bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing Fruit Growth in Cherry Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum): A Zeolite LTA Mass Approach
Authors: Norsuhailizah Sazali  , Zawati Harun  , Norazlianie Sazali  , Afdhal Junaidi
Published: April 2024

Cherry tomatoes are highly regarded for their exceptional taste and versatility, receiving recognition in both the field of horticulture and culinary arts. This study examines the importance of zeolite LTA mass as a growth medium in enhancing cherry tomato cultivation in terms of productivity and sustainability. This research was conducted to investigate the effects of incorporating zeolite LTA into the growth substrate on fruit weight. The experiments were designed systematically. The critical metrics undergo thorough measurement and detailed analysis after an 8 and 12-week cultivation period. Our study reveals a clear correlation between the mass of zeolite LTA and the growth of cherry tomato plants. The inclusion of zeolite LTA as a growth substrate has a significant positive impact. The cherry tomato plants treated with this innovative method show significant growth of size fruits weighing up to 104.55 grams. This study demonstrates the potential of using zeolite LTA mass as a growth medium for cherry tomato cultivation, going beyond conventional methods. Furthermore, it enhances our understanding of the complex mechanisms involved in this phenomenon, paving the way for the development of sustainable and efficient horticultural practices. In conclusion, this study is a pioneering contribution to the field of crop science, highlighting the significant impact of using zeolite LTA mass as a growth medium to maximize cherry tomato yields. Moreover, it encourages further investigations into the various uses of zeolites in plant cultivation, highlighting the importance of adopting environmentally conscious approaches in modern agriculture.
Numerical Analysis of Heat Transfer in Microchannel Heat Transfer in Microchannel Heat Sink using Flow Disruption
Authors: Muhammad Hazeer Khiralsaleh Mohamad Rohaizan  , Nor Azwadi Che Sidik  , Kamyar Shameli
Published: April 2024

Microchannel heat sink is a passive heat exchanger that transfers the heat generated by an electronic or a mechanical device to a fluid medium, often a liquid coolant, where it is dissipated away from the device, thereby allowing regulation of the device's temperature at optimum levels. It is widely used in computers that are used to cool central processing units or graphic processors. In order to achieve great heat transfer performance of microchannel heat sink, passive method are used in this research particularly the flow disruption and secondary channel. A three-dimensional computational fluid dynamic (CFD) was conducted to study the characteristic of fluid flow and heat transfer in proposed design of microchannel heat sink with secondary channel and rectangular ribs (MCHS-SCRR) This research is to develop and optimize the heat transfer performance in a microchannel heat sinks to get high Nusselt Number low friction factor and high performance factor by optimizing the geometry design a simulation using certain software such as SOLIDWORKS and ANSYS. The result compared to previous research in this field of study.
Unsteady Flow of Bingham Model: Investigating the Impact of Arterial Inclination on Solute Transport in Stenosed Artery
Authors: Intan Diyana Munir  , Sharidan Shafie Hamid  , Nurul Aini Jaafar
Published: April 2024

The present research investigates the impact of arterial inclination and body acceleration force on the blood flow and solute dispersion through a stenosed artery using the Bingham model as a representation of the blood rheology. The problem is formulated using the momentum equation with the presence of inclination and body force acceleration parameter; and solved numerically for the blood velocity using the perturbation method with the stenosis size as the boundary condition. The solute dispersion aspect is formulated using the unsteady convective-diffusion equation and solved using the Generalized Dispersion Model (GDM) for the steady dispersion function. The solutions are graphically plotted and analysis of the blood flow and solute dispersion under the influence of arterial inclination, yield stress, time and stenosis size are conducted. Results show that the increase in arterial inclination increases the blood velocity and steady dispersion function. However, the increment in yield stress and stenosis size shows a contradictory effect by decreasing the blood velocity and steady dispersion function.
Rehabilitation of Paddy Fields using Subcritical Water Pretreated Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch
Authors: Adilah Ahmad Asmadi  , Pramila Tamunaidu
Published: April 2024

The paddy consumption in Malaysia is forecasted to increase, however, constant paddy production area coupled with low rice yield in the past years has raised concerns. Various efforts has been implemented by paddy farmers which may not be sustainable. This include excessive applications of chemical inputs that damage the environment and increase the cost of production. Moreover, one of the problem faced in paddy production is acidic soil. Commonly, chemical treatments are used to increase the soil pH. An alternative method to alleviate the acidic soil is by applying organic matters. Oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) is abundantly generated from oil palm mill and is often disposed to landfill or incinerated. Due to its high nutrient content, EFB can be transformed into organic fertilizer or soil amendment. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the potential of using subcritical water (SCW) pre-treated EFB to alleviate acidic soil. Two experimental studies which were lab- scale and agriculture-scale were conducted. For agriculture-scale, the results showed significant increase of soil pH in five out of six plots monitored. Plots which were initially too acidic were significantly improved to pH 5.5 – 6.4. For lab-scale, the acidic conditions in Sungai Balang, Johor were replicated in pots of soil. Four types of soil treatment (control, chemical, raw EFB and SCW-treated EFB) were applied to the acidic soil and the changes in soil pH were monitored for 30 days. Results from the lab-scale study show that SCW-treated EFB applied at ratio of 1:3 was able to increase and maintain soil pH at 6.1 – 6.4, which is within the optimum range for paddy growth. This shows that application of SCW-treated EFB can be used as organic fertilizer and adopted as one of the sustainable paddy farming practices to improve paddy soil conditions.
Effect of Significant Machining Parameters Towards Turning Cutting Performance
Authors: A.A.M. Redhwan  , A. Arifuddin  , A.M. Syafiq  , S. Zainal Ariffin  , A.R.M. Aminullah
Published: April 2024

Selection of significant machining parameters before the cutting process is necessary to produce the best outcome in the machining performances. The use of cutting fluids due to their cooling capabilities helps in producing a good finished product. In the present paper, MQL equipment is developed by attaching it to the CNC lathe CT-200 machine. The two-level factorial is employed to study the performance effect of different machining parameters such as cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut and air pressure. The paper deals with the turning of AA7075 under MQL conditions. From the experimental results, it is proposed that the optimal combination for minimizing cutting temperature from the present investigations is cutting speed at 400 m/min, feed rate at 0.1 mm/rev, depth of cut at 0.3 mm and air pressure at 0.3 MPa. The Pareto chart suggests that the selected factors are found to be significant and the corresponding interactions between cutting speed (m/min), feed rate (mm/rev), depth of cut (mm) and air pressure (MPa) are also found to be significant. It is also concluded that the effect of lubrication condition is more followed by the depth of cut, feed rate, air pressure and cutting speed for cutting temperature. But for surface roughness, the effect of lubrication condition is more followed by feed rate, depth of cut, air pressure and cutting speed. While for tool wear, the effect of lubrication condition is more followed by the depth of cut, air pressure, cutting speed and feed rate.
The extinction of the crime of tax fraud regarding the payment of the obligation in Ecuador
Authors: Jiménez Pilco Jonathan Alexander , Silva Barrera Esthela Paulina
Published: April 2024

This study focuses on the analysis of Article 298 of the COIP, which penalizes tax fraud and emphasizes the role of the Tax Administration as an active subject in the exercise of criminal action, even when taxpayers have fulfilled their obligations. It explores the relationship between income tax payment and the lack of harm to the protected legal interest in the crime of tax fraud, specifically in the "development regime" according to the regulation. The study addresses the complexity of tax fraud in the Ecuadorian legal context, focusing on the challenge of reconciling harm to economic development with the regulations allowing criminal action, despite compliance with tax obligations. Additionally, it examines the regulatory framework established in Article 298 of the COIP, which classifies illicit behaviors related to tax fraud. The objective is to assess the absence of harm to the protected legal interest when income tax is paid or tax obligations are fulfilled in this criminal type. The qualitative methodology employed includes an analysis of the structure and modalities of the offense, using analytical-synthetic and deductive methods, along with literature and documentary review.
Perception of inclusive advertising by brands targeted for people with special needs
Authors: Rendon Alin Alex Carlos , Fuentes Manzaba Mónica , Costavalo Berna Yovin , Manrique Fuentes Shirley
Published: April 2024

The present article exposes which are the problems, preferences and tastes of people with special needs in reference to the perception of inclusive advertising, objective that to be achieved was investigated the definition of perception of inclusive advertising according to authors, an analysis of the factors that influence the purchase decision, the relative knowledge that this group of people have in relation to advertising, a survey and interviews that analyzed the different parameters as people are related to advertising. One of the most notorious aspects of people with disabilities, their relatives or guardians, specialists in relation to the subject agree that brands make inclusive advertising and would like it to be sincere and transparent.
Capacidades analíticas e autonomia da burocracia como condicionantes do uso de evidências na implementação do auxílio emergencial
Authors: Couto Bruno Gontyjo do
Published: April 2024

Este artigo examina a experiência do auxílio emergencial com foco no papel decisivo desempenhado pelas capacidades analíticas individuais e organizacionais existentes no então Ministério da Cidadania (responsável pelo auxílio) para a utilização de evidências no processo de implementação e execução de um programa emergencial. A análise explora a hipótese de que a capacidade analítica de políticas públicas de um determinado órgão estatal é um fator que determina positivamente a utilização de evidências para tomada de decisões em políticas públicas. Ao fim, o trabalho demonstra que a combinação entre capacidades analíticas individuais, capacidades analíticas organizacionais e autonomia da burocracia foi determinante, de um lado, para a rápida implementação do programa e, de outro, para a utilização de evidências adequadas na sua gestão, o que garantiu o sucesso parcial do programa no que diz respeito à sua eficácia (alcance de objetivos) e focalização (alcance da população-alvo).
A Comissão Nacional de Incorporação de Tecnologias no Sistema Único de Saúde ante os ataques governamentais à expertise científica para o enfrentamento da Covid-19
Authors: Koga Natália Massaco , Pontes Pedro Arthur de Miranda Marques , Palotti Pedro Lucas de Moura , Soares Filho Marcos Luiz Vieira , Couto Bruno Gontyjo do
Published: April 2024

O Brasil enfrentou graves consequências da pandemia de covid-19, figurando como o terceiro país com mais casos da doença e o segundo em número de mortes. Este artigo analisa a atuação da Comissão Nacional de Incorporação de Tecnologias no Sistema Único de Saúde (Conitec) diante das pressões políticas durante a crise. O estudo, baseado em análise documental e entrevistas com burocratas da Conitec, destaca que a comissão resistiu à instrumentalização política para promover tratamentos não comprovados cientificamente, como o kit covid. Em que pese a resiliência construída pela capacidade analítica do setor e o suporte da comunidade epistêmica na avaliação de tecnologias em saúde (ATS), a configuração institucional da Conitec não garantiu autonomia suficiente para impor medidas baseadas em evidências científicas. O caso das diretrizes para o tratamento da covid-19 revela os desafios enfrentados pelas instâncias de aconselhamento científico em meio a pressões políticas e destaca a importância da dinâmica entre autonomia e capacidade analítica dessas instâncias na governança de evidências no setor público.
Photometric Analysis of the Nucleus of the Main-belt Comet 2010 LH15
Authors: Mastropietro M. , Krishna H. , Kim Y. , Agarwal J.
Published: April 2024

We analyzed the inactive nucleus of the main-belt comet 2010 LH15 at a true anomaly of 262°. Observations using the Gemini North Telescope in 2023 July yielded an absolute R-band magnitude of (18.4 ± 0.2) mag. Assuming a C-type geometric albedo and phase function, we estimated the nucleus radius to be (0.5 ± 0.1) km. The examination of the lightcurve profile did not yield clear evidence for a rotational period shorter than 2 hr.
The alien conifer Cupressus arizonica can outcompete native pines in Mediterranean mixed forests under climate change
Authors: Medina-Villar Silvia , Pérez-Corona M. Esther , Herrero Asier , Cruz-Alonso Verónica , Carro-Martinez Noelia , Andivia Enrique
Published: April 2024

Exotic species have been introduced in afforestation and reforestation initiatives worldwide. Climate change, including increased aridity and extreme events, can promote the spread of exotic species used in forest plantations while hampering the performance of natives. Evaluating whether climate change may affect the success of biological invasions is key to project dominance shifts in forest ecosystems, yet it requires a comprehensive approach that integrates main demographic rates driving tree population dynamics. Here, we evaluated the performance of co-occurring native pine species (Pinus pinaster, P. nigra and P. sylvestris) and the exotic Cupressus arizonica in mixed forests in Mediterranean mountains by comparing their main demographic rates (regeneration, mortality and growth) and radial growth response to extreme droughts and to climate change scenarios. Overall, the exotic C. arizonica showed less growth dependence to climatic variability, higher growth resilience to drought, lower mortality and higher regeneration capacity than P. sylvestris and P. pinaster. However, P. nigra showed higher regeneration and similar growth response to extreme droughts than C. arizonica. In addition, growth models pointed to better performance of the exotic species under future climate change scenarios than co-occurring natives. Our results suggest that C. arizonica can increase its dominance (relative presence within the forest area), which can enhance its invasive potential and range expansion. Thus, attention is needed to better control the invasive potential of this exotic species in Mediterranean forest ecosystems.
Knowledge re-integration in real-world laboratories to transform cities and communities: report on workshop designs
Authors: Neumann Marie , Ehnert Franziska
Published: April 2024

How can we re-integrate knowledge generated in real-world laboratories (RWLs) into societal practice? In the RWL “Dresden – City of the Future 2030+”, the re-integration of knowledge was central to the research design. In this Workshop Report, we focus on facilitation methods for knowledge re-integration into societal practice. This is to guide transdisciplinary research practice and help researchers in designing and facilitating such research processes. We conceptualise knowledge re-integration, based on the current literature. Further, we describe our facilitation methods (two workshop formats) to document and reflect on our experiences. A self-reflective evaluation is conducted with the help of evaluation criteria synthesised from the literature on transdisciplinary research (TDR). Our reflections confirm that the facilitation of exchange with the target group/target context can greatly enhance the transferability of knowledge gained in TDR settings. In our conclusion, we highlight the importance of facilitators and knowledge brokers, as well as co-creation with local stakeholders to reach out to the target group.
Violence en MECS : migration et transfert
Authors: Hours Armelle
Published: April 2024

Les MECS (Maison d’enfant à caractère social) telles qu’elles s’organisent de nos jours en France sont-elles suffisamment adaptées aux besoins des enfants/adolescents qui leur sont confiés et à leur mission de protection ? Comment se fait-il que la violence s’y propage aussi facilement ? Après avoir envisagé ce contexte particulier du placement avec son cortège d’impasse, nous suivrons le fil d’une écoute clinique groupale pour l’abord de la dimension transférentielle au sens large. La réflexion prendra appui sur certaines séquences de groupe conte. Nous mettrons en évidence ce phénomène de propagation migratoire , prenant sa source dans le vaste champ du transfert. Ces considérations utiles à la prise en compte de cette facette de la clinique institutionnelle caractéristique de ces déliaisons infernales et du péril de l’altérité, permettront ensuite d’entrevoir les réaménagements à envisager.
La place du corps dans le contre-transfert en clinique du traumatisme
Authors: Landbeck Alicia , Laurent Alexandra , Cesari Justine , Belot Rose-Angélique
Published: April 2024

La prise en charge des enfants impactés par des évènements traumatiques dans un contexte d’aide internationale nécessite de penser de nouveaux dispositifs d’accompagnement. Le thérapeute est confronté à une clinique du traumatisme qui s’inscrit dans des temps précoces ou archaïques. Les dispositifs mis en place sont le théâtre et l’origine de remaniements qui dépendent de son engagement et de ce qu’il suscite dans la rencontre. Dans le cadre d’une recherche menée au Cambodge, un dispositif a été mis en place auprès d’enfants victimes de violences en s’étayant sur le concept d’enveloppes psychiques et sur la base de médiations thérapeutiques. Lors de ces rencontres, le corps du clinicien et de l’interprète ont été fortement mobilisés au travers des effets transféro-contre-transférentiels. Ceux-ci se retrouvent à la fois dans une forme d’écho sensoriel et sensori-moteur, une fonction miroir, avant d’ouvrir sur une secondarisation possible, ce qui permet d’accéder à un étayage nécessaire à l’élaboration des vécus traumatiques.
Pédaler, freiner ou chuter : le vélo en images dans les méthodes de lecture scolaires (1880-1960)
Authors: Profillet Lucas
Published: April 2024

Les méthodes d’apprentissage de la lecture sont, depuis la fin du XIX e  siècle, des manuels scolaires incontournables dans les écoles françaises. Au cours du XX e  siècle, dans ces ouvrages de plus en plus illustrés, les vignettes « sportives » deviennent progressivement plus nombreuses. Dès lors, certaines activités physiques, comme le vélo, y sont particulièrement représentées. Or l’analyse d’un corpus de plus de trois cents manuels, publiés entre 1880 et 1960, montre que l’existence d’images mettant en scène cette pratique corporelle n’est pas fortuite. En effet, dans ces livrets éducatifs, textes et illustrations sont loin d’être insignifiants. Malgré leur caractère parfois distrayant, ils transmettent aux élèves, explicitement ou non, des savoirs, des valeurs, des modèles, des normes, une morale, etc. Ce faisant, pour pouvoir légitimement prendre place dans ces ouvrages pédagogiques, les représentations vélocipédiques doivent se conformer à certains critères : ne jamais gêner les apprentissages, donner constamment à voir des formes corporelles considérées comme acceptables dans le cadre scolaire, etc. Cet article vise donc à comprendre les conditions d’apparition des pratiques vélocipédiques dans les méthodes de lecture. Pour ce faire, il s’agira notamment d’analyser les contraintes pesant sur la mise en images du mouvement des personnages à vélo, mais aussi d’examiner la permanence de certains motifs, comme celui de la chute.
Maternal suicides, the tip of an iceberg
Authors: Kathriarachchi S. T. , Suraweera C. , Batakandage P. M.
Published: April 2024

No absttract available
Is Trichomonas vaginalis a Risk Factor for Prostate Cancer? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Perletti Gianpaolo , Magri Vittorio , Beckers-Perletti Louise , Trinchieri Alberto , Stamatiou Konstantinos
Published: April 2024

Clinical studies have shown that patients exposed to the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) may present an increased risk to develop prostate cancer (PCa). However, since data from other studies and meta-analyses did not provide so far univocal results this issue remains controversial. In this systematic review, we examined the current molecular, cellular and clinical evidence in favor or against a possible association between TV prostatitis and the incidence of PCa. Electronic database search, title/abstract screening and full-text reading yielded a total of 17 clinical articles and meta-analyses and 12 articles showing the results of preclinical investigations. Preclinical evidence points to the involvement of TV in proliferative disorders in prostate cells, involving an array of immune cell mediators. Five clinical case-control studies documented a significantly increased odds for PCa in patients with a positive TV serostatus, whereas seven other studies showed nonsignificant results. Our meta-analysis including 12 studies retrieved up to June 1, 2021, did not evidence a significant association between a positive TV serostatus and PCa of any grade (odds ratio [OR], 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.84–1.53). Moreover, we could not find a significant association between advanced/lethal PCa and TV exposure (OR, 1.18; 95% CI: 0.70–2.00). In conclusion, the association between a positive TV serostatus and PCa remains uncertain. Studies focused on a large sample of documented cases of symptomatic, clinical TV chronic prostatitis are warranted to make a conclusive statement in this regard.
An Infected Urachal Cyst Mimicking a Lower Urinary Tract Infection in a Young Adult
Authors: Gkeka Kristiana , Tsampoukas Georgios , Tsimara Maria , Kartsaklis Panagiotis
Published: April 2024

Urachus is an embryologic remnant of allantois, which in adults presents as medial umbilical ligament connecting the dome of the bladder to the umbilicus. Defective obliteration of the urachus results in various urachal abnormalities. An infected urachal cyst is one of the urachal abnormalities, all of which are rare in adult life. The clinical presentation of an infected urachal cyst in adults is heterogeneous, and therefore, the diagnosis may be occasionally challenging. We present and discuss a case of a 25-year-old man with an infected urachal cyst, mimicking a lower urinary tract infection.
Minimal Invasive Treatment of Locally Advanced Renal Cancer
Authors: Giannakis Periklis , Papadopoulos Panagiotis Prodromos , Mourmouris Panagiotis , Varkarakis Ioannis , Deliveliotis Charalambos
Published: April 2024

Despite the progress in diagnosis and treatment, renal cancer still represents one of the deadliest malignancies of the urogenital tract. Surgically wise, one could certainly make the case that locally advanced renal cancer, especially with vena cava involvement, is the most challenging operable tumor. Conventionally, these patients have been operated with open approach. Nowadays, the contribution of advanced technology (both laparoscopy and robotics) as well as the increasing experience of the surgeons has led to the usage of minimal invasive (MI) techniques in increasingly complex cases. The purpose of this review is to highlight the most important data in the literature as far as usage of MI techniques in the treatment of locally advanced RC is concerned.
Validity of the current anti-D immunoglobulin doses for the prevention of hemolytic disease of the newborn in Duhok/Iraq
Authors: Saifullah Hazheen Hisham , Eissa Adil Abozaid
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND:

The current study was initiated to evaluate the comparability of fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) measurement using flow cytometry (FCM) and Kleihauer–Betke test (KBT) and also to evaluate the validity of the current anti-D immunoglobulin doses for the prevention of hemolytic disease of the newborn in Duhok/Iraq.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The current study included 101 pregnant women with Rh(D)-negative blood group who had Rh (D)-positive husbands. Their blood was tested for blood groping, FMH by FCM and KBT, and indirect Coombs test, 1 h following sensitizing events and 72 h after giving anti-D. Furthermore, blood from newborns was examined for blood group and direct Coombs test.

RESULTS:

The main sensitizing event was parturition (62.4%) followed by cesarean section (32.7%). The indirect Coombs was positive in 32 cases while the direct Coombs test was positive in 19 cases. In 63.4% of cases, the ABO blood groups were incompatible between mothers and their babies. When FMH was checked by KBT method, it was found that 16 (15.8%) participants had FMH ranging 1.2–51 mL (median 4.35 mL), while FMH was positive in 27 (26.7%) participants by FCM method ranging 1.2–54.4 ml (median 9.5 mL). About 4–5 patients had FMH (measured by KBT and FCM, respectively) of >12 mL and only 1% had a volume of >30 mL. The difference between KBT and FCM for FMH measurement was statistically significant with P < 0.001 when assessed by paired t-test and has a highly significant positive correlation with each other. The correlation of FMH was statistically significant with maternal gravidity, number of anti-D received before (moderate positive correlation), gestational age, and newborn hemoglobin (negative correlation). However, the correlation was not significant between FMH and the following factors: maternal parity, maternal hematological parameters, and ABO compatibility of mother and their babies with P > 0.05.

CONCLUSION:

Inadequate doses of anti-D had been given previously that resulted in sensitization in at least one-quarter of the cases, and this necessitated proper measurement of FMH in all Rh (D) mothers following sensitizing events.
Characterization of physiochemical parameters & their effect on microbial content of smokeless tobacco products marketed in north India
Authors: Shahid Mohammad , Srivastava Sonal , Shukla Priti , Yadav Ravi , Sajid Mohammad , Kumar Anuj , Singh Shalini , Bharadwaj Mausumi
Published: April 2024

Background & objectives:

Smokeless tobacco (SLT) product consumption has profound public health implications for its users. The pH and moisture of SLTs determine the bioavailability of nicotine, the microbial structure dynamics and the amount of microbial conversion of tobacco alkaloids to carcinogenic tobacco-specific nitrosamines. This study aimed to characterize and compare the pH, moisture and alkaloid content of various SLT products.

Methods:

Thirty-seven SLT samples including khaini, snus, moist snuff, gul, pan masala, zarda, Mainpuri kapoori and qiwam were collected from the retail market around the National Capital Region in north India and their pH, moisture, nicotine and alkaloid content were measured. The pH and total nicotine were used to calculate the amount of free nicotine, the readily absorbed form, for each product by applying the Henderson–Hasselbalch equation.

Results:

The investigation showed that the SLTs varied drastically in their pH (5.36 to 10.27), moisture content (4.7 to 51.7%) and alkaloid content (0.82 to 35.87 mg/g). The pH and free nicotine levels of a product were found to be positively correlated, and the highest free nicotine content was reported in snus samples. Further, the moisture content was seen to impact the bacterial and fungal diversity in these samples.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Studies to detect the presence of pathogenic microbiological genera as well as potentially toxic constituents are warranted. The use of SLTs as an alternative to cigarette smoking should be discouraged, and cessation programmes must call attention to their detrimental effects and emphasize on benefits of quitting SLT consumption.
Tobacco exposure among antenatal women in India: Challenges in tobacco screening & cessation counselling
Authors: Chaudhary Jigisha , Gupta Ekta , Singh Prashant Kumar , Singh Shalini
Published: April 2024

Links between tobacco use and poor pregnancy outcomes are well established. Despite various tobacco control measures taken by the government, nearly 5-8 per cent of pregnant women consume tobacco in India. Antenatal check-ups are an opportunity to assess and assist women in quitting tobacco during pregnancy. This review highlights the challenges faced in identifying pregnant tobacco users and providing cessation counselling to them in a formal healthcare setup in the Indian context. For this narrative review, open access databases like PubMed and Google Scholar were searched, using the following search terms: challenges, quitting tobacco use, smokeless tobacco, pregnancy and India. Original articles published between 2010 and July 2022 were included in the English language with available free full text. Out of the thirty articles found to be eligible, seven were included in the review. Official websites of the National Health Mission and National Tobacco Control Programme were also searched to retrieve available data on health education and training material for healthcare workers: medical officers, Auxiliary Nurse and Midwives (ANMs), Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and list of tobacco cessation centres. This review identified the factors such as myths surrounding tobacco use, lack of targeted screening, inadequate training of healthcare workers and inaccessibility of cessation services, which are posing as challenges in controlling tobacco use in this vulnerable section of the population. Specific strategies to address these issues at the micro, meso and macro levels can prove to be vital in controlling tobacco use in pregnant women. This review also identified the vital role of gynaecologists and healthcare workers such as ANMs and ASHA in identifying and providing brief tobacco cessation counselling to pregnant users.
A descriptive study of hepatitis C in people who inject drugs
Authors: Shivaprakash Prakrithi , Patel Vinit , Shadakshari Darshan , Verma Rahul , Shukla Lekhansh , Mahadevan Jayant , Kandasamy Arun , Chand Prabhat Kumar , Benegal Vivek , Sethuraman Lakshmanan , Sharma Priyamvada , Murthy Pratima
Published: April 2024

Background & objectives:

The seroprevalence of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in general population is higher than that of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in India. People who inject drugs (PWIDs) constitute a high-risk group for all blood-borne infections. Multiple behavioural surveillance surveys have provided a rich typology of HIV-infected PWIDs, but this information is missing for HCV infection. We describe awareness, transmission risk factors and the treatment continuum for HCV infection among PWID. We also report spatial clustering of HCV infection in PWIDs residing in Bengaluru.

Methods:

Information from clinical records was collected and telephonic interviews of retrospectively identified PWIDs who received treatment at a tertiary-level addiction treatment facility between 2016 and 2021 were conducted.

Results:

We identified 391 PWIDs; 220 (56.26%) received an anti-HCV antibody test (4th Generation HCV-Tridot). Individuals reporting unsafe injection practices were more often tested than those who did not (χ

2
=44.9, df=1, P<0.01). Almost half of the tested and more than a quarter of the whole sample (109/220, 49.9%; 109/391, 27.9%) were seropositive for HCV infection. The projected seropositivity in this group was between 27.9 per cent (best case scenario, all untested assumed negative) and 71.6 per cent (worst case scenario, all untested assumed positive). Only a minority of participants interviewed were aware of HCV (27/183, 14.7%). HCV infection and its associated risk behaviour (PWID) were clustered in certain localities (Diggle and Chetwynd Test; P=0.001) in Bengaluru in the southern district of Karnataka.

Interpretation & conclusions:

Undetected HCV infection is common in PWIDs; awareness and treatment uptake is poor in this group. Spatial clustering of infections in a district shows transmission in close networks and provides opportunities for targeted interventions.
Elemental analysis of various demineralized tooth graft by EDX-720 XRF: An in vitro study
Authors: Saravanan M. Amudha , Devi R. Renuka , Nalini H. Esther
Published: April 2024

Background:

The periodontal regeneration is the most challenging process which involves regeneration of both hard and soft tissues. There are various biomaterials available for this purpose. Tooth graft can be used as a regenerative material in the field of periodontics and implantology. The tooth graft with 70% demineralization is considered to be a better option for periodontal regeneration. Different methods are employed for demineralization of tooth using various acids.

Materials and Methods:

This study was designed as an in vitro study. Totally 60 teeth were collected and categorized into four groups. Groups I, II, and III teeth were demineralized in 2% nitric acid, 0.6 M hydrochloric acid, and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), respectively. The Group IV teeth were left undemineralized. The elements present in the various tooth graft groups after demineralization were analyzed by EDX-720 XRF Instrument.

Results:

The EDTA demineralized tooth graft has higher level of Calcium, Strontium, and Zinc content compared to other tooth graft groups and it was statistically significant with P = 0.001.

Conclusion:

The EDTA demineralized tooth graft can serve as better graft than 2% nitric acid and 0.6M hydrochloric acid demineralized and undemineralized tooth grafts.
Injectable platelet-rich fibrin polymerized with hydroxyapatite bone graft for the treatment of three-wall intrabony defects: A randomized control clinical trial
Authors: Chaudhary Bharti , Singh Rika , Manjunath R.G. Shiva , Subramanyam Sai Karthikeyan Sai
Published: April 2024

Background:

The study was aimed to compare and evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) polymerized with hydroxyapatite (HA) bone graft and HA bone graft alone for treating three-wall intrabony defects (IBDs).

Materials and Methods:

The trial was planned as a randomized, prospective clinico-radiographic study with inclusion of 34 three-wall IBDs in patients with stage III periodontitis. IBDs were assigned randomly to one of the groups, i.e., Group I – experimental (i-PRF + HA) and Group II – control (HA alone). At baseline and 6 and 9-month intervals, both the clinical and radiographic measurements were taken and baseline and 9-month data were tabulated and imported into SPSS 22 software. Student unpaired and paired t- tests were used to find significant differences (p<0.05).

Results:

Both the groups showed substantial changes in all clinical and radiographic measures on comparison from baseline values. On intergroup comparison, the i-PRF + HA group reported significantly higher original defect resolution and original defect fill as compared to the HA group.

Conclusion:

i-PRF polymerized with HA graft has shown better results as compared to HA graft alone in three-wall IBDs and therefore can be used as a better possible alternative for the treatment of three-wall IBDs.
Effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy on salivary melatonin levels in patients with periodontal disease
Authors: Megavath Sravani , Nagarakanti Sreenivas , Chava Vijay Kumar
Published: April 2024

Context:

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease in which periodontal tissues are damaged as a result of an imbalance in the oxidant/antioxidant systems. Melatonin is one hormone that controls circadian rhythms and is also an antioxidant and immune modulator.

Aim:

The present study was aimed to evaluate the effect of scaling and root planing (SRP) on salivary melatonin levels (SM) in patients with periodontal disease.

Settings and Design:

A single-center clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of SRP on SM levels in patients with periodontal disease.

Materials and Methods:

Forty-five participants of age 30–60 years were equally divided into three groups: 15 healthy participants, 15 participants with gingivitis, and 15 participants with periodontitis. Unstimulated salivary samples were collected from all the participants at baseline and 1 month after SRP from participants of gingivitis and periodontitis group and SM levels were determined by commercially available ELISA kit.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Group comparisons were made using t-test. The level of significance was set at a P < 0.05 for all tests.

Results:

SM levels were significantly lower in the chronic periodontitis group. There was a significant improvement in clinical parameters and SM levels in both chronic periodontitis and gingivitis groups after SRP.

Conclusion:

This study determined that there is a negative correlation between SM levels and the severity of periodontal disease and showed a significant increase in SM levels after SRP, suggesting that melatonin might have a protective role against periodontal disease and can be considered as an effective biomarker.
Effect of platelet concentrates on the treatment outcome of peri implantitis: A systematic review
Authors: Shetty Nikitha Ravindra , Menaka K. B.
Published: April 2024

Platelet concentrates (PCs) are biological agents known to promote soft as well as hard tissue healing. The review aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of PCs for treating peri-implantitis (PI). Five electronic databases were systematically reviewed followed by a handsearch of relevant journals. The selected studies focused on the predetermined primary and secondary outcomes. The primary outcomes were bleeding on probing, probing depth, marginal bone level. RevMan 5.4.1 software was used for risk bias analysis. The search retrieved 12 articles, and only one study compared PC and open flap debridement. Other three studies with different control arms were included to evaluate the overall effect of different PCs in treatment of PI. High heterogeneity was found regarding study design, sample size, surgical techniques, and methods for preparing PCs. The use of platelet-rich fibrin for PI over conventional therapy was beneficial in improving clinical parameters. In addition, PC when combined with graft materials provided a significant improvement in parameters assessed. The preliminary data regarding the use of different PC in treatment of PI seem to be promising. However, due to lack of comparative randomized controlled trials, future clinical research is necessary to comment on the role of PCs for treating PI.
Myositis-specific and Myositis-associated Autoantibodies in Saudi Patients
Authors: Sghiri Rim , Shakoor Zahid , Ahmed Mohammed , Alrajhi Nuha Nasser , Almogren Adel
Published: April 2024

Background and Objectives:

Data about myositis-specific autoantibodies (MSAs) and myositis-associated autoantibodies (MAAs) in Saudi patients are limited, and most studies have focused on anti-Jo1. This study aimed at reporting the MSAs and MAAs in Saudi population and their significance.

Methods:

This was a retrospective analysis of 190 Saudi patients investigated for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) between January 2019 and January 2023. Data for MSAs and MAAs were collected from medical records of patients. MSAs and MAAs were detected by line immunoblot.

Results:

Among the 190 sera tested, 47 yielded positive results for MSAs. There were 19 (40.4%) patients with IIMs, 20 (42.6%) with interstitial lung disease (ILD), and 8 (17%) with connective tissue diseases. Anti-signal recognition particle (SRP) was the most common MSA and was positive among 16 (34%) patients. Anti-PL-12 was the most frequent anti-synthetase antibody (21.3%) followed by anti-PL-7 (19.1%). Anti-Jo1 was associated with Raynaud’s phenomenon (odds ratio [OR] = 9, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3–60, P = 0.037) and with ILD (OR = 29, 95% CI = 2.4–351, P = 0.008) in patients with IIMs whereas anti-PL-7 was associated with ILD in the rest of the patients (OR = 6, 95% CI = 1.1–33, P = 0.021). MAAs were positive in 24 (51.1%) patients with anti-Ro52 as the most frequently detected antibody (29.8%).

Conclusion:

We confirm the association of MSAs with IIMs and ILD in the Saudi population. Anti-SRP and anti-PL-12 were the most common MSAs. These observations should be validated by large-scale studies.
The Validity of Immunohistochemistry in Detecting Microsatellite Instability in Pediatric Solid Neoplasms
Authors: Aljerian Khaldoon , AlRajban Waleed , Aljohani Tariq , Alshehri Ali , Alsherif Omar , Alharbi Musa , Abosoudah Ibraheem , Jastaniah Wasil , Daama Saad Al , AlSultan Abdulrahman , Alsubaie Nahaa Eid
Published: April 2024

Background:

The DNA mismatch repair (MMR) is the biological pathway that plays a key role in maintaining genomic stability during DNA replication and recombination. The value of MMR pathway is under investigation in pediatrics’ solid tumors.

Aims:

In this research work, we investigated the proteins involved in the oncogenesis of pediatric solid neoplasms and detect these proteins in a representative cohort sample of Saudi pediatric cases under the bioinformatic networking technique. We also described the MLH1, BRAF, p53, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and PMS2 along with MSH2-MSH6 antibodies to be a diagnostic immunohistochemistry (IHC) panel for identifying MMR mutations. This research will open the new doors for advanced research on proteins involved in the oncogenesis of pediatric solid neoplasms. The hypotheses were tested on a sample of solid malignancies and IHC results were reported.

Material and Methods:

The study was conducted in different institutions in Saudi Arabia. The inclusion criteria required enrolling biopsies of solid neoplasms or resected solid malignant neoplasms presented to the laboratories in the participating institutions of all pediatric patients (aging from 0 to 14 years). The specimens were examined microscopically utilizing Hematoxylin and Eosin stain as well as the utilization of MMR proteins immunohistochemistry (IHC), and PNCA.

Results:

The qualitative assessment showed that IHC diagnosis yielded positive results with ≥80% of positive cells (intact) for MMR proteins (MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and MLH1). The PCNA protein was absent only in vaginal germ cell tumor and metastatic medulloblastoma.

Conclusion:

In our sample, we have found that there is an intact MMR proteins expression. Also, the IHC technique presents accuracy and ability as a diagnostic technique for identifying the different types of pediatric cancers. The MMR protein panel accompanied with PCNA panels holds additional value, as it helps reduce dependency solely on MMR protein expressions.
Bone Scrapers for Intraoral Bone Harvesting: A Comparative Review
Authors: Habet Shaaban Habib , Vidyadharan Arun Kumar , Jinendra Anju , Rajeev Gayathri
Published: April 2024

Background:

Dental implants are a standard treatment, but bone defects can complicate their placement. Alveolar ridge augmentation using autogenous bone (AB) grafts, harvested with tools such as bone scrapers, is a well-established solution. This review compares three famous bone scrapers: Ebner, Safe and 1/2 Buser Double-ended.

Objective:

This review aimed to compare the effectiveness, versatility and clinical outcomes of three commonly used bone scrapers for intraoral bone harvesting: Ebner scraper, Safescraper and 1/2 Buser Double-ended scraper.

Methods:

A systematic search identified ten relevant articles evaluating the use of these scrapers in intraoral bone harvesting procedures. The review compared the physical characteristics of the scrapers and summarised the clinical outcomes reported in the literature.

Results:

All three scrapers were effective for intraoral bone harvesting, offering advantages such as precision, cost-effectiveness and minimal risk of damage to surrounding tissues. However, they differed in their blade design, preferred harvesting site and amount of bone obtained. The Ebner scraper was most suitable for convex surfaces, the Safescraper for flat surfaces and the 1/2 Buser Double-ended scraper for irregular surfaces. Studies also showed that bone scrapers can effectively collect AB particles for optimal integration and healing.

Conclusion:

Bone scrapers are the valuable tools for intraoral bone harvesting procedures. The choice of scraper should be based on the specific clinical scenario and the desired amount of bone to be harvested. This review provides clinicians with information to select the most appropriate tool for their needs.
Osteo-Odonto-Keratoprosthesis
Authors: Thomas Jerin , Kuriakose Rene , Das Arya K. , Reji Alan
Published: April 2024

Our eye is the window of the soul, and the window of the eye is the cornea. The role of teeth is extremely less known in the field of ophthalmology. Osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (OOKP) is a medical procedure to restore vision in severe cases of corneal and ocular surface diseases. It comprises the removal of a tooth mostly canine from the patient or a donor. A portion of the tooth along with the bone is used to support an optical cylinder to restore vision. It is a new hope of ray for millions who suffer from total blindness with good optic nerve and good retina. A wide variety of infectious and inflammatory eye diseases serve as the major cause for corneal diseases. Penetrating keratoplasty is the general treatment for corneal diseases. However, when the ocular surface is severely compromised, penetrating keratoplasty is a failure. Thus, keratoprosthesis is the viable option for restoring sight in these patients in which a plastic acrylic implant is held in a piece of the patient’s tooth and surrounding bone, and the whole is placed in a corneal envelope into which polymethyl methacrylate optic is cemented and the patient’s extraction socket is filled with osseograft for later prosthetic rehabilitation. Even if OOKP surgery is extremely demanding and time-consuming, the rewards will be extremely satisfying as the patient may regain the quality of life that they enjoyed once. The use of a tooth as an eye implant is such creativity that would inspire future inter-professional approaches to ophthalmic practice to provide the best care for patients.
Intraoperative finding of a gastric lymphoma during sleeve gastrectomy: Case report
Authors: Bakir Huseyin , Ozsoy Zeki , Dagmura Hasan
Published: April 2024

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is a common surgical procedure in bariatric surgery. Intraoperatively unexpected findings may be encountered, and these lesions may be malignant or benign. In the present case, a patient with a body mass index of 59.5 kg/m2 underwent LSG. Intraoperatively, a mass in the fundus of the stomach was noticed. The 7-cm lesion was incorporated within the excised gastric specimen with clear surgical borders. A frozen section examination showed a gastrointestinal stromal tumor with disease-free surgical margins. The postoperative period was eventless. However, histopathological examination of the specimen revealed extranodal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. No metastasis was detected in thorax computerized tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography-CT. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments were initiated. No dietary problems were observed thereafter.