bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tra poesie, prose e palchi: il canottaggio e le sue sociabilità sull’isola di Santa Catarina (1910-1925)
Authors: Sartori Carina
Published: June 2024

Negli anni Dieci e Venti a Florianópolis, capitale dello Stato brasiliano di Santa Catarina, vennero fondati due club nautici e uno di canottaggio. Fu così che iniziò a diffondersi tra i giovani florianopolitani questo sport e, per incentivarne la pratica, giornali e riviste cominciarono a interagire con i lettori creando concorsi e premiando i vincitori delle regate con la pubblicazione di foto a colori sulle pagine dei periodici. L’intellighenzia cittadina dedicava poesie e piéces teatrali ai rematori e alle competizioni marittime. I club, che non potevano contare sull’appoggio finanziario della Confederação Brasileira de Desporto, promuovevano cene danzanti, organizzate da giovani tifose in uniforme. Nella prima metà del XX secolo, il canottaggio a Florianópolis costituì un elemento di sociabilità e, al contempo, produsse figure di eroi che esibivano forza, bellezza e disciplina. Sorge perciò l’interrogativo: “per quale ragione il canottaggio si trasformò in una passione della società florianopolitana in questo periodo specifico?”. A partire da questo interrogativo senza pretese e da una raccolta di fonti archivistiche che presentano numerosissime lacune – soprattutto quelle che riguardano il teatro e il ruolo delle donne – questo testo è stato concepito in forma di brevi saggi su alcune delle attività svolte nella capitale catarinense intorno alla pratica del canottaggio.
S’ajuster par le bas ou par le haut aux inégalités
Authors: Dodier Nicolas
Published: June 2024

L’article montre en quoi l’ajustement aux inégalités qui caractérisent notre monde est à l’origine d’une tension entre deux stratégies, « par le haut » et « par le bas », qui structure à différentes échelles l’action humanitaire internationale. L’article s’appuie sur les premiers résultats d’une enquête, basée sur la consultation d’archives et la réalisation d’entretiens, relative à la mise en œuvre de programmes de chirurgie par l’organisation Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Il suggère une approche qui soit en mesure d’étudier, au-delà de cet exemple, les tensions qui structurent les composantes épistémiques de la normativité pratique déployée par les professionnels de l’humanitaire.
Expérience des personnes conseillères d’orientation et en employabilité durant la COVID-19 : exigences du travail perçues et ressources disponibles
Authors: Chevallier Élodie , Brien Alexandre , Savard Réginald
Published: June 2024

Cette recherche décrit l’expérience de travail de personnes conseillères d’orientation et en employabilité au Québec durant la pandémie de COVID-19. Elle présente les facteurs qui ont influencé leur bien-être et leur performance à travers le modèle Exigences-Ressources au Travail. La méthode des groupes de discussion a été utilisée auprès d’un échantillon de 23 personnes professionnelles en orientation et en employabilité. Les résultats montrent une augmentation des exigences de travail due à une variation de leur charge de travail. De plus, elles ont connu une charge mentale et émotionnelle plus importante liée à des difficultés accrues de la clientèle. Dans le même temps, elles ont été privées de certaines ressources telles que les relations avec les collègues. Cela a questionné le sens qu’elles accordent à leur travail. Plusieurs conséquences ont été relevées sur leur bien-être, notamment en ce qui a trait à leur équilibre, vie personnelle et professionnelle, ainsi qu’à un sentiment d’épuisement. Aussi des conséquences ont été identifiées sur leur performance liées à un gain d’autonomie et d’efficacité dans leur travail.
A Review on the Effect of Marble Powder on Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete
Authors: Amin Mohamed , Hadzima-Nyarko Marijana , Agwa Ibrahim Saad , Zeyad Abdullah M. , Tayeh Bassam A. , Adesina Adeyemi , de Azevedo Afonso Rangel Garcez
Published: June 2024

Marble powder (MP) emerges as a byproduct during the cutting and grinding operations of marble stone, constituting a non-biodegradable fine powder. This residue, originating from the marble stone industry, holds the potential for sustainable development when incorporated into self-compacting concrete (SCC). A thorough examination of existing literature underscores the substantial promise of MP as either a supplement or substitute for both cement and fine aggregate in concrete compositions. The literature review provides a comprehensive overview of the incorporation of MP in SCC. An evident trend in the reviewed studies indicates that as the proportion of MP used instead of fine aggregate increases, the fresh properties of the concrete tend to diminish. Nevertheless, the chemical composition of marble, containing CaCO3and SiO2, contributes positively to the mechanical properties of the concrete. Notably, when MP is employed as a replacement for fine aggregate at ratios ranging from 15% to 75%, a discernible enhancement in mechanical properties, ranging from 10% to 30%, is observed. Conversely, substituting MP for cement in quantities exceeding 20% exhibits detrimental effects on both the fresh and mechanical properties of the concrete. The impact of MP on various facets of SCC, including workability, setting times, compressive strength (CS), splitting tensile strength (STS), and flexural strength (FS) has been thoroughly investigated and discussed. This scrutiny contributes valuable insights into the potential advantages and challenges associated with the incorporation of MP in SCC.
Perceptions and behaviors of wine consumers towards organic wine: a case study in central Greece
Authors: Maisoglou Ioannis , Soultani Georgia , Malissiova Eleni , Manouras Vasilios , Manouras Athanasios
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the perceptions and behaviors of wine consumers towards organic wine in Central Greece. A survey was conducted among 75 participants across various age groups and regions, encompassing diverse socio-demographic backgrounds such as gender, age, profession, and education. Surprisingly, no significant differences were observed in attitudes towards organic wine across these demographics, except for variations related to place of residence and income. The majority of participants perceived organic wine as a premium product, with urban residents exhibiting a heightened inclination toward its purchase. Despite concerns regarding its high cost, participants expressed a willingness to continue purchasing organic wine owing to its perceived benefits. Based on the fact that there is a lack of relevant studies, this survey sheds light on the evolving consumer preferences and attitudes towards organic wine in the region, providing valuable insights for producers and marketers in the wine industry.
An Unusual Case of Pericardial Calcification
Authors: Varghese Teena Mary , Kareem Hashir , Vijayaraghavan Govindan
Published: June 2024

The pericardium is normally, a rigid, avascular, fibrous sac. Its primary functions are to anchor, lubricate, and prevent overdistention of the cardiac chambers. Normally, the pericardium does not contain any calcium deposits; calcification may be a sign of underlying inflammation. Pericardial calcification alone is generally asymptomatic; however, signs and symptoms usually result secondary to the constrictive physiology caused by the rigid pericardium. But again, it should be noted that only 25% of patients with constriction have pericardial calcification. Our patient was a 58-year-old male with slowly progressive symptoms of abdominal distension and pedal edema, who was evaluated and was found to have calcification of the pericardium, in quite unusual locations, resulting in even more unusual complications.
Efficacy comparison between Mathieu combined urethral plate incision and onlay island flap urethroplasty for distal hypospadias in patients with urethral plate stenosis
Authors: Zhang Tao , Zhu An-Bang , Mao Chang-Kun , Cao Yong-Sheng
Published: June 2024

The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy of Mathieu combined urethral plate incision (Mathieu-IP) versus onlay island flap urethroplasty in patients with distal hypospadias complicated by urethral stenosis. The clinical data of 70 patients with distal hypospadias complicated by urethral plate stenosis treated in the Department of Urology, Anhui Provincial Children’s Hospital (Hefei, China), from May 2019 to May 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. Thirty-eight patients underwent Mathieu-IP (Mathieu-IP group) and 32 underwent onlay island flap urethroplasty (Onlay group). Follow-ups at 1 month, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively assessed operative time, complications, urethral meatus morphology, and family satisfaction. The Mathieu-IP group had significantly shorter operative time (mean ± standard deviation [s.d.]: 81.58 ± 5.18 min) versus the Onlay group (mean ± s.d.: 110.75 ± 6.05 min;P< 0.05). Surgical success rates were 78.9% (Mathieu-IP group) and 75.0% (Onlay group), with no significant difference (P> 0.05). Complications were comparable between the groups. The Mathieu-IP group resulted in a vertical slit-shaped urethral meatus in 89.5% versus 13.8% in the Onlay group (P< 0.05). Family satisfaction with general penile appearance and skin shape showed no significant differences, but the Mathieu-IP group had higher satisfaction with meatal position (P< 0.05). Mathieu-IP offers simplicity, safety, and shorter operative time compared to Onlay. Both the techniques effectively treat urethral plate stenosis in distal hypospadias, with reduced postoperative complications compared to tubularized incised plate urethroplasty. Mathieu-IP results in a vertical slit-shaped urethral meatus which enhances urinary stream, indicating its potential for broader adoption.
Utilization of Modified Touchdown qPCR to Enhance Sensitivity and Specificity for Genes with Restricted Expression and Low Optimum Temperature Primers
Authors: Rahmi Koyuki Atifa , Khotimah Husnul , Rohman Mohammad Saifur
Published: June 2024

Background:

Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is one of the most used methods to analyze gene expression. However, if the annealing temperature in the qPCR cycle is lower than 55°C, nonspecific amplification may occur. On the other hand, some sets of primers can only function optimally at the annealing temperature below 55°C. Thus, a protocol allowing both specific amplification and large yield in low annealing temperature is needed.

Methods:

qPCR on the target ribosomal protein L13a (rpl13a) and natriuretic peptide A (nppa) from samples of zebrafish embryos and larvae was performed in triplicates using three different protocols: routine qPCR, gradient qPCR, and modified touchdown qPCR. The cycle of quantification (Cq) value and melt peak data were compared between the routine or gradient qPCR and the modified touchdown qPCR.

Results:

For rpl13a that was adequately and specifically amplified by both routine and touchdown qPCR, modified touchdown qPCR decreased the average Cq by 3.68–4.66 (P < 0.05). For nppa, a gene with restricted expression that could only be amplified substantially but nonspecifically at the annealing temperature of 50°C, modified touchdown qPCR increased the amplification specificity by forming only one melt peak during melt curve analysis and yielding a substantial amount of amplicon with the Cq of 22.48–22.51.

Conclusions:

The modified touchdown qPCR with low final annealing temperature was able to produce specific amplification with better yield and detection sensitivity. This method is especially useful for primer sets with low optimum annealing temperature.
Correlation between Fatty Acid Transport Proteins and Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Pathway in Breast Cancer
Authors: Acharya Ranjitha , Nalilu Suchetha Kumari , Shetty Shilpa Sharathraj , Shetty Abhijith Sudhakar , Monteiro Flama , Ganeshkodi Roopashree Padmanabha
Published: June 2024

Background:

Breast cancer (BC) is currently the fifth largest cause of mortality worldwide and has become the most frequent type of cancer. Fatty acid transport proteins (FATPs) assist cancer cells in meeting their higher metabolic needs by increasing fatty acid uptake, which is a significant source of energy for cancer cells. The phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of the rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway is an important signaling pathway that coordinates the uptake and utilization of various nutrients, including fatty acids. The current study aimed to correlate the FATPs with thePI3K/Akt/mTORpathway in BC.

Methods:

Eighty serum samples were collected from BC and control subjects after obtaining an informed consent form. Total ribonucleic acid (RNA) was isolated, and the relative messenger RNA (mRNA) expression ofPI3K, Akt, andmTORwas analyzed by a reverse transcriptase-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Serum FATPs were estimated using commercially available enzyme-linked immunoassay kits.P< 0.05 was indicated as statistically significant.

Results:

The serum FATPs in subjects with BC differed significantly compared to the control. Relative mRNA expression ofPI3K, Akt, andmTORdiffered significantly between the groups. Further, on correlating the serum FATPs with PI3K-related signaling molecules showed a significant positive correlation within BC subjects.

Conclusion:

Significant positive correlation between FATPs and thePI3K, Akt, andmTORpathway suggests a crucial role of FATPs in promoting BC.
Serum Acetylcarnitine as a Diagnostic Marker in Depression Episodes
Authors: Varma R. Sandeep , Kumar B. G. Prashanth , Krishna C. S. Muralidhar
Published: June 2024

Background:

Depression is a serious public health concern due to its prevalence and associated discomfort, dysfunction, morbidity, and economic impact. Depression is more prevalent in women than in males. There is a need to investigate the course of depressive disorders in India to identify the necessity and duration of ongoing treatment. Studies should also assess cost-effective treatment strategies that can be easily implemented in primary care settings to successfully treat depression.

Methods:

This study aimed to estimate the Serum L-Acetyl Carnitine (LAC) levels in depressive episodes, mainly to find a correlation between the levels and depression and also to correlate the values to the severity of depression with a depression rating scale like Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). LAC levels were estimated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.

Results:

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 60 individuals after obtaining their informed consent. This included 30 cases of diagnosed depression and 30 age and sex-matched normal controls. The diagnosed depressive episodes were rated in MADRS, and a score was assigned based on the same. The results were tabulated and statistically analyzed. The mean age of the case group was 41.37 ± 11.32 and control group was 41.50 ± 14.37. The incidence of depressive symptoms was higher in females (53%) than males (47%). The incidence of depressive symptoms was higher in the 41–50-year age group than in any other group. The acetyl carnitine-LAC levels were significantly decreased in patients with depressive episodes (950.7 ± 902.7) compared to the control (1799.6 ± 67.1), respectively. The Pearson’s correlation shows there is a strong negative correlation between the MADRS score and the levels of acetylcarnitine in the cases which was statistically significant,P< 0.001.

Conclusions:

LAC may have an important role in the pathophysiology of depression by its epigenetic action on metabotropic glutamate receptors and the decrease in the brain tissue may induce depressive symptoms, and consequently, their supplementation causes a rapid antidepressant effect. Hence, it could be a useful biochemical marker for the diagnosis of depression and also an effective for the treatment of depression.
Isolation and Identification of Vibrio Species from Different Types of Water Sources Along with Their Drug Susceptible Pattern
Authors: Sultana Raquiba , Mahmud Al , Koli Sayad Mahmud , Nayema Jannatul , Ghosh Aboni , Sushree Susmita Banik , Shom Pranta , Siddiqui Tanvir Ahmed , Das Kamal Kanta , Acharjee Mrityunjoy
Published: June 2024

Background:

Human activities are almost usually the cause of contaminated water supplies and places with large population densities and intensive land usage are particularly prone to pollution of drinking water sources. It is challenging to detoxify polluted water sources. Cholera is an acute form of diarrheal disease that plagued human civilization over the centuries. Vibrio spp., commonly found in aquatic environments, are the most common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis in the world, those may spread to humans through the ingestion of contaminated drinking water or exposure to seawater.

Methods:

In the present study, a total of 12 samples were collected from four types of water sources for the isolation of Vibrio spp. along with their drug-resistant pattern through conventional, biochemical, and antibiotic disc diffusion methods.

Results:

The samples were enriched into alkaline peptone water and then inoculated into culture media such as nutrient agar, MacConkey, and TCBs agar medium. After incubation for 24 h at 37°C on TCBS agar, yellow and green colonies were screened out for biochemical identification. Nonsucrose-fermenting Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Vibrio mimicus, and Vibrio vulnificus showed green colonies, and sucrose-fermenting Vibrio cholera and Vibrio alginolyticus showed yellow colonies on TCBS. The antibiotics ERY (15 μg), PCN (10 μg), CEX (30 μg), and VAN (30 μg) were completely resistant while the more effective antibiotics against Vibrio spp. were SXT (25 μg), CHL (30 μg), and GEN (30 μg). However, ciprofloxacin and nitrofurantoin showed moderate efficacy.

Conclusion:

To expand current knowledge on the occurrence, ecological niche, and persistence of potential human pathogenic Vibrio spp. in aquatic environments, the extensive laboratory experiment is required. To sum up, this kind of information is crucial for bringing attention to the existence of Vibrio spp. and enabling prompt implementation of preventive measures.
Molecular Identification of Endophytic Fungi isolated from Tragopogon graminifolius and Investigation of Their Biological Activities
Authors: Ebadi Mostafa , Mollaei Saeed , Tahmouresi Hossein , Farnia Poopak
Published: June 2024

Background:

Endophytic fungi live inside the plant tissue, and can produce bioactive compounds.

Methods:

Herein, the molecular identification, phenols metabolites analysis, and biological properties (enzymatic and antioxidant) of endophytic fungi isolated from the aerial parts of Tragopogon graminifolius were studied. The enzyme produced by endophytic fungi was tested by the formation of a clear zone/pink around the colonies. The 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method was used for the investigation antioxidant properties of isolated fungi. Moreover, the total flavonoid and phenol contents were studied using aluminum chloride colorimetric and Folin–Ciocalteu methods, respectively. Furthermore, the phenolic acids analysis was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results:

In this study, two isolates were identified (Talaromyces amestolkiae and Rhizopus oryzae). Evaluation of the enzymatic activities indicated that R. oryzae had the ability to produce amylase and pectinase, whereas T. amestolkiae exhibited extracellular activity for amylase, L-asparaginase, and pectinase. The result of the antioxidant property study indicated that T. amestolkiae had the highest antioxidant property and its IC50 value was 617 μg/mL. Moreover, these fungi had the highest flavonoids and phenols amounts. The phenolic acid analysis indicated that m-coumaric acid was the major phenolic acid which was determined by the studied fungi.

Conclusion:

This report was the first study of endophytic fungi from T. graminifolius, and the outcome of this study can be a way to produce m-coumaric acid at an industrial scale.
No Association between Helicobacter pylori and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Comprehensive Risk Factor Analysis in North Indian Patients
Authors: Gehlot Valentina , Mathur Akshita , Das Kunal , Mahant Shweta , Das Rajashree
Published: June 2024

Background:

The relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Helicobacter pylori infection is a complicated topic. This study aimed to evaluate the association between H. pylori infection and GERD and identify the associated risk factors in North India.

Methods:

All individuals who were referred for an endoscopy because they had dyspepsia were included in a cross-sectional study. Using endoscopic assessment, GERD was diagnosed. As a comparison group, patients with normal esophageal function were chosen. H. pylori was cultured and genotyped to assess the virulent genes such as cagA, vacA, and iceA. The relationship of H. pylori infection with GERD and its associated risk factors were estimated with Chi-square analysis, odds ratios, and 95% confidence intervals using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results:

In total, 420 patients were included in this study, of whom 335 (79.8%) had GERD. The mean age was 44.01 ± 16.52 years. Overall, 143 (34%) patients were positive for H. pylori infection. cagA-negative H. pylori isolates were significantly associated with the GERD group. Variables such as gender, age, alcohol, smoking, body mass index (BMI), smoking, and hiatus hernia in patients had no significant association with H. pylori infection. However, increased age, gender, Frequency Scale for the Symptoms of GERD (FSSG) score, BMI, and presence of hiatus hernia were significantly associated with the GERD group.

Conclusion:

In our results, there was no association between H. pylori infection and GERD. The risk factors for GERD were age, gender, FSSG score, BMI, and hiatus hernia. Further studies are recommended.
Exogenous Melatonin Supplement Contributes as Antioxidant to Attenuate the Oxidative Stress Induced by Cadmium Toxicity in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Al-Zharani Mohammed Mousa , Almuqri Eman Abdullah , Ahmed Mohammed Mubarak , Aljarba Nada Hamad , Rudayni Hassan Ahmed , Yaseen Khadijah Nasser , Alkahtani Saad Hussin , Ali Nasr Fahd , Al-Doaiss Amin Abdullah , Al-Eissa Mohammed Saad
Published: June 2024

Background:

Melatonin is a peptide neurohormone naturally synthesized in the brain by the pineal gland. The basic function of melatonin is related to the causation and regulation of the sleep–wake cycle (circadian cycle). Cadmium (Cd) is a hazardous heavy metal and its toxic effects induce extensive tissue damage. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the efficiency of exogenous melatonin in attenuating Cd-induced oxidative stress.

Methods:

The experimental rats were allotted into four groups (n = 20), designated as untreated control, melatonin accessed, Cd exposed, and Cd exposed with access.

Results:

The hematological and biochemical parameters (serum and tissues) of Cd-exposed rats were significantly altered. Cd-exposed rats that received melatonin demonstrated increased erythrocytic indices; showed significantly increased levels of total proteins, catalase, total thiols, and glutathione; and exhibited decreased levels of blood Cd, urea, creatinine, bilirubin, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide.

Conclusions:

It was concluded that melatonin has an efficient antioxidant activity in attenuating oxidative stress induced by Cd.
An Ensemble of the Convolutional Neural Network Model with Fuzzy Fusion Rank Algorithm for the Identification of Parkinson’s Disease Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging Images
Authors: Mahendran M. , Visalakshi R.
Published: June 2024

Background:

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a degenerative condition of the central nervous system primarily affecting the substantia nigra in the brain, resulting in the loss of dopamine-producing neurons and subsequent motor function deterioration. Early symptoms typically include hand tremors followed by bradykinesia, rigidity, postural instability, and decreased balance. Early diagnosis and proactive management are crucial for improving patients’ quality of life.

Methods:

In this study, an ensemble of deep learning (DL) models was developed to predict PD using DaTscan images. Initially, DL models (VGG16, ResNet50, Inception-V3 were utilized to classify PD in its early stage. Subsequently, to enhance the overall performance of the classification model, an ensemble strategy based on the fuzzy fusion rank algorithm was employed. The Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative database served as the evaluation dataset for the proposed model. This may offer some insight into why certain involuntary symptoms of PD occur, such as fatigue, irregular blood pressure, diminished peristalsis, and unexpected decreases in blood pressure. The ensemble model demonstrated superior recognition accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, and F1-score, achieving 98.45%, 98.84%, 98.84%, 97.67%, and 98.84%, respectively.

Results:

Compared to individual models, the ensemble model demonstrated superior recognition accuracy, precision, sensitivity, specificity, and F1-score, achieving 98.92%, 98.84%, 98.84%, 97.67%, and 98.84%, respectively. In addition, a publicly available graphical user interface (GUI)-based software program was developed, leveraging magnetic resonance imaging for efficient and accurate classification of PD and its subclasses. The method outperformed contemporary techniques in PD detection, offering significant potential for real-time disease identification.

Conclusion:

The establishment of a GUI-based software application can substantially aid in the timely detection of PD, facilitating proactive management and improving patient outcomes. The study underscores the importance of leveraging advanced DL techniques and ensemble methods for accurate and efficient disease prediction. Moreover, the development of user-friendly software tools holds promise for widespread adoption and enhanced patient care in the field of PD diagnosis and management.
Correlation between Cardiac Output and Disease Severity in Intubated COVID-19 Patients: Insights from Ultrasonic Cardiac Output Monitoring in Intensive Care Unit Settings
Authors: Hashemian Seyed Mohammadreza , Khoundabi Batoul , Jamaati Hamidreza , Sadr Makan , Safdari Hassan , Rashidi Farzad , Varahram Mohammad , Noraee Navid , Bahrami Ashkan , Eshraghi Reza
Published: June 2024

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions globally, and still continues to do so. Regarding the cardiovascular influences of COVID-19, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between cardiac indices, particularly cardiac output (CO), and severity of disease.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study was conducted on intubated COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The study involved analyzing data from mechanically ventilated patients, excluding those with preexisting cardiovascular or pulmonary comorbidities. Hemodynamic parameters were evaluated by ultrasonic cardiac output monitoring (USCOM), and the severity of disease was evaluated by acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE II) and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scoring systems.

Results:

The study included 41 patients, predominantly male with an average age of 63.1 years. Hemodynamic parameters and scores were reported for 6 days. This showed significant changes in CO, SOFA, and APACHE II over time (with P = 0.02, 0.04, 0.03, respectively). A negative correlation was found between CO and both SOFA and APACHE II scores (P < 0.05), indicating that as CO increased, the severity scores decreased.

Conclusion:

This study emphasizes the importance of continuous hemodynamic monitoring in ICU settings for COVID-19 patients. The correlation between CO and severity scores suggests that USCOM, along with APACHE II and SOFA, can be crucial in assessing the dynamic clinical state of patients, contributing to better management and potentially improving outcomes.
First Molecular Identification of Phlebotomine Sandflies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Nineveh Governorate, Northern of Iraq
Authors: Al-Joary Younis Ibrahim Mohammed Ali , Al-Hamdani Muneef Abid Mustafa
Published: June 2024

Background:

The dipteran phlebotominae sandflies are considered a major threat to public health because they are proven vectors of leishmaniasis, phleboviruses, and some species of pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, scientists paid great attention to studying it at the phenotypic and molecular levels. In Iraq, leishmaniasis is considered an endemic disease and exists in its visceral and cutaneous forms (Baghdad boil). Its spread is greater in the southern regions than in the northern regions due to high temperatures, which in turn leads to an increase in the widespread of the sandflies. Given the lack of studies in the northern region of Iraq, this study was conducted and included a survey of all provinces of the Nineveh Governorate (the second governorate in Iraq in terms of population density).

Methods:

The sandflies collection process was performed during the period from May 2023 to February 2024, and DT150-TUN light traps were used for this purpose. For the initial phenotypic identification, several taxonomic keys of the subfamily phlebotomine were used as male genitalia, pharynx, and female spermatheca. Conventional polymerase chain reaction based on the amplification of the COI gene was performed for the molecular process of 60 captured sandflies from about 34 regions and 89 sites. Before performing a phylogenetic tree, high-quality sequences are matching with the closest global isolates in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).

Results:

A total of 4861 (2034 males and 2827 females) sandflies were captured in the current study and five species were identified belong to two genera (Phlebotomus and Sergentomyia). Sandflies were found to be more widespread in Mosul province and Phlebotomus papatasi was the most widespread of the rest of the species. Molecular results confirmed the other results of the study, and isolates of the identified species were recorded in NCBI.

Conclusion:

The current study demonstrated the importance of sandflie identification using molecular methods and was able for the first time from molecular identification of three species in Iraq. It is also the first molecular study of sandflies at the level of the Nineveh Governorate
Significance of Various Diagnostic Modalities in Detection of Tuberculosis in Cervical Lymphadenopathy: A Study of 200 Cases
Authors: Dharwadkar Arpana , Ingale Yaminy , Deokar Nayonikha , Vyawahare Chanda , Vishwanathan Vidya , Chandanwale Shirish S.
Published: June 2024

Background:

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) makes for 25% of all instances of tuberculosis (TB) patients. The enigmatic clinical presentation of EPTB makes identification difficult since it simulates other chronic conditions such as neoplastic and inflammatory disorders and could culminate in treatment that is either insufficient or not required. For an affirmative and confirmed diagnosis, a substantial level of suspicion is imperative. The paucibacillary feature of EPTB makes diagnosis extremely difficult and necessitates the use of many diagnostic methods to arrive at a precise diagnosis. In December 2010, the World Health Organization recommended using GeneXpert/cartridge-based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) for the initial assessment of suspected cases of EPTB. Furthermore, fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), Ziehl–Neelsen (ZN) stain, and the CBNAAT have to be utilized to exclude other possible origins of granulomatous inflammation. The goal of the current investigation is to comprehend how FNAC and ZN stains relate to CBNAAT and their diagnostic value.

Methods:

The evaluation included all suspected instances of tubercular lymphadenopathy, and adequate aspirates were obtained from the site of the enlarged cervical lymph nodes. Smears were made following FNAC and stained with ZN stain as well as hematoxylin and eosin stain. Simultaneously, CBNAAT and culture evaluations were conducted on the same aspirates. This cross-sectional study took place at a tertiary care center and encompassed 200 individuals with clinical manifestations of EPTB.

Results:

There were 200 cases of suspected tubercular lymphadenitis (TBLN). According to the FNAC results, TBLN was detected in 71 (47.6%) of these 200 cases, followed by necrotizing lymphadenitis in 56 (37.5%), chronic caseating granulomatous lymphadenitis in 47 (31.5%), and reactive lymphadenitis in 26 (17.4%). They were correlated with CBNAAT results, which showed that all instances of tuberculous lymphadenitis, 85.71% of cases of necrotizing lymphadenitis, 55.32% of cases of chronic caseating granulomatous lymphadenitis, and 2 (7.69%) cases of reactive lymphadenitis were CBNAAT positive.

Conclusion:

CBNAAT should be utilized with FNAC and ZN staining to diagnose EPTB. The CBNAAT assay demonstrated a significant advantage in the identification of previously unidentified FNAC patients. Despite being a simple diagnostic tool, FNAC has a lower specificity and significantly lower precision than CBNAAT in correctly identifying cases of EPTB because it exhibits similar cytomorphological characteristics with lesions that are not associated with TB.
Exploring help-seeking pathways and disparities in substance use disorder care in India: A multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Ghosh Abhishek , Mahintamani Tathagata , Somani Aditya , Mukherjee Diptadhi , Padhy Susanta , Khanra Sourav , Arya Sidharth , Suthar Navratan , Prasad Sambhu , Haokip Hoeineiting Rebecca , Guin Aparajita , Rina Kumari , Basu Aniruddha , Mishra Shree , Das Basudeb , Gupta Rajiv , Singh Lokesh Kumar , Nebhinani Naresh , Kumar Pankaj , Kaur Ramandeep , Basu Debasish
Published: June 2024

Background:

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are among the leading causes of morbidity in the population. In low- and medium-income countries like India, there is a wide treatment gap for SUD. A multicentric study on the care pathways for SUD in India can help to understand service provision, service utilization, and challenges to improve existing SUD care in India.

Aim:

We aimed to map pathways to care in SUD. We compared the clinical and demographic characteristics of patients who first consulted specialized services versus other medical services.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study of consecutive, consenting adults (18–65 years) with SUD registered to each of the nine participating addiction treatment services distributed across five Indian regions. We adapted the World Health Organization’s pathway encounter form.

Results:

Of the 998 participants, 98% were males, 49.4% were rural, and 20% were indigenous population. Addiction services dominated initial (50%) and subsequent (60%) healthcare contacts. One in five contacted private for-profit healthcare. Primary care contact was rare (5/998). Diverse approaches included traditional healers (4–6%) and self-medication (2–8%). There was a 3-year delay in first contact; younger, educated individuals with opioid dependence preferred specialized services.

Conclusion:

There is a need to strengthen public healthcare infrastructure and delivery systems and integrate SUD treatment into public healthcare.
Alcohol use disorder research in India: An update
Authors: Narasimha Venkata Lakshmi , Mukherjee Diptadhi , Arya Sidharth , Parmar Arpit
Published: June 2024

Background:

Despite alcohol use being a risk factor for numerous health-related conditions and alcohol use disorder (AUD) recognized as a disease, there was limited research in India until 2010. This narrative review aims to evaluate AUD-related research in India from 2010 to July 2023.

Methods:

A PubMed search used key terms for AUD in India after 2010. Indian and international journals with regional significance that publish alcohol-related research were searched by each author individually. These were then collated, and duplicates were removed. In addition, we also conducted a gray literature search on focused areas related to AUD.

Results:

The alcohol-related research in India after 2010 focused on diverse areas associated with alcohol use. Some areas of research have received more attention than others. Two major epidemiological surveys conducted in the past decade reveal that around 5% have a problematic alcohol use pattern. Factors associated with alcohol use, like genetic, neurobiological, psychological, and sociocultural, were studied. The studies focused on the clinical profile of AUD, including their correlates, such as craving, withdrawal, alcohol-related harm, and comorbid psychiatric and medical illnesses. During this period, minimal research was conducted to understand AUD’s laboratory biomarkers, course, and prognosis. While there was a focus on generating evidence for different psychological interventions for alcohol dependence in management-related research, pharmacological studies centered on anticraving agents like baclofen. Research on noninvasive brain stimulation, such as rTMS, has shown preliminary usefulness in treating alcohol dependence. Very little research has been conducted regarding alcohol policy.

Conclusion:

In the past decade, Indian research on alcohol has focused on diverse areas. Epidemiological and psychological management-related research received maximum attention. Considering the magnitude of the alcohol-related burden, it is essential to prioritize research to other less studied areas like pharmacological management of alcohol dependence and alcohol policy.
Antimicrobial Efficacy of Different Disinfectants on Contaminated Toothbrushes in Healthy and Chronic Periodontitis Patients – A Comparative Study
Authors: Nirola Ashutosh , Batra Priyanka , Rathore Shivani , Ahuja Kritika , Goyal Pankaj
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Toothbrushes that are used regularly can accumulate a high amount of microorganisms, which have the potential to cause infections or reinfections. There is a need for toothbrush disinfection methods which are effective and can be easily implemented. The present study assessed the antimicrobial efficacy of different disinfectants on contaminated toothbrushes in healthy and chronic periodontitis patients.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty patients were taken who were divided into two Groups A and B: Group A consisted of 30 healthy patients who were further subgrouped as Group A1 (control group), Group A2 (1% sodium hypochlorite), Group A3 (1% vinegar), and Group A4 (ultraviolet [UV] sanitizer) and Group B consisted of 30 patients with mild-to-moderate generalized chronic periodontitis who were further subgrouped as B1, B2, B3, and B4 based on the different disinfection processes. Microbial counts were assessed and compared. A paired sample t-test was used for statistical analysis, and the level of significance was set at P < 0.001.

Results:

All disinfectants showed a statistically significant reduction in microbial load on contaminated toothbrushes in both the groups (P < 0.001). There was no statistical difference between the efficacies of vinegar and sodium hypochlorite when compared with UV sanitizer in both the groups (P = 0.115 and P = 0.205).

Conclusion:

The study concluded that UV sanitizer can be used as a preferable toothbrush disinfection method.
Management of Sunken Cheeks in Complete Denture Patient Using Detachable Plastic Construction Toy (Cheek Plumper)
Authors: Lambat Apurva , Madhav V.N.V. , Raikar Sonal , Dighe Triveni
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Esthetics play a very important role in dentistry. In the absence of teeth, the alveolar ridges resorb, causing the facial muscles to lose support, resulting in diminished facial muscle tone, and a slumped cheek. The authors present here a case of a 54-year-old male patient who reported missing upper and lower teeth. An intraoral examination revealed completely edentulous maxillary and mandibular arches. On extraoral examination, the cheeks were sunken, and the skin was wrinkled. For the patient, a complete denture with removable cheek plumpers was advised due to his hollow cheeks. This method accurately determines the space available for cheek plumpers.
Pathogenic Missense Mutations in Nicotine-metabolizing Cytochrome P450 2A6 Gene – An In silico Study
Authors: Venkadesan Kalaivani , Leelavathi L. , Priyadharsini J. Vijayashree , Arumugham I. Meignana , Kumar S. Rajesh
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Nicotine is an environmental agent that can have a significant impact on the emergence of nicotine dependence when it interacts with particular candidate nicotine genes. Pharmacogenetics may have a role in the interindividual difference in adolescent smoking cessation. Identification of missense mutations (which are deleterious) in advance will help to formulate medication targeting it, to prevent the consequences in the future. The current study aimed to identify more potential and functional mutations of the cytochrome P450 2A6 (CYP2A6) gene by employing computational tools.

Materials and Methods:

The Ensembl database was used to collect the data on missense mutations of the human CYP2A6 gene. Computational tools such as Sorting Intolerant From Tolerant, Polymorphism Phenotyping, and PROtein Variation Effect ANalyzer are used to identify and screen missense mutation. One hundred and thirty missense mutations were identified and screened. The stability of protein variants and their pathogenicity were identified using I-Mutant and MutPred, respectively.

Results:

One hundred and eighteen single-nucleotide polymorphisms were determined to be harmful among the 130 missense variants that were examined, as predicted by all three of the computational tools mentioned in the methodology section. I-Mutant Suite identified about 104 variants with decreased stability and the other 14 variants showed increased stability. MutPred tool identified that out of the 118 missense variants, 69 were found to be highly pathogenic, 33 were found to be pathogenic, and two of them were not pathogenic.

Conclusions:

Nearly a hundred alleles in the CYP2A6 gene were identified as potentially pathogenic variants using data mining.
Comparative Evaluation of Modified Kvaal’s Formula and Coronal Pulp Cavity Index in the Pune Population – A Cone-beam Computed Tomography-based Retrospective Study
Authors: Thopte Shameeka , Nisa Shams Ul , Khaire Samir Dashrath , Sane Rashmi , Gavali Neelam , Koranne Vaishali
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

The uniqueness of the human dentition serves its wide acceptance in the identification of individual in forensic science.

Aim and Objectives:

To estimate the accuracy of age by using modified Kvaal’s formula and coronal pulp cavity index (CPCI) and compare the standard error and establish the technique among the Pune population.

Materials and Methods:

Four hundred cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were randomly selected with satisfying the established criteria. The second premolar was included in the study and the maximum length of tooth, root, and pulp was measured using modified Kvaal’s method and CPCI by using Planmeca CBCT machine with Romexis-three-dimensional imaging software.

Results:

The results were analyzed using the Chi-square test and ANOVA. Modified Kvaal’s formula was found to be the better followed by CPCI in the estimation of age among Indians with lesser error in prior.

Conclusion:

Modified Kvaal’s formula is precise, noninvasive, and most reliable biomarker for age estimation than tooth-coronal index.
The Association Between Consanguinity and Offspring with Congenital Hearing Loss in The Eastern Region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlKhudair Abdullah M. , AlGanem Shooq N. , AlKhamis Abdullah Abdulmajeed , AlMubarak Abdullah Abduljalil , Balghunaim Abdulmohsen A. , AlYahya Khalid A. , AlArfaj Abdullah Ahmed
Published: June 2024

Background:

Consanguineous marriage is a common practice in the Middle East and in Saudi Arabia especially. Not many studies were done on the relationship between consanguinity and congenital hearing loss (HL) in Saudi Arabia and none in the Eastern Region specifically. Therefore, this study focuses on the determination of the association between consanguinity and congenital HL (CHL).

Materials and Methods:

This is a comparative cross-sectional study that included any eastern region resident with severe-to-profound CHL. The data were collected and recorded on a structured questionnaire that was distributed among six schools in hard copy. In addition, data were also collected directly from two rehabilitation centers and from the Saudi Association for Hearing Impairment in Dammam.

Results:

Among 275 participants, the degree of HL was observed to be severe in 92 (33.5%) and profound in 183 (66.5%) participants. Consanguinity was reported to be as high as 75.6%. Most consanguineous marriages were of the first degree, which was found to have an association with higher numbers of severe and profound HL. It was observed that a total of 142 (51.7%) of the participants had at least one or more family members with HL, and 130 (47.3%) had at least one or more relatives with HL. Furthermore, it was found that those who reported blood-related parents had higher percentages of family members/relatives with the same condition.

Conclusion:

The outcome of this study is suggestive that there is an association between consanguineous marriage and having children with CHL. Looking at these findings and how consanguineous marriage is still commonly practiced, it is crucial to spread awareness regarding the dangers and possible associated disorders affecting children when marrying relatives.
Back to the Future: Scientific Method and Science Reliability
Authors: Corazza Ivan , Rossi Pier Luca
Published: June 2024

We have worked in physics applied to medicine in the past 20 years. Many changes have happened during this period, and we are witnessing an epochal change in the approach to scientific research. What was clear 20 years ago has become opaque. An increasing gap exists between the phenomenon (the pathology and the physiologic mechanism) and the methods researchers use to analyze it. The paper contains our viewpoints about what is happening, starting from our daily experiences in these last years. Sometimes, our opinions will be deliberately provocative, but we hope they can help to seed the debate about the meaning of the scientific method and research reliability. In particular, we have focused on “measurement errors” since their correct evaluation represents the basis for applying the scientific method.
The Occurrence and Evaluation of Risk Factors Associated with Cataract in People of Pakistan: A Clinical Study
Authors: Nawaz Yasir , Munir Saba , Ayoub Ambar , Iqbal Alia , Tanvir Fouzia , Luqman Muhammad
Published: June 2024

Background:

A cataract is the clouding of the lens in the eyes, and it is a major cause of blindness worldwide, especially in tropical regions where a significant portion of the population resides in developing nations.

Purpose:

This study, conducted as a population-based study at Ali Trust Eye Hospital in Okara, aimed to assess the relationship between cataracts and other risk factors in patients.

Methods:

A total of 1999 patients were included in the study, and clinical information such as sex, age, and education level was collected. In addition, each patient’s medical history, including diabetes mellitus, blood pressure, and family history of cataracts, was documented.

Results:

Of the patients, 46% were male, and 54% were female. Cataracts affected individuals in various age groups, with significant differences observed (P< 0.05). The educational status of males and females did not differ significantly (P> 0.05). Notably, there was a significant difference in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among the patients (P< 0.05), indicating reliable distinctions, whereas the prevalence of high blood pressure did not show a significant difference (P> 0.05). Family history of cataracts among patients also did not exhibit significant differences (P> 0.05).

Conclusion:

In conclusion, cataracts are associated with various risk factors in the human population. Age and the presence of diabetes mellitus are highly correlated with cataracts, which is a matter of primary concern. Early detection and treatment can make a significant difference in managing this condition.