia , Quaranta Andrea , De Biasi Giovanni , Cazzato Gerardo , Serio Gabriella , Vimercati Antonella , Nicolì Pierpaolo , Resta Leonardo , Marzullo Andrea
Published: September 2023

A teratoma is a neoplasm composed of cell populations or tissues that remind, in their appearance, normal elements derived from at least two embryonic layers.
Fetal mature teratomas are normally benign, cystic, and typically occur along the midline, while they are rare in the posterior mediastinum.
Teratomas are frequently solitary, however they may sometimes be associated with other congenital anomalies and/or with chromosomal abnormalities. Clinically, they are often asymptomatic but can occasionally cause compression symptoms.
Prenatal diagnoses are uncommon and made with ultrasonography; differential diagnosis with other congenital conditions is mandatory.
We report the case of a 21 weeks of gestational age-old fetus with a Mature Triphyllic Fetal Cystic Teratoma, grade 0, located in the right posterior mediastinum.
Testing and Evaluation of Cervical Joint in Young Males and Females: Strength, Range of Motion and Musculoskeletal Pains
Authors: Batatolis Christos , Karatrantou Konstantina , Gymnopoulos Vaggelis , Gerodimos Dr. Vassilis
Published: September 2023

The functional capacity of the cervical spine plays a central role in healthy living. This study evaluated and created a comprehensive strength, range of motion (ROM), and musculoskeletal pain profile of the cervical spine in young adults. 60 physically active individuals (30 males/30 females; 19-24 year-old) participated in the study. Cervical ROM (forward flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation), maximal isometric strength (forward flexion, extension, lateral flexion), and musculoskeletal pains were assessed using an electronic goniometer, a handheld dynamometer, and the Nordic questionnaire, respectively. Data analysis revealed that: a) fe-males had higher ROM values, during extension and lateral flexion, than males (p<0.05), b) males had higher absolute strength values than females in all movement directions, higher rela-tive strength values/body mass (at forward flexion) and flexion/extension ratio values (p<0.05), c) ROM and strength values were not significantly different between right-left sides (p>0.05), d) a great proportion (43.3%) of the participants had cervical pains (no sex-related differences) and e) cervical strength showed significant small negative correlation with pains (p<0.05; r=-0.225 to -0.345). The reference values created may be used by health and fitness professionals to exten-sively evaluate the cervical spine and to design specific exercise programs for injury prevention and rehabilitation.
Smart Textiles: A Review and Bibliometric Mapping
Authors: Sajovic Irena , Kert Mateja , Boh Podgornik Bojana
Published: September 2023

According to ISO/TR 23383, smart textiles reversibly interact with their environment and respond or adapt to changes in the environment. The present review and bibliometric analysis was performed on 5,810 documents (1989–2022) from the Scopus database, using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix/Biblioshiny for science mapping. The results show that the field of smart textiles is highly interdisciplinary and dynamic, with an average growth rate of 22% and exponential growth in the last 10 years. Beeby, S.P., and Torah, R.N. have published the highest number of papers, while Wang, Z.L. has the highest number of citations. The leading journals are Sensors, ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, and Textile Research Journal, while Advanced Materials has the highest number of citations. China is the country with the most publications and the most extensive cooperative relationships with other countries. Research on smart textiles is largely concerned with new materials and technologies, particularly in relation to electronic textiles. Recent research focuses on energy generation (triboelectric nanogenerators, thermoelectrics, Joule heating), conductive materials (MXenes, liquid metal, silver nanoparticles), sensors (strain sensors, self-powered sensors, gait analysis), specialty products (artificial muscles, soft robotics, EMI shielding), and advanced properties of smart textiles (self-powered, self-cleaning, washable, sustainable smart textiles).
Adsorption of Pb2+ by Activated Carbon Produced by Microwave Assisted K2CO3 Activation of Leaf Sheath Fibre of Date Palm
Authors: Alotaibi Khaled D. , Hameed Bassim H. , Alharbi Hattan A. , Aloud Saud S. , Giesy John P.
Published: September 2023

Date palm trees generate large amounts of various types of waste, including leaf sheath fibers which can be used as a low-cost, precursor for production of biochar including activated carbon (AC) that can be employed for adsorption of contaminants. In the current study, activated carbon was made from leaf sheath fibers of date palm (LSDPFAC) by use of chemical activation with K2CO3, combined with microwave irradiation, characterized and evaluated for its adsorptive capacity of lead ions (Pb2+). The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area, Langmuir surface area, total pore volume and average pore diameter of LSDPFAC were 560.20 m2/g, 744.31 m2/g, 0.29 cm3/g and 2.47 nm respectively. When the initial concentrations of Pb2+ were increased from 1 to 10 mg/L, Pb2+ adsorption increased from 0.97 to 8.76 mg/g, dry mass (dm) while the percent of Pb2+ removed decreased from 96.70 to 87.60%. The greatest removal of Pb2+ occurred at pH 13 with adsorption capacity of 9.15 mg/g, dm. Results of isotherm and kinetic studies demonstrated that adsorption of Pb2+ onto LSDPFAC was best described by the Freundlich isotherm and pseudo-second order (PSO) models. Langmuir monolayer adsorption capacity, Qm was 14.10 mg/g. Thermodynamic parameters of H°, S°, G° and Ea were 6.39 kJ/mol, 0.12 kJ/mol.K, -31.28 kJ/mol and 15.90 kJ/mol, respectively, which demonstrated that adsorption of Pb2+ by LSDPFAC was endothermic, spontaneous and governed by physisorption.
Vaccination Decision-Making among Mothers of Children Under-5 in Nigeria: A qualitative study
Authors: Adeyanju Gbadebo Collins , Betsch Cornelia
Published: September 2023

Background: Since 2000, vaccine coverage in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has surpassed multiple milestones. Its contribution to global health, especially in low-middle-income countries is one of the achievements in global governance of modern medicine, averting 2-3 million child deaths every year. However, in Nigeria, vaccine-preventable-diseases still account for one in eight child deaths before their fifth-year birthday and remains one of the ten countries where 4.3 million children under five are without complete immunization. The reasons for declining childhood vaccine demand are unclear. Therefore, the goal of this contribution is to shed light on the reasons to set a foundation for future interventions.

Methods: Four focus group discussions were conducted. The primary targets were mothers of children 0 – 12 months old in Nigeria. A simplified quota sampling approach was used to select mothers in four geographical clusters of Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory. At least six mothers from each cluster were randomly included, giving a total of 24 participants. An interview guide developed from the 5C psychological antecedence model was used (assessing confidence, complacency, calculation, constraints, collective responsibility); two additional variables were included that had proved meaningful in previous work (religion and masculinity). The data were analyzed using meta-aggregation approach such as framework synthesis, which summarized data in a stepwise fashion.

Results: The sample was generally relatively positive towards vaccination. Still, mothers reported low trust in vaccine safety and the healthcare system (confidence). Yet, they had great interest in seeking additional information during antenatal visits (calculation), difficulties in prioritizing vaccination over other equally competing priorities (constraints) and were aware that vaccination translates into overall community health and wellbeing (collective responsibility). They had a bias towards God as ultimate giver of good health (religion) and reported that their husbands played a dominant role in vaccination decision-making (masculinity). Mothers perceived their children vulnerable to disease outbreaks, which motivated them to get them vaccinated (complacency).

Conclusion: The 5C model and the added determinants provided a useful qualitative tool for understanding mothers’ vaccination decision-making in low resources settings.
Update on Myocarditis: From Etiology and Clinical Picture to Modern Diagnostics and Methods of Treatment
Authors: Lasica Ratko , Djukanovic Lazar , Savic Lidija , Krljanac Gordana , Zdravkovic Marija , Ristic Marko , Lasica Andjelka , Asanin Milika , Ristic Arsen
Published: September 2023

Although the frequency of myocarditis in the general population is very difficult to accurately determine due to the large number of asymptomatic cases, the incidence of this disease is increasing significantly due to better defined criteria for diagnosis and the development of modern diagnostic method. The multitude of different etiological factors, the diversity of the clinical picture and the variability of the diagnostic findings make this disease often demanding both for the selection of the diagnostic modality and for the proper therapeutic approach. The previously known most common viral etiology of this disease is today overshadowed by new findings based on immune-mediated processes, associated diseases that in their natural course can lead to myocardial involvement, but also the iatrogenic cause of myocarditis due to use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of cancer patients. Suspecting that a patient with polymorphic and non-specific clinical signs and symptoms, changes in ECG and echocardiography has myocarditis is the starting point in the diagnostic algorithm. Cardio magnetic resonance imaging is non-invasive diagnostic gold standard for diagnosis and clinical follow-up of thses patients. Endomyocardial biopsy as an invasive method is the diagnostic choice in life-threatening patients with suspicion of fulminant myocarditis where the diagnosis has not yet established or there is no adequate response to the applied therapeutic regimen. The treatment of myocarditis is increasingly demanding and includes conservative methods of treating heart failure, immunomodulatory and immunospressive therapy, methods of mechanical circulatory support and heart transplantation. The goal of developing new diagnostic and therapeutic methods is to reduce mortality from this complex disease, which is still high.
Effects of Probiotics in Adults with Gastroenteritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials
Authors: Mitra Amal Krishna , Asala Adetoun F. , Malone Shelia , Mridha Malay Kanti
Published: September 2023

Probiotics have been widely used in gastroenteritis due to acute and chronic illnesses. However, evidence supporting the effectiveness of probiotics in different health conditions are inconclusive and conflicting. The aim of the study was to review existing literature on the effects of probiotics in gastroenteritis among adults. Only original articles on clinical trials that demonstrated the effects of probiotics in adults with gastroenteritis were used for this analysis. Multiple databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, MEDLINE and Scopus databases were searched for the data. The study followed standard procedures for data extraction using PRISMA flow chart. A quality appraisal of the selected studies was conducted using CADIMA. Finally, a meta-analysis was conducted. Thirty-five articles met the selection criteria; of them, probiotics were found effective in the treatment and/or prevention of chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease in 17 (49%), and the treatment of pouchitis in 4 (11.4%), antibiotic-induced diarrhea in 3 (8.6%), Helicobacter pylori infection in 2 (5.7%) and diverticulitis in 1 (2.9%), while the remaining 7 (20%) were ineffective and 1 study results were inconclusive. Meta-analysis, on the contrary, didn’t demonstrate any significant protective effects of probiotics. Having a τ² value of zero and I² of 6%, the studies were homogeneous and had minimum variances. Further studies are suggested to evaluate the beneficial effects of probiotics in IBDs and other chronic bowel diseases.
Molnupiravir Revisited—Critical Assessment of Studies in Animal Models of COVID-19
Authors: Rasmussen Henrik Berg , Hansen And Peter Riis
Published: September 2023

Molnupiravir, a prodrug known for its broad antiviral activity, demonstrated efficacy in animal models of Covid-19, prompting clinical trials where initial results indicated a significant effect against the disease. However, subsequent clinical studies did not confirm these findings, leading to the rejection of molnupiravir for permanent market authorization in many countries. This report critically assessed 19 studies published in 17 reports that investigated the efficacy of molnupiravir in animal models of Covid-19 with the purpose of determining how well the design of these models informed human studies. We found that the administered doses of molnupiravir in most studies involving animal Covid-19 models were disproportionately higher than the dose rec-ommended for human use. Specifically, when adjusted for body surface area, half of the doses of molnupiravir used in the animal studies were more than twice as high as the human dose. Addi-tionally, the drug was frequently given prophylactically or shortly after SARS-CoV-2 inoculation in these models, in contrast to clinical trials where such timing is not consistently achieved. Furthermore, the recommended five-day treatment duration for humans was exceeded in several animal studies. Collectively, we suggest that these design elements in the reported animal studies contributed to a bias favoring molnupiravir, and thus inflated expectations for its efficacy against Covid-19. Addressing these elements may offer avenues to enhance the clinical efficacy of mol-nupiravir for treatment of Covid-19 that include dose increment, early treatment, and admin-istration by inhalation along with use of molnupiravir in antiviral combination therapy.
The Influence of Salinity and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) on the Growth and Yield Performances of Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.)
Authors: Kakabouki Ioanna , Stavropoulos Panteleimon , Roussis Ioannis , Mavroeidis Antonios , Bilalis Dimitrios
Published: September 2023

Throughout the world, salinity is a major environmental issue that limits agricultural productivity, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. In addition, climate change is the most important reason for the salinization of agricultural soils in the world, so it is now essential to find solutions to increase salinity tolerance in plants. This study investigated the potential of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation to enhance the growth and yield performances of flax under different salinity levels by conducting a pot experiment. The experiment was laid out in a two-factor completely randomized design including AMF inoculation (AMF+: with and AMF-: without inoculation) and irrigation water salinity (0, 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl). According to the results, it is evident that salt stress caused negative physiological effects, including limited growth, reduced photosynthesis, and decreased nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) content in shoots and roots of flax plants. Moreover, mycorrhizal association improved the salt tolerance of the plants by increasing chlorophyll content, enhancing N and P shoot and root contents, and consequently yield parameters, such as seed, and stem fiber yield, particularly at moderate salt concentrations (50 and 100 mM NaCl). As a result of using AMF, flax plants grown under salt stress exhibited tolerance, suggesting that AMF could be applied in saline environments to maintain ecological stability.
Predictors of 30-Day Postoperative Outcome after Elective Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair; a Tertiary Referral Center Experience
Authors: Ntalouka Maria P , Nana Petroula , Brotis Alexandros , Chatzis Athanasios , Mermiri Maria , Stamoulis Konstantinos , Bareka Metaxia , Giannoukas Athanasios , Matsagkas Miltiadis , Arnaoutoglou Eleni
Published: September 2023

The 30-day postoperative outcome after elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) was evaluated and the possible predictors were identified. Demographics, medical history, laboratory values, length of hospitalization (LOH), intensive care unit (ICU) admission and 30-day complications, classified as major [major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), acute kidney injury (AKI) and death of any cause] and minor [post-implantation syndrome (PIS), postoperative delirium (POD), urinary tract infection (UTI) and technical graft failure] were documented, respectively. We included 322 patients (median LOH 4 days). One-hundred and twenty one (37.5%) complications, mostly minor (n=103, 31.9%), were recorded. Eleven patients (3.4%) evolved MACE, 5 (1.6%) AKI and 2 patients (0.6%) died in ICU. Seventy-seven patients (23.9%) suffered from PIS, eleven from POD, 11 from UTI and 4 from technical graft failure. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that aneurysm diameter (p=0.01) and past smoking (p=0.003) were predictors for postoperative complications. PAD was an independent predictor of MACE (p=0.003), preoperative neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) value of AKI (p=0.003) and past smoking of PIS (p=0.008), respectively. Our study showed that 30-day morbidity after EVAR exceeded 35%. However, the majority of complications were classified as minor and the associated mortality was low. Aneurysm diameter and past smoking were independent predictors for postoperative outcome.