bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Studies on Ragweed Pollen
Authors: Sehon A. H. , Richter M.
Published: January 2023

An allergenically active fraction was isolated from ragweed pollen which was 50 times as active, on a weight basis, as the dialyzed residue of the whole water soluble extract of ragweed pollen. This material consisted of a straw colored pigment and peptide(s) composed of eight amino acids: lysine, arginine, glycine, glutamic acid, hydroxyproline, valine, alanine and norleucine. It did not contain any carbohydrate. The allergenic activity was destroyed after hydrolysis with 6 N HCl at 100°C for 15 min, but was not diminished on standing in 6 N HCl at 25°C for 8 hr or if heated in boiling water at pH 7.0 for 14 hr. The active material gave positive ring tests with both rabbit and goat antiragweed pollen sera. The available evidence suggests that peptide(s) may account for all the allergens in ragweed pollen.
Characterization of Complexes Which Contain Diphtheria Toxin and Human Nonprecipitating Antitoxin
Authors: Kuhns W. J. , Masouredis S. P. , Swabey L.
Published: January 2023

Complexes which contained nonprecipitating diphtheria antitoxin and I131 toxin were analyzed for sedimentation behavior in the ultracentrifuge. When high-speed centrifugation was employed using a separation cell, it was found that sedimentation of the complex was fastest at six-fold antibody excess and slowest at antibody equivalence as judged by relative percentages of I131 in upper and lower portions of the cell. When studied electrophoretically using the technique of zone electrophoresis, it was found that complexes at equivalence or in antibody excess remained close to the point of application, but migrated toward the anode when in antigen excess. Approximate sedimentation constants for the different toxin-antitoxin combinations are presented. The use of labelled antigens and physicochemical methods in the purification of nonprecipitating antibody are discussed.
Failure of Mumps Virus to Inactivate Agglutinogens M, N and Rho (D) of Human Red Cells
Authors: Mäkelä O. , Cantell Kari , Penttinen Kari
Published: January 2023

It was found that even intense treatment with mumps virus did not cause inactivation of M and N agglutinogens in human red cells, though this was brought about by influenza viruses. Such treatment was found not to damage Rho (D) agglutinogen, which is contrary to an earlier report (8). The implications of these observations are discussed as well as different factors capable of inactivating virus receptors and blood group agglutinogens.
Experimental Comparison of the Immunogenicity of Antigens in the Residue of Ultrasonated Avirulent Pasteurella Pestis with a Vaccine Prepared with Killed Virulent Whole Organisms
Authors: Chen T. H. , Foster L. E. , Meyer K. F.
Published: January 2023

Several P. pestis cell wall antigens were prepared by repeated ultrasonation, and their toxicity and immunogenicity were studied and compared with killed virulent whole organism vaccine by means of toxicity, serologic and immunogenicity tests in guinea pigs and mice. The antigenic components were determined with the gel diffusion test. Preparation of the residue antigens requires a large quantity of starting material and is complicated in comparison with the preparation of killed whole organism vaccine. The solubility of the final material was less than that reported elsewhere.

Only a small amount was available for toxicity tests, and this was toxic to neither mice nor guinea pigs. Guinea pigs inoculated with TJW or E. V. 76 in distilled water preparations had rather severe local reactions. The immunogenicity of the tested vaccines was satisfactory and similar except in a few tests in which the whole organism vaccine was superior to the others. In the test system, in which the interval between immunization and challenge was rather short, the antibody response expressed in serologic tests was not pronounced, but in some instances it gave a rough prediction of immunity. The virulence antigens V and W did not play an essential role in these tests. The immunity was directly related to Fraction I antibody. The administration of the whole organism vaccine in oil adjuvant to guinea pigs enhanced and sustained Fraction I antibody formation.
Technical Factors Affecting the Preparation of Fluorescent Antibody Reagents
Authors: Kaufman Leo , Cherry William B.
Published: January 2023

Interference due to ammonium sulfate contamination of globulin, resulting from the serum fractionation procedure, was eliminated by dialyzing 5- to 10-ml samples of the antiglobulin in dialysis tubing 20/32 in. in diameter for 4 hr against 2 liters of 0.85% sodium chloride. Contamination of Brucella abortus antiglobulin by 0.08 M or greater concentrations of ammonium sulfate caused interference with the biuret estimation of the protein and its subsequent conjugation to fluorescein isothiocyanate. Conjugates prepared in the presence of graded concentrations of the salt showed proportionally greater fluorescence and greater light absorption values prior to dialysis than did conjugates prepared in the absence of this salt. The results suggested that ammonium sulfate reacted with free fluorescein isothiocyanate to form an unstable dialyzable complex which was more brilliant than the conjugate alone. Ammonium sulfate-contaminated conjugates from which salt and free dye were removed by dialysis fluoresced weakly and showed poorly staining titers as compared to salt-free controls.

Solutions of fluorescein isothiocyanate stored in the dark at 4°C for 70 days show a marked reduction in fluorescence intensity, whereas the light absorbing component remained stable. On the other hand, Brucella melitensis antiglobulin labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate and similarly stored for 74 days showed no significant changes in fluorescence intensity. The colorant concentration of the conjugate was similar in stability to that of the fluorescein isothiocyanate solution.
The Pulmonary Circulation in Anaphylactic Shock
Authors: Drinker Cecil K. , Bronfenbrenner Jacques
Published: January 2023

Introduction During the past three years methods of experimentation have been devised which render it possible to study pressure in the pulmonary circulation with a degree of readiness and an approach to normality unreached by earlier experiments. These methods have been described (1) (2) and have been tested in a series of published investigations (3) (4) and in a large amount of unpublished work. In the rabbit, cat, and monkey they permit observation of the pulmonary circuit under natural conditions of breathing and without encroachment upon the vascular bed. In the dog, owing to the depth and rigidity of the chest, artificial respiration must be used.

The gross physiological disturbances which make up the curious entity called acute anaphylactic shock differ widely in different species of animals, and owing to the fact that the pulmonary circulation has been difficult of access, precise measurements upon it during the anaphylactic reaction are lacking.
Sur L'Existence D'Un Troisième élément D'Isoagglutination
Authors: Lattes Leone , Cavazzuti Alfonso
Published: January 2023

Lattes and Cavazzuti have carried out investigations for the purpose of checking the experiences of Guthrie and his collaborators, and of Coca and Klein, according to which the theory of the four human isoagglutination groups cannot be maintained, because of the presence, which they have thought they could demonstrate, of additional isoagglutination elements (agglutinogen-agglutinin).

Lattes and Cavazzuti, while entirely confirming the truth of the facts placed in evidence by these authors, were unable to agree with their interpretation of them. Their own observations show, indeed, that most of these facts can be explained by variable quantitative relations among the cellular properties (sensitiveness to agglutination, avidity for agglutinin, degree of antigenic power) and the agglutinating properties of the sera; and that the hypothesis of a qualitative multiplication of the agglutinogens and agglutinins is, on the whole, not necessary. Particularly, the study of the two varieties of blood of group 2, which are claimed by Guthrie and Huck to exist, show clearly that there is no question of the presence of a supplementary agglutinogen, but of quantitative variations in the properties of the corpuscles.

Certain cases cannot be explained in this manner, and Lattes and Cavazzuti describe one such which would have constituted an absolute confirmation of the ideas of Guthrie and Huck, and demonstrated the insufficiency of the theory of the four groups. This instance consisted in the blood of a group 4 (Jansky) whose serum strongly agglutinated certain group 2 corpuscles; but, in studying this blood carefully, by all appropriate means, to demonstrate the genuineness of the agglutination, Lattes and Cavazzuti have reached the conclusion that they had to do here with a pseudo-agglutination, a misleading phenomenon, which can simulate the appearance of isoagglutination, but which has no specificity, which is not accompanied by absorption, and which does not necessarily coincide with autoagglutination in a strict sense. This phenomenon, then, can also, in some cases lead to error, and cause one to assume a multiplication of isoagglutination elements.
Isolation of Rat Lung Antigens Capable of Neutralizing Localizing Activity of Anti-Lung Antibodies
Authors: Tsuzuku Osamu , Yagi Yasuo , Pressman David
Published: January 2023

Soluble material capable of neutralizing the localization in vivo of rabbit anti-rat lung antibodies was obtained by autolysis of the saline insoluble sediment of rat lung. The autolysate was fractionated by gel filtration into fractions which differed in the effectiveness in neutralizing the localizing activity as well as in antigenic composition as shown by immunodiffusion, indicating a multiplicity of the localizing antibodies and the corresponding antigens. The digestion of lung sediment with trypsin destroyed a major portion of lung antigens responsible for the localizing antibodies.
A Serologic Study of Herpesvirus Hominis Strains by Microneutralization Tests
Authors: Pauls Frank P. , Dowdle Walter R.
Published: January 2023

Twenty-four Herpes virus hominis strains, isolated from patients with differing clinical manifestations, were screened by macroneutralization tests (α procedure). The results suggested the presence of at least two serologic types. Nineteen (79%) appeared to be similar and were designated as type 1 strains. Five (21%) appeared to fall into a second group and were designated as type 2 strains. Detailed microquantal neutralization tests (β procedure) were performed with four strains and their respective antisera. Statistical analyses of the neutralizing potency (pN) and the normalized pN(NpN) values using the standard two-way analysis of variance followed by comparison of all means by Tukey's method supported the hypothesis of two distinct serologic types.

The microtechnique coupled with the quantal neutralization test exhibited a high degree of reproducibility and sensitivity. The microtest utilizes a minimum of materials, equipment and time as compared with the macroprocedures and may be performed in any virology laboratory with normal competency in tissue culture work. Calculation of pN values requires only a few mathematical steps. The recommended microtest (β procedure) provides the diagnostic virology laboratory with a statistically sound and practical procedure for the antigenic analysis of H. hominis isolates.
The Radiation Resistance of Long-Lived Lymphocytes and Plasma Cells in Mouse and Rat Lymph Nodes
Authors: Miller John J. , Cole Leonard J.
Published: January 2023

Rats and mice were given a secondary immunologic stimulus with typhoid-paratyphoid A and B vaccine and then were given twice daily injections of tritiated thymidine for 4 days into the hind footpad. Thirty days later the mice were exposed to 850 rad, 500 rad or were left nonirradiated, and the rats were exposed to 850 rad or left nonirradiated. Despite a marked, generalized destruction of lymphocytes, the aortic nodes of the mice and the popliteal nodes of the rats had larger values for per cent of small lymphocytes labeled in the period immediately following irradiation than did the nodes from the nonirradiated control animals. The mean grain counts of the labeled small lymphocytes from irradiated animals were equal to or larger than those from nonirradiated animals. These results are interpreted as demonstrating a relative radioresistance of long-lived, lymph node lymphocytes.

Large numbers of persistently labeled plasma cells were also found in lymph nodes after irradition. No difference could be found in the numbers or distribution of labeled plasma cells in lymph nodes from irradiated mice compared to lymph nodes from nonirradiated mice. There may have been a loss of a small proportion of the long-lived plasma cells present in the rat lymph nodes. We believe the ability of plasma cells to survive irradiation explains the radio-resistance of established antibody production.
GLUCOSE HOMEOSTASIS AND ΑSSESSMENT OF Β-CELL FUNCTION BY 3-HOUR ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE (OGTT) IN PATIENTS WITH Β-THALASSEMIA MAJOR WITH SERUM FERRITIN BELOW 1,000 NG/DL: RESULTS FROM A SINGLE ICET-A CENTRE
Authors: De Sanctis Vincenzo , Soliman Ashraf , Daar Shahina , Tzoulis Ploutarchos , Di Maio Salvatore , Kattamis Christos
Published: January 2023

Aims: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate retrospectively the glucose homeostasis and surrogate indexes of insulin sensitivity and resistance, during a 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), in β- thalassemia major patients (β-TM) with serum ferritin (SF) below 1,000 ng/mL.

Patients and methods: The retrospective cohort study evaluated the medical records of 24 β-ΤΜ patients from 2010 to 2022. Αt the year of study the mean age of patients was 31.0 ± 4.1 (20-37.11) years; 13 (54.1%) were females. The most commonly used iron chelator was deferoxamine (DFO: 75%), followed by deferiprone (DFP:12.5%) and deferasirox (DFX: 12.5%). Insulin sensitivity and resistance indexes were derived from OGTT. A liver iron concentration (LIC) < 3 mg/g d.w. and a global heart T2* value < 20 ms were considered as conservative cut-off values for insignificant iron overload (IOL).

Results: The mean SF levels in the whole study cohort population at the age of evaluation was 549.6 ± 232.3 ng/mL. Based on the SF levels, two groups were identified: Group A (N = 14) < 500 ng/mL and Group B (N=10) 500-1,000 ng/mL.  Normal glucose tolerance (NGT) during OGTT was observed in 4 patients of Group A (28.5 %) and in 5 patients of Group B (50%) (P: 0.29). The remaining 15/24 patients (62.5%) had glucose dysregulation (GD). The mean age at starting iron chelation therapy (ICT) and the mean SF peak in Group A versus Group B were significantly higher in group Α.  The GD was  associated with significantly attenuated IGI (first phase of insulin response) and impaired oral disposition index (oDI). Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) was the most common associated endocrine complication in both groups of patients.

Conclusions: This study showed that efficient iron chelation monotherapy in patients with β-TM and SF < 1,000 ng/ml did not entirely prevent glucose metabolism disorders, insulin secretion and sensitivity, and development of acquired hypogonadism.
Ultrasound-guided selective peripheral nerve block for the snakebite pain management in the emergency department: Our experience
Authors: Mohanty Chitta Ranjan , Radhakrishnan Rakesh Vadakkethil , Shaji Ijas Muhammed , Singh Neha , Das Subhasree
Published: January 2023

Envenomation from snakebites (SBs) is a significant public health hazard globally. The venomous SB is associated with moderate-to-severe pain. Weak opioids such as tramadol or acetaminophen are commonly used for pain management but often provide inadequate analgesia. We hereby report our experience of using ultrasound-guided selective superficial peroneal, sural, and saphenous nerve blocks for pain management following SBs in nine patients. The selective peripheral nerve blocks are achieved with a small amount of local anesthesia and without loss of motor functions.
Carcinosarcoma of buccal mucosa: A case report
Authors: Daljit Tanshi , Melgandi Wineeta , Ansari Faiz Akram , Rathi Arun Kumar , Singh Kishore
Published: January 2023

Carcinosarcoma is an extremely rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma characterized by biphasic histology defined by epithelial and mesenchymal components. Because of the aggressive nature, early risk of metastasis, and high mortality, this tumor is associated with poor prognosis. Surgery is considered as the main modality of treatment, although radiotherapy can be discussed in inoperable cases. The present paper describes a rare case of carcinosarcoma of buccal mucosa.
Cutaneous metastasis in bladder cancer
Authors: Daljit Tanshi , Melgandi Wineeta , Ansari Faiz Akram , Rathi Arun Kumar , Singh Kishore
Published: January 2023

Cutaneous manifestation of cancers is a rare occurrence, even more so for bladder cancer, with a limited number of published reports. Iatrogenic implantation has been a major cause for it. With no clear distinction pattern from other common dermatological lesions, scattered occurrence, and poor survival; no definitive strategies are present for the management of these dermal manifestations. The present article describes a case of scalp lesion consistent with metastatic urothelial carcinoma along with a review of the literature.
A Case of Polyparasitic Infection Due to Hookworm, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Giardia intestinalis
Authors: Mohanty Srujana , Purohit Geetarani , Dey Anupam
Published: January 2023

In developing countries like India, unhygienic practices such as open-air defecation, keeping untrimmed nails, or eating food fallen on the ground have been observed to be important risk factors for parasitic infections such as soil-transmitted helminths. We report a case of polyparasitic infection with hookworm, Strongyloides stercoralis, and Giardia intestinalis in an adult who resorted to open defecation with the "use of open footwear" in the fields despite having a toilet at home, to re-emphasize the harmful health effects of such unhygienic practices, and create awareness for stringent behavioral modifications for leading a healthy life and establishment of a safe and hygienic community.
Blood Counts and Homocysteine in Acute Stroke
Authors: Chakraborty Debabrata , Bhattacharjee Pradipta , Dey Sadanand , Bhaumik Sanjay , Choudhary Aditya , Karan Kishalaya , Sen Priyanjita , Mukherjee Mohuya , Pramanick Gobinda , Ray Nirmalya , Chakrapani Anupam , Singh Satya Narayan , Singhania Binod Kumar , Sengupta Biswajit , Das Kajal , Mantry Aditya , Ukil Bhaskar , Ghosh Rahul
Published: January 2023

Objectives:

Stroke is the second-leading cause of death and the third-leading cause of death and disability combined in the world. We need to find easy, available, and reliable parameters on which we can depend to prevent stroke, predict outcome, and determine prognosis. This will help in stroke management in the future.

Materials and Methods:

We noted blood counts and serum homocysteine levels in acute stroke patients after the exclusion of confounding factors. Our team recorded the detailed demographic and blood parameters (blood counts and homocysteine) of acute stroke patients who got admitted to different departments of our hospital in 5 months. We later correlated or tried to find the association between these parameters and stroke severity (NIHSS), other clinical parameters such as dysarthria and stroke outcome (Modified Rankin Score (mRS) at discharge and at 3 months). The team also tried to find relationships, if any, with different stroke subtypes as per the Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment classification.

Results:

Out of 100 patients (34 females and 66 males), we had 28 patients with hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). The high neutrophil count and total leukocyte count correlated with stroke severity, dysarthria, and outcome at 3 months (poor mRS). While, it was the opposite in the case of lymphocyte count. Homocysteine level did not correlate with stroke severity or outcome but with dyslipidemia. HHcy was more prevalent among patients with large artery atherosclerotic disease.

Conclusion:

Findings of our study were agreeable to earlier studies on the relationship between blood counts and stroke prognosis. Although high homocysteine level was associated with stroke, its level was not found to be related to stroke severity or outcome. However, further study with a larger sample size is required to draw a confident conclusion.
Recombinant Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Versus Purified Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Trigger for In vitro Fertilization Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Cycle
Authors: Helmi Zeena , Mussaid Zainab
Published: January 2023

The recombinant human luteinizing hormone or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has substantially taken over the product which was formulated from the urine of pregnant women. In addition to this, a number of randomized controlled trials have been conducted comparing the significance of recombinant hCG (rHCG) with urinary hCG in assisted reproduction. Nevertheless, the present study has collected secondary information based on the nature of the chosen research area. The acquired data and information have been analyzed using content analysis technique to review the methodology and findings of the selected research articles. With the use of rHCG as well as purified hCG, the serum level was equivalent at day 5 among women underwent intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) but this level abnormally increased among those injected with rHCG thus, minimizing the rate of pregnancy. It has been concluded that purified hCG trigger plays a more efficient role in inducing oocyte maturation and increasing the rate of pregnancy among women undergoing in vitro fertilization ICSI cycle in comparison to rHCG trigger.
Detection of EhCRT Gene Expression in Entamoeba histolytica-Infected Children and its Correlation with Interleukin 25 and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha
Authors: Khalaf Noor Mohammed , Khalil Hatham Ebraheem , Abood Ahmed Sattar
Published: January 2023

Objectives:

Entamoeba histolytica is a human enteric protozoan, which is the causative agent of amebiasis. The host activates a series of immunological responses to protect against the parasite after contact with the ameba and further invasion of the gut epithelium layer. As a result, the ameba has developed a variety of evasion mechanisms to hold out the immune response and continue to survive and cause disease. The calreticulin (EhCRT) is one of the immunogenic molecules of E. histolytica that induces an immune response in the human host. Increase in the expression of the EhCRT gene could provide control mechanism that allows the parasite to adapt and survive in host tissues.

Aim of the Study:

This study was designed to detect the EhCRT gene of E. histolytica by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in stool samples of children with amebiasis and its roles in host–parasite relationship via measuring the concentration of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interleukin 25 (IL25) by enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) technique in their serum.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 86 diarrheal fecal samples were collected from children in age <1 year to 13 years suspected to be infected with E. histolytica during the period from December 30, 2020, to September 1, 2021. Microscopically positive samples were the subject to conventional PCR and real-time PCR for the detection of E. histolytica HM1:IMSS strain using (Psp) gene sequences and detection of calreticulin (EhCRT) expression. Blood was withdrawn from each child included in the study for ELISA test to measure the level of IL25 and TNFα.

Results:

Fecal samples for microscopic examination revealed that 71 (82.6%) children had amebic colitis, E. histolytica gene was detected in 44 samples (71%) using conventional PCR, and the immunogene EhCRT was expressed in 36 stool samples using real-time PCR. The results of the recent study showed highly significant elevation in the level of TNFα and IL25 in the amebic group (Eh+ve PCR). The majority of amebic children were in the age group of 1–4 years, had mucoid, acute, and with primary episodes of diarrhea.

Conclusion:

E. histolytica is a protozoan parasite highly prevalent among diarrheal children and is responsible for gastrointestinal amebiasis in the human host. The PCR is a useful tool in the diagnosis of E. histolytica infection. It is clear that the expression of the calreticulin gene (EhCRT) concedes with the duration of diarrhea a virulence factor that plays a role in host pathogenic pathways. The findings of this study showed that the level of TNFα in the serum of children infected with amebic colitis (Eh gene + ve) is significantly increased during the course of infection and the cytokine IL25 exhibits a significant drops in the same children.
The impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Routine Childhood Immunization in Baghdad/Al-Karkh
Authors: Khesro Nadia Adil , Sabri Mary Mohammed , Sami Roaa Muayed
Published: January 2023

Background:

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is extensively impacting national and international public health. Routine childhood immunization is projected for being adversely affected by COVID-19 mitigation measures. Consequently, vaccine preventable disease outbreak might be a big problem to encounter in the near future.

Objectives:

The aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of vaccination delay and explore the barriers leading to that and parents' attitude toward the importance of vaccination timelines.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out during the period between of May 1st and of August 1st, 2021. A sample of 400 parents attending vaccination unit with their under 2-year-old children were selected from health-care centers from Al-Karkh directorate.

Results:

The study shows that 266 (66.5%) of the parents were mothers, 134 (33.5%) were fathers, 288 (72%) of them were aged 30 y ears or less, 210 (52.5%) of them were college graduate or higher educational level, 302 (75.5%) of them did not have a health worker in their family, 292 (73%) of them had <3 children. This study revealed that 274 (68.5%) of the parents reported a delay in their children's vaccination timeliness, 198 (49.5%) of which was significant delay of more than 1 month and 76 (19%) was a delay of 2–4 weeks only. 126 (31.5%) reported an on-time vaccination. This study also showed a highly significant association between vaccination delay and history of COVID-19 infection in the family. This study demonstrated that curfew and difficulty in transportation 154 (38.5%) and fear of getting COVID-19 infection 142 (35.5%) were the most encountered barriers for vaccination delay. This study also showed that 51% of the parents had good level of attitude toward the importance of vaccination timeliness for their children. In addition, it showed a significant association between the level of attitude with the age and educational level of the parents and with having a health worker in the family.

Conclusion:

We conclude that 68.5% of sample had vaccination delay since the COVID-19 pandemic has started and good level of attitude toward the importance of vaccination timeliness. This indicates the need for strict recommendation about the importance of routine immunization schedule and need to commit to it even during pandemic situations.
Echocardiographic Assessment of Left Ventricle Diastolic Dysfunction Using Transmitral Doppler Acceleration Rate of Mitral Inflow E-Wave
Authors: Alsalman Adel Adel , Farhan Hasan Ali , Qasim Marwa
Published: January 2023

Background:

Diastolic dysfunction (DD) has a high prevalence in the community. Although it often remains asymptomatic, it can be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. The assessment of the left ventricular diastolic function (DF) should be an integral part of a routine examination, particularly in patients presenting with dyspnea or heart failure.

Patients and Methods:

A cross-sectional study started from June 2018 to February 2019. The study was conducted in four medical institutions in Baghdad. Mitral inflow for the assessment of left ventricular DF depending on guideline 2016 was performed.

Results:

Left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) was higher in a group with normal DF than in the group with DD (P = 0.0001). Mean E/A ratio was higher among patients 2.15 ± 0.48 than in the control Group 1.30 ± 0.50 the difference between them was significant (P = 0.0001). Mean acceleration time (AT) was longer in individual with normal DF (88.23 ± 13.85) than that of patients with LVDD (72.89 ± 8.88), while the acceleration rate in LVDD group (1364.38 ± 277.31) was higher than that in normal LVDF (859.12 ± 275.95). There was a significant difference (P = 0.0001) between the two groups.

Conclusion:

AT and rate were significantly correlated with DD in normal EF group, but both of them have no relation to the grading of DD.
The Role of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte and Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratios in Diagnosing Thyroid Nodule
Authors: Mihson Haider Salim , Maikhan Ayad Khani , Shuwelif Ali Rodan
Published: January 2023

Background:

Thyroid nodule is a common clinical finding and may be associated with a 5%–7% risk for malignancy. Methods for the detection of malignancy had their own drawbacks, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) may give a promising result to solve this dilemma.

The Aim of the Study:

This study aims to evaluate NLR and PLR as predictors of malignancy in solitary thyroid nodules. Also, to estimate their effect on tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and extrathyroidal extension.

Patient and Methods:

Prospective cohort study conducted at Major Teaching Hospital over a period of 1 year. Patients with solitary thyroid nodules were included in the study and according to histopathological results divided into two groups (A: Malignant and B: Benign), blood samples were drawn from participants, and measurement of lymphocyte, neutrophil, platelet, NLR, and PLR was done.

Results:

Both NLR and PLR were higher in cases of malignancy with a cutoff point for NLR >2.9 associated with 84.8% sensitivity (SN) and 71.4% specificity (SP), while PLR >140.15 associated with 87.9% SN and 71.4% SP. High NLR is further associated with larger tumor size.

Conclusion:

Both NLR and PLR are good predictors of malignancy of thyroid nodules. NLR of more than 2.9 is associated with larger-size tumors.
Procalcitonin as Predictor of Bowel Injury in Penetrating Abdominal Injury
Authors: Maikhan Ayad Khani , Shuwelif Ali Rodan , Mihson Haider Salim
Published: January 2023

Background:

Diagnosis of bowel injury may be considered one of the difficulties in penetrating abdominal trauma.

Aim of the Study:

The aim of this study is to estimate the predictive ability of procalcitonin in diagnosing bowel injury in multiply injured patients.

Patient and Methods:

In a cross-sectional study at the Emergency Department of Al-Kindy teaching hospital over 1 year, patients were had penetrating abdominal trauma, and measurement of procalcitonin to all participants to estimate its predictive ability.

Results:

Procalcitonin was found to be a single independent predictor of bowel perforation with sensitivity of 90.3%, specificity of 80.6%, and cutoff point of 4.5 ng/ml.

Conclusion:

Procalcitonin level of more than 4.5 ng/ml in cases of penetrating abdominal injury may be considered an aiding predictor for bowel perforation, thus shifting the treatment toward surgical intervention.
C-reactive Protein in Elderly and Pregnant COVID-19 Cases
Authors: Ali Eham Amer , Salman Dina Akeel , Nori Wassan
Published: January 2023

The clinical characteristics and prognosis of high-risk groups, including elderly and pregnant women, may vary according to the overall susceptibility of novel coronavirus. For that, numerous researchers worldwide have concentrated their efforts on finding a trustworthy biomarker that can determine the severity, prognosis, and survival of those affected. C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory biomarker that showed higher levels in coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) cases, underlay inflammation degree and was used to gauge the severity of COVID-19. In this review, we discuss whether CRP might have other uses in COVID-19 cases besides predicting the severity and the clinical outcomes among vulnerable risk groups. Doctors must analyze CRP levels along with the period of illness to identify those liable for rapid progress and be able to categorize case severity to guide the clinical decision to improve prognosis.
Correlation between Parental Knowledge Regarding Components of Written Asthma Action Plans and Asthma Control Levels in Asthmatic Children in Southern Taiwan
Authors: Tai Yi-Pei , Wang Hsiu-Chuan , Tsai Yu-Cheng , Tsai Ching-Chung , Huang Yuan-Yi , Su Yu-Tsun
Published: January 2023

Background:

Under the hypothesis that poor asthma control in Taiwan is associated with the underuse of written asthma action plans (WAAPs), we investigate the relationship between parental knowledge of key components of WAAP and asthma control levels.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a prospective study from July 2019 to July 2021. “Written Asthma Action Plan” questionnaires were completed by the parents of asthmatic children, and the responses were correlated to the asthma symptom control level according to the Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines.

Results:

A total of 67 asthmatic children were enrolled (males 71.6%, mean age 6.3 ± 3.3 years). The asthma control level was significantly related to WAAP questionnaire score. The key components of “know the daily medication and how to use them” and “know the triggers and how to deal with them” both showed significantly higher understanding rates in the partly controlled children compared to the uncontrolled children (P < 0.005). The rates of having WAAPs were both below 10% in these two groups.

Conclusion:

The asthma control level was significantly and positively related to the understanding of key WAAP components. The development of an easy-to-use WAAP and its use as a standard tool for asthmatic children is expected to greatly improve asthma control in Taiwan.
Current Treatment Patterns and the Role of Upfront Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma: A Korean Nationwide, Multicenter Prospective Registry Study (CISL 1404)
Authors: Cho Hyungwoo , Yoon Dok Hyun , Shin Dong-Yeop , Koh Youngil , Yoon Sung-Soo , Kim Seok Jin , Do Young Rok , Lee Gyeong-Won , Kwak Jae-Yong , Park Yong , Kim Min Kyoung , Kang Hye Jin , Yi Jun Ho , Yoo Kwai Han , Lee Won Sik , Park Byeong Bae , Jo Jae Cheol , Eom Hyeon-Seok , Kim Hyo Jung , Jeong Seong Hyun , Won Young-Woong , Sohn Byeong Seok , Kwon Ji-Hyun , Suh Cheolwon , Kim Won Seog
Published: January 2023

Purpose We conducted a nationwide, multicenter, prospective registry study for newly diagnosed patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) to better define the clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, survival outcomes, and the role of upfront autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in these patients.Materials and Methods Patients with PTCL receiving chemotherapy with curative intent were registered and prospectively monitored. All patients were pathologically diagnosed with PTCL.Results A total of 191 patients with PTCL were enrolled in this prospective registry study. PTCL, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) was the most common pathologic subtype (n=80, 41.9%), followed by angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) (n=60, 31.4%). With a median follow-up duration of 3.9 years, the 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 39.5% and 60.4%, respectively. The role of upfront ASCT was evaluated in patients who were considered transplant-eligible (n=59). ASCT was performed as an upfront consolidative treatment in 32 (54.2%) of these patients. There were no significant differences in PFS and OS between the ASCT and non-ASCT groups for all patients (n=59) and for patients with PTCL-NOS (n=26). However, in patients with AITL, the ASCT group was associated with significantly better PFS than the non-ASCT group, although there was no significant difference in OS.Conclusion The current study demonstrated that the survival outcomes with the current treatment options remain poor for patients with PTCL-NOS. Upfront ASCT may provide a survival benefit for patients with AITL, but not PTCL-NOS.
Aerodynamic Improvement of a Loaded Timber Truck
Authors: Fattahi Sadegh , Ekman Petter , Karlsson Matts , Gårdhagen Roland
Published: January 2023

In recent years, there has been an overall reduction in greenhouse emissions in
the European Union (EU); however, that is not the case for the transport
industry where road transports are responsible for more than 70% of all the
transports emissions. Transport by trucks and busses is responsible for a fourth
of these greenhouse emissions, and a significant contributor to the energy
consumption of these vehicles is the aerodynamic drag.

A particular branch of truck transport is the transport of timber by the use of
timber trucks. A significant difference to ordinary trucks is that the load of
the timber truck affects the shape and hence its aerodynamic behavior. In
Europe, these timber trucks travel at speeds of up to 80 km/h. At this speed,
the aerodynamic drag accounts for around 20–30% per ton-km of the fuel
consumption for these vehicles.

In this paper computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to investigate and
improve the aerodynamics of a loaded timber truck. Several concepts are
evaluated for high drag regions along the truck. Yaw sweeps are done for the
concepts with large potential to ensure consistent drag reduction. The concepts
are evaluated separately and then combined into three combinations, ranging from
an easy implementable combination to maximum drag reduction, where a 27% to 51%
reduced wind-averaged drag is achieved, respectively.
Tire-Soil Interaction Simulation Using Finite Element Method to
Investigate Their Deformation and Sinkage
Authors: Adel Mohamed Mahmoud , Elhussieny Sayed , Emam Mohamed Ali , Abd Elhafiz Mohamed M.
Published: January 2023

This research investigates the tire deformation and sandy soil sinkage on the
performance of off-road vehicles. Tire deformation and soil sinkage were
simulated with the Finite Element Method (FEM) using ANSYS Workbench 2020 R2 and
validated using actual results taken from a previous work of tire size (235/70
R15) under four different tire inflation pressures (50, 100, 150, and 200 kPa)
and three soil densities varying from loose, medium dense, and high dense sand.
The optimum tire inflation pressures were obtained under various soil densities
to achieve flotation pressure of the tires on the soil to generate good
performance and accomplish the off-road vehicle missions.
Znaczenie kryzysu migracyjnego na granicy polsko-białoruskiej dla polityki imigracyjnej i azylowej Unii Europejskiej
Authors: Tkachuk Olesia
Published: January 2023

Celem artykułu jest przeanalizowanie przyczyn i genezy kryzysu migracyjnego na granicy polsko-białoruskiej oraz działań UE mających na celu jego rozwiązanie, a także określenie znaczenia kryzysu dla unijnej polityki imigracyjnej i azylowej. Główną hipotezą badawczą jest stwierdzenie, iż kryzys migracyjny na granicy polsko-białoruskiej ukazał problemy i słabości UE w zakresie rozwoju polityki imigracyjnej i azylowej, spośród których najważniejszym jest brak instrumentów do szybkiego reagowania na działania państw trzecich instrumentalnie wykorzystujących migrantów.

Importance of the migration crisis on the Polish-Belarusian border for the immigration and asylum policy of the European Union

The aim of the article is to analyze the causes and origins of the migration crisis on the Polish-Belarusian border and the actions of the EU aimed at solving it, as well as to determine the significance of the crisis for the EU immigration and asylum policy. The main research hypothesis is the assumption that the migration crisis on the Polish-Belarusian border has shown the problems and weaknesses of the EU in the development of immigration and asylum policy, the most important of which is the lack of instruments to quickly respond to the actions of third countries instrumentally using migrants.
Działalność organizacji pozarządowych w kontekście kryzysu na granicy polsko-białoruskiej (2021-2022)
Authors: Jurek Krzysztof
Published: January 2023

Organizacja pozarządowe w obliczu kryzysów pełnią kluczową rolę, a ich działalność pozwala na ratowanie życia i zdrowia ludzi, łagodzenie cierpienia oraz troskę o zachowanie ich godności i praw. W ramach niniejszego opracowania wskazano na prawne uwarunkowania niesienia pomocy humanitarnej, a także opisano działania podjęte przez wybrane organizacje pozarządowe w kontekście kryzysu na granicy polsko-białoruskiej w latach 2021-2022. Przedstawione organizacje oferowały wsparcie materialne, prawne czy informacyjne, czyli te formy pomocy, które najczęściej pojawiają się w obliczu kryzysów np. wojennych. Kryzys na granicy polsko-białoruskiej ma jednak swoją specyfikę. Działania organizacji oraz organów państwa nie były sprzężone, co w dużej mierze wynikało z odmiennej interpretacji, także prawnej, zaistniałej sytuacji.

Non-governmental organisations’ activities in the context of the Polish-Belarusian border crisis (2021-2022)

Non-governmental organisations, in the face of crises, play a key role, and their activities result in saving people’s lives and health, alleviating suffering and caring for their dignity and rights. This study identifies the legal conditions for the provision of humanitarian aid, and describes the actions taken by selected NGOs in the context of the Polish-Belarusian border crisis (2021-2022). Non-governmental organisations have offered material, legal or informational support (forms of aid that most often occur in the face of crises such as war). However, the crisis on the Polish-Belarusian border has its own specificity. The activities of the organisations and the state authorities were not linked, which was largely due to a different interpretation, including legal, of the situation.
Итоги пакта Риббентропа-Молотова 1939 г. в судьбе Польши. (Польская историография 1980-х – 2000-х гг.)
Authors: Drozhzha Lyudmila C.
Published: January 2023

Przedmiotem studium są główne kierunki badań polskich historyków w zakresie podpisanego 23 VIII 1939 r. paktu Ribbentrop-Mołotow, który doprowadził do geopolitycznego upadku Polski we wrześniu 1939 r. W ciągu ostatnich trzydziestu lat prowadzono badania w następujących obszarach: badanie i analiza źródeł drukowanych (tekst zasadniczy paktu Ribbentrop-Mołotow, protokoły dodatkowe i komentarze do nich); studium wspomnień polskich dyplomatów jako użyteczne źródło do analizy koncepcji polityki zagranicznej dyplomacji II Rzeczypospolitej w okresie przedwojennego kryzysu politycznego; analiza pozycji międzynarodowej Polski i stosunków polsko-radziecko-niemieckich w sierpniu 1939 r.; analiza stosunku rządów francuskiego i brytyjskiego do paktu Ribbentrop-Mołotow i jego wpływu na losy Polski (ocena polsko-angielskiej deklaracji o nieagresji z 25 VIII 1939); międzynarodowa ocena prawno-polityczna działań dyplomatycznych ministra spraw zagranicznych J. Becka w sierpniu 1939 r.

The Results of the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact of 1939 in the Fate of Poland (Polish Historiography of the 1980s–2000s)

The subject of the research is the main directions of Polish historians’ study of the results of the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact on 23 VIII 1939 in the geopolitical collapse of Poland in September 1939. In the last thirty years, research has been conducted in the following areas: study and analysis of printed sources (articles of the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact, additional protocols and comments to them); study of memoirs of Polish diplomats as a useful source for analyzing the foreign policy concept of diplomacy of the II Rzeczpospolita the prewar political crisis; analysis of the international situation of Poland and Polish-Soviet-German relations in August 1939; analysis of the attitude of the French and British governments to the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact and its impact on the fate of Poland (assessment of the Polish-English declaration of non-aggression of 25 VIII 1939); international legal and political assessment of the diplomatic activities of Foreign Minister J. Beck in August 1939.
Series acceleration formulas obtained from experimentally discovered hypergeometric recursions
Authors: Levrie Paul , Campbell John
Published: January 2023

In 2010, Kh. Hessami Pilehrood and T. Hessami Pilehrood introduced generating function identities used to obtain series accelerations for values of Dirichlet's $\beta$ function, via the Markov--Wilf--Zeilberger method. Inspired by these past results, together with related results introduced by Chu et al., we introduce a variety of hypergeometric recurrences. We prove these recurrences using the WZ method, and we apply these recurrences to obtain series acceleration identities. We introduce a family of summations generalizing a Ramanujan-type series for $\frac{1}{\pi^2}$ due to Guillera, and a family of summations generalizing an accelerated series for Catalan's constant due to Lupa\c{s}, and many related results.
PENINGKATAN AKTIVITAS DAN HASIL BELAJAR MATEMATIKA DENGAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN ADVANCE ORGANIZER PADA POKOK BAHASAN TRIGONOMETRI
Authors: Sucianti Risnaini Mei
Published: January 2023

The background of this research is the low student activity that affects the low learning outcomes of class X SMA Bosowa Al-Azhar. One alternative to overcome learning problems that occur is to apply the advance organizer learning model. This advance organizer model is assisted by the preparation of a concept map. The purpose of preparing a concept map is for students to be able to show the relationship between the various components of concepts and ideas. Overall, learning using the advance organizer learning model using concept maps has an impact on increasing students' mathematics learning activities so that they can improve student learning outcomes. This study uses a qualitative approach with the type of classroom action research, which consists of four stages that form a cycle, namely planning, implementing, observing, and reflecting. The research was conducted in class X SMA Bosowa Al-Azhar, with 10 students. Based on the research that has been done, students' mathematics learning outcomes have increased. The average of the final tests in cycle I was 53,2, in cycle II was 71,4 and in cycle III was 81,1. The percentage of students who achieved KKM scores (Minimum Passing Criteria) in cycle I was 20%, in cycle II was 50% and in cycle III was 80%. Based on the results of the study it can be concluded that: (1) The advance organizer learning model using concept maps can increase student learning activities during the learning process. (2) The advance organizer learning model using concept maps can improve students' mathematics learning outcomes
IMPLEMENTASI ALGORITMA WELCH-POWELL TERHADAP PENGATURAN LALU LINTAS PERSIMPANGAN JALAN DALAM MENGATASI KEMACETAN
Authors: Sari Rina Filia , Cipta Hendra , Munthe Esto Fanny
Published: January 2023

The traffic is one of the problems that are often in big cities in Indonesia, where this also happened on Gatot Subroto Sei Sikambing street, Medan city. The traffic light is a tool that is made with the aim of being an assistant in regulating traffic so that it runs more orderly, but it has not been able to run optimally due to the determination of which traffic flow is green or red and also the duration of the traffic light. The solusition that can be given to solve this problem is to use a welch-powell algorithm. The welch-powell algorithm is doing coloring activity  by producing a chromatic number. This is study, the chromatic number obtained was 4 and the average duration of the red light has decreased by  or 116.51 seconds so that its negative and the average duration of the green light has increased by or 119.63 seconds so its positive