bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(Re)traçar a teoria ator-rede: um ensaio teórico-epistêmico-metodológico sobre lacunas e limitações
Authors: Guimarães André
Published: January 2024

Com ênfase na questão ontológica e na polarização discursiva entre as correntes de pensamento semiótica e estruturalista, neste artigo, peça de concepção teórico-metodológica do seu trabalho de doutorado, o autor problematiza a Teoria Ator-Rede (TAR) a partir de críticas globais de outros autores colocadas em diálogo com controvérsias emergentes em sua pesquisa de mestrado. À luz da filosofia deleuze-guattariana e da ontologia analítica são feitas reflexões sobre os modos de produção do conhecimento no mundo ocidentalizado, que levam autores da TAR a considerar simetria, hibridismo, complexidade e multiplicidade na prática interna de seus estudos, mas corroborar oposições dicotomizadas e barreiras epistemológicas no campo amplo das ciências sociais. Postulam-se, então, outros termos e formas exploratórias que visam à expansão da TAR, na vertente da performatividade, a um estudo antropológico pleno – etnografia, etnologia e antropologia social –, de modo que se possa analisar as produções do ser-devir das realidades em suas possíveis multiplicidades e prováveis regularidades, considerando o tempo cotidiano das práticas e o tempo histórico dos fundamentos relacionais.
Mulheres, médicos, ativismo e Estado: a produção da violência obstétrica
Authors: Ferreira Jaqueline , Klujsza Stephania
Published: January 2024

O objetivo deste artigo visa aborda o modo como se dá a produção de um conceito que tem sido alvo de controvérsias que revelam os conflitos entre os campos médico, político, jurídico e das ativistas dos movimentos sociais em prol dos direitos reprodutivos das mulheres. Abordaremos essas controvérsias especificamente entre entidades médicas e ativistas do parto humanizado. O contexto histórico e político é o da gestão do presidente Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022), no qual os direitos humanos, entre eles o das mulheres e o dos direitos reprodutivos, foram seriamente abalados. Os dados apresentados aqui referem-se a entrevistas, observações de sessões clínicas e análise de documentos sobre o assunto que revelam os diferentes interesses desses campos, onde há uma disputa pela legitimidade dos atores diretamente envolvidos – obstetras e parturientes – como vítimas. Nossa compreensão é que a violência obstétrica, de difícil consenso entre entidades médicas e vítimas, deve ser amplamente discutida entre as partes de forma não competitiva e que as gestantes e parturientes conheçam e lutem por seus direitos. Da mesma forma, o Estado deve propiciar condições e infraestrutura adequada para o trabalho de obstetras para que a assistência ao parto se concretize de forma digna.
The subsurface structure of the Martian Utopian Basin revealed by the radar data of the Zhurong rover
Authors: Li Huitang , Wang Bo , Li Jun , Sheng Hong Qing , Ling Xiao
Published: January 2024

The Zhurong rover, which played a crucial role in China’s Mars
exploration mission, accomplished a successful landing on the southern
surface of the Martian Utopia Basin on May 15, 2021. The
ground-penetrating radar(GPR) carried by the Zhurong rover has a dual
channel design, allowing it to effectively detect the morphology and
geological structure of the subsurface in the landing area. The
low-frequency data reveals a multi-layered underground structure that
stretches 80 meters beneath the surface along the path of the Mars
rover. The high-frequency data reveals the reshaping of Martian surface
sediments caused by meteorite impacts and weathering in the soil layer
up to a depth of 5 meters underground. Beneath the weathering layer, a
shallow stratigraphic sequence is formed by the overlapping of
sedimentary rock units. The findings from the research using GPR data
serve as a crucial foundation for comprehending the geological history
of the Martian Utopia Basin.
Rightlessness and Suspension as Dimensions of Asylum Seekers' Experience in Manus Camp: A Study of "No Friend but the Mountains" by Behrouz Boochani
Authors: Asgharpourmasouleh Ahmadreza , Fattahzadeh Masoud , Kermani Mahdi
Published: January 2024

No Friend but the Mountains is a remarkable and widely acclaimed
book on refugee camps. It narrates the author’s firsthand experiences in
Manus Camp. In this article, we aim to closely examine the author’s
account and identify his main themes. Boochani portrays the experience
of asylum seekers as one of despair and degradation. He vividly depicts
how the asylum seekers gradually lost their human dignity and identity
during their indefinite and irreversible detention in Manus Camp, where
they lived in a state of limbo. Despite having access to basic
necessities such as food, clothing, and shelter, the detainees were
stripped of any right to depend on them. The theories of Agamben and
Arendt provide valuable insights into the plight of the asylum seekers
in the camp.
Response to Request for Information Regarding File Specification for Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable (FAIR) Containerized Computational Software (FAIR-CCS)
Authors: Vrouwenvelder Kristina , Stall Shelley
Published: January 2024

NIST is an important leader in the US for setting standards that inform
best practices for scientific research and innovation. AGU’s response to
the RFI is based on our experience working with Earth, space, and
environmental science researchers as well as computer and information
scientists and data and software experts in the work that we are doing
in promoting FAIR and open software sharing in AGU journals and in the
wider community.
Antarctic vortex dehydration in 2023 as a substantial removal pathway for Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai water vapour
Authors: Zhou Xin , Dhomse Sandip S , Feng Wuhu , Mann Graham , Heddell Saffron , Pumphrey Hugh , Kerridge Brian J , Latter Barry , Siddans Richard , Ventress Lucy , Querel Richard , Smale Penny , Asher Elizabeth , Hall Emrys G , Bekki Slimane , Chipperfield Martyn P
Published: January 2024

The January 2022 eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai (HTHH) injected a
huge amount (~150 Tg) of water vapour
(HO) into the stratosphere, along with small amount of
SO. An off-line 3-D chemical transport model (CTM)
successfully reproduces the spread of the injected HO
through October 2023 as observed by the Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS).
Dehydration in the 2023 Antarctic polar vortex caused the first
substantial (~20 Tg) removal of HTHH HO
from the stratosphere. The CTM indicates that this process will dominate
removal of HTHH HO for the coming years, giving an
overall e-folding timescale of 4 years; around 25 Tg of the injected
HO is predicted to still remain in the stratosphere by
2030. Following relatively low Antarctic column ozone in midwinter 2023
due to transport effects, additional springtime depletion due to
HO-related chemistry was small and maximised at the
vortex edge (10 DU in column).
Effect of sawdust mulch on soil properties and performance of tomatoes (Lycopersicum esculentum) in an alfisol in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Olusola Abiodun , Oluwasina Isola
Published: January 2024

Mulching is an effective method of manipulating crop growing environment to
increase yield. A field experiment was carried out at the Teaching and
Research Farm of the Federal College of Forestry Jericho (Ibadan). The study
aimed to examine the effect of sawdust mulching on selected soil properties,
growth and yield of two tomato varieties. The study was a 4 x 2 factorial
experiment laid out in a randomized completely block design (RCBD) with four
replications. Factor one consisted of four treatments, namely: T0 (control),
T1 (sawdust mulch [SDM] at 10 t ha-1), T2 (SDM at 20 t ha -1) and T3 (SDM at
30 t ha1). The second factor was the two tomato varieties (UC82B and Ibadan
local). Plant height, stem girth, number of leaves and branches were
collected at a 2-week interval while the number of fruits, fruit weight
(kg/ha) and yield parameters were measured at maturity. The Genstat
statistical software package was used for data analysis and an LSD test was
performed at the 5% level of significance. The sawdust mulch used had a low
nitrogen content (0.60%) and a moderate organic carbon content (38.6%). The
use of sawdust mulch had a major impact on tomato yield, while there was not
any significant variation among the examined tomato varieties. UC82B (117.92
kg ha-1) at 30 t ha-1 SDM plot had the highest yield, followed by Ibadan
local (103.93 kg ha-1) at 30 t ha-1 SDM plot, while Ibadan local (61.94 kg
ha-1) at the control plot had the lowest yield. In this study, the tomato
performed best with sawdust mulch at 30 t ha-1 and is therefore recommended
to farmers in the study area to maximize tomato production.
Yield, water productivity and economic return of deficit-drip-irrigated tomatoes in Kaduna (Nigeria)
Authors: Onwuegbunam Donatus , Oyebode Muyideen , Igbadun Henry , Ismail Habibu
Published: January 2024

Compared to gravity flow systems, pressurized drip irrigation provides more
efficient control of the amount of water applied, better irrigation
uniformity, and a higher initial capital and operation costs. Hence, an
economic analysis is required to determine its profitability over a
projected time period. Field experiments were conducted in Afaka (Kaduna,
Nigeria), during two dry seasons of 2018 and 2019 to determine the effect of
regulated deficit irrigation on the yield, crop water productivity, and
projected economic returns of UC 82B tomatoes under pressurized drip
irrigation. The economic returns were evaluated using the benefit-cost
ratio, net present values, and payback period analyses. The highest fresh
fruit yield (19.0 t/ha) was obtained in the full irrigation treatment (T1),
while the highest crop water productivity (4.94 kg/m3) was obtained in the
deficit treatment with full irrigation at the vegetative and flowering
stages followed by 60% of reference evapotranspiration at maturity (T7). The
project was found to be profitable over the projected years, with
benefit-cost ratios of 1.90 and 1.69; payback periods of 2.7 and 3.2 years
for T1 and T7, respectively. The full irrigation of tomatoes was therefore
found to be more economical than deficit irrigation in the area, with water
not being considered as a limiting factor in terms of costs. Gravity drip
irrigation was recommended to reduce the pumping cost of irrigation and
thereby increase the profit margin.
The Tamburitza Extravaganza and its “evolution” in the American tamburitza musical ecosystem
Authors: Forry Mark
Published: January 2024

The Tamburitza Extravaganza, a musical event in the United States organized
by the Tamburitza Association of America (TAA), has presented tambura-based
ensembles for over 50 years. At the event, American stylistic variants of
Croatian and Serbian music are performed to exuberant diaspora audiences,
and musicians are honored for sustaining tamburitza music. Drawing on the
author?s experience as an Extravaganza performer, interviews with TAA
members, published TAA documents, and published tamburitza sources, the
Tamburitza Extravaganza is analyzed as a sui generis music festival using
the musical ecosystem model.
Bogdan Milankovic’s contribution to the development of musical culture in Sarajevo between world wars
Authors: Hadzic Fatima
Published: January 2024

Dr Bogdan Milankovic was one of the key figures in the musical life of
Sarajevo between two world wars. A doctor of Romance philology who spent his
working life as a high school teacher, Milankovic also served as director
and teacher of the District School of Music, president of the Sarajevo
Philharmonic, music writer, and violin maker. The article is a contribution
to the biography of Bogdan Milankovic based on archival sources and
historical press, while trying to determine his influence to the development
of musical culture in Sarajevo in the interwar period.
Effectiveness of regdanvimab on mortality in COVID-19 infected patients on hemodialysis
Authors: Kee Youn Kyung , Park Hayne Cho , Yoon Su Jin , Yu Sungbong , Ko Eunsil , Cho AJin , Kim Do Hyoung , Kim Jinseog , Lee Young-Ki ,   on behalf of the Korean Society of Nephrology COVID-19 Task Force Team
Published: January 2024

Background: Although several therapeutic agents have been evaluated for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), there are lack of effective and proven treatments for end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of regdanvimab on mortality in COVID-19–infected patients on hemodialysis (HD).Methods: We conducted an observational retrospective study in 230 COVID-19–infected patients on HD, of whom 77 (33.5%) were administered regdanvimab alone or in combination with dexamethasone or remdesivir during hospitalization (regdanvimab group) and 153 patients (66.5%) were not (no regdanvimab group). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. We compared mortality rates according to the use of regdanvimab and investigated the factors associated with mortality. Results: Fifty-nine deaths occurred during hospitalization, 49 in the no regdanvimab group (32.0%) and 10 in the regdanvimab group (13.0%), and the mortality rate was significantly higher in the no regdanvimab group than that in the regdanvimab group (p = 0.001). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that malignancy (p = 0.001), SPO2 of <95% at admission (p = 0.003), and administration of antibiotics and regdanvimab (p = 0.007 and p = 0.002, respectively) were significantly associated factors with mortality.Conclusion: Regdanvimab administration is beneficial in improving prognosis in hospitalized COVID-19 patients on HD. Considering the vulnerability to infection and high mortality of ESRD patients, regdanvimab may be considered as a therapeutic option in COVID-19 patients on HD.
Oral Pathophysiology in Substance Abuse: A Systematic Analysis of Recreational and Medicinal Drug Impact with Forensic Correlations
Authors: Nilendu Debesh
Published: January 2024

Background: This manuscript explores the impact of recreational and medicinal drug abuse on oral health and its forensic implications. Drug abuse, whether recreational or through prescribed medications, has adverse effects on oral tissues. Materials: A comprehensive literature review covered various drug types, analyzing oral manifestations such as dental caries, periodontal diseases, xerostomia, oral mucosal lesions, and dental attrition. Results: Findings revealed severe oral health deterioration due to drug abuse, including tooth decay, gum tissue damage, dry mouth, and oral ulcers. Forensic implications were highlighted, linking oral health findings to drug abuse history in investigations. Conclusion: Collaborative efforts among dental practitioners, forensic experts, and toxicologists are crucial for reliable oral health assessments. Early identification of drug abuse cases can aid intervention and resolution of forensic cases. Understanding the oral health consequences of drug abuse plays a critical role in providing valuable evidence in forensic investigations.
Diagnostic Challenges in a Patient with Metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma and Abdominal Pain
Authors: I* Jari
Published: January 2024

We examined a 51-year-old white male patient diagnosed with metastatic Merkel cell tumor, treated with immunotherapy, who came to the emergency room with upper abdominal pain and elevated pancreatic serum enzymes. He was suspected to have acute pancreatitis and was referred for computed tomography examination, which didn’t depict any sign of acute pancreatitis, showing a solid mass adjacent to the pancreatic head, retroperitoneal lymphadenopathies, solid nodules in the subcutaneous fat, and retroperitoneum.
Comparison between Computed and Displayed Average Glandular Dose in Hologic Dimensions Mammography System
Authors: Feng Ching Mei
Published: January 2024

Purpose: To investigate how the displayed average glandular dose (AGD) of Hologic 3Dimensions mammography systems compares to computed AGD, and how this comparison is modulated by breast thickness, and the assumptions in women breast glandularity. Methods: Using 2, 4, 6, and 8 centimeter (cm) of BR-12 (47% glandular / 53% adipose, CIRS, VA, USA), exposures were acquired using the Auto-Filter automatic exposure control (AEC) mode on 13 Hologic 3Dimensions mammography systems. Entrance exposures and half-value-layer (HVL) were measured using solid state detectors, and the displayed entrance skin dose (ESD), displayed AGD, and displayed exposure index (EI) were recorded. The AGD was first computed under the assumption of 50% glandular, 50% adipose tissue composition. It was then computed using the assumption of breast composition for the average woman aged 40-49 years old (100%, 65%, 35% and 14% glandularity for 2, 4-, 6- and 8-cm breast thickness, respectively). The AGD computed using these assumptions was compared to the displayed AGD. Results: Under the assumption of 50% glandularity, the deviation between displayed AGD and computed AGD is statistically significant at 2cm thickness in 2D mode, and at the thicknesses of 4, 6 and 8 cm in 3D mode (p<0.05). Using the assumption of glandularity based on the average woman aged 40-49 years old, the deviation between displayed AGD and computed AGD is statistically significant at the largest thickness of 6 and 8 cm in 2D mode; and also significant at thicknesses 2, 4, and 8 cm in 3D mode. Conclusion: While AGD may not estimate the patient breast’s dose accurately due to uncertainty in the amount and distribution of glandular tissues in the breast, AGD may be useful in the optimization of a mammographic procedure. The knowledge of the displayed AGD performance across different thicknesses may help in the optimizations.
From the Tap to Treatment: Water's Influence on Diabetes Control
Authors: Al-Suhaimi Ebtesam Abdullah
Published: January 2024

Recent research explores the potential influence of drinking water, including mineral water, on glycemic parameters in individuals with and without type 2 diabetes. Heterogeneous findings emphasize the complexity of the issue. Meta-analyses and prospective cohort studies suggest potential positive effects, particularly when replacing sugary beverages with water or incorporating bicarbonate, magnesium-rich water. Conversely, concerns arise regarding the impact of certain water minerals like fluoride and arsenic on diabetes rates. Larger, rigorous trials are needed for definitive conclusions. This research informs healthcare professionals, policymakers, and individuals about water, minerals, and glycemic control in diabetes management.
Talenticity (Talent, Creativity) in the Era of Metaintelligence
Authors: A Petrillo
Published: January 2024

Today the consensus is almost general and indisputable: talent is a determining factor in the success of individuals and organizations around the world. More or less everyone is looking for talent in others and wants to demonstrate their own. We all want to work with talented people. It's a great way to develop our talent too. Discovering and enhancing a latent talent and making it grow ultimately represents one of the most rewarding and significant challenges of the educational mission as well as the mission that any society should have. For years we have been trying to answer the question of whether “talent is innate or developed through experience and the environment". The question we ask ourselves today is: Can learning in "personalized” environments, through artificial intelligence algorithms, foster creative thinking and the development of talents?
Surgical Treatment Tumors Giant Size of the Submandibular Area
Authors: Khasanov : Akbar Ibrakhimovich
Published: January 2024

Lipomas of the submandibular space are relatively rare. The prevalence is 1% of all lipomas in the body. A lipoma may contain elements other than blood vessels of adipose tissue, muscle fibers, fibroconnective tissue, and bone tissue. Fibrolipomas of the submandibular zone are rare and account for approximately 3-4% of all head and neck tumors. With large tumors of the submandibular region, facial deformation appears. The larger the tumor, the greater the deformation of the face and neck. This report describes a case of a giant fibrolipoma in the submandibular space. We present a case of a 50-year-old man with a tumor of the right submandibular zone. The tumor appeared 8 years ago and the patient was not treated. The tumor had a locally widespread form and spread to the paropharyngeal area. Due to the difficulty of administering incubation anesthesia and taking into account possible postoperative complications, the patient underwent a tracheotomy under local anesthesia at the first stage and a radical removal of a giant tumor was performed at the second stage. Postoperative histology - Fibrolipoma. In this case, due to the large size of the tumor, in addition to deformation of the face and neck, the patient had impaired functions of swallowing food, difficulty breathing and speaking. In the postoperative period, a satisfactory aesthetic and functional result was achieved. Postoperative wound healing was primary; there were no complications.
Condom Uterine Tamponade A Revolutionary Invention to Control Postpartum Haemorrhage
Authors: Anan Mahfuza
Published: January 2024

Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the most challenging situation faced by obstetricians. It remains the primary cause of maternal mortality in low & low-middle-income countries. In some South Asian countries, such as Bangladesh, many obstetrics patients were dying from excessive bleeding just after giving birth a few decades ago. Many of them had to undergo hysterectomy (a surgical procedure to remove the uterus), sacrificing the further opportunities of giving birth, just to prevent this uncontrolled bleeding. To overcome this situation, Dr. Sayeba Akhter invented a method of Condom Tamponade in 2000.
Unusual Termination of the Facial Vein into External Jugular Vein and its Clinical Implication
Authors: GJ Lufukuja
Published: January 2024

The superficial veins of the neck are used for cannulation, either for intravenous infusion or for central venous pressure monitoring. Variations in the venous system from the normal pattern are relatively common. We present some unusual variations of the facial vein draining into the external jugular vein instead of draining into the internal jugular vein. The external jugular vein usually begins just behind the angle of the mandible by the union of the posterior auricular vein with the posterior division of the retromandibular vein and then descends obliquely across the sternocleidomastoid muscle and, just above the clavicle, pierces the deep fascia and drains into the subclavian vein. External jugular vein gives a reliable estimate of central venous pressure. The variation may give false value of pressure due to facial vein draining into it, also may create difficulty in catheterization. It’s very important not only for anatomists but also for head and neck surgeons to be aware of the possible anatomical variation in the formation of external jugular Vein and its clinical implications.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Stem Cell
Authors: A El Shawarby
Published: January 2024

Aging causes many changes in the human body, as a mechanism responsible for maintaining proper protein composition starts to decline with age. Proteins lose their stability, and the autophagy process failed, which resulted in the accumulation of misfolded proteins, which in turn resulted in diseases
Effects on Cellular Dynamics in the Culture on Human Osteosarcoma Cells of Conditioned Medium Obtained from TGF-B1 Gene Transfected Human Dental Pulp-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Salkin Hasan
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study is to suppress the biological properties of tumor cells such as proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle in osteosarcoma cancer cell line by using the secretome obtained from TGF-B1 transfected DP-MSCs. In addition, another goal of ours is to induce membrane depolarization in mitochondria in osteosarcoma cancer cell line with TGF-B1-CM. In this study, secretomes released from human dental pulp-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hDP-MSCs) with TGF-B1 gene therapy were applied on HOS cell lines. Viability, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane depolarization and cell cycle analyzes were performed at 24, 48 and 72 hours after the application. Changes in biological characteristics were measured in the Muse Cell Analyzer device according to the product procedure. Statistical analyzes were performed using GraphPad Prism statistical software. TGF-B1 transfected DP-MSC secretome (TGF-B1-CM) reduced the number of viable cells in in vitro cultures of HOS cells. Apoptosis was induced in HOS cells by administration of TGF-B1-CM. Mitochondrial membrane depolarization assays supported the apoptosis results. TGF-B1-CM administration played a role in arresting HOS cells at the G0 / G1 phase of the cell cycle. TGF-B1 transfected DP-MSC secretome suppressed osteosarcoma cells in vitro culture. Considering these results, further molecular studies targeting signaling pathways can be performed.
Long Term Results of Stem Cell Therapy in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)
Authors: Chukka Kereena
Published: January 2024

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is still a challenging condition affecting millions of people and leading to amputation or death. In patients with non reconstructable disease or failed revascularization, stem cell therapy (SCT) could help in promoting angiogenesis and limb salvage. However, there is limited data about the long-term benefits of SCT in such patients. Aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term survival and clinical outcomes in PAD patients who underwent stem cell therapy. All patients who underwent stem cell therapy using intramuscular injections of autologous bone-marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) for the treatment of PAD between January 2011 and November 2020 were include in the study. Electronic medical records (EMRs) and Telephonic phone follow up was used to get baseline clinical characteristics and follow up data. Out of 3627 PAD patient, 41 patients underwent stem cell therapy procedure between January 2011 to November 2020. Mean age was 48 years (range, 21 to 75 years) and 37 patients (90.24%) were males. The median follow-up period was 4.66 years (range, 6 months – 9.9 years). Indication for SCT was rest pain, gangrene or non-healing ulcer due to either non reconstructable disease or failed revascularization. All patients were given antiplatelets and statin therapy. Out of 41 PAD patients, 7 patients were lost to follow up. In the remaining, 34 patients, 29 (70.73%) patients were alive, and 5 patients were dead. Overall, 10 (24.39%) patients underwent ipsilateral amputation and 4 patients had persistent claudication pain. In the remaining patients’ ulcers healed and has no residual pain. Amputation free survival was 75.61%. The benefits of Autologous BM-MNCs stem cell therapy are sustained even in the long term with overall survival rate was 85.29% and the amputation free survival was 75.61% and should be considered for all CLI patients irrespective of age.
Polycomb Group Proteins and Lineage Specification
Authors: Pethe Prasad
Published: January 2024

Lineage specification is a crucial step during development of multicellular organism that requires differential gene expression. Epigenetic modifiers such as chromatin remodelers, histone modifiers, non-coding RNAs, and DNA methylases enable differential gene expression. Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are one of the important histone modifier which are involved in development as well as disease. PcG proteins assemble into large protein complexes termed Polycomb Repressive Complexes (PRCs), which introduce histone modifications that leads to gene repression. The PcG proteins and the Polycomb repressive complexes have been extensively studied in fruit flies and mice, and these studies show that PcG protein are crucial determinants of lineage specification. However, for obvious ethical reasons, the activity of early lineage specification in early human development has not been fully explored. This review attempts to update the readers about the role of Polycomb Group (PcG) proteins during lineage specification from studies on human pluripotent and human adult stem cells.
HPSC-Based 2.5D In Vitro Model for Embryonic Morphogenesis Study
Authors: Wang Samuel
Published: January 2024

Synthetic embryology has shown valuable in developmental biological studies. It provides in vitro model capable of recapitulating the first few steps of mammalian embryogenesis, including humans, which confers a significant value as it is impossible to carry out the fundamental study on a human embryo. In this short communication, I discuss the powerful 2.5D human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-based in vitro gastruloid model that gives rise to three fundamental germ layers under proper stimulation, which benefits not only for morphogenesis study but also applicable for large-scale and high-throughput teratogen testing. Moreover, this in vitro model shed light on how congenital disorders evolve in a developing embryo by differentiating the gastruloids from the human inducible pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) with specific genomic backgrounds linked to the etiologies. Furthermore, the disease-correlated gastruloid model provides a possibility to carry out a drug screening for a potential cure.
Wolbachia-Filarial Nematode Interactions: Embryological, Cellular and Molecular Aspects and Therapeutic Targets
Authors: KMZ Rahman
Published: January 2024

Filarial nematodes including Wuchereria bancrofti, Onchocerca volvulous, Brugia malayi, B. timori and Loa loa cause some of the most common parasitic infections in humans including elephantiasis, blindness and skin lesions. Wolbachia, an α-proteobacterium is the most widespread endosymbiotic bacterium widely present in various insect species, in parasitic nematodes of animals and also in the plant-parasite nematode, Radopholus similis. In insects, they harbour in male and female germlines and in a variety of somatic tissues. In filarial nematodes, they live as reproductive endosymbionts in ovarian tissues, oocytes and oogonia and newly forming embryos within the uterus and affect moulting, reproduction and survival of the host nematode. They provide essential metabolites such as riboflavin, haem and nucleotides to the host nematodes, but they cannot synthesize some vitamins, coenzyme A, NAD, biotin, folate, ubiquinone, lipoic acid etc. de novo due to incomplete biochemical pathways, and derive those from host nematodes. Thus, there is an obligate symbiotic relationship between Wolbachia and host nematode. Antibiotic treatment against Wolbachia has been proved as a promising target for prevention of filariasis which can break the parasitic cycle. Genomic studies regarding embryological, cellular and molecular aspects of Wolbachia and filarial nematode are still limited. Further research in this area could employ Wolbachia-filarial nematode interactions as a potential therapeutic target to reduce or prevent filarial infections.
Adipose Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Origin, Characteristics and Promises
Authors: HG Buzoglu
Published: January 2024

Under a variety of physical and experimental settings, stem cells are able to self-renew and differentiate into specialized adult cells. MSCs (mesenchymal stromal/stem cells) are multipotent stem cells present in a wide range of fetal, embryonic, and adult tissues. They are the progenitors of a variety of specialized cells and are considered a crucial tool in tissue engineering. MSCs, derived from various tissues including cord blood, placenta, bone marrow, and dental tissues, have been extensively examined in tissue repair, immune modulation, etc. Increasing the vitality of MSCs and restoring cellular mechanisms are important factors in treatment success. Oxidative stress is to get harm of cellular molecules such as DNA, proteins, and lipids as a result of overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in cells and tissues or insufficiency of antioxidant systems that can inactivate them. Oxidative stress has a close link with inflammation as a pathophysiological process. ROS can mediate the expression of proinflammatory genes via intracellular signaling pathways and initiate the chronic inflammatory state. At the same time, inflammatory cells secrete a large number of reactive species that cause increased oxidative stress at sites of inflammation. In inflammatory diseases, the differentiation of stem cells, the regenerative and wound healing process can be affected differently by the increase of oxidative stress. Recent studies have indicated that dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), as a resource of adult stem cells, are an attractive option for cell therapy in diseases such as neurological diseases, diabetes, cardiological diseases, etc. as well as its treatment potential in pulp inflammation. The future of oxidative stress-inflammation cycle and/or ageing therapies involves selective elimination of senescent cells, also known as senolysis, which prevents various age-related diseases. Most pathologies are implicated on the effects of ageing without exerting undesirable side effects.
Low-Back Outcome Scale and the Oswestry Disability Index they Reflective of Patient Satisfaction
Authors: Hossain Md Rashedul
Published: January 2024

Background: Low back pain is the most common type of pain. The causes of many painful conditions of the low back remain obscure. Low back pain bothers not only patients but also the experts about its multidisciplinary approaches. The typical background of a low back incidence is a faulty postural pattern. A mechanical or functional strain causing muscular misbalance in one part of the body may soon result in compensatory changes in other parts. The Low-Back Outcome Scale (LBOS) of Greenough and Fraser and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) were compared to the patient satisfaction index (PSI) in lumbar disc herniation (LDH) surgery. Methods: This prospective interventional study was conducted in department of Orthopaedic Surgery, BSMMU, Dhaka from October 2017 to September 2019. A total of 22 patients who underwent discectomy were followed through assessment of pre and post-surgical satisfaction by the PSI, the LBOS, and the ODI. The LBOS were rated as satisfied if the outcomes were excellent or good and as dissatisfied if fair and poor. Considering the ODI, clinically satisfied was defined as a 13-point improvement from the baseline ODI scores. Phi (Φ) correlation analysis was used to study the correlation among the PSI, the LBOS and the ODI scores as proxy for patients’ satisfaction. Results: In this study, out of 22 patients 8 (36.4%) were 35-45 years of age, 8 (36.4%) were 46- 55years, 4 (18.2%) were 56- 65 years and 2 (9.1%) were 66-70 years old. The mean (± SD) age of the patients was 51.1±9.7 years and the youngest and the oldest patients were 35 and 70 years respectively. Among 22 subjects, majority of the study subjects 15 (68.2%) were male and only 7 (31.8%) were female. Significant improvement from the pre- to post-operative ODI scores was observed. Post-surgical satisfaction based on the PSI, the ODI, and the LBOS were 72.7%, 68.1%, and 81.1%, respectively. Regarding patient satisfaction, there were weak associations between LBOS vs. PSI and ODI vs. PSI (Φ=−0.054, P=0.533) and (Φ=−0.129, P=0.136), respectively. Conclusions: Our study showed that the ODI and the LBOS were not reflective of patients’ satisfaction after discectomy.
ImmunoProtective Role of Medicinal Herbs as Phytotherapeutic Drugs in Ayurveda – A Prospective Approach for Defending COVID19
Authors: M Mohanty
Published: January 2024

The present review article elucidates the phytotherapeutic applications of various herbal medicines and plant products in Ayurveda for curing diseases and promoting health through boosting our immunity. This could serve as an immune protective tool in defending the antagonistic effects of the present Covid-19 pandemic. The plants with various phyto-immunomodulatory constituents could be a perspective approach for combating the antagonistic effects of COVID-19 and possibly developing immunity to fight against the upcoming health issues related to it. A list of potential herbs with their phyto protective constituents is described in this review. Our immunity plays a significant role in defending the adverse impacts of foreign antigens and synthesizes some protective biomolecules called immunoglobulins in response to that. Various naturally occurring bioactive compounds are isolated from medicinal herbs. In this regard, Ayurvedic therapy employs the ability of various immunomodulatory phytoconstituents derived from medicinal herbs to cure the ailments. In the current era of medicinal research, scientific investigations on the role of immunomodulatory phytoconstituents in the modulation of immunity have gained utmost importance. In light of this, several medicinal plants and their Ayurvedic Rasayana with immunomodulatory activity have been reported. Some of these plants are, Cinnamomum zeylanicum Garcin ex Blume, Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Adhatoda vasica L., among various immunomodulatory phytoconstituents Cinnamaldehyde, Eugenol, Glycyrrhizin, isoliquiritin, vasicine, Adhatodic acid, have notable phytoimmunomodulatory effects for effective management of COVID-19.
Concept of Atman (Self) in Indian Philosophy: A Review
Authors: BMN Kumar
Published: January 2024

For a long time, the human being has been hedonistic and optimistic nature but he had been surrounded by several fears, grieves, and challenges over the thousand thousands of years. His entire effort had been continuing to get the pleasure to be free from all kinds of sorrows. Over passed time, a burning reaction appeared against the Vedic regime and it was considered that the cause of whole human grieves is connected with the internal world not external. Under this consideration, it is declared that the entire fear and grieves of human lives is due to the acquired Karma of previous lives. And therefore these all phenomena gave birth to a “Mystical scripture” which is the basis of four pillars- the doctrine of ‘self’, the doctrine of rebirth, the doctrine of karma, and the doctrine of bondage and salvation, and it is also the base of Indian philosophy and Ayurveda. Actually, the term ‘Atma’ has derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Atman’ and that referred meaning is ‘Antarika’ (Internal). The first time systematic definition and doctrine of ‘self’ in the oldest Upanishads strongly announced that pure-self (Atman) and individualSelf (Jivatman) both are one, primitive, eternal, immortal, omnipotent, and permanent. And Ishwara Krishna was also same announced in Bhagavad Gita. The concept of Atman's “self” is considered a Prana (Breath) in Indian philosophy including Ayurveda. Though seeing the significance of Atman's “self”, the Indian philosophy and Ayurveda are called Adhyatmavadi (Spiritualistic).
Critical Review of Shoolprashman Mahakashaya Dravyas and their Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Action
Authors: T Gunjan
Published: January 2024

Pain or Algesia is one of the main reasons to seek emergency medical care in modern medicine and also in Ayurveda. In Ayurveda, there are many Aushad Dravyas and Yogas mentioned in the context of Shool, which have Shoolghna action. Acharya Charak mentioned fifty Mahakashaya in Sutra Sthana chapter four which contain ten ingredients each, is one of the specialties of Charak Samhita. Shoolprashman mahakashaya described by Acharaya Charak consists of, fruit and root of Piper longum Linn, Cuminum cyminum Linn., Piper nigrum Linn., Apium graveolens Linn., Plumbago zeylanica Linn., Zingiber officinale Roscoe. Piper retrofractum Vahl. These Aushadh Dravyas and their chemical constituents show Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory properties. This review article aims to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory action of Aushadh dravyas of Shoolprashman Mahakashaya, to pave way for further studies and research to develop an ayurvedic analgesic drug.
Vicharchika and its Ayurvedic Management
Authors: S Rawat
Published: January 2024

Healthy skin is the mirror image of the good health. It performs vital function like act as protective barrier between the body and the external environment. Skin diseases are common manifestation in present era and Eczema is one of them, it not only ruins the quality of life but also has substantial psychological and social impact on patient’s life, particularly because of its visibility. In Ayurveda “Kushnateeti Kushtham” the disease which destroys the affected part of the body (skin) is known as Kushtha. Vicharchika is classified under Kshudra Kushtha characterized by Kandu, Srava and Pidika. The involvement of Vata Dosha is responsible for dry, blackish lesion of eczema, Kapha Dosha is responsible for itching in those affected areas and oozing is due to pitta Dosha.In modern dermatology, the clinical presentation of Vicharchika is analogue to eczema.In eczema patches of skin become inflamed, itchy, red, cracked and rough. Acute phase of eczema includes vesicular and oozing whereas in chronic phase hyper pigmented and thickened scratch marks are seen.
Immune Modulation in Goats by Plant Derived Melatonin: A Review
Authors: S Ghosh
Published: January 2024

The basic structure of melatonin is evolutionarily conserved. Hence, it was speculated that melatonin may be present in different animals (from unicellular to multi-cellular) and even in plants. Melatonin in plans is generally regarded as phytomelatonin. Like the role of melatonin in animals, phyto-melatonin can perform a number of functions like attenuation of apoptosis, prevention of free radical generation, protection against UV irradiation etc. But, unlike phyto-estrogen, the role of phyto-melatonin in animals is totally an unexplored area. Hence, aim of the present study was to note the role of phytomelatonin in maintenance of general health and immunity of goats. To fulfil the aim, we supplemented the goats with phytomelatonin rich diet i.e. corn (Zea mays) which is having 1.4 ng/gm of dry weight of tissue and they are also edible to goats. We noted significantly high level of body weight, hematological (AST, ALT level, total RBC count and %Hb), immunological (TLC, %LC, %SR of PBMCs), metabolic (plasma glucose, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, protein levels and HDL: LDL ration), free radical (SOD, catalase, GPx levels), hormonal (estrogen, melatonin), cytokine (IL-6 and TNF-α) levels and significantly low level of MDA. However, plasma testosterone was unaffected upon phyto-melatonin treatment. Thus, for the first time role of phytomelatonin as a protective molecule with improving effect on the health and immunity of Indian goat Capra hircusis being proposed, as the effect of phyto-melatonin supplementation can be brought back to normal and this dietary supplement might be utilizing the similar pathway as commercial melatonin. There are so many less expensive and readily available sources of phyto-melatonin that requires the proper knowledge of exploitation of these sources for extreme benefit for animals as well as for the human beings in near or far future.
Kharpara, a Forgotten Mineral Drug of Ayurveda: A Review
Authors: G Rawat
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Kharpara is an ore of (Yashada) Zinc. In Ayurveda, a description of Kharpara (ore) and Yashada (extracted metal from Kharpara) is also mentioned. Kharpara is a highly-negligible Rasa Dravya (Drug) in Ayurveda these days. Aim & Objective: To find the description and importance of Karpara in Metallurgy and Ayurveda. Also, determine the beginning era of extraction of Yashada from Karpara in ancient India. Data Source: classical text of Rasa Shastra & allied branches and various online and offline research journals on Ayurveda & Metallurgy. Review Method: Word “Karpara” and “Rasaka” are used to search all aspects, such as types of categorizations among Rasa Dravya, classification, pharmacological property, the process of Shodhana (Purification), Marana (Incineration), Satvapattana (Extraction) and Grahyaagrahyatva (Acceptable-non acceptable qualities) of Kharpara is mentioned in Rasa Shastra texts and Ancient Literature. Result and Conclusion: Discovery of Pittala (Brass) brings a revolution in the metal industry because it diminished the use of Kansya (Bronze). Pittala is an alloy of Copper and Zinc. But it is very difficult to answer which one is the real source of Zinc in Brass, either Kharpara or Zinc Metal. Kharpara is an indirect source of three Bhasmas i.e., Yashada, Pittala and Varta (Bronze) Thus, in this review study, every aspect of Kharpara is summarized such as the historic review, types, pharmacodynamic properties, pharmaceutical processing of Karpara Bhasma procedures, dose and formulations of Kharpara from different sources. The age of the beginning of Karpara used by Indians is not traceable.
Quantitative Analysis of Eugenol in Different Parts of Clove
Authors: P Khemariya
Published: January 2024

Eugenol is the key active constituent of clove. The aim of this study was to analyse the concentration of Eugenol in different parts of dried Clove (tail, mid body and flower) by IR Spectroscopy and graphical comparison of the concentration. In this experiment the different part of dried clove was used to perform the quantitative analysis. Two methods were followed for the IR Spectroscopy, Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) sampling method and KBr Pellet method. KBr Pellets were prepared at 1:99 (Clove part: KBr) and IR spectrum drawn between IR reason (650 to 4000). Total 5 samples were analysed [Sample 01- Clove flower, Sample 02- just below of flower, Sample 03- mid body, Sample 4 -mid Body 2nd and Sample 05 -tail part]. Two wavelengths were target 1513 cm-1 and 1431 cm-1. The quantitative analysis was performed for % transmittance and % absorbance. Plotted Spectra was compared with the Spectral Database for Organic Compounds (SDBS) and spectra-base at Wiley. Sample 03 mid body shows higher area comparatively remaining four samples at both peaks (1513 cm-1 as well as 1431 cm-1). Results shows that the concentration of Eugenol is higher at Ovules than tail and flower.
Dietary Regimen in Sleeping Disorders
Authors: G Himani
Published: January 2024

Sleep is a basic human need, important for good health & therefore considered as one of the Trividh Upastambhas. “Early to bed & early to arise makes a man healthy, wealthy & wise.” This proverb has a great significance. Ayurveda believes in saying it. Sleep is a natural phenomenon of giving adequate rest to the body and mind. An improper diet and lifestyle cause aggravation of Vata that travels through the channels of the head causing sleeplessness. Suppressed emotions, disturbed sleeping patterns, worries, anger, overexcitement and ill health may be other responsible factors for sleep disorders. It focuses on daily regimen (Dincharya) that can avoid lifestyle disorders. Nidra plays an important role in physical and mental health. Ayurveda has prescribed certain rules, in regard to diet and sleep, called seasonal regimen (Rutucharya). Present article emphasized on role of Dietary Regimen in Anidra in promotion of maintenance of health and well-being and prevention of lifestyle disorders.