bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the taxonomy of the genus Sarothroceras Mabille, 1889 (Erebidae: Calpinae)
Authors: Takano Hitoshi , Volynkin Anton V.
Published: February 2024

The taxonomy of the genus Sarothroceras Mabille, 1889 currently containing only the type species S. banaka (Plötz, 1880) and its four junior synonyms is revised. Sarothroceras alluaudi Mabille, 1889, stat. rev. is re-established as a valid species based on external and genitalia morphology as well as barcode data, and S. sordidus Rothschild, 1896 syn. rev. is synonymised with it. Diagnostic characters to separate the two species are provided together with illustrations of adults as well as male and female genitalia.
Deep Learning for Automatic Diagnosis of Skin Cancer Using Dermoscopic Images
Authors: S. Rama Krishna  , V Karthik Raj , Gudur Anand , Jain Siddharth , Deivasigamani Shanmugavel , Tiwari Mohit , Venkatesan K. G. S.
Published: February 2024

Over the past few years, the healthcare industry has seen a dramatic increase in the use of intelligent automation enabled by AI technology. These developments are made to better the standard of medical decision making and the standard of treatment given to patients. Fuzzy boundaries, shifting sizes, and aberrations like hair or ruler lines all provide difficulties for automatic detection of skin lesions in dermoscopic images, slowing down the otherwise efficient process of diagnosing skin cancer. However, these difficulties may be conquered by employing image processing software. To address these issues, the authors of this paper provide a novel IMLT-DL model for intelligent dermoscopic image processing. Multi-level thresholding and deep learning are brought together in this model. Top hat filtering and inpainting have been included into IMLT-DL for use in image processing. In addition, Mayfly Optimization has been used in tandem with multilayer Kapur's thresholding to identify specific trouble spots. For further investigation, it uses an Inception v3-based feature extractor, and for data classification, it makes use of gradient boosting trees (GBTs). On the ISIC dataset, this model was shown to outperform state-of-the-art alternatives by a margin of 0.992% over the duration of trial iterations. These advances are a major step forwards in the quest for faster and more accurate skin lesion detection.
Glucagon: Physiological and Pharmacological Functions and Pathophysiological Significance in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kitamura Tadahiro
Published: February 2024

Glucagon has many functions, including the promotion of hepatic glucose production, fatty acid oxidation, thermogenesis, energy consumption, lipolysis, and myocardial contraction, as well as the suppression of lipogenesis, appetite, and gastrointestinal motility. However, it remains unclear which of these functions are physiological and which are pharmacological. Research on glucagon has lagged behind research on insulin because cross-reactivity with glucagon-related peptides in plasma has hindered the development of an accurate measurement system for glucagon. We recently developed a new glucagon sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that is more specific and more sensitive to glucagon than the currently used measurement systems. The new sandwich ELISA is expected to contribute to personalized medicine for diabetes through its use in clinical examinations, the diagnosis of the pathophysiological condition of individual diabetes patients, and the choice of a treatment strategy. Efforts are continuing to develop glucagon/glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor dual agonists to improve obesity and fatty liver by enhancing glucagon’s appetite-suppressing and lipolysis- and thermogenesis-promoting effects. Thus, glucagon is expected to be applied to new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies based on a more accurate understanding of its functions.
New data on the distribution of the Vipera ammodytes (Linnaeus, 1758) mitochondrial lineages place their contact zone in western Bulgaria
Authors: Dyugmedzhiev Angel , Andonov Kostadin , Hristov Georgi , Borissov Simeon
Published: February 2024

Molecular studies have outlined several mitochondrial lineages of Vipera ammodytes, but the limits of their distribution ranges remain unclear due to limited sampling throughout the vast range of the species. One particularly understudied area is the Eastern Balkan Peninsula where at least three lineages occur, showing ranges that may be partly overlapping. We used two mitochondrial markers (cytb and ND2) to unveil mtDNA distribution patterns based on vipers from 31 localities across Bulgaria. Our results confirmed the presence of the north-eastern (NE) and the south-eastern (SE) mitochondrial clade in Bulgaria, the latter being represented by its southern (S) and eastern (E) subclades. Among the sampled localities, two were suspected to be potential contact zones between these mtDNA lineages based on old morphology-derived distributional records. The NE clade was absent from both potential contact zones. However, our data showed that in western Bulgaria, populations of this clade establish contact with populations of the E subclade in at least one area, and also come close to contact with populations of the S subclade. These results indicate the need for more detailed research in the potential areas of contact in western Bulgaria, integrating morphological data with extensive mitochondrial and nuclear DNA-sampling to better understand the phylogeographic patterns of intraspecific differentiation in V. ammodytes.
Three novel species of Aquapteridospora (Distoseptisporales, Aquapteridosporaceae) from freshwater habitats in Tibetan Plateau, China
Authors: Xu Rong-Ju , Li Jun-Fu , Zhou De-Qun , Boonmee Saranyaphat , Zhao Qi , Chen Ya-Ya
Published: February 2024

During an investigation of lignicolous freshwater fungi in the Tibetan Plateau, three Aquapteridospora taxa were collected from freshwater habitats in Xizang, China. The new species possess polyblastic, sympodial, denticles conidiogenous cells and fusiform, septate, with or without sheath conidial, that fit within the generic concept of Aquapteridospora, and multi-gene phylogeny placed these species within Aquapteridospora. Detailed morphological observations clearly demarcate three of these from extant species and are hence described as new taxa. The multi-gene phylogeny of the combined LSU, TEF1-α, and ITS sequence data to infer phylogenetic relationships and discuss phylogenetic affinities with morphologically similar species. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses, three new species viz. A. linzhiensis, A. yadongensis, and A. submersa are introduced. Details of asexual morphs are described, and justifications for establishing these new species are also provided in this study.
Tamoxifen Induces Major Topographical Changes Mimicking Post-LASIK Ectasia: A Case Report
Authors: Hafezi Farhad , Lu Nan-Ji , Hillen Mark , Torres-Netto Emilio A. , Langenegger Marco , Goldblum David , Tandogan Tamer
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

To describe a patient who developed major topographical changes mimicking post-laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) ectasia during breast cancer treatment with tamoxifen.

Methods:

Case report and literature review.

Results:

A 36-year-old woman who had had 10 years of stable vision after LASIK surgery was diagnosed as having breast cancer 6 months before presentation. As therapy, the patient received tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator. After the initiation of therapy, the patient experienced rapidly decreasing vision in her left eye. Assessment of corneal tomography showed marked steepening with irregular astigmatism, leading to the diagnosis of postoperative ectasia in the left eye. After 3 months of treatment with tamoxifen, the anterior cornea showed marked flattening again and improvement of corrected distance visual acuity, both of which were maintained at the 6-month follow-up visit.

Conclusions:

Serum estrogen level changes during breast cancer treatment may induce major topographical changes, mimicking postoperative ectasia after LASIK.

[
Journal of Refractive Surgery Case Reports.
2024;4(1):e20–e23.]
Gompertz models with periodical treatment and applications to prostate cancer
Authors: Schultz Leonardo , Gondim Antonio , Ruan Shigui
Published: February 2024

In this paper, Gompertz type models are proposed to understand the temporal tumor volume behavior of prostate cancer when a periodical treatment is provided. Existence, uniqueness, and stability of periodic solutions are established. The models are used to fit the data and to forecast the tumor growth behavior based on prostate cancer treatments using capsaicin and docetaxel anticancer drugs. Numerical simulations show that the combination of capsaicin and docetaxel is the most efficient treatment of prostate cancer.
DORMITORY ENVIRONMENT, LEARNING ENGAGEMENT, AND COLLEGE STUDENTS’ MENTAL HEALTH: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF SURVEY DATA FROM 45 UNIVERSITIES IN CHINA
Authors: Huang Wenya , Liu Wanting , Zeng Min , Zheng Zhenhua
Published: February 2024

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, this research aimed to explore the relationship between dormitory environment, learning engagement, and mental health among college students, with a special focus on college students of different gender groups. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of students from 45 universities in China. For mental health, we tested students for depression using the 5-Item WHO Well-Being Index (WHO-5). The dormitory environment is exemplified by a typical four-person dormitory layout in China, which is assessed in four main areas: site location, functional layout, maintenance management, and view from the window. Meanwhile, we examined the relationship between mental health and the dormitory environment using learning engagement as a mediating variable. We found that the dormitory environment positively influences college students’ mental health through the mediating role of learning engagement. We found gender differences in mental health among Chinese college students. The mental health of male students was better than that of female students. More importantly, we found differences in the influence of dormitory environment on the mental health of college students in different gender groups. In the dormitory environment-learning engagement pathway, the influence was more pronounced for male students. In the learning engagement—mental health pathway, the total and indirect effects were more substantial for women than for men. As our study took place during the epidemic, the examination of the relationship between dormitory environment and college students’ mental health in this study will also inspire college administrators to pay more attention to the dormitory environment and support the development of public health policies to promote college students’ mental health. We encourage further research on the relationship between dormitory environment and college students’ mental health, which will promote the greening of college dormitories and improve college students’ mental health.
Der Buchdruck und die Trivialität der Aufklärung. Das Beispiel Zeitung
Authors: Kos Dejan
Published: February 2024

Das frühneuzeitliche Zeitungswesen veränderte die gesellschaftlichen Konstruktionen der Wirklichkeit in trivialisierender Art und Weise. Durch standesübergreifende Erschließung des empirischen und historischen Wissens wird die Welt als objektivierbarer, auf dem Postulat der Widerspruchslosigkeit begründeter Kausalnexus modelliert, deren Sinnhaftigkeit im autonom gedachten Beobachter legitimiert wird. So werden die aufklärerischen Kategorien der Erfahrung, der Vernunft, der Freiheit, der Kausalität und der Teleologie präfiguriert, die nicht nur auf bestimmbare, atemporale und voraussagbare Denkprozesse, sondern auch auf die systematische Ausblendung der eigenen Aporien hinauslaufen.
Africa and the Global Video Games Industry
Authors: Amoah Lloyd G. Adu , Tawia Eyram
Published: February 2024

This chapter provides a state-of-the art account(their creation, logics and play) of video games in Africa by explicating its ties, tensions and possibilities vis-à-vis the wider global video games industry. This explanation is rendered through a critical examination of vital elements such as policies, key actors, knowledge capabilities, institutions, investments, history, business, technology, and cultural economy by drawing on the evolution and growth of the African video games space in the last twenty years.
COVID-19 and the Practice of Digital Diplomacy in Ghana
Authors: Aboagye Josephine , Nunoo Isaac
Published: February 2024

This chapter examines the practice of digital diplomacy in Ghana during the COVID-19 pandemic. The chapter analyses how diplomatic activities were conducted, the challenges encountered during the pandemic and what the future looks like for digital diplomacy in Ghana. The study also tests whether COVID-19 increased the use of technology and digital diplomacy in Ghana. Using the mixed method approach, the findings reveal that COVID-19 increased digital diplomacy and the use of digital platforms in Ghana. Some of the challenges encountered were institutional challenges, internet issues and lack of privacy. The study also reveals that the future of digital diplomacy in Ghana is promising and a combination of traditional and digital diplomacy would enhance Ghana's diplomacy.
Digitalisation of Banking as a Catalyst for Inter-Country Money Transfers in Africa
Authors: Gwala Ranson Sifiso , Mashau Pfano
Published: February 2024

The purpose of this research was to examine how banking digitalisation acts as a catalyst for money transfers and economic development between countries of origin and country of labour migration in Africa. This chapter used desktop research to understand how improvements in banking digitalisation using different platforms is transforming African movement of money and saving money senders a lot of money and time in inter account transfers. M-PESA; Mukuru, supermarket money market transfers, bank transfers have been dominant FinTech innovations transforming and improving quality of life and fostering financial inclusion within the African continent and diaspora. This chapter aids in understanding how digitalisation assists ordinary citizens, especially the poor who need to save every rand or dollar that they can save in order to make meaningful change in their lives and the lives of their loved ones anywhere in Africa and the world under these trying post-COVID 19 economic conditions.
Utilization of Industry 4.0 Technologies in Nigerian Technical and Vocational Education
Authors: George Williams Kennedy , Silas Edidiong Isonguyo , Pandey Digvijay , Pandey Binay Kumar
Published: February 2024

Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) play a pivotal role in preparing the Nigerian workforce for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy. In the wake of the Fourth Industrial Revolution 4.0, the integration of digital competencies in TVET programs has become imperative. This chapter explores the strategies and approaches to foster digital competencies in Nigeria's TVET by leveraging Industrial Revolution 4.0 as an enabling technology. The chapter presents the context of the historical evolution of industry 4.0, its components, design principles, main characteristics, and the TVET approach in Nigeria. Emphasizing the urgency of aligning TVET programs with Industrial Revolution 4.0 requirements, the chapter presents best practices that illustrate successful models of incorporating digital competencies into vocational training. The chapter examines the existing challenges and gaps in integrating digital skills into TVET curriculum in Nigeria, addressing issues related to infrastructure, funding, policy frameworks, and inclusivity. The chapter discusses the role of stakeholders such as government bodies, educational institutions, industry partners, and international organizations in facilitating the implementation of Industrial Revolution 4.0-driven initiatives in Nigerian TVET. Furthermore, the chapter offers actionable recommendations for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders to collaboratively design and implement strategies for integrating Industrial Revolution 4.0 technologies into Nigeria's TVET landscape. By doing so, it advocates for a more agile and future-ready workforce capable of harnessing the transformative power of digital technologies in the Nigerian context.
Ecotourism and Economic Growth
Authors: Riaz Ahsan , Raza Hamad , Gharleghi Behrooz , Riaz Nimra
Published: February 2024

There is increasing interest in the intersection of ecotourism and economic growth due to recent attention and potential collaborations. The primary goal of this study is to uncover and emphasize the fundamental discoveries and perspectives present in the current body of literature concerning ecotourism and economic growth. The approach employed for conducting this review adheres to the PRISMA statement, while VOS-Viewer software was utilized for executing bibliometric analysis. A thorough exploration of academic sources, i.e., Scopus, employed varied keyword combinations. This effort led to the identification of 3546 records and subsequent assessment of titles, abstracts, and full texts, including 542 pertinent studies for analysis, covering the period from 2005 to 2023. The findings reveal vital insights into how ecotourism contributes to economic growth, underpinning sustainable development goals. This study captures the essence of a comprehensive investigation of the interplay between ecotourism and economic growth, offering valuable insights for researchers, and policymakers.
Tourist Consumption Values
Authors: Abrar Muhammad , Khan Ahmad Sohail , Ahmad Bashir
Published: February 2024

People's lifestyles have transformed as a result of the advancement of civilization and changes in society. Numerous people are beginning to augment their spiritual and everyday lives by learning about cultural practices and the natural world, and they are prepared to invest more time in preparing trips for various knowledgeable and perceptual leisure activities to de-stress themselves. Ecotourism is booming as a nature-focused, competitive and sustainable form of tourism. There is a need to document tourist consumption values and their significance in ecotourism. Moreover, the impact of tourist's consumption values on the destination and activity choice is crucial. These values are helpful in the promotion and marketing of destinations. Destination marketers can tailor their messages to better align with the interests and values of their intended tourists. Policymakers may also utilize this information to create sustainable tourism plans and control how tourism affects the environment and the local community.
The Future of World Tourism
Authors: Shabbir Rizwan , Hussain Iqbal , Rasheed Muhammad Faisal
Published: February 2024

The chapter covers the role of leading international organisations which are working to transform tourism industry into sustainable tourism. The organisations are working with collaboration with local Governments, NGOs, Hotel industry, and Tourism operators to promote ecotourism in deprived regions of the world. The fundamental objectives of these organisations are to save nature through the protection of natural resources. Create awareness about ecotourism and giving knowledge regarding sustainable traveling are main purposes of these organisations. The organisations have aims to improve living standard of local communities through ecotourism.
Ecotourists' Perceived Risk/Benefit and Its Ability to Influence the Tourist Willingness to Visit
Authors: Eshun Fatima
Published: February 2024

Ecotourism has emerged as a tool that can help reduce environmental degradation and boost the economic and social activities of residents at various ecotourism destinations. These benefits can materialize when ecotourism destinations receive tourists throughout the year to ensure the sustainability of activities. Ecotourists choose destinations to visit based on their perceived benefits and risks which include a series of activities that the tourists experience on the journey and at the destination. A positive perception is a benefit and a negative one is a risk which intend influences the intention of the tourists to visit, revisit, and recommend the destination to potential tourists. Several authors have looked at the perceived risks and benefits and their influence on visits, however, insight into developing countries like Ghana remains under-researched. This chapter explores the literature and uses primary data collection from Ghana to explain the phenomenon.
Ecotourism Taking Modernity to the Deprived Regions of the World
Authors: Batool Ghazia , Bashir Mohsin , Baig Sajjad Ahmad , Shafqat Ali Raza
Published: February 2024

Even in deprived areas, a variety of attractions are emerging as the global tourist sector grows at an unprecedented rate. This chapter explores the complex facets of ecotourism, looking at its quick growth and effects on developed and poor countries alike. With an emphasis on adventure and cultural tourism, it investigates the innovative marketing techniques used by developing nations to promote their natural and cultural landmarks. The chapter emphasizes how, despite ecotourism's benefits, health concerns are often overlooked in the planning stages of tourism projects, having an impact on both local populations and the little health resources available to them. By means of an exhaustive examination, it emphasizes the necessity of taking preemptive steps to guarantee the welfare of receiving communities, thereby cultivating sustainable tourism locations.
Ecological Sightseeing
Authors: Sultan Faiza , Safeer Asif Ali , Nawaz Muhammad Asim , Sarwar Waqas
Published: February 2024

This chapter delves into the ecotourism landscape of Pakistan, offering a fresh perspective through the lens of the S-O-R framework. The current state of ecotourism in Pakistan is explored in detail, emphasizing the importance of adopting a new approach to gain a comprehensive understanding. The stimulus-organism-response model, a widely recognized model in environmental psychology, holds significant implications for diverse research domains. Through this chapter, the authors investigate the potential applications of the S-O-R model in the field of ecotourism.
Exploring dimensions and shapes of edentulous patients consulting the prosthodontics centre at Ibn Sina University Hospital in Rabat, Morocco: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Azhari Mohamed , Anissa Abdelkoui , Melainin Yahya , Bentahar Oussama , Benfdil Faiza
Published: February 2024

This cross-sectional study conducted at the Prosthodontics Centre, Ibn Sina University Hospital in Rabat, Morocco, investigates the dimensions and shapes characterizing maxillary and mandibular edentulous arches in a patient population seeking consultation. The objective is to provide insights crucial for optimizing outcomes in prosthetic therapy, informing decisions on impression trays, occlusion planes, prosthetic teeth, and implant attributes. Sixty-seven edentulous Moroccan patients (40 men, 27 women), aged 31 to 90, were recruited at the Prosthodontics Centre. Maxillary and mandibular casts were meticulously crafted, and precise measurements of anterior and posterior width and length were acquired for both arches. Arch shapes were categorized into O-shape, V-shape, and U-shape. Data were analyzed using Microsoft® Excel 2013 and SPSS software (IBM SPSS Statistics 23). Analysis revealed maxillary arch lengths ranging from 40 to 58 mm, maxillary arch widths from 38 to 58 mm, mandibular arch lengths from 33 to 56 mm, and mandibular arch widths from 30 to 60 mm. The predominant arch shape was the ovoid, constituting 34% (n=23) of maxillary cases and 54% (n=36) of mandibular cases. This study provides novel insights into the dimensions and shapes of maxillary and mandibular edentulous arches in patients seeking consultation at Ibn Sina University Hospital, Rabat, Morocco. The findings offer valuable guidance for prosthetic therapy decisions, emphasizing the importance of integrating established references and arch classifications for optimal outcomes in the treatment of edentulous patients in Morocco.
Festivals of Ayurveda: Scope and challenges
Authors: Bhavana K. R.
Published: February 2024

Background:

One of the main ingredients to put human societies glued together is celebrating the festivals. Festivals are the markers of scientific achievements and historic milestones. Moreover, celebrating festival ensures the continuation of tradition. The number of festivals celebrating Ayurveda are, however, very few. Festivals bring pomp and glory in lives and are a way of expressing gratitude to the legends for bringing out the deepest meanings of the cosmos.

Aim:

To revive the lost tradition of Ayurvedic festivals, the study was undertaken.

Material and methods:

Ayurvedic scriptures and Puranas were carefully reviewed to find festivals associated with Ayurveda. The paper reviews the specific dates and the method of celebration of few festivals associated with Ayurveda such as Dhanvantari Jayanti, Brahma Puja, Shakrotsava, Kaumudi Mahotsava, Madana Trayodashi, Charaka Jayanti, Kubera Mahotsava, Varuna Mahotsava, and Yamadamshtra. Dhanvantari Jayanti as National Ayurveda Day has already gained popularity.

Result:

Festivals foster national cohesiveness, promote communal harmony, preserve family values, revitalize the economy, and foster cultural and, in this scenario, even medical tourism. However, globalizing these festivals is challenging due to difference in calendars.

Conclusion:

Celebrating festivals have deep Yogic meaning. It helps to maintain national identity. The yearly seasonal cycles affect the physical and mental health of humans. Hence, there is a need to revive the traditional Ayurvedic festivals.
Let Us Treat the Patient Not the Case… A Young Girl with Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser Syndrome
Authors: Bhat Sowrabha , Ramesh Anjana
Published: February 2024

Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a rare cause of primary amenorrhea with an incidence of 1 in 5000. As per the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) classification of Müllerian duct anomalies, uterine and vaginal agenesis correspond to class 1, the extreme form of which is the MRKH syndrome. Although considered rare, it is surprisingly the second-most common cause of primary amenorrhea after hypogonadism. The importance of the psychosocial dimension in the management of this condition cannot be overemphasized. Here, we describe a case of MRKH syndrome in a young girl from South India.
Satisfactory Outcome of Various Novel Modified Laparoscopic Neovaginoplasty Using Autologous Peritoneal Graft
Authors: Meutia Alfa Putri , Ksyatria Yudhistya , Priyatini Tyas , Hakim Surahman , Djusad Suskhan , Moegni Fernandi , Hidayah Gita Nurul , Harzif Achmad Kemal
Published: February 2024

Management of vaginal agenesis in Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome patients is by creating functional neovagina through surgical or nonsurgical route. Surgical repair using minimally invasive technique is a favorable option in creating neovagina. In this study, the patients underwent neovaginoplasty. Clinical follow-ups were done at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The primary outcomes were anatomic and functional successes; anatomical success was defined as a ≥6 cm-long neovagina that allows for easy introduction of two fingers, and functional success was defined with Female Sexual Function Index FSFI-6 questionnaire score above 19. Modified neovaginoplasty using autologous peritoneal graft was performed on the patients (n = 6). Follow-up showed mean vaginal lengths of 8.16 cm, mean surgery time of 175 min, mean blood loss of 59.17 ml, and mean duration of hospital stay of 2 days, with an average FSFI-6 score of 25,2. Therefore, we concluded that laparoscopic approach using modified technique of autologous peritoneal graft provides satisfactory result.
Spike sign – To predict the formation of big bubble in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in advanced keratoconus
Authors: D’Souza Sharon , Shetty Rohit
Published: February 2024

Lamellar surgeries have revolutionized our understanding and practice of keratoplasties. However, the learning curve in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) makes it daunting for novice surgeons. This paper describes a unique intraoperative sign – the radial “spike sign,” which heralds the commencement of a big bubble in some cases of advanced keratoconus in eyes that have not undergone any previous surgery. The spike sign was noted during big bubble DALK surgery and was then retrospectively looked for in recorded DALK surgical videos and correlated with the formation of a big bubble. The movement of air after injection was classified into the direct formation of a big bubble, stromal emphysema with no big bubble, and emphysema with the spike sign followed by a big bubble. In total, 104 surgical videos of big bubble attempts were evaluated and classified as such. The spike sign helps reduce the number of unnecessary attempts at big bubble formation during DALK, thus improving surgical outcomes.
Comparison of Tenon duplication with dura mater covering technique for Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation
Authors: Erol Mehmet Akif , Demirdizen Duygu Ören , Şimşek Tülay , Yıldırım Nilgün
Published: February 2024

Purpose:

To compare the efficacy and complications of Tenon duplication with dura mater covering technique for Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation.

Methods:

This retrospective study included 44 refractory glaucoma patients (44 eyes) who underwent AGV implantation from 2017 to 2020 in the Ophthalmology Clinic of Eskişehir Osmangazi University Hospital and attended regular postoperative follow-ups. The patients were divided based on whether they underwent Tenon duplication technique (group 1: n = 20) or dura mater covering technique (group 2: n = 24) during surgery. The patients’ age, gender, systemic diseases, glaucoma type, pre-op intraocular pressure (IOP), and ocular surgeries were recorded. The groups were compared for IOP level control, early and late complications, postoperative antiglaucomatous medication requirements, glaucoma surgery requirements, presence of postoperative hypertensive phase (HP), and surgical success which was defined as an IOP ≥5 and ≤21 mmHg, with or without antiglaucoma medication.

Results:

By the end of the mean follow-up (22.6 ± 10.6 months), the success rates were 95% (group 1) and 96% (group 2). The groups showed no differences in postoperative complications, postoperative antiglaucomatous drugs’ onset time, additional glaucoma surgery, need for needling, presence of HP at 6 months postoperatively, and relationship between the glaucoma type and success rates (P values: 0.86, 0.9, 0.48, 0.12, 0.36, and 0.8, respectively). The IOP values at the last follow-up were 15.2 ± 4.1 in group 1 and 14.7 ± 4.8 in group 2. The IOP reduction rates showed no significant differences.

Conclusion:

Since success and complications are similar in both Tenon duplication and dura mater covering technique, unique grafting materials may not be needed in AGV implantation surgery, except in special cases.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Exosomes Improved Healing of Cutaneous Wound in a Rat Model
Authors: Ahmed Asmaa Ali Mohamed , Hafez Manal Shaaban , Hamam Ghada Galal , Ibrahim Gehan Abd Elkhalek
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

Wounds of skin are common injuries causing familial burdens. Exosomes received attention as a cell-free therapy.

Aim:

Studying the role of exosomes (derived from mesenchymal stromal cells [MSCs]) on healing of cutaneous wound in adult male Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods:

Five weaned rats were used for exosome isolation. Exosomes were isolated (from bone marrow-MSCs) through ultracentrifugation. They were then characterized using a transmission electron microscope. The study was conducted on 42 adult male rats. They were divided into Group I (control group); Group II (spontaneous wound healing) and Group III (exosomes treated group): 24 h after generation of skin wound rats received a single intravenous injection of 1 mL phosphate buffer saline containing purified exosomes. Skin specimens were collected after 14 days and 21 days. Skin specimens were subjected to proper histological techniques.

Results:

Administration of exosomes decreased pain experienced by rats, improved wound healing, enhanced epidermal reepithelization and the regeneration of skin appendages, significantly increased epidermal cell proliferation and lead to better organization of newly formed collagen.

Conclusions:

Intravenous injection of exosomes was effective in accelerating cutaneous wound healing in adult rats.
Impact of Foundation Course on First MBBS Students and Their Level of Satisfaction – A Programme Evaluation
Authors: Lakshmi M. Swarajya , Moses Pidakala Mary , Cheemala Sulakshana Sony
Published: February 2024

Background:

The competency-based medical education new curriculum stresses on the foundation course at the beginning of the MBBS programme, with an objective to orient the students on new knowledge and skills that will aid them in adapting to the new professional environment, providing the opportunity for faculty and peer interactions and sensitisation towards various teaching–learning methods.

Aims:

The Aim of the study was to analyse the student’s feedback on the foundation course and to determine the level of satisfaction of the learners towards the course.

Patients and Methods:

This was a programme evaluation of foundation course for newly joined MBBS students in Mamata Academy of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, Telangana, India, during December from 12th to 19th for 7 days.

Results:

On feedback analysis, around 90% of the students were satisfied with all the sessions and the students have expressed a high level of satisfaction towards the sessions of teamwork, leadership skills, interpersonal communication skills, Basic Life Support (BLS), first aid, field visit and Indian Medical Graduate (IMG) goals. A statistically significant difference between the mean scores of pre and post test was found.

Conclusions:

The overall feedback on the foundation course was satisfactory. Students have gladly received the foundation course and they were well sensitised by the topics covered and activities conducted. There was a significant improvement in their assessment scores. Thus, the impact of the foundation course will definitely help in accomplishing the goals of IMG effectively.
Factors Associated with Quality of Life among Menopausal Women in Lucknow – A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Gupta Ginic , Kumari Reema , Mishra Prabhaker , Gupta Bandna
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

Women who have gone at least a year without having their monthly period are considered as menopausal. Despite the fact that it is a physiological occurrence, its psychological, bodily, and sexual effects last for the entire postreproductive period. That’s why it is important to research its various aspects and the different parameters associated with their quality of life (QoL).

Objective:

To find the association of the QoL among menopausal women in Lucknow with various socio-demographic variables, body mass index, chronic disease status, and other lifestyle parameters.

Materials and Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2020 to January 2021 among 200 Menopausal women of 45–65 years by using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. The study was carried out in rural and urban field practice areas of the Community Medicine Department, King George’s Medical University, UP, Lucknow.

Results and Conclusion:

The mean score of vasomotor domains was found higher in the age group of 45–49 years, who had higher education level, upper and upper middle class of socioeconomic status, and for obese study participants. The mean score of the sexual domain was found to be higher among the age group 55–59 years, married study participants, for those who were educated above secondary, and for overweight and obese. The mean scores for all domains, i.e., vasomotor psychosocial physical and sexual domains were higher for those who had chronic diseases. Overall, the menopause specific QoL score was higher for those who did not use lifestyle modification as compared to those who used lifestyle modification and the difference was found to be highly significant (P < 0.001).
A Review on Stinging Nettle: Medicinal and Traditional Uses
Authors: Awasthi Prakash , Bogati Sujan , Joshi Dipesh , Shah Prakash
Published: February 2024

In Nepal, stinging nettles, also known as “sisnu” or “bichu ghaas,” play a significant role in cultural and traditional traditions. For the inhabitants of Nepal, stinging nettles have cultural importance in addition to being useful as food and medicine. These stinging plants’ fragile leaves and shoots are used extensively in Nepalese culinary customs to enhance dishes like “sisnu ko saag.” Nettles’ high nutritional value, which is enhanced by their abundance of vitamins, minerals, and proteins, enriches the local diet, especially in rural locations where a variety of vegetables could be hard to come by. Stinging nettles have gained acceptance in conventional medical procedures in addition to their culinary usage. Nettle extracts and teas are frequently used in Nepali communities to treat conditions including joint pain, arthritis, and allergies because they think that nettles have diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving characteristics. In Nepali hair care practices, nettles are also used as a natural cure for preserving healthy hair and scalp. Culturally, the intake of stinging nettles is associated with rites and festivals like Dashain, where it has symbolic meaning. The fibers taken from nettle stalks are used to make traditional fabrics and apparel, conserving artisanal techniques from the past.
To compare the efficacy and safety of 5 days a week levothyroxine versus daily replacement therapy in hypothyroid patients: An experience from a tertiary care center in Central India
Authors: Khare Jaideep , Bhatnagar Anuvrat , Bansal Shaifali , Jindal Sushil
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder and associated with several complications if not diagnosed and managed. Levothyroxine (LT4) replacement therapy is the treatment of choice. Levothyroxine has a long half-life of 6–7 days and hence can be given intermittently keeping the weekly dose the same.

Aim:

The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of 5 days a week levothyroxine versus daily replacement therapy in patients with hypothyroidism and to identify the patient’s satisfaction level at the end of the trial.

Methods:

This was a prospective cohort study in which patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism and having stable thyroid function in the last 6 months with a minimum of two normal thyroid profile reports on the same LT4 dose were shifted 5 days a week LT4 (keeping the total weekly dose the same) after informed consent. Then, patients were followed up at regular intervals, and biochemical analysis of thyroid profile was done at 12 and 24 weeks or Si Opus Sit (SOS)according to clinical judgment.

Results:

One hundred and fifty patients with hypothyroidism were included in the study with a male-to-female ratio of 4:21. The mean age of our patients was 40.6 ± 8.58 years. The mean duration of hypothyroidism was 5.9 ± 3.01 years. The mean thyroid-stimulating hormone, T4, and T3 at baseline were 3.22 + 0.91 μIU/mL, 8.71 + 1.91 μg/dL, and 0.93 + 0.04 ng/mL, and at 12 weeks and 24 weeks were 3.62 ± 0.82 μIU/mL, 8.01 ± 2.01 μg/dL, and 1.2 ± 0.05 ng/mL and 3.33 ± 0.79 μIU/mL, 8.36 ± 1.99 μg/dL, and 0.88 ± 0.03 ng/mL, respectively. One hundred and twenty-seven patients did not require any dose adjustment. There was no significant difference in thyroid profile.

Conclusion:

Five days a week levothyroxine replacement regimen is noninferior to daily levothyroxine replacement regimen in treating patients with hypothyroidism and can be conveniently prescribed. Furthermore, 5 days regimen increased the compliance and satisfaction level in patients with hypothyroidism.
A Biblical Study of “Forgiveness” in Matthew 6:14-15 and its Implications for Christians
Authors: Fendy  , Daliman Muner , Purwoko Paulus Sentot , Wahyuni Sr
Published: February 2024

Sin which is a violation of God's law, makes humans stray away from God and causes damage to the relationship between them and God. Humans can't get back in touch with God unless they have received forgiveness from God. The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the meaning of forgiveness as it is expressed in the Gospel of Matthew 6:14-15, through a biblical study based on the Byzantine Greek text of the Bible. The approaches taken were an exegesis and a descriptive literature methodology approach. The result obtained in this limited study is that the meaning of forgiveness in the Gospel of Matthew 6:14-15 is that there is a connection between the first clause and the second clause used which is a conditional sentence along with its negation. Based on the grammatical and lexical structure of Matthew 6:14 the second clause is an apodosis of the first clause, where the second clause is the answer to the first clause which is the prosthesis. So the sentence apodosis will apply if the prosthesis is fulfilled,
as well as in the next paragraph which is the sentence negation. When the prosthesis in Matthew 6:15 is not performed, then the apodosis in Matthew 6:14 becomes invalid. Also, Matthew 6:14-15 cannot be separated from Matthew 6:12, where the translation of this verse grammatically states that God has forgiven humans first, and this is the basis for Matthew 6:14-15. This was emphasized by the Lord Jesus in Matthew 18:35. Christians in Indonesia should understand the meaning of forgiveness that the Lord Jesus taught, so that after a person has repented and become a Christian, he or she remains in Christ and keeps their life holy and forgive others, as a form of response to God, for the forgiveness that the Lord Jesus has given to them. Thus there must be repentance including a change of heart about one's actions or one's whole life. Atonement is needed as well which is making reparation after one has committed an offense.
An Exploration of Stages of Engagement and Pentecostal Social Theology
Authors: Setyobekti Andreas Budi , Hasiholan Anggi Maringan , Sirait Jannes Eduard , Mahendra Yogi , Kathryn Susanna , Pekuwali John Riwu
Published: February 2024

The Pentecostal mission has always been labeled a mission for the number of people who believe in God. The Church Center is the main target, and social-cultural involvement is left alone. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the stages of involvement and social theology of Pentecostalism so that findings can become study material for driving social missions today. This research aims to explore the theological stages and social involvement of Pentecostalism. The research method used is a descriptive qualitative one, with data collection methods using a historical approach. The research results show that Pentecostalism at its initial formation in Azusa Street 1906, still needed to be sensitive to theology and social involvement. However, entering the 21st century, Pentecostals began to expand their mission concept to social involvement issues. The main reason for this involvement was and remains the reality of poverty in Pentecostal congregation members, which needs to be improved. This article is unique because it discusses the stages of Pentecostal involvement and social theology, which can be the basis for constructing a more relevant Pentecostalism in Indonesia.
An Appraisal of the Role of Women in the Birth and Growth of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), Nigeria
Authors: Olajide, PhD Grace O. , Oderinde Prof. Mrs. Olatundun A.
Published: February 2024

The role of women in the church is amazing and laudable. Since the inception of the church, women have been active protagonists in the narrative of the church. Their roles cover several aspects of church growth. They have been the pacesetters in terms of demography, evangelistic programs, monetary contributions, and the establishment of developmental projects. Such is evident in the birth of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Nigeria. The growth of ECWA is dependent on the enormous contributions made by women. Despite the fascinating contributions of women, they are still being marginalized in terms of ordination and respective leadership structures at the local, regional, and national levels. Their leadership is limited to women’s group, children's church, and other elementary responsibilities. They serve as subordinates to men’s leadership. A descriptive approach is adopted as the basic methodology
for this study. Historical records, diaries, archival materials, and calendars were accessed to bring the narrative of women’s significant roles in ECWA to light. Womanistic theory was also explored as a way of unveiling African women's submission regarding the treatment they receive from their male counterparts and how to properly sustain their humanistic status. The study recommended that women should be allowed to engage in every stratum of the church as they continue to contribute to the growth of ECWA in Nigeria.
The God of the Ostracised: The use of Lived Religion Theory in advancing Queer Spirituality
Authors: Ntombana Luvuyo , Sibanda Francis
Published: February 2024

The South African Constitution and the law have ensured noticeable progress in
acknowledging the LGBTQI community’s rights. Consequently, there is now a legal framework that protects LGBTQI people, and any discriminatory behaviour and utterances can be prosecuted by law. The struggle now lies within the religious sector, where limited progress has been made. This paper focuses on the progress made within the Christian religion in terms of creating policies and regulations to protect LGBTQI community members’ safety. We focus on same-sex relationships by arguing that even today, such relationships are not openly accepted by the Church. Using lived religion theory, we revisit Ntombana et al.’s (2020) findings and argue that queer people are closer to God and more spiritual than the homophobic Christians who attend daily Christian fellowship meetings. As queer people are in the minority and oppressed by the church system, we use Tutu and Boesak’s theology to argue that they are closer to God than homophobic Christians. We highlight that during the COVID-19 lockdown, the Christian community suffered, while the queer community flourished because
their spirituality is not based on the Church’s orthodox tradition but on their relationship with God.
PHYSIOLOGICAL PARTICULARITIES OF MAIZE PLANTS AND THE EFFECT OF SOME ANTIOXIDANTS UNDER CONDITIONS OF MODERATE DROUGHT
Authors: Anastasia STEFIRTA Anastasia , BULHAC Ion , BRANZA Lilia , COCU Maria , ZUBAREVA Vera
Published: February 2024

Complex investigation on the effect of Thiourea, Galmet and Thiogalmet compositions on water status, intensity of photosynthesis, water use efficiency, growth and yield of ‘P458’ maize plants under conditions of natural humidity in field trials was performed. The beneficial effect of seed and foliage pre-treatment with Thiourea, Galmet and, in particular, the new chemical composition Thiogalmet on plants’ biological processes conditioning a better realisation of the physiological processes associated with plant growth and productivity was established. A significantly greater positive impact of Thiogalmet on the optimisation of hydration degree, water retention capacity, stomatal conductance for CO2/H2O, assimilation, water use efficiency, plant growth and productivity was recorded. There was an additive action of Thiourea and Galmet in the composition of the Tiogalmet preparation. Thiogalmet increased the yield per unit area and improved the commercial quality of the grain. Treating plants with Thiourea, Galmet and Thiogalmet ensured a 27.20, 52.08 and 68.20% yield increase, respectively, compared to the plants in the control variant. Therefore, a major effect was registered in the plants treated with the new composition. The obtained information demonstrates the possibility of mitigating the adverse effects of drought on the physiological response and production by applying antioxidants.