bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nationwide surveillance for S-metoprolol treatment effect on blood pressure control against sympathetic overdrive in Indian patients with hypertension (PROTECT)
Authors: Ramesh D. , Kumar Parminder Singh , Palimkar Priya , Dhoot Krishna , Dabhade Dhammdeep C. , Newale Sanket
Published: February 2022

Background: Patients with hypertension in India been reported with high heart rate owing to Sympathetic overdrive (SO). Beta-blockers provides several positive effects to reduce SO in patients with hypertension. The aim of the study was to understand current real-world prevalence of SO in Indian patients with hypertension and usage of beta-blocker therapy in them.Methods: A cross sectional, observational, questionnaire-based survey conducted across India between June 2020 to October 2020. A specially designed validated questionnaire was shared with 157 registered Health care practitioners (HCP) and their anonymous inputs were captured and analysed in qualitative manner. Categorical data was summarized by number (n) and percentage (%).  Results: Total 157 HCP participated and completed the survey. Around 53% of HCP observed that patients with average heart rate above 75 beats/min were associated with negative prognosis. Around 43% of HCP reported that raised heart rate is associated with advance age and increased Body mass index (BMI). Two-third of HCP reported that tachycardia is associated with stage-2 hypertension and marked by restlessness and anxiety which is suggestive of SO. Over 70% HCP agreed that the HR below 75 beats/min is associated with good prognosis. Around 89% HCP reported beta-blockers as the drug of choice in patients with augmented SO. S-metoprolol was reported to be most preferred beta-blocker agent and recommended by 76% HCP in patients with hypertension and coexisting SO.Conclusions: SO been reported prevalent in Indian patients with hypertension which likely worsen the prognosis in these patients. Beta-blockers reported to be the preferred choice of anti-hypertensive and S-metoprolol seem to be the most preferred agent amongst the available beta-blockers against SO in patients with hypertension in India.
Evaluation of selected aspects of influenza surveillance system and describing influenza surveillance data collected during 2014-2018 of district general hospital Matara, Sri Lanka
Authors: Samaraweera Nayana Y.
Published: February 2022

Background: Influenza is one of the diseases which have the pandemic potential. Influenza surveillance as part of the pandemic preparedness activities was initiated in Sri Lanka in 2005. This study would help in evaluating, strengthening influenza surveillance system of DGH Matara, and taking targeted preventive measures and contribute to more efficient resource allocation in the future.Methods: This was a cross sectional analytical study.Results: Case definitions for ILI and SARI used were consistent with the epidemiology unit Sri Lanka prescribed definitions. Though the site collected data on cases daily and sampled weekly, sampling technique was not random. Respiratory specimen collection, packaging, storage and transport were consistent with the guidelines of epidemiology Unit, Sri Lanka. Refrigerator temperature monitoring, analyzing surveillance data on site as well as supervisory visits made by central level were not satisfactory. No clear pattern of ILI and SARI was observed among different age groups during 2014-2018. Influenza viral activity was detected except for “untyped” from respiratory samples sent by DGH, Matara during 2014-2018. Pandemic preparedness by the site was not at optimal level.Conclusions: Representativeness of data obtained from respiratory specimen collection and data analyzing were not satisfactory. Temperature monitoring inside storage refrigerators of the site was not possible as no written records were available. Supervision from the central level was not satisfactory.
Utility and benefits of sulfonylureas beyond glycemic control
Authors: B. Jayakrishnan
Published: February 2022

Department of medicine, Educare institute of dental science Malappuram, Kerala and SafeCare clinics, Tirur, Kerala sulfonylureas (SUs) are one of the oldest, time tested and most commonly used oral antidiabetic agent in Type 2 diabetes. Modern SUs like glimepiride and gliclazide XR were preferred over conventional SUs due to its better efficacy and minimal side effects. The use of Modern SUs in the treatment armamentarium of T2DM has evolved, over past few decades. Modern SUs possesses beneficial pancreatic glucose lowering effect and more interestingly extra-pancreatic pleiotropic benefits. This review article discusses on the utility and benefits of SUs beyond glycemic control and explaining on their pleiotropic effects.
The two-year survival rate of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients treated at Dr. George Mukhari academic hospital South Africa
Authors: Muanza Dikamba , Kotu Monica , Olwoch Ian Paul
Published: February 2022

Background: The study was conducted to assess the outcome of patients diagnosed with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) treated at a tertiary level hospital in South Africa. The focus was the two-year disease-specific survival (DSS) rate after diagnosis as a measuring tool for the outcomes of the disease.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Dr. George Mukhari academic hospital (DGMAH) from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2015. The data was collected from files of patients who were identified by clinical laryngeal symptoms, pan-endoscopy and biopsy. A total of 37 files of patients diagnosed as LSCC were included in the study.

Results: 166 hospital records were retrieved. After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, the study excluded 129 files because of benign lesions, malignancies other than SCC on histology report, SCC from upper aero-digestive sites other than the larynx or files with incomplete information. Therefore, 37 recordswere considered for the study.

Conclusions: The study found the two-year DSS to be 43.2%. A significant contributing factor to the low two-year DSS was the advanced stage of the disease (III and IV) at the time of the presentation that was managed by palliative treatment. Advanced disease was likely due to delayed presentation to the hospital influenced by a low level of patient health knowledge, the negative impact of religious and cultural beliefs, low disposable household income coupled with high distance from home to the nearest hospital, and suboptimal screening at the primary health care level.
Aetiological factors of hoarseness of voice in patients attending at tertiary hospital Kashmir
Authors: Abbas Syed Waseem , Naikoo Javaid Ahmed , Maqsood Reshaib , Nisar Auqfeen , Ahmed Rauf
Published: February 2022

Background: Voice is an auditory perceptual term that means the audible sound produced by the larynx, which embodies such parameters as pitch, loudness, quality and variability. Hoarseness generally refers to a change in voice quality that may be manifested as a voice that sounds breathy, strained, rough, raspy, tremorous, strangled, or weak, or a voice that has a higher or lower pitch. The objective of the study was to evaluate the aetiological factors of hoarseness of voice.

Methods: This is a prospective, non- randomized and longitudinal study conducted from July 2019 to July 2020 in department of Otorhinolaryngology of SMHS Hospital, Kashmir, India. All the patients with history of hoarseness underwent clinical examination, routine as well as special investigation to find out the diagnosis. The final results were analyzed by simple manual analysis with frequency and percentage using Microsoft Excel software 2007.

Results: There were total 140 patients included in the study. Among them the age groups of 21 – 30 years and 31-40 years were mainly sufferers from hoarseness. Similarly, among 140 patients 100 (71.45%) were males whereas 40 (28.6%) were females with male to female ratio of 2.5. The most common cause as per the distribution was acid peptic laryngitis with frequency of 37.8% whereas papillary carcinoma of thyroid and papilloma of vocal cord accounts for only 0.4% each.

Conclusions: There was etiological variation in hoarseness ranging from simple laryngitis to malignancies. So it is important not to ignore the hoarseness and precise history, examination and investigations should be done.  
Rosai Dorfman disease: a case report with nodal involvement
Authors: Silky Silky , Singh Vishwambhar , Kumar Rajesh , Chaudhary Ashvanee Kumar , Yadav Shishupal , Gupta Deepak Kumar , Goyal Arpit , Yadav Ram Raj , Rahul Rahul , Panday Akshat
Published: February 2022

Rosai Dorfman disease is characterised by sinus histiocytosis with massive lymphadenopathy. Here, we present a case report of 33-year female with low grade fever and multiple swellings of variable size in cervical region. Laboratory examinations showed erythrocyte sedimentation rate to be increased up to 40 mm / hour. Histopathological examination revealed a number of histiocytes containing lymphocytes and few plasma cells in their cytoplasm showing emperipolesis of plasma cells and lymphocytes. Immunohistochemistry showed positivity for CD68 with marked sinus expansion by histiocytic cells and emperipolesis. Treatment with tapering dose of systemic corticosteroids over 1 month gave excellent results.
The mucormycosis surge in COVID-19 pandemic: an analysis of associated risk factors and review of literature of reported cases
Authors: Mahato Chandrashekhar , Magon Navneet , Prasad Shail , Tyagi Amit Kumar
Published: February 2022

COVID-19 patients are particularly susceptible to secondary infections, both bacterial and fungal, most likely due to immunological dysregulation. Secondary systemic mucormycosis was identified to be the significant cause of this epidemic among fungal infections. Post-COVID-19 complications are being reported all around the world, creating major pressure on healthcare services and the lives of the patients. PRISMA guidelines were used to conduct a literature review for articles published on COVID-19 associated Mucormycosis (CAM) between January 1, 2020, to May 18, 2021. The inclusion criteria were based on peer-reviewed studies in English covering cases with COVID-associated mucormycosis (CAM). Articles describing fungal coinfections that were not mucormycosis cases, non-COVID-19 cases, and studies with a lack of clarity were excluded from the review. The review includes 31 articles comprising of 21 Case Reports and 10 Case Series. Out of 104 cases, 76% were from India, 77.9% were males. Predisposing variables such as diabetes (71.15%), hypertension (37.5%), and ketoacidosis (10.6%) were found to be substantial contributors to the aggressive growth of opportunistic fungal infections such as mucormycosis. Rhino-orbital mucormycosis (n=47), followed by Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (n=32), and Pulmonary mucormycosis (n=10) were commonly reported in the case studies and literature reviews which presented either following COVID-19 infection or a few weeks after active COVID-19 infection. Significant mortality (36.9%) was reported among patients. As per our observations, CAM could be a serious consequence of severe COVID-19, especially in people with uncontrolled diabetes.

 
A study of vitiligo with other coexisting diseases in DVL department of a teaching hospital
Authors: Chekuru Kavya , Rao G. Venkateswara , M. Susmitha Reddy , Kilaru Krishna Rajesh
Published: February 2022

Background: Vitiligo is characterized by milky-white macules affecting the skin and mucous membranes. It occurs due to the progressive loss of functioning melanocytes from the affected areas. It may affect any age group and gender. Genetic, immunological, neural, and self-destructive mechanisms may be involved in its pathogenesis. Both autoimmune and non-autoimmune disorders have been reported to be associated with vitiligo.

Methods: This is a descriptive study conducted in the Department of DVL of a teaching hospital from August 2020 to November 2021. 50 vitiligo patients were enrolled in the study. Relevant data was recorded using the customized case proforma and analyzed.

Results: Majority of the patients belonged to the age group of 21-30 years (28%). Males (54%) outnumbered females. The mean duration of the disease was 51.6 months. The familial incidence of vitiligo was 18%. Majority of the cases were of vitiligo vulgaris type (50%). Koebnerization was seen in 20% and leukotrichia in 34% of the cases. 14% of cases had other coexisting cutaneous diseases. Urticaria (4%) was the most common followed by alopecia areata, acne, atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. 44% of the study population had systemic comorbidities. Iron deficiency anemia was the most common seen in 20% of cases followed by hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and hypertension.

Conclusions: A detailed history, comprehensive cutaneous and systemic examination, relevant laboratory workup is mandatory in a newly diagnosed patient with vitiligo. A regular follow-up and psychiatric evaluation is also necessary to reduce the disease burden.
Optimal use of topical minoxidil in management of female pattern hair loss in India: an expert opinion
Authors: Mysore Venkatram , Dhurat Rachita , Abraham Anil , Thappa D. M. , Kumari Pradeep , Sarkar Rashmi , Damisetty Rajetha , Khopkar Uday , Mucchala Snehal , Rathod Rahul , Gala Monil Yogesh Neena
Published: February 2022

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is a common cause of hair loss and is associated with a reduction in quality of life and psychological morbidity. It is characterised by nonscarring progressive thinning of hair with gradual reduction in the number of hairs, with prevalence increasing with advancing age. A differential diagnosis of FPHL includes conditions like chronic telogen effluvium, diffuse alopecia areata, and some cases of scarring alopecia such as frontal fibrosing alopecia. A comprehensive history and thorough clinical examination are essential in establishing the diagnosis of FPHL. Additionally, dermoscopy is a valuable tool for appropriate diagnosis, specifically in early stages of the disease. Due to the chronic course and progressive nature of FPHL, long-term management is essential for sustained effects. Medical treatment with minoxidil remains the mainstay treatment for FPHL. Other therapeutic modalities include topical therapies like biomimetic peptides, systemic therapies like oral anti-androgen drugs such as finasteride and spironolactone as well as oral minoxidil in selected cases. Dermatosurgical procedures like platelet rich plasma, microneedling, low level laser and hair transplantation have been used. The role of diet has also been debated. The current article provides an overview on the optimal use of topical minoxidil for management of FPHL in Indian clinical practice.
Improvement of Automatic Generation Control Behavior of Two Interconnected Areas Using SMES and TCSC
Authors: Yousfi Boutheina , Delassi Abdelmouméne , Arif Salem
Published: February 2022

In this paper, an attempt has been made to enhance the dynamic behaviour of Automatic Generation Control (AGC) of two areas two units using both Thyristor Controlled Series Compensator (TCSC) placed in the tie-line and Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) units are considered in both areas. For more realistic study, the effects of Governor Dead Band (GDB) and Generation Rate Constraints (GRCs) are taken into account for both areas. However, to conduct the system to better dynamic responses, we have implemented a PI-PD cascade controller. After that, a well-known and powerful optimisation algorithm named Firefly Algorithm (FA) is employed by evaluating the Integral of the Squared Error (ISE). From the obtained results, the implemented methods prove its efficiency from different view of points such as: minimisation of Overshoot and Undershoot Peaks (PO), (PU) and Settling Time (ST).
Consorcios de hongos micorrízicos y rizobacterias en el control biológico de Phythopthora capsici en cultivares de Capsicum annuum
Authors: Rueda Puente Edgar Omar , Leos Escobedo Lucio , García Carrillo Mario , Delgadillo Martínez Julian , Valenzuela García Ana , Angulo Castro Azareel , Preciado Rangel Pablo
Published: February 2022

La marchitez del chile o secadera, es una de las principales enfermedades causante de pérdidas muy considerables en la producción del cultivo de chile. El uso de fungicidas químicos es una práctica común promoviendo resistencia y contaminación ambiental. La reconversión de la agricultura, demanda alternativas sustentables entre los que destacan el uso de hongos rizosféricos =hongos micorrízicos arbusculares (HMA) y las rizobacterias promotoras del crecimiento vegetal (Rpcv), los cuales se advierten como una valiosa herramienta para la protección de los cultivos hortícolas cuando éstos son aplicados mediante consorcios. El objetivo general de la presente investigación consistió en evaluar consorcios de hongos micorrízicos y rizobacterias como control biológico vs Phythopthora capsici, en cultivares de chile (Capsicum annuum L.). Se evaluaron 23 genotipos de chiles, procedentes de diversas localidades agrícolas en el país. Los HMA que conformaron el consorcio fueron: seis cepas de Rhizophagus intrarradices con las claves Zac-19, Ced-20, Tab-21, Mér-22, Pap-23 y Jal-24. Asimismo, se incluyeron cuatro cepas de rizobacterias (Rpcv = Rizobacterias promotoras del crecimiento vegetal), tres del género Pseudomonas que corresponden a P. lini, P. fluorescens, Acinetobacter guillouiae y una del género-especie Aeromona caviae. Los tratamientos de estudio fueron cuatro: T1= Testigo (Sin aporte nutrimental (agua)), T2= Consorcio = (mezcla) de los seis HMA, T3= Consorcio de seis HMA más el consorcio de cuatro Rpcv, T4= Fertilización química a base una solución nutrimental. En la resistencia de plantas al ataque de P. capsici, redujeron el ataque del hongo P. capsici, en plantas de 23 cultivares de chile; los cultivares de chiles tipo Pasilla y tipo Guajillo, presentaron la mayor resistencia al ataque de P. capsici, cuando fueron inoculados con HMA+Rpcv, mientras que los chiles tipo Serrano, Puya y Jalapeño, fueron los de mayor susceptibilidad al ataque del hongo fitopatógeno.
Antibacterial activity and acute toxicity study of standardized aqueous extract of Randia monantha Benth fruit
Authors: Juárez-Trujillo Naida , Tapia-Hernández Fredy Erubiel , Alvarado-Olivarez Mayvi , Beristain-Guevara César Ignacio , Pascual-Pineda Luz Alicia , Jiménez Fernández Maribel
Published: February 2022

The fruit of Randia monantha is traditionally and empirically used in the preparation of a beverage as antivenom and for the treatment of various diseases, but to date there is little scientific evidence regarding its antimicrobiological properties and toxicity. The objective of this study was to evaluar the effect of the administration of the aqueous extract of the Randia monantha pulp on acute toxicity in male Wistar rats and evaluate antimicrobial activity at different concentrations against pathogenic bacteria. The results of acute oral toxicity revealed no deaths in doses up to 5000 mg / kg body weight. The experimental animals showed no significant changes in the weight and behavior parameters evaluated with respect to the control treatment. Rats did not show significant changes in the hematological parameters, but dosis of 5000 mg/kg body weight rats exhibited the appearance of yellow spots on kidney. The aqueous extract did not show antimicrobial activity against test pathogenic bacteria. These results suggest that the aqueous extract of the Randia monantha fruit can be used with some degree of safety by oral administration but should not be taken in high doses.
Social Economy as Possible Solution for Social Inclusion and Combating Poverty in Romania
Authors: Mitrea Geta
Published: February 2022

The sector of social economy grew and gained its own place in the actual social and economic activity at local, regional and national level in Romania. Even though until 2015 there was no clear legislative regulation social economy entities were created and contributed to the community development and job offers for vulnerable persons. This paper is focusing on a case study of best practices in social economy of entities from Romania. The main goal was to present the financial opportunities existing after we became a member of the European Union, social indicators targeted and achieved by these projects. Finally, to present two best practices of social economy entities created and acting in Romania. We will also focus on its collaborative economy for developing the social and economic communities where they were acting. Namely, Non-Governmental Professional Association of Social Work (ASSOC) from Baia Mare, Maramures and Alături de Voi Romania (ADV Romania) from Iasi.
Rozwój zawodowy nauczycieli żłobków i przedszkoli w Reggio Emilia we Włoszech
Authors: Aleksandra Maj
Published: February 2022

One of the key aspects of educational experience of infant-toddler centers and preschools in Reggio Emilia in Italy is the unique approach to the professional development of all educators. Staff development in Reggio Emilia is considered as ongoing, evolutionary process that is intrinsic part of teachers’ daily life. In such a view development of educators is connected with educational research based on collegiality, interaction and participation. The article presents the idea of staff development in the context of the specific role of teachers and the whole experience of Reggio Emilia.
PENTINGNYA KUALITAS KEHIDUPAN KERJA, STRES KERJA, DAN KEPUASAN KERJA DALAM MENINGKATKAN KOMITMEN ORGANISASI GURU [THE IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY OF WORK LIFE, JOB STRESS, AND JOB SATISFACTION IN INCREASING THE ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT OF TEACHERS]
Authors: Mulyani Sinta
Published: February 2022

Teachers are key in the formal education system. The school as an organization ideally has high committed members, thus avoiding turnover, since the effect of turnover is harmful to the school existence and the students also. This research aims to determine the effect of quality of work life, job stress, and job satisfaction on organizational commitment of the teachers in XYZ Elementary School.  The research using closed questionnaire with Likert scale and the research subjects were 42 teachers. The design used in this study was SEM-PLS with outer model and inner model. The result showed that quality of work life has positive influence to organizational commitment, job stress influenced positively to organizational commitment, and job satisfaction has positive influence to organizational commitment. The research also found that quality of work life has positive influence to job satisfaction, while job stress influenced positively to job satisfaction.
ALTERNATIVE ROBUST ESTIMATORS FOR PARAMETERS OF THE LINEAR REGRESSION MODEL
Authors: ALTUNTAŞ Mutlu , ÇANKAYA Emel , ARSLAN Olcay
Published: February 2022

This paper considers parameter estimation of the linear regression model with Ramsay-Novick (RN) distributed errors, focusing on its use as an aid to robustness. Positioning within the class of heavy tailed distributions, RN distribution can be defined as the modification of unbounded influence function of a non-robust density so that it has more resistance to outliers. Potential use of this robust density have so far been assessed in Bayesian settings on real data examples and there is a lack of performance assessment for finite samples in classical approach. This study therefore explores its robustness properties when used as error distribution in comparison to normal as well as other alternating heavy-tailed distributions like Laplace and Student-t. An extensive simulation study was conducted for this purpose under different settings of sample size, model parameters and outlier percantages. An efficient data generation of this distribution through random-walk Metropolis algorithm is here also suggested. The results were supported by a real world application on famously known as Brownlee’s stack loss plant data.
Imagem e desejo
Authors: Cayuqueo Pablo , Quiroga Samuel
Published: February 2022

A partir da tensão entre o desejo sexual e suas práticas reguladas pelo poder, analisamos a função dos dispositivos que disciplinam e domesticam os corpos, que, a nosso ver, se instalam segundo os interesses dos grupos hegemônicos: a produção e a acumulação capitalista. Como esse disciplinamento forçou uma ordem cultural que castiga as manifestações sexuais dissidentes? Respondemos a essa pergunta revelando dispositivos visuais que desafiam uma hegemonia heteronormativa que não apenas subjuga os corpos, mas também reprime toda alteridade que não adere às suas imposições. Esta análise se apoia em uma estrutura conceitual que chamamos de "teoria quiltra".
Delfos entre París y Buenos Aires
Authors: Gallipoli Milena
Published: February 2022

El objetivo del artículo es analizar cómo calcos escultóricos contribuyeron a la fama del Auriga de Delfos, un bronce antiguo descubierto en 1896 por una misión arqueológica francesa. Se investiga cómo el Louvre procuró establecer una asociación entre la escultura y el museo parisino a través de la exhibición de un yeso en sus salas y la puesta en venta de sus calcos. También, se indaga el caso de estudio de consumo de un calco del Auriga por parte del Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de Buenos Aires. Así, se plantea como hipótesis que el Auriga adquirió su carácter canónico a través de una locación de la obra en París, sólo posible por sus copias.
Syura Dan Demokrasi Perspektif Hermeneutika Abdullah Saeed : Relevansinya Dengan Demokrasi Di Indonesia
Authors: Tilawati Anis , Emiel Kamala Ananda
Published: February 2022

Abdullah Saeed offers a method of hermeneutics called the contextual approach. This approach is described in several works, one entitled Reading the Qur'an in the Twenty-First Century: A Contextualist Approach. The study in this article is one of the cases he once wrote in his book by applying the hermeneutic model, namely shura and democracy. The State of Indonesia is one of the Republican and democratic countries. The predominantly Muslim Indonesian population forms the country with the foundations of Islamic law, so the author is interested in studying the relevance of Indonesian democracy to the concept of shura in the Qur'an. The Indonesian democratic system in this article is examined from Abdullah Saeed's perspective on the concept of shura and democracy. In addition, the author also tries to identify Saeed's consistency in applying his contextual hermeneutic theory in this case. His findings are none other than that Saeed did not make the full interpretation in this case, so his conclusions still seem to rely on the pre-modern and modern interpretations he refers to, but he says the concept of shura has been contextualized as an attempt to equalize the democratic values ​​of a government country. As democracy in Indonesia has values ​​and ideas similar to the concept of shura in the Qur'an.
Reaktualisasi Corak Tafsir Adab Al-Ijtima’i Terhadap Persoalan Sosial Kemasyarakatan Dan Perkembangan Zaman
Authors: Saladin Bustami
Published: February 2022

This study explains the relevance of tafsir adab al-ijtima’iy regarding the social change and answering the future. This article focus on Muhammad Abduh’s thought about tafsir adab al ijtima’iy and compared with several Muslim thinkers thought about this subject. Muhammad ʻAbduh's interpretation of the verses of the Qur'an uses a beautiful, easy language style that can be accepted by all levels and complements it with social relevance. The interpretation is known as tafsir adab al-Ijtima'i. This article aims to introduce the style of interpretation of al-Ijtimâi adab as an alternative to re-actualization of the principal values ​​of the Koran, focused on Muhammad Abduh as a representation of tafsir adab al-ijtima’iy styles of interpretation.
Fundamental Ethics In Islamic Political Thought
Authors: Rizky HK Muhammad
Published: February 2022

This article attemps to explore the concept of shura and its possibility to be an ethical foundation of Islamic Political Thought. In order to discuss this issue, the main focus will be directed on two main discussion; The ground  concepts of Islamic Political Thought, and The Islamic concepts: shura (consultation) It is already known that shura concepts has been widely interpreted as a theoretical basis for electoral democracy in Islam. The main purpose is to present a more philosopical view of Islamic political thought throught it ethical basis and to show that is possible to enrich the discourse on Islamic political though with ethical concept within Islamic dogma
Nucleic acid functionalized extracellular vesicles as promising therapeutic systems for nanomedicine
Authors: Liu Chunping , He Dongyue , Cen Huan , Chen Huiqi , Li Longmei , Nie Guangning , Zhong Zixue , He Qingfeng , Yang Xiaofei , Guo Sien , Wang Lei , Fan Zhijin
Published: February 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), as natural carriers, are regarded as a new star in nanomedicine due to their excellent biocompatibility, fascinating physicochemical properties, and unique biological regulatory functions. However, there are still some challenges to using natural EVs, including poor targeting ability and the clearance from circulation, which may limit their further development and clinical use. Nucleic acid has the functions of programmability, targeting, gene therapy, and immune regulation. Owing to the engineering design and modification by integrating functional nucleic acid, EVs offer excellent performances as a therapeutic system in vivo. This review briefly introduces the function and mechanism of nucleic acid in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. Then, the strategies of nucleic acid-functionalized EVs are summarized and the latest progress of nucleic acid-functionalized EVs in nanomedicine is highlighted. Finally, the challenges and prospects of nucleic acid-functionalized EVs as a promising diagnostic system are proposed.
A current look at the factors influencing face variability
Authors: Łącka Monika , Matthews‑Brzozowska Teresa
Published: February 2022

The aesthetic perception of a face is multifactorial. The researchers most often focus on its proportions in terms of historical beauty canons, anthropological intercultural gender and race differences, and a multi‑faceted approach to aging, also at the molecular level. This multifaceted nature is the result of both individual and holistic perception of the phenomenon of beauty, which as a visual aspect is susceptible to optical illusions and cultural definition.
Rapid on-site Detection of Illicit Drugs in Smuggled Samples with a Portable Electrochemical Device
Authors: Parrilla Marc , Slosse Amorn , Van Echelpoel Robin , Felipe Montiel Noelia , Langley Amelia R , Van Durme Filip , De Wael Karolien
Published: February 2022

Illicit drug consumption is posing critical concerns in our society causing health issues, crime-related activities, and the disruption of border trade. The smuggling of illicit drugs urges the development of new tools for rapid on-site identification in cargos. Current methods used by law enforcement officers rely on presumptive color tests and portable spectroscopic techniques. However, these methods sometimes exhibit inaccurate results due to commonly used cutting agents, the colorful nature of the sample or because the drugs are smuggled (hidden or mixed) in common goods. Interestingly, electrochemical sensors can deal with these specific problems. Herein, an electrochemical device is presented that uses affordable screen-printed electrodes for the electrochemical profiling of illicit drugs by square-wave voltammetry (SWV). The identification of the illicit compound is based on the oxidation potential of the analyte. Hence, a library of electrochemical profiles is built upon the analysis of illicit drugs and common cutting agents. This library allows the design of a tailor-made script that enables the identification of each drug through a user-friendly interface (laptop or mobile phone). Importantly, the electrochemical test is compared by analyzing 48 confiscated samples with other portable devices based on Raman and FTIR spectroscopy as well as a laboratory standard method (i.e. gas chromatography – mass spectrometry). Overall, the electrochemical results obtained through the analysis of different samples from confiscated cargos at an end-user site, present a promising alternative to current methods, offering low-cost and rapid testing in the field.
Theoretical Calculations and Analysis Method of the Physicochemical Properties of Phytochemicals to Predict Gastrointestinal Absorption
Authors: Vélez Luis A. , Delgado Yamixa , Ferrer-Acosta Yancy , Suárez-Arroyo Ivette J. , Rodríguez Priscilla , Pérez Daraishka
Published: February 2022

The discovery of more bioactive compounds for non-invasive administration has been the goal of research groups focused on pharmacotherapy. Phytonutrients have always been attractive for researchers because they are a significant source of bioactive phytochemicals, but it is challenging to determine which components show high biomedical activity. However, based on the chemical structure of these active compounds, their physicochemical properties can be calculated to predict the probability of gastrointestinal (GI) absorption after oral administration. Indeed, different researchers have proposed several rules (e.g., Lipinski's, Veber's, Ghose's, and Muegge's rules) to attain these predictions for synthetic compounds. Most phytochemicals do not fully comply with these rules even though they show high bioactivity and high GI absorption experimentally. Here, we provide a detailed methodology using web-based platforms to determine the physicochemical properties of five phytochemicals in the phytonutrients ginger, echinacea, and tobacco. Furthermore, we analyzed the calculated data and established a protocol based on the combination and integration of these rules, plus other extended parameter ranges, to reliably predict the GI absorption of natural compounds. The presented data and methodology can be beneficial for evaluating bioactive natural compounds as potential drug candidates and predicting their oral bioavailability in patients.
“Floating Hip” and “Floating Knee” Associated with Hip Dislocation, Sciatic Nerve Palsy, and Patella Fracture [RETRACTED]
Authors: Saini Mukesh Kumar
Published: February 2022

Case:

We report a very rare case of simultaneous ipsilateral floating hip and floating knee (SIFHFK) injury with the neck of the femur and patella fracture and hip dislocation associated with sciatic nerve injury in a 45-year-old man after a road traffic accident. We adopted a staged approach for surgical fixation of the fractures after stabilization. At the latest 2 years follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic with satisfactory clinical outcome.

Conclusion:

SIFHFK injuries present a challenging and emergent clinical scenario and require extensive clinical experience, careful planning, and multidisciplinary teamwork because of the paucity of specific treatment protocols for the treatment of this complex injury.
Modulation of the Drosophila Transcriptome by Developmental Exposure to Alcohol
Authors: ANHOLT ROBERT , Morozova Tatiana V. , Shankar Vijay , MacPherson Rebecca A. , MACKAY TRUDY F. C.
Published: February 2022

Background: Prenatal exposure to ethanol can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a prevalent, preventable pediatric disorder. Identifying genetic risk alleles for FASD is challenging since time, dose, and frequency of exposure are often unknown, and manifestations of FASD are diverse and evident long after exposure. Drosophila melanogaster is an excellent model to study the genetic basis of the effects of developmental alcohol exposure since many individuals of the same genotype can be reared under controlled environmental conditions. Results: We used 96 sequenced, wild-derived inbred lines from the Drosophila melanogaster Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) to profile genome-wide transcript abundances in young adult flies that developed on ethanol-supplemented medium or standard culture medium. We found substantial genetic variation in gene expression in response to ethanol with extensive sexual dimorphism. We constructed sex-specific genetic networks associated with alcohol-dependent modulation of gene expression that include protein-coding genes, Novel Transcribed Regions (NTRs, postulated to encode long non-coding RNAs) and female-specific coordinated regulation of snoRNAs that regulate pseudouridylation of ribosomal RNA. We reared DGRP lines which showed extreme upregulation or downregulation of snoRNA expression during developmental alcohol exposure on standard or ethanol supplemented medium and demonstrated that developmental exposure to ethanol has genotype-specific effects on adult locomotor activity and sleep. Conclusions: There is significant and sex-specific natural genetic variation in the transcriptional response to developmental exposure to ethanol in Drosophila that comprises networks of genes affecting nervous system development and ethanol metabolism as well as networks of regulatory non-coding RNAs.
Melittin Regulates Iron Homeostasis as a Key Mediator of Macrophage Polarization in Rat Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Kim Hyunseong , Hong Jin Young , Jeon Wan-Jin , Lee Junseon , Lee Yoon Jae , Ha In-Hyuk
Published: February 2022

Background: Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is defined as the narrowing of the spinal canal, which compresses the nerves traveling through the lower back into the legs. Inflammation is the most common cause of LSS. Chronic pain induced by nerve damage results from chronic inflammation, and the inflammation response worsens with elevated iron stores. Furthermore, macrophage polarization to the M1 (inflammatory) or M2 (anti-inflammatory) type is essential for controlling host defense or repairing tissues. However, the precise function of macrophage polarization in iron release or retention in LSS pathophysiology is not well-understood. Here, we introduce melittin to modulate macrophage polarization related to iron metabolism for LSS treatment.Methods: Primary peritoneal macrophage were cultured in 200 or 500 ng/mL of melittin and FeSO4-containing medium for 24 h. Macrophage polarization was assessed by Immunofluorescence staining to CD86 or Arg1 antibodies. In an in vivo rat model of LSS, melittin were administered at 100 and 250 µg/kg, and in vivo effects of melittin on iron deposition-induced macrophage polarization was evaluated by immunochemistry, real time-PCR, and flow-cytometry. The locomotor functions were assessed by BBB, ladder scoring, and Von Frey test for up to 3 weeks. Results: In vitro experiments demonstrated that macrophages can be polarized toward an M2 phenotype after melittin treatment in iron-insulted primary macrophages. Treatment with 100 and 250 μg/kg melittin in a rat LSS model increased the proportion of M2 macrophages in the damaged spinal cord. Moreover, we found that melittin attenuated iron overload-induced M1 polarization via regulating iron metabolism-related genes in LSS rats. As a result, melittin improved locomotor recovery and stimulated axonal growth following LSS.Conclusion: Melittin can promote functional recovery in LSS models by activating M2 macrophages via controlling macrophage iron metabolism, suggesting the potential applications of melittin for treating LSS.
A Reliable and Quick Method for Screening Alternative Splicing Variants for Low-abundance Genes
Authors: Zhang Yanchun , Qu Wubin , Yan Ruifen , Liu Huqi , Li Zhihui , Zhang Chenggang
Published: February 2022

Alternative splicing (AS) is an universal phenomenon in eukaryote and it's still challenge to identify AS events. Several methods have been developed to identify AS events, such as Expressed Sequence Tags (EST), microarray and RNA-seq. However, EST has limitation on identifying low-abundance genes, while microarray and RNA-seq are high-throughput technologies and they also need PCR-based technology to validate. To overcome the limitations of EST and shortcomings high-throughput technologies, we established a method to identify AS events, especially for low-abundance genes, by reverse transcript (RT) PCR with gene specific primers (GSPs) followed by nest-PCR. And it includes two major steps: 1) using GSPs to amplify as long as the specific gene segment; 2) multiple rounds of nest-PCR were used to screen the AS and confirm the unknown splicing variants. With this method, we successfully identified three new splicing variants, namely (GenBank Accession No. HM623886) for gene bdnf (GenBank GeneID: 12064), (GenBank Accession No. JF417977) for gene trkc (GenBank GeneID: 18213) and (GenBank Accession No. HM623888) for gene glb-18 (GenBank GeneID: 172485). Besides the reliability and simplicity, the method is also cost-effective and labor intensive. In conclusion, we established a reliable and quick method for screening alternative splicing variants for eukaryote genes, especially for low-abundance genes.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Public’s Interest in Gastrointestinal Related Disease
Authors: Yan Michael , Pakhchanian Haig , Raiker Rahul , Boustany Osama , Khan Ahmad , Singh Shailendra
Published: February 2022

Background
There has been a significant disparity in familiarity regarding the public interest in gastroenterology terminologies during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to understand how the public’s view on gastrointestinal topics changed throughout the pandemic.
Methods
A comparative analysis of American Google search volume trends of gastrointestinal terminology in the first six seasons (March 1, 2018, to August 31, 2021) of the COVID-19 pandemic was used as the basis of this infodemiology study. Then, data were compared to a similar time frame (March 2018-February 2020) to determine how trends in the patient-seeking behavior of gastrointestinal terminology changed during the pandemic.
Results
The analysis discovered a substantial decrease in search volumes of gastrointestinal topics, more significantly in the first pandemic months. As the months progressed, search volumes appeared to trend toward pre-pandemic years in terms of public interest and, in the case of procedures, surpassed pre-pandemic interest levels.
Conclusion
The public’s decreased interest in gastrointestinal topics at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic may have adverse effects on the health care maintenance of patients who could have had a positive outcome in their gastrointestinal health with proper monitoring. Although gastrointestinal internet searches increased toward pre-pandemic levels as the seasons progressed, further research is needed to determine the long-term impact of decreased public interest.
Influence of post-thaw culture duration on pregnancy outcomes in frozen blastocyst transfer cycles
Authors: Ling Xiufeng , Ji Hui , Cao Shanren , Ding Hui , Dong Li , Zhao Chun , Zhang Junqiang , Lu Jing , Li Xiuling
Published: February 2022

Background: To evaluate whether post-thaw culture duration aﬀects clinical outcomes after frozen blastocyst transfer.Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 3901 frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer cycles between September 2019 and March 2021. The cohorts were divided into two groups: developmental stage [day (D) 5 and D6] and culture duration after thawing (short culture of 2 to 6 h and long culture of 18 to 20 h). Women in the short culture group following D6 blastocyst transfer were further assigned into three subgroups depending on the post-thaw culture period (2 h, 4 h, and 6 h). The main outcomes were the live birth rate (LBR), implantation rate (IR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), and abortion rate (AR). Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was applied to ensure comparability within groups. Multivariable regression analysis was used to study the effect of post-thaw culture duration on pregnancy outcomes.Results: The IR, CPR, AR, and LBR showed no statistical differences within the groups following D5 blastocyst transfer. Compared with the short culture group, patients in the long culture group had significantly lower IR (35.5 vs. 45.8%, P < 0.001), CPR (45.3 vs. 56.6%, P = 0.001), and LBR (35.5 vs. 48.5%, P < 0.001), but a significantly higher AR (21.6 vs. 14.3%, P = 0.049) following D6 blastocyst transfer. However, data failed to present the superiority of any short culture duration over another on the live birth outcome for embryos vitrified on D6 (aOR 0.96, 95% CI 0.53-1.73, P = 0.881 for 4-h vs. 2-h subgroup; aOR 1.01, 95% CI 0.68-1.49, P = 0.974 for 6-h vs. 2-h subgroup).Conclusions: Both post-thaw protocols can be applied to patients with D5 blastocysts. To optimize the pregnancy outcome following D6 blastocyst transfer, the short culture duration is recommended. All three short culture durations (2 h, 4 h, and 6 h) can be applied, and the choice is based on each laboratory’s workflow.
A Brassinosteroid Functional Analogue Increases Soybean Drought Resilience
Authors: Perez-Borroto Lucia Sandra , Guzzo María Carla , Posada Gisella , Malavera Andrea Natalia Peña , Castagnaro Atilio Pedro , Gonzalez-Olmedo Justo Lorenzo , Coll-García Yamilet , Pardo Esteban Mariano
Published: February 2022

Drought severely affects soybean productivity, challenging breeding/management strategies to increase crop resilience. Hormone-based biostimulants like brassinosteroids (BRs) modulate growth/defence trade-off, mitigating yield losses; yet, natural molecule's low stability challenges the development of cost-effective and long-lasting analogues. Here, we investigated for the first time the effects of BR functional analogue DI-31 in soybean physiology under drought by assessing changes in growth, photosynthesis, water relations, antioxidant metabolism, nodulation, and nitrogen homeostasis. Moreover, DI-31 application frequencies' effects on crop cycle and commercial cultivars yield stabilisation under drought were assessed. A single foliar application of DI-31 favoured plant drought tolerance, preventing reductions in canopy development and enhancing plant performance and water use since the early stages of stress. The analogue also increased the antioxidant response, favouring nitrogen homeostasis maintenance and attenuating the nodular senescence. Moreover, foliar applications of DI-31 every 21 days enhanced the absolute yield by ~ 9% and reduced drought-induced yield losses by ~ 7% in four commercial cultivars, increasing their drought tolerance efficiency by ~ 12%. These findings demonstrated the practical value of DI-31 as an environmentally friendly alternative for integrative soybean resilience management under drought.