bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipid Profile Alterations and Predisposing factors associated with Cardiovascular Diseases at Kibagabaga District Hospital, Rwanda: A cross sectional study
Authors: Yadufashije Callixte , Yolanda Imurinde , Mwanzia Lydia , Mucumbitsi Joseph , Muhimpundu Liliane , Izere Cedrick , Munyeshyaka Emmanuel , Habyarimana Thierry , Ndishimye Pacifique
Published: March 2024

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a public health concern. The World Health Organization reported that approximately 17.9 million deaths result from CVD annually, accounting for 31% of all deaths globally.
Methods: A cross-sectional study with 100 simple randomly selected participants was conducted. Blood samples were collected to analyze lipid profiles, such as high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) levels, of participants at the Kibagabaga District Hospital Biochemistry Laboratory. The questionnaire was used to record the predisposing factors associated with CVDs. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 was used for data analysis. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for mean differences, while the chi-square test was used to assess associations between variables.
Results: Most of the participants (38%) were aged 51-60 years and were male (51%) or female (49%). Coronary heart disease (CHD) was the most prevalent CVD (62%) and affected 32% of males and 30% of females, while it accounted for 27% of the population aged 51-60 years. In all the four CVDs, LDL-C had the highest abnormal cases and stood at 97% (n=100), with 59 cases in CHD (n=62), 20 cases in stroke (n=20), 10 cases (n=10) in Ischemic Heart Disease (IHD), and 8 cases (n=8) in Heart Failure (HF). The mean difference resulting from the variation in abnormal lipid profiles according to age group (Fcal=14.54327, p=0.001328; Fcrit=4.066181) and sex (Fcal=57.02564, p=0.000971; Fcrit=6.591382) was statistically significant. Alterations in HDL-C (x2=17, p=0.000698, 95% CI: 2.1, 22.9) were significantly associated with CVD incidence. Among the predisposing factors, only hypertension [(x2=10, 95% CI: (3.6, 21.4), p=0.01853] was significantly associated with CVD incidence.
Conclusion: Coronary heart disease was a common CVD, and alterations in lipid profiles were observed among CVD patients, with LDL-C being the most abnormal. Among the predisposing factors, hypertension was the significant contributing risk factor to CVDs. Regular monitoring of lipid profiles is recommended, and patients should respect the advice of physicians to prevent long-term morbidity and further complications of the disease.
Outcomes of Allogeneic Haematopoietic Transplant for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia in the Modern Era
Authors: Hamad Nada , Barge Luani , Tran Steven , Kennedy Glen , Ritchie David , Gottlieb David , Milliken Samuel , Spencer Andrew , Purtill Duncan , Perera Travis , Doocey Richard , Larsen Stephen , Butler Andrew , Bardy Peter , Greenwood Matthew , Durrant Simon , Curley Cameron , Stewart Caroline , Tam Constantine , Balendran Shalini , Ciaccio Pietro Di , Patil Sushrut , Han Min-Hi
Published: March 2024

There is limited data on the use and outcomes of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) in the modern era of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) treatment. The aim of this study was to examine CLL transplant outcomes with a focus on patients exposed to pathway inhibitors (PI) prior to transplant.
Data was collected through the Australian and New Zealand Transplant and Cellular Therapy Registry for all patients who underwent HSCT for CLL between 01/2009-12/2018. Transplant outcomes were compared between 2009-2013 (n=94) and 2014-2018 (n=50). There was a significant reduction in non-relapse mortality (NRM) from 42% (95%CI 31-52%) to 23% (95% CI 12-35%, p=0.02) between the periods however overall survival (OS), progression free survival and relapse were unchanged. Within the 2014-2018 cohort there was no difference in baseline characteristics between PI exposed (n=22) and naïve patients however 3-year OS was inferior in PI exposed patients: 54% (95%CI 35-82) compared to 91% (95%CI 80-100; p=0.03). In multivariate analysis, complete remission at the time of HSCT was associated with improved OS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.54, 95%CI 1.04-6.18). Allogeneic HSCT remains a viable treatment option for selected patients with CLL however the finding of inferior OS in PI exposed patients requires further study.
Pulmonary rehabilitation for acute and stable COPD : a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Tzu-Ang , Mao Sheng-Ting , Chen Tzu-Tao , Yeh Yun-Kai , Chen Kuan-Yuan , Tseng Chien-Hua
Published: March 2024

Background Evidence for optimal timing of pulmonary rehabilitation initiation, especially during stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or following its acute exacerbation (AE), is conflicting.
Methods PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL were systematically searched from their inception until July 2022. The identified interventions were classified as single-component programs (endurance, resistance, and respiratory muscle training) and multi-component programs (combinations of these interventions). The revised risk-of-bias tool 2.0 was used to assess the risk of bias of the included studies. Network meta-analyses were performed separately for stable COPD and AECOPD using a random-effects model to calculate mean differences (MDs).
Results The analysis included 54 trials with 2,828 patients. For patients with stable COPD, multi-component rehabilitation programs combining endurance, resistance, and respiratory muscle training achieved the most significant improvements in the six-minute walk test (6 MWT) distance (MD, 72.09 m; 95% confidence interval [CI], 48.16–96.02) as compared to usual care. For patients with AECOPD, post-discharge initiation of rehabilitation with a combination of endurance and resistant training significantly reduced the readmission rate (odds ratio, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.21–0.91); conversely, pre-discharge initiation of rehabilitation with endurance training alone achieved the most significant improvements in both the readmission rate (odds ratio, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.01–0.56) and 6 MWT distance (MD, 167.69 m; 95% CI, 81.23–254.15).
Conclusion The integration of endurance, resistance, and respiratory muscle training led to notable enhancements in exercise capacity among patients with stable COPD. Additionally, prioritizing endurance training alone prior to discharge demonstrated the most favorable outcomes in both readmission rates and exercise capacity for patients with AECOPD, although further studies are warranted to validate these findings.
Trial registration: PROSPERO CRD42020153375
Dynamic Clinical Success Rates for Drugs in the 21st Century
Authors: Zhu Feng , Zhou Ying , Zhang Yintao , Chen Zhen , Huang Shijie , Li Yinghong , Fu Jianbo , Zhang Hongning , Zhao Donghai , Lian Xichen , Zhou Yuan , Shen Xinyi , Qiu Yunqing , Han Lianyi
Published: March 2024

In clinical drug development, two fundamental questions remain unanswered: what is the success rate of drugs in clinical trial? how does such rate change over time? Herein, a systematic analysis on the dynamic change of drugs’ clinical success rates (ClinSRs) using data from 20,398 clinical trial pipelines of 9,682 unique molecular entities during the past two decades was presented. Our analysis discovered that ClinSRs had been declining since the beginning of 21st century, and hit the bottom in recent years even substantially lower than previous estimates. In-depth assessments further reported great variation among the ClinSRs of various diseases, developmental strategies, and drug modalities. A platform ‘ClinSR.org’ (http://ClinSR.idrblab.org/) was finally constructed online to enable the illustration of how ClinSR dynamically changes over time, automated update of ClinSR for the coming decade, and customized calculation of ClinSRs for any drug group of interest. In sum, this study met the critical demand for accurate, timely and persistent assessment of ClinSR, for now and the future, to aid pharmaceutical and economic decision making.
Spatio-temporal modeling of lake’s ecosystem and dynamism in response to changing environment. A case study of L. Olbolossat in Kenya
Authors: Nyambane Janice Kemunto , Kimwatu Duncan Maina
Published: March 2024

Lakes’ ecosystems are vulnerable to environmental dynamisms prompted by natural processes and anthropogenic activities happening in catchment areas. The present study aimed at modeling the response of Lake Olbolossat ecosystem in Kenya to changing environment between 1992 to 2022, and its future scenario in 2030. The study used temperature, stream power index, rainfall, land use land cover, normalized difference vegetation index, slope and topographic wetness index as datasets. A GIS-ensemble modeling approach coupling the analytical hierarchical process and principal component analysis was used to simulate the lake’s extents between 1992–2022. Cellular Automata-Markov chain analysis was used to predict the lake extent in 2030. The results revealed that between 1992–2002, the lake extent shrunk by about 18%; between 2002–2012, the lake extent increased by about 13.58%; and between 2012–2022, the lake expanded by about 26%. The spatial temporal changes exhibited that the lake has been changing haphazardly depending on prevailing climatic conditions and anthropogenic activities. The comparison between the simulated and predicted lake extents in 2022 produced Kno, Klocation, KlocationStrata, Kstandard, and average index values of 0.80, 0.81, 1.0, 0.74, and 0.84, respectively, which ascertained good performance of generated prediction probability matrices. The predicted results exhibited there would be an increase in lake extent by about 13% by the year 2030. The research findings provide baseline information which would assist in protecting and conserving the lake Olbolossat ecosystem which is very crucial in promoting tourism activities and provision of water for domestic and commercial use in the region.
Modulation of gut microbiota composition due to early weaning stress induces depressive behavior during the juvenile period in mice
Authors: Kamimura Itsuka , Miyauchi Eiji , Takeuchi Tadashi , Tsuchiya Noriaki , Tamura Kanami , Uesugi Ayumi , Negishi Hiroki , Taida Takashi , Kato Tamotsu , Kawasumi Masami , Nagasawa Miho , Mogi Kazutaka , Ohno Hiroshi , Kikusui Takefumi
Published: March 2024

Background: The gut microbiota plays an important role in the development of behavior and immunity in infants and juveniles. Early weaning (EW), a form of social stress in mice, leads to increased anxiety and an enhanced stress response in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis during adulthood. Early life stress also modulates the immune system and increases vulnerability to infection. However, studies investigating the causal relationships among juvenile stress, microbiota changes, and immune and behavioral deficits are limited. Therefore, we hypothesized that EW alters gut microbiota composition and impairs the development of the nervous and immune systems.
Results: EW mice moved longer distances in the marble-burying test and had longer immobility times in the tail suspension test than normal weaning (NW) mice. In parallel, the gut microbiome composition differed between NW and EW mice, and the abundance of Erysipelotrichacea in EW mice at 8 weeks of age was lower than that in NW mice. In an empirical study, germ-free mice colonized with the gut microbiota of EW mice (GF-EW mice) demonstrated higher depressive behavior than GF mice colonized with normal weaning microbiota (GF-NW mice). Immune cell profiles were also affected by the EW microbiota colonization; the number of CD4+ T cells in the spleen was reduced in GF-EW mice.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that EW-induced alterations in the gut microbiota cause depressive behaviors and modulate the immune system.
Teachers’ Understanding of Learners Concerning Subject Science
Authors: Selpair Shweta
Published: March 2024

Science has been influential in our personal and social lives since ancient times. It gained formal recognition in educational institutions, becoming one of the most esteemed fields of study. Historically, it was predominantly practised by privileged white males, documented using exclusive language, and funded by powerful agencies. These circumstances significantly influenced societal dynamics, particularly among those involved in science education. Science not only shaped their perceptions of society but also impacted their interactions, particularly concerning gender dynamics, notably observed in teacher-student relationships within science classrooms. Thus, this paper explores science teachers working in the government school’s perspectives on its essence, its relevance in students' social lives, and its gender implications. They also ponder upon the effect of teachers’ gender on classroom interaction. The data was collected from science teachers (5 males and 5 females) through questionnaires posing open-ended questions. By looking at its conclusion it is safe to say that, this study presents a contrary outlook of male and female teachers on the matter of science learning.
Low Noise and Complexity Deep Learning Decoder for MIMO in image transmission for health System
Authors: MOHAMMED WALEED MAJEED , UÇAN Osman Nuri
Published: March 2024

The signals detections in MIMOs system under different noise channels is major challenges for researchers in this time. Hence, in this paper the deep learning (DL) techniques was used to optimize the noise effects and decrease the complexity of MIMO decoders. The computation complexities are straight relate to the numbers of node visit throughout the trees searches and the SNR ration. By use neural networks technique, the Deep Learning Detectors (DLD) were suggested. The DLDs methods detect signal transmit in any noise channels, afterward off-lines training phases. The detections processing of DLDs has low complexities than the averages decoder complexities, whereas exhibit respectable performances. The even more interested is a computation complexities of DLDs is constant crossways SNRs, in difference to the decoder detector, which have an exponent complexities crossways the SNRs. These constants complexity can be a useful in case of implement the detectors in training due to it can allows for improved optimizations of resource. To calculate the performances of our suggested methods we use a low levels simulators that generate a properly accurately models of a MIMOs systems with any noise channels under deep learning techniques.
Exploring the Plant Growth Promoting and Antifungal Potential of Endophytic and Rhizospheric fungi isolated from Litchi chinensis Sonn.: Metabolite profiling and Molecular characterization
Authors: Roy Amlan , Haloi Anuran , Kashyap Anurag , Gogoi Nirmali
Published: March 2024

The unique characteristics of Tezpur litchi varieties in terms of their size, quality, taste and relatively small seed size helped to recognize the Geographical Indication (GI) in 2014. The present study aimed to investigate the endophytic and rhizospheric fungal communities associated with Tezpur litchi (var. Bilati) for their plant growth-promoting (PGP) and biocontrol potential. Fungal isolates were evaluated for indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, phosphate solubilization activity (PSA), and antagonistic activity against the phytopathogen Alternaria alternata (MTCC 3880). The isolated fungi were found belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Colletotrichum, Fusarium, Penicillium, and Mycelia sterilia. Promising results were obtained for IAA production, with the highest values recorded at 179.25 ± 3 µg ml⁻¹ and 143.13 ± 3 µg ml⁻¹ by soil isolate SF32 and endophytic isolate BE23, respectively. All isolates exhibited varying degrees of PSA, with the highest value (3.44 ± 0.04 SI) observed in endophytic isolate LE07. Antifungal activity screening revealed significant inhibition of A. alternata by endophytic isolate BE14 (41.9 ± 1.4 mm zone of inhibition) and soil isolate SF32 (29.4 ± 0.8 mm). Subsequent molecular identification 18S ITS rDNA sequencing confirmed BE14 and SF32 as Penicillium citrinum and Aspergillus aculeatus, respectively. This study reports the association of P. citrinum in litchi and identifies the potential antifungal properties. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of the crude metabolite from P. citrinum revealed the presence of various functional groups, including alcohols, alkanes, and aromatic compounds. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis tentatively identified four major compounds: Succinic-acid-2,4,6-trichlorophenyl-3-methylbut-3-en-1-yl-ester, 1,5-but(3-cyclopentylpropoy)-1,1,3,3,5,5-hexamethyltrisiloxane, Hexamethyl-cyclotrisiloxane and Tris(tert-butyldimethylsilyloy)arsane. These findings suggest the presence of potentially bioactive metabolites with antifungal properties in P. citrinum. In conclusion, this study highlights the diverse fungal communities associated with Tezpur litchi and identifies potential candidates for promoting plant growth and managing fungal diseases through eco-friendly approaches. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying the observed PGP and biocontrol activities of these promising fungal isolates.
5,5′-Dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoicacid) Enhances the Freezing Resistance of Hydrated Lettuce Seeds under Programmed Cooling Treatment
Authors: Han Yingying , Wang Jie , Li Liangbo , Wang Xiuli , Li Weijie , Song Danping , Liu Baolin
Published: March 2024

The hydrolysis of globulins is supposedly involved in freezing tolerance of hydrated lettuce seeds. Considering that globulins are constituted by two subunits with S-S bonds, lettuce seeds was imbibed in the aqueous solution of 5,5′-Dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoicacid )(DTNB), the Ellman’s reagent which can react with free sulfhydryl side chain of cysteine to form an S-S bond between the protein and thionitrobenzoic acid (TNB) residue. According to this study, DTNB improved seed freezing tolerance, as shown by the greater viability of hydrated seeds under programmed cooling (-1°C min− 1-) treatment. Calorimetric study showed delayed ice formation in DTNB treatment upon programmed cooling (-22.0°C in DTNB-treated embryos vs -19.3°C in control embryos). Two-dimensional (Two-D) electrophoresis showed that DTNB promoted the de-polymerization of seed storage globulins in cooling treatment. The globulins and their hydrolyzed polypeptides were extracted and the ice formation mode of the polypeptides with different molecular weight was detected with differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), which indicated that the smaller peptides gave higher onset temperature of ice formation and higher enthalpy of heat release. The concentration of disulfides bond and sulfhydryl groups in globulins was detected which indicated that DTNB could promote the formation of sulfhydryl groups, and reduce the amount of disulfide bonds under programmed cooling treatment. Moreover, DTNB increased the hydroxyl radical scavenging rate, which indicated that DTNB promotes the anti-oxidation of hydrated seeds.
In vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Cucurbita Pepo on the Selected Bacterial Pathogen and Ethnobotanical Knowledge of the Community at Gara Muleta, Girawa, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Wolde Wondimagegn , Nasir Mohammed , Ataro Zerihun , Seyoum Ayichew
Published: March 2024

Background
In developing countries, 80% of the population use traditional medicine to meet their primary healthcare needs. Cucurbita pepo is a widely used food and medicinal plant as a natural anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and analgesic agent for treating various public health problems. This study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of Cucurbita Pepo on the selected bacterial pathogen and Ethnobotanical knowledge Methods: The study was conducted at Gara Muleta, Eastern Ethiopia from April 30 to May 30, 2020. Sixty experimental tests were performed to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of Cucurbita pepo seed extracts using three extraction methods (water-based, methanol-based, and chloroform) at different concentrations (higher, medium, and lower concentrations). An experimental study was carried out using three standard pathogenic bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli) using the disc diffusion and broth dilution techniques. A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out among 384 households in Girawa town to assess the ethnobotanical knowledge of the community regarding Cucurbita pepo.
Results
Water, methanol, and chloroform extracts of Cucurbita pepo seeds showed maximum inhibition zones of 9.0 mm, 12.0 mm, and 10.0 mm and minimum inhibitory concentrations of 18, 24, and 20 mg/mL, respectively, against P. aeruginosa. Of the 384 study participants, 376 (98.2%) of the participants had ethnobotanical knowledge of Cucurbita pepo seeds. However, 240 (62.5%) and 255 (66.4%) of the study participants had no information about the medical use and health benefits of Cucurbita pepo seeds, respectively.
Conclusion
The methanol and chloroform extracts of Cucurbita pepo seeds possessed notable antibacterial activity, but water extract showed no zone of inhibition against E. coli and S. aureus.
Simultaneous Estimation and Stability Indicating Method of Vildagliptin and Dapagliflozin by Rp-hplc in Pharmaceutical Dosage Form
Authors: Patel Bhavesh H. , Teraiya Nishit H.
Published: March 2024

Vildagliptin and Dapagliflozin drugs are used for the management of diabetes.The primary objective of the proposed research was to develop and validate analytical methods for simultaneous quantification of vildagliptin and dapagliflozin in pharmaceutical dosage form. Both the drugs were subjected to force degradation to ensure stability of pharmaceutical products.The HPLC method development was carried out on C18 column (250mm*4.6mm,5µm particle size). The chromatographic separation was achieved by isocratic mode with a mixture of Methanol: 0.01% Trifluoro acetic acid (pH-2.78) in the ratio of 95:05 % v/v as mobile phase. Flow rate was kept at 0.8 ml/min and selected wavelength for estimation was 210 nm. Stress testing with acid, alkaline, oxidative and thermal degradation was performed.
The retention time was found to be 2.282 min and 4.070 min for vildagliptin and dapagliflozin, respectively. The drugs response found to be linear with correlation coefficient value was nearly 0.999 for vildagliptin and dapagliflozin with linearity range of 10 – 60 µg/ml. The recoveries from studies were found to be 99.78% and 100.17% for vildagliptin and dapagliflozin respectively. LOD and LOQ were found to be lower, hence the method proved sensitivity. Method was validated as per ICH guideline Q2(R1).
Drugs had shown more degradation in oxidative condition, 10.62% and 13.52% for vildagliptin and dapagliflozin, respectively. The proposed method would be successfully applied for the stability indicating, impurity separation, qualitative and quantitative estimation of vildagliptin and dapagliflozin in pharmaceutical dosage form and in process quality control analysis.
Donor MHC-specific Thymus Vaccination for Immunocompatible Allotransplantation
Authors: Liu Yang , Feng Hexi , Li Ke , Li Ruiyi , Zhang Xiao-Jie , Tian Ye , Fang Yujiang , Zhou Yanjie , Liu Ling , Zhang Xiaoqing
Published: March 2024

Organ transplantation is the last-resort option to treat organ failure. However, less than 10% of patients benefit from this only option due to lack of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-matched donor organs and 25-80% of donated organs could not find MHC-matched recipients. T cell allorecognition is the principal mechanism for allogeneic graft rejection. We herein present a “donor MHC-specific thymus vaccination” (DMTV) strategy to induce T cell tolerance to both autologous and allogeneic donor MHC. Allogeneic MHC molecules were expressed in the recipient thymus through adeno-associated virus infection, which led to stable expression of allogeneic MHC together with the autologous MHC in the engineered thymus. During local T cell education, those T cells recognizing either autologous MHC or allogeneic MHC were equally depleted. We constructed C57BL/6-MHC and BALB/c-MHC dual immunocompatible mice via thymus vaccination of C57BL/6-MHC into the BALB/c thymus and observed long-term tolerance after transplantation of C57BL/6 skin and C57BL/6 mouse embryonic stem cells into the vaccinated BALB/c mice. We also validated our DMTV strategy in a bone marrow, liver, thymus (BLT)-humanized mouse model for immunocompatible allotransplantation of human embryonic stem cells. Our study suggests that DMTV is a potent avenue to introduce a donor compatible immune system in recipients, which overcomes the clinical dilemma over the extreme shortage of MHC-matched donor organs for treating patients with end-stage organ failure.
To Mica With Love
Authors: Fearon Stephanie
Published: March 2024

A growing body of research exploring the lives of Black Canadian students largely focuses on achievement and disciplinary outcomes. Such scholarship centers the negative experiences of Black boys, overlooking the quotidian lives of Black Canadian girls in public schools. The lack of educational research engaging Black Canadian girls hinders scholars, educators, and communities from fully reimagining schools for liberation. Drawing from literature and personal stories, this arts-informed autoethnography investigates how I partnered with three Black Canadian girls to reconceptualize their role in research processes. The study relied on disability critical race theory (DisCrit), Black feminist notions of homeplace, and Endarkened storywork to share and analyze narratives of Black girl leadership and innovation. The study revealed how Black researchers and Black Canadian girls used the arts, storytelling, and space to reimagine research processes as homeplace. The study emphasized the need for scholars to engage in research that uphold marginalized Black girls as producers and leaders striving for social change.
New Suns
Authors: Foster Parker
Published: March 2024

Among methods to engage youth in critical reflection processes, youth participatory action research (YPAR) is an emerging initiative, particularly with Black girls. While there are several published accounts of YPAR with Black students and YPAR with girls, there are few publications documenting YPAR with Black girls. This manuscript articulates the importance of centering Black girls in YPAR studies, outlining the benefits with a focus on punitive school discipline policies, issuing a call for more intentional inclusion and consideration of their needs with a goal of dismantling sexist and racist educational policies.
The Mysterious in the Book of Daniel: An updated understanding of an ancient visionary
Authors: BUTT Aviva
Published: March 2024

The biblical Book of Daniel (twelve chapters) is largely written in Kurdish Aramaic. One wonders why. This study offers a partial comparison of Chapters Seven and Eight ; it omits the latter half of each chapter, the chronicling of the Succession of Kings. Both chapters focus on some issues in the account of ancient visions of the Creation: the creation of human beings and the creation of the Temple site in Urshalīm al-Kuds. The source of this tradition is not dealt with. Both chapters are indicative of the traditions and beliefs governing the period of the building of the First Temple in the life of the King of Kings Suleimān (pen-name: Shlomo) and up to the time of the conquest of Judah (Judea) by the Chaldean King of Kings, Nebūchadnezzar King of Babylon. The northern province of the Kingdom of Israel had already been conquered by the Assyrians, and their fate needs to be further investigated. The ultimate objective of this research within a broader project is to show that the provincial First Temple was governed jointly by both proto-Kurds, such as Medians together with tribal notables of the Kingdom of Israel.
The Book of Daniel and the Appearance of Angels
Authors: BUTT Aviva
Published: March 2024

The biblical Book of Daniel is an epic and chronicle telling of the Succession of Kings in the Middle East after the Babylonian conquest of UrShalīm al-Kuds. It is narrated by “Daniel” who has a cyclic existence as a visionary who first supports the Babylonian King of Kings, and later Darius the Mede, the Median King of Kings. Important to this discussion on angels is the appearance of a divine being arguably a “proto-angel.” The rabbinic redactors of Daniel’s narrative, twelve chapters written down and recorded, describe but do not mention the name of the proto-angel arguably “Sraosha.” Sraosha as understood in this study is a divine being known to us through Mazdaism. The two angels Michael and Gabriel known to early Judaism are not clothed or otherwise described, and it is not until Daniel supports Darius the Mede that Daniel’s vision presents Gabriel as a “personage” who “flies.”
Drug Repurposing in CNS and Clinical Trials: Recent Achievements and Perspectives Focusing on Epilepsy and Related Comorbidities
Authors: Machado Parreira Gabriela , Pinheiro de Oliveira Antonio Carlos , Oliveira Guarnieri Leonardo de , Pinto Vieira Rafael
Published: March 2024

Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders are a massive burden on the global
health system, including a broad range of clinical conditions, such as epilepsies,
depression, dementia, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. Permanent efforts are
being made to find early, non-invasive, and effective diagnostic methods, as well as
efficient and safe drug-based treatments for CNS conditions. Nevertheless, many
patients displaying these clinical conditions still face the lack of an effective
pharmacotherapy to cure the diseases or at least to properly control the progression of
symptoms. Currently, epilepsies present an estimated prevalence of 0.5%–1%
worldwide, and around 30% of the patients remain refractory to the available drug
treatment. The comorbidities that affect epileptic patients, such as cognitive
impairment and depression, are major public health challenges. This scenario
highlights the urgent need for approving new therapeutic tools for CNS diseases. A
successful development process of a new compound presenting therapeutic potential
can range up to 20 years and cost hundreds of millions of US dollars, from the initial
characterization of the in vitro chemical and biological properties until clinical trials.
Additionally, drug development has a low success rate in the case of CNS conditions.
In this context, drug repurposing (or drug repositioning, DR) is an alternative way to
reduce the cost and accelerate the process of a drug-based treatment approach since it
identifies a novel clinical application for an existing compound already approved for a
distinct indication. In the present chapter, we aim to describe recent outcomes of DR aiming at CNS pathological conditions, especially discussing the recent clinical trials
and their impacts on future endeavors in the search for the management of epilepsies
and related comorbidities.
Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Interventions on Mindfulness and Stress Symptoms for Cancer Patients: A Quantitative Assessment
Authors: Tseng Ampere
Published: March 2024

The aim of this article is to provide a quantitative assessment of the correlation between heightened mindfulness and stress reduction among cancer patients and survivors who engaged in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) interventions. Utilizing data from eight studies, we conducted quantitative analyses to provide the effectiveness scores of MBSR interventions on mindfulness, assessed using the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and stress symptoms, evaluated through standardized self-reported questionnaires. The effectiveness scores are standardized as percentages relative to baseline (pre-intervention) levels, which allows for the comparison of two variables: mindfulness and perceived stress, on a common scale, facilitating a regression analysis to generate a correlation trendline. The findings reveal that MBSR interventions yielded an average increase in mindfulness levels of 7.93%, with a standard deviation of 4.97%, while concurrently reducing stress or stress-like symptoms by an average of 22.58%, with a standard deviation of 8.77%. Subsequent linear regression analyses were performed on these effectiveness metrics to establish a correlation trendline, demonstrating a robust negative correlation between mindfulness and stress among cancer patients and survivors. In conclusion, MBSR interventions are effective in enhancing mindfulness and alleviating stress or stress-like symptoms in cancer patients and survivors. This finding suggests a causal relationship between mindfulness and stress reduction, endorsing the integration of MBSR as a complementary therapy for cancer management.
Management of Posttraumatic Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak with Secondary Diffuse Pneumocephalus Complicated by Meningitis and Communicating Hydrocephalus – Illustrative Case Report
Authors: Strautmane Sintija , Balodis Arturs , Smidrovskis Klavs , Auslands Kaspars
Published: March 2024

Rhinorrhea is a possible complication after different types of traumatic brain injury or neurosurgical procedures, such as skull base operations. Pneumocephalus is a rarely noted complication after severe traumatic brain injury, and it may be accompanied by meningitis and ventriculitis, especially when treatment has been delayed. Treatment of these entities includes conservative and surgical approaches. Pneumocephalus may result in neurologic disturbances threatening a life. Therefore, active patient management with a multidisciplinary team is required to prevent poor outcomes. In the literature, limited cases of rhinorrhea and pneumocephalus are available, including in our country. Pneumocephalus may also occur spontaneously. In 2015, Pishbin et al. identified 10 cases of spontaneous pneumocephalus. The precise incidence of diffuse pneumocephalus after traumatic brain injury is unknown, reported as <1% of cases with rare complications. In this case, a 41-year-old male patient presented at a tertiary university hospital with the chief complaint of headache. A month prior to admission, the patient was discharged from another hospital with multiple skull and facial fractures, pneumocephalus, and traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage in the left frontal lobe due to fights (Le Fort III). During the second hospitalization, the patient’s clinical status deteriorated. A repeated brain CT demonstrated diffuse pneumocephalus. Rhinorrhea was still present. The external lumbal drainage procedure was performed without stopping the cerebrospinal fluid leak. In children, pediatric inferior turbinate hypertrophy is a frequent cause of nasal breathing difficulties. In this case, no such hypertrophy was observed. It should be considered a nasal obstructive disease not necessarily related to adult entities, frequently associated with other nasal or craniofacial disorders. Early diagnosis and endoscopic management of rhinorrhea, nasal obstruction, and associated complications is vital, as delays can lead to life-threatening issues like hydrocephalus/meningitis. Eventually, the patient developed meningitis and acute communicating hydrocephalus. Right ventriculostomy with a programmable ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement was done (pressure 110 cm H2O), stopping the rhinorrhea. This is an extremely rare case where a patient, after cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, develops severe complications, including pneumocephalus, meningitis, ventriculitis, and acute communicating hydrocephalus. In the literature, we did not come across case reports presenting all the complications as in this case. This case report will raise knowledge and awareness of such entities, adding to the rare, similar cases reported so far.
Correlación entre los fenómenos que gobiernan la transformación poscosecha del cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) y la formación del sabor y aroma en el chocolate
Authors: Santander Muñoz Margareth , Rodríguez Cortina Jader , Vaillant Fabrice , Escobar Parra Sebastian
Published: March 2024

La transformación de las semillas de cacao no ha sido investigada de manera controlada en función de su optimización. Su estudio permitiría conocer las condiciones más favorables para que se generen los precursores claves que iniciden en la formación del flavor en el chocolate. El objetivo de este fue correlacionar el posible efecto de fenómenos asociados a la transformación de las semillas de cacao, sobre atributos de calidad en el chocolate
Caracterización de ácidos grasos en carne de bovinos cebados en un sistema de producción Silvopastoril en el Valle del Sinú
Authors: Mestra Vargas Lorena , Burgos Paz William , Barragán Hernández Wilson A. , Medina Herrera Diego A. , Mejía Luquez Jorge A
Published: March 2024

La carne es considerada un alimento de alto valor nutricional debido a sus concentraciones de ácidos grasos poliinsaturados (PUFA) y ácido linoleico conjugado (CLA), los cuales son esenciales para el mantenimiento de la salud y prevención de enfermedades. El manejo de las fuentes de alimentación de animales durante su crecimiento puede orientarse en favor de mejores per les de ácidos grasos en la carne
Dietas artificiales como suplemento alimenticio en la cría de Anovia punica (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae)
Authors: Campos Patiño Yenifer , Kondo Takumasa
Published: March 2024

El coccinélido Anovia punica Gordon (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) es un e ciente controlador biológico de Crypticerya multicicatrices Kondo y Unruh (Hemiptera: Monophlebidae) en Colombia continental y en la isla de San Andrés. Debido a que A. punica es un depredador voraz, es difícil proveer un constante suministro de presas vivas para mantener una cría masiva de este enemigo natural. El objetivo de esta investigación fue buscar una alternativa para alimentar al coccinélido mediante dietas artificiales y disminuir su dependencia en presas vivas
Converge or Collide? Making Sense of a Plethora of Open Data Standards in Health Care
Authors: Tsafnat Guy , Dunscombe Rachel , Gabriel Davera , Grieve Grahame , Reich Christian
Published: March 2024

Practitioners of digital health are familiar with disjointed data environments that often inhibit effective communication among different elements of the ecosystem. This fragmentation leads in turn to issues such as inconsistencies in services versus payments, wastage, and notably, care delivered being less than best-practice. Despite the long-standing recognition of interoperable data as a potential solution, efforts in achieving interoperability have been disjointed and inconsistent, resulting in numerous incompatible standards, despite the widespread agreement that fewer standards would enhance interoperability. This paper introduces a framework for understanding health care data needs, discussing the challenges and opportunities of open data standards in the field. It emphasizes the necessity of acknowledging diverse data standards, each catering to specific viewpoints and needs, while proposing a categorization of health care data into three domains, each with its distinct characteristics and challenges, along with outlining overarching design requirements applicable to all domains and specific requirements unique to each domain.
Effectiveness of One Videoconference-Based Exposure and Response Prevention Session at Home in Adjunction to Inpatient Treatment in Persons With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Nonrandomized Study (Preprint)
Authors: Voderholzer Ulrich , Meule Adrian , Koch Stefan , Pfeuffer Simone , Netter Anna-Lena , Lehr Dirk , Zisler Eva Maria
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Therapist-guided exposure and response prevention (ERP) for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is frequently conducted within clinical settings but rarely at places where patients are usually confronted with OCD symptom-provoking situations in daily life (eg, at home).

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate patients’ views on 1 ERP session at home via videoconference and its impact on treatment outcome.

METHODS

A total of 64 inpatients with OCD received 1 session of therapist-guided videoconference-based ERP at home in adjunction to a multimodal inpatient treatment between 2015 and 2020.

RESULTS

Compared with 64 age- and sex-matched controls who received a multimodal inpatient treatment without 1 session of videoconference-based ERP at home, patients who received 1 session of videoconference-based ERP in adjunction to a multimodal inpatient treatment showed stronger reductions in OCD symptom severity from admission to discharge. Before the videoconference-based ERP session, patients reported high rationale credibility and treatment expectancy. After the videoconference-based ERP session, patients reported medium-to-high positive mood as well as depth and smoothness of the session, and they perceived the working alliance as high.

CONCLUSIONS

Results highlight the importance of administering therapist-guided ERP sessions in patients’ natural environment to enhance treatment response in OCD. Videoconference-based ERP as add-on to treatment as usual is, therefore, a promising approach to facilitate the application of ERP in patients’ natural environment and foster the generalization of ERP conducted in clinical settings.
Bridging the AI Gap: Evaluation of the AI 4 Healthcare Learning Modules as a Tool for Medical Students (Preprint)
Authors: Gervase Julietta , Dicker Adam , Nazha Aziz
Published: March 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

Machine Learning (ML) or Artificial Intelligence (AI) concepts are not taught in most medical school curricula. However, as the landscape of healthcare changes to include more ML- and AI-based tools to support clinical decision-making, doctors will require a basic understanding of ML and AI concepts to provide patient care practically and ethically using these tools. To better understand how students learn about these concepts today, we recruited 34 current medical student participants to complete an online course through AI4Healthcare.org. This organization provides introductory courses about ML and AI that are targeted toward the medical audience. We surveyed participants before and after the course to characterize their motivations, approaches, and format preferences for learning about basic ML and AI concepts. We found that participants were motivated by personal interest and career planning, and they preferred flexible, interactive formats for learning this material. However, we also observed that an unexpectedly small percentage of the intended medical student audience enrolled in this study. Ultimately, this underscores a critical discontent in current medical education: the authors see learning about AI and ML as potentially career-changing, but only a small percentage of medical students are opting into extracurricular AI-related learning opportunities. If it is imperative for medical students and future physicians to adapt by learning essential AI skills, failing to integrate such content into the standard medical school curriculum may place the majority of students at a significant disadvantage in the long run.
A Series of Personalized Melatonin Supplement Interventions for Poor Sleep: Feasibility Randomized Crossover Trial for Personalized N-of-1 Treatment (Preprint)
Authors: Butler Mark J. , Chandereng Thevaa , Ahn Heejoon , D’Angelo Stefani , Miller Danielle , Perrin Alexandra , Rodillas Jordyn , Friel Ciaran P. , Goodwin Ashley M. , Cheung Ying Kuen , Davidson Karina W.
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Poor sleep (defined by short sleep duration or poor quality) is a common condition with potential serious health consequences. Exogeneous melatonin supplements have been found to effectively improve poor sleep but have also been shown to have heterogeneity of treatment effects (HTEs) between individuals. Personalized N-of-1 trials, in which each participant is the unit of analysis, are ideal for identifying whether a treatment with high HTE is beneficial for each individual patient.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a series of personalized N-of-1 trials of melatonin for poor sleep.

METHODS

This study consisted of 60 digital, personalized N-of-1 crossover trials comparing the effects of 3.0mg and 0.5mg of melatonin versus placebo for poor sleep with randomization to 1 of 2 orders. The trial was comprised of a 2-week baseline period and a 12-week intervention period. The primary outcomes were usability of the personalized trial system (measured using the System Usability Scale [SUS]) and participant satisfaction with the trial. Effectiveness outcomes included sleep duration (measured using a Fitbit activity tracker) and sleep quality (measured using the consensus sleep diary [CSD]).

RESULTS

Participants rated the usability of the personalized trial as acceptable (average SUS score=76.3 [standard deviation (SD)=17.1]), and 96% (55/57) of those who completed satisfaction surveys stated that they would recommend the trial to others. Importantly, indices of HTE were low for 3.0mg and 0.5mg doses of melatonin, indicating that the effect of these treatments on sleep duration and sleep quality did not substantially vary between participants and that averaged treatment responses are appropriate. Averaged participant sleep duration did not significantly differ between the 3.0mg (P=0.7) and 0.5mg (P=0.9) melatonin intervention periods and the baseline period. Additionally, regression models did not show differences between different levels of melatonin and placebo periods for sleep duration or quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Participant ratings of the usability of and satisfaction with this series of personalized N-of-1 trials of melatonin for sleep suggest these trials are both feasible and acceptable. However, our results show that melatonin supplements did not significantly improve sleep duration or sleep quality. Further, the treatment effects’ lack of heterogeneity between participants suggests that future use of N-of-1 trials of melatonin for poor sleep is not needed.
Managing Staff Diversity for Effective Secondary School Management in Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: A.G. OSSAI, , G.I. OYIBOKURE,
Published: March 2024

This study investigated the management of staff diversity for effective management of secondary schools in Delta State. It was a descriptive survey. The population consisted of all Delta State high school principals. A sample of 250 respondents (150 men and 100 women) was selected. The study was guided by two research questions and two hypotheses. A researcher-designed instrument called the Employee Diversity Management Questionnaire (EDMQ) was used to collect data. The instrument was verified by experts. The reliability index determined for the instrument using Cronbach Alpha was 0.78. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while the Z-test was used to analyze the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Among other things, the findings of the study revealed that there are certain strategies for managing age and gender diversity for effective management of public secondary schools and that both male and female school principals do not differ in their strategies for managing age and gender diversity. Based on the findings, it was recommended, among other things, that the government formulate policies to guide school administrators in managing diversity among teachers, and that the Ministry of Education and other relevant authorities organize training programs for school administrators.
Estrategia para analizar problemas funcionales
Authors: Macedo Chagolla Fernando
Published: March 2024

Esta obra estudia a detalle las competencias judiciales, la jerarquía establecida que ayuda a mejorar la calidad en la especialización profesional de quienes dicen el derecho a través de diversos tipos de resoluciones, dando así competencia para resolver controversias, sin dejar de lado la protección a los sujetos pasivos de la función judicial, ya que la imparcialidad y objetividad deben ser el sello que marca el sentido de sus fallos, en caso de no ser así analizaremos las figuras necesarias para dar equilibrio a la relación entre quienes participan, logrando revertir cualquier tipo de abuso respecto del ejercicio de funciones públicas a través de instancias superiores