bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Transcriptional Landscape of Pericytes in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Buizza Carolina , Enström Andreas , Carlsson Robert , Paul-Visse Gesine
Published: May 2023

The current treatment options for ischemic stroke aim to achieve reperfusion but are time critical. Novel therapeutic approaches that can be given beyond the limited time window of 3–4.5 hours are still an unmet need to be addressed to improve stroke outcomes. The lack of oxygen and glucose in the area of ischemic injury initiates a pathological cascade leading to blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, inflammation and neuronal cell death, a process that may be intercepted to limit stroke progression. Pericytes located at the blood/brain interface are one of the first responders to hypoxia in stroke and therefore a potential target cell for early stroke interventions. Using single-cell RNA sequencing in a mouse model of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion, we investigated the temporal differences in transcriptomic signatures in pericytes at 1, 12, and 24 hours after stroke. Our results reveal a stroke-specific subcluster of pericytes that is present at 12 and 24 hours and characterized by the upregulation of genes mainly related to cytokine signalling and immune response. This study identifies temporal transcriptional changes in the acute phase of ischemic stroke that reflect the early response of pericytes to the ischemic insult and its secondary consequences and may constitute potential future therapeutic targets.
Nonlocal correlations in noisy multiqubit systems simulated using matrix product operators
Authors: Landa Haggai , Misguich Grégoire
Published: May 2023

We introduce an open-source solver for the Lindblad master equation, based on matrix product states and matrix product operators. Using this solver we study the dynamics of tens of interacting qubits with different connectivities, focusing on a problem where an edge qubit is being continuously driven on resonance, which is a fundamental operation in quantum devices. Because of the driving, induced excitations propagate through the qubits until the system reaches a steady state due to the incoherent terms. We find that with alternating-frequency qubits whose interactions with their off-resonant neighbors appear weak, the tunneling excitations lead to large correlations between distant qubits in the system. Some two-qubit correlation functions are found to increase as a function of distance in the system (in contrast to the typical decay with distance), peaking on the two edge qubits farthest apart from each other.
An improved butterfly optimization algorithm and its application in cascade hydropower generation operation
Authors: Xiao Zhangling , Liang Zhongmin , Wang Jian , Li Binquan , Hu Yiming , Wang Jun
Published: May 2023

Cascade reservoir operation is an effective nonstructural countermeasure for water resources management. In recent years, many metaheuristic algorithms are introduced to handle reservoir optimal operation due to their strong search capability and high efficiency. The butterfly optimization algorithm (BOA) is a newly developed metaheuristic method which has been widely used in solving various optimization problems. But it has local convergence and premature problems. Therefore, this paper proposed an improved version of BOA where three strategies are introduced: (1) the self-adaptive strategy to improve the initial population, (2) the dynamic switch strategy to balance exploration and exploitation, (3) the Levy-flight and standardized fragrance operators for position updating. The feasibility of the BOA, and IBOA are verified and compared with several commonly used algorithms (PSO, SCA, WOA and TSA) based on 19 test functions. Then, these methods are applied to address the optimization of cascade reservoirs that aims to maximize total hydropower generation. The results show that the proposed IBOA produces higher hydropower output and more stable results, indicating better scheduling schemes than BOA and the other four algorithms. In conclusion, IBOA is an effective and robust alternative optimization tool for cascade reservoir operation problems.
Mitapivat: A Novel Treatment of Hemolytic Anemia in Adults with
Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency
Authors: De Surya K.
Published: May 2023

Mitapivat is an orally bioavailable small molecule allosteric activator of pyruvate
kinase. It was approved by the US FDA on February 17, 2022, and the European
Union in November 2022 for the treatment of hemolytic anemia in adult patients with pyruvate
kinase deficiency. In this short perspective, physicochemical properties, synthesis,
dosage and administration, mechanism of action, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics,
drug interactions, and adverse reactions of mitapivat are described.
The Potential of Stem Cells in Treating Breast Cancer
Authors: Yadav Deepika , Sharma Pramod Kumar , Mishra Prem Shankar , Malviya Rishabha
Published: May 2023

There has been a lot of interest in stem cell therapy as a means of curing disease in recent
years. Despite extensive usage of stem cell therapy in the treatment of a wide range of medical diseases, it
has been hypothesized that it plays a key part in the progression of cancer. Breast cancer is still the most
frequent malignancy in women globally. However, the latest treatments, such as stem cell targeted therapy,
are considered to be more effective in preventing recurrence, metastasis, and chemoresistance of
breast cancer than older methods like chemotherapy and radiation. This review discusses the characteristics
of stem cells and how stem cells may be used to treat breast cancer.
Clinicomycological Profile and Risk Factors for Dermatophytosis at a
Teaching Tertiary Care Centre in North India: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Singla Pooja , Garg Sima , Singh Prashant , Sharma Nidhi , Mane Pratibha , Singh Nand Kishore , Sharma Sudhanshu
Published: May 2023

Background:

Dermatophytosis has gained significant importance in recent years owing to
increased incidence, more atypical lesions, changing mycological profile and growing antifungal resistance.
Therefore, this study was planned to know the clinicomycological profile of dermatophytic
infections in patients attending our tertiary care centre.s gained significant importance in recent years owing to
increased incidence, more atypical lesions, changing mycological profile and growing antifungal resistance. Therefore, this study was planned to know the clinicomycological profile of dermatophytic
infections in patients attending our tertiary care centre.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 700 patients with superficial fungal infections belonging to all age
groups and both sexes were taken up for this cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic and clinical
details were noted on a prestructured proforma. Superficial lesions were clinically examined and the
sample was collected by appropriate collection methods. Direct microscopy by potassium hydroxide
wet mount was done to see hyphae. For culture Sabouraud’s dextrose agar (SDA) with chloramphenicol
and cyclohexamide was used.

Results:

Dermatophytic infections were detected in 75.8% (531/700) patients. Young people belonging
to age group of 21-30 years were commonly affected. Tinea corporis was the commonest clinical picture
seen in 20% of the cases. Oral antifungals were taken by 33.1% and topical creams were used by
74.2% of the patients. Direct microscopy was positive in 91.3% and culture was positive for dermatophytes
in 61% of the study subjects. T. mentagrophytes was the commonest dermatophyte isolated.

Conclusion:

Irrational use of topical steroids needs to be controlled. KOH microscopy can be useful as
a point of care test for rapid screening of dermatophytic infections. Culture is necessary to differentiate
various dermatophytes and to guide the antifungal treatment.
Is Daclatasvir a Suitable Substitute for Amphotericin B in the Treatment
of Mucormycosis when Amphotericin B is Scarce?
Authors: Thangaraju Pugazhenthan , Tanguturi Yella Sree Sudha , Arumugam Ramamurthy Vijayakumar , Muthusamy Sivakumar , Mohamed Thameemul Ansari Lappathai Habib , Navabshan Irfan , Venkatesan Sajitha
Published: May 2023

Background:

Mucormycosis has been infesting the universe for a while back, often
with no prompt treatments. The disease devastation is spreading at an alarming rate. Many researchers
are still hoping for a good potential drug that could help the healthcare system in this
tussle. Molecular docking is an in silico tool that has gained popularity over the last few decades.
Knowing the mechanism of enzymatic action is aided by imitating membrane protein actions in
binding ligands.

Aim:

The aim of this perspective is to determine whether an existing drug, daclatasvir, has antifungal
activity.

Objective:

The primary objective of this in silico study was to investigate the potential effects of
the binding affinity of daclatasvir with the crucial protein (1XFF) of mucormycosis, as well as the
binding pattern of the active site amino acids with the drug molecule.

Materials and Methods:

To calculate the binding affinity of daclatasvir to the fungal protein
1XFF, Auto Dock Vina was used for molecular docking studies. The CDOCKER protocol was
used to determine the receptor-ligand interaction by configuring various parameters.

Results:

The docking energy of the ligand (daclatasvir) on the protein (1XFF) was found to be -
16.7216 kcal/mol, while the interaction energy was found to be -42.1314 kcal/mol.

Conclusion:

The binding pattern completely alters the dynamics of the protein, resulting in the
breakdown of the fungal wall. The vital protein (1XFF) of Rhizopus oryzae is proposed as a possible
protein target for the non-structural protein 5A inhibitor/antiviral drug daclatasvir in this
study.
The Patent Landscape of mTOR and PTEN Targets
Authors: Zhang Hai-long , Li Yongxia
Published: May 2023

Background:

PTEN and mTOR signaling have many roles, including antiinflammatory,
immunosuppressant and cancer.

Objective:

US patents were retrieved to show the current landscape of the mTOR and
PTEN targets.

Methods:

PTEN and mTOR targets were analyzed by patent analysis. The U.S. granted
patents from January 2003 to July 2022 were performed and analyzed.

Results:

The results showed that the mTOR target was more attractive in drug discovery
than the PTEN target. Our findings indicated that most large global pharmaceutical companies
focused the drug discovery related to the mTOR target. The present study demonstrated
that mTOR and PTEN targets showed more applications in biological approaches
compared to BRAF and KRAS targets. The chemical structures of the inhibitors of the
mTOR target demonstrated some similar features to those of the inhibitors of KRAS targets.

Conclusion:

At this stage, the PTEN target may not be an ideal target subjected to new
drug discovery. The present study was the first one which demonstrated that the group of
O=S=O may play a critical role in the chemical structures of mTOR inhibitors. It was the
first time to show that a PTEN target may be suitably subjected to new therapeutic discovery
efforts related to biological applications. Our findings provide a recent insight into
therapeutic development for mTOR and PTEN targets.
Eco-friendly Biosynthesis of Ag-NPs by Streptomyces griseus with
Anti-Candida albicans and Antitumor Activity
Authors: Abou El-Enain Inas M. , Abed Nermine N. , Helal Eman E. , Abdelkhalek Eman S. , Suleiman Waleed , Safwat Nesreen A. , Yosri Mohammed
Published: May 2023

Background:

The most significant sexually transmissible fungal disease, semen
candidiasis, is caused by Candida albicans and impacts male reproductive potential. Actinomycetes
are a group of microorganisms that could be isolated from various habitats and
used for the biosynthesis of various nanoparticles with biomedical applications.

Objective:

Testing antifungal activity of biosynthesized Ag nanoparticles versus isolated
C. albicans from semen as well as its anticancer activity versus the Caco-2 cell line.

Methods:

Screening 17 isolated actinomycetes for the biosynthesis of Ag nanoparticle biosynthesis.
Characterization of biosynthesized nanoparticles, testing its anti-Candida albicans,
and antitumor activity.

Results:

Streptomyces griseus was the isolate that identified silver nanoparticles using UV,
FTIR, XRD and TEM. Biosynthesized nanoparticles have promising anti-Candida albicans
with MIC (125 ± 0.8) μg/ml and accelerate apoptotic rate versus Caco-2 cells (IC50 =
7.30 ± 0.54 μg/ml) with minimal toxicity (CC50 = 142.74 ± 4.71 μg/ml) versus Vero cells.

Conclusion:

Certain actinomycetes could be used for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles
with successive antifungal and anticancer activity to be verified by in vivo studies.
Evaluation of Immunohistochemical Expression of BCL-2 in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Varshney Sabhya , Agrawal Tanu , Sharma Rohit , Gupta Shubhanshu
Published: May 2023

Introduction: Immunohistochemical (IHC) expression ofBcl-2 oncogene is helpful in characterization and prognosisof oral cancer. In the present study, we evaluated theimmunoexpression of Bcl-2 oncogene in oral squamouscell carcinoma (OSCC) tissue specimen and correlated itclinicohistopathologically.Material and Method: A total of 42 OSCC tissue specimenwere subjected to evaluation for immunohistochemicalexpression of Bcl-2 oncogene. IHC expression was scored as“-” (<5% positive cells), + (5–24% positive cells), ++ (25–50%positive cells) and +++ (>50% positive cells). Pathological Tstage, nodal status, histopathological grade, lymphovascularinvasion (LVI), perineural invasion (PNI) and mitotic index (MI)were noted. Data was analysed using SPSS 21 software.Chi-square, ANOVA and Kruskall-Wallis tests were used tocompare the data.Results: Mean age of patients was 49.05 ± 13.28 years,majority of them were males (83.3%). There was a dominanceof well/moderately differentiated (81%) cases. Lymphovascularand perineural invasion were seen in 16.7% and 26.2% cases.Majority had mitotic index 2 (66.7%), pT stage 3/4 (73.8%)and no nodal involvement (54.8%). Bcl-2 expression wasseen in 34 (81%) specimen. It was +, ++ and +++ in 6 (14.3%),15 (35.7%) and 13 (31.0%) cases. A significant correlationof Bcl-2 expression was seen with higher histopathologicalgrades, mitotic index and pT stage. There was no correlationof Bcl-2 expression with age, sex, LVI, PNI, MI and pNstatus.Conclusion: There was a high IHC expression of Bcl-2 oncogenewhich was significantly associated with histopathological gradeand pT stage. Bcl-2 expression could have a prognostic value.
Potensi Ekonomi Guwosari Menjadi Kalurahan Mandiri Melalui Maggot
Authors: Annisa Nadya Nurul , Maula Defia Ifsantin
Published: May 2023

Penelitian ini menganalisis tentang potensi ekonomi Kalurahan Guwosari menjadi Kalurahan mandiri melalui maggot.  Kalurahan Guwosari merupakan termasuk dari wilayah Kapanewon  Pajangan Kabupaten Bantul. Potensi ekonomi di Kalurahan Guwosari sangat beragam dan terbagi ke beberapa sektor diantaranya : pariwisata, peternakan, pertanian, perikanan dan industri kecil. Penelitian ini berfokus pada sektor peternakan yaitu maggot. Di Guwosari terdapat budidaya maggot yaitu MMJ Maggot guwosari di Jl. Guwosari raya, maka dari itu karena sudah ada kelembagaannya maka ada peluang untuk Kalurahan Guwosari menjadi Kalurahan Mandiri melalui Maggot. Budidaya maggot sendiri merupakan budidaya level rumah tangga dimana setiap orang dapat membudidayakan maggot. Maggot atau belatung merupakan larva dari lalat BSF (Hermetia Illucens, Stratimydae, Diptera). Maggot Black Soldier Fly dapat digunakan sebagai bahan memberi makan ikan dan juga pakan peternakan unggas. maggot bermanfaat untuk mereduksi sampah organik, Sebanyak 1 gram maggot bisa mengkonsumsi 1 kilogram sampah organik dalam waktu 24 jam. Permasalahan yang terjadi adalah belum adanya   peternakan Kalurahan yang mewadahi pendistribusian maggot.  Pada penelitian ini pendekatan penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah pendekatan kualitatif dan metode yang digunakan ada 3 (tiga) diantaranya : metode observasi, metode wawancara dan metode dokumentasi.
Maqasid as-Syari’ah dan Asuransi Syari’ah
Authors: Yunadi Ahmad
Published: May 2023

The study of Islamic insurance and maqasid sharia in this research writing uses a philosophical approach known as analyzing insurance issues using the maqasid sharia approach. The analysis was carried out by descriptive analytical analysis. The author describes the main theme and then analyzes it from maqasid sharia point of view. Induction analysis patterns are carried out to analyze general data before they are identified and concluded in a general conclusion; namely the philosophy of insurance and maqasid sharia. On the other hand, deduction approach is used when the concept of maqasid sharia which is the conclusion of the nash argument is sought for its relevance to be applied in the insurance.

Maqasid Shari'a in human life is seeking or getting maslahah (benefit). There are five aspects that must be protected which are known as al-kuliyyah al-khams; religion, soul, mind, descendants and property. On the field, the protection of maqasid sharia against al-kuliyyah al-khams can be done from two sides; the manifestation side (ijabiyah) and the prevention side (salbiyah). Insurance coverage in accordance with maqasid sharia is hifdzu din (protecting religion), hifdzu nafs (protecting life), hifdzu 'aql (protecting the mind), hifdzu nasl (protecting descendants) and hifdzu mal (protecting property).

The results of this study indicate that Islamic insurance and maqasid sharia have the same goal in the stipulation of maqasid sharia or at least participate in realizing the benefits of human life.

Keyword; insurance, maqasid, sharia.
Analisis Persepsi Maslahah Dalam Melakukan Pembelian Kompulsif
Authors: Sa'diah Zulfatus , Maranti Safika , Retnowati May Shinta
Published: May 2023

 

Abstract

            This study aims to determine the effect of the perception of maslahah on compulsive buying behavior This research is a quantitative research by integrating the dimensions of maslahah perception into the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) model. TPB is an integrated model that consists of four predictors of behavior, namely attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control (PBC), and intentions to behave. Sampling using Purposive Sampling, that is 200 respondents. To measure the variables using the Continuous rate scale.  While the data analysis technique used in this research is path analysis using Smart PLS 2.0 (Partial Least Square) software. The results of the study said that the maslahah perception construct had a significant effect on the attitude construct even though it was weak at 5.5%. Which means there are still about 94.5% of the attitude variables are influenced by other factors. Then the attitude construct has a significant effect on the compulsive buying behavior construct of 47.6%, which means that there are still around 52.4% of the variable Compulsive Buying Behavior which can be explained from other factors. While the construct of subjective norms and behavioral control has no effect on compulsive buying behavior. The reason for the rejection of these two hypotheses is thought to be because Muslim communities who have high subjective norms and behavioral control do not change their behavior in compulsive buying to be higher.
Keywords: Maslahah, Compulsive Buying, Theory of Planned Behaviour
Business Feasibility Aspects of Village-Owned Enterprises in Indonesia
Authors: Darmawan Darmawan
Published: May 2023

This research is the first in an effort to find out the Business Feasibility Aspects of Village-Owned Enterprises (BUM Desa) in Indonesia. This research is very important because the Village Fund of IDR 329 trillion over the last five years has not been able to be maximally utilized by BUM Desa. There are 2,188 BUM Desa not operating and 1,670 BUM Desa that are running but have not yet contributed optimally to driving the village economy. BUM Desa must be revitalized, improving the performance of BUM Desa is important and urgent because Village Funds continue to increase every year. In 2020, the government allocates a budget of IDR 72 trillion. This study seeks the Business Feasibility Aspects of Village-Owned Enterprises (BUM Desa) by using questionnaires and direct field observations throughout Indonesia with a sample expected to represent Java and Outside Java. It was found that there are five aspects that can measure the feasibility of a business in the BUM Desa business unit: Market and Marketing Aspects; Management and Human Resources Aspects; Financial aspect; Business Environment Aspect; and Legal Aspects. The main problem of BUM Desa is in the financial aspect (76,56%) and the aspect of the business environment (73,29%). Meanwhile, the Market and Marketing Aspects; Management and HR Aspects; Legal Aspect  have a feasibility score of above 80%. The business feasibility of BUM Desa in Java is better than outside Java. The social and financial business type has a lower feasibility level than other types of business.
The Influence of Attitudes and Halal Perceptions on Intention to Visit Halal Tourism Destinations
Authors: Ramadhanti Desna , Marsasi Endy Gunanto
Published: May 2023

Tourism is a sector that is influenced by halal lifestyle trends. This study aims to analyze the effect of religiosity, subjective norms, halal perceptions, and attitudes on the intention to visit halal tourist destinations. The grand theory in this study is the Theory of Planned Behavior with Halal Perception as a novelty that describes consumer views on the application of sharia principles applied to tourist sites, as well as the availability of halal products and services in halal tourist destinations. The gap in this study is the attitude where there are differences in results in previous studies. This research utilizes a quantitative approach by distributing questionnaires to 221 respondents who are Muslims from the Islamic community and live in East Java. The research testing process is assisted by using the SEM-AMOS 24.0 program. This study shows that religiosity positively and significantly influences subjective norms, halal perceptions, and attitudes. Halal perceptions positively and significantly influence attitudes and purchase intentions. Attitude does not have a significant influence on purchase intention. This research intends to inspire and stimulate the creativity of business people in the tourism industry to realize a tourism business based on sharia principles.
The Experiences of Informal Caregivers of People With Dementia in Web-Based Psychoeducation Programs: Systematic Review and Metasynthesis
Authors: Yu Ying , Xiao Lily , Ullah Shahid , Meyer Claudia , Wang Jing , Pot Anne Margriet , Shifaza Fathimath
Published: May 2023

Background

Informal caregivers of people living with dementia experience a higher level of physical and mental stress compared with other types of caregivers. Psychoeducation programs are viewed as beneficial for building caregivers’ knowledge and skills and for decreasing caregiver stress.

Objective

This review aimed to synthesize the experiences and perceptions of informal caregivers of people with dementia when participating in web-based psychoeducation programs and the factors that enable and impede informal caregivers’ engagement in web-based psychoeducation programs.

Methods

This review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute protocol of systematic review and meta-aggregation of qualitative studies. We searched 4 English databases, 4 Chinese databases, and 1 Arabic database in July 2021.

Results

A total of 9 studies written in English were included in this review. From these studies, 87 findings were extracted and grouped into 20 categories. These categories were further synthesized into 5 findings: web-based learning as an empowering experience, peer support, satisfactory and unsatisfactory program content, satisfactory and unsatisfactory technical design, and challenges encountered in web-based learning.

Conclusions

High-quality and carefully designed web-based psychoeducation programs offered positive experiences for informal caregivers of people living with dementia. To meet broader caregiver education and support needs, program developers should consider information quality and relevancy, the support offered, individual needs, flexibility in delivery, and connectedness between peers and program facilitators.
The Synergistic Effect of Nurse Proactive Phone Calls With an mHealth App Program on Sustaining App Usage: 3-Arm Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Wong Arkers Kwan Ching , Bayuo Jonathan , Wong Frances Kam Yuet , Chow Karen Kit Sum , Wong Siu Man , Lau Avis Cheuk Ki
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Although mobile health application (mHealth app) programs have effectively promoted disease self-management behaviors in the last decade, usage rates have tended to fall over time.

OBJECTIVE

We used a case management approach led by a nurse and supported by a health-social partnership team with the aim of sustaining app usage among community-dwelling older adults and evaluated the outcome differences (i.e, self-efficacy, levels of depression, and total health service usages) between those who continued to use the app.

METHODS

This was a 3-arm randomized controlled trial. A total of 221 older adults with hypertension, diabetes, or chronic pain were randomized into 3 groups: mHealth (n=71), mHealth with interactivity (mHealth+I; n=74), and the control (n=76). The mHealth application was given to the mHealth and mHealth+I groups. The mHealth+I group also received 8 proactive calls in 3 months from a nurse to encourage use of the app. The control group received no interventions. Data were collected at preintervention (T1), postintervention (T2), and at 3 months’ postintervention (T3) to ascertain the sustained effect.

RESULTS

A total of 37.8% of mHealth+I and 18.3% of mHealth group participants continued using the mHealth app at least twice per week until the end of the sixth month. The difference in app usage across the 2 groups between T2 and T3 was significant (χ21=6.81, P=.009). Improvements in self-efficacy (β=4.30, 95% CI 0.25-8.35, P=.04) and depression levels (β=–1.98, 95% CI –3.78 to –0.19, P=.03) from T1 to T3 were observed in the mHealth group participants who continued using the app. Although self-efficacy and depression scores improved from T1 to T2 in the mHealth+I group, the mean values decreased at T3. Health service usage decreased for all groups from T1 to T2 (β=–1.38, 95% CI –1.98 to –0.78, P<.001), with a marginal increase at T3.

CONCLUSIONS

The relatively low rates of mHealth app usage at follow-up are comparable to those reported in the literature. More work is needed to merge the technology-driven and in-person aspects of mHealth.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03878212; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03878212

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

RR2-10.1159/000509129
Xanthomas and precancerous changes of the stomach: an accidental combination or an important prognostic endoscopic marker?
Authors: Simonova O.V. , Mosiychuk L.M. , Petishko O.P.
Published: May 2023

Background. The article deals with the study of gastric xanthomas, benign accidental formations with an unknown etiopathogenesis, which, according to the literature, are associated with a number of pathological conditions (atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, gastric cancer, dyslipidemia, etc.). The purpose was to study the prevalence of gastric xanthomas in patients with atrophic gastritis and to analyze their relationship with endoscopic changes in the stomach, including precancerous conditions. Materials and methods. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed using the EVIS EXERA III video endoscopy system with the Olympus 190 gastroscope (Japan) in 120 patients with atrophic gastritis undergoing examination and treatment at the Institute of Gastroenterology of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. The presence of duodenogastric reflux, the prevalence and severity of mucosal atrophy, changes in the relief of the gastric mucosa (including nodules and bumps), the presence of hyperplasia, polyps, hemorrhages, erosions, ulcers, xanthomas in the stomach were assessed. When using the narrow-band imaging and close focus, the presence and prevalence of intestinal metaplasia, the presence of gastric dysplasia were evaluated. Comparative and statistical analysis of endoscopic data was conducted depending on the presence of gastric xanthomas. Results. The heterogeneity of endoscopic changes in atrophic gastritis was revealed (prevalence and severity of atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, changes in the mucosal relief, presence of hyperplasia, polyps, ulcers, etc.). Gastric xanthomas were found in more than a third of patients with atrophic gastritis (36.7 % of cases), with predominant localization in the antral region (90.9 %). As a rule (95.5 %), they were single. In patients with atrophic gastritis associated with xanthomas, diffuse atrophic changes in gastric mucosa were detected significantly more often, as well as mucosal nodules and bumps, mucosal hyperplasia, intestinal metaplasia and the mucosal dysplasia, which was confirmed morphologically (p < 0.05). Rare cases of gastric ulcers and gastric cancer were diagnosed only in patients with xanthomas (p > 0.05). Conclusions. The obtained results indicate that gastric xanthoma is an important diagnostic marker of precancerous changes in the gastric mucosa: widespread atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and can be used as an important prognostic marker for the development of gastric cancer. Patients with xanthoma-associated atrophic gastritis require a thorough examination using modern endoscopic equipment and dynamic observation, with a focus on changes in the gastric relief by the type of nodules and bumps.
The relationship between body weight and the development of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism disorders in patients with gastrointestinal diseases
Authors: Stepanov Yu.M. , Mosiychuk L.M. , Shevtsova O.M. , Klenina I.A. , Karachynova V.A. , Tatarchuk O.M. , Petishko O.P.
Published: May 2023

Background. The purpose of the study is to investigate the peculiarities of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in patients with gastrointestinal diseases depending on the body mass index (BMI). Materials and methods. Forty patients with digestive disorders were examined, 13 women (32.5%) and 27 men (67.5%) whose median age was 37 (24; 51) years. The patients were divided into 3 groups: I— 20 people with BMI exceeding the norm; II— 11 patients with a BMI below the norm; III— 9 patients with normal BMI. The control group for evaluating the results of laboratory tests consisted of 15 practically healthy people. Total cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), glucose and insulin serum levels were evaluated. The atherogenic index (AI) and Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) were calculated. Statistical processing of the results was carried out using the Statistica 6.1 software package. Results. In patients with digestive diseases who had an increased BMI, the development of atherogenic dyslipidemia was detected, as indicated by a probable decrease in serum content of HDL-C by 1.7 times (p=0.003) and an increase in TG by 1.9 times (p=0.002), VLDL-C by 1.4 times (p=0.05), AI by 2 times (p=0.03) compared to the controls. No significant signs of the development of atherosclerotic processes were found in patients with reduced and normal BMI. Carbohydrate metabolism disorders were observed in 47.5% of patients with gastrointestinal diseases, and HOMA-IR in patients with increased BMI was 2.9 times higher (p<0.05) compared to those with reduced BMI and 2.5 times (p<0.05) higher— with normal BMI. It was found that an increase in BMI is associated with an increase in serum TG (r=0.381; p=0.017), LDL-С (r=0.383; p=0.016), AI (r=0.566; p<0.001), insulin (r=0.651; p=0.0001) and HOMA-IR (r=0.681; p=0.0001), as well as that BMI is negatively correlated with the content of HDL-С (r=–0.448; p=0.004). At the same time, an inverse correlation was found between HOMA-IR and the level of HDL-С (r= –0.389; p=0.016), and a direct relationship between the index of insulin resistance and AI (r=0.437; p=0.006). Conclusions. The revealed correlations confirm the hypothesis of the BMI influence on the development of dyslipidemia and insulin resistance in patients with gastrointestinal diseases. This substantiates the expediency of including bioimpedance measurements into the algorithm for predicting metabolic disorders in this category of patients.
Endoscopic features of the intestinal mucosa in patients with ulcerative colitis depending on the level of IgG4
Authors: Stepanov Yu.M. , Stoykevich M.V. , Gaidar Yu.A. , Tarasova T.S. , Simonova O.V. , Tatarchuk O.M. , Petishko O.P.
Published: May 2023

Background. Ulcerative colitis has long-term severe local and systemic consequences, often recurs which determines the urgency of developing new diagnostic markers for screening this pathology. The purpose of the study: to investigate the endoscopic picture of the colonic mucosa in ulcerative colitis depending on the content of IgG4 in the blood serum and the presence of tissue IgG4. Materials and methods. Seventy-five patients with ulcerative colitis were examined, they were treated at the department of intestinal diseases of the State Institution “Institute of Gastroenterology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine”. Of them, 42 were women and 33 were men aged 18 to 69 years, the average age was (40.1±1.4) years. Most patients (n=54) had a moderate ulcerative colitis, in 14 patients, the course was severe and 7 people had a mild ulcerative colitis. Endoscopic studies of the colon were performed according to generally accepted methods using the video colonoscope Olympus EVIS EXERA III (Japan). The level of IgG4 in blood serum was evaluated in all patients using the Stat Fax 303 Plus immunoassay analyzer (USA) according to the instructions for the test kit of reagents manufactured by the Xema company (Ukraine). The control group consisted of 15 practically healthy people. The presence of IgG4-positive plasma cells was determined by the immunohistochemical method, using monoclonal rabbit anti-human IgG4 (Abcam, USA). Results. An increase in the level of IgG4 over 1.2 g/l was detected in 45 patients. In general, in patients with ulcerative colitis the concentration of IgG4 in blood serum was 2 times higher (p<0.05) compared to the control group: 1.50 (0.55; 2.25) g/l versus 0.65 (0.45; 0.80) g/l. Patients with ulcerative colitis had an increase in the level of both serum and tissue IgG4 accompanied by an increase in the frequency of detecting the endoscopic signs of the disease; therefore, endoscopic activity of degree 3 is detected 2 times (p<0.05) and 2.9 times (p<0.001) more often than in patients with normal concentration of IgG4. Conclusions. Correlations found between the levels of serum and tissue IgG4, as well as with the severity of endoscopic manifestations of ulcerative colitis substantiate the feasibility of assessing the level of IgG4 in the blood as a non-invasive marker for predicting the course of this disease.
A clinical case of acute anabolic steroid-induced toxic hepatitis
Authors: Demeshkina L.V. , Yagmur V.B. , Melanich S.L. , Popok D.V.
Published: May 2023

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) can be considered in cases of acute hepatitis by the exclusion of any disease-related causes. For several decades, anabolic steroids have been considered not only as drugs for treatment of diseases such as hypogonadism, sarcopenia, hypotrophy in cancer patients, aplastic anemia, etc., but also as risk factor for acute liver failure, that can lead to liver cancer, and even sudden death. Anabolic steroids are known to be increasingly used not only for legitimate medical uses, but also for enhance physical performance and promote muscle growth for ideal body shape. The article presents a clinical case of acute drug-induced hepatitis after 2 months of using stanozolol, a synthetic testosterone derivative, in a 25-year-old previously healthy man. Thorough etiological investigations ruled out other causes of DILI. The man was treated at the in-patient department and discharged with improvement, but it took several months for the disappearance of hepatic cytolytic and cholestatic changes. Clinicians should be aware of the risk for toxic drug-induced hepatitis in male bodybuilders and collect a thorough history of the patient’s intake of nutritional supplements that may contain androgen derivatives.
Esau brothers: Yakiv, a doctor, and Ivan, a head of the town
Authors: Chaban M.P. , Shevtsova Z.I. , Gaponov V.V.
Published: May 2023

The article highlights the thorny life and professional path of the German Mennonites brothers Esau. Yakiv became a doctor, and his brother Ivan became the head of Katerynoslav. Their contribution to the development of medicine and industry in the Dnieper region has been represented. The fate of their descendants has been found out.
ENHANCEMENT OF THE RELEASE OF CURCUMIN BY THE FREEZE DRYING TECHNIQUE USING INULIN AND NEUSILIN AS CARRIERS
Authors: Al-Taani Bashar , Khanfar Mai , Abu Alsoud Osama
Published: May 2023

Objective: Curcumin (CUR), the active ingredient in turmeric has been proven to possess many therapeutic activities chiefly as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Unfortunately, CUR suffers from low bioavailability and dissolution due to its poor water solubility. The aim of this work was to enhance the dissolution of CUR by converting it into an amorphous form by freeze-drying and using different carriers.

Methods: Different solid dispersions of CUR with Inulin and Neusilin US2 at different ratios using the freeze-drying technique were prepared. The various prepared formulas were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction studies, fourier transform infrared and scanning electron microscopy. Release studies, as well as stability studies of CUR from different formulas, were done.

Results: Formulation containing CUR, Inulin and Neusilin US2 at a ratio of 1:5:1 showed the highest CUR release during dissolution testing. The percent CUR release was 98% in comparison with that of 2% from the reference raw material. Physical stability testing showed that CUR remained in the amorphous state for 3 mo.

Conclusion: Inulin and Neusilin US2 combinations were found to be effective in enhancing the solubility and dissolution rate of CUR, and stabilizing the amorphous form in the prepared solid dispersion.
FORMULATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF THERMOSENSITIVE IN-SITU GEL OF MOXIFLOXACIN HYDROCHLORIDE FOR OCULAR DRUG DELIVERY
Authors: Gupta Chitra , Juyal Vijay , Nagaich Upendra
Published: May 2023

Objective: The present study has focused on development and optimization of thermosensitive in-situ ocular drug delivery system for the treatment of conjunctivitis.Methods: Thermosensitive in-situ hydrogel formulation of moxifloxacin hydrochloride was developed by dispensing variable concentration of pluronic F-127, gellan-gum, and carbopol in distilled water. Viscosity, gelation temperature and mean release time (MRT) were measured by using â€˜Brookfield' viscometer LV-III (spindle no. 40), rheological techniques and dissolution apparatus respectively. Optimization for ideal formulation was carried by â€˜Boxâ€“Behnken' design on the basis of prime factors of the formulation including viscosity, gelation temperature, and MRT. Moreover, the optimized formulation was evaluated for accelerated stability study by in vitro drug release, anti-microbial potential by â€˜Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion' method and ocular irritancy assay were done by in vivo analysis.Results: Optimised thermosensitive in-situ gel, when administered into cul-de-sac region of the eye, it was immediately transformed from sol to gel by multi-dimensional mechanism due to plurionic, gellan-gum, carbopol. The optimized formulation minimizes the chances of formulation failure as well as the concentration on individual polymer which dependence on a single mechanism of gelation. The final optimised formulation consists of plurionic (11.50% w/v), gellan-gum (0.32% w/v), carbopol (0.3% w/v), shows optimum therapeutic effect. Moreover, the accelerated stability study, anti-microbial potential, and ocular irritancy confirmed the biocompatibility of optimized in-situ drug-containing gel with high potency and stability.Conclusion: Thus, optimized in-situ drug-containing gel with multifactorial approaches showed promising ocular formulation having minimum side effect and high therapeutic efficacy.Â
Transcending the Age of Androcentric Representations in African Women’s Writing
Authors: ARBAOUI Fatima Zahra EL
Published: May 2023

African Literature has been the field of male writers and has lacked the feminine lens for a long time. These male writers have depicted the African woman as obedient who obeys man without discussion. However, this unrealistic presentation has been rectified only after the rise of women writers. As more and more African women got educated and started to participate in social and political fields, the women writers started portraying and reporting the changes they have been experiencing in their contemporary societies. As they have been suffering in their patriarchal communities, they could feel the agonies of these women who have been living in subjugation to men since old times. Using Buchi Emecheta’s Second Class Citizen and Mariama Bâ’s So Long a Letter, the article analyses how African female writers have cleverly and surreptitiously carved out for themselves advantages and immunities which ordinary women and even ordinary men could never imagine. Such statuses were like personal identity cards which neither outlived them nor were reveled by other women during and after their existence.
To be welcomed or not to be: Errors and correction feedback in the second language classrooms of Arabic colleges in Kerala
Authors: T Mohammed Musthafa
Published: May 2023

Starting with the traditional audio-lingual method of didactic instruction, teaching methods have changed over time by using different techniques and different teaching and learning tools. Since changes to the input and interactional activities are the core of any learning and teaching process in a classroom, input and output modifications have been the focus of serious experimental research in the field. Even though a lot of studies talk about the role of feedback and correcting mistakes in the teaching process, not many of them actually do an experiment to find out how much feedback and other similar inputs help boost motivation and confidence in the process of learning a second language. This paper is an attempt to discuss the theories and practices of giving feedback and fixing mistakes when teaching a second language (L2), especially in the context of English-language classrooms of Arabic colleges in Kerala, India, which have been growing recently. The study mostly looks at the Hudawi and Wafy courses, which were designed and implemented in the district of Malappuram in Kerala and have a long course duration of 8–12 years at a stretch. These two curricula focus on teaching and preparing students in four or five languages, including their native language, Malayalam. These languages are English, Arabic, Hindi, and Urdu.
Survey on Plant Disease Detection using Deep Learning based Frameworks
Authors: Mandal Surajit
Published: May 2023

Early identification of plant diseases is crucial as they can hinder the growth of their respective species. Although many machine learning models have been utilised for detecting and classifying plant diseases. The advent of deep Learning, a subset of machine learning, has revolutionised this field by offering greater accuracy. Therefore, deep learning has the potential to greatly enhance the accuracy of plant disease detection and classification. Recent research progress on the use of deep learning technology in the identification of crop leaf diseases is reviewed in this article. The current trends and challenges in plant leaf disease detection using advanced imaging techniques and deep learning are presented. This survey aims to provide a valuable resource for the researchers investigating the detection of plant diseases and detection of those using state of the art models for ease of saving time and cost. Additionally, the article also addresses some of the current challenges and issues in the detection process that need to be resolved.
Voice based E-mail for the Visually Impaired
Authors: Dakhare Shubham , Patil Nakul , Bisen Devashish , Shinde Dhanashri , Khare Mrs. Surbhi
Published: May 2023

Abstract: One of the most popular methods for people to interact with one another is via email. Today, a significant quantity of urgent and confidential information is sent via email. People are getting closer to a digital existence and a digital communication as technology advances. In this new advanced era, there are many methods to communicate with others online. The majority of them choose email conversation as the most effective form of communication. (Email). Email is the technology that enables users to communicate with others by writing emails and also aids in business-related communication. Their square measure, however, is unable to use these technologies because they are illiterate or unable to look at a computer. So, writers developed this technology to be more accessible to people who are blind.
A PFC based EV Battery Charger using a Bridgeless Isolated SEPIC Converter
Authors: Vinothkumar Mr. A. , Deepika M. S. , Priya V. Kaviya , Jayasri V. Gowarna
Published: May 2023

Abstract: Conventional PFC circuits in EV (Electric Vehicle) battery chargers have efficiency limitations. To overcome this issue, there were losses associated with the DBR, hence a bridgeless single-ended primary inductance converter (SEPIC) with improved power quality is presented in this project. The input current drawn by the charger shows a unity power factor operation in a complete switching cycle. Due to the elimination of DBR, conduction losses are significantly controlled. The overall performance of the proposed bridgeless SEPIC converter is analyzed with the help of various operating modes. The EV battery is charged at constant current/ constant voltage control mode, which provides satisfactory results for improved efficiency and inherent PFC, thus improving the overall performance of the charger.
Facile Synthesis and Characterization of Eco-friendly Collagen based silver Nanoparticles and its Biological Activities
Authors: Santhanam Amutha , Sekar Velmurugan , N S Kavitha
Published: May 2023

Abstract: For the past few decades, the natural polymer Type-I Collagen becomes more attention due to its biomedical applications like scaffold preparation, tissue engineering and nanomaterial production. Fish skin bio waste has been recognized as economical, widely accepted alternative to Collagen derived sources. This present study deals with the effective use of underutilized bio waste resource. Collagen was extracted and confirmed as Type-I Collagen from the fish skin bio waste. After that the AgNPs were synthesized from the Collagen. The Protein profile of extracted Collagen was analysed in the SDS-PAGE confirms the type of Collagen. The morphology of type-I collagen was revealed under SEM. The silver nanoparticle was synthesized by using silver nitrate as a reducing and Capping agent for the Collagen along with sodium borohydride (NaBH4). The results of UV-Vis Spectroscopy confirmed the formation of AgNPs by showing a sharp absorption peak at 418nm. FTIR spectral peak shows the presence of alkynes, carboxylic acids and anhydrides compound which binds with Ag and also reduces and capped on Ag ions for the conversion of Ag+ into AgNPs. The DLS and zeta potential results positively shows the stability of synthesized nanoparticles. The morphology of the resulted AgNPs exhibited spherical shape with less than 50nm size under SEM. The antimicrobial activity possess the suitable material for the biomedical applications, the Cytotoxicity of the Collagen derived AgNPs were evaluated under the MG-63 cell line and the toxicity results having an Dose dependent manner. Key words: Collagen , AgNPs, Characterizations , Antimicrobial activity, MTT.