bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
REVIEW: POTENCY OF AMIDE DERIVATES AS CO-CRYSTAL FORMERS AND ITS IMPACT ON THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL OF ACTIVE PHARMACEUTICAL INGREDIENTS
Authors: Apriani Dina , Alatas Fikri
Published: June 2024

Enhancing the physicochemical properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) has been achieved by utilizing solid modification through the formation of co-crystals. Co-crystal was formed from active pharmaceutical ingredients and co-crystal former, more commonly called coformers. The occurrence of hydrogen bonds in the formation of co-crystals depends on the presence of groups that act as hydrogen bond donors or acceptors in API. Amide-derived coformers are widely used to form hydrogen bonds with API. This review aims to examine the potential of amide derivates as co-crystal-forming materials (coformers), groups in active pharmaceutical ingredients that can form hydrogen bonds with amide derivates and their impact on the physicochemical properties of API. Initial search results yielded 88 articles. Furthermore, the authors then conducted a screening based on exclusion and inclusion criteria, so that a total of 54 articles were obtained as review material. Data analysis in this journal review was carried out using descriptive analysis. Amide derivates have great potential to be used as co-crystal-forming materials due to the presence of amide or carboxamide groups (-CONH2), which can act as donors as well as acceptors of hydrogen bonds. Most of the amide-derived coformers with aliphatic amide groups, aromatic amides, pyridine carboxamides, and sulfonylcarboxamide form heterosynthon bonds with carboxylic groups on API. However, the formation of homosynthon bonds between amide and amide groups can occur, as in the 5-fluorouracil-urea co-crystal. Most of the amide derivates as coformers can change the physicochemical properties of APIs, especially in increasing the solubility and dissolution rate.
CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY TEST OF HONEY, LEMON, GINGER FERMENTATION AGAINST BACTERIA CAUSING ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS (ARI)
Authors: Astriani Andi Dian , Iqbal Muhammad
Published: June 2024

Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is a disease that attacks one or more parts of the airway, from the nose to the alveoli. The most common bacteria found in the samples of patients with ARI were Streptococcus pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebisilia pneumonia. Honey contains flavonoids, amino acids and potassium as antibiotics that are bactericidal (kill bacteria) and bacteriostatic (inhibit bacterial growth). Gingerol in ginger (Zingiber officinale) and lemon (Citrus limon) has antibacterial activity. Honey fermentation is believed to have great potential as an antibacterial compound. This study aimed to determine the inhibitory activity and physical characteristics of fermented honey, lemons, and ginger against ARI bacteria. The test bacteria used were Streptococus pneumonia, Stahpylococcus aureus, and Klebsilia pneumonia. Fermentation of honey, lemon, and ginger was performed with variations in fermentation time (days 1, 3, 5, and 7) and honey without fermentation to determine the effect of fermentation time on inhibitory activity. The inhibition activity was tested using the agar diffusion method. Measurement of inhibition diameter using a caliper. Determination of ginger lemon fermented honey characteristics, including water content, sucrose content, and total sugar content, using gravimetric and titrimetric methods. Based on the activity test, honey fermented for 1 day had the greatest inhibitory activity of 9.71 mm; 9.20 mm; and 9.86 mm against Stahpylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus pneumonia, Klebsilia pneumonia compared to honey fermented for 3 days, 5 days, 7 days and honey without fermentation. ...
IMPACTOS DO ESTRESSE DURANTE O MANEJO PRÉ-ABATE RELACIONADO À QUALIDADE DA CARNE DE TAMBAQUI (COLOSSOMA MACROPOMUM)
Authors: Mata Ellen Nogueira da , Aquino Luana dos Santos , Albuquerque Milena Oliveira , Silva Victor Bueno , Lucci Juliana Ribeiro
Published: June 2024

O artigo destaca a evolução histórica na produção aquícola, com ênfase no cultivo do Tambaqui que é uma espécie significativa na produção aquícola. Descreveu-se, as práticas de manejo pré-abate, ressaltando que são frequentemente causadoras de estresse e alterações na carne. Demonstrado os impactos que o manejo errado ou ineficiente pode acarretar ao animal antes dos seu abate. Por fim, trazendo a importância da insensibilização adequada como redutora do estresse, concluindo que é fundamental para a produção de pescado de alta qualidade.
Personal-Level Disposition as Predictors of Infant-Survival Skills among Nursing Mothers in Selected Primary Health Care Facilities in Sokoto State, Nigeria
Authors: Aliyu Jacob Ijanada , Atulomah Nnodimele , Dennis Email Egga , Abosede Olorunnisola
Published: June 2024

Background information: Infant mortality is a major public health concern worldwide, especially in developing countries. It was reported that 5.2 million children die before the age of 5 years annually, and 47% of these deaths occur in sub- Saharan Africa alone. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 3, aim to reduce under-five mortality to as low as 25 per 1000 live births by 2030. To achieve this goal, interventions that address the underlying factors contributing to infant mortality are necessary. Maternal health, including maternal knowledge, attitudes, and practices, is a crucial factor influencing infant survival, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This study investigated the Personal-level Disposition Factors Influencing survival skills among Nursing Mothers in Selected PHCs in Nigeria.  Methodology: The study design adopted for this research project was a cross-sectional study. Data were collected from 120 respondents who were conveniently selected from two primary health care facilities in Sokoto state with a semi- structured questionnaire (83% reliability). Data were analyzed using appropriate statistical tools.  Result: The results show that all female participants had similar characteristics at a full glance at some areas. The mean age of respondents was 28.32±6.49 years with an age range of 19 to 41 years of age. The Knowledge responses were grouped on a scale and the results showed that most of the respondents had a high level of knowledge regarding infant survival skills. The overall motivation score was moderate. There were significant correlations (at p < 0.05) between knowledge level (R = -0.201), Motivation (R = - 0.170), and Behavioural skills.  Conclusion: The report suggested that there should be an aggressive use of peer educators to expand rural health workers in areas with poor adoption of good health interventions, and low immunization coverage in Northwest of Nigeria.
Effects of Methanol Extract of Celery (Apium graveolens) Leaf on Ethanol-Induced Left Ventricular Changes in Wistar Rats
Authors: Rukayat Adesewa Farinde , Omobola Aderibigbe Komolafe
Published: June 2024

Background: Alcohol consumption is associated with several cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, left ventricular hypertrophy, as well as with other disorders. This study was designed to determine the cardioprotective effect of celery (Apium graveolens) extract in attenuating perturbations arising from alcohol ingestion on left ventricular injury in adult Wistar rats.  Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats weighing 120g -160g were used for this study. The rats were divided into six (6) groups A, B, C, D, E &F five (5) rats each. The rats in group (A) served as control and received standard pellet, while groups B, C, D, E and F were administered orally with 8ml/kg b. w of ethanol and 100mg/kg, 150mg/kg, 200mg/kg of methanol extract of Apium graveolens (MEAG) were given to group C, D and E and 25mg of propranolol was given to group F orally. Group A and B were administered with 2ml/kg b. w distilled water.  Results: The relative heart weight, level of serum cardiac troponin I and left ventricular wall thickness of the ethanol-induced rats were significantly increase (F = 7.64; p = 0.002), (F = 22.66; p = 0.001) and (F = 85.29; p < 0.001) when compared with the control and across all experimental groups in this study. Group treated with MEAG also showed regular striations.Conclusion: This study indicates that MEAG has cardioprotective effects on these perturbations.
Comparative Cognitive Performance of 60-Year-Old Asian and Western Pilots on the CogScreen Test: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Muhammed Nawaz Saima , Abdulla Modatheeri Jabin
Published: June 2024

The study aimed to investigate the cognitive performance of the aged 60 and above with different ethnicity (Asian and Western pilots) on the CogScreen test particularly focusing on deductive reasoning and motor speed. A quantitative research approach was used . The current study utilized the cross-sectional approach and data was collected at point of time. The sample size consisted of 100 active pilots aged group 60 from each ethnicity group. The CogScreen test was used to assess cognitive functions. The statistical analyses were conducted by calculating t-tests and regression to compare performance between the two groups. The overall results showed a significant difference in deductive reasoning between Asian and Western pilots which can be seen from the T score (t = -2.77, p = 0.0076). The results showed that western pilots performed better on deductive reasoning as compared to Asian pilots. However, no significant difference was found in motor speed between the two groups (t = -1.60, p = 0.116). These findings suggest that while ethnicity may influence certain cognitive abilities in older pilots, it may not impact others. Overall , both grouped preformed below the expected range as per cog-screen standardized norms on both tasks regardless of their ethnicity. The current study's limitations include a narrow focus on two cognitive abilities and the use of a single assessment tool. However , the future research should consider a broader range of cognitive assessments and factors influencing pilot performance to provide a more comprehensive understanding.
Role of Worry and Attitude in Determining Pro Environment Behaviour in Young Indians
Authors: Kour Jasleen
Published: June 2024

The relation between ever increasing population and consumption habits with accelerated deterioration of environment is well established. Lifestyle and consumption patterns impact environment in a direct and indirect way by putting demands on production process. With climate change becoming critical in recent years, studying environment attitudes and behaviours has become important. Addressing environmental crisis at local or global level also call for studying fundamental attitudes and emotions that shape pro-environment behaviour. The goal of this paper is to study the (1) impact of environmental concern and worry on pro-environment behaviour and to (2) evaluate differences on the basis of education and gender. Based on the sample of 190 young individuals, measures of environmental concern, worry and PEB will be used to find the correlation, regression and group differences.
Molecular Docking Study of Various Protein on Clozapine
Authors: Janardan Chavan Chitra , A Mandhare Trushali
Published: June 2024

The antipsychotic drug Clozapine is widely recognized for its efficacy in treating resistant schizophrenia. This study aims to elucidate the binding interactions of Clozapine with four key proteins: 1GQ1, 1MKF, 4OAJ, and 7WU2. These proteins represent diverse biological targets, including receptors and enzymes relevant to neurological function and drug metabolism. Utilizing molecular docking simulations, we compared the binding affinities and interaction profiles of Clozapine with these proteins.
Keck and Hubble Observations Show that MOA-2008-BLG-379Lb is a Super-Jupiter Orbiting an M Dwarf
Authors: Bennett David P. , Bhattacharya Aparna , Beaulieu Jean-Philippe , Koshimoto Naoki , Blackman Joshua W. , Bond Ian A. , Ranc Clément , Rektsini Natalia , Terry Sean K. , Vandorou Aikaterini , Lu Jessica R. , Marquette Jean Baptiste , Olmschenk Greg , Suzuki Daisuke
Published: June 2024

We present high angular resolution imaging that detects the MOA-2008-BLG-379L exoplanet host star using Keck adaptive optics and the Hubble Space Telescope. These observations reveal host star and planet masses of M
host = 0.434 ± 0.065 M
⊙ and m

p
= 2.44 ± 0.49 M
Jupiter. They are located at a distance of D

L
= 3.44 ± 0.53 kpc, with a projected separation of 2.70 ± 0.42 au. These results contribute to our determination of exoplanet host star masses for the Suzuki et al. statistical sample, which will determine the dependence of the planet occurrence rate on the mass and distance of the host stars. We also present a detailed discussion of the image-constrained modeling version of the eesunhong light-curve modeling code that applies high angular resolution image constraints to the light-curve modeling process. This code increases modeling efficiency by a large factor by excluding models that are inconsistent with the high angular resolution images. The analysis of this and other events from the Suzuki et al. statistical sample reveals the importance of including higher-order effects, such as microlensing parallax and planetary orbital motion, even when these features are not required to fit the light-curve data. The inclusion of these effects may be needed to obtain accurate estimates of the uncertainty of other microlensing parameters that affect the inferred properties of exoplanet microlens systems. This will be important for the exoplanet microlensing survey of the Roman Space Telescope, which will use both light-curve photometry and high angular resolution imaging to characterize planetary microlens systems.
The Metallicity and Carbon-to-oxygen Ratio of the Ultrahot Jupiter WASP-76b from Gemini-S/IGRINS
Authors: Weiner Mansfield Megan , Line Michael R. , Wardenier Joost P. , Brogi Matteo , Bean Jacob L. , Beltz Hayley , Smith Peter , Zalesky Joseph A. , Batalha Natasha , Kempton Eliza M.-R. , Montet Benjamin T. , Owen James E. , Plavchan Peter , Rauscher Emily
Published: June 2024

Measurements of the carbon-to-oxygen (C/O) ratios of exoplanet atmospheres can reveal details about their formation and evolution. Recently, high-resolution cross-correlation analysis has emerged as a method of precisely constraining the C/O ratios of hot Jupiter atmospheres. We present two transits of the ultrahot Jupiter WASP-76b observed between 1.4 and 2.4 μm with the high-resolution Immersion GRating INfrared Spectrometer on the Gemini-S telescope. We detected the presence of H2O, CO, and OH at signal-to-noise ratios of 6.93, 6.47, and 3.90, respectively. We performed two retrievals on this data set. A free retrieval for abundances of these three species retrieved a volatile metallicity of

C
+
O

H

=
−

0.70

−
0.93

+
1.27

, consistent with the stellar value, and a supersolar carbon-to-oxygen ratio of C/O

=

0.80

−
0.11

+
0.07

. We also ran a chemically self-consistent grid retrieval, which agreed with the free retrieval within 1σ but favored a slightly more substellar metallicity and solar C/O ratio (

C
+
O

H

=
−

0.74

−
0.17

+
0.23

and C/O

=

0.59

−
0.14

+
0.13

). A variety of formation pathways may explain the composition of WASP-76b. Additionally, we found systemic (V
sys) and Keplerian (K

p
) velocity offsets which were broadly consistent with expectations from 3D general circulation models of WASP-76b, with the exception of a redshifted V
sys for H2O. Future observations to measure the phase-dependent velocity offsets and limb differences at high resolution on WASP-76b will be necessary to understand the H2O velocity shift. Finally, we find that the population of exoplanets with precisely constrained C/O ratios generally trends toward super-solar C/O ratios. More results from high-resolution observations or JWST will serve to further elucidate any population-level trends.
Modeling Dust Production, Growth, and Destruction in Reionization-era Galaxies with the CROC Simulations. II. Predicting the Dust Content of High-redshift Galaxies
Authors: Esmerian Clarke J. , Gnedin Nickolay Y.
Published: June 2024

We model the interstellar dust content of the reionization era with a suite of cosmological, fluid-dynamical simulations of galaxies with stellar masses ranging from ∼105 to 109
M
⊙ in the first 1.2 Gyr of the Universe. We use a post-processing method that accounts for dust creation and destruction processes, allowing us to systematically vary the parameters of these processes to test whether dust-dependent observable quantities of galaxies at these epochs could be useful for placing constraints on dust physics. We then forward model observable properties of these galaxies to compare to existing data. We find that we are unable to simultaneously match existing observational constraints with any one set of model parameters. Specifically, the models that predict the largest dust masses D/Z ≳ 0.1 at z = 5—because of high assumed production yields and/or efficient growth via accretion in the interstellar medium—are preferred by constraints on total dust mass and infrared (IR) luminosities, but these models produce far too much attenuation in the ultraviolet (UV), preventing them from matching observations of β
UV. To investigate this discrepancy, we analyze the relative spatial distribution of stars and dust as probed by IR and UV emission, which appear to exhibit overly symmetric morphologies compared to existing data, likely due to the limitations of the stellar feedback model used in the simulations. Our results indicate that the observable properties of the dust distribution in high redshift galaxies are a particularly strong test of stellar feedback.
Development of mitochondrial DNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit I primer sets to construct DNA barcoding library using next-generation sequencing
Authors: Kurata Seikan , Mano Shota , Nakahama Naoyuki , Hirota Shun , Suyama Yoshihisa , Ito Motomi
Published: June 2024

Insects are one of the most diverse eukaryotic groups on the planet, with one million or more species present, including those yet undescribed. The DNA barcoding system has been developed, which has aided in the identification of cryptic species and undescribed species. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I region (mtDNA COI) has been utilised for the barcoding analysis of insect taxa. Thereafter, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology has been developed, allowing for rapid acquisition of massive amounts of sequence data for genetic analyses. Although NGS-based PCR primers designed to amplify the mtDNA COI region have been developed, their target regions were only a part of COI region and/or there were taxonomic bias for PCR amplification. As the mtDNA COI region is a traditional DNA marker for the DNA barcoding system, modified primers for this region would greatly contribute to taxonomic studies. In this study, we redesigned previously developed PCR primer sets that targetted the mtDNA COI barcoding region to improve amplification efficiency and to enable us to conduct sequencing analysis on NGS. As a result, the redesigned primer sets achieved a high success rate (> 85%) for species examined in this study, covering four insect orders (Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Orthoptera and Odonata). Thus, by combining the primers with developed primer sets for 12S or 16S rRNA regions, we can conduct more detailed taxonomic, phylogeographic and conservation genetic studies using NGS.
J’ai pour projet – tenace – de ne plus en faire...
Authors: Abillama-Masson Nada
Published: June 2024

Un pied-de-nez au « projet » quand il nous quadrille, nous ligote, nous emprisonne. Ouverture au monde doit être sa seule injonction, quand bien même ce même monde nous jette sur les routes de l’errance où d’autres projets, encore inconnus, nous attendent.
Burning and Lootin’
Authors: Jeudy Katia
Published: June 2024

Une éducatrice spécialisée nous livre son regard interrogateur et poétique sur les quartiers populaires : leurs révoltes, les injustices, leurs habitants. Elle partage son point de vue sur la cité qui bat en brèche stéréotypes et images négatives véhiculés habituellement.
La pugna por alterar el sentido hegemónico: prácticas de microrresistencia en el sector de la consultoría
Authors: Candil Moreno Daniel
Published: June 2024

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo explorar los mecanismos de resistencia desarrollados por los consultores especializados en la selección de personal frente a aquellas tecnologías de subjetivación dirigidas a conformar subjetividades normalizadas y alineadas con el paradigma del emprendimiento. Una característica relevante de los profundos cambios que están teniendo lugar en el mundo laboral está vinculada con la resignificación del ideal normativo del “buen trabajador” y el desplazamiento normativo y referencial del asalariado tradicional. El sector estudiado, la consultoría de recursos humanos, constituye un espacio particularmente sugerente y apropiado para observar dichas transformaciones y, sobre todo, cómo operan las nuevas formas de gobierno y las resistencias articuladas por los trabajadores. A través de una detallada aproximación autoetnográfica, hemos identificado algunos de los ejes que sustentan estos procesos de resistencia y los mecanismos que intentan confrontar los marcos de sentido dominantes dentro de la organización.
Simultaneity can be nonrelative
Authors: Wu Jingshown , Tsao Hen-Wai
Published: June 2024

Einstein uses a train embankment case to interpret the concept of the relativity of simultaneity. In this article, we present a few situations showing that simultaneity can be nonrelative. Suppose that frame H with coordinates (x, y, z, t) is fixed
on a railway, where the x-axis and the railway coincide, and similarly, frame H′ with coordinates (x′, y′, z′, t′) is attached to a train uniformly moving along the railway, where the x′-axis and the train
coincide; i.e., the train moves along the x- and x′-axes. On a transverse plane in H, events occurring at points equidistant from the x-axis occur simultaneously, and nearby observers emit light signals toward observer M on the x-axis and another
observer M′ on the x′-axis. The distances between M and all event locations are the same. Additionally, M′ is equidistant from all event locations. Clearly, M′ receives all signals simultaneously. Similarly, M perceives that
all events occur at the same time; i.e., simultaneity is not necessarily relative. In addition, we perform an elaborate study of the distinction between the occurrence time and the transmission time. The results suggest that when the transmission time is considered for measuring the occurrence
time, simultaneity can be nonrelative.
Pecking Order and Static Trade-Off Models of Capital Structure: An Empirical Examination of Sri Lankan Listed Companies
Authors: Kalainathan Koperunthevy , Kengatharan Lingesiya
Published: June 2024

This study examines the applicability of pecking order and static trade-off models of capital structure to Sri Lankan listed companies. Using data for 103 non-financial companies from 2007/08 to 2016/17, we test the two models employing the Generalized Method of Moment method. We find that the magnitude of the relation between the financing deficit and change in debt is very low, and firms finance only a small portion of their financing requirement through debt, providing weak support to the pecking order model. Although more profitable as well as larger firms prefer less debt inconsistent with the trade-off model, high-growth firms seem to use less debt consistent with the trade-off model, giving weak evidence to support the trade-off model as well. The pecking order model seems more applicable because listed companies consider external debt finance when meeting the financing deficit.
Impact of Microcredit on Micro-Enterprise Development: A Case of Gandaki Province of Nepal
Authors: Dhungana Bharat Ram , Ranabhat Deepesh
Published: June 2024

This study examines the impact of microcredit on micro-enterprise development in the Gandaki Province of Nepal. The data is collected through a structured questionnaire from microfinance clients involved in microfinance institutions for five or more years. The explanatory research design is used to find the impact of microfinance intervention on micro-enterprise development. The study finds that microfinance intervention has made significant changes in micro-business and enterprise development with the help of microcredit. The regression results show that microcredit has increased the investment, revenue, and profits of micro-businesses and helped expand them and generate employment. Proper utilization of microcredit is critical to the success and sustainability of microcredit enterprises.
An Evaluation of the Compliance of Sri Lankan Listed Companies with Corporate Governance Principles and Best Practices
Authors: Dissanayake D.H.S.W. , Dissabandara D.P.P.H. , Ajward A.R.
Published: June 2024

This study examines compliance with corporate governance principles and best practices by companies listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange by constructing a novel and comprehensive corporate governance index using a sample of 133 firms in 2009 and 2016. Overall, corporate governance improved during the sample period. Corporate governance also improved across all sub-areas of corporate governance, namely board of directors, shareholders, stakeholders, disclosure and transparency, and CEO and management. Moreover, corporate governance improved across all industries except for healthcare. Telecommunications, hotels, manufacturing, energy, and trading sectors show the largest increases while stores, banking, construction, services, and plantations have the lowest improvements. Services and stores sectors have relatively weaker corporate governance while telecommunications, diversified, banking, hotels, manufacturing, and energy show stronger governance. This study adds to the extant evidence on emerging markets and provides important evidence for policymakers to formulate and strengthen corporate governance in Sri Lanka.
Crop Diversification and its Determinants among Vegetable Farmers in Kotagala, Nuwara Eliya District in Sri Lanka
Authors: Thayaparan Aruppillai , Ushadhani R. , Gunathilaka G.Y.N.
Published: June 2024

A sound understanding of the demographic and farming characteristics of smallholder farmers and how they stimulate their crop diversification decisions would help policymakers make appropriate measures for encouraging crop diversification. The objectives of the study are to assess the degree of crop diversification and examine in what ways the demographic and farming characteristics of smallholder vegetable farmers impact their crop diversification at Kotagala area in the Nuwara – Eliya district of Sri Lanka. Cross-sectional data were obtained from 86 randomly selected farmers who were cultivating nine vegetable crops in the Kotagala division using the structured questionnaires during the period from October to November 2019. The degree of crop diversification among vegetable farmers was measured using the Herfindahl index, which has a mean value of 0.36. It shows that there is a low degree of crop diversification and the practices in multiple crop cultivation among the farmers is very low. Results of the frequency analysis revealed that 60.5 percent of the farmers are diversifiers, while 39.5 percent of them are non - diversifiers. Further, the tobit regression model was used to examine how demographic and farming characteristics of smallholder farmers influence crop diversification and its results indicated that age squared and education negatively influenced on crop diversification at a 10 percent significance level. On the contrary, crop diversification is positively influenced by the age and size of cultivated land at a 5 percent significance level. The findings of the study will assist the decision makers in developing the best possible policies to support crop diversity, which will motivate farmers to make better choices, boost production, and improve food security in the study area.
A Feminist Reading on the Exploration of Female Identity and Sexuality in Sri Lankan Cinema: A Case Study of Asoka Handagama’s Selected Works
Authors: Sankalpani N. K. H. T. , Hapugoda H. A. M. A.
Published: June 2024

Since the emergence of the feminist movement, the distortion of feminine identity and sexuality is profoundly discoursed in relation to literature and other genres of art. This research has endeavoured to articulate how female identity and sexuality is portrayed in Sri Lankan cinema with reference to selected work of veteran filmmaker, Asoka Handagama. The sample comprises of the award-winning movies, “Thani Thatuwen Piyambanna” (Flying with One Wing, 2002), “Aksharaya” (A Letter of Fire, 2005) and “Aege Aesa Aga” (Let Her Cry, 2016) which features three significant female characters and their plight in patriarchal society. The researcher has deployed Laura Mulvey’s Male Gaze Theory which examines the voyeuristic and scopophilic representation of women in media along with the Lacanian and Freudian concepts of gaze as the theoretical approach of the study. The research was predominantly conducted utilizing the qualitative approach while textual analysis and interviews focusing on the director of the selected films, critics and academics were the major tools of primary data collection. The secondary data was collected through research publications, newspaper articles, the internet and magazines. The hermeneutic approach was deployed in interpreting the sample and the collected data focusing on the connection between the selected sample and the broader discourses. Even though Laura Mulvey exemplifies that women are always being projected as passive objects in cinema, the findings of the study reveal that the selected sample represents the female figure as a more assertive and emphatic entity regardless of the persistent patriarchal norms.
Inflation – Public Enemy Number One
Authors: Weerasinghe P. Nandalal
Published: June 2024

No abstract available
Role of Artificial Intelligence in empowering future cross-disciplinary research
Authors: Alahakoon Damminda
Published: June 2024

No abstract available
Multimarkers approach in chest pain management in Emergency department: a focus on the prognostic role of sST2 and suPAR
Authors: Piccioni Andrea , Baroni Silvia , Scatà Licia Antonella , Scaccia Marta , Candela Martina , Bronzino Alessandra , Sarlo Francesca , Savioli Gabriele , Candelli Marcello , Covino Marcello , Gasbarrini Antonio , Franceschi Francesco
Published: June 2024

Chest pain is one of the most prevalent causes of Emergency Department (ED) admission and could be a presenting symptom of Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS). The aim of this review was to provide an overview of the research about troponin and its limitations and new biomarkers used in patients with cardiovascular diseases, with a special focus on soluble Suppression of Tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) and Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor (suPAR). In January 2024, a PubMed and Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine (RCM) search was carried out to identify all relevant papers in the past five years. 80 articles were included in the final review. ssT2 and suPAR are involved in both acute and chronic cardiovascular disease and can predict the risk of adverse events. sST2 and suPAR are promising biomarkers that, in combination with troponin, could help in the management of patients with chest pain in the ED. Further studies are needed to validate their role in management of ACS in this specific setting.
Effect of Ayurveda-based Dietary Modification and Panchakarma Therapy on Plaque Stabilization in patients with coronary artery disease – A Prospective Study
Authors: Sane Rohit , Mandole Rahul , Amin Gurudatta , Ghadigaonkar Pravin , Kulthe Nilesh , Gond Bipin , Khan Sadik , Nimbalkar Nilay
Published: June 2024

Background:

Lifestyle modification, particularly diet modification, has a significant impact on coronary artery disease (CAD) progression. Ayurveda, traditional Indian medical literature, provides a guide to a balanced lifestyle with detailed dietary instructions.

Objective:

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of the Ayurveda-based diet kit on components of atheroma plaque: calcified and soft plaque, individually.

Methods:

This prospective, single-arm, multicenter study was conducted in January 2021–December 2021. Patients were assessed for demographic and clinical characteristics and underwent routine 128-slice multi-detector coronary computed tomography angiography with plaque volumetric analysis for CAD diagnosis and to reflect the extent of plaque deposition at the time of recruitment (baseline) and posttherapy. Patients were prescribed appropriate Panchakarma therapy and a high protein, low carbohydrate diet plan provided with the reverse diet kit that is known to have a high oxidative radical absorption capacity (64,000 units per day).

Results:

Out of 280 known CAD patients, 246 patients (mean ± standard deviation: 57.63 ± 9.82 years) completed the study. The mean weight and body mass index significantly decreased poststudy intervention. The mean total cholesterol, mean serum triglycerides, and the mean low-density lipoprotein were noted to be significantly and substantially lowered. The fibrotic plaque volume, the fibrofatty plaque volume, and the overall soft plaque volume were also significantly lowered. The mean total atheroma volume (baseline: 541.33 mm3 vs. end of study: 469.57 mm3) was found to be significantly lowered.

Conclusion:

This study provides an objective world evidence of the effect of Ayurveda-based diet as assessed by the currently available high-end diagnostic tools.
Malignant Right Coronary Artery Causing Positional Angina
Authors: Irshad M. R. Mohamed , Reddy D. Lasya , Mishra Anand Kumar
Published: June 2024

Malignant Right Coronary Artery (RCA), with an incidence of 0.03%–0.17% in patients undergoing angiography is a rare form of congenital coronary artery anomaly. These patients may be asymptomatic and undetected having a risk of sudden cardiac death or symptomatic and posing a diagnostic and management dilemma. Routine coronary angiography may at times be unable to pick up the lesion due to abnormal location of right coronary ostia. The management has to be individualized based on patient symptoms and other parameters and comorbidities. Here, we present a case of malignant RCA managed by coronary artery bypass grafting.
Evaluation of Serum Pyruvate Kinase M2 and Key Glycolytic Signatures and Its Correlation with Phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt/Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Pathway in Women with Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Monteiro Flama , Shetty Vijith Vittal , Shetty Shilpa S. , Acharya Ranjitha , Suhasini P. C. , Nalilu Suchetha Kumari
Published: June 2024

Background:

A desired target for cancer therapy is a cancer-specific metabolism which is associated with innate or acquired therapeutic resistance, malignancies, and aggressive cancer growth. Nevertheless, these cells utilize manifold metabolic routes to prolong their mass explosion. Human hexokinase 2 (HK2), phosphofructokinase, muscle (PFKM), pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) are fundamental signature players of cancer glycolysis playing a role in cancer cell regulation. Reflecting their metabolic roles may be possible with a better grasp of the metabolism transition in the early onset and spread of cancer. This study was designed to assess the serum protein levels of HK2, PFKM, PKM2, and LDHA in women with breast carcinoma and its correlation with phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway.

Methods:

In the current research, case–control investigation was undertaken with breast cancer women (n = 30) and compatible healthy women (n = 30) visiting Justice K. S. Hegde Charitable Hospital, Deralakatte, Mangaluru, who were selected on the basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Baseline characteristics for the study population were marked down. The HK2, PFKM, PKM2, and LDHA levels within serum were estimated by means of sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:

We observed a difference that was significant among the two groups with regard to age and postmenopausal status and also a difference in first-degree family history. The levels of PKM2 and key glycolytic enzymes in serum varied between the case and control groups. There was a positive correlation that was observed in breast carcinoma subjects with glycolytic proteins and signaling pathway (PI3K/Akt/mTOR).

Conclusions:

Nevertheless, assured processes that persuade the target enzymes remain vague and require further in-depth exploration. Overall, discovering anticancer therapeutics that target glycolytic enzymes involved in glucose metabolism remains a dilemma.
Fatal Nocardia paucivorans Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in a Tuberculosis Suspect Who Worked as Gold Miner
Authors: Nour Eman Osman Mohamed , Alnour Tarig M. S. , Ibrahim Nuha Yousif , Abdelraheem Mohamed H. , Elhaj Nihad M. A. , Elsony Asma , Mostafa Galal
Published: June 2024

Nocardiosis is an opportunistic infection that affects both immunocompromised as well as immunocompetent patients. The main infections occur as soft tissue and lung infections although they might disseminate to various organs. This is a case study aimed to reflect the severity of the disease and the patient’s risk factors associated with the infection. A sputum sample was collected from tuberculosis (TB) suspects for culture. Nocardia-like colonies were isolated, purified, and sent to BGI Company (Hongkong, China). Standard forward sequencing of 16S rRNA was done by ABI Genetic Analyzer (Applied Biosystems). Sequence alignment and nucleotide basic local alignment search tool (BLAST) were done using National Center for Bioinformatics (NCBI) Nucleotide BLAST. Biochemical identification to the colonies was done using an automation system (BD Phoenix™) to confirm the identification. Nocardia paucivorans was identified from the TB suspect. Risk factors were identified as extensive contact to dust, absence of primary care units with complete facilities, and old age. Since the infection of the lungs caused by Nocardia might be similar to pulmonary TB, this case report highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and identification procedures to differentiate between the two.
The Unusual Adverse Effects of Antituberculosis Therapy in Kidney Patients
Authors: Abdullah  , Behera Manas Ranjan , Kaul Anupma , Agarwal Vikas , Prasad Pallavi , Prasad Narayan , Bhadauria Dharmendra Singh , Patel Manas Ranjan , Sharma Harshita
Published: June 2024

Background:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients are at a high risk of tuberculosis (TB), with a relative risk of developing active TB of 10%–25%. Similarly, glomerular disease increases the risk of TB due to diminished glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria, and immunosuppression use. Further, the first-line anti-TB drugs are associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) even in patients with normal kidney functions.

Methods:

We retrospectively identified 10 patients hospitalized with unusual adverse effects of antituberculosis therapy (ATT) from 2013 to 2022.

Results:

We found three cases of AKI caused by rifampicin: acute interstitial nephritis, crescentic glomerulonephritis, and heme pigment-induced acute tubular necrosis. We observed rifampicin-induced accelerated hypertension and thrombocytopenia in two patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Isoniazid caused pancreatitis and cerebellitis in two CKD patients, respectively. In a CKD patient, we detected acute gout secondary to pyrazinamide-induced reduced uric acid excretion. We also observed cases of drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms and hypercalcemia due to immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in patients with glomerular disease on ATT. Immediate discontinuation of the offending drug, along with specific and supportive management, led to a recovery in all cases.

Conclusion:

The adverse effects of ATT may be unusually severe and varied in kidney patients due to decreased renal elimination. Early recognition of these adverse effects and timely discontinuation of the offending drug is essential to limit morbidity and mortality.
Leprosy Presenting as Distal Acquired Demyelinating Symmetric Variant of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy: An Atypical Manifestation of Hansan’s Disease
Authors: Ranjan Abhay , Kumar Amitabh , Sinha Neetu , Kumar Ankit
Published: June 2024

Leprosy, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, is known to primarily affect the skin and peripheral nerves. We present a rare case of leprosy initially manifesting as demyelinating polyneuropathy. A 46-year-old female presented with progressive weakness, tingling, and numbness in her extremities. Nerve conduction studies revealed evidence of demyelination, prompting further investigations. Skin slit-skin smears confirmed the diagnosis of leprosy, with the presence of acid-fast bacilli. The patient was subsequently started on multidrug therapy, leading to significant clinical improvement. This case highlights the importance of considering leprosy as a differential diagnosis in patients presenting with demyelinating polyneuropathy, especially in endemic regions.
Mycobacterium welchii Vaccine Granuloma – A Cautionary Tale
Authors: George C Anju , Ganguly Satyaki , Behera Ajoy Kumar , Ranganath T G , Khare Soumil
Published: June 2024

Background:

Mycobacterium welchii (Mycobacterium w) vaccine was one of the many strategies used to both treat and prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. We report the results of a retrospective analysis of 15 cases with vaccine-site granulomas after administration of prophylactic Mycobacterium w vaccine as part of a trial for COVID-19 and our experience in managing those cases.

Methods:

This was a retrospective analysis of 15 patients with vaccine-site granulomas who were given the vaccine as a prophylactic measure as part of a trial with informed consent.

Results:

The mean average age of cases was 37 and the male-to-female ratio was 1:0.87. All of the patients developed erythematous tender nodules over the injection sites within a month of receiving the inoculations. Mycobacterial cultures and cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification tests yielded negative results. Skin biopsy revealed granulomatous dermatitis with acid-fast bacilli positivity. A diagnosis of noninfective granulomatous dermatitis was made. Treatment started with analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents. Systemic antibiotics were required in 9/15 patients. Patients are being followed up with no reported recurrence till date.

Conclusion:

The possibility of injection-site granuloma should be taken into the risk–benefit analysis for the administration of Mycobacterium w vaccine and the patients should be counseled as such. Patients with persistent ulceration respond to combinations of doxycycline, ofloxacin, and clarithromycin.
Construction of Composite Correlation Index Matrix and Analysis of Cultural Properties of Representatives of Mycobacterium abscessus Complex Isolated from Patients with Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Kaiumov Karim Askerovich , Marchenko Varvara Vyacheslavovna , Kokorev Daniil Andreevich , Borodulina Elena Alexandrovna , Ismatullin Danir Damirovich , Lyamin Artem Viktorovich
Published: June 2024

Background:

Microbiological diagnosis of mycobacteriosis is often difficult, as it is necessary to differentiate between transient colonization and active infection.

Methods:

We studied the cultural properties ofMycobacterium abscessuscomplex (MABSc) strains obtained from cystic fibrosis patients, and also analyzed composite correlation index (CCI) values in patients with repeated MABSc inoculation and their correlation with the presence of clinical and radiological manifestations of mycobacteriosis.

Results:

As a result, MABSc more often grew in S-form colonies in patients without clinical manifestations of chronic infection, while R-form colonies were characteristic of patients with chronic infection and clinical symptoms. At the same time, in patients examined once, no growth of colonies in the R-form was recorded, and all strains produced growth in the form of either S-colonies or in the S- and R-forms simultaneously. Statistically significant results were obtained for the relationship of the CCI with the clinical and radiological picture. In addition, a heterogeneous MABSc population with low CCI score values correlated with the development of mycobacteriosis in patients. In patients with high CCI score values (homogeneity of isolated strains), on the contrary, there were no radiological or clinical signs of the disease.

Conclusion:

These data make it possible to build a strategy for monitoring patients depending on changes in CCI score values. The use of CCI matrix to evaluate microorganisms’ identification results is a potentially new method that expands the use of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
Phylogenetic Profile of Nonulcerans and Nontuberculous Environmental Mycobacteria Isolated in Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Julien Coulibaly Kalpy , Sabine Vakou N’dri , Venance Kouakou Luc , Karidja Ouattara Yakoura , Eric Yao Kouamé , Fabrice Gnali Gbohounou , Mireille Dosso , Joseph Djaman Allico
Published: June 2024

Background:

Environmental mycobacteria are involved in several infections ranging from lung to skin infections. In Côte d’Ivoire, apart from Mycobacterium ulcerans and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, little information exists on other species. The culture of these species, a real challenge, especially in developing countries like Cote d’Ivoire, limits their identification. However, there are reports in literature of infections caused by these mycobacteria, and few species have never been described in human or animal infections. These are difficult cases to treat because of their resistance to most antituberculosis antibiotics. The aim of our work was to study the diversity of potentially pathogenic mycobacterial species in wastewater drainage channels in different townships and in two hospital effluents in the city of Abidjan.

Methods:

Wastewater samples were cultured, followed by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting mycobacterial 16S ribonucleic acid (16S RNA) using PA/MSHA primers. 16 S RNA identified were sequenced by Sanger techniques. Sequences obtained were analyzed, and a phylogenic tree was built.

Results:

Fast-growing mycobacteria, including Mycobacterium fortuitum, Mycobacterium phocaicum, Mycobacterium sp., and others presence, were confirmed both by culture and molecular techniques. M. fortuitum strain was the same in effluents of the Treichville University Hospital and in the wastewater of the township of Koumassi. New species never isolated in Côte d’Ivoire, such as M. phocaicum, have been identified in wastewater of the township of Yopougon.

Conclusion:

This study showed that the sewer network in the city of Abidjan is colonized by both potentially pathogenic mycobacteria and saprophytic environmental mycobacteria.