bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancing Carbapenem-Resistant K. pneumoniae Risk Factor and Prognosis Analysis: A Comparative Study of Machine Learning Techniques Over Traditional Statistical Method
Authors: CAI CHANG , Qian Yingjuan , Xiong Panfeng , Dong Ning , Wong Kok Wai , Wang Guanjin , Zhang Rong
Published: March 2024

Background
The global rise of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) poses significant treatment challenges, emphasizing the need to understand contributing factors to infections and their impact on patient prognosis. Traditional models like logistic regression often fall short in handling complex, multidimensional datasets integral to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) research, necessitating advanced analytical approaches.
Methods
This study compares the efficacy of machine learning techniques—specifically, classification trees and neural networks—against traditional statistical models in analysing risk determinants and prognosis factors of AMR. By integrating demographic, medical records, and next-generation sequencing data, we aimed to leverage machine learning's advanced capabilities to manage complex datasets and provide a comprehensive analysis of factors affecting CRKP infections and patient outcomes.
Results
Our findings indicate that machine learning techniques, particularly decision trees, offer significant advantages over traditional statistical models in analysing clinical risk factors. The integration of machine learning with next-generation sequencing data enhances the understanding of the genetic basis of AMR, thereby facilitating the development of targeted interventions.
Conclusions
The application of machine learning techniques represents a preferable alternative for analysing AMR risk determinants and prognosis factors. This study underscores the potential of combining advanced analytical methods with genetic data to improve our understanding and management of AMR, highlighting the critical role of machine learning in advancing research in infectious diseases.
The Relationship Between Social Anxiety and the Desire for Cosmetic Surgery: The Mediating Role of Body Image and Appearance-Based Rejection Sensitivity
Authors: Amirian Mohadeseh , Momeni Khodamorad , Yazdanbakhsh Kamran
Published: March 2024

Due to the increasing prevalence of cosmetic surgeries, it seems necessary to investigate the psychological factors involved in this issue. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the relationship between social anxiety and the desire for cosmetic surgery (DCS) through the mediating role of body image and appearance-based rejection sensitivity (ABRS). This was a correlational study, of structural equation modeling (SEM) type. The statistical population included all students studying at universities of Kermanshah, Iran in the academic year 2020-2021, out of whom 326 were selected through convenience sampling method. Participants filled out Henderson-King’s attitudes towards cosmetic surgery, Connor et al.’s social phobia, Littleton et al.’s fear of body image, and Park’s ABRS questionnaires. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and SEM were used in LISREL8.8 and SPSS-22 software to analyze the data. The results revealed that the hypothesized model had a good fit in the study sample. It was also found that the avoidance and physiological distress components of social anxiety are related to DCS through body image and ABRS, respectively. Accordingly, measures to increase knowledge about psychological factors, especially social anxiety, affecting DCS in cosmetic physicians and clients of beauty clinics, are recommended.
How Social Norms Can Diffuse through Social Networks: A Study of Childhood Vaccination Attitudes and Norms in Varanasi, India
Authors: Alperstein Neil , Rimal Rajiv , Jamison Amelia , Ganjoo Rohini , Pascual-Ferra Paola , Bhaktaram Ananya , Mohanty Satyanarayan , Barnett Daniel , Rath Sidharth
Published: March 2024

Background
Childhood immunization rates in the urban slums of India are suboptimal. Rapid urbanization is associated with decreased connection to government resources and fewer social interactions between neighbors. The role of social capital in the dissemination of vaccine information is understudied, particularly in this urban slum context. This research explores the social networks of caregivers in Varanasi, India with an eye toward the connection between network structures and the development of social norm networks related to childhood immunization.
Methods
We performed a social network analysis for community detection to visualize the social structure that may influence normative beliefs around childhood immunization. We surveyed 2,058 caregivers living in slum areas of Varanasi, India about childhood immunization practices. Respondents also provided the names of three close contacts with whom they had discussed childhood immunization. We created an index to measure participants’ adherence to descriptive norms and another one to measure their adherence to injunctive norms related to childhood immunization. We then used Gephi software to visualize and analyze the social networks of all respondents and the norm networks based on participants’ strength of adherence to descriptive and injunctive norms.
Results
The analysis uncovered a narrow network of influence comprising mostly of distant and immediate family members, which may speak to a lack of community development in the urban areas we surveyed. The lack of interaction within the broader community – friends, and neighbors, among others - may have implications regarding vaccine intentions, vaccine hesitancy, and beliefs about vaccine safety. Our study of these norm networks indicates caregivers hold strong beliefs regarding childhood immunization, but for half of those in this study, normative beliefs were not as strong.
Conclusions
Understanding social networks and norms is important for encouraging childhood immunization in low-and middle-income countries. Close-knit social networks hold the potential to influence beliefs about childhood immunization, which may impact the role of public health, state, or government-sponsored communication that might promote greater engagement in childhood immunization efforts. We recommend that healthcare practitioners go beyond an individual-to-network model to consider a network-to-network model of influence.
Factors Determining Utilization of Stem Cell Transplant for Initial Therapy of Multiple Myeloma by Patient Race: Exploring Intra-racial Healthcare Disparities.
Authors: Ailawadhi Sikander , Adu Yaw , Frank Ryan , Das Saurav , Hodge David , Fernandez Andre , Flott Caitlyn , Elliott Jamie , Parrondo Ricardo , Sher Taimur , Roy Vivek , Chanan-Khan Asher
Published: March 2024

Multiple myeloma (MM) therapeutics have evolved tremendously in recent years, with significant improvement in patient outcomes. As newer treatment options are developed, stem cell transplant (SCT) remains an important modality that provides excellent disease control and delays the progression of disease. Over the years, SCT use has increased overall in the U.S., but two distinct gaps remain, including suboptimal use overall, and racial-ethnic disparities. We evaluated the National Cancer Database (NCDB) to study what sociodemographic factors might play a role within a given racial-ethnic group leading to disparate SCT utilization, such that targeted approaches can be developed to optimize SCT use for all. In nearly 112,000 cases belonging to mutually exclusive categories of non-Hispanic Whites (NHW), non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB), Hispanics, non-Hispanic Asians (NHA), and others, we found certain factors including age, comorbidity index, payor type, facility type (academic vs. community) and facility volume to be uniformly associated with SCT use for all the racial-ethnic groups, while gender was not significant for any of the groups. There were several other factors which had a differential impact on SCT utilization among the various race-ethnicity groups studied, including year of diagnosis (significant for NHW, NHB and Hispanics), income level (significant for NHW and Hispanics), literacy level (significant for NHW and NHB), and geographic location of the treatment facility (significant for NHW and NHA). The suboptimal SCT utilization overall in the U.S., suggests that there may be room for improvement for all, even including the majority NHW, while we continue to work on factors that lead to disparities for the traditionally underserved populations. This study helps identify sociodemographic factors that may play a role specifically in each group and paves the way to devise targeted solutions such that resource utilization and impact can be maximized.
Implication of the ADCY1 Gene in Lithium Response in Bipolar Disorder by Genome-wide Association Meta-analysis
Authors: McQuillin Andrew , Yao Kai , Nadeem Ayeda , Veen Tracey Van Der , Thygesen Johan , Jonsson Lina , Landén Mikael , Song Jie , Bass Nick
Published: March 2024

Lithium is a first-line treatment option for bipolar disorder (BD). However, the response to treatment is variable, and lithium is associated with significant side-effects. Efforts to examine the influence of genetics in the efficacy of lithium using genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified several loci. We report data from 1259 participants with BD recruited at University College London who had been treated with lithium. The data comes from three waves of genotyping on different arrays. The GWAS data from each array was analysed separately and then meta-analysed with two published lithium response GWAS datasets. Post-GWAS analyses were conducted to examine the heritability of lithium response and genetic correlations with other traits. We also attempted to replicate past polygenic risk scores (PRS) results. SNP rs116927879 (A/G) was associated with good lithium response at a genome-wide level of significance (p = 4.509×10− 08) with a consistent effect across all cohorts. rs116927879 is located on chromosome 7 and maps to the protein coding gene ADCY1 and two pseudo-genes, GTF2IP13 and SEPT7P2. ADCY1 plays a role in the regulatory processes in the central nervous system, memory, and learning. We estimated the SNP heritability (h2) for good lithium response as 20.3% and 15.6% for subjective and objective response definitions, respectively. We did not observe any genetic correlation or PRS association between the lithium response and schizophrenia or major depression disorder. However, we found weak evidence to suggest that males were more likely to be good responders. Our GWAS identifies a genome wide significant finding, and provides updated heritability estimates for lithium efficacy, which require further examination.
The Impact of Global Value Chain Reconstruction on Innovation: Evidence from Chinese Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Zhu Guang
Published: March 2024

Based on the trends presented by China's participation in the global value chain (GVC) division of labor, this paper proposes to measure the reconstruction of the GVC from two perspectives: location reconstruction and transfer reconstruction. Through theoretical analysis, it elucidates the issue of how emerging economies represented by China drive innovation through role transformation in the process of participating in the GVC division of labor. Empirical tests are conducted using Chinese firm-level data from 2000 to 2013, and the results indicate that both location reconstruction towards high-tech segments and transfer reconstruction towards non-G7 economies have a promoting effect on firm innovation for emerging market economies. In this process, an increase in import downstreamness promotes firm innovation through technology spillover effect and absorptive capacity effect, however, spillover effect increase is also accompanied by "low-end lock-in" in processing trade firms and foreign-invested firms. Furthermore, the decrease in the share of intermediate products imported from G7 countries promotes firm innovation through the expansion of exports, especially the exports of intermediate products to non-G7 economies, which reflecting the transfer of value chains to some extent.
JEL: F13;F14;O31
Exploring barrier of intrapartum care maternal satisfaction among mothers who gave birth in public hospitals, South-west Shoa Zone, Ethiopia, 2022, Pure qualitative study
Authors: Chuko Bacha Merga , Marami Shambal Negese , Kibrat Fikru Assefa , Gari Zufela Sime , Gindaba Mitiku Yonas , Feyisa Mulugeta , Gazehegn Andualem , Tolesa Fikadu , Geda Gebreyes Mengistu , Terefa Teka Fayera
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Intrapartum care maternal satisfaction is an assumption of happiness with self and with the physical environment of the delivery ward and quality of care. A mom joyful with intrapartum care affects the selection of birth area and helps in identifying gaps between actual and intended health care outcomes. This study aimed to explore barrier of intrapartum care maternal satisfaction.
Objectives: To explore barrier of intrapartum care maternal satisfaction among mothers who gave birth in public hospitals, Southwest Shoa Zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia, 2022.
Methods: A qualitative study was carried out among 28 mothers from April 15 – May 20, 2022. Purposive sampling technique was used to select mothers for face–to–face in-depth interviews. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically by transcribing recorded audio and notes taken during the interviews manually.
Results: Ten sub-themes were formed based on similarities of mothersòpinions. Then, the sub-theme was merged together, and four main themes were formed. The main themes were inadequate care given by health care providers, inadequate information and counseling given by health care provider, lack of Cleanliness and availability of infrastructure in the health facility and lack of laboratory test, drugs and medical supply.
Conclusion and Recommendation: The barrier of intrapartum care maternal satisfaction were inadequate care given by health care providers, inadequate information and counseling given by health care provider, lack of Cleanliness and availability of infrastructure in the health facility and lack of laboratory test, drugs and medical supply. Health Facility (Hospitals) managers should work hard on availing drugs and laboratory tests cleanliness of delivery ward, and provide linen and night cloth for women who came for labour and delivery.
Association between the Irrigation-Agitation Techniques and Periapical Healing of Large Periapical Lesions: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Doğan Mehmet Umutcan , Arıcıoğlu Banu , Köse Taha Emre , Çıkman Ahter Şanal , Öksüzer Merve Çoban
Published: March 2024

Objectives
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of manual dynamic activation (MDA), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), and laser-activated irrigation (shock wave-enhanced emission photoacoustic streaming (SWEEPS)) on the periapical healing of large periapical lesions following nonsurgical root canal treatment.
Materials and Methods
A total of fifty-six systemically healthy patients with a mandibular single-rooted tooth with periapical lesions of endodontic origin and a periapical index score of 3 or higher were included in the study. Before the treatment procedures, lesion volumes were determined volumetrically using cone–beam computed tomography (CBCT). Patients were randomized into treatment (MDA, PUI, SWEEPS) and control groups (n = 14). Root canal treatment and irrigation procedures were performed by a calibrated postgraduate operator and completed at one visit. For routine follow-up, clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed by a blinded evaluator using periapical (PA) radiographs according to Molven's criteria at 3, 6, and 9 months. At 12 months, lesion volumes were quantified volumetrically using CBCT (ITK-SNAP). The data were statistically analyzed with the Wilcoxon test. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.
Results
In all groups, the mean lesion volume after treatment was significantly smaller than the mean volume before treatment (p = 0.001). Among the 56 teeth, 11 teeth were ‘totally healed’, and 39 teeth were ‘reduced’ on PA radiographs. No ‘enlargement’ was detected in any group. On CBCT, the lesion volume decreased in the following order: LAI-SWEEPS (86.9%) > PUI (85.4%) > MDA (80.4%) > control (74.5%), with no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05).
Conclusions
Despite the limitations of the present study, although a greater percentage of healing was observed in the LAI-SWEEPS and PUI groups, irrigation procedures had no statistically significant effect on the healing of periapical lesions with a single root canal at the 12-month follow-up. On the other hand, the outcome may change in multirooted teeth with curved and complex root canal systems.
Clinical Relevance:
In the short term and in single-canal teeth, advanced irrigation agitation methods such as laser and ultrasonic did not make a difference in healing other than manual irrigation agitation.
Clinical profile and Factors associated with adverse outcome following Surgery for Sigmoid Volvulus: A multi centre study
Authors: Khadolwa Stephen Angira , Muhumuza Joshua , Abraha Demoz , Masereka Robert , Okuku Maxwel Dancan , Kabuye Umaru , Kilima Juliet Ilakhalwa , Bukhendwa Rodrigue Cikuru
Published: March 2024

Introduction
In Uganda, one of the leading causes of intestinal obstruction is sigmoid volvulus. Due to unavailability of endoscopic services in some settings, most of the patients usually undergo emergency surgery. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical profile and factors associated with early adverse outcome following surgery for sigmoid volvulus at Jinja, Hoima and Fortportal regional referral hospitals (FRRH, HRRH and FRRH respectively).
Methods
This was an observational prospective cohort done at 3 regional referral hospitals in Uganda. Patients undergoing surgery for sigmoid volvulus were enrolled consecutively and followed up till the time of discharge or death to document the mortality, occurrence of complications and length of hospital stay. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 26 with Poisson regression done to determine the factors.
Results
In this study that enrolled 81 participants, majority were males 63(77.8%) with a mean age of 55.1(SD=14.2) years. Hemodynamic instability was seen in 27(33.3%), non-viable gut in 27(33.3%) with colostomies placed in 61(75.3%) of the participants. Death occurred in 10(12.3%) of the patients, while 37(45.7%) had at least one complication with the commonest complication being surgical site infection 21(25.9%). The median length of hospital stay (LOS) was 8(IQR=7-11) days. At multivariate level of analysis, hyperkalemia (aRR=2.210, CI=1.512-3.630, P=0.024) and presence of a sigmoid perforation (aRR=1.913, CI=1.015-3.962, P<0.001) were independently associated with mortality, hypertension (aRR=2.726, CI=1.206-6.158, P=0.016) and presence of hemodynamic instability (aRR=2.500, CI=1.561-4.004, P<0.001) associated with occurrence of complications, while duration of symptoms greater than 3 days (aRR=1.217, CI=1.016-1.458, P=0.033) and hemodynamic instability (aRR=1.165, CI=1.017-1.335, P=0.028) were independently associated with prolonged hospital stay.
Conclusion
A big proportion of the participant’s presented with hemodynamic instability and non-viable gut resulting in placement of many colostomies. The mortality and morbidity were high as well as the length of hospital stay. More sensitization in relation to early presentation to hospital is still needed in order to reduce the number of patients that present with hemodynamic instability and non-viable or perforated sigmoid which in turn could improve the outcomes.
The Influence of Perioperative Enoxaparin on Bleeding After TORS Oropharyngectomy
Authors: Dewey John , Shaikh Noah , Al-Asadi Zayd , Turner Meghan
Published: March 2024

Objective: Perioperative enoxaparin is often avoided in patients undergoing trans-oral robotic (TORS) oropharyngectomy. Our goal was to quantify the risk of postoperative hemorrhage (POH) in patients receiving enoxaparin after TORS oropharyngectomy.
Study Design: Retrospective database cohort study.
Setting: 76 separate healthcare organizations.
Methods: The TriNetX electronic database was queried for patients with OPSCC who underwent TORS oropharyngectomy. Propensity-score matching was used to create two cohorts, one receiving and one not receiving perioperative enoxaparin. Outcome measures were the POH rate within 7 days of surgery (“primary”) and POH rate within 7-30 days of surgery (“secondary”).
Results: 973 patients undergoing TORS for OPSCC were identified, 362 of which received perioperative enoxaparin. One-to-one propensity score matching resulted in 276 patients per cohort. After matching, the primary POH rates between patients receiving and not receiving enoxaparin were 5.43% vs. 3.62% (OR 1.529, 95% CI 0.675 to 3.465). The secondary POH rates between those receiving and not receiving enoxaparin were 6.88% vs. 3.62% (OR 1.967, 95% CI 0.897 to 4.310). The number needed to harm (NNH) with perioperative enoxaparin use for primary and secondary POH after TORS was 55 and 30, respectively.
Conclusion: While not statistically significant, the use of perioperative enoxaparin after TORS is associated with increased odds of POH with a NNH of 55 and 30 for primary and secondary POH. For patients undergoing TORS, enoxaparin use requires careful weighing of the risks and benefits.
The effect of altitude above sea level on some structural characteristics, dynamics and diversity on Zagros forests in western Iran
Authors: Haidari Reza Hossein , pour Mohsen Javanmiri
Published: March 2024

Ecological conditions, such as environmental gradients, can affect the structural features and diversity of forests situated in altitude gradients. A study was conducted to examine the impact of altitude above sea level on certain structural features and diversity in Zagros forests in the Ghalajeh area of Kermanshah province. To analyze the effects of diversity on structural and habitat characteristics and their changes in different altitude gradients, eight sites were selected in four altitude ranges from sea level: 1200–1475 meters (low-land), 1475–1750 meters (low to mid-altitude), 1750–2025 meters (mid to high-altitude), and 2025–2300 meters (high-land), identified in both northern and southern slopes. In each site, three sample plots were chosen as replicates, and within each sample plot, all necessary characteristics of trees were measured. The results showed that with increasing altitude above sea level, the number and frequency of tree species increased, while the density of Iranian oak trees decreased. Species such as Almond tree (Prunus elaeagrifolia), Italian Honeysuckle (Lonicera nummulariifolia), and Maple tree (Acer monospessulanum) were predominantly present at higher altitudes. However, the presence of trees initially increased (in the mid-altitude elevation), then decreased (in the highland elevation) with increasing altitude, although this attribute was nearly equal in the lowland elevation in both northern and southern slopes. The study also found statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in variables such as tree diameter at breast height, tree height, and tree dieback levels across different altitudes above sea level. These results are beneficial in addressing ecological issues such as forest conservation and management, as well as assessing favorable environmental conditions, providing insights to predict future trends based on these findings.
Modelling methodology for the analysis of local government debt compliance
Authors: Antão Mário A. , Santos Paula , Trigueiros Duarte
Published: March 2024

To mitigate the difficulty of analysing local government debt, this article uses a methodology that makes statistical models more suitable for use with financial data, improving their reliability and ease of construction. The article illustrates the application of this methodology by identifying the factors that explain the unintelligible variation in Portuguese local government debt, showing how to identify which local governments have the most unpredictable variation in debt, and how to construct reliable and easy-to-use municipal Z-scores.
JEL Classification: C18, C21, C51, C52, C58, H68, H74, M48
Necrotizing Fasciitis: Treatment Concepts & Clinical Outcomes – An Institutional Experience.
Authors: Raveendranadh Ajay , Prasad S S , Viswanath Vivek
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:
A severe infection of the skin and soft tissues, necrotizing fasciitis (NF), spreads quickly along the deep fascia. This study aimed to characterize the clinicopathological features and analyze the bacteria implicated in antibiotic sensitivity, surgical management, and diagnostic accuracy of the Laboratory risk indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score for Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection (NSTI)
METHODS:
This single-center prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, with 171 proven cases of NSTI between 2019 and 2021. Clinico-demographic data and laboratory investigation values were collected at two time points (at admission and 72 hours after admission). Imaging data, LRINEC score, culture results, and antibiotic sensitivity were recorded. Appropriate descriptive and analytical statistics were used for the statistical analysis.
RESULTS:
Of the 171 patients, 150 were male (87.7%). The mean age was 57.6 ± 13.1 years. The presenting features in all the cases were pain, swelling, and fever. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is the most common comorbidity. The lower extremities were the most commonly affected sites. Streptococcus pyogenes showed significant growth in 25.41% of the samples. Ceftriaxone sensitivity was seen in 41/141. A score of ≥ 8 was obtained n 118/171 (69%) patients, suggesting a higher severity and significant risk for NSTI. The Area Under the Curve of Receiver Operating characteristic Curve (ROC) for establishing diagnostic accuracy for LRINEC was 0.694. Mortality was significantly higher in the patients with higher LRINEC scores and elevated procalcitonin. The mortality rate was higher in patients who underwent surgery within 12 hours.
CONCLUSION:
Necrotizing fasciitis is a soft tissue infection with a high mortality rate. The clinical features and determinants of mortality in patients with NF are highlighted in this study. At the outset, a high index of suspicion was critical. Using prognostic evaluation techniques in daily clinical practice will assist medical professionals in providing adequate on-time care and significantly lowering mortality. Delay in surgical intervention after admission is one of the most important determinants of mortality and morbidity.
Single and Multi-Lead ECG Heartbeat Classification Using XGBoost on Pre-trained CNN Feature Layer
Authors: Kancharla Naveen Kumar , V Brindha
Published: March 2024

Electrocardiogram (ECG) is a common tool used in technology-assisted systems to help spot heart rhythm problems. Doctors rely on it to identify and understand any irregularities in the heart's activity. Therefore, making the process of analyzing ECG heartbeats automatic is crucial for diagnosing heart conditions effectively. This proposed work introduces a groundbreaking approach for analyzing electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, essential for diagnosing heart conditions. It uniquely combines XGBoost, a potent predictive model, with the capabilities of pretrained convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for detecting features in ECG data. Applied to both single and multi-lead ECG datasets, specifically MIT-BIH and PTB-XL, this approach offers a straightforward yet highly effective way to diagnose cardio vascular diseases.
Compared with traditional models like Decision Trees, Random Forest, and others, the proposed method significantly outperforms, achieving accuracies of 95.8% for single-lead and 97% for multi-lead signals. This innovation excels in precision and reduces the complexity and computational needs, showcasing a significant leap forward in efficient and accurate ECG classification.
in silico Computational Studies of phenolic compounds from Pinaropappus roseus Less leaves extract against BCL-2 and BCL-XL proteins Associated with Cancer Cell Survival and Resistance
Authors: Tejeda-Orjuela Juan Camilo , Chaparro-Hernández Irene , Mendez-Lagunas Lilia Leticia , Sandoval-Torres Sadith , Rodríguez-Ramírez Juan , Barriada-Bernal Luis Gerardo
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the phenolic compound from Pinaropappus roseus, and its human breast anticancer properties. The phenolic molecules were isolated from the aqua-ethanoic extract isolated from the leaves of P. roseus by solid-phase extraction (SPE). The total phenolic content was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu technique. The profile of phenolic compounds was analyzed by mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS2). The quantification of phenolic molecules identified by mass spectrometry was carried out by UV-spectrophotometry (LC-PDA). The in vitro cytotoxicity assay was carried on MCF-7 and HMEC cell lines using the MTT assay method. The docking simulation was carried out in anti-apoptotic proteins, Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL. Six phenolic compounds were identified of which the apigenin (37.5 mgCAEgdb−1) was the most abundant compound. In the in vitro anti-cancer assay, the IC50 for the MCF-7 cells was of 426.15 µg gdb−1 at 24h and 297.40 µg gdb−1 at 48 h for the maximum evaluated phenolic extract concentration. The rutin and the chlorogenic acid showed the higher binding energies in the docking simulation for the active sites of the Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL proteins respectively. The phenolic compounds of P. roseus have cytotoxic activity against human breast cancer (MCF-7 cell line) and a low cytotoxic activity against normal human epithelial cells (HMEC cell line).These results suggest that the phenolic extract of P. roseus may have therapeutic potential against human cancer pathologies.
Durable antibacterial cotton fabrics with good performance enabled by quaternary ammonium salts
Authors: Ding Qi , Liu Jiang-Long , Liu Yan-Yan , He Wen-Zhan , Zhang Lin , Xu Ying-Jun
Published: March 2024

For addressing the issue of limited durable antibacterial cotton fabric, this study developed and synthesized quaternary ammonium salt antimicrobial agents. The chemical structure was analyzed by FTIR and 1H NMR. The cotton fabric was subjected to surface modification techniques, such as pad-dry-cure, following the careful selection of appropriate quaternary ammonium salt. The chemical state and surface morphology were evaluated through XPS and SEM. Furthermore, the cotton fabric underwent comprehensive assessments, which included antibacterial testing, laundering cycle testing, evaluation of mechanical properties, and analysis of comfort performance. The results demonstrated that the treated cotton fabric achieved a high bacteriostatic and fungistatic rate of 99.99%, 87.5%, and 99.99% against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans respectively even after 50 laundering cycles, while maintaining exceptional antibacterial effectiveness and laundering durability due to the formation of covalent bonds with the cotton fabric. The treated cotton fabric met AAA grade standards for antibacterial rate without causing any significant decline in mechanical properties. Furthermore, enhancements in hydrophilicity, softness, and wrinkle resistance were observed.
The potential retinal blue hazard from dental examination lamps at different ages
Authors: Alzahrani Hind Saeed
Published: March 2024

Background Dental examination lamps (DELs) enhance visual acuity and focus during surgical procedures and clinical exams in dental clinics. Prolonged exposure to high-intensity light can cause thermal burns and toxicities in eyes. This study examined the risk of damage to the eyes from blue radiation emitted by DELs, considering lens spectral transmission at different ages.
Methods The spectrum irradiance of 14 types of DELs manufactured by 14 companies was measured using a Hopoocolour OHSP350S spectrometer. The blue weighted radiances (LB) were computed for direct viewing at 30 cm and indirect viewing at distances of 30 cm, 50 cm, and 100 cm. The maximum daily exposure duration (tmax) was computed only for the direct viewing of light across different ages (1–70 years old).
Results LED-based DELs have peak blue spectral radiances of between 440 and 450 nm. Indirectly viewing any of the tested DELs is safe. DEL characteristics and human eye light transmission at different ages determined the direct viewing LB values as ranging from 3 to 483 W.m-2.sr-1. Luna, with the lowest blue light radiance of 0.09 ± 0.05, has the longest tmax value. The shortest tmax value was obtained with SKEMA 6, which had the highest mean blue light radiance of 4.75 ± 3.41.
Conclusion Retinal tissue damage from cumulative direct light viewing decreases from 1 to 70 years of age. This decrease in retinal tissue damage rises with blue light radiance. The maximum acceptable ocular exposure limits for DELs and ages were computed to inform decisions on avoiding blue light.
Optico-chiasmatic distortions in pituitary adenomas: correlation between postoperative morphological reversal and follow-up functional visual recovery
Authors: Sarkar Sauradeep , Thakar Sumit , Sunil Akhil , Alle Prashanth , Aryan Saritha , Hegde Alangar S
Published: March 2024

Purpose:
To objectively correlate distortions of optic apparatus morphology in patients with visual outcomes in patients with pituitary adenomas undergoing transsphenoidal surgery.
Methods:
In this retrospective analysis, visual acuity (VA), visual field (VF) and total visual (TV) function was objectively scored in patients selected from an institutional cohort of pituitary adenomas. The following imaging measures of optico-chiasmatic morphology were recorded preoperatively, and at 3 months after surgery: chiasm area (CA), mid-chiasm height (CH), optic nerve-canal bending angle (BA), and optic nerve kinking angle (ONKA).
Results:
Seventy-one eyes were individually studied. VA, VF and TV scores significantly improved after surgery, both at the 3-month and at the 1-year follow-up visits (p<0.001). Craniocaudal tumor dimension was significantly associated with VA, VF and TV scores, both pre- and post-operatively. There were significant changes in CH (p<0.001), BA (p<0.001) and ONKA (p<0.001) at 3 months after surgery, but not in CA (p=0.061). Baseline VA, VF and TVS scores were positively correlated with preoperative CH and ONKA, while VF and TV scores also demonstrated significant negative correlations with preoperative BA. VF scores at 1-year follow-up were significantly correlated with preoperative and change in BA values, as well as with preoperative and change in ONKA values. Chiasm sag was noted in 45.8% of patients at one year follow-up, but was not associated with delayed visual deterioration in any case.
Conclusions:
Anatomic realignment of the optic apparatus at 3 months following transsphenoidal surgery month predicts VF scores at 1 year follow-up, but not VA or TV scores.
Stress Intensity Factor and T-stress in Lip-shaped Cracks in finite and infinite plates
Authors: Moradi Meysam , Hosseini Seyed Reza , Yaghobifar Mohammad , Aghdam Milad Zolfipour
Published: March 2024

Lip-shaped holes are conventionally seen in industrial sheet structures. Due to the notch-type cusp in these holes, the stress intensity around the cusp is the main reason for failure. Hence, the stress intensity factor investigation is crucially important in these holes. The current study focuses on the stress intensity factor around lip-shaped holes in finite and infinite sheets using numerical and experimental methods. In the first step, the stress intensities around a lip-shaped hole with various geometry in infinite sheets were numerically determined by the ANSYS software. Then, focusing on the finite sheet, the effect of sheet size and hole geometry on the stress intensity factor were investigated in finite sheets. Results were in great agreement with the analytical solutions proposed in the literature. In this section, the T-stress parameter was also determined in all cases. The T-stress in most cases considerable, meaning that this parameter must be taken into account in industrial design and assessments. In the second step, the digital image correlation technique was employed for validation. Three specimens with various hole geometries were tested, and the validation was successfully done.
Histomorphometric and Ultrastructural Study of Gestational Changes in Mouse Liver Using Haematoxylin and Eosin, Periodic acid Schiff stain
Authors: Mohammed Amenah Salman
Published: March 2024

Background: Studying the makeup of a mouses liver, such, as its lobes, lobules and how hepatocytes are organized is important, for researching changes that occur during pregnancy.
Aim of Study: the purpose of this study is to assess the structural, morphological, and general histological differences in liver tissue during pregnancy, including weight changes in the liver and total body weight, morphometric analysis and statistical assessment of hepatocytes, and glycogen concentration in the liver.
Methodology: The study involved a comparative investigation between pregnant and non-pregnant mice on liver weight, total body weight, hepatocyte size, and glycogen concentration with utilized hematoxylin, eosin, and Periodic Acid Schiff stain for histological examination and applied statistical tools for data analysis.
Results: Pregnant mice showed a significant increase (p=0.0001), in both liver and overall body weight and examination of the cell measurements indicated that the liver cells, in mice were larger indicating alterations. Glycogen concentration significantly increased in the livers of pregnant mice (p=0.0001), indicating altered metabolic demands.
Conclusion: Pregnancy induces noticeable changes in liver weight, hepatocyte size, and glycogen storage, reflecting the liver's adaptive response to the increased metabolic needs during gestation.
Hom-pre-Poisson superalgebras and Dual Hom-pre-Poisson superalgebras
Authors: Aloulou Walid
Published: March 2024

In this research paper, we investigate the concept of Hom-superalgebras obtained by an internal law defined on ℤ2-graded vector space A equipped with an algebra morphism f.
Given a structure of Hom-pre-Lie superalgebra (A,◊,f) and Hom-Zinbiel superalgebras (A,Λ,f), we define the structure of Hom-pre-Poisson superalgebras (A,◊,Λ,f) verifying two compatibility conditions between ”◊” and ”Λ”. On the one hand, we demonstrate that when A is a Hom-pre-Lie superalgebra, then a tensoriel algebra of A has a structure of Hom-pre-Poisson superalgebra. On the other hand, we prove that any Hom-Poisson superalgebra equipped with a Baxter operator can define a structure of Hom-pre-Poisson superalgebra. Furthermore, we combine a structure of Hompermutative superalgebra and Hom-Leibniz superalgebra on the same space, we define a structure of dual Hom-pre-Poisson superalgebra and we reveal that any Hom-Poisson superalgebra equipped with an Averaging operator can define a structure of dual Hom-pre-Poisson superalgebra.
(MSC) : 17A60, 17A30, 17D30, 17B63, 17A36.
Effect of mathematical software on senior secondary school students’ achievement in geometry
Authors: Age Terungwa James , Machaba Masilo France
Published: March 2024

In spite of the numerous benefits of geometry to the learners, there has been an abysmal achievement of students in the concept. Could it be that an appropriate teaching strategy is not used in teaching the concept to the students? This quasi-experimental research design was carried out using non-randomised pretest and posttest group. To ascertain the achievement of high school students using mathematical software in geometry class. David kolb’s experiential theory of learning was used as an underpinning theory. From the total of 12,308 high school students in Benue state Nigeria, 457 sample was drawn for the study. Test of hypotheses was done using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) at 0.05 level of significance, whereas Mean and Standard Deviation were used to answer the questions in the research. The findings of the research show that students in the experimental group outperformed those in the control group, with a Mean score of 68.94 versus 58.45. The study findings also showed a statistically difference in the achievement and there were no gender disparities in both groups. The study concluded that mathematical softwares improved students’ achievement, hence, recommended that teachers should adopt mathematical software in the teaching of geometrical constructions and other mathematical concepts for students’ high achievement.
Eradication of H. Pylori by Quadruple or Triple Therapy A comparative study.
Authors: QURESHI S SB , SHABBIR B , IQBAL A , RATHORE R , BUTT N F , FIRDOUS S , JAMIL S , KHAN M Z U
Published: March 2024

Background: Quadruple therapy appears to be more effective than standard therapy in management of patients with helicobacter pylori infection. No data is available on the relative efficacy of triple and quadruple drug regimens from Pakistan. Methods: Consecutive patients with peptic ulcer and H. pylori infection were randomized to receive omeprazole 20mg twice daily along with either amoxycilline (500mg four times daily) and clarithromycin (500 mg twice daily) (Group A) or tri-protassium dicitrate hismuthate (120mg four times daily), metronidazole (400mg thrice daily) and tetracycline (500mg 4 times daily) Group B for 10 days. Presence H. Pylori infection was looked for using an fecal antigen test before treatment and 30 days after completion of treatment. Results: 17 of 21 patients in Group A and 16 of 23 in Group B had eradication of infection (80.9 and 69.56% respectively by protocol analysis). Side effects occurred in 2 (1%) and 4(2%) patients in Group A and B. respectively. Discontinuation of drug was not required in any patient. Conclusion: Quadruple therapy for initial therapy of H. Pylori infection does not offer any advantage over standard triple therapy.
The implication of spatiotemporal rainfall distribution on the estimation of areal rainfall characteristics in Upper Erer Sub-basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Abrahim Mummed Bedasa , Seleshi Yilma
Published: March 2024

The distribution of rainfall is not uniform in various regions of the world. Rainfall study is used to recognize the characteristics, duration, and variability of temporal and spatial rainfall distributions. In Ethiopia, the annual and seasonal rainfall distributions are variable in space and time. This study is focused on the implication of spatiotemporal rainfall distribution on the areal rainfall characteristics evaluation under the Upper Erer Sub-basin, located in Eastern Ethiopia. In the study area, average annual rainfall amount for Dire Dawa, Harar and Haramaya, Girawa, and Gursum stations are found to be 647, 816, 801, 958, and 840 mm with coefficients of variation of 23, 20, 20, 19, and 31%, respectively. However, the rain gauges here are sparsely distributed. The rainfall occurrence and distribution at various gauging stations have been found to vary significantly both temporally and spatially. The rainfall occurrence and distribution at various gauging stations had been found to vary significantly both temporally and spatially. The spatiotemporal rainfall distribution found in the stations was assessed using a joint probability of rain days approach. The result indicated joint probability of rain days estimation approach under monthly time step has better performance than daily, decadal, and seasonal data. The joint probability approach is used along with rainfall amount under monthly rainfall for areal rainfall estimation assessment in rainfall–runoff modeling.
Derecho a la ciudad. La micropolítica desde la periferia, Ciudad Bolívar- Bogotá
Authors: Lora Montaño Sergio de Jesus
Published: March 2024

Este artículo se centra en el acceso desigual al derecho a la ciudad en los habitantes de la localidad 19 de Ciudad Bolívar en Bogotá, producido por las inequidades sociales que históricamente han acompañado a esta población y que son generadas en parte por los poderes hegemónicos presentes tanto a nivel global como al local, quienes desconocen sus dinámicas y sus particularidades territoriales. Se pretende la reapropiación del territorio a partir de unas capacitaciones o talleres formativos que brinden, por un lado, herramientas teóricas basadas en los postulados de Harvey frente al derecho a la ciudad y otros autores que desarrollan conceptos como acontecimiento y micropolítica y, por otra, prácticas desde sus propias experiencias territoriales a propósito de su trabajo comunitario. Al final se presenta una experiencia significativa del actuar micropolítico con una fundación que viene adelantando su trabajo comunitario en un sector de la localidad desde hace treinta años.
Del Pacífico a la Amazonía: la migración de las comunidades negras al piedemonte amazónico
Authors: Rubiano Carvajal Juan Carlos
Published: March 2024

En el presente documento se analizan las diferentes causas que impulsaron a las comunidades negras a dejar el Pacífico colombiano para instalarse en el piedemonte amazónico. Se estudia la llegada de estas personas al departamento del Putumayo y por qué se asentaron en el corregimiento de Cofania Jardines de Sucumbíos. De esa forma se evidencia cómo el sistema económico y de parentesco, así como el relacionamiento con los cofanes, ejercieron un rol mayor para consolidar este proceso migratorio y colonizador, que en la actualidad se cristaliza en la conformación de un consejo comunitario y en la legalización de un territorio colectivo. Estos ejercicios abren las puertas a buscar visibilidad sociopolítica de las comunidades, un camino por el que se desplazan las comunidades negras de Sucumbíos.
La gestión predial y las Asociaciones Público-Privadas: Un análisis teórico y práctico del desarrollo de proyectos infraestructura
Authors: Briones Morey Diana , Morales Alferrano Diego
Published: March 2024

El presente artículo destaca la importancia de una correcta y oportuna gestión de los terrenos para la ejecución de proyectos de infraestructura implementados bajo el régimen de Asociaciones Público-Privadas. Para tal efecto, los autores analizan el marco legal aplicable, así como los mecanismos legales y contractuales otorgados a los concesionarios para mitigar los impactos de una incorrecta gestión predial.
RELEVÂNCIA DA FORMAÇÃO CONTINUADA DE EDUCADORAS/ES SEXUAIS
Authors: Antunes Leandro , Raupp Graziela
Published: March 2024

A discussão acerca da necessidade da formação continuada em Educação Sexual sempre se mostrou imperativa no âmbito acadêmico, devido à persistente constatação de que numerosos educadoras/es transportam consigo, para o interior das salas de aula, convicções e valores arraigados. Frequentemente, a temática da Educação Sexual é erroneamente equiparada unicamente à dimensão sexual, sendo abordada como um tabu na sociedade. Sendo assim, o objetivo desta pesquisa é analisar a relevância da formação continuada em Educação Sexual e Sexualidade para as/os docentes, assim como a compreensão das/os docentes sobre a temática e a necessidade de formação. A metodologia empregada se configura como uma pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, revestindo-se de caráter fundamental e exploratório. Ademais, a análise de natureza qualitativa foi conduzida por meio de um questionário semiestruturado aplicado a treze (13) docentes da Grande Florianópolis, no ano de 2021, resultando em um retorno de apenas seis (6) questionários devidamente respondidos. A análise demonstrou que, de fato, os sujeitos da pesquisa, todas do sexo feminino, atuam no ensino público da Educação Infantil, possuem apreensão dos conceitos de Sexualidade e Educação Sexual, compreendendo igualmente a importância intrínseca da formação continuada. Entretanto, é notável que elas ainda não se sentem suficientemente confiantes para instaurar diálogos desse teor, indicando, portanto, uma lacuna na formação continuada no domínio da Sexualidade e da Educação Sexual. O suprimento dessa ausência poderia contribuir de maneira significativa para a ampliação de seus saberes e práticas pedagógicas, em uma perspectiva emancipatória.