bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mortality in patients with hematological malignancies, febrile neutropenia, and septic shock
Authors: Islas-Muñoz Beda , Volkow-Fernández Patricia , Silva-Zamora Jorge , Ramírez-Ibarguen Ana , Cornejo-Juárez Patricia
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Patients with severe neutropenia who develop septic shock (SS) have high mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors and mortality of SS in patients with HM and febrile neutropenia.
Methodology: We included all patients with hematological malignancies (HM) who presented fever and severe neutropenia, admitted to an oncological tertiary care center in Mexico City for one year.
Results: Two hundred ninety-two episodes of fever and severe neutropenia were documented; 68 patients (23.2%) developed SS. Documented clinical infection was different between SS and non-SS patients (94.1% vs. 63.4%, p < 0.001); pneumonia was the most frequent infection (36.8% vs. 23.2%, p = 0.02). Also, in SS vs. non-SS, there were more positive cultures (69.1% vs. 38.4%, p < 0.001), higher frequency of Gram-negative bacteria (89.3% vs. 63.9%, p < 0.001), particularly Escherichia coli (68% vs. 44.2%) and Klebsiella spp. (23.4% vs. 15.1%). There were no differences when multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms were compared. In the multivariate analysis, associated risk factors for SS were: prolonged neutropenia, a documented site of infection, and having received highly myelosuppressive chemotherapy. Risk factors for mortality at 30 days were: older patients, prolonged neutropenia, and SS.
Conclusions: Severe and prolonged neutropenia was associated with SS development and mortality at 30 days. ICU management should be offered to all critically ill patients with HM if long-term survival of the underlying malignancy is expected.
Prevalence of face mask related complications among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Binkhamis Khalifa , Alqarni Yasmin S , Alasheikh Norah A , Alzahrani Najd S , Alsubaie Nouf A , Almezel Shahd A , Awwad Abeer W
Published: March 2024

Introduction: During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, most healthcare workers (HCWs) were required to wear face masks for long periods of time. Since then, it has been shown that face masks have the potential to cause several physical adverse effects. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of face mask-related complications among HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, we compared the relationship between face mask usage with other variables, including the type of mask used and gender.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted using convenience sampling, with a targeted sample of 517 participants (35% nonresponse). Data was collected via an electronic survey, the link for which was distributed through social media sites, such as WhatsApp and Twitter, to reach HCWs across Saudi Arabia. Data was analyzed using the SPSS software.
Results: Overall, 438 HCWs who wore N95 or surgical masks for 4 hours or more per day on average were recruited. Skin-related complications in the nasal area had the highest prevalence (342, 78.1%), followed by behind the ear area (333, 76.0%), cheeks (307, 70.1%), and chin (248, 56.6%). Other complications included headaches (226, 51.6%), and eye-related complications (211, 48.2%). All face mask-related complications, except for behind the ear skin complications, were more associated with female gender.
Conclusions: Mask usage was significantly associated with the development of headaches, and eye, and skin-related complications. Female HCWs were more predisposed to these complications. Preventative measures and awareness activities should be considered to help reduce mask use related complications.
Age and chest computed tomography severity score are predictors of long-COVID
Authors: Erkan Merve
Published: March 2024

Introduction: About one-third of acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors have suffered from persisting symptoms called long-COVID. Clinical factors such as age and intensity (moderate or acute) of COVID-19 have been found to be associated with long-COVID. Many tissues might be damaged functionally or structurally during acute COVID-19 which can be detected by blood assays and chest computed tomography (CT). We aimed to evaluate the relationship between long-COVID and the initial findings of blood assays and chest CT as possible predictors.
Methodology: The study included patients with acute COVID-19. Laboratory tests and chest CT were obtained from each patient at the time of admission to the hospital. Chest CT was evaluated for pneumonic involvement and severity score. Multivariable regression model was created to find the factors that were independently associated with long-COVID.
Results: There were 60 (38.2%) patients with long-COVID and 97 (61.8%) without. Baseline demographic, laboratory and chest CT parameters were similar in both groups, except for age, chronic lung disease and chest CT severity score (46.9 ± 15.1 years vs 52.6 ± 15.9 years, p = 0.03; 11.7% vs 3.1%, p = 0.03 and 10.3 ± 9.6 vs 6.5 ± 7.6, p = 0.02, respectively). In multivariable model, chest CT severity score (OR: 1.059, 95% CI: 1.002-1.119, p = 0.04) and age (OR: 0.953, 95% CI: 0.928-0.979, p < 0.001) were independently associated with long-COVID.
Conclusions: Chest CT severity score and age were independently associated with long-COVID and may be used to predict the future risk of long-COVID.
Two new records of the genus Trioxys (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Aphidiinae) parasitic on bamboo aphids from South Korea
Authors: Kim Sangjin , Sohn Juhyeong , Kim Hyojoong
Published: March 2024

The genus Trioxys Haliday, 1833 consists of more than 80 species worldwide with three species being recorded in South Korea. In this study, we report the first observation of the two additional species, T. liui Chou & Chou, 1993 from Takecallis arundinariae (Essig, 1917) on Phyllostachys bambusoides Siebold & Zucc., 1843 and T. remaudierei Starý & Rakhshani, 2017 from T. taiwana (Takahashi, 1926) on Sasa borealis (Hack.) Makino & Shibata, 1901.

Trioxys liui and T. remaudierei are described and reported with phototographs of the diagnostic morphological characters and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) data (barcode region) and Bayesian tree of the phylogenetic analysis amongst the closely-related taxa are provided.
The lifeblood of LifeWatch ERIC: national in-kind contributions
Authors: Los Wouter , Năpăruş-Aljančič Magdalena , Bileva Tatyana , Chatzinikolaou Eva , Graber-Soudry Ohad , de Moncuit Lucas , Neto Marta , Pesole Graziano , Vallejo Abascal Maria , Grozdanova Dafinka
Published: March 2024

A distributed research infrastructure such as LifeWatch ERIC necessitates close cooperation among the various components that constitute the research infrastructure and contribute to the overall services, facilities and resources it offers to the user community. In-kind contributions are non-monetary contributions, consisting of labour, services, facilities and access to resources, typically provided by the distributed components of the research infrastructure. The financing for in-kind contributions is usually provided by the national funding agency on behalf of the LifeWatch member country or by the member directly, with a value being accredited towards the member's funding obligations to LifeWatch ERIC. The management and validation of in-kind contributions towards shared objectives are integral to the legal framework supporting LifeWatch ERIC. This involves a rigorous assessment process to verify each in-kind contribution. This short article outlines that process and explores the function of the In-Kind Contributions Committee (IKCC) at LifeWatch ERIC.
Taxonomic study of four closely-related species of the Pholcus yichengicus species group (Araneae, Pholcidae) from China’s Qinling Mountains: An integrated morphological and molecular approach
Authors: Yang Lan , He Qiaoqiao , Yao Zhiyuan
Published: March 2024

Four morphologically similar species of the Pholcus yichengicus species group, occurring in geographic proximity of China’s Qinling Mountains, were recognised, based on morphology and four methods of molecular species delimitation. They comprise two new species, namely Pholcus ankangsp. nov. and P. baojisp. nov. and two previously described species: P. ovatus Yao & Li, 2012 and P. taibaiensis Wang & Zhu, 1992. Their DNA barcodes were obtained to estimate p-distances and K2P distances. In addition, an identification key for the four closely-related species is presented.
Poverty Post Pandemic, Lapsed Public Policy, and Rising Rates: A Call to Action for Nursing
Authors: Kubik Martha
Published: March 2024

Poverty is a pressing societal problem, adversely affecting the lives and livelihoods of millions of people in the United States and beyond. During this period of pandemic recovery, nurses, as the largest health workforce, are well positioned for action with the potential to improve health outcomes for many experiencing poverty. An actionable plan begins with an understanding of poverty and how poverty is experienced. It builds on nursing’s disciplinary perspective, patterns of knowing and a new model of professional nursing education advanced by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing. Finally, a feasible and sustainable plan is responsive to the challenges of a contemporary and complex health care delivery system.
Poverty in Older Adulthood: A Health and Social Crisis
Authors: Thornton Marleen , Bowers Katherine
Published: March 2024

In the transition to older adulthood, people often experience health, social, and economic challenges related to increased chronic health conditions, retirement, decreased social connections, a reduction in income and earning capacity, and increased health related costs. These factors can contribute to financial insecurity, social instability, and even poverty for older adults. In the United States, one in ten older adults is living in poverty. However, standard poverty measures do not account for inflation and many costs specific to older adulthood, and thus underestimate the number of older adults living in poverty. Older adults in poverty conditions experience early mortality and high rates of disability, depression, anxiety, and loneliness. It is estimated that more than a third of older adults experience loneliness. Loneliness within this population is associated with poor physical and mental health, cognitive decline, and early mortality. Poverty and loneliness are independently detrimental to older adults and when experienced together impact the health and wellbeing of older adults in ways that are unique compared to other age cohorts. Nurses are well positioned to address these intersecting issues. The purpose of this article is to discuss the challenges of poverty in older adults, with particular focus on the intersection of poverty and loneliness within this population. Nursing implications for education, practice, research, and policy implications are discussed.
Prematurity May Affect the Postoperative Sensory Results in Children With Strabismus
Authors: Niyaz Leyla , Kocak Nurullah , Subası Mustafa , Yucel Ozlem Eski
Published: March 2024

Purpose:

To analyze the motor and sensory outcomes of strabismus surgery in children born preterm (premature group) and full-term (control group).

Methods:

The study was performed at a tertiary university hospital. Children who underwent strabismus surgery between 2012 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The success of surgery, postoperative over-correction and undercorrection rates, and stereopsis and fusion test results were compared between the premature and control groups.

Results:

There were 70 patients in the premature group (mean gestational age: 31.25 weeks; range: 24 to 35 weeks) and 242 patients in the control group. The amounts of preoperative and postoperative deviations and overcorrection, undercorrection, and success rates were similar between the premature and control groups (
P
> .05). Stereopsis improved from 560 to 300 arc/sec postoperatively in the premature group (
P
= .066) and from 1,156 to 685 arc/sec in the control group (
P
< .001). The rate of fusion increased from 12.5% to 25% in the premature group (
P
= .50) and from 17% to 47% in the control group (
P
< .001). The analysis of strabismus subgroups revealed significant improvement of fusion in full-term patients (
P
< .001) and not in preterm patients (
P
= .50) with esotropia. Preoperative amount of deviation was the only risk factor for surgical success (
P
< .001). Age, sex, history of prematurity, and spherical equivalent refraction were not correlated with undercorrection (
P
> .05).

Conclusions:

Regardless of the type of strabismus, although the functional results after strabismus surgery were similar in preterm and full-term patients, the gain of stereopsis and central fusion was significantly higher in full-term patients compared to preterm patients.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2024;61(4):267–272.]
Symmetry reductions and conservation laws of a modified-mixed KdV equation: exploring new interaction solutions
Authors: Raza Nauman , Gandarias Maria Luz , Basendwah Ghada Ali
Published: March 2024

This article represented the investigation of the modified mixed Korteweg-de Vries equation using different versatile approaches. First, the Lie point symmetry approach was used to determine all possible symmetry generators. With the help of these generators, we reduced the dimension of the proposed equation which leads to the ordinary differential equation. Second, we employed the unified Riccati equation expansion technique to construct the abundance of soliton dynamics. A group of kink solitons and other solitons related to hyperbolic functions were among these solutions. To give the physical meaning of these theoretical results, we plotted these solutions in 3D, contour, and 2D graphs using suitable physical parameters. The comprehend outcomes were reported, which can be useful and beneficial in the future investigation of the studied equation. The results showed that applied techniques are very useful to study the other nonlinear physical problems in nonlinear sciences.
How Covid-19 has affected fan-performer relationships within visual kei
Authors: Kelle Gamze
Published: March 2024

Since the spread of Covid-19 beginning in the year 2020, which led to global mass cancellation of in-person events, visual kei, a Japanese music subculture, has faced problems because the genre's main, and sometimes only, source of income relied on touring and organizing close-contact fan events. Visual kei performers therefore had to invent creative ways to find new modes of liveness, and fans had to find new ways to participate in these online events. Some bands adapted to online platforms, finding ways to enhance liveness and authenticity during these events. Ethnographic observations made at online and off-line events indicated creativity in planning events, with fans' seeing the pandemic as a chance to connect with other fans, thereby ensuring that visual kei bands were not only able to continue their activities during Covid-19 but also, depending on how skillfully they adapted, even expanding their fan base overseas. Although before Covid-19 the genre remained local to Japan, with its traditional notion of privileging liveness and avoiding mediatization during fan-band in-person events, after the pandemic, it embraced mediatization and online platforms, becoming available on both social media platforms and music streaming platforms.
Public versus private aca-fan identities and platforms: An academic dialogue
Authors: Gonzales Yvonne , Oon Celeste
Published: March 2024

This conversation between Yvonne Gonzales and Celeste Oon examines the difference between two contrasting fan experiences and identities. Through an exploratory academic dialogue, the authors aim to start a discussion on the ways in which our online selves and our IRL selves interact to create unique identities as both fans and scholars across, between, and within social platforms.
"Fandom, the next generation," edited by Bridget Kies and Megan Connor
Authors: Rogers Laurel P.
Published: March 2024

Bridget Kies and Megan Connor, editors, Fandom, the Next Generation. Iowa City: University of Iowa Press, 2022, paperback, $70.00 (256p), ISBN 9781609388331; eBook, $70, ISBN 9781609388348.
Putting forward platforms in fan studies
Authors: Alberto Maria K. , Effie Sapuridis  , Lesley Willard
Published: March 2024

Editorial for "Fandom and Platforms," edited by Maria K. Alberto, Effie Sapuridis, and Lesley Willard, special issue, Transformative Works and Cultures, no. 42 (March 15, 2024).
Ética e educação física escolar: um estudo de revisão sobre a produção científica nacional
Authors: Sifuentes Leitão Arnaldo , Prodócimo Elaine
Published: March 2024

A ética é tema fundamental nos debates sobre os aspectos formativos da Educação e Educação Física. Contudo, ainda enfrentamos muitos desafios no desenvolvimento e sistematização de práticas pedagógicas com essa temática referenciadas em um debate teórico-metodológico. Com isso, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a produção científica nacional sobre o tema ética na Educação Física escolar entre os anos de 2001 e 2018. Este é um estudo descritivo de revisão bibliográfica. O corpus de artigos analisados foi organizado por meio de buscas em periódicos nacionais com Qualis-Capes B2 ou superior, com histórico de publicações na área da Educação Física escolar. Três temáticas são recorrentes: formação profissional, teorias pedagógicas e éticas, e propostas e práticas pedagógicas. Foram encontrados 27 artigos no total, o que explicita a baixa produção científica com o tema. O maior volume de publicações se relaciona a propostas e práticas pedagógicas, o que indica que a área está preocupada com os objetos de intervenção na escola, contudo, dentre estes poucos estudos enfocam a fundamentação teórico-metodológica, o que nos preocupa, porque podemos estar reproduzindo bases epistemológicas de outras áreas, e ainda, não qualificar o debate das políticas curriculares em termos de relevância ética-política e social da nossa prática pedagógica na escola.
Educação física escolar em EAD: uma revisão integrativa no contexto pandêmico da COVID-19
Authors: Vieira Santana Cristiano , Bássoli de Oliveira Amauri Aparecido , Ana Luiza Barbosa Anversa Ana Luiza Barbosa , Caraçato de Sousa Yedda Maria da Silva , Souza Vânia de Fátima Matias de
Published: March 2024

A prática pedagógica em Educação Física Escolar, surpreendida pela pandemia, foi obrigada a se adaptar e aprender como se comportar no novo cenário educacional. O objetivo deste trabalho foi (re)conhecer a transposição didática dos docentes de Educação Física Escolar em relação ao uso das Novas Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (NTICs) para o ensino, em especial no período de pandemia da COVID19. Para tal, elaboramos um estudo de natureza qualitativa, de cunho exploratório, com foco metodológico na revisão integrativa do estado da arte acerca da Educação Física Escolar em contexto virtual/remoto. A busca de produções científicas centrou-se nas bases de dados Scopus (Elsevier) e Web of Science. Identificamos e selecionamos 16 artigos que revelaram subcategorias de análises basilares para o avanço na compreensão da realidade didática no contexto pandêmico. Concluímos que se faz necessário um progresso no volume de estudos acerca da realidade virtual/remoto sobre Educação Física Escolar; que o ensino em realidade virtual/remoto é um fenômeno multifacetado, de múltiplas abrangências, não apenas como subcategoria da Educação, mas como um novo fenômeno formativo caminhando a pari passu com a própria, em função de suas particularidades; e que essa nova realidade, confunde, causa receios, e ao mesmo tempo empolga pela sua dinâmica.
Epistemological (re)considerations on physical education in Brazil from the kinesiology of the United States: A horizon beyond the epithets
Authors: Reis Rafael Augusto Marques , Oliveira Vinicius Machado de , Souza Neidiana Braga da Silva , Menegaldo Pedro Henrique Iglesiaz , Brasil Marcos Roberto , Souza Juliano de
Published: March 2024

This study discusses theoretical reverberations that stand out in the field of Physical Education (PE) in Brazil in the face of epistemological discussions demarcated within the scope of PE in the USA from the 1960s onwards, and due to the contributions of the Disciplinary Movement and the context by which Kinesiology then established its position as a scope in the field of American PE. An exploratory literature review was carried out with the following guiding question: what is the impact of the epistemological developments of North American PE on the configuration of the general theory of PE in Brazil? From this perspective, we verified the authors in the Brazilian field who took a position on the resonances and limits arising from the conjectures of the scientific field of PE in the USA. Through this investigation, some processes of inhibition were highlighted by which the proposal of Kinesiology could not increase reflections in Brazil, with few exceptions.
Exploring the relationship between physical literacy levels, engagement and emotionality in physical education classes
Authors: Castillo-Retamal Marcelo , Concha-Salazar Andrés , Castro-Morales Luis , Cerda-Aravena Javier , Hernández-Muñoz Carlos
Published: March 2024

For the researchers, physical literacy (AFi) is the objective to be achieved in Physical Education, for seeking competent subjects, capable of adhering to physical activity throughout their lives, with continuous personal, social, affective, and physical development. Quantitative, descriptive-correlational research was carried out, with a non-experimental design and a non-probabilistic sample of 322 subjects, students from 12 to 18 years old from private, public, and subsidized schools in Talca, Chile. The aim was to relate the level of AFi, engagement and perceived emotionality. Data were collected by the Perceived Physical Literacy Instrument (PPLI), Behavioral Engagement Questionnaire (BEQ) and Scale for Mood Assessment (EVEA). A positive relationship was identified with a higher level of physical literacy, higher levels of happiness (r=0.37) and emotional engagement (r=0.54), decreasing the indexes of hostility (r=-0.25) and the private establishments reach the highest levels of anxiety (X̅=3.2). It is concluded that the higher the level of AFi, the greater the commitment and the greater the regulation of emotional factors.
Teachers’ profile in sustainability: Association with personal and social responsibility in physical education classes
Authors: Lorente-Echeverría Silvia , Corral-Abós Ana , Canales-Lacruz Inma , Murillo-Pardo Berta
Published: March 2024

This study aims to identify in a sample of future teachers the profiles of their perceptions, attitudes, and values towards sustainable development and to determine whether a specific profile is related to personal and social responsibility and positive behaviors in Physical Education classes. The sample comprised 372 students (Mage = 22.02±3.16 years; 66.67% girls) from the subject of Physical Education of the Degree of Teacher of Primary Education (Universities of Granada and Zaragoza). An initial cluster analysis revealed the existence of two different groups among future teachers: Cluster 1, "negative perception," represented by 36.3%, and Cluster 2, "positive perceptions" with 63.7% of the sample. Thus, almost 40% of the sample does not perceive the current environmental crisis. The relationship between the groups and the rest of the target variables was analyzed through one-factor ANOVA, finding that Cluster 2 students had higher values in all the dimensions of personal and social responsibility and positive behaviors than those of Cluster 1. Lastly, a discriminant analysis revealed that belonging to a certain university determined belonging to one of the two Clusters, with the values obtained by the sample from the University of Granada being higher than those from the University of Zaragoza.
Concepções dos profissionais de saúde acerca da prática do exercício físico em indivíduos privados de liberdade
Authors: Santos Passos Costa Jessica , Suzana Alves Nogueira Souza  , Maciel Gilmar Sampaio , Soares Epifania Patrícia , Silva Barreto Isis Ludmila , Dos Santos Passos Marjory
Published: March 2024

Introdução : Os profissionais de saúde apresentam uma concepção incipiente e limitada acerca da prática da EF vinculada à saúde. Objetivo : Objetivou-se analisar as concepções dos profissionais de saúde acerca da prática do Exercício Físico (EF) em indivíduos privados de liberdade de um presídio regional do seminário baiano. Materiais e Métodos : Trata-se de uma pesquisa de campo, qualitativa, no Presídio Regional do Semiárido Baiano, em 2019, com 28 profissionais de saúde. Utilizou-se sessões e entrevistas semiestruturadas. Realizou-se Análise Categorial Temática de Bardin. Resultados: Sistematizou-se três categorias: 1) Percepção dos profissionais de saúde sobre a importância da prática da EF para os indivíduos privados de liberdade; 2)Prática do EF no presídio; 3)Acometimentos de maior incidência no presídio e os tratamentos utilizados. A maioria tinha a percepção do EF vinculada à saúde; os exercícios relatados foram jogar bola e futebol, musculação improvisada, caminhadas e abdominais, todos sem orientação profissional; especificou-se que o EF pode ser um aliado trazendo benefícios ao processo de ressocialização, na redução da agressividade e reincidência ao crime. A Educação Física não se constituiu como elemento prioritário na unidade prisional. Conclusão : A prática regular do EF deve pertencer aos programas de intervenção com os presos e que esses sejam orientados.
Editorial
Authors: Herath H. M. S. K.
Published: March 2024

No abstract available
Full Envelope Flight Control System Design and Optimization for a Tilt-Wing Aircraft
Authors: Comer Anthony M. , Chakraborty Imon
Published: March 2024

Novel vertical take-off and landing advanced air mobility aircraft which are overactuated and transition between vertical and forward flight modes pose unique challenges for the design of safe and robust full‐envelope fly‐by‐wire flight control systems. This paper
presents a methodology for designing and optimizing a control system architecture for a tilt-wing urban air mobility concept. It features the total energy control system algorithm, which is extended to be applicable to hover and transitioning flight and explicit model following inner loops.
Control system parameters are optimized using a genetic algorithm optimization scheme, subject to constraints on closed-loop dynamic stability and control response characteristics. Control system performance is demonstrated by simulation of lateral, longitudinal, and directional maneuvering
for hover, transition, and forward flight conditions, followed by simulation of departure and arrival transitions while tracking a prescribed flightpath and speed profile in calm and turbulent air. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control system architecture and the
demonstrated optimization methodology.
Glycemic Control and Retinal Microvascular Changes in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients without Clinical Retinopathy
Authors: Lee Kangmin , Lee Ga Hye , Lee Seung Eun , Yang Jee Myung , Bae Kunho
Published: March 2024

Background: To investigate the association of glycemic control and retinal microvascular changes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) without diabetic retinopathy (DR).Methods: This retrospective, observational, cohort study included patients with T2DM without DR. The patients were categorized into intensive control (IC; mean glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c] ≤7.0%) and moderate control (MC; mean HbA1c >7.0%) groups. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and swept-source OCT angiography (OCTA) image parameters were compared between three groups, including healthy controls.Results: In total, 259 eyes of 259 participants (88 IC, 81 MC, and 90 controls) were included. The foveal avascular zone area was significantly larger in the MC group than IC and control groups (all P<0.05). The IC group had lower vessel density in the superficial retinal layer and deep retinal layer than the controls (all P<0.05). The choriocapillaris (CC) flow deficit (FD) was significantly greater in the MC group than in the IC and control groups (18.2%, 16.7%, and 14.2%, respectively; all P<0.01). In multivariate regression analysis, CC-FD was associated with the mean HbA1c level (P=0.008). There were no significant differences in OCT parameters among the groups.Conclusion: OCTA revealed that early CC impairment is associated with HbA1c levels; the CC changes precede clinically apparent DR. The OCTA parameters differed among the groups according to the degree of glycemic control. Our results suggest that microvascular changes precede DR and are closely related to glycemic control.
The minimum effective concentration (MEC90) of bupivacaine for an ultrasound-guided suprainguinal fascia iliaca compartment block for analgesia in knee surgery: a dose-finding study
Authors: Genc Caner , Tulgar Serkan , Unal Murat , Genc Ahmet Serhat , Kehribar Lokman , Erdivanli Basar , Vermeylen Kris , Koksal Ersin
Published: March 2024

Background: In recent years, the suprainguinal fascia iliaca compartment block (SFICB) has become more common in clinical practice. This assessor-blinded dose-finding study aimed to determine the minimum effective concentration (MEC90, MEC95) of bupivacaine for a single-injection SFICB in patients undergoing arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament repair. Methods: This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary hospital (postoperative recovery room and ward). The SFICB was performed as a postsurgical intervention after spinal anesthesia. Seventy patients were allocated using the biased-coin design up-and-down sequential method. The ultrasound-guided SFICB was performed using different bupivacaine concentrations, and standard multimodal analgesia was administered to all patients. Block success was defined as the absence of pain or presence of only tactile sensation during the pinprick test conducted on the anterior and lateral regions of the mid-thigh six hours postoperatively.Results: According to isotonic regression and bootstrap CIs, the MEC90 value of bupivacaine for a successful SFICB was 0.123% (95% CI [0.098, 0.191]) and the MEC95 value was 0.188% (95% CI [0.113, 0.223]).Conclusions: Our study showed that the MEC90 and MEC95 values for bupivacaine administered via an SFICB for analgesia were 0.123% and 0.188%, respectively. One advantage of using lower concentrations of bupivacaine is the associated reduction in quadriceps weakness.
A Contemporary Approach to Designing and Implementing Electronic Voting Systems (EVS)
Authors: Azameti Adams Addison Kobla , Quist Samuel Chris , Koi-Akrofi Godfred , Nwachuku Benedict C.
Published: March 2024

This study delves into the potential of Electronic Voting Systems (EVS) in Ghana, to enhance transparent and trustworthy electoral processes. We presented a comprehensive framework highlighting trust, diaspora engagement, and human factors in voting. The study proposes a robust EVS framework for Ghana, emphasizing trust and accountability, preventing electoral fraud, and encouraging African governments to invest in IT and collaborate with experts in e-government and e-voting systems. We commence with a detailed systems analysis, identifying specific electoral challenges in Ghana. An artifact is designed and developed, and the artifact's effectiveness is demonstrated through Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM). We evaluated its alignment with the desired solution for Ghana's electoral issues. We emphasize the potential of EVS to address electoral challenges in Ghana and underscore the importance of proactive government policies, IT investments, and collaboration with IT experts. User acceptance testing achieved a remarkable 98% approval rate, showcasing the feasibility of implementing EVS at the national level. This research underlines the pivotal role of EVS in Ghana and advocates for visionary government policies and investments in IT. These measures can modernize electoral systems, align them with international standards, and promote democratic progress while preventing electoral fraud in Ghana and other African nations to avoid condemnation and punishment of unconstitutional transfers of power that are being challenged by meticulously planned takeovers.
Time complexity of the analyst's traveling salesman algorithm
Authors: Ramirez Anthony , Vellis Vyron
Published: March 2024

The Analyst's Traveling Salesman Problem asks for conditions under which a (finite or infinite) subset of $\R^N$ is contained on a curve of finite length. We show that for finite sets, the algorithm constructed in \cite{Schul-Hilbert,BNV} that solves the Analyst's Traveling Salesman Problem has polynomial time complexity and we determine the sharp exponent.
Violent crowd flow detection from surveillance cameras using deep transfer learning–gated recurrent unit
Authors: Imah Elly Matul , Puspitasari Riskyana Dewi Intan
Published: March 2024

Violence can be committed anywhere, even in crowded places. It is hence necessary to monitor human activities for public safety. Surveillance cameras can monitor surrounding activities but require human assistance to continuously monitor every incident. Automatic violence detection is needed for early warning and fast response. However, such automation is still challenging because of low video resolution and blind spots. This paper uses ResNet50v2 and the gated recurrent unit (GRU) algorithm to detect violence in the Movies, Hockey, and Crowd video datasets. Spatial features were extracted from each frame sequence of the video using a pretrained model from ResNet50V2, which was then classified using the optimal trained model on the GRU architecture. The experimental results were then compared with wavelet feature extraction methods and classification models, such as the convolutional neural network and long short‐term memory. The results show that the proposed combination of ResNet50V2 and GRU is robust and delivers the best performance in terms of accuracy, recall, precision, and F1‐score. The use of ResNet50V2 for feature extraction can improve model performance.
Tumor size discrepancy between endoscopic and pathological evaluations in colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Onda Takeshi , Goto Osamu , Otsuka Toshiaki , Hayasaka Yoshiaki , Nakagome Shun , Habu Tsugumi , Ishikawa Yumiko , Kirita Kumiko , Koizumi Eriko , Noda Hiroto , Higuchi Kazutoshi , Omori Jun , Akimoto Naohiko , Iwakiri Katsuhiko
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Tumor size impacts the technical difficulty and histological curability of colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD); however, the preoperative evaluation of tumor size is often different from histological assessment. Analyzing influential factors on failure to obtain an accurate tumor size evaluation could help prepare optimal conditions for safer and more reliable ESD.

AIM

To investigate the tumor size discrepancy between endoscopic and pathological evaluations and the influencing factors.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study conducted at a single institution. A total of 377 lesions removed by colorectal ESD at our hospital between April 2018 and March 2022 were collected. We first assessed the difference in size with an absolute percentage of the scaling discrepancy. Subsequently, we compared the clinicopathological characteristics of the correct scaling group (> -33% and < 33%) with that of the incorrect scaling group (< -33% or > 33%), which was further subdivided into the underscaling group (-33% or less of the discrepancy) and overscaling group (33% or more of the discrepancy), respectively. As secondary outcome measures, parameters on size estimation were compared between the underscaling and correct scaling groups, as well as between the overscaling and correct scaling groups. Finally, multivariate analysis was performed in terms of the following relevant parameters on size estimation: Pathological size, location, and possible influential factors (P < 0.1) in the univariate analysis.

RESULTS

The mean of absolute percentage in the scaling discordance was 21%, and 91 lesions were considered to be incorrectly estimated in size. The incorrect scaling was significantly remarkable in larger lesions (40 mm vs 28 mm; P < 0.001) and less experience (P < 0.001), and these two factors were influential on the underscaling (75 lesions; P < 0.001). Conversely, compared with the correct scaling group, 16 lesions in the overscaling group were significantly small (20 mm vs 28 mm; P < 0.001), and the small lesion size was influential on the overscaling (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Lesions indicated for colorectal ESD tended to be underestimated in large tumors, but overestimated in small ones. This discrepancy appears worth understanding for optimal procedural preparation.
Could near focus endoscopy, narrow-band imaging, and acetic acid improve the visualization of microscopic features of stomach mucosa?
Authors: Kurtcehajic Admir , Zerem Enver , Bokun Tomislav , Alibegovic Ervin , Kunosic Suad , Hujdurovic Ahmed , Tursunovic Amir , Ljuca Kenana
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Conventional magnifying endoscopy with narrow-band imaging (NBI) observation of the gastric body mucosa shows dominant patterns in relation to the regular arrangement of collecting venules, subepithelial capillary network, and gastric pits.

AIM

To evaluate the effectiveness of a new one-dual (near) focus, NBI mode in the assessment of the microscopic features of gastric body mucosa compared to conventional magnification.

METHODS

During 2021 and 2022, 68 patients underwent proximal gastrointestinal endoscopy using magnification endoscopic modalities subsequently applying acetic acid (AA). The GIF-190HQ series NBI system with dual focus capability was used for the investigation of gastric mucosa. At the time of the endoscopy, the gastric body mucosa of all enrolled patients was photographed using the white light endoscopy (WLE), near focus (NF), NF-NBI, AA-NF, and AA-NF-NBI modes.

RESULTS

The WLE, NF and NF-NBI endoscopic modes for all patients (204 images) were classified in the same order into three groups. Two images from each patient for the AA-NF and AA-NF-NBI endoscopic modes were classified in the same order. According to all three observers who completed the work independently, NF magnification was significantly superior to WLE (P < 0.01), and the NF-NBI mode was significantly superior to NF magnification (P < 0.01). After applying AA, the three observers confirmed that AA-NF-NBI was significantly superior to AA-NF (P < 0.01). Interobserver kappa values for WLE were 0.609, 0.704, and 0.598, respectively and were 0.600, 0.721, and 0.637, respectively, for NF magnification. For the NF-NBI mode, the values were 0.378, 0.471, and 0.553, respectively. For AA-NF, they were 0.453, 0.603, and 0.480, respectively, and for AA-NF-NBI, they were 0.643, 0.506, and 0.354, respectively.

CONCLUSION

When investigating gastric mucosa in microscopic detail, NF-NBI was the most powerful endoscopic mode for assessing regular arrangement of collecting venules, subepithelial capillary network, and gastric pits among the five endoscopic modalities investigated in this study. AA-NF-NBI was the most powerful endoscopic mode for analyzing crypt opening and intervening part.
Enoxacin fluoroquinolone antibacterial agent complexes with Pt(IV), Ru(III) and Ir(III) ions: Synthesis, spectroscopic, physicochemical characterizations and biological studies
Authors: A. El-Habeeb Abeer , S. Refat Moamen
Published: March 2024

The synthesis, physicochemical characterizations, and biological investigations on the chelation of the antibiotic medication enoxacin (EXN) with certain vital metal ions, such as platinum(IV), ruthenium(III), and iridium(III) are discussed in this study. These compounds structures were interpreted based on elemental analysis and spectral measurements (FTIR, 1H-NMR, UV-Vis electronic, and XRD). The findings show that there is same coordination pathway for the chelation behavior of enoxacin complexes: a monodentate manner. The Pt(IV), Ru(III), and Ir(III) complexes are coordinated through the N atom of the piperazine ring, which is an unusual mode of coordination for this class of compounds. The dissolved complexes in DMSO were found to have non-electrolyte nature based on their molar conductance measurements. The formula for these complexes is [Pt(EXN)3(H2O)2Cl] (1), [Ru(EXN)3(H2O)3] (2), and [Ir(EXN)3(H2O)3] (3). Using scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), the nano-scale range of the Pt(IV), Ru(III), and Ir(III) complexes has been determined. Results of in vitro cytotoxicity were examined using MCF-7 cells (human breast cancer cell line) and HepG-2 cells (human hepatocellular carcinoma) that had been grown. The cytotoxic activity of the metal complexes demonstrated a cytotoxic effect against the growth of human breast and liver cancer cell lines.

KEY WORDS: Enoxacin, Platinum(IV), Complexity, Spectral analyses, Biological assessments

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(3), 685-699.                                                             

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i3.11
Synthesis, spectroscopic characterizations and biological studies on gold(III), ruthenium(III) and iridium(III) complexes of trimethoprim antibiotic drug
Authors: A. El-Habeeb Abeer , S. Refat Moamen
Published: March 2024

Ruthenium(III), gold(III), and iridium(III) trimethoprim drug (TMP) complexes were synthesized and analyses via microanalytical approach (C, H, N analysis), magnetic, molar conductance, and FTIR, 1H NMR, XRD, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Through two nitrogen atoms of –NH2 amino groups, the TMP drug coordinated as a bidentate ligand towards the corresponding three metal ions. The geometrical structure of the compounds ruthenium(III), gold(III), and iridium(III) is octahedral and consists of two TMP molecules, two coordinated chlorine atoms, and one uncoordinated chlorine atom. The antibacterial properties of TMP complexes have been investigated through the use of many bacterial species, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Additionally, the generated complexes' anticancer properties against HepG-2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma) and MCF-7 (human breast cancer cell line) have been assessed. In contrast to those of clinically used antibiotics, the inhibition zone of ruthenium and iridium(III) complexes was in the low efficiency range, and the antibacterial activity of gold(III) complexes was moderate. This article discusses the possibilities and prospects for this family of metallodrugs as antibacterial or anticancer medicines.

KEY WORDS: Trimethoprim drug, Chelation, Gold, TEM, XRD, FTIR

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(3), 701-714.                                                       

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i3.12
Hepatoprotective perspective of newly synthesized 3-(3,5-bis (tri fluoro methyl) phenyl)- 5-methyl-1-((1-methyl-1h-pyrrol-2-yl) methyl)-2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-one against diethyl nitrosamine induced liver injury in rats with molecular docking investigatio
Authors: S. Akree Lana , O. Ahmad Hiwa , A. Amin Zahra
Published: March 2024

The hepatoprotective effect of synthesized 3-(3,5-bis (trifluoromethyl) phenyl)-5-methyl-1-((1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl) methyl)-2-thioxoimidazolidin-4-one (3FL-M) was evaluated against diethyl nitrosamine-induced liver injury (DEN). Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups as: placebo (received 10% tween 80%), hepatotoxic control (injected with 200 mg/kg of DEN) and treatment (injected 200 mg/kg of DEN and received 50 mg/kg oral feeding of the synthesized 3FL-M). Half the number of the rats were sacrificed on 2nd week of the experiment, whereas the other half were sacrificed after 6 weeks. Blood was collected to run liver biochemical analysis, and to evaluate pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha TNF-α and interleukine6 IL-6. Liver sections were used to detect nuclear protein ki-67 and hepatocyte specific antibody HSA. 3FL-M was subjected to molecular docking calculations based on binding affinities towards TNF-α and IL-6. DEN-treated rats showed elevation in the liver serum enzymes as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines with clear destruction of the hepatic architecture, in contrast 3FL-M treated rats showed normalized liver enzymes and cytokines levels with resolution of the hepatocytes. Molecular modelling revealed that 3FL-M exhibited the significant affinities toward the binding pocket of the TNF-α and IL-6, however, further studies is recommended for developing it as a chemotherapeutic drug-like molecule.

KEY WORDS: DEN, Hepatoprotective, TNF-α, IL-6, Molecular docking

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(3), 751-763.                                                      

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i3.16
Nickel oxide nanoparticles as sustainable catalysts for efficient synthesis and anti-microbial evaluation of 2-amino-4H-pyran derivatives
Authors: M. Abd El-Lateef Hany , A.A. Elkanzi Nadia , Muqbil Alsirhania Alaa , K.  Alali Ibtisam , Alkorbi Faeza , M. Ryad Rasha , A. Saber El Sayed , M. Ali Ali
Published: March 2024

In the current paper, nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) was successfully applied as a sustainable effective and recoverable catalyst for the preparation of 2-amino-4H pyran derivatives 2-11 via one-pot, three-component reaction of 4-formylphenyl-4-methyl benzenesulfonate (1) with malononitrile and active methylene compounds in green solvent water and ethanol in ratio (3:1) in excellent yield (95-98%) and shorter reaction time (5-8 min). The structures of the pyran derivatives were elucidated by elemental and spectral analyses such as IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and DEPT 135 spectra. Moreover, the characterization of the catalyst after and before the reaction were studied using X-ray diffraction (X-RD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), EDX techniques and IR-spectra. It has been indicated that catalyst has the same efficiency. The application of this protocol has many advantages such as eco-friendly, inexpensive, simple protocol and easy recovery of the catalyst. Overall products are designed, synthesized and studied for their anti-microbial evaluation. It has been found that is compounds 2, 3, 7 and 10 are the most active against antibacterial compression with the stander drug Ampicillin. On the other hand, Compounds 2, 3, 8, and 11 displayed the most promising antifungal activities with Amphotericin B.

KEY WORDS: Nickel oxide nanoparticles, Pyran derivatives, X-Ray diffraction (X-RD), Antimicrobial evaluation, One-pot, Three-component reaction

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(3), 657-670.                                                            

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i3.9