bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preoperative Smoking-Cessation Interventions to Prevent Postoperative Complications: A Quality Assessment and Overview of Systematic Review Evidence
Authors: Fiddes Rachel A. , McCaffrey Nikki
Published: October 2024

Multiple systematic reviews have investigated the effectiveness of preoperative interventions for smoking-cessation, although relatively few have focused on the prevention of surgical complications. This overview of systematic reviews aimed to describe the types of smoking interventions studied to prevent postoperative complications, summarize the results, and evaluate the quality of the reviews and strength of evidence to inform clinicians, health practitioners, policy developers, and government bodies. Comprehensive searches of Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Johanna Briggs Institute databases were conducted to identify systematic reviews of preoperative smoking-cessation interventions to prevent surgical complications (inception—May 14, 2024). Search results were independently screened by 2 reviewers for articles meeting the eligibility criteria. Data on key review characteristics and included studies were extracted: aim, search strategy, included studies, risk of bias, population, sample size, intervention, comparator, main findings, and conclusions. Quality appraisal of the reviews was undertaken using the AMSTAR 2 tool and evidence certainty was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Sixty-seven full-text articles from 838 citations were screened, resulting in 6 included systematic reviews with 12 primary studies reporting postoperative complications. Four reviews which included all primary studies, provided moderate to high strength of evidence. There was high-certainty evidence suggesting interventions started ≥4 weeks before surgery incorporating multiple behavioral support sessions and pharmacotherapy are needed to prevent postoperative complications, particularly the incidence of surgical site infections. High-certainty evidence also indicates the duration of smoking-cessation is important, with benefits amplified for longer periods. However, medium- to high-certainty evidence suggests interventions initiated <4 weeks before surgery even with multiple behavioral support sessions (with or without pharmacotherapy), and interventions commenced >4 weeks before surgery but with only 1 interventional component, increase quit rates but do not reduce complications. This overview provides the most up-to-date summary and quality assessment of systematic review evidence on the effectiveness of preoperative smoking-cessation interventions to prevent surgical complications. The evidence supports providing smoking-cessation interventions which include multiple behavioral support sessions and pharmacotherapy implemented at least 4 weeks before surgery to reduce postoperative complications. Consequently, anesthesiologists need to work with primary care physicians, consultants, and surgeons to optimize smoking-cessation interventions way in advance of surgery.
Association of Short-term Pain and Chronic Pain Intensity With Cardiometabolic Multimorbidity Progression: A Multistate Markov Model Analysis
Authors: Chen Dongze , Zhang Yali , Zhou Yi , Liang Zhisheng
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND:

The impact of pain intensity on the progression trajectories of cardiometabolic multimorbidity (CMM) is not well understood. We attempted to dissect the relationship of short-term pain (STP) and chronic pain intensity with the temporal progression of CMM.

METHODS:

We conducted a prospective cohort study based on the UK Biobank participants. Incident cases of cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) were identified based on self-reported information and multiple health-related records in the UK Biobank. CMM was defined as the occurrence of at least 2 CMDs, including heart failure (HF), ischemic heart disease (IHD), stroke, and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The pain intensity was categorized into 5 levels based on pain duration and the number of sites involved, including chronic widespread pain (CWSP), chronic multilocation pain (CMLP), chronic single-location pain (CSLP), STP, and free-of-pain (FOP). Multistate models were used to assess the impact of pain intensity on the CMM trajectories from enrollment to initial cardiometabolic disease (ICMD), subsequently to CMM, and ultimately to death.

RESULTS:

A total of 429,145 participants were included. Over the course of a 12.8-year median follow-up, 13.1% (56,137/429,145) developed ICMD, 19.6% (10,979/56,137) further progressed to CMM, and a total of 5.3% (22,775/429,145) died. Compared with FOP, CMLP (hazard ratio [HR], 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06–1.17) and CWSP (HR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.13–1.42) elevated the risk of transitioning from ICMD to CMM. STP (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.82–0.96), CSLP (HR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.82–0.95), and CMLP (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.81–0.93) lowered the risk of transition from ICMD to mortality, and STP also reduced the risk of transition from enrollment to mortality (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.89–0.98). The results of disease-specific transitions revealed that the influence of pain intensity varied across transitional stages. Specifically, CMLP and CWSP heightened the risk of conversion from T2D or IHD to CMM, whereas only CWSP substantially elevated the transition risk from HF to CMM.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results highlighted reductions in chronic pain may mitigate both the onset and progression of CMM, potentially having an important impact on future revisions of cardiometabolic and pain-related guidelines.
Optimal Infusion Rate of Norepinephrine for Prevention of Spinal Hypotension for Cesarean Delivery: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Using Up-Down Sequential Allocation
Authors: Khatoon Fatima , Kocarev Mitko , Fernando Roshan , Naz Amber , Khalid Fouzia , Ibrahim Abdalla Eynas Omer , Columb Malachy
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND:

Norepinephrine has recently been suggested to be as effective as phenylephrine for the prevention of hypotension after spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery. Moreover, compared to phenylephrine, norepinephrine may be superior in maintaining heart rate (HR) and consequently, cardiac output (CO). A recent study demonstrated that norepinephrine given as a single intravenous bolus is approximately 13 times more potent than phenylephrine. However, it is uncertain whether this finding can be applied when these vasopressors are administered as infusions. Therefore, the optimum infusion rate of norepinephrine remains unknown. We aimed to determine the median effective dose (ED50; defined as the rate of vasopressor infusion required to prevent spinal hypotension in 50% of subjects) of both drugs needed to maintain maternal systolic blood pressure within 20% of the baseline after spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery and to derive the relative potency ratio.

METHODS:

Sixty healthy patients undergoing elective cesarean delivery with standardized spinal anesthesia were randomized into 2 groups. The first patient in group 1 received phenylephrine 1200 µg in normal saline 0.9% w/v 60 mL at 60 mL/h infusion rate (20 µg.min−1). The first patient in group 2 received norepinephrine 96 µg in normal saline 0.9% w/v 60 mL at 60 mL/h infusion rate (1.6 µg.min−1). Using up-down sequential allocation technique, the vasopressor dose for every subsequent patient was determined by the response in the previous patient. If effective, the next patient received a dose reduced by 150 µg of phenylephrine (2.5 µg.min−1) or 12 µg (0.2 µg.min−1) of norepinephrine. If ineffective, the dose for the next patient was increased by the same amount. The ED50s were determined according to the Dixon-Massey formula. Stroke volume (SV), HR, and CO were also measured.

RESULTS:

The ED50 was 12.7 µg.min−1 (95% CI, 10.5–14.9) for phenylephrine and 1.01 µg.min−1 (95% CI, 0.84–1.18) for norepinephrine, giving a potency ratio of 12.6 (95% CI, 9.92–15.9). HR, SV, and CO did not differ between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Norepinephrine is more potent than phenylephrine by a factor of approximately 13 when administered as infusion for equivalent maternal blood pressure control. Based on these findings, we recommend a variable rate prophylactic infusion of norepinephrine to be initiated at 1.9 to 3.8 µg.min−1 for the management of hypotension during cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia.
Serratus Posterior Superior Intercostal Plane Block for Rescue Analgesia After Clavicle Fracture Surgery: A Case Report
Authors: Eser Celik Lutfiye Fulya , Yazar Can Ozan , Zengin Musa , Ergil Julide
Published: October 2024

Clavicle fractures are the most common fractures of the shoulder girdle. Due to the complex sensory innervation of the clavicle, patients’ pain scores are high in the postoperative period. Therefore, multimodal regional analgesia techniques provided by the combination of cervical plexus and/or brachial plexus have been successfully applied in the literature. Serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) is a plane block that provides anterolateral chest wall analgesia. It provides analgesia between C3 and T10. In this case report, our experience with SPSIPB, which we applied for rescue analgesia in a patient who underwent surgery for a clavicle fracture, is described.
Transparent Citizenship: The Racialization of Privacy in Post–World War II Japanese American Fiction
Authors: Suzuki Erin
Published: October 2024

Written in the wake of the Japanese incarceration and the emergence of new Cold War discourses around race, privacy, and democracy, Hisaye Yamamoto’s and John Okada’s works mark a shift from the specific targeting of Japanese Americans as individuals whose citizenship was contingent upon enforced transparency to the broader suspicion of the more generalized “Oriental” as a figure whose opacity becomes an excuse for racialized surveillance and policing in the name of national security. As formerly interned or imprisoned individuals, Yamamoto’s and Okada’s protagonists begin their stories already understanding the contingency of their right to privacy and the expectations of transparency that attend their reentry into the mainstream of US society. This article argues that Yamamoto’s and Okada’s depictions of this transparent citizenship not only critique the limitations and burdens of proof that it places on racialized (and otherwise minoritized) individuals, but also articulate ways to think differently about citizenship itself. What if US citizenship were understood as a formation that did not fetishize the role of individual agency in the process of self-determination? What if the goal of transparency was not to expose or condemn the individual but to better illuminate the parts that individuals play in the construction of our society, and the complexity of their connections to others? And how might transparent citizenship be reconceptualized to empower, rather than infantilize, citizens vis-à-vis the state, by giving us information we might need to imagine and remake the power dynamics of this relationship?
The Suspended States of Latinx Literature
Authors: Miranda Joseph Isaac
Published: October 2024

This article lingers in the suspended time of Justin Torres’s We the Animals (2011), a story of loss, alienation, and an errant desire to remain underwater. Written in the long durée of US coloniality, Torres’s novel resists the narrative conventions of the bildungsroman to contend with the ways Latinx literature is bound to narratives of forestalled self-development and failed incorporation. Such uneven relations are traced back to the ethnographic frameworks emplotted in the Insular Cases—which are a set of Supreme Court decisions that have suspended Puerto Rico into statelessness since 1901. This article argues that Torres’s refusal of narrative convention reveals how the dictates of the Insular Cases have seeped into ethnographic understandings of Latinx as suspended from normativity at large. However, Torres’s tactical use of suspension refuses to move toward legible subjecthood or linger in despair. Rather, the novel tarries with the irregular conditions of Latinx life to posit shared alienation as the groundwork for a larger, vibrant brown sociality in the ongoing muck of the Insular Cases.
More than “A Matter of Deciding To”: Citizenship, Border Positionality, and Irresolution in Louise Erdrich’s The Night Watchman
Authors: Lauria Florencia
Published: October 2024

This article considers Indigenous refusal to state-imposed US citizenship through a reading of Louise Erdrich’s The Night Watchman (2020). The novel follows the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa’s struggle to remain a federally recognized tribe during the US government’s move toward tribal termination in the 1950s. While the characters’ appeal to the US government could be construed simply as a plea for state recognition, the novel’s insistence on Chippewa kinship structures as a simultaneous and legitimate expression of the characters’ political identities suggests otherwise. Taking up conversations in Indigenous studies pertaining to the limits of state recognition and the possibilities of generative forms of refusal, the article expands upon Mohawk scholar Audra Simpson’s (2014) model of refusal with an emphasis on irresolution. This irresolution is manifested in the novel’s narrative form—which refuses closure. The article uses the term border positionalities to describe the unresolved and unsettled tension between the characters’ Indigenous and settler political identities. It contends that the incommensurability of these social and political identities makes Erdrich’s novel an important text for reading citizenship as an ongoing site of struggle for Indigenous people.
Economic factors influencing the empowerment of Peruvian women
Authors: Alvarado Cáceres Elena Jesús , Reynosa Navarro Enaidy , Vela Meléndez Lindon
Published: October 2024

Objective To determine whether economic factors are crucial in empowering women, guiding them towards growth and development opportunities, achieving empowerment, and contributing to two sustainable development goals of the 2030 development agenda: ending poverty and achieving gender equality. Methodology The research was foundational, with a phenomenological and hermeneutic design. The applied technique was in-depth interviews with 12 women who had started a business within the last five years in a region of Peru. Results It is evident that economic factors are decisive in business experiences and decisions, highlighting the necessity of having contingency funds to prevent operational impacts. Through entrepreneurship, women achieved economic independence, enabling them to support their families and impacting their empowerment. It concludes that to promote economic opportunity equality, addressing financing needs, encouraging economic independence, strengthening family empowerment, improving customer management, and facilitating access to government funds are essential. Conclusions The narrative of the participants provides a solid foundation for designing specific policies and support programs that boost the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs and encourage their active participation in the business sphere.
Trends in gestational age at live birth in Scotland from 2005 to 2019: a population-based study
Authors: Moore Emily , Scott Sonya , John Jeeva , Calvert Clara , Wood Rachael , Stock Sarah J.
Published: October 2024

Background Gestation at birth is associated with short and long-term outcomes. This study used high quality, national, administrative data to examine trends in gestation at birth in Scotland. Methods This observational study used maternity hospital discharge records for 2005 to 2019 to determine trends in the percentage of live births that were preterm (<37 weeks gestation), term (37–41 weeks), and post-term (≥42 weeks), overall and by maternal age and deprivation category. Preterm births were further examined by category of preterm birth (moderate to late [32–36 weeks]; very [28–31 weeks]; extremely [<28 weeks] preterm), and onset of labour (spontaneous; provider-initiated). Singleton and multiple births were examined separately. Aggregate logistic regression was used to estimate the annual change in the odds of a birth being in a specified gestational category. Results The percentage of singleton births in Scotland that were preterm decreased from 2005 (6.5%, 3,361/51,665) to 2010 (5.8%, 3268/56344), then increased to 2019 (7.2%, 3,408/47,507). The percentage of singleton births that were spontaneous moderate to late, very, and extremely preterm all increased between 2010 and 2019. The percentage of singleton births that were provider-initiated moderate to late preterm also increased between 2010 and 2019, however provider-initiated very or extremely preterm birth decreased. The percentage of singleton births that were preterm increased over time across all maternal age and deprivation categories, with increases greatest in groups at highest baseline risk. The percentage of singleton births that were post-term increased from 2005 to 2009, then decreased to 2019. Conclusions There has been an increase in spontaneous preterm birth from 2010 to 2019, which is not fully explained by changes in maternal age or deprivation. Further research to examine the contribution of other, preventable, risk factors is warranted. Trends in provider-initiated preterm birth, and post-term birth, are likely to reflect changing clinical practice.
Atención primaria en salud bucal colectiva
Authors: Cruz Romero Sergio Danilo , Ospina Lozano Edson Jair
Published: October 2024

La salud bucal colectiva es una perspectiva contrahegemónica de pensamiento y acción en salud bucal, en donde se integran posiciones políticas y experiencias comunitarias en la Atención Primaria en Salud. Objetivo: Caracterizar la experiencia de integración de la perspectiva de la Salud Bucal Colectiva en una estrategia de Atención Primaria en Salud dirigida a las comunidades Pijao de Ortega, Tolima. Métodos: Reflexión derivada de una sistematización etnográfica sobre la experiencia de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia con comunidades indígenas Pijao entre 2016 y 2021. Resultados: Se integró la perspectiva de salud bucal colectiva en acciones de atención primaria en salud, principalmente de salud oral y comunicativa, con un enfoque en el buen vivir de las comunidades. Esto incluyó acciones de promoción y educación en salud, y la exigencia del derecho a la salud bucal desde un análisis de los modos de vida desde la determinación social de la salud. Se utilizó la interculturalidad como base del diálogo con las comunidades y sus servicios de salud propios, y se construyeron proyectos conjuntos de cuidado de la naturaleza, desde la participación comunitaria y la formación de estudiantes, fortaleciendo sus capacidades de participación en acciones colectivas en salud. Conclusiones: La salud bucal colectiva se integró en la experiencia de atención primaria en salud con comunidades Pijao del municipio de Ortega, mediante la integración de principios teóricos, metodológicos y praxeológicos que potenciaron una gestión alternativa de la salud de las comunidades comprometida con el buen vivir.
Violencia psicológica y física percibida por trabajadores de unidades de emergencias privadas de Chile
Authors: Ceballos-Vásquez Paula , Espinoza-Arrué Felipe , Solorza-Aburto José , Salgado-Vergara Connie , Almuna-Alfaro Natali , González-Andrade Amanda , Muñoz-Rojas Derby
Published: October 2024

Introducción: La violencia es un fenómeno extremadamente difuso y complejo, que afecta al mundo entero, con cifras que van en aumento considerable. Específicamente, la violencia en el lugar de trabajo es una problemática relevante debido a las múltiples consecuencias que puede provocar en las personas, las instituciones, y la sociedad. Objetivo: Determinar la percepción de la violencia laboral y factores asociados, en Unidades de Emergencia de establecimientos de salud privados. Metodología: Estudio transversal, explicativo. Se censaron 130 trabajadores de unidades de emergencia privadas chilenas, mediante un instrumento dividido en a) Variables biosociodemográficas y laborales y b) Cuestionario Violencia Laboral del sector de Salud. Para el análisis inferencial se realizaron asociaciones con chi cuadrado y test de Fisher y regresión logística. Durante toda la investigación se respetaron principios bioéticos internacionales. Resultados: La violencia con mayor prevalencia en este grupo de estudio, fue la violencia psicológica (54,6%). Se levantó un modelo de regresión logística, arrojando resultados significativos (p≤0,05) con las variables edad y preocupación por la violencia, las cuales aumentan el riesgo de violencia psicológica. Conclusiones: Los trabajadores participantes perciben predominantemente violencia de tipo psicológica. Sin embargo, la que más se reporta es la violencia física. Ambos tipos de violencias reconocen como principal perpetrador al usuario. Se puntualiza que estos hallazgos pueden ser de gran utilidad para las instituciones privadas de salud y la Gestión del Cuidado, al ofrecerle insumos empíricos para tomar decisiones respecto al entorno laboral sanitario.
Strategies for LinkedIn-Based Guest Speaker Recruitment and Establishment of Engaging and Comfortable Classroom Discussions: A Case Study from an Operations Management Course
Authors: Edirisinghe Gihan , Munson Charles L.
Published: October 2024

This article describes workable strategies for instructors to introduce highly interactive question and answer (Q&A) sessions with accomplished guest speakers from industry. Two innovative strategies serve as the key factors behind the series’ success: (1) using LinkedIn to partner with guest speakers, especially university alumni, who possess expertise in specific operations management disciplines, and (2) implementing a novel structured Q&A approach that enables alignment with learning objectives while maximizing quality student engagement. Our approach accesses the resumes of tens of thousands of college alumni listed on LinkedIn and utilizes free cloud-based services such as Google Forms and Google Sheets for question submission (by students), review (by instructors), and selection (by the guests). These successfully implemented strategies (1) match qualified speakers to relevant course content, (2) boost student engagement by ensuring the participation of all students, (3) promote content alignment by first filtering out irrelevant student questions, and (4) increase speaker preparation and comfort level.
Primal-Dual Extrapolation Methods for Monotone Inclusions Under Local Lipschitz Continuity
Authors: Lu Zhaosong , Mei Sanyou
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we consider a class of monotone inclusion (MI) problems of finding a zero of the sum of two monotone operators, in which one operator is maximal monotone, whereas the other is locally Lipschitz continuous. We propose primal-dual (PD) extrapolation methods to solve them using a point and operator extrapolation technique, whose parameters are chosen by a backtracking line search scheme. The proposed methods enjoy an operation complexity of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], measured by the number of fundamental operations consisting only of evaluations of one operator and resolvent of the other operator, for finding an ε-residual solution of strongly and nonstrongly MI problems, respectively. The latter complexity significantly improves the previously best operation complexity [Formula: see text]. As a byproduct, complexity results of the primal-dual extrapolation methods are also obtained for finding an ε-KKT or ε-residual solution of convex conic optimization, conic constrained saddle point, and variational inequality problems under local Lipschitz continuity. We provide preliminary numerical results to demonstrate the performance of the proposed methods.

Funding: This work was partially supported by the National Science Foundation [Grant IIS-2211491], the Office of Naval Research [Grant N00014-24-1-2702], and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research [Grant FA9550-24-1-0343].
Lumen-apposing metal stents and their emerging role in therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound
Authors: Tewatia Pavit , Abbasi Abdullah , Menon Shyam
Published: October 2024

The field of therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has expanded significantly in the past 2 decades, thanks in part to the invention and wide use of lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS). LAMS are used as alternatives to surgical or interventional radiological procedures, and yield excellent outcomes. Initially, their use was limited to management of various types of pancreatic fluid collections, including walled-off necrosis or pseudocysts. In recent years, the indications have expanded to biliary drainage, particularly in cases of malignant bile duct obstruction. LAMS are also used in gastric outlet obstruction and to access bile duct in patients with surgically altered anatomy. This clinical review aims to briefly expand on these indications and discuss the supporting literature for use of LAMS.
The ‘less is more’ approach: highlighting the benefits of poly-L-lactic acid filler as a treatment option
Authors: McLean Michelle
Published: October 2024

Advanced nurse practitioner Michelle McLean delves into the benefits of poly-L-lactic acid filler (PLLA) for skin rejuvenation and restoration as patients demand a ‘less is more’ approach to facial aesthetics. A recent surge in patients wanting to restore or preserve a youthful appearance has seen a surge in popularity for collagen stimulators due to their association with high levels of patient satisfaction, long-lasting efficiency, minor adverse events and sound safety profile ( Christen, 2022 ). Patients are increasingly opting for a ‘less is more’ visual aesthetic, hoping to achieve subtle, natural-looking, undetectable results. To meet patient goals, clinicians are utilising combination approaches in facial aesthetics, utilising products with PLLA because of its desirable results. PLLA is a powerful, well-tolerated tool for clinicians to employ for the non-surgical augmentation of the ageing face.
The dual power of Alma Hybrid™: integrating ablative and non-ablative lasers for superior outcomes
Authors: Kavasogullari Cemal , Paterson Khatra
Published: October 2024

The Alma Hybrid™ not only bridges the gap between traditional ablative and non-ablative laser treatments but also introduces enhanced transdermal delivery through the Impact Handpiece, utilising ultrasound technology. This integration allows for the effective treatment of a wide range of dermatological concerns, including scar revision, skin rejuvenation, and resurfacing ( Arellano-Huacuja, 2023 ; Arellano et al, 2023b ). This article aims to provide an examination of the clinical evidence supporting the Alma Hybrid™ system, with a focus on its integration into treatment plans for aesthetic and dermatological practices. Through an analysis of patient case studies and a review of the literature, this paper will demonstrate how the Alma Hybrid™ can be employed to enhance patient outcomes, particularly in challenging cases such as hypertrophic and atrophic scars. Furthermore, we will explore the system's efficacy across diverse patient demographics, with an emphasis on its safety profile in treating different Fitzpatrick skin types.
A new species of the genus Suhela (Lepidoptera: Pyraloidea: Spilomelinae) from the Andaman Islands, India
Authors: RAO B SUMIT KUMAR , SIVAPERUMEN CHANDRAKASAN , MALLY RICHARD
Published: October 2024

A new species, Suhela cuneus Rao, Sivaperuman & Mally sp. nov., belonging to the family Crambidae is described from the Indian Andaman Islands. The generic concept of Suhela is revised to include the new species. A differential diagnosis as well as images of adult habitus and both male and female genitalia are provided.
A Review of Myoelectric Prosthetic Arm Designs from 2011 to 2022
Authors: Bhatlawande Shripad , Shilaskar Swati , Belgaonkar Pranav
Published: October 2024

Prosthetic arms are worn by people whose arms have been amputated. Amputation involves surgical removal of the muscle, neurosensory system, and skeletal system. Myoelectric prosthetics make use of the signals generated by the intact muscles for the limb movement. Prosthetic limbs are designed using mechanical parts with suitable gear and motors. Users of prosthetic arms can carry out tasks associated with everyday living and their jobs almost exactly like they would with a natural arm. Prosthetic arms come in a variety of designs based on the needs of the user. The current research reviews the goals, plans, and trials conducted on prosthetic elbows, wrists, and hands between 2011 and 2022 from reputable conferences and journals. In this work, the design of two prosthetic hands with one degree of freedom and thirteen degrees of freedom, respectively, in the 3D simulation tool SolidWorks is described. Prosthetic elbow and a wrist with one degree of freedom were designed as well. The fine motor activities can be performed with the prosthetic fingers designed in this work.
Exploring Diabetes Research Trends in India: A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis Using VOSviewer
Authors: Aminabee Shaik , Karnati Saritha , Shankar Kunderu Ravi , Devi Tangirala Sarala , Srinivasu Puppala , Harshini Gudivada , Reddy Vanukuri Madhupriya , Leenaja Kolli , Leelavati Thota suguna
Published: October 2024

Diabetes has become a pressing public health issue in India, prompting the need for a comprehensive understanding of research trends to effectively guide interventions. This study conducted a bibliometric analysis (BA) of diabetes research publications in India spanning from 2014 to 2023 to elucidate the research landscape. Through a systematic literature search using databases, a vast corpus of 498,138 publications was identified, predominantly comprising research and review articles. Temporal analysis of the data revealed a consistent publication output over the years, with a notable increase in recent years, indicating a growing research interest and focus on diabetes-related topics. Keyword analysis shed light on prevalent themes within the literature, such as experimental models and clinical aspects, showcasing the diversity of research focuses within the field. Top-cited articles predominantly addressed clinical studies, suggesting an emphasis on evidence-based research to inform clinical practice and policymaking. Co-authorship networks highlighted collaborative efforts among researchers, with the All India Institute of Medical Sciences emerging as a prominent contributor, reflecting the importance of collaborative research initiatives in tackling complex health challenges. Further analysis through bibliographic coupling and co-citation analysis revealed thematic clusters within the literature, providing insights into specific research areas such as complications and case reviews. These thematic concentrations offer valuable directions for future research and intervention strategies.
The Effect of Water Fraction Derived from Green Clover (Marsilea crenata C. Presl.) Leaves on Differentiation and Maturation of Human Osteoblast Cell
Authors: Aditama Agnis Pondineka Ria , Rahayu Dewi Taurisiawati , Yustanta Brivian Florentis , Astuti Wuri Widi , Wijayati Wahyu , Maringga Estin Gita , Yuniarti Fitri , Yuniarti Fitri
Published: October 2024

Women over the age of 40 often experience a decrease in bone mass due to a lack of estrogen, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Previous studies have shown that the leaves of Green Clover (Marsilea crenata C. Presl.) contains phytoestrogen compounds which can potentially replace the function of estrogen in the body. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the ability of water fractions from M. crenata leaves in increasing the expression of osterix (Osx) and osteocalcin (Ocn), which are important indicators of increased bone formation, specificially on differentiation and maturation of osteoblast cell. In this study, the water fraction with a dose of 62.5; 125; and 250 µg/L, as well as Genistein 2.5 µg/ml, were given to human fetal osteoblast (hFOB) 1.19 cells that had reached the confluence point. The analysis method uses immunocytochemical techniques with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) to identify changes in the bone formation process. All dosages of water fraction considerably enhanced the bone formation in hFOB 1.19 cells, as indicated by the results. The results of this study provide confirmation that the water fraction derived from M. crenata leaves has promise as a possible agent for combating osteoporosis. This is achieved by enhancing differentiation and maturation of osteoblast cell through the upregulation of Osx and Ocn genes.
In-silico Investigation and Development of Cyclooxygenase-2 (1CX2) Selective Inhibition as a Possible Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Samineni Ramu , Samathoti Prasanthi , Gouru Sampath A. , Khan Anwar , SP Preethi Priyadharshni , Manda Kiran , M Vijay Kishore , Podila Naresh
Published: October 2024

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that specifically target the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2, or COX-2, which causes inflammation and discomfort, are known as COX-2 inhibitors. The objective of this work is to perform the anti-inflammatory activity, and molecular docking studies of compounds. We aim to develop new drug phytochemicals as anti-inflammatory agents targeting COX-2(PDB ID: 1CX2) for treatment. To find potential molecules, the PyRx 0.8 tool has been used to dock 37 potent molecules against COX-2 (PDB ID: 1CX2). The top scorer molecules (phytochemicals) (Dihydromyricetin, Catechin, Chlorogenic acid, Chrysin, and Emodin) were selected. Prior to further analysis, the compounds underwent thorough in vivo evaluation to assess their toxicity and anti-inflammatory properties. The results indicated that dihydromyricetin, catechin, and chlorogenic acid were the sole substances that exhibited both negligible acute toxicity and superior anti-inflammatory properties, surpassing the efficacy of diclofenac sodium, the established medicine. Among the compounds that were evaluated, Dihydromyricetin was shown to possess the most powerful anti-inflammatory properties due to its trihydroxy phenyl chroman-4-one substitution. Correlated to diclofenac (-8.5 Kcal/mol), dihydromyricetin and catechin showed significant bounden affinity, with the lowest binding free energies (-9.9 and -9.2 Kcal/mol) according to the computational study. This correlation between in silico and in vivo studies validated these compound’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Antiproliferative Activity of Green Process Synthesized Epipremnum Aureum Silver Nanoparticles Against Breast Cancer Mcf-7 Cells
Authors: Ale Yogita , Rana Shilpa , Jakhmola Vikash , Kumar Kapil , Rana Ritik Singh , Rawat Diksha , Nainwal Nidhi
Published: October 2024

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most severe cancers among women globally. Local recurrence of cancer after surgery is usually seen as a poor predictor of prognosis. Cancer treatment has been significantly transformed by the progress made in nanotechnology, and nanoparticles have emerged as pivotal components in this domain. Metal nanoparticles are produced using plant extract in green synthesis or eco-friendly techniques for the stabilizing and reducing substance. The current research study synthesizes silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Epipremnum aureum leaf extract using the green synthesis method and its evaluations using UV-Vis, FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX characterization techniques. The EA-AgNPs exhibit a significant absorption peak at wavelength 420 nm, which confirms the AgNP's presence by UV-visible spectrometer. FTIR spectrum reveals the strong band at 1586.020 cm-1 confirming the O-H group presence. The stretching and bending modes of vibration of the NO32- a sharp band represented molecule at 1382.987 cm-1 and a very tiny band at 1272.241, 1077.355 cm-1. The XRD spectrum exclusively showed Ag peaks, with no additional chemical contaminants, signifying the sample's purity, and the average particle size was 12.92 nm. MTT assay result observed high cytotoxic activity of EA-AgNPs against MCF-7 cells with IC50= 0.1106 µg/ml. This research study aims to preliminary investigate the in-vitro antiproliferative activity of green process synthesized Epipremnum Aureum silver nanoparticles (EA-AgNPs) against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7).
Antidiabetic and Hypolipidemic Effect of Ethanolic Seed Extract of Prosopis juliflora in Fructose Induced Hyperglycemia in Rats
Authors: Rao K Lakshitha Niyatee , Elango Abinaya , Sugumar Padmaja , Raghavan Vijayashree , Moorthy Pooja E , Chittrarasan Sushil , Ravi Srivignesh , Radhakrishnan Arunkumar
Published: October 2024

Objective: To evaluate the antidiabetic and hypolipidemic effect of ethanolic seed extract of Prosopis juliflora in fructose induced hyperglycemia in wistar albino rats in comparison with Metformin. Materials and methods: 30 male wistar albino rats were divided equally into 5 groups. Group I and II were the normal and the disease control groups. While, groups III to V were the treatment groups. Animals in group I received regular drinking water; whereas, groups II to V received 20% fructose water for 8 weeks. After 8 weeks, animals in groups II to V had elevated fasting blood sugar, HOMA-IR, weight gain and dyslipidemia. From week 9 to 16 group I animals continued to receive regular drinking water, group II received 2ml of distilled water and groups III, IV and V received Metformin 200mg/kg, P.juliflora extract 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg respectively in addition to 20% fructose water. The animals were sacrificed at the end of 16 weeks and histopathological examination of pancreas was done. Biochemical and hematological assessments were done at baseline and at 16 weeks to assess safety of the interventions. Results: When compared to the disease control group, animals in group III treated with metformin and groups IV and V treated with P.juliflora extract at doses of 400mg/kg and 600mg/kg showed a significant decrease in Fasting blood glucose, HOMA-IR and improvement in lipid profile. Even though both the doses of the extract showed significant pharmacological activity, 600mg/kg showed better activity equivalent to metformin. Histopathological examination of pancreas showed regenerative changes in the metformin and P.juliflora 600mg/kg treated groups. No significant abnormality was observed in the biochemical and haematological parameters at the end of the study. Conclusion: P.juliflora seed extract in the dose 400 mg/kg and 600mg/kg exhibited antidiabetic and hypolipidemic activity with no significant adverse events, in this study. Both the doses were having anti dyslipidemic effect similar to metformin whereas 600 mg/kg dose of P.juliflora was having better antidiabetic effect comparable to Metformin. Keywords: Diabetes, Dyslipidemia, P.juliflora, Fructose, Metformin, Metabolic syndrome
Biosynthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles by Candida spp and Their Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Abed Hussein Najm , Al-Daemi Farqad Hasan Falih , Shakir Abdullah , Sead Fadhil Faez
Published: October 2024

Background and Purpose: biosynthesis of nanoparticles by candida albicans is considered one of the new methods to synthesize iron nanoparticles (FeNPs), and it has been presented in some significant industries and the medical fields, especially ‎in the development of new antimicrobial agents in pharmaceutical industries, as an alternative ‎to traditional antimicrobial agents. This paper focuses on the synthesis of iron nanoparticles, ‎which are prepared by candida albicans, and the possibility of these ‎prepared nanoparticles being an antimicrobial agent in vitro Materials and Methods: FeNPs are synthesized by iron salt using candida albicans. The prepared FeNPs suspension was tested ‎using UV-visible spectroscopy and FTIR Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy ‎to identify the formation of FeNPs. The antimicrobial activity of prepared FeNPs suspension was confirmed on the plates (in vitro). Results: The data show that the synthesis of FeNPs using candida albicans is ‎a suitable and safe compatible, less expensive, less time-consuming, stable, and eco-friendly method for producing a good concentration of FeNPs, with a concentration of ‎9.4 ug\ml representing the minimum inhibitory concentration for the inhibition of some pathogenic bacteria on ‎the plate. Conclusion: The FeNPs prepared suspension has antimicrobial activity in vitro.
Bioactive Compounds from Natural Products as RHOA/ROCK and VEGFR1 Inhibitors: An In-silico Approach for Developing Therapeutics for ALI/ARDS
Authors: R Rachana , Devtalla Harshit , Agrawal Arushi , Agarwal Medha , Kadyan Shreya
Published: October 2024

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a dangerous lung condition characterised by non-cardiogenic pulmonary edoema caused by various factors, including inflammation and hypoxia. It is a more severe and evolved form of Acute Lung Injury (ALI) and requires the patient to be on mechanical ventilation for survival. Several medicinal plants, herbs, oils, and natural extracts have been studied for their anti-inflammatory properties and their targeted action on respiratory disorders. The target of the current study is to elaborate on the target-specific action of bioactive compounds from natural products by Molecular Docking and study their drug-likeness along with their other important pharmacokinetic properties. Bioactive compounds (total 71) from Zingiber officinale (ginger), Trifolium pratense (red clover), Curcuma longa (turmeric), Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree), Ocimum tenuiflorum (Tulsi), Chlorophytum borivilianum (Safed Musli), Cinnamomum cassia (cinnamon), Elettaria cardamomum (cardamom), and Glycine max (soybean) were selected to be investigated and were screened against RhoA and VEGFR1. The ADMET properties and drug-likeness of the bioactive compounds were studied using Molinspiration and ADMETlab 2.0. Docking studies revealed that Hecogenin (-8.4 and -10.3 kcal/mol), Neotigogenin (-7.7 and -9.8 kcal/mol), and Neohecogenin (-7.6 and -9.7 kcal/mol) produced the best docking results, showing the lowest binding energies for RhoA and VEGFR1, respectively. These energies were found to be comparable to the standard ligands Fasudil (-7.3 kcal/mol for RhoA) and Pazopanib (-8.0 kcal/mol for VEGFR1) for the selected targets. Moreover, Stigmasterol (-7.6 kcal/mol) and Genistein (-8.4 kcal/mol) showed a good binding affinity with RhoA and VEGFR1, respectively. The ADME properties of these molecules were also studied. Thus, the best-docked ligands mentioned above can be used as potential novel compounds against these two targets to develop therapeutics against ARDS. Further in-vitro and in-vivo experiments are required to cement these claims and prepare next-generation natural therapeutics for ARDS.
Imaging of prostate micro-architecture using three-dimensional wide-field optical coherence tomography
Authors: Skrok Marta K. , Tamborski Szymon , Hepburn Matt S. , Fang Qi , Maniewski Mateusz , Zdrenka Marek , Szkulmowski Maciej , Kowalewski Adam , Szylberg Łukasz , Kennedy Brendan F.
Published: October 2024

Prostate cancer is a global health issue that requires new diagnostic methods to provide accurate and precise visualization of prostate tissue on the micro-scale. Such methods have the potential to improve nerve-sparing surgery and to provide image guidance during prostate biopsy. In this feasibility study, we assess the potential of en face three-dimensional wide-field optical coherence tomography (OCT), covering a volumetric imaging field-of-view up to 46 × 46 × 1 mm3, to visualize micro-architecture in 18 freshly excised human prostate specimens. In each case, validation of contrast in OCT images is provided by co-registered wide-field histology images. Using this co-registration, we demonstrate that OCT can distinguish between healthy and cancerous glands at different stages, as well as visualize micro-architecture in the prostate, such as epineurium and perineurium in nerves and the tunica intima and tunica media in blood vessels.
Label-free long-term measurements of adipocyte differentiation from patient-driven fibroblasts and quantitative analyses of in situ lipid droplet generation
Authors: Jeong Eun Young , Kim Hye-Jin , Lee Sumin , Park YongKeun , Kim Young Mo
Published: October 2024

The visualization and tracking of adipocytes and their lipid droplets (LDs) during differentiation are pivotal in developmental biology and regenerative medicine studies. Traditional staining or labeling methods, however, pose significant challenges due to their labor-intensive sample preparation, potential disruption of intrinsic cellular physiology, and limited observation timeframe. This study introduces a novel method for long-term visualization and quantification of biophysical parameters of LDs in unlabeled adipocytes, utilizing the refractive index (RI) distributions of LDs and cells. We employ low-coherence holotomography (HT) to systematically investigate and quantitatively analyze the 42-day redifferentiation process of fat cells into adipocytes. This technique yields three-dimensional, high-resolution refractive tomograms of adipocytes, enabling precise segmentation of LDs based on their elevated RI values. Subsequent automated analysis quantifies the mean concentration, volume, projected area, and dry mass of individual LDs, revealing a gradual increase corresponding with adipocyte maturation. Our findings demonstrate that HT is a potent tool for non-invasively monitoring live adipocyte differentiation and analyzing LD accumulation. This study, therefore, offers valuable insights into adipogenesis and lipid research, establishing HT and image-based analysis as a promising approach in these fields.
Single snapshot-based miniaturized mid-infrared spectrometer with a dielectric metasurface
Authors: Zhan Hantao , Chen Qikai , Pian Sijie , Gao Yixiao , Lu Chengtao , Wang Zhuning , Gao Yubin , Zhang Yulei , Ma Yaoguang
Published: October 2024

Mid-infrared spectroscopy is critical for applications like environmental monitoring and medical diagnostics, as it includes the fundamental vibrational frequencies of many molecular bonds, enabling detailed chemical analysis. We developed a miniature mid-infrared spectrometer using a fully dielectric metasurface operating in the 3–5 µm range. By combining simple structural units, design flexibility was enhanced, resulting in rich spectral data. The spectrometer was evaluated using narrowband, broadband, and transmission spectra of real materials. We detected the spectral responses of metasurface arrays and determined the unknown spectrum using an algorithm based on Tikhonov regularization with generalized cross-validation. By reconstructing multiple narrow spectra obtained through rotating the filters, spectral resolution intervals of approximately 10 nm were achieved.
Exploring the criterion for the self-pulsing suppression of mid-IR intracavity OPO with self-Raman scattering
Authors: Cho Chun-Yu , Chen Bao-Te
Published: October 2024

The stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) from the Nd:YVO4 gain medium is originally employed to eliminate the self-pulsing effect from the intracavity optical parametric oscillator (OPO) for achieving a continuous-wave (CW) mid-infrared output. The SRS with a second-order pump-wave power depletion is applied as the damping for the coupling between OPO pump-wave relaxation oscillation and signal-wave depletion. The SRS threshold conditions for different cavity and diode-pumped mode size designs are theoretically and experimentally explored. By using different resonators, the CW mid-infrared output from 120 mW to 1.56 W at the diode pump power from 3 to 19.3 W can be successfully demonstrated.