bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethnobotanical study of traditional medicinal plants used to treat human ailments by the local people of the Diga District, western Ethiopia
Authors: Berihun Tariku , Asfaw Zemde , Lulekal Ermias , Bekele Tamrat
Published: April 2024

Background
Plants serve as indispensable sources of traditional medicine for more than 80% of the world's population for the treatment and prevention of various human ailments. The current work was conducted to study the status of traditional medicinal plants and herbal medicine in the traditional healthcare practices of the local community of Diga District/Woreda.
Methods
The information and data provided by 399 informants were collected via semistructured interviews and six focus group discussions. Ethnobotanical analytical methods, including the use value (UV), cultural importance index (CI), fidelity level (FL), informant census factor (ICF), Smith’s salience index (SS) and relative frequency of citation (RFC), were used to analyze the data.
Results
During the investigation, 109 different medicinal plants from 98 genera and 48 families were reported to treat 54 different human ailments. Leaves were the most frequently (46.78%) selected parts for use in herbal formulations. In herbal preparation, crushing is the most commonly utilized method, whereas powdering is the least popular method. Skin diseases exhibited the highest informant consensus factor (ICF = 0.97) and were treated with 14 different plant species. Cucumis ficifolius also had the highest relative citation frequency (RFC = 0.88). Agricultural expansion is recognized as the main cause contributing to the degradation of ethnomedicinal plants.
Conclusion
This study identified various medicinal plant species used to treat human ailments, particularly skin and gastrointestinal problems. Leaves and roots are the most commonly utilized plant parts, but there is a lack of conservation efforts in the study area. Therefore, the findings highlight the importance of conserving and screening key plant species through phytochemical and pharmacological analysis to authenticate indigenous ethnomedicinal practice
Implications of comprehensive nuclear and astrophysics data on the equations of state of neutron star matter
Authors: I Sk Md Adil , Malik Tuhin , Providência Constança , Agrawal B. K.
Published: April 2024

The equations of state (EoSs) governing neutron star (NS) matter obtained for both non-relativistic and relativistic mean-field models are systematically confronted with a diverse set of terrestrial data and astrophysical observations within the Bayesian framework. The terrestrial data, spans from bulk properties of finite nuclei to the heavy-ion collisions, constrain the symmetric nuclear matter EoS and the symmetry energy up to twice the saturation density (ρ0= 0.16 fm−3). The astrophysical observations encompass the NS radius, the tidal deformability, and the lower bound on maximum mass. Three distinct posterior distributions of EoSs are generated by gradually updating the priors with different constraints: (i) only the maximum NS mass, (ii) incorporating additional terrestrial data, (iii) combining both the terrestrial data and astrophysical observations. These EoS distributions are then compared using the Kullback-Liebler divergence which highlights the significant constraints imposed on the EoSs by the currently available lower bound of NS maximum mass and terrestrial data. The remaining astrophysical observations marginally refine the EoS within the density range ∼ 2-3ρ0. It is observed that the relativistic mean field model yields stiffer EoS around the saturation density, but predict smaller values of the speed of sound and proton fraction in the interior of massive stars.
Efficacy of Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitors for Headache in Acute Brain Injury: A Systematic Review
Authors: Comparan Hector David Meza , Khaliq Anum , Frota Luciola Martins , Pomar-Forero Daniela , Ahmad Bakhtawar , Marnet Erica , Teixeira Fernanda J.P. , Thomas Anita , Patel Priyank , Brunkal Haley , Singireddy Saanvi , Lucke-Wold Brandon , Maciel Carolina B. , Busl Katharina M.
Published: April 2024

Background: Headache management after acute brain injury (ABI) is challenging. While opioids are commonly used, selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors (COXIBs) may be promising alternatives. However, concerns about cardiovascular effects and bleeding risk have limited their use. We aimed at summarizing available data on efficacy of COXIBs for headache management following ABI.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted through MEDLINE and Embase for articles published through 09/2023 (PROSPERO CRD42022320453). No language filters were applied to the initial searches. Interventional or observational studies and systematic reviews assessing efficacy of COXIBs for headache in adults with ABI were eligible. Article selection was performed by two independent reviewers using Distiller SR®. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis, while meta-analysis was unfeasible due to study heterogeneity.
Results: Of 3190 articles identified, six studies met inclusion criteria: four randomized controlled trials and two retrospective cohort studies, all conducted in neurosurgical patients (total n=738) between 2006-2022. Five studies used COXIBs in the intervention group only. Of the six studies, four found a reduction in overall pain scores in the intervention group, while one showed improvement only at 6 hours postoperative, and one did not find significant differences. Pain scores decreased between 4-15%, the largest shift being from moderate to mild severity. Three studies found an overall opioid use reduction throughout hospitalization in the intervention group, while one reported a reduction at 12 hours postoperative only. Opioid consumption decreased between 9-90%. Two studies found a decrease in hospital-length-of-stay by ~1 day in the intervention group. The one study reporting postoperative hemorrhage found a statistically non-significant 3% reduction in the intervention group.
Conclusions: In adults with ABI, COXIBs may serve as opioid-sparing adjunctive analgesics for headache control, with limited but pointed data to indicate efficacy in the post-neurosurgical setting. However, further safety data remains to be elucidated.
Innovative Activity of Spa Companies in the Slovak and Czech Republic in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Senkova Anna , Kolesarova Stela , Kosikova Martina
Published: April 2024

In many health systems in European countries, SPA services are currently part of or a supplement to health care. Owingto their natural healing resources and long-standing traditions, the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic are important European SPA countries. In both countries, SPA tourism is also one of the most important types of tourism, and with regard to its evaluation according to the number of overnight stays and income, it constitutes a significant share of the structure of the tourism industry. One of the greatest challenges for SPA businesses was the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused travel restrictions, business closures, and a decrease in demand and revenue. The impact of the pandemic on SPA businesses in the studied countries has not yet been examined in detail. Accordingly, the aim of the present study is to evaluate the innovative activities of SPA companies in Slovakia and the Czech Republic in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The research sample consists of 122 SPA enterprises from both republics. Based on the results of previous research, innovation is generally perceived as an important element in the development of society, crisis management, increasing competitiveness and commercial success. The main research method for identifying and classifying the types of innovations and innovation capabilities implemented in SPA enterprises was a questionnaire survey. The results of the conducted research revealed that the origin of SPA businesses does not affect the country or how people perceive trends. The connections between the types of introduced innovations and some benefits from the introduction of innovations as well as the barriers affecting the introduction of innovations were confirmed. It follows, for example, that companies that invest in innovation processes can improve their performance and the competitiveness of their team and reduce their costs for production or service provision. From the analysis of factors related to the introduction of innovations, it emerged that the most important factors are those that have a direct impact on economic results and the competitive advantage of businesses. On the other hand, those factors related to cultural, environmental or technical aspects of innovation are less important. Despite repeated calls, not all SPA companies operating in the SPA industry in the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic participated.
randomized equivalence study evaluating the efficacy of two commercially available teat sealants in dairy cows
Authors: Buckley Michelle P. , Bayne Jenna , Tomazi Tiago , Miller Brian E. , Godden Sandra M. , Silva Gustavo S. , Gorden Patrick J.
Published: April 2024

Use of internal teat sealants is common in the U.S. to prevent new intramammary infections during the dry period. The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of a new internal teat sealant containing bismuth subnitrate (SOa) to the first product introduced to the U.S. dairy industry (ORBb). The hypothesis was completed using a multi-site randomized, positively controlled equivalence evaluation of new intramammary infection risk difference over the dry period. At dry-off, milk samples were collected for culture and then cloxacillin benzathinec was administered, followed by the randomly assigned internal teat sealant (SO = 404 cows; ORB = 418 cows). After calving, repeat milk samples were collected. The effect of treatment on quarter-level new intramammary infection risk, cured intramammary infection risk, and risk of presence of intramammary infection post-calving was determined using generalized linear mixed models. The effects of treatment on cow-level outcomes, including incidence of clinical mastitis, culling and death, and performance in early lactation based on test-day milk production and somatic cell count, were also evaluated. The dry period new intramammary infection adjusted risk difference (SO minus ORB) was -1.60% (95% CI -5.62, 2.42). Final models demonstrated that there was no difference in risk rates of quarter-level outcomes between treatment groups. Analysis of cow-level factors, including clinical mastitis, culling and death rate within the first 120 DIM, also revealed no differences. Results of this study indicate that SO was equivalent to ORB for dry period new intramammary infection risk when utilizing blanket dry cow therapy.
Evaluation of internal teat sealant persistence in the mammary gland during the dry period
Authors: Buckley Michelle P. , Bayne Jenna , Tomazi Tiago , Miller Brian E. , Silva Gustavo S. , Gorden Patrick J.
Published: April 2024

The aim of this study was to characterize the behavior of 2 commercially available internal teat sealants containing bismuth subnitrate (SOa and ORBb) during the dry- and postfresh periods in dairy cattle. Digital radiography was used to monitor location and percentage of teat cistern fill at dry-off and during the dry period. Teat-level health parameters including infection status at dry-off and post-fresh as well as incidence of clinical mastitis were also assessed. Radiographic imaging revealed that 21.1% of teats had sealant present in the gland cistern at dry-off (SO= 23.6%, ORB = 18.5%) which increased to 55.9% (SO = 59.6%, ORB = 52.2%) at pre-fresh imaging. Quarters with sealant that had migrated into the gland shed noticeable amounts of sealant for twice as long (mean 14.34 milkings), compared to quarters that did not have sealant in the gland (mean: 7.12, P < 0.001). There was no correlation between sealant location and intramammary infection at dry-off or post-fresh, nor did sea ant location impact clinical mastitis in the first 120 days in milk. Milk leakage after dry-off also was not correlated with an increased risk of intramammary infection during the dry or post-fresh periods. There was no difference between treatments in any of the parameters evaluated. Prolonged sealant shedding is a common reason that producers cite for not utilizing internal teat sealant products in their dry-off protocols. Further research is indicated to determine the optimal amount of sealant required to provide protection while minimizing post-fresh shedding.
Should I stay or should I go – a qualitative assessment of experiences of recent veterinary graduates in bovine practice
Authors: Gibbons Pippa M. S. , Koziol Jennifer H. , Schmidt Marcelo , Cummings Daniel B. , Sacquitne Cody , Hake Marissa
Published: April 2024

Twenty-three recent graduates (< 8 years in practice) participating in the 2022 AABP Recent Graduate Conference or practicing in the Texas Panhandle were recruited for participation in focus groups to engage in dialogue about why they choose to remain in bovine practice, why they might leave bovine practice, and challenges that they face in bovine practice. All focus groups were recorded and transcribed. Transcription was performed by a commercial source and anonymized for analysis. Full coding and thematic analysis were performed utilizing NVivo software.

Recent graduates report that they choose to stay in bovine practice because they love the industry and the associated people. They have a deep respect for their clients and how they care for their animals. However, participants did voice concerns about a career-ending injury causing them to completely leave bovine practice. Multiple participants had already sustained injuries due to the physical demands of bovine practice including a back injury, numbness of arms and hands, and diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. Otherconcerns that were voiced by the participants included unmet needs for mentorship, a feeling of loneliness and isolation, percentage of time spent on-call, and gender inequities in practice.
Urolithiasis: Review and case description of a Wagyu feeder steer with struvite crystalluria and urolithiasis treated with calcium boluses
Authors: Armstrong Pamela M.
Published: April 2024

Bovine urolithiasis, or formation of calculi in the urinary tract of cattle due to struvite crystalluria, is a life-threatening and painful disease. Clinical signs often go unnoticed until the prognosis of the animal is poor and immediate euthanasia is necessary. The author reports a treatment used to disrupt the disease process. The treatment allowed a valuable beef animal to comfortably complete its finishing stage without using medications that require a withdrawal period prior to harvest. A 27-month-old Wagyu steer in the finishing phase presented with inappetence, polyuria, dysuria and depression. Urinalysis showed an abundance of struvite crystals. Serum chemistry revealed a calcium:phosphorus ratio of 1.2:1. To avoid early harvest and progression of the disease, the steer was treated with over-the-counter calcium boluses, which were successful in dissolving the crystals. Daily urinalysis was used to determinethe frequency of treatment needed. The author proposes an alternative method for treating struvite crystalluria and preventing subsequent urolithiasis in feeder steers.
Effects of intranasal or parenteral respiratory vaccination administered on-arrival or delayed in auction-derived feedlot heifers
Authors: McAllister Hudson , Powledge Sherri , Parks Timothy , Streeter Marshall , Hutcheson John , Richeson John
Published: April 2024

The objective was to evaluate health, performance and serum antibody responses of auction-derived heifers to an intranasal or parenteral MLV administered on d 0 or 28. Three arrival blocks of heifers, initial BW = 459 lb ± 1.7 lb (208 kg ± 27kg; n = 600), were randomly assigned to treatments consisting of 15 pens/treatment with pen as the experimental unit and 10 heifers/pen. Treatments were: 1) Bovilis® Nasalgen® 3 and Bovilis® Vista® BVD on d 0 (NAS0); 2) Bovilis® Vista® 5 SQ on d 0 (VIS0); 3) Bovilis® Nasalgen® 3 and Bovilis® Vista® BVD on d 28 (NAS28); 4) Bovilis® Vista® 5 SQ on d 28 (VIS28). Body weight and blood samples were collected on d 0, 28 and 56. Activity (351.4 vs 354.3 min/d) and rumination time (282.6 vs 285.4 min/d) was less (P < 0.01) for delayed vs arrival vaccinated heifers. A timing χ vaccine χ day interaction existed (P < 0.01) for BRSV- and IBRV-specific antibody titers; VIS28 had the greatest (P < 0.01) BRSV antibody titer on d 56. For IBRV antibody titer on d 28, VIS0 was greatest, NAS0 was intermediate, and VIS28 and NAS28 were least (P < 0.01). Percentage of chronically ill heifers were reduced for arrival vs delayed (1.3 vs 4.7%; P = 0.02) and arrival vaccinated had a reduction in antimicrobial treatment cost ($4.63 vs $7.31; P = 0.02). Data indicate improvement in some health outcomes for the parenteral route and arrival timing of MLV, but performance was not affected.
Evaluation of anthelmintic resistance in Oklahoma beef cattle herds and assessment of composite sampling for herd level fecal egg count reduction testing
Authors: Gilliam John , Taylor Jared , Scimeca Ruth
Published: April 2024

Beef cow-calf producers submitted fecal samples for fecal egg count reduction (FECR) tests. Anthelmintic administration practices were not controlled, and producers were encouraged to follow standard procedures for each herd. Fecal egg counts (FEC) were determined using the Wisconsin method with alimit of detection of 1 egg per gram (EPG). Inclusion criteria included a pretreatment FEC of 25 EPG. A FECR of ≤ 90% was considered indicative of resistance. Seventeen herds submitted a total of 19 sample sets. All major classes of anthelmintics were represented except for levamisole. Injectable, pour-onand oral as well as original label and generic products were represented. Sample sets from 3 herds were excluded from the final analysis based on inadequate pretreatment FEC. Of the 16 sample sets included in the final analysis, 13 exhibited resistance based on the arithmetic mean of individual FECR tests (FECRT). In addition to individual FEC, composite samples for each herd were created using 1 gram of feces from each animal. Four grams of each composite sample were used to determine a composite FEC. Composite samples from 13 herds were included in the final analysis and 11 of 13 exhibited resistance. There was complete agreement between the individual and composite samples for the detection of resistance. Based on the results of this small survey, apparent anthelmintic resistance appears to be widespread in beef cow-calf herds in Oklahoma. Composite sampling appears to be an effectivemethod for detection of herd level resistance.
Predicting immunization status at arrival in Tennessee stocker calves
Authors: Hunkler Claire , Schneider Liesel L. , Strickland Lew , Caldwell Marc , Rowan Troy
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to test if externally observed physical char­acteristics of calves on arrival at a stocker facility could be used to predict calfhood immunization status based on ob­served antibody titer levels. Knowledge of highly correlated features could allow stocker operators to mitigate the risk of bovine respiratory disease through informed buying practices and targeted management strategies, thus lowering morbidi­ty, mortality and treatment costs. Ear notches, blood and visu­al attributes were collected for 408 stocker calves at 4 farms in Tennessee. Each animal was tested for bovine viral diarrhea vi­rus-persistently infected status and titer levels for 3 viral agents that are present in most respiratory disease vaccines. Multiple visual characteristics were predictive of likely vaccination for BRD-causing agents, including the presence of a prior ear tag (1.6 times), castrated males (1.26 times), polled cattle (4.8 times), body condition score (1.46 times per full score), and being de­clared vaccinated or preconditioned (2.2 times).

Additionally, we followed 60 calves through the stocker phase to ascertain how preconditioning affected downstream health events and performance. We found that preconditioned calves had lower BRD incidence, a higher occurrence of multiple detectible viral titers, and gained more weight over 56 days than did naïve cattle. Interestingly, many calves marketed as preconditioned did not have detectible viral titers on arrival. This work identifies informed, practical solutions and man­agement decisions for stocker operations when purchasing calves. It also lays the groundwork for future work identifying ways to deliver precision management to stocker cattle.
Effects of parenteral or intranasal modified-live virus respiratory vaccination and revaccination on day 14 in auction-derived feedlot heifers
Authors: Auchard Erica , Hardee Deana V. , Koers Wally C. , Davis Shane , Parks Tim R. , Richeson John T.
Published: April 2024

Auction-derived beef heifers were received in 12 arrival blocks and randomized to 4 treatment groups: 1) parenteral MLV vacci­nation on d 0 (INJ), 2) intranasal MLV vaccination on d 0 (INT), 3) parenteral MLV vaccination on d 0 and revaccination with intranasal on d 14 (INJ-R), 4) intranasal MLV vaccination on d 0 and revaccination with intranasal on d 14 (INT-R). Pen was experimental unit, with 12 pens/treatment and 65 to 76 heif­ers/pen in a randomized complete block design. Performance, health, carcass traits and BRSV and H. somni frequency of car­riage in the nasopharynx of revaccinated groups on d 0 and 60 was determined. Morbidity (P = 0.95), mortal­ity (P = 0.80), and other health variables (P > 0.74) did not dif­fer. However, an improvement in gain-to-feed (G:F) (P = 0.04), increased ribeye area (REA) (P ≤ 0.01) and percentage of edible livers (P ≤ 0.01) was observed for INJ and INJ-R. The BRSV (P = 0.09) and H. somni (P < 0.01) frequency of carriage in the naso­pharynx increased with time but no treatment effect (P ≥ 0.23) nor treatment x day interaction (P ≥ 0.29) existed. Revaccina­tion with an intranasal MLV did not impact health or growth, and arrival intranasal vaccination (INT and INT-R) resulted in less G:F and REA concomitant with increased liver absces­sation, compared to parenteral (INJ and INJ-R). Detection of H. somni in the nasopharynx was frequent on d 60, suggesting important prevalence of this bacterial pathogen in the south­ern U.S. cattle population.
Methods of processing recycled manure solids bedding on Midwest dairy farms II: Relationships between bedding characteristics and bedding bacterial count
Authors: Peña Mosca Felipe , Godden Sandra , Royster Erin , Crooker Brian A. , Timmerman Jenny
Published: April 2024

The first objective of this study was to identify bedding characteristics associated with bedding bacterial count (BBC) in ready-to-use (RTU) recycled manure solids (RMS). The second objective was to explore the association between processing method and bedding characteristics in RTU solids. A third objective was to investigate factors associated with BBC in used solids (after placed in stalls). This observational study recruited 29 premises in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Farms were visited twice, once in August of 2019 and again in January of 2020. At each visit, the herd manager/owner completed a questionnaire describing facilities, bedding and manure  management, and mastitis control practices. Additionally, pre-processed RTU and used bedding samples were collected for determination of BBC (coliforms, Klebsiella spp., Streptococcus or Streptococcus-like organisms and Staphylococcus spp.) and bedding characteristics (dry matter [DM]), organic matter [OM], water soluble carbohydrates, total nitrogen, soluble nitrogen and pH). Mixed linear regression showed that increased DM, decreased OM and RMS processing method were all associated with reduced BBC in RTU RMS samples. Processing method for RMS was associated with DM, total nitrogen and soluble nitrogen, but not other characteristics in RTU RMS samples. Low BBC in RTU solids, decreased OM in RTU solids, and use of deep bedding systems were associated with lower BBC in used RMS. Implications for these findings are that producers should strive to put clean and high DM fresh (RTU) bedding into stalls. Monitoring BBC and DM in RTU solids may be of value for producers using RMS bedding.
Talidomida no manejo da dor em endometriose: uma revisão de escopo de estudos experimentais
Authors: De Souza Isabela Bastos Jácome , Lima Rafael Abreu , Frota Gustavo Medeiros , Ribeiro Felipe Silva , Costa Beatriz Moraes , De Souza Suzana Bastos Jácome , Cartágenes Maria do Socorro  de Sousa , Garcia João Batista Santos
Published: April 2024

Este estudo buscou investigar a aplicabilidade da talidomida no manejo da dor na endometriose induzida em animais. Foi realizada uma revisão de escopo confeccionada e organizada seguindo o método Joanna Briggs Institute, além de seguir os padrões do PRISMA – ScR. Foram feitas pesquisas em seis bases de dados eletrônicas associando descritores e as palavras chaves, por meio de busca booleana correspondente aos blocos conceituais voltados para recuperação de estudos sobre endometriose, dor, manejo da dor e talidomida. Os países dos estudos foram: Irã (n =1, 50%) e Turquia (n = 1, 50%). Todos os artigos (n = 2; 100%) foram publicados em inglês. Quanto ao ano de publicação, observa-se que todos foram publicados nos últimos 10 anos. Nos estudos onde há comparação entre talidomida e placebo observa-se que há uma alta resposta associada com a redução de fatores inflamatórios impactando diretamente na melhora clínica dos quadros álgicos com benefícios que levam até a redução de fatores de crescimento e controle do ciclo das metaloproteinases (MPP). A busca dos estudos mostrou a atividade antiangiogênica e anti-inflamatória do fármaco, o que sugere uma opção para ser utilizada como tratamento de dor, contudo poucas literaturas estão disponíveis com talidomida.
The Historical Politics of the Contemporary Greek Society
Authors:   Voronezh State University, Kirchanov Maksim V.
Published: April 2024

The aim of the study is to examine the contemporary politics of memory in Greece in the early 2020s. The author analyzes the role and place of various ideological trends in modern Greek social thought, defining them as factors in the development and transformation of memorial culture and the collective historical memory of society. The novelty of the study lies in addressing the current stage in the development of the historical policy of the Greek society in the context of an objective lack of interdisciplinary research. The article is based on the principles of interdisciplinary historiography on memory studies. The author uses the achievements of the memorial turn and intellectual history to analyze Greek politics of historical memory and memorial culture. The article reveals the importance of factors of weak institutionalization of memorial culture in the context of significant politicization and ideologization of historical memory. The article shows that social activists as agents of the politics of memory in modern Greek society make a significant contribution to the development and transformation of memorial culture, the spectrum of memorial practices of Greek intellectuals varies from nationalism to liberalism, the participation of intellectuals in memorial politics impacts the parallel co-development of various competing forms of historical memories and versions of memorial cultures. The research suggests that the role of society in the historical politics of modern Greece will increase, and the intellectual community will remain among the active participants in the collective memorial politics.
The American Image of the Helmsman or Who Mister Stalin Is
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Dvornichenko Andrey Yu.
Published: April 2024

This article is a response to the recently written, very interesting and innovative, book, by an American historian Jim Curtis. During 20th century, the study of the Russian history was conducted in the opposing to each other American and Soviet historiographies. However, as far as Stalinism is concerned, American scholars obviously surpassed the Soviet Union as this theme was forbidden in the latter. Curtis aims to rise above all “combats” and to study Stalinism with the help of such disciplines as media theory, linguistics, and anthropology — disciplines that scholars in America as well as in Russia have usually ignored. He also excellently knows the Russian literature. To his opinion, religious notions, particularly “monasticism”, “monastic walls”, relationship between the elder and the junior comprise a certain framework of Stalin’s consciousness. It may be true but it is not enough to explain the phenomenon of the cult of Stalin’s personality. Moreover, it is arguable whether literature could adequately reflect the history of a society, particularly, for the need of historians. We also have to be very careful when comparing the USA and Russia/USSR, because such phenomena as slavery, political system, frontier, Protestant ethics may be different in their foundation. It is also very hard to compare Stalin with many other dictators as despite their seeming similarities, their origins differ. The main merit of this book is a conviction that the Russian history is indivisible, that Soviet and post-Soviet “periods” simply continue the previous history. This approach enables to understand more in the “natural laws” of the Russian history.
Effect of Preoperative Chemotherapy in Reduction of Tumor Volume in Wilms Tumor in Relation to Histology
Authors: Anwar Saadia , Saeed Maria , Faizan Mahwish , Imran Ahmed , Zaman Samina , Saleem Muhammad
Published: April 2024

Background: Wilms tumor (WT) is the most common renal tumor in children under5 years. The survival rates of children with Wilms tumor have improved dramatically over a few decades.
Objective: To find out the effect of preoperative chemotherapy in the reduction of tumor volume in Wilms tumor and its correlation with tumor histology.
Methodology: A total of 53 patients diagnosed with WT under 15 years were enrolled. After a complete history and physical examination, all information including demographics, metastatic status, pre and post-chemotherapy volume, histology, postop stage and surgical complication was collected and entered on Performa. All patients received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy according to the SIOP protocol. Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS 23.
Results: Fifty-three patients were included. There were 33 (62.3%) male and the mean age was 4.45 +2.2 years. Thirty-two (60.4%) children had localized disease and13 (24.5%) children had lung metastasis. There was a significant reduction of tumor volume of >500ml in 8(15.1%) patients after preoperative chemotherapy and the majority 18(34 %) patients had 100-200 ml decrease in tumor volume. Intermediate risk histology 40 (75%) was most prevalent. During surgery, 35 (66%) children had no complications .Thirty-nine (73.5%) patients were cured, 4 (7.5%) patients were expired and 5 (9.4%) got left against medical advice (LAMA).
Conclusion: Our study infers that pre-operative chemotherapy reduces the tumor volume remarkably in WT making resection feasible
Association of Social, Paternal and Maternal Factors with Intellectual Disability : A Case Control Study
Authors: Muhammad Ashraf Chaudhry  , Zainab Omer  , Anwar Hamna , Shireen Rafeeq  , Umar Ahmed Siddiqui  , Amin Bushra
Published: April 2024

Background: Pakistan has a high number of intellectually disabled people, who cannot learn and function at expected levels. The scarce research done here shows consanguinity, malnutrition, low socio-economic status, and maternal illiteracy to be risk factors.
Objectives: To identify risk factors for Intellectual Disability in Pakistani children and to recommend preventive measures for parents and policymakers.
Methods: This was a case-control study conducted in Lahore, Pakistan from February to May 2022. The total sample size was 378 with 126 cases and 252 controls (ratio 1:2), aged 2-19 years. Parents were interviewed and data was entered into a structured questionnaire. Data was entered in SPSS 26 and analyzed.
Results: Significant differences between cases and controls were observed for consanguinity (p=0.001), educational level (p=0.001), socioeconomic status of parents (p=0.001), and for paternal genetic and neurological factors (p=0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that a history of consanguinity (p=0.001) and low maternal education (p=0.001) had a significant effect on ID. Low socioeconomic status showed no significant association with ID, nor did breastfeeding. Adjusted Odds Ratio (OR) showed that the risk of developing ID increases by a factor of 7.8 and 4.1 respectively for history of consanguinity and low maternal education.
Conclusions: Consanguinity emerged as a major risk factor for intellectual disability. This should be discouraged by pre-marital counseling and health education.
Memorias de violencia: bonanza marimbera en Santa Marta entre las décadas del setenta y el ochenta
Authors: Ardila Esperanza , Silva Fabio , Acevedo Álvaro , Martínez Luis
Published: April 2024

La bonanza de la marihuana o «bonanza marimbera» fue un periodo que comenzó en la década de los setenta y transformó el estilo de vida de la gente de Santa Marta. Las personas que vivieron esa época aún recuerdan las balaceras y los muertos que dejaron los enfrentamientos entre las familias Valdeblánquez y Cárdenas. Fue un momento en que los traficantes comenzaron a comprar casas y hoteles, invirtieron en la construcción de edificios y compraron camionetas Ford (especialmente, la conocida Ranger), muestras de prosperidad que estuvieron acompañadas de una percepción social de la bonanza como algo aceptable. De hecho, cuentan que algunos políticos e incluso jueces formaban parte de las grandes fiestas o reuniones organizadas por los «mafiosos de la marimba». Todavía se recuerdan algunos de los personajes que produjo este periodo y que dejaron huella en la ciudad, como el famoso Maracas, el generoso Lucho Barranquilla, Lisímaco Peralta —que fue nombrado en una famosa canción vallenata de Diomedes Díaz— y el famoso capitán Blatt y su esposa, Ubida Pitre. Esta última fue concejal de la ciudad. El libro Memorias de violencia: bonanza marimbera en Santa Marta entre las décadas del setenta y el ochenta tiene por objeto explorar y describir las diferentes memorias que se han construido en torno a la bonanza marimbera a partir de las experiencias, impresiones y evocaciones de los habitantes de Santa Marta. Además, indaga, en la producción académica y en el registro periodístico de esta época, el impacto que el cultivo y tráfico de la marihuana tuvo en la ciudad.
Café Caribe: historia y economía de la caficultura en la Gran Cuenca del Caribe, siglos XVIII-XXI
Authors: Viloria Joaquín , Viloria Joaquín , Enrique Jorge , Mercedes Etna , de Rafael , Alfredo Jaime , Gómez Andrés , Rodríguez Lucas , Samper Mario , Martínez Marco , Laura María , Peters Gertrud , Anaya Luis , Girault Christian , Hardy Marie , González Libia , Leibovich José , Sánchez Efraín , Izquierdo Aurora , Lemus Paulo , Díaz-Granados Sergio
Published: April 2024

La lectura de esta obra permite conocer, a través de doce capítulos, las dinámicas sociales y económicas de la caficultura en la Gran Cuenca del Caribe, esta macrorregión que nuestro nobel de literatura Gabriel García Márquez delimitó entre el golfo de México, Centroamérica, Antillas Mayores y Menores, norte de Suramérica y nordeste de Brasil, desde que llegaron a esa región los primeros granos traídos por franceses y holandeses hace 300 años, una historia que ha sido poco conocida hasta ahora.

Así pues, el libro relata que la isla de Martinica y la Guayana Holandesa fueron los sitios iniciales donde se sembró café por primera vez en América; que Haití, Cuba o Puerto Rico fueron durante algunos años los principales exportadores de café a nivel mundial; que a este último y a Jamaica fueron traídas varias familias para trabajar en los cafetales de la Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, que Jamaica o Panamá producen uno de los cafés de mayor cotización en el mercado internacional, y otros hechos y acontecimientos notables relacionados con el consumo y mercadeo del café en el territorio analizado.
Salud mental en Santa Marta
Authors: Enrique Ubaldo , Enrique Ubaldo , Antonio Rafael , Armando Jorge , Felipe David , Javier Ricardo , Alfredo Breiner , Cristina Johana , Melissa Kenia , Obispo Kelly , Barrero Virginia , Augusto Guillermo , Luz Zuany , Darío Rubén , Rodrigues Fabiola
Published: April 2024

El presente libro es el resultado parcial de tres investigaciones. Dos de ellas financiadas por Fonciencias, de la Universidad del Magdalena, a través de la Convocatoria 2019. La otra se ejecutó con recursos del Sistema General de Regalías (SGR), provistos mediante la Convocatoria 010-2020 del fondo CTEI para el fortalecimiento de capacidades de investigación y desarrollo regionales e iniciativas de desarrollo y transferencia de tecnología y conocimiento para la innovación, orientadas a atender problemáticas derivadas del COVID-19. En los proyectos, se adoptó un diseño cuasiexperimental, aleatorio y longitudinal, con grupos de intervención y de control evaluados en dos puntos diferentes de tiempo secuencialmente: pre y posintervención. La población y la muestra se seleccionaron al azar para la elección de los participantes, que en su totalidad fueron estudiantes universitarios matriculados en el periodo 2020-II. Se solicitó la colaboración de alumnos mayores de edad (18 años) que cursaran entre el segundo y el noveno semestre de los diferentes programas que ofrece la Universidad del Magdalena. Se excluyeron a aquellos que presentaban alguna capacidad diferencial que les impedía diligenciar por sí mismos los cuestionarios.
Plant Tissue Culture: A Potential Tool for the Production of Secondary Metabolites
Authors: Garg Madhukar , Datta Soumi , Ahmad Sayeed
Published: April 2024

Plants are an immense source of phytochemicals with therapeutic effects and
are widely used as life-saving drugs, and other products of varied applications. Plant
tissue culture is a unique technique employed under aseptic conditions from different
plant parts called explants (leaves, stems, roots, meristems, etc.) for in vitro
regeneration and multiplication of plants and synthesis of secondary metabolites (SMs).
Selection of elite germplasm, high-producing cell lines, strain enhancements, and
optimization of media and plant growth regulators may lead to increased in vitro
biosynthesis of SMs. Interventions in plant biotechnology, like the synthesis of natural
and recombinant bioactive molecules of commercial importance, have attracted
attention over the past few decades; and the rate of SMs biosynthesis has increased
manifold than the supply of intact plants, leading to a quick acceleration in its
production through novel plant cultures. Over the years, the production of SMs in vitro
has been enhanced by standardising cultural conditions, selection of high-yielding
varieties, application of transformation methods, precursor feeding, and various
immobilization techniques; however, most often, SM production is the result of abiotic
or biotic stresses, triggered by elicitor molecules like natural polysaccharides (pectin
and chitosan) that are used to immobilize and cause permeabilization of plant cells. In
vitro synthesis of SMs is especially promising in plant species with poor root systems,
difficulty in harvesting, unavailability of elite quality planting material, poor seed set
and germination, and difficult to propagate species. Thus, the present article reviews
various biotechnological interventions to enhance commercially precious SMs
production in vitro.
Exploring Plant Tissue Culture in Ocimum basilicum L.
Authors: Chaudhary Priyanka , Sharma Shivika , Sharma Vikas
Published: April 2024

Ocimum basilicum is a well-known, economically important therapeutic
plant that belongs to the family Lamiaceae. Basil is marvelous in the environment as
the complete plant has been used as a conventional remedy for domestic therapy
against numerous illnesses since ancient times. O. basilicum exhibited interesting
biological effects due to the presence of several bioactives such as eugenol, methyl
eugenol, cineone and anthocyanins. O. basilicum possesses antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, immunomodulator, antiulcerogenic,
antioxidant, chemomodulatory and larvicidal activities. The oil of this plant has been
found to be valuable for the cure of wasp stings, snakebites, mental fatigue, and cold.
The demand of this multipurpose medicinal plant is growing day by day due to its
economic importance, pharmacological properties and its numerous uses in cooking
and folk medicine. Thus seeing the exciting biological activities of O. basilicum,
micropropagation could be a fascinating substitute for the production of this medicinal
plant because numerous plantlets can be achieved in fewer times with the assurance of
genetic stability. An overview of the current study showed the use of the plant tissue
culture technique for micropropagation, which is very beneficial for duplicating and
moderating the species, which are problematic to regenerate by conventional methods
and save them from extinction.
Recent Developments in Materials for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Santhosh Narendhiran
Published: April 2024

Over the past few years, a variety of photovoltaic devices have been developed to serve a diverse range of applications. These devices include inorganic, organic, and hybrid solar cells. Despite the high conversion efficiency of silicon-based solar cells, their practicality is constrained by the expensive module costs and the intricate manufacturing process involved. Among them, dye-sensitized solar cells have emerging technology to power a portable electronic device and work with both outdoor and indoor light, reducing the energy demand in the present scenario. This chapter explains the working mechanism and components of DSSC materials and provides insights into recent developments.
Current Trends in Quantum Dots Solar Cells
Authors: Sivakami A.
Published: April 2024

Quantum dots (QDs) are zero- dimensional semiconductor structure exhibits tremendous applications in transistors, LEDs, photovoltaic cells, DNA imaging and photodetectors. The theoretical efficiency of QDs in photovoltaic cells is 40% but practically is lesser than the dye-sensitized solar cells. There are many recent developments focused on the use of different components like QD sensitizer, counter electrode, photoanode, electrolyte in quantum dot Sensitized Solar Cells (QDSSCs). The various synthesis methods are also contributing to enhance the efficiency of QDSSCs, open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current density and fill factor. The easily tunable band gap of QDSSCs is showing major improvement in the photovoltaic fields. The first practical efficiency of QDSSCs is recorded as 0.12% but now it is improved as 18% and many researchers are analyzing different factors to improve the efficiency of QDSSCs comparable with other solar cells.
Efectos directos e indirectos de la crisis rusa en el sector financiero peruano (1998 - 1999)
Authors: Aparicio Bautista Mariafernanda
Published: April 2024

En el período previo a la crisis rusa de 1998, la economía peruana mostraba signos de estabilidad, impulsada por políticas de liberalización y un incremento en la inversión extranjera. Sin embargo, su dependencia de flujos de capital a corto plazo y la alta dolarización financiera la dejaron vulnerable a shocks externos. La crisis rusa tuvo impactos inmediatos en la economía peruana, tales como la restricción del acceso al crédito bancario y una brusca volatilidad en el mercado cambiario. Las respuestas del Estado mediante el proceso de salvataje bancario generaron preguntas sobre la equidad en la selección de los bancos a rescatar. Esta crisis subrayó la importancia de la liquidez para preservar la estabilidad financiera y la necesidad de políticas sólidas para prevenir futuras crisis; además, plantea interrogantes sobre los costos indirectos asociados con el papel del Banco Central como agente estabilizador monetario. La crisis rusa se convirtió en una lección vital sobre la importancia de la liquidez en la protección contra los sudden stops y las crisis financieras sistémicas.
Airbnb: Brussel en Amsterdam
Authors: Gruijthuijsen Wesley
Published: April 2024

AGORA verkende eerder de ruimtelijke impact van een platform als Airbnb. Een vergelijking tussen onze hoofdsteden ontbreekt tot nu toe. Ontwikkelingen in de regelgeving in Brussel en Europa lijken het perfecte moment hiervoor.
Muslims' Financial Management Behavior during Covid-19 Pandemic in Indonesia and Malaysia
Authors: Anwar Moch. Khoirul , Canggih Clarashinta , Johan Zaimy Johana , Abdul Aziz Nor Farradila
Published: April 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the order of life worldwide, including Indonesia and Malaysia. This study aims to capture the financial management behaviour of Muslims in Indonesia and Malaysia during the pandemic and the relation between demographic profile and financial management behaviour. This research is quantitative research utilising the chi-square test. 427 data were collected using a closed questionnaire distributed to respondents who fit the research criteria. The result concludes that both countries exhibit similar financial management behaviour. Moreover, financial management behaviour is related to monthly income in both countries.