bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disaster Recovery Backup and Privacy Protection Algorithm of Hotel HRM Information System
Authors: Ruhang Wang
Published: April 2023

In this study, a high-star hotel is used as a case to study the impact of informatization on hotel human resource management. For the hotel human management system data with many types, large quantities and high security requirements, the data disaster recovery backup should have scalability and privacy protection. The results show that: First, from an overall point of view, the current human resource management in the hotel industry has fully entered the information age, and the overall trend will continue. Secondly, in terms of specific applications such as recruitment management, training management, personnel management, etc., combining it with cryptographic technologies such as AONT and threshold secret sharing, a new power data disaster recovery backup scheme is proposed, which is implemented on the open source blockchain platform.
Research and Practice of Artistic Creation Based on Regional Culture and Folk Art Elements
Authors: Qing Wei
Published: April 2023

From the perspective of modern design, this article explains the historical origin and inheritance of characteristic elements of regional culture and Fujian and Taiwan folk art in environmental art design. Using the characteristic elements of Fujian and Taiwan folk art in environmental art design, it focuses on borrowing some symbolic element symbols for innovation, infiltrating the design language with regional characteristics into modern design works, and solving the problem with the current development of design globalization, In particular, the growing loss of regional culture and its manifestations has created a high-quality living environment with more regional characteristics and cultural heritage. Respectively from building a teaching reform platform to create an artistic design innovation base for regional culture; Strengthen the organic combination of production and learning and build a practical teaching system of art design that serves the local society; Promoting regional cultural research and establishing unique artistic design research brands will elaborate on the research and practice of artistic design teaching reform based on regional culture in three aspects.
Algorithm for Automatic Generation of Oil Painting Guidance in Colleges and Art Culture Video Based on Intelligent Brush
Authors: Qing Wei
Published: April 2023

This paper proposes a computer-generated algorithm for college oil painting style guidance and art culture video automatic generation with intelligent brushes. This paper proposes to use the tensor eigenvector value of the smart brush as the brush direction to draw multiple layers of input video frames to effectively simulate the fluid feel of Van Gogh's oil paintings. At the same time, an improved local illumination model is proposed. mapping technology to enhance the paint layering of drawn video frames. Firstly, the multispectral PCA spectral reconstruction algorithm is used to reconstruct the spectral reflectance of the oil painting surface, and then the image information and color information of the oil painting are reproduced; secondly, the combination of physical BRDF and multispectral images is used to reproduce the spatial information and color information of oil painting samples.
Unveiling non canonical roles for RCOR1 and RCOR2 transcriptional co-repressors
Authors:   ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Rivera Álvarez Carlos Andrés
Published: April 2023

La familia de co-represores transcripcionales RCOR/CoREST comprende tres proteínas comúnmente asociadas a silenciamiento de genes neuronales en células no-neuronales y en etapas tempranas de la diferenciación neuronal. Su capacidad represora es llevada a cabo por las enzimas LSD1 y HDAC1/2, que remueven modificaciones post-traduccionales de histonas permisivas para la transcripción. Si bien las proteínas RCOR poseen alta identidad de secuencia en sus dominios funcionales, han evolucionado características bioquímicas específicas que explican por qué su capacidad represora es diferente. Paradójicamente, mientras los complejos de las proteínas RCOR han sido comúnmente asociadas a la represión de la transcripción en contextos celulares específicos, la inhibición de sus actividades enzimáticas asociadas genera un aumento en modificaciones de histonas que favorecen la transcripción, sugiriendo que el complejo actúa en dominios de eucromatina. El presente trabajo fue diseñado para caracterizar el rol de las proteínas RCOR1 y RCOR2 en dominios intranucleares asociados a expresión génica activa. En el capítulo 2, revelo a RCOR1 como un represor global de la transcripción que se recluta en dominios de eucromatina y controla la actividad de la RNA Polimerasa II. En el capítulo 3, describo a RCOR2 como un componente de speckles nucleares que estabiliza dichos organelos nomembranosos. En el capítulo 4, discuto la significancia de mis hallazgos y los relaciono con el estado del arte del campo. Finalmente, concluyo proponiendo un modelo para comprender funciones no canónicas de co-represores de la transcripción en regiones activas del genoma.
Análise do programa nacional de alimentação escolar no estado do Pará a partir de instrumentos de gestão e controle de políticas públicas governamentais
Authors: Martins Geany Cleide Carvalho , Dos Santos Marcos Antônio Souza ]] , Lopes Maria Lúcia Bahia , Costa Nilson Luiz , De Mello Andréa Hentz , Filgueiras Gisalda Carvalho , Dos Santos Wânia Mendonça
Published: April 2023

O Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PNAE) é um importante instrumento de política pública destinado a garantir alimentação escolar, saudável e adequada. Em 2009, passou a disciplinar compras institucionais específicas para a merenda escolar derivadas da agricultura familiar. Este trabalho tem o objetivo de analisar o PNAE no estado do Pará a partir de instrumentos de gestão e controle de políticas públicas governamentais por meio de abordagem qualitativa com a utilização de método descritivo a partir de informações obtidas dos relatórios do Programa de Sorteios Públicos da Controladoria Geral da União (CGU), relativos ao período 2010 a 2021. Os resultados mostram problemas na execução do Programa, no estado, relativo as irregularidades nas aquisições, compras da agricultura familiar abaixo dos 30%, condições precárias na elaboração e oferta irregular de merenda e, fraca atuação dos Conselhos de Alimentação Escolar (CAE).
Estratégias de vendas e entregas adotadas pelo comércio varejista de Jaú/SP durante a pandemia da COVID-19
Authors: Favoni Célio , Rosa Adriano Carlos Moraes , Buttignon Isabel Cristina
Published: April 2023

A crise sanitária e econômica provocada pela pandemia de Covid-19 impôs mudanças no mercado de consumo e na atuação das empresas, pois como os hábitos das pessoas passaram a ser à distância, as vendas por meios digitais e as formas de entregas se tornaram desafios para os negócios. Inserida neste contexto, esta pesquisa teve como objetivo identificar quais estratégias de vendas e entregas foram adotadas pelas empresas do comércio varejista da cidade de Jaú/SP durante a pandemia da Covid-19. Adotou-se a estratégia de estudo de caso. A metodologia foi a pesquisa qualitativa, com a elaboração de questionário aplicado em quinze atores da localidade. Os resultados indicaram que o perfil empresarial jauense foi afetado, com o fechamento de negócios, sendo que os setores de comércio varejista e alojamento foram os mais impactados. Também mostrou um processo de digitalização das vendas, com a migração para redes sociais e aplicativos, especialmente Instagram e WhatsApp. Ressalte-se que as narrativas indicaram que, apesar do uso intensivo de redes sociais, os empresários locais não investiram em comércio eletrônico próprio, com a criação de sites e estrutura de vendas e entregas pela internet. O que se observou foi o uso de Marktplaces, em especial, acessórios e vestuários. Também foi possível identificar que os estabelecimentos comerciais expandiram o uso de entregas por motocicletas de aplicativos, além dos motoboys, em especial o segmento de food service.
Increasing the Screening Rate of Retinopathy of Prematurity in At-Risk Newborns-An Improvement Project in Special Newborn Care Unit of a Tertiary Care Maternity Hospital in Telangana
Authors: Sethi Anita , Talishetty Swathy
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a vasoproliferative disorder of the retinal vessels in premature neonates and is one of the leading causes of preventable blindness. The incidence of ROP across India ranges from 38% to 47%. This wide range is due to a lack of awareness among parents and a lack of high-quality care in the Special New-born Care Unit (SNCU). Paediatricians, neonatologists, and ophthalmologists play a vital role in improving the screening rate. Aim: To improve the screening rate of ROP at four weeks of age in at-risk new-borns by sensitizing paediatricians and educating neonatal nurses and parents regarding ROP from the current 38.3% to 90% within three months. Materials and Methods: The Plan Do Study Act (PDSA) quality improvement method was used for this project. It is a quality improvement (QI) study done in the SNCU of a tertiary care maternity hospital in Hyderabad. The study was done over a period of 13 months from January 2020 to February 2021. Baseline assessment was done by reviewing records and phone calls to know the baseline ROP screening rate. To improve the screening rate, we conducted periodic training of nurses, and awareness was increased among parents through audio-visual counselling, ROP posters, and timely reminders. Results: In 368 preterm babies, the ROP screening rate increased from 38.3% to 89.95% in phase 3. The knowledge in nurses’ and parent’s also increased significantly post training (p<0.05). The incidence of ROP was found to be 6.04% (20) in our study. conclusions: The Point of Care Quality Improvement (POCQI) method helped us improve the ROP screening rate tremendously without many resources. It also significantly improved the knowledge of nurses and awareness among parents. The nurses had a sense of empowerment and satisfaction and could effectively communicate with parents.
Cervical Epidural Anaesthesia in a Patient with Ebstein’s Anomaly requiring Total Thyroidectomy
Authors: Udayakumar Geetha Soundarya , Nunna Hannah Mounika
Published: April 2023

Ebstein’s anomaly is a congenital malformation of the tricuspid valve with myopathy of the right ventricle leading to dilatation and atrialisation of the right ventricle, with varying degrees of malformation along with restriction of diastolic filling of ventricles. Disease severity in Ebstein’s anomaly can range from asymptomatic patients to severe debilitating disease. These patients are at increased risk of developing ventricular and supraventricular tachycardia, congestive cardiac failure and death. This case report is about a 37-year-old female with Ebstein’s anomaly who presented with atrial fibrillation and right-sided heart failure. She successfully underwent total thyroidectomy under cervical epidural anaesthesia.
Level of Serum Selenium in Bronchial Asthma Patients in a Tertiary Care Center: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Renjit Reena , Marius George , Muraly CP , Ramnath V , Unnikrishnan VV
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Selenium (Se) is a trace element that has role as an antioxidant in acute stress like; systemic inflammatory responses or trauma. Literature shows positive correlation between low serum Se levels and bronchial asthma. Aim: To determine the level of serum Selenium (Se) in bronchial asthma and to compare the Se levels with the age-matched control group without asthma. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Departments of Physiology and Pulmonary Medicine of a Government Tertiary-care Hospital in Kerala, from November 2021 to March 2022. A total of 24 patients of Bronchial Asthma, between 20-55 years of age and 24 age-matched controls were selected. Serum Se levels were estimated in cases and controls, using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). Statistical analysis of the data was done using unpaired sample t-test and correlation was tested with Chi-square test, using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0. Results: Serum Se levels of 24 patients with Bronchial asthma, aged between 25-55 years and the Se levels in the age-matched controls were obtained. The mean Se level in the study group was (67.21±39.57 ngm/L) significantly lower (p-value was 0.0001) than that of the control (108.38±19.22 ngm/L). The mean age was 39 years±10.8 years. Out of them, 40% were females and the remaining 60% were males. The severity of Asthma ranged between mild persistent asthma to moderate asthma. And the mean duration of asthma was 5.59 years. Conclusion: Serum Se in adult bronchial asthma patients aged between 20 years to 55 years, with mild to moderate severity was significantly lower than that in the control group
Comparative Study between ELISA and TrueNat for Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus among Antenatal Women Attending Tertiary Care Medical Institute in Manipur, India
Authors: Samom Preety , Laifangbam Supriya , Huidrom Smeeta
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Viral hepatitis is one of the leading causes of death and disability. Nearly 1.5 million people die every year from Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) related liver diseases. Reported consequences of HBV and HCV infection in pregnancy include an increased likelihood of occurrence of preterm delivery and low birth weight and perinatal transmission. Aim: To compare Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and closed system Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) TrueNat for the detection of HBV and HCV among antenatal women attending a tertiary care medical institute. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based crosssectional study conducted at the Department of Microbiology, JNIMS, Imphal, Manipur, India, during the period from December 2020 to January 2022. Serum samples were tested using ELISA as well as on the TrueNat PCR. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Results: Out of 60 samples, using ELISA (QUALISA), 24 were found to be positive for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and 14 were found to be positive for HCV antibodies (HCV Ab). On further testing using TrueNat chip-based closed system Real Time-PCR (RT-PCR) Test, 12 were found to be positive for HBV Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) and five were found to be positive for HCV Ribonucleic Acid (RNA). Conclusion: TrueNat PCR could eliminate the problem of false positivity in the detection of HBV and HCV. It is useful to make clinical decisions on starting antiviral therapy and also in documenting the efficacy of the antiviral therapy.
Fusarium as a Cause of Mycetoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Waske Sonali , Ayer V Sukrita , Marothi Yogyata
Published: April 2023

Mycetoma is a chronic, slow progressive granulomatous infection of skin and subcutaneous tissue; is classified into Eumycetoma (caused by fungi) and Actinomycetoma (caused by Actinomycetes). Fusarium, is a known cause of mycetoma. This case report describes the isolation and identification of Fusarium sp. from a lesion on the right foot of a female patient. This case report is about a 23-year-old female with complaints of gradual enlarging nodular swelling with multiple discharging sinuses along with granules on the right foot, on and off for last seven years. The granules obtained from the lesions are the best specimen for culture as they contain microcolonies of causative agents and it’s a hallmark of mycetoma. Granules were collected aseptically, crushed and examined microscopically on 20% KOH preparation. Plenty of thin hyaline, septate hyphae were seen. Granules were washed with sterile saline and inoculated on Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar (SDA) and potato dextrose agar and incubated aerobically at 25°C and 37°C in two sets of each. Colonies grew at inoculated site, pinkish in the centre and whitish in the periphery. The isolate was identified as Fusarium sp. on the basis of morphology. The patient was started on Itraconazole 200 mg and is currently on the same treatment, improving and under follow-up. Mycetoma is a rare disease caused by both fungal and bacterial microorganisms. Definitive diagnosis should be made on the basis of culture or histopathological examination. Once the diagnosis is made, use of appropriate anti-fungal therapy with or without surgical interventions can result in complete cure without recurrence.
Influence of Access to Extension Services on Smallholder Farmers’ Use of Certified Seed Potatoes (CSPs) in Kipipiri Sub-County, Kenya
Authors: Mburu J. M. , Oyugi M. A. , Makenzi P. M.
Published: April 2023

Extension services delivery remains a key driver in farmers’ uptake and use of improved farming technologies in rural areas which are predominantly occupied by poor farmers. The use of certified seed potatoes (CSPs) increases yield and potato productivity. Most smallholder farmers lack knowledge of how to use CSPs while others are not even aware of their existence. This has given farmers an opportunity to use and re-use their own seeds saved from their local storage facilities. The paper sought to determine whether access to extension services influenced smallholder farmers’ use of CSPs in Kipipiri Sub-County, Kenya. A structured, researcher-administered, questionnaire was used in collecting data from one hundred and six smallholder potato farmers randomly selected from the area. Descriptive statistics and a binary logistic model were used for statistical analysis. The findings indicated that there was a significant relationship between access to extension services and the use of CSPs. 85 per cent of the respondents were found to have access to extension services while 21 % had no access. Additionally, on the frequency, the majority of the respondents (64%) rarely accessed the services and 36% reported accessing the extension services always. These findings suggest that extension services are a major component that drives farmers’ use of CSPs in the study area. Therefore, for farmers to benefit fully, extension agents need to increase their service delivery to smallholder potato farmers. County governments also need to improve the existing farmer training centers to assist farmers to acquire knowledge on the use of CSPs. This would increase potato productivity in the area.
A Business Plan Final Report Culinary Business of I am Rice Bowl: Marketing Mix Strategy
Authors: Rosyadi Sabila Jati Rahmawati , Ishak Asma’I
Published: April 2023

The culinary industry is seen as a strategic business sector for economic development in Indonesia, as it is a basic and important need that cannot be replaced by other goods. I Am Rice Bowl is a culinary business established in February 2022 with the aim of meeting the needs and wants of society for the type of food that is practical, fast to serve, delicious, and affordable. It carries the online and offline concept of marketing strategy in order to reach the wider market share in more effective and efficient way. Through the implementation of this business, several problems were found that are normal for a new business to experience. It includes problems in finance, work operations, human resource management, and marketing strategy. Not only can this business be used to find problems, but it can also be used to find several solutions to problems in a business.
Induced Spawning of Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella, Using Common Carp Pituitary Extract with Domperidone
Authors: Shaddoud Rami , Saad Adib , Badran Mouina
Published: April 2023

To test the efficacy of the technique of using dopamine antagonists with pituitary extracts, experiments were conducted in July, 2022, at Masab Al Sen (Al Sen estuary) Fish Farm and Hatchery, General Commission for Fisheries Resources, Syria. In all, 18 sets (2 female x 4 male in each set) were tried individually. 9 sets were treated with domperidone (DOM) and carp pituitary extract (CPE) and they constituted the experimental sets, while the rest 9 were treated with CPE and formed the control sets. The ovulation ratio, absolute fecundity, relative fecundity (number of eggs/kg), fertilization rate and hatching rate was 92.85%, 384645 ± 70990 eggs, 56853.22 ± 5385.68 eggs/kg, 80.02% and 61.54%, respectively in the experimental sets whereas it was 92.85%, 355172 ± 53008 eggs, 52059.73 ± 3853.71 eggs/kg, 72.50% and 54.46% respectively in case of control sets. Hatching occurred within 20 h and 45 min to 21 h after fertilization in the experimental sets whereas it was 20 h and 45min to 21 h and 20 min in case of control sets at 26-26.5°C. It was observed that body weight has positive influence on absolute fecundity (r = 0.98, 0.99) and relative fecundity (0.97,0.97) in case of experimental sets and control sets respectively.
Effect of Dialysis on Biochemical Parameters in Chronic Renal Failure Patients: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Albalawi Abdullah M. , Dera Ayid A. , Rajagopalan Prasanna , Maqsood Sidra , Kashif Filza S. , Mansoor Neelum
Published: April 2023

Aims: Hemodialysis uses a semi-permeable membrane and electrochemical gradient to balance fluid and essential nutrient levels in the body. The kidneys perform this function in healthy individuals. The study aims to analyze the biochemical parameters of patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study enrolled 130 patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis in King Khalid Hospital Tabuk, Saudi Arabia between January 2023 and February 2023.

Methodology: The study applied correlation analysis to determine the nature of the relationships between the biochemical parameters during hemodialysis. Descriptive statistics were also used to determine the mean concentrations for the parameters during hemodialysis.

Results: The concentrations of urea dropped from 45.12mmol/l from week one to 5.74mmol/l in week four. While the concentration of creatinine dropped from 761.53umol/l from week one to 160.60umol/l in week four. The study used correlation analysis to establish that there was a statistically significant strong positive correlation between urea and creatinine, calcium, iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), and albumin had their concentrations vary during dialysis weeks, with their concentrations increasing during some weeks and decreasing during others. It was also determined that there was a significant negative correlation between urea and TIBC.

Conclusion: The study established that there was a significant reduction in the concentration of urea and creatinine during the fourth week of dialysis compared to the first week of dialysis. Therefore, dialysis helps to remove toxic waste products from the bloodstream.
Evaluation of China Aster (Callistephus chinensis L. Nees) Cultivars for Growth, Yield and Quality Parameters under Southern Telangana Zone
Authors: Swathi G. , Nalini N. , Shankar Adi , Neelima T. L. , Kumar K. Avil
Published: April 2023

China aster (Callistephus chinensis L. Nees) is a half hardy annual flowering plant and is grown for cut as well as for loose flowers. The cut flowers are used in flower arrangements, vases, bouquets, for interior decorations, etc. The loose flowers are widely used for making garlands, for decorations, for worship and are also used in social functions.

The present investigation was carried out during the year 2018-19 and 2019-20 at farm of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Palem, Telangana to evaluate the china aster varieties under Southern Telangana zone with respect to growth, flower yield and quality characters. Data in this study revealed that, all characteristics varied significantly among the varieties. Maximum plant height, plant spread, number of primary and secondary branches and number of leaves were observed in the variety Phule Ganesh White and the least was recorded in the variety Arka Archana.

The variety Phule Ganesh White took less number of days for flower bud initiation (52.05), minimum number of days to 50% flower opening (61.63) while more number of days were recorded in the variety Kamini (56.32 and 68.53, respectively). Maximum stalk length was recorded in Phule Ganesh White (20.60 cm) and minimum was recorded in Arka Archana (9.80 cm). In addition, Flower diameter was more (7.00 cm) in both the varieties Phule Ganesh White and Local White, while minimum was detected in Phule Ganesh Pink (5.40cm). The variety Phule Ganesh White recorded more number of flowers per plant (48.7), more flower yield per plant (111.00 g plant-1) and maximum flower yield per hectare (4.64 tha-1). Whereas lowest number of flowers per plant (37.40), flower yield per plant (57.50 g plant-1), flower yield per hectare (2.08 t ha-1) was observed in Arka Archana. Maximum vase life for cut flower (6.00 days) were recorded in Arka Poornima and least was observed in Arka Aadya (3.70 days). Maximum shelf life for loose flowers was recorded in Phule Ganesh White (3.20 days) and minimum was recorded in Arka Archana (1.70 days).
Character Association and Path Coefficient Studies in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.): Experimental Investigation
Authors: Veera Usha Rani , Sahu Gouri Shankar , Tripathy Pradyumna , Das Swarnalata , Dash Manasi , Padhiary Gargi Gautami
Published: April 2023

Thirty two cucumber genotypes were collected from different states of India and were evaluated for yield and quality characters at Bhubaneswar, Odisha during Rabi season of 2019. The relationships between fruit yield and yield components in cucumber genotypes were investigated and correlation  studies  revealed  that  yield  per  plant had  positive  and  significant  association  with vine length, number of fruits per plant, fruit length, fruit diameter and average fruit weight, while significant negative  correlations were  observed with  node at which first female flower appears, number of days to first female flower production, days to  first harvest and severity of downy mildew percentage both at phenotypic and genotypic levels.  Path  coefficient  analysis  revealed  that  fruit diameter had  maximum positive  direct  effect  on  yield per plant followed  by fruit length, number of fruits per plant, days to first harvest, average fruit weight while, negative direct effect of number of days to first female flower production and severity of downy mildew percentage was observed on yield per plant. Future breeding should focus on selecting the characters having direct effects to improve yield per plant.
Effect of Zinc Levels on Growth and Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) Varieties
Authors: Chauhan Abhishek , Mehera Biswarup , Abhishali
Published: April 2023

The field experiment was conducted at Crop Research Farm (CRF), Department of Agronomy, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj (U.P.) during Zaid season of 2022 on Cowpea crop. The treatments Consists of 3 levels of Zinc [20kg/ha, 0.6% and (10kg/ha + 0.3%)] and 3 different varieties (GOMTI, HIMANI-06, KASHI-KANCHAN) and a Control. The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with 10 treatments replicated thrice. The application of Zinc (10kg/ha + 0.3%) + GOMTI variety recorded higher plant height (83.96 cm), more number of nodules per plant (9.20), maximum plant dry weight (12.55 g/plant), Crop growth rate (7.94 g/m2/day), Relative growth rate (0.037 g/g/day) and yield attributes namely Number of Pods per plant (14.44), Number of seeds per pod(18.55), Test weight(91.00 g), Seed yield (1.03 t/ha), Stover yield (5.33 t/ha) and Harvest index (16.12%) was found maximum in treatment 3 that is Zinc (10kg/ha + 0.3%) + GOMTI variety as compared to other treatment combinations. The maximum gross return (INR 112750.00/ha), net return (INR 74582.50/ha) and B:C ratio (1.95) is recorded in treatment 3 Zinc (10kg/ha + 0.3%) + GOMTI variety as well.
The Relationship between Visible Thrombus Aspiration Material and No Reflow with Its Impact on In-hospital Mortality and Early Outcomes in Patients with ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction Treated with Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Abdallah Mohamed Ahmed Abdelhakim , Elshedoudy Sahar Abdallah , Hamdy Ehab Abdelwahab , Elsetiha Mohamed Elsayed , Badr Seham Fahmy
Published: April 2023

Background: The no-reflow phenomenon is critical and, if not reversed, causes a high rate of morbidity and mortality. It was demonstrated that the no-reflow phenomenon after Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) is a strong predictor of mortality after the acute event in patients with STEMI. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of visible thrombus aspiration (VTA) material on no reflow and its relation to hospital mortality and early outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI).

Methods: This prospective observational study conducted on 100 patients admitted with acute STEMI and treated with primary PCI within 24 hours of presentation. Patients were divided into two groups: Group VTA (n=58):  who had visible thrombus aspiration material (VTA) (defined as collected visible aspiration material, including atherothrombotic debris or thrombus) & Group non VTA (n=42):  who had non-VTA (defined as no visible aspiration material and only blood).

Results: There was significant statistical difference between group VTA & Group non VTA as regard No reflow after aspiration(15.5%vs 45.5%, P =0.001), In hospital mortality (0% vs 9.5% ,P = 0.016), LVEF at hospital (47.90 ± 5.38 vs 42.36 ± 5.95, P =0.001) and LVEF after 1 month (51.90 ± 4.36 vs 48.83 ± 4.53, P =0.001). However, there was no significant statistical difference between both groups as regard baseline TIMI flow, syntax score, in-hospital MACE, length of hospital stays.

Conclusions: Our study resulted in aspiration of macro visible thrombus materials led to lower rates of no reflow after aspiration and better short-term clinical outcomes and prognosis than those patients with non-visible thrombus aspiration materials with ST-elevation myocardial infarction treated with pPCI.
Vitamin D Deficit Increases the Risk of Death from COVID-19 in Brazil
Authors: Ramos Eliza Miranda , Neto Daniel Ferreira de Lima , Araújo Emerson Luiz Lima , Venturini James , Facco Gilberto Gonçalves , Vieira Hugo Miguel Ramos , Rodrigues Grazielle Franco Ferro da Costa , Duarte Vitor Hugo dos Santos , Carvalho Alexandra Maria Almeida
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The disease caused by the new Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was called                      COVID-19 and has currently been a public and emergency health concern in Brazil and other countries.

Aim: This article aims to describe the statistical associations of a group of patients who progressed to death with COVID-19 and who had a low level of Vitamin D in the blood.

Methods: This is an observational, case-control and clinical study involving 103 patients with COVID-19 and with severe symptoms that progressed to death.

Results: A total of 92 patients (89.3%) infected with COVID-19 died and had serum vitamin D levels significantly lower than 30 ng/ml. However, a total of 80 (77.6%) patients had a Vitamin D level of less than 20 ng/ml. Compared with the control group, all-cell levels of inflammatory markers were significantly higher in blood serum when level with Vitamin D from COVID-19 patients in the treatment group (n ≤ 30 ng/ml).

Conclusion: This study showed that patients with serum Vitamin D deficiency are more susceptible to the worsening of COVID-19 and it is generally associated with the release of cytokines as cellular markers mainly in the increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Determinants of Household Cooking Energy Choice in Public Housing Estates in Maiduguri, Borno State, North-East Nigeria
Authors: Akeh Gabriel I. , Adamu Babayo M. , Adamu Haruna , Ade Shuaibu M.
Published: April 2023

The growing utilization of traditional energy sources particularly in developing countries has in recent times been drawing disturbing attention from researchers and policy makers in view of the environmental and health consequences associated with such fuels. Hence the need to empirically examine the economic and socio-demographic factors that drive household cooking energy choice in public housing estates in Maiduguri, Borno State, North-East Nigeria. A survey questionnaire was used to elicit data from a sample of 355 household-heads from the target population of 3,192 households using systematic sampling technique. Multinomial Logistic Regression was used to analyze the probability of households’ choice of different energy types used for cooking purposes. The results revealed that higher income, higher educational level, occupation of the household head; location of residence, kitchen type and ownership of dwelling had positive effects on the probability of choosing cleaner sources of energy for cooking. Meanwhile, lower income and larger household size had positive correlation with the likelihood of choosing traditional energy sources such as fuelwood and charcoal as the primary cooking energy source among households. It is recommended that policy makers and stakeholders in the energy sector should take adequate and proactive steps that will promote access to cleaner, efficient, affordable and modern sources of energy for household cooking activities in Borno State, North-east Nigeria.
Potential of Hawleyite Cadmium Sulphide (CdS) Nanofilms for PV Cell Applications
Authors: Ubieko E. A. , Amusan J. A. , Osarolube E. , Okujagu C. U.
Published: April 2023

The search for suitable materials as buffer layer in the development of photovoltaic cell necessitates the study. The objective is thus, to synthesize and characterize CdS nanofilm for photovoltaic cell application. Thin films of Cadmium Sulphide were deposited on degreased glass substrate, from a bath containing the precursors via Chemical Bath Deposition (CBD) technique. The Physical, Structural, and optical properties were investigated by X-Ray diffractometer, Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM), surface profilometer, Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and spectrophotometer. The 9 hours CdS sample showed peak intensities at 30.95o and 51.77o with hkl values of (1 1 1) and (2 2 0). The 12 hours sample showed peak intensities at 30.95o and 51.55o with hkl values of (1 1 1) and (2 2 0). The planes of cubic phase correspond to the mineral Hawleyites for both samples. The average Crystallite grain size for the 9 hours sample is 27.72nm and 38.99nm for the 12 hours samples. The Scanning Electron microscopy analyses illustrate the morphology and the level of uniformity of the CdS coating across the surface of the        9 hours sample and 12 hours samples. The micrographs although slightly similar, the 12 hours sample appeared to be more uniformly coated when compared to the 9 hours sample. Electron-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) indicated the percentage composition of Cadmium and Sulphide present in the both 9 hours and 12 hours samples, with Cadmium having an average composition of 26.45% and sulphide 8.65% for the 9 hours sample, and 61.95% for Cadmium and 16.43% for Sulphide in the 12 hours CdS sample. The Spectrophotometer was used to investigate the behavior of both samples in the UV (≤ 400nm), Visible and part of the Infrared region. The bandgap energies of both 9 hours and 12 hours sample were 2.36eV and 2.257eV respectively. The average value for the optical conductivity for 9hours sample is 5.099 x 1013 and 7.75 x 1013 for 12 hours sample. The average values of the extinction coefficients, k  for 9 hours sample is 1.07 x 109 and 2.02 x 109 for 12 hours sample. The average thickness value of CdS Sample deposited for 9 hours is 14.10 x10-9m while that of the CdS sample deposited for 12 hours is 14.5 x 10-9m. The results affirm the choice of CdS film as buffer layer of the photovoltaic cells.
A Case Report of Brain Metastases after Neoadjuvant Chemo and Radiotherapy for Esophagogastric Junction Adenocarcinoma in an Adult Male Patient
Authors: Jun Fu Zhi , Long Wu Wen , Abbas Muhammad , Guang LI Shu , Jie Bi Ren , Fu Cao Ming
Published: April 2023

Background: Treatment given as a first step to shrink a tumor before the main treatment, which is usually surgery, is given. Examples of neoadjuvant therapy include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. It is a type of induction therapy. The most common pattern of esophageal cancer metastases (ECM) is to the lymph nodes, lung, liver, bones, adrenal glands, and brain.

Case Presentation: A male patient, 47 years old, was admitted to the hospital on July 31, 2020, mainly due to "progressive dysphagia. Two months ago, the patient had difficulty eating without obvious incentives, especially when eating hard food such as rice. The liquid diet was acceptable, accompanied by retrosternal pain and discomfort, heartburn, and obvious weight loss. The symptoms gradually aggravated without obvious relief.

Conclusion: In summary, there are few international investigations and an absence of relevant information and literature on the environment in which tumor cells survive after radiotherapy. Clinicians can't ignore the issue of whether radiotherapy will alter the tumor cells' natural environment, leading to tumor cell escape and an increase in brain    metastases.
Impact of Incorporating ICT Skills into the Curriculum of the Bhutanese Education System
Authors: Sharma Tulsi Prasad
Published: April 2023

Information and Communication Technology is considered as an important tool for the development of modern education in the 21st century. This research aims to provide insights into the impact of integrating ICT skills into the curriculum of the Bhutanese education system on students' academic performance, including their proficiency in using technology for communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. It is seen that most of schools in Bhutan do not have sufficient computers and internet connection in the schools. Recently, the Government of Bhutan has emphasized the implementation of ICT in all sectors and education was given higher priority. Bhutan has launched its first telecommunication network only in 1963. Only in 1999, Bhutan had officially launched with internet and television. Study was carried out using the survey questionnaires, data were collected, analyzed and represented in different graphs and table forms. Shortage of ICT infrastructures and technical expertise is seen to be major barriers to ICT integration in the schools of Bhutan.
Employer-sponsored Health Insurance (ESHI) Scheme- A New Model of Health Micro Insurance for the Garment Workers in Bangladesh
Authors: Kamruzzaman Md. , Bhowmik Bishwajit , Khan Farook Azam , Samad M. A. , Felix Roth , Gyr Niklaus , Khan A. K. Azad
Published: April 2023

Organized universal health coverage has not yet been introduced in most developing countries, including Bangladesh. Private health care is affordable only to the high-income group. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to evaluate health service coverage with disease prevention, access to health information, and cost control through health financing to help take appropriate decisions for the betterment of garment workers in Bangladesh. The study was conducted in seven readymade garments (RMG) factories in the Gazipur district from 24 April 2014 to 23 April 2015.A total of 9717 workers aged 18 to 60 years and belonging to the lowest salary groups were included in this Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance (ESHI) scheme. This new model of Health Micro Insurance (HMI) had treatment, laboratory facilities, health education, and medicine supply. The annual coverage for treatment cost was up to 15000 Bangladeshi taka (BDT) or US$192.8 and the premium for enrolment in the scheme was 487 BDT (US$6.3). An agreement foresaw that the surplus cost accrued was equally shared between the insurance company and the factory owner. A common software was used to generate and view all medical information. A total of 4524 (46.6%) workers (60.5% male and 39.5% female) received treatment. The participant's mean age was 28.3 years. The mean consultancy rate was 4.7 times. Participants mostly suffered from gastrointestinal problems(24.4%), and most prescribed medications were anti-ulcer drugs. The median value of drug cost, investigation cost, consultancy fees, and total medical cost were 126 (1.49 USD), 315 (3.71 USD), 200 (2.36 USD), and 734 BDT (8.66), respectively. The annual net premium paid by the factory owner was 4094504 BDT (48744 USD), and the total healthcare cost accrued was 5230156 BDT (62263 USD). This ESHI scheme is a better option for HMI for making healthcare accessible to the largest RMG sector in a developing country like Bangladesh.
Management of Early Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Neill Sara
Published: April 2023

This JAMA Insights Clinical Update discusses the management of early pregnancy loss, including expectant, medical, and surgical management regimens.
Group A Streptococcal Meningitis With the M1UK Variant in the Netherlands
Authors: van der Putten Boas C. L. , Vlaminckx Bart J. M. , de Gier Brechje , Freudenburg-de Graaf Wieke , van Sorge Nina M.
Published: April 2023

This study reports an epidemiological assessment of laboratory-confirmed group A streptococcal meningitis cases in the Netherlands using more than 40 years of national bacteriological surveillance data.
Trends in Buprenorphine Prescribing for Opioid Use Disorder by Psychiatrists in the US From 2003 to 2021
Authors: Creedon Timothy B. , Ali Mir M. , Schuman-Olivier Zev
Published: April 2023

This cross-sectional study uses data from a database to compare national trends in patients treated with buprenorphine by psychiatrists and nonpsychiatrists from 2003 to 2021.
When Abortion Is Illegal—Profound Effects on Resident Health and Well-being
Authors: Morgan Helen Kang , Fenner Dee E.
Published: April 2023

This Viewpoint discusses the need for the leadership of hospital systems and graduate medical education programs to address the effects of abortion restrictions on medical residents’ health, well-being, and training.
Partial cooling of the upper body with a water-cooled vest in an environment exceeding body temperature
Authors: Inoue Daisuke , Nagano Chikage , Tabuchi Shota , Endo Yukimi , Hashimoto Kahori , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Nakayama Masashi , Hibino Hiroyuki , Morizane Shuhei , Inoue Jinro , Horie Seichi
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of water-cooled clothing that continuously cools restricted body areas to suppress body temperature increase as an anti-heatstroke measure for workers in hot environments that exceed body temperature.

Methods

Ten healthy men were placed in Room A (air temperature: 25°C, relative humidity: 50%) for 15 min. They were then transferred to Room B (air temperature: 40°C, relative humidity: 50%), where they rested for 10 min, then put on cooling clothing, and again rested for 15 min (the control group rested for 25 min). They then performed intense ergometer exercise for 40 min at 40% maximal oxygen consumption after which they rested for 10 min. The three trial conditions were CON (long-sleeved summer work clothes), VEST (cooling vest), and P-VEST (partial cooling vest). In VEST and P-VEST, water-cooled clothing continuously recirculated with 10°C water was used to cool the upper body. In P-VEST, only the neck, axillae, and heart areas were in contact with the cooled clothing. The measured indices were the rectal, esophageal, and external auditory canal temperatures; heart rate; estimated sweat volume; and subjective evaluations.

Results

Compared with the CON condition, the rectal, esophageal, and external auditory canal temperatures and the heart rate were significantly lower and the subjective indices were decreased in the VEST and P-VEST conditions.

Conclusions

Partial cooling showed a body cooling effect similar to that of whole upper body cooling. Partial body cooling promoted the heat dissipation, suggesting that partial cooling is efficient for maintaining body cooling in hot environments.
Activatable Graphene Quantum‐Dot‐Based Nanotransformers for Long‐Period Tumor Imaging and Repeated Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Yang Yuqi , Wang Baolong , Zhang Xu , Li Hongchuang , Yue Sen , Zhang Yifan , Yang Yunhuang , Liu Maili , Ye Chaohui , Huang Peng , Zhou Xin
Published: April 2023

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is considered as an emerging therapeutic modality against cancer with high spatiotemporal selectivity because the utilized photosensitizers (PSs) are only active and toxic upon light irradiation. To maximize its effectiveness, PDT is usually applied repetitively for ablating various tumors. However, the total overdose of PSs from repeated administrations causes severe side effects. Herein, acidity‐activated graphene quantum dots‐based nanotransformers (GQD NT) are developed as PS vehicles for long‐period tumor imaging and repeated PDT. Under the guidance of Arg‐Gly‐Asp peptide, GQD NT targets to tumor tissues actively, and then loosens and enlarges in tumor acidity, thus promising long tumor retention. Afterwards, GQD NT transforms into small pieces for better penetration in tumor. Upon laser irradiation, GQD NT generates mild hyperthermia that enhances cell membrane permeability and further promotes the PSs uptake. Most intriguingly, the as‐prepared GQD NT not only “turns‐on” fluorescence/magnetic resonance signals, but also achieves efficient repeated PDT. Notably, the total PSs dose is reduced to 3.5 µmol kg−1, which is 10–30 times lower than that of other reported works. Overall, this study exploits a smart vehicle to enhance accumulation, retention, and release of PSs in tumors through programmed deformation, thus overcoming the overdose obstacle in repeated PDT.
Bionic Tactile‐Gustatory Receptor for Object Identification Based on All‐Polymer Electrochemical Transistor
Authors: Liu Guocai , Wen Wei , Zhao Zhiyuan , Huang Xin , Li Yifan , Qin Mingcong , Pan Zhichao , Guo Yunlong , Liu Yunqi
Published: April 2023

Human sensory receptors enable the real world to be perceived effortlessly. Hence, massive efforts have been devoted to the development of bionic receptors capable of identifying objects. Unfortunately, most of the existing devices are limited to single sensory emulation and are established on solid‐state electronic technologies, which are incompatible with the biological reactions occurring in electrolyte media. Here, an iontronic tactile‐gustatory receptor using an all‐polymer electrochemical transistor (AECT) is presented. The sensor is biocompatible with the operation voltage of 0.1 V, which is 1 to 2 orders lower than those of reported values. By this study, one receptor is able to accurately recognize various objects perceived by the human tactile and gustatory system without complex circuitry. Additionally, to promote its further application, flexible AECT arrays with channel length of 2 µm and density of 104 167 transistors cm−2 (yield of 97%) are fabricated, 1 to 5 orders higher than those of related works. Finally, a flexible integrated network for electrocardiogram recording is successfully constructed. This study moves a step forward toward state‐of‐the‐art bionic sensors.