bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Hemodynamic Stability of Dexmedetomidine during Laparoscopic Uterine Fibroids Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Cao Xia , Ding Xu , Sun Huihui , Zhang Lihong , Li Xiang
Published: May 2024

Background: The aim of this study was to determine whether dexmedetomidine can reduce the circulatory response in laparoscopic uterine fibroids (UF) surgery. Our purpose was to investigate the effect of dexmedetomidine on the circulatory response in laparoscopic UF surgery. Methods: This was a randomized controlled study of 214 patients age range of 40–60 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) 1–2 grade, undergoing elective laparoscopic UF surgery at Fuxing Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2020 to October 2023. Patients were randomly allocated to the non-dexmedetomidine group (Group1) and dexmedetomidine group (Group2). The mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were measured: when entering the operation room (MAP1, HR1), immediately at the time of local pituitrin injection (MAP2, HR2), and at 5 minutes after injection of pituitrin (MAP3, HR3). The medications and dosages (propofol, urapidil hydrochloride, fluid) used during the operation were recorded as well as the recovery (drowsiness, chills, nausea, vomiting, dysphoria) after the operation. Total mean time from the beginning of the operation to pituitrin injection (Time1) and recovery time after peaking blood pressure with pituitrin injection (Time2) were also recorded. Results: There were no significant differences in age, height, weight, size and number of UFs, and the location of uterine fibroids between the two groups. There were no differences between the groups for MAP1, MAP2, HR1, HR2, HR3, and Time1 (all p > 0.05), but the dexmedetomidine group was smaller in MAP3 (p = 0.041) and Time2 (p = 0.000) than the non-dexmedetomidine group. There were significant differences in MAP3-MAP1 (p = 0.025), propofol (p = 0.011), and urapidil hydrochloride (p = 0.000) between the two groups. The dexmedetomidine group was smaller in chills (p = 0.002), nausea (p = 0.000), vomiting (p = 0.04), and dysphoria (p = 0.024) than the non-dexmedetomidine group. Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine maintains a stable hemodynamic response and is beneficial to postoperative recovery in laparoscopic UF surgery. Clinical Trial Registration: The study has been registered on https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ (registration number: NCT03524950).
Anti-Diabetic, Anti-Cholinesterase, and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Plant Derived Extracts and Column Semi-Purified Fractions of Ficus benghalensis
Authors: Rauf Abdur , Almasoud Najla , Ibrahim Muhammad , Alomar Taghrid S. , Khalil Anees Ahmed , Khursheed Tara , Khan Muhammad Umer , Jan Muhammad Saeed , Bhardwaj Kanchan , Iriti Marcello , Sharma Rohit
Published: May 2024

Background: The present study aimed to investigate the in-vitro anti-diabetic, anti-cholinesterase, and anti-inflammatory potential of extracts from different parts of Ficus benghalensis, including leaves, stem, and roots, as well as isolated column fractions (F-B-1 C, F-B-2 C, F-B-3 C, and F-B-4 C). Methods: The extracts and subsequent fractions were evaluated for their inhibitory activity against key enzymes involved in diabetes [α-glucosidase and α-amylase], neurodegenerative diseases [acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase], and inflammation (cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX)). Results: The results showed that F. benghalensis leaf extract exhibited the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (73.84%) and α-amylase inhibitory activity (76.29%) at 1000 µg/mL. The stem extract (65.50%) and F-B-2 C fraction (69.67%) also demonstrated significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. In terms of anti-cholinesterase activity, the extracts of roots, leaves, and stem showed promising inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 50.50 to 474.83 µg/mL. The derived fractions (F-B-1 C, F-B-2 C, F-B-3 C, and F-B-4 C) also exhibited notable inhibition of AChE and BChE, with IC50 values from 91.85 to 337.94 µg/mL. Moreover, the F-B-3 C fraction demonstrated the highest COX-2 inhibitory potential (85.72%), followed by F-B-1 C (83.13%), the stem extract (80.85%), and the leaves extract (79.00%). The F-B-1 C fraction showed the highest 5-LOX inhibitory activity (87.63%), while the root extract exhibited the lowest inhibition (73.39%). Conclusions: The results demonstrated promising bioactivity, suggesting the potential of F. benghalensis as a source of natural compounds with therapeutic applications. Further studies are required to identify and isolate the active components responsible for these effects and to evaluate their in-vivo efficacy and safety.
Physiological and Pathophysiological Relevance of Nitric Oxide Synthases (NOS) in Retinal Blood Vessels
Authors: Gericke Adrian , Buonfiglio Francesco
Published: May 2024

Nitric oxide synthases (NOS) are essential regulators of vascular function, and their role in ocular blood vessels is of paramount importance for maintaining ocular homeostasis. Three isoforms of NOS—endothelial (eNOS), neuronal (nNOS), and inducible (iNOS)—contribute to nitric oxide production in ocular tissues, exerting multifaceted effects on vascular tone, blood flow, and overall ocular homeostasis. Endothelial NOS, primarily located in endothelial cells, is pivotal for mediating vasodilation and regulating blood flow. Neuronal NOS, abundantly found in nerve terminals, contributes to neurotransmitter release and vascular tone modulation in the ocular microvasculature. Inducible NOS, expressed under inflammatory conditions, plays a role in response to pathological stimuli. Understanding the distinctive contributions of these NOS isoforms in retinal blood vessels is vital to unravel the mechanisms underlying various ocular diseases, such diabetic retinopathy. This article delves into the unique contributions of NOS isoforms within the complex vascular network of the retina, elucidating their significance as potential therapeutic targets for addressing pathological conditions.
Kidney Fibrosis and Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs)
Authors: La Russa Antonella , Serra Raffaele , Faga Teresa , Crugliano Giuseppina , Bonelli Angelica , Coppolino Giuseppe , Bolignano Davide , Battaglia Yuri , Ielapi Nicola , Costa Davide , Michael Ashour , Andreucci Michele
Published: May 2024

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a disorder that causes changes in both the structure and function of the kidneys, causing complications such as hypertension, edema, and oliguria. Renal fibrosis is also a common pathological feature of CKD. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are endopeptidases that degrade extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. The proteinase domain consists of a zinc ion in the active site, which contributes to its stabilization with another zinc and three calcium structural ions. Many cellular processes are controlled by MMPs, such as cell–cell interactions and various signaling pathways, while they are also involved in degrading substrates on cell surfaces. Tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are key regulators of metalloproteinases, and both are involved in regulating cell turnover, the regulation, and the progression of fibrosis and apoptosis in the tissue. MMPs play a role in renal fibrosis, such as the tubular cell epithelial–mesenchymal transition (TEM), activation of resident fibroblasts, endothelial–mesenchymal transition (EndoMT), and pericyte–myofibroblast transdifferentiation. This review aims to show the mechanisms through which MMPs contribute to renal fibrosis, paying particular attention to MMP-9 and the epithelial–mesenchymal transition.
The Current Diagnostic Performance of MRI-Based Radiomics for Glioma Grading: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: De Maria Lucio , Ponzio Francesco , Cho Hwan-ho , Skogen Karoline , Tsougos Ioannis , Gasparini Mauro , Zeppieri Marco , Ius Tamara , Ugga Lorenzo , Panciani Pier Paolo , Fontanella Marco Maria , Brinjikji Waleed , Agosti Edoardo
Published: May 2024

Background: Multiple radiomics models have been proposed for grading glioma using different algorithms, features, and sequences of magnetic resonance imaging. The research seeks to assess the present overall performance of radiomics for grading glioma. Methods: A systematic literature review of the databases Ovid MEDLINE PubMed, and Ovid EMBASE for publications published on radiomics for glioma grading between 2012 and 2023 was performed. The systematic review was carried out following the criteria of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. Results: In the meta-analysis, a total of 7654 patients from 40 articles, were assessed. R-package mada was used for modeling the joint estimates of specificity (SPE) and sensitivity (SEN). Pooled event rates across studies were performed with a random-effects meta-analysis. The heterogeneity of SPE and SEN were based on the χ2 test. Overall values for SPE and SEN in the differentiation between high-grade gliomas (HGGs) and low-grade gliomas (LGGs) were 84% and 91%, respectively. With regards to the discrimination between World Health Organization (WHO) grade 4 and WHO grade 3, the overall SPE was 81% and the SEN was 89%. The modern non-linear classifiers showed a better trend, whereas textural features tend to be the best-performing (29%) and the most used. Conclusions: Our findings confirm that present radiomics’ diagnostic performance for glioma grading is superior in terms of SEN and SPE for the HGGs vs. LGGs discrimination task when compared to the WHO grade 4 vs. 3 task.
Clinical Implications of Polypharmacy for Patients with New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation Based on Real-World Data: Observations from the Korea National Health Insurance Service Data
Authors: Kim Hong-Ju , Yang Pil-Sung , Kim Daehoon , Sung Jung-Hoon , Jang Eunsun , Yu Hee Tae , Kim Tae-Hoon , Pak Hui-Nam , Lee Moon-Hyoung , Joung Boyoung
Published: May 2024

Background: Polypharmacy is commonly observed in atrial fibrillation (AF) and is associated with poorer clinical outcomes. Our study aimed to elucidate the polypharmacy prevalence, its associated risk factors, and its relationship with adverse clinical outcomes using a ‘real-world’ database. Methods: This study included 451,368 subjects without prior history of AF (median age, 54 [interquartile range, 48.0–63.0] years; 207,748 [46.0%] female) from the Korea National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening (NHIS-HealS) database between 2002 and 2013. All concomitant medications prescribed were collected, and the intake of five or more concomitant drugs was defined as polypharmacy. During the follow-up, all-cause death, major bleeding events, transient ischemic attack (TIA) or ischemic stroke, and admission due to worsened heart failure were recorded. Results: Based on up to 7.7 (6.8–8.3) years of follow-up and 768,306 person-years, there were 12,241 cases of new-onset AF identified. Among patients with new-onset AF (40.0% females, median age 63.0 [54.0–70.0] years), the polypharmacy prevalence was 30.9% (3784). For newly diagnosed AF, factors, such as advanced age (with each increase of 10 years, odds ratios (OR) 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26–1.40), hypertension (OR 4.00, 95% CI 3.62–4.43), diabetes mellitus (OR 3.25, 95% CI 2.86–3.70), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR 3.00, 95% CI 2.51–3.57), TIA/ischemic stroke (OR 2.36, 95% CI 2.03–2.73), dementia history (OR 2.30, 95% CI 1.06–4.98), end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or chronic kidney disease (CKD) (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.38–2.82), and heart failure (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.69–2.26), were found to be independently correlated with the incidence of polypharmacy. Polypharmacy significantly increased the incidence and risk of major bleeding (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.26, 95% CI 1.12–1.41). The study observed a statistically significant increase in the incidence of all-cause mortality, however, the risk for all-cause mortality elevated but did not show significance (aHR 1.11, 95% CI 0.99–1.24). The risk of stroke and admission for heart failure did not change with polypharmacy. Conclusions: In our investigation using data from a nationwide database, polypharmacy was widespread in new-onset AF population and was related to major bleeding events. However, polypharmacy does not serve as an independent risk factor for adverse outcomes, with exception of major bleeding event. For AF patients, ensuring tailored medication for comorbidities as well as reducing polypharmacy are essential considerations.
Increased IL-12p70 Levels in Intraoperative Pericardial Fluid Are Predictive of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Onset after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: Liu Yuhua , Xie Enzehua , Yang Yunxiao , Han Zhongyi , Yu Cuntao , Hua Kun , Yang Xiubin
Published: May 2024

Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a frequent complication of heart surgery, prolonging hospital stays, as well as increasing morbidity and mortality rates. While previous studies have investigated the determinants influencing atrial fibrillation (AF) following heart surgery, the specific risk factors contributing to POAF occurrence after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) are not well understood. Here we used the human magnetic Luminex assay to assess whether biomarkers, particularly cytokines, within intraoperative pericardial fluid could serve as predictive markers for POAF onset among CABG individuals. Methods: In this study we identified 180 patients who underwent CABG with no atrial arrhythmia history. The human magnetic Luminex assay was used to quantify the levels of 36 cytokines in pericardial fluid samples collected during the surgery. The occurrence of POAF was continuously monitored, using both postoperative electrocardiograms and telemetry strips, until the time of discharge. Results: In our cohort of 124 patients, POAF was observed in 30 patients, accounting for 24.19% of the study population. These patients exhibited significantly higher levels of interleukin (IL)-12p70 in their intraoperative pericardial fluids compared to those with normal sinus rhythms (SR, p < 0.001). Subsequently, IL-12p70 was found to be an independent risk factor for POAF, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis established a cut-off threshold for predicting POAF onset of 116.435 pg/mL, based on the maximum Youden index (area under the curve: 0.816). Conclusions: this study establishes a significant association between elevated IL-12p70 levels in intraoperative pericardial fluid and the risk of POAF, particularly when IL-12p70 concentrations exceed the identified cut-off value of 116.435 pg/mL. These findings suggest that IL-12p70 levels could potentially be utilized as a predictive biomarker for the onset of POAF in patients undergoing CABG. This marker may aid in the early identification and management of patients at heightened risk for this complication.
Association between Blood Pressure and Post-Stroke Cognitive Impairment: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huang Huifen , Zhan Yanli , Yu Linling , Li Shan , Cai Xueli
Published: May 2024

Background: Post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) represents a serious post-stroke complication with poor cognitive consequences. A vascular consequence after a stroke is that the occurrence and progression of PSCI may be closely related to blood pressure (BP). Thus, we systematically reviewed and performed a meta-analysis of the literature to examine the correlations between BP and PSCI. Methods: We systematically queried databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus, and conducted meta-analyses on studies reporting odds ratios (ORs) related to the association between BP and PSCI. Two authors autonomously assessed all titles, abstracts, and full texts and extracted data following the Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the modified Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Results: Meta-analyses incorporated 12 articles comprising a cumulative participant cohort of 21,732 individuals. The quality assessment indicated good in five studies, fair in one study, and poor in six. Through meta-analyses, we found that hypertension, systolic or diastolic BP (SBP or DBP) was significantly associated with PSCI (OR 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.18–1.99; p = 0.001, I2 = 66%; OR 1.13, 95% CI, 1.05–1.23; p = 0.002, I2 = 52%; OR 1.38, 95% CI, 1.11–1.72; p = 0.004, I2 = 90%, respectively). In the subgroup analysis, SBP <120 mmHg, 120–139 mmHg, 140–159 mmHg, 160–179 mmHg, and DBP ≥100 mmHg highly predicted the occurrence of PSCI (OR 1.15, p = 0.0003; OR 1.26, p = 0.010; OR 1.15, p = 0.05; OR 1.02, p = 0.009; OR 1.96, p < 0.00001, respectively). However, the predictive effect of BP for PSCI declines when SBP ≥180 mmHg and DBP ≤99 mmHg (p > 0.05). Statistical heterogeneity was moderate to high, and publication bias was detected in SBP for PSCI. Conclusions: Considering the multifactorial etiology of PSCI, it is difficult to conclude that BP is an independent risk factor for PSCI. Given the restricted inclusion of studies, caution is advised when interpreting the findings from this meta-analysis. Subsequent investigations with substantial sample sizes are essential to exploring BP as a prospective target for addressing PSCI. Trial Registration Number: CRD42023437783 from PROSPERO.
The Relationship between Job Precariousness and Career Capital in Working Students: The Explanatory Mechanism of Job Crafting
Authors: Hood Michelle , Creed Peter , Bialocerkowski Andrea , Chan Xi Wen
Published: May 2024

While most tertiary students from developed countries now work while studying, we know little about how, or if, the quality of their work affects their career development. We tested a serial indirect effect model (N = 273 working students; 75.8% female; M age 21 years; average 22 hours work per week) in which job precariousness predicted poorer perceptions of organisational climate for job crafting, which was related to less crafting, and, in turn, lower career capital. Job precariousness was related to lower social and professional career capital. Job crafting climate and engagement in cognitive and relational job crafting fully explained the relationships between precariousness and social capital, whereas crafting climate and cognitive crafting partially explained the relationship with professional capital. These results have implications for job precariousness theory development and practical implications for teaching institutions and employers, both of whom have a vested interest in supporting working students to reach their full potential.
Extending Minds, Shifting Boundaries: ambient technological environments as extended allostatic control
Authors: White Ben , Clark Andy , GUÉNIN--CARLUT Avel , Constant Axel , Di Paolo laura Desirée
Published: May 2024

This article applies the thesis of the extended mind to ambient smart environments. These systems are characterised by an environment, such as a home or classroom, infused with multiple, highly networked, streams of smart technology often working passively in the background, learning about the user and operating without an explicit interface or any sensorimotor engagement from the user. We analyse these systems in the context of classical extended mind work, characterised by conditions such as “trust and glue” and phenomenal transparency, and find that these conditions are ill-suited to describing our engagement with ambient smart environments. We then draw from the active inference framework, a theory of brain function which casts cognition as a process of uncertainty minimisation, to develop a version of the extended mind grounded in a process ontology, where the boundaries of mind are understood to be multiple and always shifting. Given this more fluid account of the extended mind, we argue that ambient smart environments should be thought of as extended allostatic control systems, operating more or less passively and invisibly to support an agent’s biological capacity for minimising uncertainty over multiple, interlocking timescales. Thus, we account for the functionality of ambient smart environments as extended systems, and in so doing, provide a markedly new version of the classical thesis of extended mind.
Comparing Apples and Oranges in Youth Depression Treatments? A Quantitative Critique of the Evidence Base and Guidelines
Authors: Stringaris Argyris , Burman Charlotte , Delpech Raphaelle , Bhudia Dayna , Miliou Despoina , Rokas Ioannis-Marios , Kyriakopoulos Marinos , Foulkes Lucy , Moreno Carmen , cortese samuele , Lewis Glyn , Krebs Georgina
Published: May 2024

Question: Should a young person receive psychotherapy or medication for their depression, and on what evidence do we base this decision? In this paper, we test whether the basic conditions required to draw valid inferences to answer this question are currently met. Study selection and analysis: We included 88 RCTs of psychotherapy and medication for child and adolescent depression (mean age 4-18 years). Using meta-analyses, we compared a) participant characteristics and b) trial characteristics in medication and psychotherapy trials. Lastly, we examined whether psychotherapy controls are well-matched to active conditions. Findings: Participants in medication RCTs had higher depression severity and were more frequently male compared to psychotherapy RCTs. There was a dramatic difference in the within-subject improvement due to placebo (SMD=-1.9 (95% CI: -2.10 to -1.70)) vs psychotherapy controls (SMD=-0.5 (95% CI: -0.75 to -0.25)). Within psychotherapy RCTs, control conditions were less intensive on average than active conditions. Conclusions: Medication and psychotherapy RCTs differ on fundamental participant and methodological characteristics, thereby violating key conditions for valid comparison between them. Psychotherapy controls often involve little therapist contact and are easy-to-beat comparators. These findings cast doubt on the confidence with which psychotherapy is recommended for youth depression, and highlight the pressing need to improve the evidence base.
A Conceptual Foundation for Generalisation in Natural and Artificial Learning Agents
Authors: Gabriel George , Morehead J. Ryan , Mushtaq Faisal
Published: May 2024

Generalisation is ubiquitous in both natural and artificial learning agents. Since the early 20th Century, numerous models have been developed that attempt to explain how generalisation arises. While some of these models propose specialised mechanisms applicable only to specific tasks or learning agents, others use common principles which may be more broadly applicable. It remains unclear to what extent the more specialised models are necessary to explain generalisation, and to what extent a shared set of explanatory principles may suffice. To demonstrate the potential of simple principles to explain generalisation, we present a minimal conceptual framework which describes how various forms of generalisation may arise in any learning agent and for any task. Based on the idea that agent behaviours are determined by a set of agent-internal parameters, we illustrate how a wide range of classical generalisation phenomena, including positive, negative, and asymmetric transfer, can arise from the same general mechanisms. We highlight several related generalisation phenomena typically overlooked in the classical literature, and use the presented framework to clarify numerous challenges for the empirical study of generalisation. We emphasise that specialised theories of generalisation may still be required to explain specific empirical observations. The presented framework provides a minimal foundation from which empirical observations requiring more specialised explanations can be identified.
Factores que favorecen a la resistencia del paludismo Falciparum y paludismo Vivax en el Ecuador
Authors: Cruz Gavilanes Tania Magdalena , Vargas Loayza Juan Francisco , Vintimilla Nivelo Mauricio Nicolas
Published: May 2024

Introducción: El paludismo, también conocido como malaria, es una enfermedad parasitaria transmitida por el mosquito Anopheles, causando síntomas como vómitos, fiebre y dolor de cabeza. En Ecuador, la geografía y clima propician la alta prevalencia del mosquito en regiones tropicales como la Amazonia y la Costa. A pesar de reducciones significativas, persisten en áreas endémicas, desafiando a las organizaciones de salud pública, siendo un problema persistente en zonas rurales con limitado acceso a servicios sanitarios.
Objetivo: Determinar cuáles son los factores que favorecen a la resistencia del paludismo Falciparum y paludismo Vivax en el Ecuador.
Material y métodos: Se elaboró una revisión bibliográfica con diferentes artículos científicos de interés y relacionados con el tema a desarrollar, para así responder al objetivo principal de este trabajo
Resultados: Gracias a la exhaustiva revisión de estos artículos, se aclararon los siguientes parámetros: los lugares donde es más fácil su replicación y los factores que favorecen su resistencia.
Conclusiones: El paludismo es una enfermedad que tiene una mayor incidencia en la región amazónica, debido a sus condiciones climáticas, favoreciendo así la resistencia a la malaria
La Revolución Educativa: Un Análisis de la Implementación de la Inteligencia Artificial por Docentes en el Siglo XXI
Authors: Estrada Zamora Ruth Amalia , Yanza Paguay María Piedad , Torres Chiliguano Natali Maribel , Muso Cantuña Gladys Amelia
Published: May 2024

Introducción: La inteligencia artificial (IA) está siendo cada vez más adoptada en el ámbito educativo, ofreciendo nuevas oportunidades para mejorar la enseñanza y el aprendizaje. Objetivo: El objetivo central de este estudio es analizar de manera detallada cómo los educadores están adoptando y utilizando la inteligencia artificial en el contexto educativo, centrándose en las diversas herramientas y estrategias empleadas para mejorar la enseñanza y el aprendizaje. Material y Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica detallada para examinar estudios y casos de uso de IA en la educación, centrándose en las herramientas y estrategias utilizadas por los educadores. Resultados: Se encontró que los educadores están adoptando una variedad de herramientas y estrategias basadas en IA, como plataformas de aprendizaje adaptativo, sistemas de tutoría inteligente y análisis de datos educativos, para mejorar la enseñanza y personalizar la experiencia de aprendizaje de los estudiantes. Conclusiones: La adopción de la inteligencia artificial por parte de los educadores está transformando el panorama educativo al ofrecer nuevas formas de enseñanza y aprendizaje. Sin embargo, es importante abordar consideraciones éticas y desafíos asociados con su uso para garantizar su implementación efectiva y responsabl
Tumor de estirpe mesenquimal uterino: Presentación de caso clínico y revisión bibliográfica
Authors: Gavilanes Sáenz Víctor Patricio , López Haro Andrea Michelle
Published: May 2024

Introducción: Los tumores mesenquimales uterinos son relativamente frecuentes, se clasifican ampliamente en leiomiomas, leiomiosarcomas y tumores de músculo liso de potencial maligno incierto (STUMP). Su clínica es inespecífica y en ciertos casos debido a la dificultad en su diagnóstico se necesitan estudios especiales para ser clasificados como totalmente benignos o malignos.
Objetivo: Describir el caso clínico de una paciente con tumor mesenquimal uterino realizando una revision adecuada y actualizada de la bibliografía.
Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo, mediante la presentación de un caso clínico. Previamente se obtuvo el consentimiento informado de la paciente, se realizó una revisión sistemática de información científica en los buscadores bibliográficos PubMed, Scopus, Nature Portafolio, Springer Link y Scielo.
Resultados: Paciente de 50 años que consultó por distención abdominal y dolor abdominal difuso de aproximadamente 3 meses de evolución. Ecográficamente se visualizó una masa de contenido heterogéneo que impresiona originarse en ovarios con volumen de 4575 cc, la misma que se confirmó por tomografía axial computarizada, posteriormente se decide laparotomía exploratoria encontrando masa abdominopélvica dependiente de cuerno uterino izquierdo que impresiona mioma subseroso gigante con adherencias y abundante neovascularización a mesenterio por lo que se realiza histerectomía más anexectomía, se envía para estudio histopatológico que reveló neoplasia de estirpe mesenquimal sin especificar diagnóstico de benignidad o malignidad por lo que se solicita estudio inmunohistoquímico para clasificarlo.
Conclusiones: A pesar de que la intervención quirúrgica constituye una medida inicial en el tratamiento ante la sospecha de tumor mesenquimal, resulta imperativo validar el diagnóstico mediante análisis histopatológico, inmunohistoquímico y, en algunos casos, mediante evaluación de la genética molecular. Este enfoque se realiza con el propósito de discernir entre una lesión maligna o benigna, permitiendo así la implementación de un protocolo de manejo y seguimiento apropiado
Inmunización contra el COVID-19 y su relación con el desarrollo de lesiones dermatólogas: reporte de un caso de liquen plano
Authors: Jami Carrera Jeanneth Elizabeth , Tixilema Arias Luis Alexander , Tipantasig Paucar Lissbeth Giomara
Published: May 2024

Introducción: El liquen plano, es una dermatitis inflamatoria que afecta adultos de mediana edad, se presenta como pápulas violáceas en áreas como muñecas y cuello. Su etiología no está clara, pero se sugiere reactividad cruzada entre antígenos desencadenados por diversas causas. Se plantea la asociación de reacciones hiperinflamatorias con el SARS-CoV-2, demostrando lesiones LP-Like. La presencia de eosinófilos y paraquetosis guía el diagnóstico de erupciones liquenoides, indistinguibles del liquen plano. Teorías sobre la relación entre la vacuna COVID-19 y dermatosis autoinmunes incluyen reacción cruzada y predisposición genética. Las vacunas involucradas, especialmente Pfizer, podrían desencadenar respuestas inmunológicas asociadas a trastornos autoinmunitarios. La aparición temporal de enfermedades ampollares sugiere una posible relación causal con la vacunación COVID-19.
Objetivo general: : Determinar, a través de la presentación de un caso clínico, la relación entre la respuesta inmunológica producida por la inmunización contra COVID-19 y el posterior desarrollo de liquen plano.
Objetivos específicos:  1) Describir los procesos inmunológicos involucrados en la patogenia del liquen plano. 2) Identificar las posibles vacunas relacionadas con el aparecimiento de la patología dermatológica.
Materiales y métodos: Por medio del examen histopatològico que confirma el diagnostico; se obtuvo autorizaciòn de la unidad de salud para analisis y publicaciòn.
Resultados: El liquen plano es una enfermedad inflamatoria cutánea que ha sido vinculado con la administración de vacunas contra el COVID-19 en diversos casos documentados globalmente. Estas reacciones muestran características típicas, como pápulas pruriginosas, ocurriendo en brazos, tronco y extremidades inferiores. Se postula un fenómeno de mimetismo molecular, donde un epítopo viral desencadena respuestas inmunológicas en queratinocitos. Aunque la mayoría de los casos de liquen plano carece de desencadenantes conocidos, se han identificado algunos asociados a vacunas antivirales, incluida la del VHB. La secuencia temporal entre la vacunación y la dermatosis, aproximadamente 4 semanas, respalda la posible relación causal entre la vacuna inactiva del SARS-COV-2 y el liquen plano observado en la paciente.
Conclusiones: La vacuna contra el SARS-CoV-2 puede provocar reacciones en diversos tejidos, como se observa en el caso presentado con lesiones cutáneas similares al liquen plano. Destaca la importancia de registrar la vacunación en la anamnesis dermatológica para evitar malinterpretaciones y reconocer efectos secundarios cutáneos
Unveiling Small Scale Entrepreneurs’ Insights on Revenue Impact Through Social Media Marketing at Gandhinagar
Authors: Trivedi Gargi , Bhagat Maitrey
Published: May 2024

This study investigates how Small-Scale Entrepreneurs perceive the impact of Social media marketing on income generation. Employing a mixed-methods design that transcends traditional quantitative and qualitative research dichotomy, the research aims to comprehensively analyse the intricate relationship between Social media marketing strategies and revenue outcomes for SSE. The study adopts both qualitative exploration and statistical measurements to capture the diverse narratives and experiential insights of Small-Scale Entrepreneurs, within a sample size of 150. The primary objectives include analyzing Small Scale Entrepreneurs perspectives on the influence of Social media marketing on revenue and examining potential connections between this impact and demographic factors. The research seeks to contribute to academic discourse, inform policymakers for the development of supportive initiatives, and provide entrepreneurs with valuable insights for strategic decision-making. Additionally, the study aims to offer nuanced perspectives on the evolving landscape of Social media marketing in the Small Scale sector. Anticipated outcomes include enhancements in the competitiveness and sustainability of the SSE sector, thereby contributing to the broader economic landscape and empowering individual enterprises to refine their Social media strategies.
“We Are Living in Fear”: Transnational Repression, Regime Type, and Double Precarity in the Uyghur Diaspora
Authors: Lemon Edward , Jardine Bradley
Published: May 2024

Since 1997, the Chinese Party-state has engaged in a campaign of transnational repression against the Uyghur diaspora. This campaign has grown in severity since the 2014 declaration of the People's War on Terror and Strike Hard campaigns, which, taken together, involved a program of mass incarceration for the Turkic peoples of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). This article examines the everyday impacts of extraterritorial persecution on the Uyghur diaspora and their ability to successfully integrate into their new host societies and exercise their political and cultural agency. The article draws from nineteen in-depth interviews with Uyghurs living around the world and a dataset of over 7,000 incidents of China's targeting of Uyghurs globally since 1997. We examine how Chinese practices and the everyday effects of transnational repression vary between different regime types. We argue that Uyghurs experience both marginalization in their host country and the threat of transnational repression from China, a particularly precarious situation that we term double precarity. This double precarity is felt most acutely in more authoritarian contexts.
At the Intersection of Disciplinary Practice and Science Policy: Publication Language Choices of Social Sciences and Humanities Scholars in Poland
Authors: Warchał Krystyna , Zakrajewski Paweł
Published: May 2024

The choice of language for research publication is a strategic decision that balances such issues as efficient communication of results to the target audience, requirements of the grant agency, the guidelines of desirable publication venues, and promotion criteria. Previous studies have shown that social sciences and humanities (SSH) scholars tend to communicate research in at least two languages and that they increasingly publish in English in addition to national languages. Evidence for disciplinary differences in publication languages in the SSH comes primarily from bibliometric studies that span short evaluative periods. This study aims to provide a complementary perspective on the lifelong publication practices in the SSH in one national context, using data obtained in a survey carried out in Polish universities. Its main objective is to assess the degree of multilingualism of individual disciplines and academic seniority groups, establish which languages are used, and set the results in the context of country- and institution-level science policies. The results show that while all the disciplines are oriented toward internationalization, they have developed distinctive practices reflecting their engagement with locally relevant topics, involvement with projects on the regional or supranational level, and participation in global research. They also show that by prioritizing publication in top-tier international venues across the board, current science policies do not adequately consider disciplinary practices and target audiences.
Whom are you speaking for? Obstacles to participation encountered by special-seat councillors in Tanzanian Local Councils
Authors: Swai Idda , Zeegers Nicolle
Published: May 2024

With the implementation of the special-seats programme at the local level of the Tanzanian government, special-seat representatives experience obstacles similar to those experienced by their counterparts in the Tanzanian parliament – the national level. It was established that because of these obstacles, the participation of these women councillors – defined as the attempts they make to affect decisions – is rather low compared to elected male and female councillors. This article focuses on the context in which special-seat councillors have to do their work and how this could partly explain the low participation. It addresses how the special-seat councillors function in practice, and how this compares to the functioning of councillors elected from the wards. The insights into their functioning are derived from data collected from four councils, observation of the meetings, and interviews with councillors between 2012 and 2014. The authors conclude that an improvement of accountability mechanisms would be important for increasing the participation of the special-seat councillors and propose three changes in the organization of the special-seats programme to bring this about.
الأحكام الفقهية التي تخالف فيها صلاة النافلة صلاة الفريضة- دراسة فقهية مقارنة
Authors: الشبعان عادل بن عبد الله بن صالح
Published: May 2024

الأهداف: هدف هذا البحث إلى بيان الأحكام الفقهية التي تخالف فيها صلاة النافلة صلاة الفريضة. المنهجية: تم استخدام المنهج التحليلي في بيان تفاصيل هذا البحث. الخلاصة: وقد خلص هذا البحث إلى نتائج مهمة من أبرزها: أن الأصل في صلاة الفريضة وصلاة النافلة أن أحكامهما واحدة إلا ما جاء الدليل في التفريق بينها، وقد تبين أن الاختلاف في الأحكام بين صلاة الفريضة وصلاة النافلة أنه قليله ومحصورة.
The Biomarkers Associated with Unstable Angina Pectoris (UAP)
Authors: Issa Awatif Hameed , Lefta Suaad Abbas , Hazaa Mazin Abed , Abed Alaa Hussein
Published: May 2024

Objectives: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common form of CVD that begins as stable angina pectoris (SAP) followed by unstable angina pectoris (UAP) and finally critical stage myocardial infarction (MI), which results from rupture of atherosclerotic plaque and a thrombus that blocks the coronary artery supplying the heart, resulted from the death of part of the heart muscle. The underlying cause of coronary artery disease (CAD) is atherosclerosis, which results from the formation of layers of fatty deposits on the inner walls of the arteries. Early diagnosis of MI has an important role in assisting clinicians in prompt planning for its treatment and thus reducing the number of its deaths. Methods: The present study included 20 UAP patients and 20 healthy individuals (controls). In all the cases and controls, levels of cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers were measured by special kits from Hotgen Company via phosphorous technology using UPT-3A converting phosphor immunological analyzer. Results: The levels of both cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers were significantly increased in UAP cases as compared to controls. Also, there was significant positive correlation between cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers in UAP cases. Conclusions: The positive correlation between most cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers in UAP indicates that inflammation occurs in UAP. Hence it is concluded that inflammatory biomarkers (CRP, Hs-CRP and PCT) and cardiac biomarker (cTnI, H-FABP, CK-MB, NT-proBNP and D-dimer) can be markers of UAP and can be used for diagnostic purposes in patients.
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Soil of Different Oil Fields at Basrah Governorate, Iraq
Authors: Resen Majdalena A. , Abdulhassan Hamza K. , AL-Saad Hamid T.
Published: May 2024

Objectives: This study concentrated on determining the total hydrocarbon concentrations in soil at eleven stations of the oil field (Seba, Safwan, Majnoon, Ratawi, Bergezia, Qurna2, Qurna1, Shuaaba, South and North Rumaila, and Al Zubair). Methods: Soil samples were freeze-dried, finely pulverised in an agate mortar, and sieved through a 62-um metal sieve and 150 ml mixture of methanol and benzene (1:1) was used to extract the soil. Determination of TPHs where determined by using Spectrofluroscence, Total organic carbons (TOC) in the soil of the oil fields were also determined. Results: According to the TPH distribution used in this investigation, station 11 (Al Zubair) had the highest concentration of TPHs (162.53mg/g dry weight), while station 1(Seba) had the lowest concentration (21.4mg/g dry weigh). Additionally, the study's findings demonstrated that TPH levels varied spatially amongst sites. The highest amounts of total petroleum hydrocarbons detected in soil samples, as well as the findings of this investigation indicating that TPH levels varied geographically throughout stations. Conclusions: There is significant correlation between the TPH in soil and TOC%. By comprising the result concentration of this study with literature reviews, the concentration levels lies within it and in other cases exceed it.
Genetic Stability Analysis of Three Barley Cultivars (Hordeum vulgare L.) Grown under the Influence of Different Levels of Nitrogen Fertilizer
Authors: Jamel Fatimah Ali , Jabail Waleed Abdulredha , Hassan Khawla Rashige
Published: May 2024

Objectives: to analyze the genetic stability of three barley cultivars under the influence of different levels of nitrogen fertilizer to identify the variety or varieties that have genetic stability. Methods: At the Agricultural Research Station in Karma Ali, College of Agriculture at the University of Basrah, a field experiment was carried out in the Basrah Governorate during the 2021-2022 winter season The experiment was done using a split-plot design with three replications. The main plots showed the number of harvests (once, twice, or three times), which were shown by (C1, C2, C3). The secondary plots showed the crops (Baraq, Abaa 99, Abaa 265), which were shown by (V1, V2, V3). The sub-plots showed the amounts of fertilizer (300, 200, 100) N ton ha-1and symbolized by (N1, N2, N3). Results: The results showed that the values of phenotypic variances were highly significant compared to the genetic and environmental variances, the studied traits. Green and dry food yield, protein yield, and inheritance in a broad sense all had high values of 88.86%, 75.28%, and 82.45%, respectively due to the decrease in the values of environmental variance compared to the values of genetic variance. The phenotypic and genetic variation coefficients were low for the trait of fiber yield. The genetic variation coefficient for the trait of green forage yield was low, reaching 9.567%, and average for the rest of the studied traits. Conclusions: Also can note that the variety V1 is more stable for the trait.
A Study of the Antioxidizing and Inhibiting Effects of the Alcoholic Extract of Sage Salvia Officinalis on Microorganisms
Authors: AlFadhly Nawal K. Z.
Published: May 2024

Objectives: A study of the antioxidizing and inhibiting effects of the sage salvia officinalis on microorganisms. Methods: Chemical constituents of sage leaves the percentage of the 98% ethanol extract of sage was 5.8% prepared in concentrations of 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/ml, Antioxidizing and inhibiting effects on microorganisms, and sensory characteristics of the sage added biscuits. Results: Scanning electron microscope images, the structure of powder sage leaves which appear as long tubes and round crystals, Hight percent concentration of minerals carbon and oxygen while low concentrations of (Zn, Al, Na, Mg, Si, K, Co, Ca, and Ce) were also found. the percentage of the moisture, protein, fat and ash (11.09, 6.89, 13.14, 9.64) % respectively, the inhibition effect of sage leaves ethanol extract prepared in concentrations of 50, 100, 150 and 200 mg/ml on three bacteria and fungi species of disc method. maximum effect on all three bacteria species Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas sp. was found with the concentration 50 and 100 mg/ml. compared with 150 and 200 mg/ml. It has been found that the 150 mg/ml concentration has the most inhibition effect on the three species of fungi studied Aspergillus niger, A. carbonarius, A. flavus. All extract concentration inhibited A. flavus, it was that the antioxidant activity, iron ion bonding, reducing power and the ability capture the hydrogen peroxide of sage ethanol extract increases with high concentrations. Peroxide values decreased with increased sage added biscuits percentage (0, 0.5, 0,75 and 1) w/w% in stored for periods. However, the sensory characteristics of the sage added biscuits samples were good and close to the standard biscuit control. Conclusions: Finally, we conclude that the sage plant has medicinal and nutritional benefits due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.
Effect of Visible Light Blocking Ratio, Irrigation Intervals and Free Amino Acids on Vegetative Growth Parameters of Chrysanthemum
Authors: Bdewi Mawj M. , Kadhim Ahmed A.
Published: May 2024

Objectives: An experiment was conducted under plastic shades set up for this purpose in the Mashroo Almussaib area (45 km north of Babil Province) to improve vegetative growth indicators for chrysanthemum plants Minngopher cultivar with red flowers. Methods: Use 3 factors in the experiment include the first factor different percentages of visible light blocking (50 and 75) %, The second factor treating plants with three Irrigation Intervals (daily, every 24 hours, and every 48 hours) as for the third factor spraying plants with several concentrations of free amino acids (0,1, 1.50 and 2.00) mg L-1. The experiment design in a (2x3x4) factorial design using a R.C.B.D. with three replicates per treatment. Each replicate contained three pots, each with one plant. The results: Showed the study factors have significant impact of the studied parameters, the interaction (75% shading, daily irrigation, and 150 mg L-1) give significant impact in the number of leaves (129.0 leave) and the length of the vegetative branch (15.33 cm) while achieved the triple treatment (75% shading, daily irrigation, and 200 mg L-1) significant impact in number of vegetative branches (7.67 vegetative branches) and the main stem diameter (6.76 mm), as for the height of the plant, the interactions treatment was impact (75% shading, daily irrigation, and 100 mg L-1). Conclusions: From here we conclude that shading ratios play an important role in reducing the impact of stress intensity humidity and thermal associated with treating plants with free amino acids spraying on vegetative plant.
The Effects of Metacognitive Strategies on Reading Comprehension of ESL Students
Authors: Qureshi Hashmi Sana Mahmood
Published: May 2024

In Pakistan, English holds prestige as an official language. Being the language of instruction, reading comprehension of the English language is crucial in the development of critical thinking and equips learners to understand complex content. In this regard, metacognition can help the learner by understanding their thinking and improving their learning processes. Many studies show that by applying metacognitive strategies, students can develop their critical reading skills to comprehend advanced reading material. However, without correct application and understanding of the process, teachers and students remain in want of achieving results. This article explores the development of reading comprehension of ESL students by implementing meta-cognitive strategies in the students of the M.A. English programme. The aim is to explore the relation between metacognitive strategies (planning, monitoring and evaluating) and reading comprehension, and how metacognitive awareness has a direct impact on reading comprehension of ESL students.