bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Comparison Models of Earning Management, CSR, and Intellectual Capital on Firm Value Moderated by Performance
Authors: Gantino Rilla , Ruswanti Endang , Widodo Agung Mulyo , Iskandar Deni
Published: September 2023

Objective – This study aims to compare the effect of earnings management, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and intellectual capital on firm value moderated by performance in two different periods, 2015-2019 (before COVID-19 pandemic) and 2015-2020 (9 months of pandemic).Design/methodology – This Study used two data year groups, from 2015-2019 and 2015-2020 with purposive sampling technique. The population of 5 sectors and 2 sub-sectors of companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange which consists of basic and chemical industry, consumer goods, mining, Infrastructure, Utilities Transportation, various industries (excluding textile and automotive) sector and the Automotive Components, Textile Garment sub-sector.Results – The results show, even though the pandemic lasted 9 months in 2020, the average return on assets (ROA) of the 2015-2020 group decreased, turns out it doesn't have much effect on the strength of ROA to moderate the variable x to y. For 2015-2019 (before COVID-19 pandemic), performance moderates the effect of earnings management, CSR, and intellectual capital on firm value in the textile, automotive and components sub-sectors, various industries, consumer goods sectors and infrastructure and for 2015-2020 (9 months of the pandemic) only textile, automotive and components sub-sectors, various industries, and infrastructure. Partially for 2015-2019, value added intellectual coefficient (VAIC) has a significant effect moderated by performance in the consumer goods infrastructure sector, and automotive, then CSR has a significant effect moderated by performance in the basic industry and textile. Earning management has a significant effect moderated by performance in the basic industry, infrastructure and automotive. The same results for 2015-2020, for earning management. VAIC has a significant effect moderated by performance in consumer goods and infrastructure sector and CSR has a significant effect moderated by performance in textile, basic industry and various industries.Research limitations/implications – This study only uses secondary data for 2015-2019 and 2015-2020 and only uses 5 sectors from 9 sectors and does not compare each sub-sector.Novelty/Originality – This study obtained a comparison of the model of the influence of earnings management, intellectual capital, and CSR on firm value moderated by performance for 5 sectors and 2 sub-sectors.
Effect of Bank-Specific Factors on Non-performing Loans Among Commercial Banks in Tanzania
Authors: Budotela George Thomas , Mmarii Goodluck , Towo Nathaniel
Published: September 2023

Objective –This paper examines the effect of bank-specific factors on non-performing loans in Tanzanian commercial banks (CBs).Design/methodology – Using annual data covering the period of 2011 -2020, a quantitative study methodology was employed. The authors used a one-step generalised method of moments (GMM) approach to estimate the effect of bank-specific factors on the percentage growth of NPLs in Tanzania.Results – According to the findings, increased return on assets, bank operating efficiency, income diversification, loan to-asset ratio in CBs reduces NPLs. In contrast, an increase in the deposit-to-asset ratio, capital adequacy, and age significantly increases the level of NPLs, which is consistent with the adverse selection theory. Conversely, decreased lag NPLs and raised bank operating efficiency will reduce the current year's NPL rate and vice versa.Research limitations/implications – Commercial banks should reduce the risk of defaulting borrowers by adjusting the contractual terms to the anticipated average quality of their applications. In addition, small banks should strive to maintain management efficiency to increase their profitability. Authorities should impose micro-prudential supervision on commercial banks' lending behaviour to reduce the number of NPLs.Novelty/Originality – The paper includes bank size (large and small banks) using both a one-step difference and a one-step system approach to measure the effect of bank-specific factors, which is usually not the case with most studies.
Exploring Undergraduate Students’ Perception of 4IR Digital Era at a Higher Education Institution in South Africa
Authors: Cele Siphiwe , Bhana Anrusha , Matli Walter
Published: September 2023

Objective –This study aims to explore undergraduate students’ perceptions and knowledge of 4IR in relation to their accounting curriculum and careers at HEIs in KwaZulu-Natal. The digital revolution is altering the way in which people and organizations work, as well as nearly every other aspect of human life. Furthermore, 4IR is re-writing society's fundamental rules, which highlights the need for this paper.Methodology –This study used a census approach to gather quantitative data from one of South Africa's HEIs, via an online questionnaire link created with the Microsoft Forms application. The study was conducted online with a total population of 257 exit-level students from the Diploma in Accounting programme, the population that   was targeted. The sample size was 172 out of 257 students, with a response rate of 66.9%.Results –The findings indicated that students' knowledge of 4IR is limited, with only 56.4% of students having an understanding of what big data, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) are.Research limitations/implications –There is a need to close the knowledge gap between Financial Accounting students’ knowledge of 4IR trends like big data, artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) and curriculum content. The study's population was limited to exit-level students at one Higher Education Institution, hence the study's findings may not be generalizable to all HEIs.Novelty/Originality –The study’s novelty contributes to the growing body of research on how accounting technology can improve Financial Accounting education. The study provides an original perspective on the applicability of 4IR Accounting software systems and packages in a South African context, since most related studies were not conducted in South Africa. Furthermore, the study illustrates the importance of 4IR in the accounting curriculum.
Political Connections, Women Commissioners, and Banking Performance: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Putriani Tina , Nurmayanti M Poppy , Mela Nanda Fito , Basri Yesi Mutia , Setiawan Doddy , Kurnia Pipin
Published: September 2023

Objective –The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of political connections on banking performance with women commissioners as a moderating variable.Design/Methodology –The population of this study derive from banking sector listed on Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2016 to 2021 with the final sample of as many as 42 banks with a total of 252 observations. Hypothesis testing was performed using multivariate regression analysis.Results –This study finds that commissioners who have political connections tend to report higher banking performance, as measured by ROA. Meanwhile, women commissioners tend to report lower banking performance (ROA). Furthermore, there is a positive influence from political connections to banking performance when there are women commissioners. In addition, this study employs alternative measures of banking performance, namely ROE and including bank risk.  This study also replaces the measurement of political connections from dummy variables to a number of political commissioner members compared to total commissioners. In particular, these results are robust after replacing the measurement of political connections, the commissioners who have political connection will report higher banking performance than commissioners who have no political connections. However, political connection and women commissioners have no significant effect on banking performance, when using ROE as banking performance. Meanwhile, political connection has a negative impact on bank risk. It suggests that political connections can reduce bank risk by decreasing overdue credit (Non-Performance Loan).Research limitations/implications –This study focuses primarily on the linear relationship with required gender diversity between political ties and banking performance. This study adds to the growing body of research on how political connection and gender affect banking performance.Novelty/Originality –Gender diversity or women commissioners are still rare as the impact of commissioners' political connection on banking performance in Indonesia.
Sequelae of the neurodevelopment found in childrens in treateament for hemato-oncological diseases
Authors: Schlossmacher Rafael , Diniz Aline , Oliveira Leticia , Ribeiro Amanda , Vicentini Camile , Bertolini Maria Fernanda , Jasper Adriana
Published: September 2023

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric cancer is the second cause of hospitalization of children in Brazil and the primary reason for potential years of life lost. A wide range of therapies have been discussed in studies on the subject. Although they have improved patient outcomes, they are not free of side effects. OBJECTIVE: This study analyzes the neurodevelopmental impacts of cancer treatment on patients seen at a tertiary pediatric hospital in Curitiba/ PR. It also presents an epidemiological analysis of children undergoing treatment for blood cancers at a referral hospital in Curitiba/PR. METHOD: The records of 156 patients seen in the Hematologic Oncology Department of a referral hospital in the city of Curitiba/PR were selected. A descriptive analysis of the data was carried out, which were presented in absolute numbers and proportions, followed by correlations between the identified neurodevelopmental sequelae and the cancer types, together with the respective therapies prescribed. RESULTS: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia was the most prevalent type of cancer, with 52.6% of cases, followed by central nervous system tumors and acute myeloid leukemia. The main side effects were anxiety; depression; aggressiveness; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); cerebral palsy; auditory, visual, motor and speech impairment. Conclusion: Despite the significant reduction in morbidity and mortality, cancer therapies may cause early and late sequelae in patients undergoing treatment.
Mindfulness-based interventions for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Machado Maria Elizabeth , Moraes Carlos
Published: September 2023

INTRODUCTION: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has a prevalence of 5 to 7.5% of all children in the world, with a great financial impact on health and education. Caregiver burden affects family dynamics and marital relationships. This facilitates the use of reactive and punitive methods in parenthood, leading to a vicious cycle, intensifying mistrusted child behavior. Its management is addressed by different areas of activity, representing a challenge for health providers and creates demand for alternative options. Mindfulness is a meditation-based intervention that serves as a direct tool assisting in childrens emotional self-regulation and indirect tool in management of parental stress, serving as an aid in early childhood education. This study aims to describe the foundations and clinical evidence of the use of Mindfulness in children with ADHD. METHODOLOGY: Literature review between 2000 and 2021. RESULTS: The search resulted in 351 articles, of which 6 Randomized Controlled Trials and 4 Systematic Reviews were included in this review. The findings indicate improvement in ADHD symptoms of impulsivity, attention, aggressiveness and emotion regulation among treated patients. While in the parents, improvements in parental stress and Mindful Parenting were observed. CONCLUSION: this review suggested benefits of the practice for children in internalizing symptoms and ADHD, in addition to benefits in parenting stress, parenting practice, and interfamily relationships. However, future longitudinal research with greater methodological rigor should be carried out to confirm the benefits and the sustainability of the long-term effects.
Protocolos de prevención y protección a líderes sociales por parte de la Policía Nacional de Colombia, departamento de Boyacá, periodo 2020-2021
Authors: Leguizamo-Niño Juan Sebastián
Published: September 2023

El presente artículo se relaciona con la efectividad de los protocolos de prevención y protección a líderes sociales por parte de la Policía Nacional en el Departamento de Boyacá, y el documento se orienta a plantear acciones de aplicación efectivas de los protocolos de prevención y protección que tiene diseñados la Policía Nacional de Colombia para la protección de los líderes sociales, caso de estudio Departamento de Boyacá periodo 2020 - 2021. El marco de referencia se abordó desde líderes sociales, seguridad y protección, medidas preventivas. El método es de enfoque mixtos, de tipo descriptivo; así mismo se realiza el análisis de resultados centrado en los instrumentos aplicados como entrevistas a expertos y encuestas aplicadas al personal policial del Departamento de Policía Boyacá, quienes son los que deben cumplir la ejecución de las medidas preventivas que son dadas a los líderes sociales por parte de las autoridades.
IMPASSES DO DIAGNÓSTICO PRECOCE DA DOENÇA CELÍACA E SUAS REPERCUSSÕES CLÍNICAS E SOCIAIS
Authors: Petry Luany Rech , Pereira Ludmilla Fernanda Martins , Besson Jean Carlos Fernando
Published: September 2023

A turva Doença Celíaca (DC) demonstra sua opacidade através dos aspectos clínicos de difícil detecção precoce. Essa delonga em identificar o enfermo e orientá-lo acerca dos hábitos de vida indispensáveis à saúde do portador de DC, acarreta desdobramentos prognósticos negativos, visto que o consumo crônico dos agentes irritantes gera lesões inflamatórias insistentes que, paulatinamente agridem o tecido gastrintestinal em diferentes níveis. Para além das lesões epiteliomucosas, as dores enfrentadas por esses pacientes permeiam a exclusão e a fobia social, as patologias psiquiátricas e as síndromes de humor deprimido. Além da demora diagnóstica que compromete de curto a extenso prazo os doentes, nota-se evidente falha nos dados epidemiológicos, que parecem se relacionar com o subdiagnóstico. Assim, reunimos estudos de epidemiologia de diferentes regiões e, em progressão de tempo, que demonstram aumento nos índices diagnósticos, além de teorias fisiopatológicas que parecem contribuir para o aumento de diagnósticos precoces. Para isso, extensas revisões literárias em livros referência dentre a prática médica e pesquisas complementares, tanto em artigos de aprofundamento e atualização literária, quanto diretrizes nacionais de manejo, constroem o presente estudo. Enfim, demonstra-se as importantes lacunas de conhecimento acerca dessa patologia cada vez mais prevalente.
ANÁLISE DOS PCNS PARA A BNCC DE COMPETÊNCIAS E HABILIDADES NOS ANOS INICIAIS DO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL: DESAFIOS E PERSPECTIVAS
Authors: Do Amaral Ellen Caroline Lamounier Rodrigues , De Moraes Filho Iel Marciano , Araujo Leila Mendes , Do Nascimento Franc-lane Sousa Carvalho , Carvalho Filha Francidalma Soares Sousa , Dos Santos Osmar Pereira , De Araujo Lidia Mendes , Cunha André Luiz Araújo
Published: September 2023

A presente pesquisa busca analisar as diretrizes curriculares voltadas para a primeira fase do Ensino Fundamental, procurando identificar qual a visão de educação que orienta tal formulação e, ainda, quais as mudanças que ocorreram, a partir de uma análise comparativa entre os PCNs e a BNCC. Trata-se de uma pesquisa bibliográfica. A busca foi realizada em agosto de 2022, incluem-se teses e dissertações disponíveis no Catálogo de Teses e Dissertações da Capes, artigos científicos disponíveis no Portal de Periódicos Capes e Google Acadêmico, tangendo o recorte temporal de 2015 a 2022. A análise foi guiada em  6 tópicos para melhor compreensão: 1) a influência dos organismos internacionais na educação brasileira, 2) políticas educacionais e suas repercussões na organização do currículo da educação básica, 3) orientações curriculares nos anos iniciais do ensino fundamental (um paralelo entre os PCN´s e a BNCC), 4) a formação de habilidades e competências e as avaliações em larga escala, 5) A formação de habilidades e competências e as avaliações em larga escala, 6) Semelhanças e as diferenças entre os PCNs e a BNCC. Em suma, a análise nos traz a prerrogativa de que tanto os esforços públicos nacionais quanto as políticas mundiais não são para melhorar o nível e o desenvolvimento educacional da população, mas sim para suprir os anseios capitalistas. Desta forma, mais uma vez fica evidente o ideário que “há escola de rico e escola de pobres”!
Novel Torsional Reinforcement of Concrete Beams Utilizing Cross-Rod Steel Reinforcement
Authors: Abdullah Adnan Ibrahim , Lateef Assim M.
Published: September 2023

External strengthening of reinforced-concrete beams is challenging because of the building system complexity or the beam geometry. The major challenge is choosing an appropriate strengthening method to overcome its low torsion strength. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to ascertain how likely it is to suggest or adopt a particular internal in-plane approach to increase the torsional strength. In the present paper, the concept (technique) of adding internal concrete cross-rods (CR) in a transverse direction is adopted. Five concrete beam specimens with 200-, 200-, and 1500-mm dimensions for width, depth, and length, respectively, were poured and tested. One was a reference beam(B-R) without enhancement, while the other four (B-3CR, B-5CR, B-7CR, and B-9CR) were enhanced with three, five, seven, and nine internal cross-rod, respectively. The compressive strength of the concrete was (35MPa) at (28) days (normal strength concrete). This research intends to show how internal cross-rods (CR) and their number affect torsional capability. The experimental findings revealed significant improvements in the ultimate torsion strength capability by about 11.65%, 18.95%, 21.24%, and 27.77%, respectively, compared to the reference beam. The ultimate twisting angle and reinforced beams’ toughness increased by (4.25%-28.36%) and (24.12%-94.48%), respectively, due to the increase in the number of internal cross-rods compared to the reference beam. It was concluded that interior cross-rods would enhance the torsional strength capacity of the reinforced concrete beams. The extent of enhancement depended mainly on the number of internal cross-rods (CR) deployed.
A Review of Fluid Flow Applications and Hydraulic Performance of Sustainable Drip Irrigation to Improve Water Resource Management
Authors: Al-Sharify Zainab T. , Hamad Huda T. , Alshrefy Zinah A. , Sarow Salwa Ahmad , Nail Thiab Hussein
Published: September 2023

Fluid flow applications to improve water resource management towards sustainable irrigation are one of the main targets of engineers nowadays, especially with global climate change. The performance assessment of the irrigation system is an important area of research to improve water resource management. Through drip irrigation systems, this review evaluated the application uniformity of water and nutrients to sustain agricultural production and protect the environment’s natural resources. To achieve these goals, the adequate use of nutrients and water must be emphasized by utilizing sufficient water and nutrient management approaches, including a drip irrigation system that supplies the inputs immediately to the crop’s root zone. The process operating pressure and the drip line length are the two most crucial aspects that affect the uniformity of the water and nutrient distribution in fields. Inconsistent or inadequate applications of fertilizers and water in the fields contribute to the incorrect supply of useful water and nutrients in the soil profile along the drip line length resulting in a significant decrease in crop yields and poor product quality. The main cause behind the operating pressures in a “micro-irrigation system” is the inadequate distribution of fertilizers and water in the fields. Therefore, the effects of such non-uniform distribution must be carefully quantified and studied to understand the reasons behind soil degradation and groundwater contamination, which occurs due to excess nutrient leaching from the crop’s root zone. Data on the distribution and movement of water and nutrients in the soil is essential for designing efficient fertilization systems. Drip irrigation can reduce water exposure and input costs, making agribusiness more resilient, profitable, and successful. This paper discusses the uniformity of the nutrients and water application for crops grown in various agro-climatic regions. In addition, an effort was made to compare the findings’ quality of various commonly used methods of water and nutrient application under different climatic conditions.
Comparative effect of Metformin and Glibenclamide on Lipid profile in type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: صالح عبدالله النعيمي قاسم
Published: September 2023

تمّ إجراء الدراسة على 40 مريضاً حديثي التشخيص مصابين بداء السكري النمط الثاني ، تمّ تقسيمهم إلى مجموعتين،عشرون مريضاً لكل مجموعة، وتشمل مجموعة المرضى المعالجين بعقار الميتفورمين ومجموعة تشمل المرضى المعالجين بعقار الكليبنكلامايد . .تتضمن المقاييس التي تمت دراستها: نسبة سكرالدم على الريق و مستوى الدهون. أظهرت حصيلة المعلومات من هذه الدراسة أن عقار الميتفورمين له تأثيرايجابي ولكن غيرمعنوي احصائيا على مستوى الدهون , بينما كان تاثير عقارالكليبنكلامايد معنوي احصائيا على مستوى الكلسترول الكلي و الدهنيات ذات الكفائة الواطئ .
Role of Lactose free milk in Acute Diarrhea
Authors: عطية الجبوري محمد , فرهود الجبوري لؤي , راشد السعدون عماد
Published: September 2023

Acute diarrhea is a very common disease in developing countries and is the first cause of death in children under two years old. diarrhea associated lactose intolerance is a clinical syndrome of abdominal pain, diarrhea nausea, flatulence, bloating after ingestion of lactose containing foods that cause symptoms vary according to the amount of lactose consumed. 170 hospitalized patients admitted at Tikrit Teaching Hospital were divided into three groups 70 on lactose free milk, 50 on cow milk and 50 on breast milk to see the effects of lactose free formula on bowel motions, hydration state, stool consistency, and duration of hospitalization. The study showed that (77.14%) of those on LFF having four motions on 2nd day which indicating a significant decrease in bowel motions. Also the results revealed that (45.71%) of those on LFF were discharged after two days of hospitalization. The effects of LFF on state of hydration revealed that (67.14%) improved in the hydration status on the 2nd day of hospitalization. Results were concluded that LFF having a beneficial effect on acute diarrhea in children under two years.
Immunoglobulins, Immunoglobulin G Subclasses and Complement C3,C4 Levels in Adult Epileptic Patients on Carbamazepine and Sodium Valproate
Authors: A. J. Thanoon Imad , A.M. Ahmed Faris , N.A Hussein Farhad
Published: September 2023

Objective:To assess the effects of long-term antiepileptic monotherapy (carbamazepine or sodium valproate ) on the levels of some immunological parameters ( immunoglobulins IgA, IgG, IgM , immunoglobulins G subclasses IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4 and complements C3, C4 in adult epileptic patients. Subjects and Methods: Eighty –one adult epileptic patients were included in this study , 43 on carbamazepine monotherapy and 38 on sodium valproate monotherapy , with 50 apparently healthy subjects age and sex matched taken as a control group . From both patients and control group 10 ml venous blood sample were taken and immunoglobulin serum levels (IgA, IgG, IgM) , immunoglobulin G subclass (G1, G2, G3, G4) and complement C3,C4 were assessed using kits ( Fitzgerald Industries Int. USA). Results: There was a significant reduction in IgM and IgG2 in epileptic patients on carbamazepine and a significant reduction in IgM, IgG2 and IgG4 in epileptic patients on valproate in comparison with controls. Conclusion: Carbamazepine and sodium valproate as long-term antiepileptic monotherapy have some effects on the immune-system parameters in adult epileptics.
Effects of melatonin and zinc on oxidative stress in poorly controlled type 2 diabetic patients treated with metformin
Authors: حميد عبد عبدالكريم , محمود كاظم هيثم , رحمة ابو رغيف احمد
Published: September 2023

Background: Glycemic control and prevention of secondary complications are the most important goals of using pharmacologic treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM).The administration of antioxidants such as melatonin and zinc may improve tissue responses to insulin and increase the efficacy of drugs, e.g. metformin, which act through this pathway. This project was designed to evaluate the effects of melatonin and zinc on the oxidative stress status in type 2 DM patients poorly controlled with metformin. Patients and methods: A placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial was performed in which 46 type 2 diabetic patients were selected and allocated into three groups. These groups were treated with single daily oral doses of both 10 mg of melatonin and 50 mg of zinc acetate alone: in addition to the regularly used metformin or placebo, given at bedtime for 90 days. Plasma Malondialdehyde (MDA); plasma glutathione (GSH); and plasma zinc and copper levels were measured before initiating the treatments (zero time) and after 30 and 90 days of treatment. Results: Daily administration of melatonin and zinc effectively normalizes the impaired antioxidant status, and significantly elevates serum zinc levels after 30 and 90 days compared to placebo treated group; the addition of this treatment regimen in combination with metformin improved the tissue responses to this oral hypoglycemic agent. Conclusion: the combination of melatonin and zinc acetate, when used alone or in combination with metformin, has a significant decrease in lipid peroxidation and improvement in antioxidant status , and this effect can be related to several mechanisms in type 2 DM patients.
The role of topical taurine ( Bestoxol ) drops in improving vision in patients with diabetic retinopathy"
Authors: جهاد عبد القادر أسامة
Published: September 2023

Diabetic retinopathy is not only the major cause of blindness in people with diabetes, but also in working-age adults in the Western world. There are 2 types of diabetic retinopathy: macular edema and degeneration, caused by leaky vessels in the retina; and non-proliferative leading to proliferative retinopathy, caused by the formation of new vessels in ischemic retinal vessels (1 ). Taurine is believed to play a role in treating a number of conditions, including congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, diabetes, and retinal damage(2). Dietary taurine supplements used to improve the retinal functions, while topical taurine drops (Bestoxol) role in the management of diabetic retinopathy is not well established (2). The aim of this study was to assess the role of topical taurine (Bestoxol) drops in improving vision in patient with diabetic retinopathy. Cross section, randomly selected study involved (100) patients with diabetic retinopathy with different stages, the ophthalmological examination was done including visual acuity assessment pre and post topical BESTOXOL drops usage for one month. The statistical analysis was done with SPSS version 11. The results of study showed that high percentage (64%) of the selected sample mentioned an improvement in the quality of vision on one month usage of topical Bestoxol and most of them describe this improvement as an increasing field of vision. Visual acuity assessment determined that 41% of patients have an improvement in the vision at least one line of Snellens chart, and 23% of patients have different levels of retinal improvement. This study concluded that topical BESTOXOL, which is topical taurine, is a useful drug to be used in diabetic retinopathy patients.
The relationship between leptin and testosterone in infertile men
Authors: Suhail Najem Wisam , Aqeel A. Al-tayar Abdulla , Saed Al-Chalaby Sajeda
Published: September 2023

The corresponding decrease in men fertility and fecundity may be explained in parallel to obesity, and obesity may be considered as an etiology of male infertility. Leptin, the adipocyte-derived hormone that plays a key role in body weight homeostasis, has recently emerged as a relevant neuroendocrine mediator in different systems, including the reproductive axis. A case-control study was carried out to examine the relationships between leptin and testosterone hormone in males. Eighty men their ages between 20 and 45 years; fertile normozoospermia as a control (n = 28) and infertile oligozoospermia (n = 52); were recruited in the study. There was a highly significant negative correlation between testosterone and leptin. This result is suggestive of a link between the adipocyte derived hormone, leptin and male reproduction. This study showed that obesity may represent an actual threat to male fertility causing a decrease of total testosterone with hyperleptinaemia.
Comparative Effects of Repaglinide Versus Glibenclamide on Glycemic Control in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: K. Ibrahim Raghad , Y. Al-Hamdani Raad
Published: September 2023

Repaglinide is an oral prandial glucose regulator indicated for treatment of type 2 diabetic patients through its mechanism in improving first phase insulin secretion which can lower postprandial plasma glucose. To compare the effects of repaglinide versus glibenclamide on glycemic control in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients. Twenty-four recently diagnosed diabetic patients were enrolled in this non-randomized clinical trial. They were classified into two groups, 12 patients received repaglinide and 12 patients received glibenclamide. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2hour postprandial plasma glucose (2h. PPG) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured at the baseline and after 8 weeks follow up. Repaglinide decreased 2h. PPG significantly more than glibenclamide after 8 weeks without significant differences in reducing FPG and HbA1c between both treatment groups after 8 weeks. Repaglinide can be considered as an ideal agent in controlling postprandial hyperglycemia as a monotherapy or in combination with other oral hypoglycemic agents. Repaglinide, glibenclamide, postprandial hyperglycemia
Changes in bone mineral density during puberty
Authors: Abdulhameed A. Al-Tuhafi Amenah , Saeed Al-Chalbi Sajeda
Published: September 2023

Puberty is the fundamental period for bone mass acquisition. In this period mineralization is found to increase with levels of high bone formation.. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to determine the changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and growth parameters for healthy pubertal males and females at different pubertal stages in Mosul city/Iraq. In addition, we aimed to detect the relationship between BMD, age, pubertal stage and growth parameters, and to reveal the most important determinant of BMD in the pubertal period. BMD of the lumbar spine was performed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in (177) healthy pubertal children and adolescents (96 males, 81 females), aged (9.9-20.2) years. Growth parameters (Weight and height) were measured, BMI were calculated. Pubertal stages were assessed and the subjects were subdivided into 5 stages (Tanner stages of puberty for males and females). There was a significant effect of age and puberty on BMD. Females had significantly higher BMD across all age groups because females enter puberty earlier than males. When gender comparison was done according to pubertal stages, males had higher values for BMD in all pubertal stages , but without significant differences between them except in stage III, which indicated that boys gain more BMD than girls at this stage. Both sexes showed the main increments in BMD between stage IV and V. The major independent determinant of BMD in both sexes was pubertal stage. BMD of males was also highly correlated with growth parameters, but no such correlations for females. values in the study group were significantly lower than Western normative values, with Z scores for girls was (-1.2±1.2) and for boys was (-1.4±1.1). In conclusion, bone mass increased throughout puberty in both sexes and there was a strong evidence that pubertal development was consistent and independent predictors of BMD in healthy children and adolescents.
Physiological effects of prolactin on early pregnancy loss
Authors: Sami Yousif Suzan
Published: September 2023

Abortion generally presented as two types; the spontaneous and the induced abortion. Spontaneous one is the termination of pregnancy before fetal viability which occurs spontaneously. About 80% of spontaneous abortion losses occur in the first trimester, the incidence decreases with advance in pregnancy. Prolactin is a polypeptide hormone that is synthesized in and secreted from specialized cells of the anterior pituitary gland, the lactotrophs. The major action of prolactin is lactogenesis (milk production). It is the major hormone stimulating the production of milk. Prolactin seems to play an important role in implantation and subsequent placentation in the human endometrium, and it is recognized as a crucial signal for the initiation and maintenance of decidualization. In addition to that, prolactin inhibits the secretion of gonadotropin releasing hormone by the hypothalamus, and this inhibition lead to decreased secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH), which normally initiates ovulation, therefore with hyperprolactinemic state ovulation, does not occur (anovulation). The aim of this study is to study the effects of prolactin hormone in the incidence of abortion cases in first trimester pregnancy in women in Tikrit city. Serum Prolactin was measured by using kit made in France. VIDAS Prolactin (Made in Italy), for the enzyme immunoassay determination of human prolactin in human serum or plasma by using the technique of Enzyme Linked Fluorescent Assay (ELFA). One hundred and thirty four pregnant women were participated & finished the whole study; 56 normal pregnant women in first trimester as a control group and 78 women with different types of abortion in first trimester who are diagnosed by clinical examination and/or by ultrasonography as aborted group. Seventy eight aborted women were participating in the present study. Threatened abortion was the highest one among aborted women (44.9%). Followed by missed abortion (19.23%), incomplete abortion (14.1%), complete (9%), inevitable (7.69%) & the last is recurrent (2.57%). Regarding serum prolactin, there is a significant difference between normal pregnant women (47.1 ± 25.4 ng/ml) as compare with aborted women (69.4 ± 48.8 ng/ml). In another word, aborted women have a serum prolactin concentration than that of normal pregnant women (p≤0.01).
Autoimmune Hepatitis Markers in Association with Chronic Viral Hepatitis Type B and C
Authors: Omar M. Ali Khalid
Published: September 2023

Circulating auto-antibodies have gained great significance for the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and various autoantibodies have been reported in patients infected by chronic viral hepatitis. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to assess these autoantibodies in the sera of 116 seropositive hepatitis B & C virus patients admitted to Baghdad Teaching Hospital from March 2009 to the end of December 2009. The presence of autoantibodies against cell nuclei (ANA), smooth muscle (SMA), liver- cytosol type-1 (anti LC1) and liver kidney microsome type1 (anti LKM-1) for all the affected patients' sera was measured. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) results showed that 18 (16%) of cases revealed seropositive results, while anti- smooth muscle antibodies (SMA) results showed only two (2%) seropositive results both of which are of HCV patients. Results of anti LC-1 autoantibodies and anti LKM1 autoantibodies showed seropositivity in 6 (5%) and 8 (7%) cases, respectively, all of which are of HCV type. The current study suggest that chronic HCV infection can mimic autoimmune chronic active hepatitis; and special care must be held in patients who are unresponsive to immunosuppressive treatment, as HCV may be the role here.
Bioequivalency of Two Piroxicam Products in Plasma by High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Dhia M. Sheet Al-Shakargi Shaimaa
Published: September 2023

To determine piroxicam in human plasma and to compare the pharmacokinetic profile of the test drug (Piroxicam Tablet) and the reference drug (Piroxicam Capsule) for bioequivalence study. This study represents the result of a randomized, single dose, two period crossover studies in 15 healthy volunteers to assess the bioequivalence of two formulations of piroxicam 20 mg. The blood samples (5 ml) were drawn concomitantly from 1-72 hours after oral administration of a single dose of 20 mg piroxicam capsules (Piroxisam)® (Samarra Drug Industry) as reference drug to 15 volunteers then after 15 days wash out period, the same volunteers were given 20 mg of piroxisam tablets (Samarra Drug Industry) as test drug. The pharmacokinetic parameters were obtained from the mean plasma concentration measured at various sampling times. Cmax and Tmax of both products were similar. Ka and Kelm values of were very close between test and reference formulations. The AUC value of piroxicam tablet was lower than that of capsule. The test formulation was found to be bioequivalent to reference formulation based on the pharmacokinetic parameters
Management of pyloric stenosis in children
Authors: S. Shehab Aljomaily Fawzi
Published: September 2023

A prospective study of 24 cases of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in Salahaldeen government from February 2008-february 2011. All patients evaluated according to family history, sex, age, age at starting of vomiting and hydration state. Examination done for any palpable mass and sign of dehydration, and muscle wasting ,feeding test done for all patients. Patients admitted to hospital and investigations done which includes complete blood picture, blood urea, serum electrolyte. All patients send for ultrasound study of the pyloric canal to evaluate the length and thickening of the pyloric canal and consider as appositive study if the length more than 14mm and thickening more than 4mm pyloromyotomy done for all case with very good result and most of patient discharge after 24h of surgery.
corpo em Epicuro:
Authors: Nascimento Rodrigo Vidal do
Published: September 2023

O presente artigo tem com objetivo a proposição de uma análise acerca do corpo e as suas compreensões dentro do pensamento de Epicuro de Samos. Para tanto, será abordado inicialmente o caráter formativo da natureza dos corpos, observando-se os aspectos da física epicúrea. Em seguida será apresentada a relação de necessidade entre os corpos (átomos) e o vazio para a conformação dos corpos, mundos e o Todo. E finalmente, a reflexão sobre a admissibilidade da ideia que concebe o corpo como receptáculo da realidade. A presente análise tem como principais fontes de pesquisa os textos das Carta a Heródoto, bem como da tradição próxima dos textos do poeta Lucrécio no De Rerum Natura.
epicurismo e o pensamento político
Authors: Matos João Pereira de
Published: September 2023

O objetivo deste artigo é discutir o pensamento político epicurista, apesar da escassez de fontes sobreviventes dessa escola sobre o assunto. Partindo da tradicional posição epicurista de que o sábio deve abster-se da política, tentaremos mostrar que tal advertência não era inflexível e que, apesar do pequeno corpus teórico desta escola sobre o fenômeno mais geral da política, ainda assim seus ensinamentos tiveram grandes implicações no desenvolvimento do Pensamento Político de Roma até os dias atuais.
testo che salva.
Authors: Delle Done Carlo
Published: September 2023

L’obiettivo di questo breve contributo è tornare sul tema delle implicazioni etiche insite nel rapporto che diversi Epicurei mostrano di intrattenere con la dimensione testuale. La critica ha più volte – e spesso molto efficacemente – messo in luce questo nesso.[1] Ma è forse possibile aggiungere ancora qualche spunto di riflessione al dibattito, mettendo in dialogo testi finora considerati separatamente. Mi riferisco al De rerum natura lucreziano e al PHerc. 1012, che contiene i lacerti di un’opera di Demetrio Lacone su alcuni luoghi aporetici di Epicuro. Come spero di riuscire a mostrare, da alcuni luoghi emerge una concezione, per certi versi, simile del testo scritto (e non solo di quello di Epicuro): se chiaro e irreprensibile, esso appare indispensabile per il raggiungimento della felicità, perché disvela una dottrina capace di realizzare, in chi la abbraccia, la “atarassia”; ma se il rapporto tra il testo epicureo e il suo destinatario (cioè l’epicureo in fieri) è perturbato da qualche fattore che ne compromette la capacità “salvifica”, i membri della scuola – Demetrio, Lucrezio – hanno il dovere di rimuovere tali elementi di disturbo. Come si vedrà, gli strumenti e le strategie utili allo scopo sono spesso differenti, ma pare, comunque, importante rimarcare come la relazione con il testo sia sempre orientata e subordinata al perseguimento del telos etico della scuola.
 
[1] Cfr. Blank 2001 e la bibliografia citata oltre.
Epicuro e o Apollo epikourios
Authors: Fernandes Edrisi de Araújo
Published: September 2023

Procuramos empreender aqui variadas aproximações entre a figura do filósofo Epicuro e aquela do deus “Apolo Auxiliador” (Apollon Epikourios). Acercamentos entre o filósofo e o deus são considerados levando em conta (1) a relação da “teologia eudaimônica de Epicuro” (segundo expressão de Boris Chamani) com aspectos ligados a deidades curadoras, (2) a possível identificação de discípulas de Epicuro com hetaírai que fizeram oferendas (anethēken) a divindades curadoras como Asclépio (filho de Apolo) e Anfiarau, (3) a relação de Epicuro com Pitágoras, outro filósofo com vinculações apolíneas. Após essas aproximações, procura-se avaliar a etimologia e algumas tradições do culto do deus na época antiga. A teoria epicúrea de que o nome de uma coisa ou pessoa tem algo de natural permite especular sobre as possíveis repercussões favoráveis que o filósofo e seus discípulos teriam haurido do fato do mestre do Jardim associar-se ao deus nominalmente; outras vinculações se deram através de feriados comuns ou, indiretamente, sob forma imagética (como sugeriu Bernard Frischer). Essas associações contribuíram para a consolidação da imagem de Epicuro como “auxiliador” da cura e do aperfeiçoamento humano.
Primary Cutaneous Cryptococcosis Caused by Cryptococcus Neoformans in an Immunocompetent Patient
Authors: Marushchak Olga , Meehan Shane , Wee Sue Ann
Published: September 2023

Cryptococcosis is a fungal infection caused by Cryptococcus species, most commonly affecting immunocompromised individuals, while very few cases of the infection in immunocompetent hosts are available in the literature. In this manuscript, we present a case of primary cutaneous cryptococcosis caused by Cryptococcus neoformans in an immunocompetent patient. While cutaneous manifestation is usually a secondary sign of the disseminated disease, our patient presented with primary cutaneous cryptococcosis. Additionally, reports on cryptococcosis cases suggest that immunocompetent hosts are typically infected by C. gattii. However, culture of the discharge from our immunocompetent patient showed heavy growth of C. neoformans. This case highlights the importance of considering cutaneous cryptococcosis as differential diagnosis of ulcerated skin lesions in patients with an exposure to bird droppings, regardless of their immune status and systemic manifestations.
Alopecia Areata: Hair and Nail Findings in a Patient Undergoing Talquetamab Therapy for Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Jiminez Victoria , Fortugno Andrew , Adelanwa Ayodele , Elston Carly , Elewski Boni
Published: September 2023

Redirecting T cell-mediated killing of GPRC5D-expressing myeloma cells, talquetamab is a novel chemotherapeutic humanized bispecific antibody increasingly used for treatment of relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. While skin-related adverse events, including nail disorders, were common in the initial clinical trials, hair pathology was not reported. We present a case of a 74-year-old female undergoing talquetamab therapy presenting with a one-year history of alopecic patches in addition to nail changes, glossitis, and keratoderma. Scalp punch biopsy revealed alopecia areata later found to be responsive to betamethasone dipropionate gel. This case highlights a spectrum of adverse cutaneous manifestations of talquetamab therapy likely secondary cross reactivity to GPRC5D-expressing keratinized structures. Deeper investigation is warranted to clarify the pathogenesis underlying these findings and optimal treatment modalities for this patient cohort undergoing talquetamab therapy.
Mycosis Fungoides Masquerading as Acrodermatitis Continua of Hallopeau
Authors: Parker Lily , Nguyen Lynn , Hennessy Kerry , Bolick Nicole , Glass Lewis , Sokol Lubomir
Published: September 2023

Herein, we present a case of long-standing mycosis fungoides of the digit that was previously misdiagnosed. We highlight the unusual presentation of the lesion, as well as its extreme response to focal radiation therapy. This case demonstrates the importance of early biopsies in lesions with mycosis fungoides on the differential. In addition, close monitoring during initial treatment of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) can help patients in tolerance of therapy.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in the Chemoprevention of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
Authors: Al Lawati Hanan
Published: September 2023

Skin cancer, which includes melanoma and non-melanoma cancer types (basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas), is the most common type of neoplasia worldwide with massive calls for exploring chemoprevention strategies. Research suggests that chronic inflammation is a critical component of cancer progression in which over expression of COX-2 has been reported in many cancer studies. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which inhibit COX enzymes have been investigated for skin cancer chemoprevention both in vitro and in vivo.  We have searched the association between NSAIDs and non-melanoma skin cancer in Pub-Med and Embase database in particular for animal, cell lines, and human studies. In animal and skin cancer cell line research studies, NSAIDs have been shown to have a chemoprotective role in non-melanoma skin cancer through various reported mechanisms. However, clinical data results with regards to non-melanoma cancer has been controversial due to the absence of large scale randomised clinical trials. To sustain the idea for NSAIDs role as chemo-preventative agents, further robust investigations with large trial number are required in order to consolidate epidemiological findings with the in vitro data results.
A Case of Systemic Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma with Secondary Cutaneous Involvement
Authors: Bulbin Andie , Stano Sarah , Kyriakides Kalliope , Chu Paul , Hoffman Cindy
Published: September 2023

Systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL) is a rare, malignant T-cell lymphoma characterized by CD30 expression. There are two subtypes: ALK-positive sALCL and ALK-negative sALCL. In either condition, extranodal involvement is uncommon. We report a unique case in a 75-year-old woman who presented with multiple crops of occasionally pruritic papules in different stages of healing along her back for 3-4 weeks. The patient also showed erythematous papules on her arms, as well as lymphadenopathy. After considering other cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, the ultimate diagnosis of ALK-negative sALCL was determined using the clinical data, results of punch biopsy, and immunohistochemical staining.