bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unleashing Customer Insights
Authors: Ghosh Debosree
Published: January 2024

This chapter explores the integration of machine learning with customer sentiment analysis to unveil insights from customer feedback. It emphasizes the importance of understanding customer sentiment for enhancing satisfaction and making informed decisions. The chapter covers various machine learning approaches including supervised and unsupervised learning, as well as deep learning models. Preprocessing techniques and feature engineering methods for textual data are discussed. The challenges of sentiment analysis, such as sarcasm and context, are addressed, along with practical applications in product development, brand management, and personalized marketing. Ethical considerations are highlighted. Overall, this chapter provides valuable insights on leveraging machine learning for customer sentiment analysis.
Exploring Structures and Agency Within Neoliberal Homonormative American Public Higher Education
Authors: Wilson Daniel J. , Rock Ronan O'Meara
Published: January 2024

Student activism continues to rise across the United States, particularly as states expand legislation targeting queer and trans people. Public higher education institutions hinder student activism through different structures, including bureaucratic and physical. Public higher education has grown increasingly neoliberal as state funding continues to decrease, leading to institutions relying on private monies to conduct their services. Neoliberalism, as an economic, political, and social framework, leads to depoliticization through privatization. Further, physical architecture designed through brutalist aesthetics works alongside neoliberalism by curtailing student activist efforts through its physical design. The authors offer insights to public higher education and its relationship with neoliberalism as well as one institution's brutalist design. They conclude by highlighting steps administrators can take and consider in supporting student activist efforts.
How Trans and Nonbinary Students Are Changing the Nature of Gender in the 21st Century
Authors: Beemyn Genny
Published: January 2024

In the last decade, there has been a profound generational shift in how gender is lived and viewed. While there has been a steady rise in the number of young people openly identifying as trans and nonbinary since the early 2000s, the degree to which students today are coming out as trans and nonbinary is unprecedented. Most are identifying as nonbinary, and by challenging the female/male gender dichotomy, they are bringing about major changes in laws, language, and popular culture. These changes, in turn, are encouraging more young people to feel comfortable identifying as nonbinary and leading to even greater societal shifts. This chapter examines the growing number of trans and nonbinary students; how they identify, including the gender labels and pronouns that they are using for themselves; and the effects that nonbinary young people are having on society. The main source is data from the Common App, the online admissions form used by more than 1,000 colleges and universities in the United States.
Untangling Bathrooms From Their Policy
Authors: Paprocka Veronika
Published: January 2024

Bathrooms are a foundational human need and yet many trans, nonbinary, gender expansive, and gender nonconforming (TGNB) students experience challenges when accessing them throughout higher education settings. Bathrooms are a unique space where gender is performed and scrutinized. This performance can often lead to stress for TGNB community members. Bathroom access is only made more complex based on the geography of where the student attends college and the local intersection of institutional and public policy. This chapter explores three different universities and the complex web of local public policy and institutional policy that impacts bathroom access for students and the entire university community. This chapter explores both the importance of bathrooms and what they mean for TGNB community members and the policy side of the issue offers a greater landscape for change. Change is crucial to support TGNB community members' sense of belonging and their success within the institution either as students or as employees.
The effect of design cues on purchase intention in fashion retailing: the moderating effect of social cues and gender differences
Authors: Dinesha P. K. C.
Published: January 2024

In retailing context, viewing products to shoppers helps to remind the forgotten needs of them as well as induce new ones, so it’s a significant function of retailers. Accordingly, the purpose of the current study is, to study the effect of retail design cues on the consumers’ purchase intention, and the moderating effect of the social cues in retail and its gender base differences. The majority of the fashion industry research studies have focused on industry wised economic contribution and adaptation to new technologies in the major area. As a result, a large gap in the academic literature regarding the components in intentions nexus with experienced ambient cues in a retail setting, which is more significant for retail practitioners, can be identified The study will be contributed to academia by filling the gap of knowledge in the nexus with encountered design cues retail setting to consumer purchase intention as well as its emphasis the how consumers perceived the crowdedness of the environment and friendliness of salespeople which will be very significant in developing competitive strategies. Primary data were collected for the survey with 150 respondents on conveniently through a self-administered questionnaire. The findings revealed that Design cues showed a significant positive relationship with consumers' purchasing intentions. However, social cues in retail settings significantly influence the nexuses of main variables: design cues, and consumers' purchase intention, and only in-store form shows significant influence based on gender differences The future research implications have been discussed.
Corporate governance and corporate profitability: evidence from Sri Lanka
Authors: Anandasayanan S.
Published: January 2024

The poor performance of commercial organizations is frequently attributed to the absence of effective corporate governance. Developed economies with a strong private sector and well-established corporate governance systems consistently post high and steady growth rates. The main purpose of this study is to explore the effect of corporate governance mechanisms on a firm's Return of listed companies in CSE. Data collection was carried out on the 208 companies during the period 2015 to 2020. Size of the board, Board composition, Chief Executive Duality, and Institutional ownership were taken as the explanatory measures and ROA was taken as a proxy of corporate profitability. Furthermore, firm size, and firm age and Debt to Equity Ratio were taken as control measures. To explore the effect of governance mechanisms on a firm's Return, panel data regression was applied. According to the results of the panel data analysis, Board size, Board composition, and firm size have a significant impact on the profitability of the listed companies in Sri Lanka. Moreover, institutional ownership and CEO duality have no impact on Return on Assets. In the normality test, the p-value of the Jarque–Bera value for all models is found to be greater than 0.05. This satisfies the point that the residual has the normality. The findings of this research are vital for policy implications in Sri Lanka.
Leadership styles and organizational citizenship behavior: a review of literature
Authors: Raveeswaran M.
Published: January 2024

In an ever-changing competitive, and global environment, an effective leadership style is vital to achieve success and avoid failure of an organization. Consequently, studies related to leadership are continuously gaining the attention of researchers. The empirical studies demonstrate the impact of several kinds of leadership styles on individual and organizational level performance. Among them, the impact of transformational and transactional leadership styles on employees’ performance is being studied up to date. According to empirical studies, the performance of employees may be in-role and extra-role performance. Where extra-role performance may not be rewarded formally, which may be known as organizational citizenship behavior. Even though organizational citizenship behavior is not rewarded formally, it is necessary to achieve competitive sustainable success. The present study aims to explore the known and unknown terrain of leadership styles and their impact on organizational citizenship behavior. By carefully considering the past studies, the present study identified the gaps in the Sri Lankan context. The suggestions and recommendations for future studies have been proffered at the end of the paper.
CD8+ Tissue-Resident Memory T Cells: Versatile Guardians of the Tissue
Authors: Marchesini Tovar Giuseppina , Gallen Corey , Bergsbaken Tessa
Published: January 2024

Tissue-resident memory T (Trm) cells are a subset of T cells maintained throughout life within nonlymphoid tissues without significant contribution from circulating memory T cells. CD8+ Trm cells contribute to both tissue surveillance and direct elimination of pathogens through a variety of mechanisms. Reactivation of these Trm cells during infection drives systematic changes within the tissue, including altering the state of the epithelium, activating local immune cells, and contributing to the permissiveness of the tissue for circulating immune cell entry. Trm cells can be further classified by their functional outputs, which can be either subset- or tissue-specific, and include proliferation, tissue egress, and modulation of tissue physiology. These functional outputs of Trm cells are linked to the heterogeneity and plasticity of this population, and uncovering the unique responses of different Trm cell subsets and their role in immunity will allow us to modulate Trm cell responses for optimal control of disease.
COVID-19 vaccination coverage among travellers at Lomé international airport (Togo), in 2022
Authors: Adom Atèhèzi , Afanvi Kossivi Agbélénko , Sadio Arnold Junior , ADOLI Latame Komla , Togan Roméo Medessè , Tchankoni Martin Kouame , Konu Yao Rodion , Gbeasor-Komlanvi Fifonsi Adjidossi , Gnaro Takpaya , Adom Panaveyi Malou , Ekouevi Didier Koumavi
Published: January 2024

Introduction: COVID-19 pandemic management leads to new health policies including the requirement of a vaccination pass or a negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test for cross-border flights. The objective of this study was to estimate COVID-19 vaccination coverage among travellers, as well as factors associated with a full vaccination.
Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in July 2022 at the Gnassingbé Eyadema International Airport (LFW) in Lomé. Travellers met at LFW, aged 12 years or above, and who agreed to participate in the study have been submitted a questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with full vaccination defined as having received at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccine according to a validated vaccine schedule.
Results: A total of 847 travellers were included. 67% were men The median age was 40 years, Interquartile Range [31-48]. The main health document presented by travellers was the vaccination pass (69.1%). The majority (84.4%) of travellers had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 63.9% had received at least two doses. Being 40 years of age or above (aOR=1.42; p=0.046), and travelling from a country outside Africa (aOR=2.18, p=0.003), were positively associated with full vaccination.
Conclusion: Vaccination coverage among travellers at the LFW was relatively high. Travellers from a region outside Africa and aged 40 years or above were more likely to be full vaccinated. Better communication and strengthening of the vaccination strategies in Africa could help reduce these gaps.
The Lassa fever cases and mortality in Nigeria: Quantile Regression versus Machine Learning Models
Authors: Samson Timothy , Aromolaran Olukemi , Akingbade Tosin
Published: January 2024

Introduction. Lassa fever (LF) is caused by the Lassa fever virus (LFV). It is endemic in West Africa, of which 25% of the infections are ascribed to Nigeria. This disease affects mostly the productive age and hence a proper understanding of the dynamics of this disease will help in formulating policies that would help in curbing the spread of LF.
Objectives. The objective of this study is to compare the performance of quantile regression models with that of Machine Learning models.
Methods. Data between between 7th January 2018 2018 and 17th December, 2022  on suspected cases, confirmed cases and deaths resulting from LF were retrieved from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). The data obtained were fitted to quantile regression models (QRM) at 25%, 50% and 75% as well as to Machine learning models. The response variable being confirmed cases and mortality due to Lassa fever in Nigeria while the independent variables were total confirmed cases, the week, month and year.
Results. Result showed that the highest monthly mean confirmed cases (56) and mortality (9) from LF were reported in February. The first quarter of the year reported the highest cases of both confirmed cases and deaths in Nigeria. Result also revealed that for the confirmed cases, quantile regression at 50% outperformed the best of the MLM, Gaussian-matern5/2 GPR (RMSE= 10.3393 versus 11.615), while for mortality, the medium Gaussian SVM (RMSE =1.6441 versus 1.8352) outperformed QRM.
Conclusion. Quantile regression model at 50% better captured the dynamics of the confirmed cases of LF in Nigeria while the medium Gaussian SVM better captured the mortality of LF in Nigeria. Among the features selected, confirmed cases was found to be the most important feature that drive its mortality with the implication that as the confirmed cases of Lassa fever increases, is a significant increase in its mortality. This therefore necessitates a need for a better intervention measures that will help curb Lassa fever mortality as a result of the increase in the confirmed cases. There is also a need for promotion of good community hygiene which could include; discouraging rodents from entering homes and putting food in rodent proof containers to avoid contamination to help hart the spread of Lassa fever in Nigeria.
An enigmatic case of cerebellar hemangioblastoma in a pediatric patient presenting with headache with review of literature
Authors: Bhagawati Ashapurna , Nath Lipee , Saha Roy Somnath , Pegu Ajit Kumar
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We present a case of a 15-year-old male who presented with headache for 7 days and fever for 3 days which gradually involved his motor and sensory systems along with involvement of bowel and bladder. On imaging, a diagnosis of cerebellar hemangioblastoma was made which was compressing the fourth ventricle and leading to obstructive hydrocephalus. Right paramedian suboccipital craniotomy was done and the tumor was excised. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of hemangioblastoma without any features of atypia corresponding to WHO grade 1 lesion.
Investigating the prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Agarwal Dinesh , Sarma Mayuri , Agarwal Atul K , Jain Barkha
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting millions of individuals reaching epidemic proportions globally. diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most prevalent and debilitating complications of T2DM, affecting the lower limbs and increasing the risk of foot ulcers, infections, and lower limb amputations. The current study aims to assess the prevalence and severity of DPN using monofilament and MNSI tests in patients diagnosed with T2DM and examine factors associated with the onset and progression of DPN.

Objective:

To study the prevalence of diabetic peripheral neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Medicine & Diabetology, Marwari Hospital Assam. A total of 226 patients with type 2 diabetes were assessed for DPN using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI).

Results:

The study assessed the prevalence of DPN among patients with diabetes mellitus. among the 226 participants, 32% had moderate neuropathy and 11% had severe neuropathy. Symptoms such as numbness, burning pain, and muscle cramps were reported by a significant proportion of participants. Examination findings showed foot-related complications and reduced nerve function in a considerable number of participants. The prevalence of neuropathy varied among different duration groups of patients with diabetes. The severity of neuropathy was higher among patients with longstanding diabetes. These findings emphasize the significant burden of DPN and the importance of diabetes management in managing and preventing diabetic neuropathy.

Conclusion:

This study revealed a considerable prevalence of DPN among patients with diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of neuropathy varied with the duration of diabetes, suggesting an increased risk with a longer disease duration. Timely intervention and appropriate diabetes management strategies are crucial in reducing the burden of DPN and improving patient outcomes.
An autoantibody to Rh-Ce protein causing positive direct antiglobulin test in a healthy blood donor
Authors: Parikh Yesha Nirmal , Vekariya Mayuri M. , Gondaliya Vasant Kaushik , Rajapara Manisha M. , Joshi Sanmukh Ratilal
Published: January 2024

A positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) is of diagnostic feature for the patient with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA). However, on rare occasions, for obscure reasons, it is found among healthy blood donors. The present report is aimed to elucidate serological and immunological characteristics of such autoantibody in a healthy donor aged 62 years found with positive DAT. There was no history of Leishmaniasis, nor having a significant illness. His red blood cells (RBCs) showed incompatible cross-match results with every recipient tested in the antiglobulin phase. He was found to be DAT+. As his plasma had very little presence of autoantibody, hence was augmented by elution from his in vivo sensitized RBCs for the study. Autoantibody with immunoglobulin IgG showed predominant specificity of anti-Ce. It is certainly a rare case of autoantibody to RhCe compound antigen yet being innocuous in a healthy blood donor with a positive DAT.
A case report and review of literature on the role of automated red cell exchange in managing sickle cell crisis in India
Authors: Rajendran Vinu , Kalra Archisha , George Ashna , Chenna Deepika , Mohan Ganesh , Shastry Shamee
Published: January 2024

Red cell exchanges (RCE) help in the treatment of complications of sickle cell anemia (SCA) by reducing the viscosity of blood and improving the oxygen-carrying capacity. We present a case of sickle cell crisis (SCC) managed with automated RCE and also reviewed the literature to assess the utilization and clinical efficiency of this therapy in India. A 19-year-old gentleman diagnosed with SCA presented with acute chest syndrome. Hemoglobin (Hb) was 8.8 g%, hematocrit (HCT) was 24%, and HbS was 90%. As there was worsening of symptoms with conventional management, the patient underwent two procedures of automated RCE. The clinical condition of the patient was improved, HbS was reduced to 16% and HCT was remained at 21% postprocedure. Articles on automated RCE in SCA conducted in India were reviewed and four articles were analyzed based on the search strategy. All the included articles concluded automated RCE as an effective procedure for complications of SCA. Common indication in India was SCA patients undergoing surgery as a prophylactic measure. Automated RCEs are promising as an acute treatment for indicated sickle cell complications. This therapy is underutilized in the Indian scenario, especially in patients with SCC.
Application of blood group genotyping in complex cases of immunohematology
Authors: Musial Letícia Binhara , Prochaska Caroline Luise , Moss Mariane Faria , Cruz Bruno Ribeiro
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Red blood cell (RBC) group systems are depicted by antigens on the surface of RBCs, which when transfused to a recipient that lacks them, can result in alloimmunization. Thus, transfusion of matched RBC components to the recipient is recommended, especially for the more immunogenic blood group antigens, such as Rh (E, e, C, and c), Kell, Kidd, Duffy, and MNS.

AIMS:

The aim of this study was to perform the blood group genotyping from blood samples of 12 polytransfused patients whose phenotyping was inconclusive or incomplete.

METHODS:

The amplicons were amplified by polymerase chain reaction–sequence-specific primers for the following alleles: RHCE (RHCE * C, RHCE * c, RHCE * E, and RHCE * e), KEL (KEL * 01 and KEL * 02), FY (FY * 01 and FY * 02), and KID (JK * 01 and JK * 02), in addition to the GATA1-mutated gene (FY * 02N.01).

RESULTS:

Discrepancies were found in the Rh (E) and Kidd systems, in addition to cases of Fyb antigen silencing attributed to the GATA mutation, which was present in all individuals with Fy (a-b-) phenotype. The technique also solved the inconclusive phenotyping caused by mixed-field agglutination.

CONCLUSION:

The results show the contribution of blood group genotyping in complex immunohematology cases, optimizing the delivery of RBC components suitable for transfusion safety, and expanding the number of compatible donors for patients with the Fy (a-b) phenotype related to the FY (02N.01) allele.
Red cell alloimmunization and associated risk factors in multiply transfused thalassemia patients: A prospective cohort study conducted at a tertiary care center in Northern India
Authors: Yadav Brijesh Kumar , Chaudhary Rajendra K. , Elhence Priti , Phadke Shubha Rao , Mandal Kausik , Saxena Deepti , Moirangthem Amita
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

One of the complications of chronic transfusions in thalassemia is the development of red cell alloimmunization.

AIMS:

The aim of the study was to determine the frequency, specificity of red cell alloantibodies, and factors influencing alloimmunization in multiply transfused thalassemia patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The study was carried out prospectively on beta-thalassemia patients over 10 months. Plasma samples were used for antibody screening and identification using the column agglutination technique. Patients’ clinical, laboratory, and transfusion details were obtained from hospital information system and patient files.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:

Continuous variables were reported as median and quartile, whereas categorical variables were provided as numbers and proportions. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS:

Out of 255 patients, 17 (6.6%) patients developed alloantibodies. Alloimmunized patients had significantly higher median ages at their first transfusions (1 year vs. 0.5 years; P = 0.042) than nonalloimmunized patients. Alloimmunized patients had significantly higher conjugated bilirubin (P = 0.016) and serum ferritin (P = 0.007). The majority of alloantibodies had specificity toward K antigen, followed by E, C, D, JKa, and JKb antigens. Alloimmunized patients received more units per year than nonalloimmunized patients (median, 30 vs. 24 units; P < 0.001). The average transfusion interval time between two successive transfusions showed a significant difference (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

The prevalence of alloimmunization in thalassemia patients in North India is relatively low. Since most of the alloantibodies belong to Rh and Kell blood group system, extended phenotype-matched blood for Rh and Kell will be helpful in further preventing or decreasing the development of alloantibodies in multiply transfused thalassemia patients.
Redefining the role of therapeutic plasma exchange in complications of Echis carinatus sochureki envenomation refractory to anti-snake venom: A case series
Authors: Bava Davood , Akhilesh Kumar P. H. , Gupta Anubhav , Mandal Saptarshi , Bajpayee Archana , Gopalakrishnan Maya , Khan Md Atik
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Saw-scaled viper (Echis carinatus) belongs to the Viperidae family. Its venom is hemotoxic and contains several small peptides and proteins affecting the coagulation system. Commonly used anti-snake venom (ASV) products in India are reported to be ineffective or less effective in cases with bites by Echis carinatus sochureki which are commonly found in desert areas in Rajasthan. Although therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has been successful in patients with snakebite envenomation in the past, American Society for Apheresis guidelines 2019 included this indication under category III with grade 2C recommendation.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES:

To report the safety and efficacy of therapeutic plasma exchange procedures in the setting of ASV refractory E. c. sochureki envenomation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Four patients admitted to our institute in 2021 September with an alleged history of snake bites and who underwent at least one cycle of therapeutic plasma exchange were assessed for clinical outcome, laboratory parameters, and blood product consumption.

RESULTS:

Three adult patients and one pediatric patient are included in this case series, all of them males. Indication for TPE in one case was suspected diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH), while in all the other cases was thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). All received a variable number of sessions from 2 to 5 and 1.3–1.5 plasma volume was removed on an average per cycle. The endpoint of TPE was the resolution of DAH in one while a reduction in lactate dehydrogenase and an increase in platelet count was in TMA cases. Consumption of blood products was drastically reduced in all four patients after starting the procedure. All the adult patients fared well on follow-up while the child had developed acute cortical necrosis and was dialysis-dependent. It has been noted in the previous studies too that a subset of snakebite-induced TMA cases was getting converted to chronic kidney disease and becoming dialysis dependent in the long run.

CONCLUSIONS:

In regions where ASV treatment failure is very common, therapeutic plasma exchange is a safe and effective complementary treatment modality along with supportive care.
Association of donor characteristics with coagulation factor levels in fresh frozen plasma
Authors: Agarwal Sarika , Negi Gita , Meinia Sushant Kumar , Chennamsetty Eswara Prasad , Kaur Daljit , Jain Ashish
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Coagulation factors are essential to maintain normal hemostasis. Plasma for transfusion can be obtained from whole blood donation or plasma apheresis. Plasma obtained from whole blood donation is termed as fresh frozen plasma (FFP). The quality of FFP can be influenced by several factors including donor variables (such as age, gender, diet, genetic profile), environmental factors, collection methods, processing methods, storage temperature, etc. This study was done to assess the association of donor characteristics such as donor age, blood group, and smoking with coagulation factor levels in FFP units.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The screening of donors for collection of whole blood units was done as per the national guidelines. A total of 144 FFP units were assessed for coagulation factors. The FFP units were tested for prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, coagulation factor VIII, and coagulation factor IX (CF IX) on coagulation analyzer.

RESULTS:

A total of 144 FFP units were tested for coagulation parameters. The value of PT was highest in units prepared from donors in more than 45 years of age group. The value of CF IX was significantly lower in O blood group as compared to non-O blood group. The value of fibrinogen was significantly higher in smokers as compared to nonsmokers.

CONCLUSION:

The findings of the present study further add evidence to the fact that donor factors such as age, blood group, and smoking have an impact on coagulation factor levels in FFP units.
Clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with cold agglutinin disease: A retrospective analysis at a tertiary medical center
Authors: Mehrotra Harshita , Otrock Zaher K.
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Cold agglutinin disease (CAD) is relatively rare and has primarily been reported as retrospective case series.

AIM:

We reviewed our experience with CAD to shed light on this disease.

STUDY SETTINGS AND DESIGN:

This was a retrospective review of all patients with CAD managed at our institution between 2007 and 2018.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The study was approved by our institutional review board. We extracted patients’ demographic, clinical, and laboratory data, blood transfusions, and outcomes from their electronic medical records.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED:

Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 17. The method of Kaplan–Meier was used to plot survival curves.

RESULTS:

Forty-eight patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria for CAD. The median age of patients was 73.1 (range, 43–99) years; 36 (75%) were female. The majority (n = 38; 79.2%) of patients were Caucasians. Most patients (n = 25, 52.1%) presented with symptomatic anemia. Eight patients were asymptomatic. The median hemoglobin level was 8.6 g/dL (range, 3–12 g/dL); 7 (14.6%) patients had concurrent thrombocytopenia. Lactate dehydrogenase was elevated in 40/47 (85.1%) patients and haptoglobin was below normal in 35/46 (76.1%) patients. Coagulopathy was observed in 19 (52.8%) of 36 patients. Sixteen (33.3%) patients required blood transfusion during admission at the time of diagnosis with a median number of 3.5 red blood cell units. Twenty-five (52.1%) patients were alive after a median follow-up of 50.1 months. The 5-year and 10-year survival was estimated at 58.2% and 30.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

CAD poses considerable burden on patients and health-care systems. Patients vary widely in their disease severity and course.
Indian clinical practice consensus guidelines for the management of oral cavity cancer: Update 2022
Authors: Chaturvedi Pankaj , Prabhash Kumar , Babu K Govind , Kuriakose Moni , Birur Praveen , Anand Anil K. , Kaushal Ashish , Mahajan Abhishek , Syiemlieh Judita , Singhal Manish , Gairola Munish , Ramachandra Prakash , Goyal Sumit , John Subashini , Nayyar Rohit , Patil Vijay M , Rao Vishal , Noronha Vanita , Roshan Vikas , Rath G.K.
Published: January 2024

The treatment of oral cavity cancer primarily depends on the location, tumor size, and feasibility of organ preservation in patients with negative margins. A liquid biopsy is a minimally invasive approach for detecting blood-based signatures such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulatory tumor DNA (ctDNA). To assess the presence of occult metastatic disease, sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is recommended in early-stage oral cavity cancer (OCC). In India, surgery is the preferred choice of treatment for oral cancers. Selected patients, who are medically inoperable or refuse surgery, should be given definitive radiotherapy (RT) as an alternative to surgery. Concurrent chemoradiation (CCRT) may be considered an alternative option to definitive RT in patients with unresectable oral cancer.
Indian clinical practice consensus guidelines for the management of nasopharyngeal cancer: Update 2022
Authors: Gairola Munish , Prabhash Kumar , Babu K Govind , Chaturvedi Pankaj , Kuriakose Moni , Birur Praveen , Anand Anil K. , Kaushal Ashish , Mahajan Abhishek , Syiemlieh Judita , Singhal Manish , Ramachandra Prakash , Goyal Sumit , John Subashini , Nayyar Rohit , Patil Vijay M. , Rao Vishal , Noronha Vanita , Roshan Vikas , Rath G.K.
Published: January 2024

Patients with early-stage nasopharyngeal cancer are treated with definitive radiotherapy alone, including both sides of the neck and retropharyngeal nodes. For patients with locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal cancer, the recommendation is concurrent chemoradiotherapy with additional chemotherapy (either before or after chemoradiotherapy). Adding targeted therapies like nimotuzumab to concurrent chemoradiation in the management of nasopharyngeal cancer has been shown to improve overall survival with excellent safety and tolerability.
Indian clinical practice pre-treatment imaging guidelines for head-and-neck cancers
Authors: Mahajan Abhishek , Chakrabarty Nivedita , Prabhash Kumar , Chaturvedi Pankaj , Babu K Govind
Published: January 2024

Site-specific imaging for head-and-neck cancers is essential to convey the relevant information on the radiological tumor stage accurately to the surgeons/treating physicians, thus helping them to decide upon the management. Additionally, the role of imaging cannot be overemphasized for neck screening for nodes and metastasis. Certain crucial structures at each head-and-neck site elude direct visualization on clinical examination; hence, it is pertinent to be aware of these structures, the involvement of which, on imaging, can change the management plan from curative to palliative intent. Though international guidelines exist, there have been no dedicated imaging guidelines for head-and-neck cancers in India. We propose site-specific pre-treatment imaging guidelines for various head-and-neck cancers and neck nodes, including the choice of imaging modalities for each site, protocols, and management implications of crucial structure involvement at each site. By proposing these recommendations, we intend to standardize head-and-neck imaging throughout the country.
Estimation of Salivary Thiocyanate Levels in Light and Heavy Smokers with Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Sivanandham Shamala , Asirvatham Beeula , Mani Devi , Baskaran Adhithya , Sivakumar Kokila , Velmurugan Ramya
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease reported in adults with multifactorial origins that affects the periodontium. In addition to the direct etiological impact of the microorganisms involved, cigarette smoking and tobacco chewing are considered to be the most important environmental risk factors. Periodontitis is common and severe in smokers, characterized by deep periodontal pockets, attachment loss, and furcation defects. Human saliva has been recently investigated as an alternative to serum for diagnostic purposes due to its non-invasiveness and lower risk of infection. To estimate and compare salivary thiocyanate levels in light and heavy smokers with chronic periodontitis and non-smokers with chronic periodontitis and healthy control. Materials and Methods: Total of 60 saliva samples were collected between the age group of 20 and 50 years males and grouped as: Group 1: normal control (n = 15); Group 2: light smokers with chronic periodontitis (n = 15); Group 3: heavy smokers with chronic periodontitis (n = 15); Group 4: non-smokers with chronic periodontitis (n = 15). Whole saliva sample were collected and centrifuged and total salivary thiocyanate (SCN) levels were analyzed using Spectrophometer at 450 nm. Results: The mean salivary total SCN levels show that they are higher in heavy smokers with chronic periodontitis when compared to light smokers and non-smokers with chronic periodontitis. Conclusion: Salivary SCN level stands out as a useful marker of periodontal tissue destruction, proving to be a promising diagnostic marker, and it is a biochemical indicator of cigarette smokers.
Role of serum and salivary microRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers in gastric cancer
Authors: Radhika Thangavelu , Gopalakrishnan Sundaram , Muthukumar Ramalingam Sathish , Arulpari Mahalingam , Kumar Bondili Suresh , Hari Rajeswary , Jeyaraman Madhan , Jeddy Nadeem
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Incidence of Gastric cancer (GC) is increasing alarmingly in the recent past due to changing lifestyle and diet pattern. GC usually has poor prognosis due to delayed diagnosis. Salivary and serum biomarkers are a potential early diagnostic tool for GC. MicroRNAs are promising biomarkers due to their stability in these body fluids and their pivotal role in carcinogenesis. This study helps to determine the role of serum and salivary microRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers in gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: The systematic review was performed as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The population, intervention, comparison, outcomes, and study (PICOS) framework was used as a strategy for this review. The data were retrieved from online databases such as Medline (PubMed), Web of Science, Scopus, and SpringerLink. Risk of bias and applicability concerns were evaluated using the four domains of QUADAS-2: patient selection, index test, reference standard, procedure and timing. Results: Quality evaluation based on diagnostic accuracy revealed that five studies conducted by Hou et al., Jianhong et al., Kaczor-Urbanowicz et al., Saliminejad et al., and So JBY et al. had the lowest risk of bias, according to a risk of bias chart created using Revman 5.4.1 software. A serum 12-miRNA biomarker assay was validated by the low risk of bias research. Conclusion: This systematic review provides an insight into the possible role and application of an array of miRNAs from various body fluids as a biomarker for the early detection of gastric cancer. The serum 12-miRNA biomarker assay, validated by a low risk of bias research can serve as a potential diagnostic tool to detect gastric cancer. However, the validation of other salivary, serum, and plasma miRNAs as a diagnostic biomarker for gastric cancer mandates further long-term follow-up studies in diverse ethnicity of populations.
Divulgence of Distribution of Odontogenic Keratocyst Based on Demographic and Radiographic Features: A Retrospective Institutional Study
Authors: Yadav Nidhi , Reddy Prashanthi , Parihar Ajay , Singar Sheetal , Varsha  , Mandlik Rashi
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Odontogenic keratocysts (OKC) is a developmental, slow-growing cyst that illustrates aggressive behaviour, a high recurrence rate, extensive radiologic diversity and variation within age groups and gender. The objective of this study is to evaluate the distribution and radiological traits of patients diagnosed with OKC. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective assessment of 40 diagnosed cases of OKC archived at the Government College of Dentistry in Indore was conducted. Demographic information and radiological characteristics of the cases were investigated, sorted, tabulated, and placed through descriptive valuation before being expressed as frequencies and percentages. Results: This study investigated 40 diagnosed OKC cases ranging within the age group of 13 to 63 years (57.5% male and 42.5% female). OKC is more often encountered in the 2nd–3rd decade of life. Depending on the anatomical area, OKC often originates in the posterior mandible, followed by the anterior mandible and maxilla. Concerning radiological characteristics, a unilocular variant was more prevalent (65.0%) than a multilocular. About 97.5% of OKC cases had scalloped and well-corticated borders. Also, the mandibular left third molar was frequently involved (69.2%). Only 15% of OKC cases coexisted with root resorption, 25% with tooth displacement, and 40% with inferior alveolar canal displacement. Conclusion: Our study showed significant disparities in the distribution of OKC among various age groups, genders, and radiological features. Our variables involved in this study were comparable to previous research. Several radiological aspects will aid in treatment strategies, effectiveness, and limiting the recurrence rate. However, a substantial sample size is required to validate these findings.
Prevalence and risk factors of molar incisor hypomineralization in school children: A cross-sectional study in North Kerala, India
Authors: Ramakrishnan Krishna Kumar , Peter Joby , Menon Hridya
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a developmental enamel defect affecting permanent molars and incisors, leading to dental challenges. The prevalence and associated risk factors of MIH vary globally, highlighting the need for region-specific studies. The primary objectives of this cross-sectional study were to determine the prevalence of MIH in 7- to 11-year-old school children, investigate associated risk factors, and analyze the clinical manifestations. Materials and methods: A random sample of 10,000 children aged 7 to 11 years from 10 primary schools in North Kerala underwent oral examinations. The study utilized a two-part proforma, including demographic details, parental interviews, and clinical assessments using a modified developmental defect of enamel index. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test and SPSS software. Ethical approval and parental consent were obtained. Results: Out of 2170 children examined, the prevalence of MIH was 8.2%. Males showed a higher prevalence (62.92%), with maxillary molars being predominantly affected. The study revealed significant associations between MIH and antenatal factors, antibiotic usage, and maternal illnesses. Maxillary molars were more frequently affected than mandibular molars, with specific teeth showing varying degrees of susceptibility. Conclusion: As children’s age increased, the severity of MIH defects in the first permanent molars escalated, indicating progressive enamel defects. The prevalence of MIH was more pronounced in the upper arch, with both maxillary and mandibular first permanent molars being equally affected. The study identified factors such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)/dioxins, medical illness problems, malnutrition, fluoride exposure, common medical diseases, and genetic disorders as potential contributors to MIH defects. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing the challenges posed by MIH-affected teeth.
Expression of connexin43 in oral submucous fibrosis, oral epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma: A cross-sectional immunohistochemical study
Authors: Mugundan Raghavelu Narendran , Rao Uma Devi Krishna Mohan , Thavarajah Rooban , Joshua Elizabeth , Ranganathan Kannan
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Connexins are specialized gap junction (GJ) proteins that are necessary for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. The loss of GJ leads to the loss of cellular cohesion, promoting tumor progression. Not much is known about the role of connexin43 (Cx43) in oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), oral epithelial dysplasia (OED), and in OSF that had transformed into oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Materials and methods: A total of 39 tissue samples was grouped into group I: Normal oral mucosa (NC) (n = 6), group II: OSF (n = 14), group III: OED (n = 12), and group IV: OSCC with a history of OSF (n = 7). Sections were stained with Cx43 antibody and analyzed for staining intensity in the basal, suprabasal cell layers, and connective tissue. The Chi-square test was used to assess significant association and Kappa statistics between the variable and interobserver variability. Results: Cx43 exhibited varying levels of expression in the cell membrane of suprabasal cell layer across all the groups. The difference in expression was statistically significant (P = 0.033). In OSF, there was a moderate presence of Cx43, whereas NC, dysplasia, and OSCC with OSF showed no detectable Cx43 expression. Notably, OSF displayed higher Cx43 expression compared to OED. Conversely, OSCC with OSF demonstrated reduced expression of Cx43 in epithelial tumor islands that had invaded the connective tissue (P = 0.033). Conclusion: Cx43 expression was significantly decreased as there was a progression in OED severity and reduced in OSCC with a history of OSF.
A Review of Deep Learning Approaches for Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Xi MengBo
Published: January 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD), one of the major neurodegenerative diseases, has become the most common cause of dementia problems. Up to now, there is a lack of effective targeted therapeutic drugs and effective treatment modalities to stop the progression of the disease. With the continuous development of computer technology, the use of computer-aided diagnostic technology tools for AD early classification studies will provide clinicians with important assistance. Deep learning-based Alzheimer's disease (AD) imaging classification has become a current research hotspot. In this paper, we first describe the commonly used publicly available datasets in the AD imaging classification task; then introduce the commonly used deep learning classification models for AD diagnosis; secondly, we compare the studies that target different biomarkers of the subjects and the use of unimodal or a combination of different modalities for the early classification of AD; and finally, The challenges of AD classification are summarized and future research directions are proposed.
Design of A Chaos-based Digital Radio over Fiber Transmission Link using ASK Modulation for Wireless Communication Systems
Authors: Dao Vu Anh , Thanh Thuy Tran Tri , Quoc Bao Vo Nguyen , Dung Truong Cao , Quyen Nguyen Xuan
Published: January 2024

Secured broadband radio communications are becoming increasingly pivotal for high-speed connectivity in radio access networks, playing a crucial role in both mobile information systems and wireless IoT connections. This paper introduces a chaos-based two-channel digital radio communication system utilizing fiber optic radio transmission technology. The system comprises two radio channels operating at up to 1 Gbps using amplitude shift keying (ASK) modulation, followed by modulation with a chaotic sequence before conversion to the optical domain using the MZM modulator. To compensate for fiber loss, the system utilizes an Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier (EDFA) and employs the optical links through standard ITU-G.655 optical fibers. Numerical simulation of the designed system is performed using the commercialized simulation software Optisystem V.15 to assess and characterize transmission performance. The results demonstrate the system’s effective operation on two channels with a fiber transmission distance of up to 110 km, maintaining a bit error ratio of less than 10−9. This feature ensures reliable performance for high-speed radio connections, particularly in applications such as fronthaul networks in cloud radio access and wireless sensor network connections.
Providing scalable single‐operating‐system NUMA abstraction of physically discrete resources
Authors: An Baik Song , Cha Myung Hoon , Lee Sang‐Min , Yang Won Hyuk , Kim Hong Yeon
Published: January 2024

With an explosive increase of data produced annually, researchers have been attempting to develop solutions for systems that can effectively handle large amounts of data. Single‐operating‐system (OS) non‐uniform memory access (NUMA) abstraction technology is an important technology that ensures the compatibility of single‐node programming interfaces across multiple nodes owing to its higher cost efficiency compared with scale‐up systems. However, existing technologies have not been successful in optimizing user performance. In this paper, we introduce a single‐OS NUMA abstraction technology that ensures full compatibility with the existing OS while improving the performance at both hypervisor and guest levels. Benchmark results show that the proposed technique can improve performance by up to 4.74 on average in terms of execution time compared with the existing state‐of‐the‐art open‐source technology.