bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emergence of Urban Ageing Based on Technological Solutions to Ensure Smart Urban Sustainable Development
Authors: Roblek Vasja , Dimovski Vlado , Peterlin Judita
Published: February 2024

The increasing ageing of the population in European cities is driving the adoption of urban ageing policies, which are increasingly based on the integration of smart technologies in urban planning and, consequently, the promotion of sustainable solutions. However, maintaining a balance between technological progress and socio-economic variables is crucial for success. Investing in home automation and healthcare innovation can significantly improve the lives of our ageing population. This comprehensive research study explores the link between age-friendly environments and public value creation in the context of the rapid development of smart cities. The findings underline the need for policies that take into account the needs of older citizens and harness the potential of technology to create sustainable and inclusive cities. Understanding and addressing these issues will contribute to healthier and happier urban environments for all citizens.
Online Business Academia in the Digital Economy
Authors: Eythorsson Gretar Thor , Sigurdsson Kjartan , Kristjánsdóttir Helga
Published: February 2024

One of the principal objectives of this research is to study the impact of the COVID-19 turning point on online business academia within the digital economy. The investigation encompasses students, professors, and administration and delves into the environmental sustainability of online teaching, considering energy-savings measures. Additionally, the study aims to assess the transformation of daily communication, among teachers, teachers, and students, and within the student community in this new reality. Furthermore, a constructive exploration seeks to identify elements crucial for preservation, providing an overview of the evolution of the digital economy. Emphasis will be placed on delineating opportunities and challenges. To contextualize this exploration, it is imperative to comprehend the foundational aspect of the digital economy, a term that gained prominence among academics in the early 1990s. The primary research methodology employed in this research is the SWOT analysis, a framework that systematically evaluates strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
How Could Environmental Education Benefit from Digitalization?
Authors: Lazić Milena , Hanić Aida , Kojić Milena
Published: February 2024

Building on current trends in contemporary literature, this chapter analyses how advanced digital solutions can support environmental education in the context of sensory gardens. To this end, the authors analyzed the extent to which parents of preschool children in Belgrade are familiar with the concept of sensory gardens and whether the use of QR codes in sensory gardens promotes informal learning in the family context. The results show that most respondents are not familiar with the concept of sensory gardens and the benefits they offer. However, a significant proportion of respondents believe that the use of QR codes in sensory gardens would be a positive step towards facilitating informal learning for children and parents and encouraging children to spend more time in nature. The results show the value of digitalization in promoting the importance of environmental connectivity and resource conservation in local communities and underline the need to increase the number of sensory gardens in Serbia.
Skill Augmentation for Employability
Authors: Mishra Manoj Kumar , Upadhyaya Akanksha
Published: February 2024

Hypothesis testing using IBM SPSS Statistics 21 has been used for analyzing the outlook of individuals towards pursuing additional skill courses. The dataset attains sufficiency of assumptions required to perform a one-way ANOVA and independent t-test. Additionally, NVIVO 12 has been used for thematic analysis of past research. It was observed that most of the individuals whether male or female pursue additional skill development courses for gaining additional competencies for their career certainty and career decision making. A difference was found between males and females to pursue additional skill development courses for their professional growth and development. Since the present study focused on limited factors, more factors can be explored for future research studies on the same subject.
Improving the Employability of Incarcerated Students
Authors: Begian-Lewis K. M.
Published: February 2024

On July 1, 2023, the Second Chance Pell Grant (SCPG) became widely available to people who are incarcerated after an extended pilot program that was launched in 2016. This expansion of Pell availability marks the first time incarcerated students have been eligible for Pell funding since the passing of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994—often called the 1994 Crime Bill—which removed many educational access protections that had previously been supported by the Higher Education Act of 1965. Now, approximately 760,000 students who are incarcerated are, again, eligible to apply for Pell funding to begin, continue, or complete their educations. Students who are or were formerly incarcerated face unique challenges when it comes to being accepted into and completing degree programs, which employers and institutions that are considering providing PEPs need to be aware of to aid students in overcoming these barriers.
Exploration of Push and Pull Factors Influencing the Graduate-Employer Relationship in Pakistan
Authors: Saleem Ammara , Humayun Shazia , Awan Hadia , Nazir Muhammad Kashif
Published: February 2024

This chapter outlines the fundamental perspective of employability, considering push and pull factors that stimulate graduates to establish their careers. Employability is about graduates' readiness, their ability to land their first job, keep it, and find a new one, if necessary, as well as their flexibility in terms of skills, knowledge, and attitude to the demands of the economy. The responsibility for establishing prosperous professions increasingly falls on the shoulders of employees. Employment relations are more unpredictable than in the past due to the status of the job market today. The literature addresses two kinds of self-perceived employability: the first is structural, and the second is personal. The current study outlined external factors that affect graduates' judgements of their structural self-perceived employability are labelled as push factors. The person's perception of their own employability is dependent on their own characteristics, skills, and attitudes are discussed as pull factors.
A Distributed Cloud Architecture Based on General De Bruijn Overlay Network
Authors: Ramadan Osama R. S. , Afifi Mohamed Yasin I. , Yahya Ahmed
Published: February 2024

Distributed cloud systems enable the distribution of computing resources across various geographical locations. While offering benefits like accelerated content delivery, the scalability and coherence maintenance of these systems pose significant challenges. Recent studies reveal shortcomings in existing distributed system schemes to meet modern cloud application demands and maintain coherence among heterogeneous system elements. This paper proposes a service-oriented network architecture for distributed cloud computing networks. Using a De Bruijn network as a software-defined overlay network, the architecture ensures scalability and coherence. Through service-based addressing, requests are issued to designated service address bands, streamlining service discovery. The architecture's evaluation through extensive simulations showcases sustainable scalability and inherent load-balancing properties. The paper concludes with insights into future research directions, emphasizing the extension of the proposed architecture to emerging distributed cloud use cases and decentralized security.
Comparative evaluation of the effect of phytochemicals of garlic (Allium sativum) ethanolic extract against Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes in Sri Lanka
Authors: Rajapaksha W. R. G. W. N. , De Silva W. A. P. P. , Weeraratne T. C.
Published: February 2024

Botanical extracts offer sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides for managing insect pests, including mosquitoes. This research focuses on the potential of ethanolic garlic extract as a larvicide against Aedes albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito species in Sri Lanka. Third to early fourth instar larvae were exposed to six concentrations of ethanolic garlic extract (ranging from 5 to 250 ppm) for 72 hours to assess efficacy. The experiment, repeated four times with controls, monitored daily mortalities. Lethal concentrations required to eliminate 50% (LC50) and 90% (LC90) of larvae at 24, 48, and 72 hours were determined through regression analysis. A phytochemical analysis was conducted to assess the compounds present in the garlic extract. Positive correlations were observed between garlic concentration and mortality percentages during each exposure period for both Ae. albopictus and Cu. quinquefasciatus larvae. LC50 values for Ae. albopictus larvae were 45.5 ppm, 28.0 ppm, and 14.4 ppm at 24, 48, and 72 hours respectively, with corresponding LC90 values of 140.0 ppm, 91.0 ppm, and 42.9 ppm. For Cu. quinquefasciatus larvae, LC50 values were 26.3 ppm, 9.4 ppm, and 4.4 ppm, while LC90 values were 169.8 ppm, 30.7 ppm, and 17.6 ppm for the same exposure periods. The garlic ethanolic extract retained its flavonoids, saponins, and reducing sugars even after a year of extraction, as revealed by phytochemical analysis. The study underscores the potent toxicity of garlic extract against mosquito larvae, with LC50 values below 50 ppm. These findings highlight the potential of garlic extracts as effective larvicides for combating mosquito vectors, contributing to environmentally friendly pest management strategies.
Sediment biomarkers record hydrological and anthropogenic-driven environmental changes since 1800 AD in the Ili-Balkhash Basin, arid Central Asia
Authors: Zhang Hongliang , Wu Jinglu , Ma Long , Zhan Shuie , Jin Miao , Jin Zhangdong
Published: February 2024

Human activity and hydroclimate change greatly influence the environment in a lake and its catchment, particularly in areas with fragile ecosystems, such as arid Central Asia. In this study, lipid biomarkers (n-alkanes and n-fatty acids) were measured in a 210Pb- and 137Cs-dated sediment core from Lake Balkhash to determine their environmental significance and infer the history of environmental change over the last ~200 years. The terrestrial origin of long-chain n-alkanes and the aquatic origin of both n-fatty acids and mid-/short-chain n-alkanes were inferred from molecular distributions and diagnostic ratios. Three major environmental phases were identified over the past two centuries based on stratigraphic shifts in biomarker indicators. During 1800-1860 AD, the lake exhibited a high-water level with abundant submerged/floating macrophytes and limited phytoplankton, as suggested by multiple indicators, e.g., high proportions of aquatic macrophytes (Paq) and long-chain n-fatty acids (L-FAs). Overall, minor terrestrial inputs were revealed by low concentrations of long-chain n-alkanes (L-ALKs), suggesting dense vegetation cover in the catchment. The lake environment experienced a pronounced change in the subsequent phase from 1860–1930 AD, during which the cover of submerged/floating macrophytes gradually diminished, as revealed by the decreasing trend of aquatic proxies, e.g., L-FAs and Paq. In contrast, the number of emergent plants and terrestrial inputs increased, as suggested by the decreased Paq values. A great variation in water levels likely resulted in the shrinkage of the submerged/floating macrophyte cover. During 1930-2017 AD, anthropogenic impacts began to appear on the sediment profile. The highest terrestrial inputs, as revealed by the maximum L-ALK abundance on record, indicated intensive exploitation of the catchment during 1935-1959 AD. The lowest L-FA and Paq values suggested that submerged/floating macrophytes were at the lowest levels during this phase, possibly in response to the decreased water levels and increasing salinity. Increased human-induced nutrient loading coupled with elevated regional temperature prompted the lake to become an increasingly productive lake system, especially in more recent decades, as indicated by the highest levels of short-chain lipids. These results highlight the important role of hydrological variation and human activity in the environmental evolution of the Ili-Balkhash Basin.
Bantu Education: Destructive intervention or part reform?
Authors: Giliomee Hermann
Published: February 2024

The introduction of public education for blacks in 1953 and the withdrawal of state subsidies from mission schools were among the most controversial measures that the National Party (NP) government took. In introducing Bantu Education the NP government was within the broad parameters of white interests and thinking at the time. There was no strong support in either the NP or United Party (UP) for large scale state spending on black education, no real demand from employers for well-educated black workers and a general concern among whites that educated blacks would become politicised if they were unable to find appropriate work. The state’s priority in introducing Bantu education was to reduce widespread black illiteracy. While Minister of Native Affairs Hendrik Verwoerd spelled out in crude and offensive terms that blacks would not be able to perform high-level jobs in “white South Africa”, it is wrong to assume that this was based on the assumption of black intellectual inferiority. Bantu education always lagged far behind white education with respect to per capita spending and the ratio of teacher to pupils in the class room. After 1994, ANC (African National Congress) leaders criticised the introduction of Bantu education in ever more strident terms, suggesting that it should be considered as a destructive intervention. The article argues that, viewed against the state of education that existed before 1953, it can be considered as part-reform in that it brought primary education to a far greater number of black children than was the case before 1953. The extensive use of mother tongue education was contentious, but several comparative studies show that the use of such a system in at least the first seven or eight years of the child’s education is superior to other systems. The school-leaving pass rate of 83.7% for black students in 1976 is the highest pass rate to date.
The lending practices of township micro-lenders and their impact on the low-income households in South Africa: A case study for Mamelodi township
Authors: Mashigo Polly
Published: February 2024

Access to finance (cash/credit) is central to economic development and improving the living standards of people. Faced with uncertainty about future prospects, illiquid and irreversible nature of assets, the low-income households become vulnerable to unpredictable events like illness and death. Traditional requirements of formal collateral, asymmetric information and high transaction costs used by the formal financial institutions are barriers to the provision of credit. The low-income households therefore resort to township micro-lenders to access credit in order to bridge the effects of these events. The objective of this article is to assess the lending practices of the micro-lenders and their impact on the households and to determine effective measures that need to be taken to protect the households from such practices. The article adopts a case study approach based on micro lending in the Mamelodi township situated in the Gauteng Province in South Africa. Both random and snowball sampling were employed to conduct personal interviews with micro-lenders and households (borrowers). The findings reveal that these micro-lenders, though easily accessible, exploit the households and place them in emotional and financial distress (over-indebtedness). Based on the findings, this article recommends the development of social self-regulatory mechanisms to protect the households from exploitative practices of township micro-lenders.
A cross-sectional analysis of prevalence of dental anomalies by CBCT images: An institutional-based retrospective study
Authors: Hassan Mohamed , Alkhames Hussain M , Alzouri Sukinah Sameer , Kodali Murali Venkata Rama Mohan
Published: February 2024

Aim:

To determine the prevalence of different types of dental anomalies using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images among the Al-Hasa population in Saudi Arabia and compare these variables between genders and nationalities.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective study involving 509 CBCT images, in which patients were grouped based on their gender and nationality. The presence of dental anomalies was determined through the evaluation of CBCT images. Version 28 of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was utilized to analyze the data, chi-square tests and multivariate analysis of variance were used, and P value was fixed at ≤0.05.

Results:

Out of the 509 CBCT images reviewed, a total of 135 patients (26.5%) exhibited one or more dental anomalies. Impacted canines had the highest prevalence among all types of impacted teeth, with a rate of 9.2%. Impacted premolars and molars (excluding third molars) had a lower prevalence of 2.6% and 1.2%, respectively. Impacted incisors had the lowest prevalence of 0.8%. Among dental anomalies affecting the number, position, and shape of teeth, the prevalence rates are as follows: congenitally missing teeth (6.7%), supernumerary teeth (2.2%), dilaceration (8.1%), microdontia (3.1%), ectopic eruption (2.6%), rotation (1.8%), and transposition (0.2%).

Conclusions:

The prevalence of dental anomalies is relatively high, with impacted canines being the most prevalent impacted teeth excluding third molars, whereas dilaceration was the most common anomaly affecting the shape of teeth. The prevalence of anomalies did not differ significantly between genders, except for rotation. Additionally, there was no significant difference reported in nationalities.
A rare case of isoniazid mono-resistant tuberculosis presenting as cardiac tamponade along with an anterior mediastinal mass in a 15-year-old immunocompetent patient
Authors: Mishra Richa , Jamwal Ashima , Gupta Bishal , Kumar Sudeep , Bharali Abhijeet , Das Parijat , Nath Alok , Jain Manoj , Neyaz Zafar
Published: February 2024

A 15-year-old boy presented with a sudden onset of breathlessness for 7 days, gradual loss of weight of 17.6 lbs over the last month and progressive hoarseness of voice for 7 months. The contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) scan revealed a heterogeneously enhancing lesion in the anterior mediastinum with multiple discrete lymph nodes in the cervical and mediastinal locations. The GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay performed on the CT-guided biopsy of the mass was negative, but the culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis was positive at 7 weeks of incubation. There was a suboptimal radiological response after 6 months of treatment. First-line drug susceptibility testing (DST) performed by line probe assay (LPA) on the positive culture detected high-level resistance to isoniazid. The treatment was modified as per DST results to which the patient responded well.
Follow-up study of COVID-19 sequelae (FOSCO study)
Authors: Patro Mahismita , Gothi Dipti , Anand Shweta , Priyadarshini Dweepala P. D. K. , Ojha Umesh C. , Pal Ramesh S. , Malhotra Nipun , Kumar Rahul , Jain Anshul , Kumar Sunil , Agarwal Pranzal
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

We undertook the first study from India to evaluate the long-term health effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods:

The patients enrolled in our post-COVID-19 clinic were followed up for assessment at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after recovery from acute disease prospectively.

Results:

200 patients with mean age of 50.72 years and 57.5% males were analysed. 42.5% had severe and 17% had moderate disease at the time of diagnosis. The persistence of symptoms beyond 1 month of diagnosis was seen in 72.5% (145/200) patients. 8% (16/200) of the patients had post-COVID-19 complications that required rehospitalisation after discharge or recovery from acute COVID-19. The complications included respiratory failure (2%), lung cavities (3.5%), fungal infection, pericardial effusion, pneumothorax and death. The symptoms were persistent beyond 3 months in 51% (102/200) and beyond 6 months in 17.5% (35/200) of cases. The patients with persistent symptoms beyond 3 months and 6 months had significantly higher intensive care unit (ICU) admission during acute COVID-19, severe disease during acute COVID-19, and higher prevalence of comorbidities compared to the recovered patients. The clinical recovery was attained in 95.5% (91/200) patients, and the radiological recovery was attained in 97.92% patients at 1 year. The mean duration to clinical recovery was 174.2 days.

Conclusions:

COVID-19 recovery takes longer time. However, clinico-radiological recovery is attained in >95% cases by one year.
Validation of the Donabedian Model of Health Service Quality in Selected States in Nigeria
Authors: Opele JK , Adepoju KO
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Every citizen of a nation has the basic constitutional right to quality health care. However, there is a dearth of literature on the validity and reliability of the Donabedian conceptual model of health service quality in Nigeria.

Aim:

The current paper focused on validating the Donabedian model of quality health service in selected states in Nigeria.

Methods:

This is a prospective study of 479 health workforce consisting of 204 physicians, 180 nurses, and 95 health information management officers in three geopolitical zones in Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was used to select respondents. Data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire with a response rate of 87%. The overall reliability test of the variables yielded α =0.938. Data gathered was analyzed descriptively for the socio-demographic characteristics and Relative Importance Index (RII) to rank the criteria according to their relative importance.

Results:

Findings from the study reveal that the (RII) of all the items in the study instrument exceeded the universally acceptable threshold of 0.5, indicating a high level of care in Federal Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria with regards to structure, process, and outcomes.

Conclusion:

The study underscored the need for the adoption of the Donabedian model in the three other geopolitical zones in Nigeria for a generalized conclusion on the validity and reliability of the Donabedian conceptual model of health service quality. We recommended that research studies on health service quality should be anchored on Donabedian conceptual model as a way to increase awareness of the relevance of the model in improving clinical care in Nigeria.
The Effect of Different Obturation Techniques Using Different Root Canal Sealers on the Residual Filling Material After Retreatment Procedures
Authors: Sarı M , Yılmaz K
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

This study aimed to compare the effect of different obturation techniques with root canal sealers on the residual filling material after retreatment using SEM.

Material and Method:

Sixty (60) single rooted mandibular premolars were selected and instrumented with rotary files using the Mtwo system up to file size 30/.05 taper. The samples were randomly divided to two groups based on the type of sealer and three sub-groups (n=10) based on the obturating technique used. The root fillings were removed using the PTUR system files and the specimens were longitudinally sectioned while digital images were obtained from the root canals with SEM. The time required to reach working lenght were recorded.

Results:

There was no difference in terms of the smear score when comparing both sealer and obturation technique groups in the apical third. Smear scores were significantly affected by the type of sealer and obturation technique in the medium and coronal thirds of root canals (p<0.05). Higher smear scores were obtained with GFB than AH Plus (p<0.05). The time required to reach working length with GFB was longer than AH Plus (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

Residual filling material was observed in all samples, regardless of the root canal sealer or the obturation technique used. There was a significantly lower smear scores in the AH Plus groups as compared to the GFB.
Immature Granulocyte Percentage as an Early Predictor of Necrosis in Volvulus
Authors: Çaparlar MA , Durhan A , Süleymanov M , Binarbaşı C , Koşmaz K
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Aim:

Volvulus is a disease characterized by the abnormal twisting of a gaseous distension of the loop of the intestine around itself. Colonic volvulus is the third common cause of colonic obstruction. The study aimed to determine whether the percentage of immature granulocytes is a marker of early necrosis in the volvulus.

Methods:

Demographic characteristics of the cases were collected in the study. In addition, age, gender, white blood cell count, immature granulocyte count, immature granulocyte percentage, platelet lymphocyte ratio, and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio were compared between groups with and without necrosis in terms of treatment.

Results:

The effectiveness of immature granulocyte percentage (IG%) and IG markers were statistically significant in predicting necrosis. The AUC was the highest for IG (0.820, 95% CI: 0.586–1), followed by IG% (0.820, 95% CI: 0.617–1). The optimal cut-off value for the IG was 0.65, with a sensitivity of 76.2% and specificity of 85.7% (P = 0.013). The optimal cut-off value for the IG% was 0.065, with a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 71.4% (0.018).

Conclusion:

IG% and IG count were found to be useful for predicting necrosis in patients with volvulus.
Incidence, Determinants, and Outcomes of Spontaneous Preterm Birth at Tertiary Hospitals in Enugu, Southeast, Nigeria: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Nnagbo JE , Ugwu GO , Eze MI , Agu PU , Nnagbo CL , Udealor PC , Ezugwu EC , Ugwu EO , Nwagha IU , Ezegwui HU
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

In the past five years, observational evidence suggests that the rates and determinants of preterm birth may have changed due to the effect of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and other humanitarian crises in our environment.

Aim:

This study aimed to determine the incidence, associated factors, and outcomes of preterm birth in tertiary hospitals in Enugu, southeastern Nigeria.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 238 pregnant women from the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital (ESUT-TH) Parklane, and Mother of Christ Specialist Hospital (MOCSH), Enugu, from April 2022 to March 2023. Eligible and consenting participants were recruited from 28–36 weeks +6 days of gestational age and followed up until delivery. Relevant outcome variables, such as sociodemographic characteristics, gestational age at delivery, and pregnancy outcomes, were recorded in a pro forma. These data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistics for Windows, version 22.0, Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.

Results:

The incidence of preterm birth was 16.6% (37/223), with spontaneous preterm birth constituting 24 of 37 (64.5%) cases. The mean age of participants was 30.3 ± 4.8 years. Advanced maternal age (>35 years) (P = 0.01, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) =0.01, confidence interval (CI): 0.00–0.144), low socioeconomic status (P = 0.04, AOR = 0.40, CI: 0.11–1.46), and history of miscarriage (P = 0.02, AOR = 0.06, CI: 0.01–0.59) were the factors associated with spontaneous preterm birth. Neonatal death occurred in 21.6% (8/37) of cases within the first 24 hours. Rates of cesarean section and low birth weight were 73% (27/37) each.

Conclusions:

The incidence of preterm birth is high in Enugu, and associated factors were advanced maternal age, low socioeconomic status, and a history of miscarriage.
Evaluation of the Effect of Vitamin D Treatment on Cardiac Function in Non-Obese Female Adolescents with Vitamin D Deficiency in Türkiye: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Altın H , Şen E , Bozdemir ŞE , Türe E , Aktürk B , Karaca A
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Vitamin D deficiency may cause adverse effects on the cardiovascular system as well as many other systems. The risk of vitamin D deficiency increases during adolescence, when the growth rate is high, due to reasons such as limited sun exposure, inadequate dietary calcium, and vitamin D intake.

Aim:

To evaluate the effect of daily 2000 IU vitamin D supplementation for 12 weeks on cardiac function in non-obese adolescent girls with vitamin D deficiency.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was carried out between September 2021 and June 2022. A total of 108 non-obese adolescent girls having 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels below 12 ng/mL were given daily 2000 IU vitamin D orally for 12 weeks. Serum levels of 25(OH)D, alkaline phosphatase, parathormone, calcium, phosphate, and cardiac function were determined before and after treatment.

Results:

After treatment, the 25(OH)D levels were above 20 ng/mL in 90.8% of the adolescents. The parathormone and alkaline phosphatase levels decreased, while the phosphate levels increased. Echocardiographic tissue Doppler studies showed positive changes in some systolic and diastolic function indicators. In addition, the myocardial performance index decreased from 0.42 ± 0.03 to 0.40 ± 0.03 (P < 0.001) in the left ventricle, from 0.43 ± 0.03 to 0.38 ± 0.03 (P < 0.001) in the right ventricle, and from 0.41 ± 0.04 to 0.38 ± 0.02 (P < 0.001) in the interventricular septum after vitamin D treatment as compared to pretreatment.

Conclusion:

It was observed that administration of 2000 IU vitamin D treatment for a period of 12 weeks to non-obese adolescent girls with vitamin D deficiency contributed positively to cardiac systolic and diastolic function.
Theoretical study of a
$\varphi $
-Hilfer fractional differential system in Banach spaces
Authors: Zentar Oualid , Ziane Mohamed , Al Horani Mohammed
Published: February 2024

In this work, we study the existence of solutions of nonlinear fractional coupled system of
$\varphi $
-Hilfer type in the frame of Banach spaces. We improve a property of a measure of noncompactness in a suitably selected Banach space. Darbo’s fixed point theorem is applied to obtain a new existence result. Finally, the validity of our result is illustrated through an example.
Insights into skullcap herb-induced liver injury
Authors: Soldera Jonathan
Published: February 2024

This editorial addresses the growing concern of herb-induced liver injury (HILI), focusing on a unique case of Skullcap-induced HILI report. This editorial underscore the significant mortality rate linked to Skullcap-induced HILI, emphasizing the importance of vigilant monitoring and intervention. As herbal supplement usage rises, collaboration among clinicians and researchers is crucial to comprehend and address the complexities of HILI, particularly those involving Skullcap.
Advancements in autoimmune hepatitis management: Perspectives for future guidelines
Authors: Mucenic Marcos
Published: February 2024

The first-line treatment for autoimmune hepatitis involves the use of prednisone or prednisolone either as monotherapy or in combination with azathioprine (AZA). Budesonide has shown promise in inducing a complete biochemical response (CBR) with fewer adverse effects and is considered an optional first-line treatment, particularly for patients without cirrhosis; however, it is worth noting that the design of that study favored budesonide. A recent real-life study revealed higher CBR rates with prednisone when equivalent initial doses were administered. Current guidelines recommend mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for patients who are intolerant to AZA. It is important to mention that the evidence supporting this recommendation is weak, primarily consisting of case series. Nevertheless, MMF has demonstrated superiority to AZA in the context of renal transplant. Recent comparative studies have shown higher CBR rates, lower therapeutic failure rates, and reduced intolerance in the MMF group. These findings may influence future guidelines, potentially leading to a significant modification in the first-line treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. Until recently, the only alternative to corticosteroids was lifelong maintenance treatment with AZA, which comes with notable risks, such as skin cancer and lymphoma. Prospective trials are essential for a more comprehensive assessment of treatment suspension strategies, whether relying on histological criteria, strict biochemical criteria, or a combination of both. Single-center studies using chloroquine diphosphate have shown promising results in significantly reducing relapse rates compared to placebo. However, these interesting findings have yet to be replicated by other research groups. Additionally, second-line drugs, such as tacrolimus, rituximab, and infliximab, should be subjected to controlled trials for further evaluation.
Yinhuang granule alleviates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice and its mechanism
Authors: Ouyang Hao , Miao Hui , Li Zhen , Wu Duan , Gao Si-Cheng , Dai Yao-Yao , Gao Xiao-Di , Chai Hai-Sheng , Hu Wei-Ye , Zhu Jun-Feng
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Liver fibrosis is a formidable global medical challenge, with no effective clinical treatment currently available. Yinhuang granule (YHG) is a proprietary Chinese medicine comprising Scutellariae Radix and Lonicerae Japonicae Flos. It is frequently used for upper respiratory tract infections, pharyngitis, as well as acute and chronic tonsillitis.

AIM

To investigate the potential of YHG in alleviating carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice.

METHODS

To induce a hepatic fibrosis model in mice, this study involved intraperitoneal injections of 2 mL/kg of CCl4 twice a week for 4 wk. Meanwhile, liver fibrosis mice in the low dose of YHG (0.4 g/kg) and high dose of YHG (0.8 g/kg) groups were orally administered YHG once a day for 4 wk. Serum alanine/aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST) activity and liver hydroxyproline content were detected. Sirius red and Masson's trichrome staining assay were conducted. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, western-blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were conducted. Liver glutathione content, superoxide dismutase activity level, reactive oxygen species and protein carbonylation amount were detected.

RESULTS

The administration of YHG ameliorated hepatocellular injury in CCl4-treated mice, as reflected by decreased serum ALT/AST activity and improved liver histological evaluation. YHG also attenuated liver fibrosis, evident through reduced liver hydroxyproline content, improvements in Sirius red and Masson's trichrome staining, and lowered serum hyaluronic acid levels. Furthermore, YHG hindered the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and ameliorated oxidative stress injury and inflammation in liver from CCl4-treated mice. YHG prompted the nuclear accumulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and upregulated the expression of Nrf2-dependent downstream antioxidant genes. In addition, YHG promoted mitochondrial biogenesis in liver from CCl4-treated mice, as demonstrated by increased liver adenosine triphosphate content, mitochondrial DNA levels, and the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha and nuclear respiratory factor 1.

CONCLUSION

YHG effectively attenuates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice by inhibiting the activation of HSCs, reducing inflammation, alleviating liver oxidative stress damage through Nrf2 activation, and promoting liver mitochondrial biogenesis.
Does Paging Clinicians about Tick-Borne Disease Serological Results Impact Clinical Care? A Retrospective Analysis of 70 Cases in North Carolina
Authors: Mokashi Neha V. , Brown Marusiak Amanda , Giandomenico Dana , Cleinmark Meghan , Schmitz John L. , Boyce Ross M.
Published: February 2024

Delayed treatment of Rocky Mountain spotted fever is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Because the diagnosis cannot be established from a single serological test, guidelines recommend empirical antibiotic initiation in suspect patients. We evaluated a policy used by UNC Health of paging clinicians when acute testing for Rickettsia returned with a titer ≥1:256. Our objective was to assess the potential effect of paging on routine treatment practices. Notably, we found that a high proportion of cases (N = 28, 40%) were not prescribed antibiotics until the results were available. The vast majority of these cases did not have evidence of compatible symptoms or disease progression. These findings suggest that paging may have prompted unnecessary treatment. Overall, the policy, which has now been discontinued, appears to have had limited benefit. Efforts are urgently needed to improve adherence to testing and treatment guidelines.
Historical Hot Spots of Dengue and Zika Viruses to Guide Targeted Vector Control in San Juan, Puerto Rico (2010–2022)
Authors: Barrera Roberto , Ruiz Jose , Adams Laura E. , Marzan-Rodriguez Melissa , Paz-Bailey Gabriela
Published: February 2024

Dengue viruses (DENV) continue to cause large outbreaks in tropical countries, while chikungunya and Zika (ZIKV) viruses have added complexity to Aedes-borne disease prevention and control efforts. Because these viruses are transmitted by the same vectors in urban areas, it is useful to understand if sequential outbreaks caused by these viruses have commonalities, such as similar seasonal and spatial patterns, that would help anticipate and perhaps prevent future outbreaks. We explored and analyzed the heterogeneity of confirmed cases of DENV (2010–2014 and 2015–2022) and ZIKV (2016–2017) during outbreaks in the San Juan metropolitan area of Puerto Rico to explore their degree of overlap and prioritize areas for Aedes aegypti control. Deidentified, georeferenced case data were aggregated into grid cells (500 × 500 m) within a geographical information system of the study area and analyzed to calculate the degree of overlap between outbreaks. Spatial autocorrelations using local indicators of spatial associations were conducted to identify significant disease case hot spots and correlations between outbreaks. We found that 75% of cases during the three transmission periods were concentrated in 25% of the total number of grid cells covering the study area. We also found significant clustering of cases during each outbreak, enabling identification of consistent disease hot spots. Our results showed 85% spatial overlap between cases of ZIKV in 2015–2017 and DENV in 2010–2014 and 97% overlap between DENV cases in 2010–2014 and 2015–2022. These results reveal urban areas at greater risk of future arbovirus outbreaks that should be prioritized for vector control.
IgG Isotypes Targeting a Recombinant Chimeric Protein of Trypanosoma cruzi in Different Clinical Presentations of Chronic Chagas Disease
Authors: Serrano Isabela Machado , Ribeiro Gilmar , Santos Ronnei Silva , Cruz Jaqueline Silva , Lanza Fernanda Cardoso , Santos Emily Ferreira dos , Almeida Márcio Cerqueira de , Soares Jorgana Fernanda de Souza , Luquetti Alejandro Ostermayer , Celedon Paola Alejandra Fiorani , Zanchin Nilson Ivo Tonin , Santos Fred Luciano Neves , Reis Mitermayer Galvão dos
Published: February 2024

Chagas disease (CD) is caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, which leads to a spectrum of clinical presentations that range from asymptomatic to severe cardiac involvement. The host immune response plays a pivotal role in disease progression. Ig isotypes may contribute to disease pathogenesis. Investigating these components can provide insights into the immunopathogenic mechanisms underlying CD. This cross-sectional study aims to establish a correlation between the Ig profile of individuals infected with T. cruzi with the clinical forms of chronic CD. Serum samples were collected from partner institutions in different states of Brazil. Individuals diagnosed with chronic CD were categorized based on the clinical form of the disease. The indirect ELISA method using the recombinant chimeric Molecular Biology Institute of Paraná membrane protein 8.4 as the antigen was used to determine the Ig profile, including total IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4. Ninety-seven serum samples from patients classified as negative (NEG, n = 38), indeterminate (IND, n = 24), mild cardiac (MC, n = 20), and severe cardiac (SC, n = 15) forms were analyzed. IgG1 exhibited greater levels compared with the other isotypes, showing a significant difference between the MC and IND groups. IgG3 levels were greater in individuals from the MC group compared with the SC group. IgG1 and IgG3 isotypes can serve as biomarkers to evaluate the progression of CD because they exhibit variations across clinical groups. Additional longitudinal studies are necessary to explore the relationship between antibody kinetics and the development of tissue damage.
Effects of n-hexane, Ethyl Acetate and Methanol bark extracts of Entada africana Guill. & Perott. (Fabaceae) on the Snail Bulinus globosus
Authors: Daben M.R. , Asor J.E. , Okon O.E. , Mwansat, G.S. , Dakul D.A.
Published: February 2024

Cases of schistosomiasis have assumed global public health significance, especially in Africa and sub-Saharan Africa (SSA); ranking  second to malaria as a neglected tropical disease (NTD). Control of this disease is majorly by the use of synthetic molluscicides, which are  known to cause ecotoxicity, with a long-term effect on human health. Besides, most synthetic molluscicides are often unaffordable by the  locals. Many of them do not have the technical knowledge of application, yet are continuously involved in activities that prone them  to re-infection by schistosomes. This study aimed to ascertain the molluscicidal effects of Entada africana (E. africana) stems bark solvent  extracts on Bulinus globosus. The stem bark of E. africana was obtained by successive cold extraction, using non-polar and polar solvents.  After running the phytochemical analysis, B. globosus adult snails were challenged with serialized concentrations of n-hexane,  ethyl acetate and methanol extracts, comparable to negative and positive controls. Data were analysed by use of GraphPad® Prism  version 8.4. Molluscicidal activities showed that methanol extract had the highest bioactivity (86.67±11.55 – 100.00±0.00), followed by n-hexane (56.67±5.77 – 100.00±0.00) and the least, ethyl acetate (46.67±5.77 – 80.00±10.00). There was a significant difference at p ≤ 0.05,  (LSD 8.38), of molluscicidal activities. The LC and LC values were (46.88/128.57; 9.38/93.10; and 50 90 7.89/38.58) for ethyl acetate,  n-hexane, and methanol respectively, at 24h post-exposure (PE). Methanol extract had 100% mortality at 50-100mg/L, 95% (CI -20.24 to  0.24), and compared favourably to the positive control, which had 100% mortality. The study concludes that E. africana stem bark  methanolic extract had the most bioactive properties and can be used as a molluscicidal agent in combating B. globosusintermediate  host of S. haematobium schistosome.
Urogenital Schistosomiasis among School Children in Anambra North Senatorial District, Nigeria
Authors: Chinweike-Umeh S.N. , Ekwunife C.A. , Onwuachusi G.L.
Published: February 2024

Schistosomiasis though neglected is a disease of public health importance which could lead to serious health challenges even in children. This study determined the prevalence and risk factors of Urogenital Schistosomiasis among School Children in Anambra North Senatorial District, Nigeria. This is a cross-sectional study which applied the simple random sampling technique and included a total of 396 school children from 4 schools. Consent was obtained from parents and school authorities. Ages of individuals sampled ranged from 6-20 years. Structured questionnaires were administered to determine risk factors associated with urogenital schistosomiasis. A total of 210 females and 186 males were sampled. Urine samples were collected in 20ml universal bottles. Urinalysis and microscopy were done for each sample. Egg intensity was grouped into light infection (<50 eggs/10ml) and heavy infection (>50 eggs/10ml). Urinalysis test showed that none of the participants had glucose, ketones, nitrate, or protein in their urine. Haematuria was detected in 4(1.01%) school children. The overall prevalence of urogenital schistosomiasis was 9.1%. Onitsha North LGAhad the highest prevalence of 20.8%, Ogbaru LGA had 8.4% prevalence, while Anambra East LGA had 5.9% prevalence. Twenty-six females (12.4%) and 10 males (5.4%) were positive for S. haematobium eggs via microscopy. Prevalence of S. haematobium was highest in individuals between ages 11-15 (13.88%). Age group 6-10 had the highest egg intensity rate (50%) followed by 16-20years (37.5%) and 11-15 years (10%). The risk factors associated with urogenital schistosomiasis in this study included proximity to stream, lack of good potable water, swimming, bathing, washing, and carrying out certain day-to-day activities at the S. haematobium infected water source. Females visited the stream more than males however, this was not statistically significant (P>0.05). This study has shown the presence of urogenital schistosomiasis among school children in Anambra North Senatorial District.
Parasitological Contamination of Raw Vegetables collected from selected Local Markets in Maysan Province, South of Iraq
Authors: Sahira K. , Al-Abboodi A.K.
Published: February 2024

The Crucial Role of Raw Green Vegetables in Nourishing Well-being. However, lurking within these natural wonders lies an inconspicuous  peril – the potential conduit for intestinal parasites due to potential parasitological contamination. Our ongoing research endeavor is  laser-focused on scrutinizing the prevalence of parasitic protozoa and helminths’cysts and eggs within the raw vegetables available in the  bustling retail markets of Al-Amarah City and the serene Qal’at Saleh District, both nestled in the heart of Maysan Province, Southern  Iraq. During our investigation, we meticulously scrutinized 180 samples representing a diverse array of five vegetable varieties,  encompassing radish, leek, cress, celery, and lettuce. Utilizing established and recognized testing protocols, we rigorously conducted our  examinations. The results illuminated a concerning reality: among the fresh leafy vegetables surveyed in Al-Amarah City, 17.76% bore the  burden of contamination, while in the picturesque Qal’at Saleh District, this figure ascended to a troubling 22.2%. Within these innocent  greens lay the insidious presence of helminth eggs and parasitic protozoan cysts, a revelation demanding our attention and action. Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia cysts were detected at 8.88% and 1.11% respectively in Al-Amarah City and at 6.66% and 2.22%  in Qal’at Saleh District. On the contrary, Eggs of Hymenolepis nana and Fasciola hepatica were detected at 2.22% and 1.11% respectively  in Al-Amarah City and at 5.55% and 2.22% in Qal’at Saleh District. Eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides were detected at 4.44% and 5.55% in Al- Amarah City and Qal’at Saleh District respectively. Lettuce showed the highest contamination percentage in comparison with other sorts  of vegetables at 27.77% in Al-Amarah City and 33.33% in Qal’at Saleh District with Noteworthy Disparities Evident at a Significance  Threshold of P<0.05: This investigation has reached a decisive verdict, underscoring the latent peril residing within the raw vegetables  retailed in Maysan Province’s local markets. These innocent greens, it transpires, harbor the potential to serve as conduits for intestinal  protozoa and helminths, thereby casting a shadow over the health of those who partake in such produce. The author advocates a  compelling case for the imperative involvement of pertinent authorities. In doing so, the endeavor should revolve around mitigating the extent of parasitic pathogen contamination within plants, a mission that hinges on the twin pillars of vendor education and community  awareness.