bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ruptured Cervicoisthmic Pregnancy with 20 Weeks Intrauterine Foetal Death Lying in Left Broad Ligament- A Case Report
Authors: Bhatia Ruby , Sharma Khyati , Arora Trisha , Gupta Surbhi , Jindal Disha
Published: December 2021

Abnormal Low Lying Implantation of Ectopic Pregnancy (LLIEP) may occur in cervix, cervico isthmic region or caesarean scar. Cervicoisthmic pregnancy remains the rarest form of LLIEP, a life threatening cause of maternal morbidity and mortality with an incidence of 1 in every 2400 to 4500 pregnancies. In isthmic implantation, the gestational sac is located more cranially and between the cervix distally and the decidualised functional endometrium cranially. Transvaginal Ultrasound (TVS), Colour Doppler and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) remain gold standard modalities for early diagnosis. Ultrasonography depicts bulging lower uterine segment with a normal cervical length and consistency. Here, the author reports a rare case of ruptured isthmic pregnancy with 20 weeks intrauterine foetus death lying in left broad ligament in a 33-year-old unbooked G3P2L2 with gestation of 31 weeks presenting in emergency. Ultrasonography depicted intrauterine foetus death with foetus lying in lower segment of uterus. Lower section caesarean section for failed induction confirmed hour glass uterus with empty upper uterine segment and bulging, distended, couvelaire lower uterine segment and left lateral rupture at cervicoisthmic junction. Dead 20 weeks foetus lying in leaves of left broad ligament. Peripartum hysterectomy was done as a life saving procedure. Cervicoisthmic pregnancy is rarest form of LLIEP and diagnosis may result in rupture with need of peripartum hysterectomy.
The Adoption of e-HRM: A View of a Telecommunications Company in Zimbabwe
Authors: Maphosa Vusumuzi
Published: December 2021

The 21st-century has witnessed the catalytic effect of Information Technology (IT) on organisational operations through increased robustness and sustained competitive advantage in the knowledge economy. Technology’s disruptive diffusion has not sparred the human resource practice; thus, this study investigates the adoption of electronic Human Resources Management (e-HRM) by a telecommunications-based organisation in Zimbabwe. The study utilised a quantitative case design using a questionnaire targeting 130 managers and supervisors. In meeting the study’s objective, factor analysis using principal component analysis and varimax rotation was conducted. The results show that the three constructs had a direct impact on the adoption of e-HRM. The respondents agreed that e-HRM had automated employee records management and improved communication between employees and managers, increasing productivity. Identified benefits from the results include lowering administrative costs, delivering state of the art HRM services, enabling HR staff more time to focus on strategic reorientation, increasing HRM effectiveness and efficiency, and facilitating the scouting of the best talent globally. The respondents noted that aligning e-HRM processes to the HRM function had some restraints, such as unwillingness to accommodate change, confidentiality and security of personal records through hacking. The study generates new knowledge for benchmarking as Zimbabwean organisations endeavour to embrace e-HRM. The study contributes literature on e-HRM adoption, which appears scant in developing countries such as Zimbabwe. More research on e-HRM adoption in developing countries provides practical and theoretical implications for the HRM practice and the research community. Future studies could involve several organisations for more generalisability of the results.
Financial Analysis of Country Bean in Narsingdi District of Bangladesh
Authors: Taslim A. , Rahman M. S. , Karim M. R. , Sumon M. M. H.
Published: December 2021

Aims: This study is an attempt to examine the profitability, problems and probable solutions of country bean production in Belabo upazila of Narsingdi district of Bangladesh.

Study Design: Financial calculation of the cost and return were done to the evaluation process. Besides the problems and solutions of bean cultivation were also analyzed.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Belabo upazila of Narsingdi district of Bangladesh from November 2019 to April 2020.

Methodology: A convenience sampling technique was selected to meet the objectives. One hundred and twenty five country bean growers were chosen from the study area. An interview schedule was prepared for collecting necessary data from the participants. The schedule contained questions about the socioeconomic characteristics of farmers, different costs associated with production, different problems faced by them during production and their probable suggestions to overcome those problems. Standard financial techniques were used to evaluate costs and returns. Descriptive statistics were used to describe socio-demographic characteristics, farming information, problems during the production process and rank of suggestions.

Results: The study found that the total cost of bean cultivation was found in Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) 163866.35 per ha, net return was BDT 60850.28 per ha and benefit cost ratio was 1.37. The study found low price, lack of scientific knowledge in farming, transportation problems and poor storage facilities as major constraints. Besides, the farmers mentioned that they need proper training, reduction in price risk, credit support, cold storage facilities and transportation facilities.

Conclusion: The study showed that per hectare yield, gross returns, gross margin, net return and benefit cost ratio of bean were higher. Therefore, bean production is highly profitable and it would help to improve the socio-economic condition of farmers in Narsingdi district. Besides, the study identified several problems faced by the bean growers and possible solutions to overcome those constraints were proposed.
A Study of Various Constraints Regarding Credit Utilization in Jaunpur District of Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Athar Mantasha , Kumar Sanjay , Zeb Ilma
Published: December 2021

Background: Credit is the crucial input for the economic development of the farmers as it helps in increased production through use of modern inputs. The study was carried out to examine the various constraints faced by the different groups of farmers in the Jaunpur district in regards to credit utilization.

Aims: To study the various constraints regarding credit utilization and credit acquisition by the borrowers

Place and Duration of Study: Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh, between year 2020 and 2021.

Methodology: A total of 120 respondents were selected randomly from the Karanzakala block of Jaunpur district, Uttar Pradesh and a pre-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data from the farmers. Respondents were classified into two categories and 60 respondents from borrowers and 60 from non-borrowers were selected for study purpose

Results: It is revealed by the Garrett scores that maximum number of borrowers with 71.61 mean score reported that hectic documentation as main problem faced in acquiring the credit.

Conclusion: From the findings of the study, it has been stated that there was a high level of constraints associated with access to credit. Highly responded constraints for bank credit were hectic documentation (71.61 mean score), repayment period not being sufficient (68.25 mean score) and Insufficient loan amount (60.25 mean score) were the major constraints. Due to having these constraints, farmers faced a lot of troubles to get credit which hindered agricultural activities, increased cost of credit, led to selling of agricultural crops at low prices.
Use of ICT in Provision of Information to Rural Women for Sustainable Development©
Authors: Andambi Ruth Iramwenya , Jebet Lelon Lydia
Published: December 2021

Information and Communication Technologies are critical tools in disseminating of information for Socio-Economic Development. Every person globally strives to have access to this vital information. However most women in rural areas have limited access to this information. This study therefore was set to find out how ICTs could be used to empower rural women of Keiyo South Constituency, Elgeiyo/Marakwet County through provision of information for sustainable Development. The objectives of the study were to; assess the information needs for rural women; find out how use of ICT could influence socio-economic status of rural women and challenges in accessing this information for sustainable Development. The study was informed by Harris Info-Mobilization theory. The study adopted a qualitative research design. The target population was 3070 women in Keiyo South. Stratified sampling was used to divide the constituency into divisions and locations and purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to obtain 141 respondents. Data was collected using semi-structured interview schedules supplemented by document review and observation and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The study found that the rural women of Keiyo South has limited access to ICT Technology and infrastructure, which has affected negatively on their socio-economic and political status. Access to information was mainly through informal sources such as friends and neighbors; they need education and training to provide them with knowledge and skills for accessing ICT information, which can help them to attain sustainable Development. The study concluded that use of ICT has helped to reduce poverty through economic empowerment and has enabled the rural women to obtain new life skills. In addition, ICT has enabled them to participate in political election online. With relevant ICT infrastructure and policies in place, ICT could be used to improve the socio-economic status of rural women for sustainable development in Keiyo South. The study recommended that the County government of Elgeyo/Marakwet should empower rural women economically by providing them with information through ICT and by enacting policies that support development of ICT infrastructure and projects for rural women. Through these projects, the rural women could be trained to gain the knowledge and skills for searching and retrieving information through ICT. This knowledge could help them develop socio- Economic strategies for sustainable Development.
Adaptation between the School Context in the Francophone Educational Sub-System of General Education in Cameroon and the Learner's Entry into the World of Employment: School Guidance
Authors: Christophe Fopoussi Tuebue Jean
Published: December 2021

The objective of this study is to examine the French-speaking sub-system of general education in Cameroon, with the aim of proposing a Cameroonian academic system now equipped with an orientation pedagogy capable of valuing the different local potentials that can suddenly accelerate the emergence of the country. To carry out this study, numerous investigations were made in the field. The plentiful results obtained have been carefully analyzed. The orientation of learners in Cameroon is not done on the basis of their real potential, but rather on the basis of foreign languages; these are German, Spanish, and Chinese. At different levels, we see an overload of learners with subjects which, instead of reinforcing them in what they would like to do in life, rather demotivate them. Learners finish their respective courses with a full head, without any skills. The informal sector is the only environment where they can earn on a daily basis. The practice of trades in this sector is responsible of many urban disorders observed today in the cities of the country. This urban disorder is almost always the precursor of many accidents, sometimes resulting in the death of men. For young people who did not have the courage to engage themselves in informal sector activities, crime, drug abuse, violence, homosexuality, the search of "sugar mummy and daddy", " gigolo habit ”, illegal immigration, prostitution, to name but a few, are the main routes out. The following path is proposed for the new orientation vision in Cameroon: Observation sub-cycle (first and second year), Orientation sub-cycle (third and fourth year artistic, third and fourth year literary, third and fourth year science), Specialization cycle (fifth year artistic, fifth year literary, fifth year science, sixth and seventh year artistic, sixth and seventh year literary, Sixth year applied sciences, sixth year fundamental sciences, seventh year applied science, seventh year fundamental sciences). The new vision of managing the French-speaking sub-system of general education in Cameroon highlights a new reality; in fact, from the orientation sub-cycle, the teaching units will be preparing the corresponding trades. Cameroon has many assets to succeed in this process.
Predicting Factors among Healthy Lifestyle Beliefs, Behaviors and Mental Health Indicators in Taiwanese Adolescents
Authors: Chan Shu-Min , Melnyk Bernadette Mazurek , Chen Angela Chia-Chen
Published: December 2021

Aims: The prevalence of overweight adolescents in Taiwan has dramatically increased in recent years. A survey shows that 66.6% of adolescents do not get the recommended amount of vegetables and fruit (i.e., two portions of fruit and three portions of vegetables per day each week). The purpose of this study was to explore relationships between individual understanding of activity and nutrition, healthy lifestyle beliefs, perceived difficulty of efficacy in reaching health goals, mental health variables, and healthy lifestyle behavior on BMI in Taiwanese adolescents.

Study Design: This is a theoretically-based and cross-sectional research study.

Place and Duration of Study: Data were conducted from two middle schools in Taiwan between Sep 2011 to November 2011.

Methodology: We used a convenience sampling to recruit 453 adolescents with a mean age of 13.42 years. The instruments used were demographics, Beck Youth Inventory II (Depression, Anxiety, Self-concept), Healthy Lifestyle Belief Scale, Healthy Lifestyle Behavior Scale, Perceived Difficulty Scale, Nutrition and Activity Knowledge Scales. We conducted path analysis to test our theoretical model by using Mplus 5.21.

Results: Fit indices included χ2 (23, 453) =33.75, P= .05, CFI=.98, and RMSEA=.03, indicating that the model fit the model well. Healthy lifestyle beliefs had a significant positive effect on healthy lifestyle behaviors (β= .41, P= .01). Moreover, there was a significant negative relationship between perceived difficulty and healthy lifestyle behaviors (β= -.54, P= .01).

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that promoting positive beliefs about healthy lifestyle among adolescents may facilitate healthy lifestyle changes and help them perceive less difficulty in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. School nurses and health professionals in Taiwan need to coordinate essential resources and implement theoretical-based educational program that address issues on increasing adolescents’ healthy lifestyle beliefs.
Research on Chemical Process Optimization Based on Artificial Neural Network Algorithm
Authors: Liang Fei , Zhang Taowen
Published: December 2021

Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is established by imitating the human brain's nerve thinking mode. Because of its strong nonlinear mapping ability, fault tolerance and self-learning ability, it is widely used in many fields such as intelligent driving, signal processing, process control and so on. This article introduces the basic principles, development history and three common neural network types of artificial neural networks, BP neural network, RBF neural network and convolutional neural network, focusing on the research progress of the practical application of neural networks in chemical process optimization.
Demographic and Socioeconomic Factors Influencing Uptake of Striga Weed Control Technologies in Kenya
Authors: Nambafu Godfrey Nakitare , Onwonga Richard Ndemo
Published: December 2021

Over the years, new technologies have been tested and introduced to control Striga in maize producing areas but adoption has remained low. The study done in 2013, determined the demographic and socioeconomic factors that influenced the adoption of Striga control technologies in Kisumu West, Bumula and Teso South sub counties of Western Kenya. Through Multi stage sampling technique, 40 households were selected per sub county for questionnaire administration; to gather information on demographic profiles of the sample population, type of fertilizer and seed variety used, income of the household, source of credit facilities and challenges faced in weed control. Chi square test at P<0.05 and logistic regression analysis, using R software was used to determine the relationship between demographic and socioeconomic factors and uptake of Striga control technologies. Farmers cited high cost, poor availability of improved varieties and lack of adequate knowledge as reasons for non-adoption of the Striga control strategies. Farmer’s age, education, land size and hiring of labour were found to significantly influence the adoption of the Striga control technologies. The low levels of adoption of modern technology indicate that they were not meeting farmers’ expectations, thus, researchers should put into consideration farmers’ education, age, land size and ability to high labour in their planning for an informed technology adoption. In addition, alternative options should be extended to farmers who are not able to use expensive technologies.
Clinical Trial of the Canary System for Proximal Caries Detection: A Comparative Study
Authors: Jan Janja , Bakar Wan Zaripah Wan , Mathews Sapna M. , Uzamere E. , O. Okoye Linda , T. Amaechi Bennett
Published: December 2021

Background: Detecting initial caries on the proximal surfaces of teeth in an intact dentition is a problem in dental practice since radiograph has been shown to have poor sensitivity with this stage of caries lesions. Hence there is need for an alternative technology.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the Canary System (CS) to detect proximal caries in a clinical setting, comparing it with bitewing radiography (BWR). 

Methodology: 33 subjects, age 18 years and above, were recruited from a mixed population of low, moderate, and high caries risk patients. BWR and the CS were used to detect proximal caries lesions in these subjects. Teeth were separated by 48 hours insertion of rubber rings, and the proximal surfaces were examined by direct visual examination using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System II (ICDAS-II) scoring system. The Sensitivity (se), specificity (sp), positive (ppv) and negative predictive (npv) values of the CS and BWR in detecting caries on proximal surfaces were calculated by evaluating each method alone against ICDAS-II system (used as bronze standard). The two methods were compared statistically using their Area Under the Receiver Operating Curve (AUC). The sensitivities and specificities were compared using a test of proportions and AUC values were compared using DeLong’s method of nonparametric testing of AUC values. 

Results: The se, sp, ppv and npv for the CS are 0.92, 0.78, 0.89, 0.84 respectively, and for BWR are 0.67, 0.54, 0.78, and 0.40 respectively. The AUC of the Canary System (0.77) was statistically significantly higher than the AUC of the radiography (0.53, P < .001). 

Conclusions: This study demonstrated the efficacy of the Canary System in detecting proximal caries lesions to be greater than that of bitewing radiography. 

Clinical Significance: The Canary System can be a valuable clinical device for detecting and monitoring proximal caries lesions in clinical practice.
Assessment of Occupational Risks in the Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory Using the FMECA Method
Authors: Laarej Khalid , Jbilou Mohammed , Bouatia Mustapha , Elyadini Adil , Alami Rachid
Published: December 2021

The Toxicology and Pharmacology Laboratory is a high-risk work environment, especially the chemical risk that appears when people are exposed to reagents and chemicals. A corrective approach is required to identify and control these risks. The aim of this study is to determine how to manage the analytical risks at LTP designated for the dosage of drugs and poisons (narcotics, pesticides, mycotoxins, etc.). For this purpose, the risk analysis applying the FMECA method, a risk management tool that aims on the one hand, to qualitatively analyze the process, to analyze the failure modes, the causes and their effects, and to on the other hand, rate the criticality defined by the parameters of frequency of occurrence, severity and detection that will allow a quantitative analysis of each of the failure modes. Thus, the criticality calculation will help to determine the critical risks to be corrected, and to recommend corrective and preventive actions to be implemented within the service.
Farmers’ Attitude towards the Climate-Resilient Technologies of NICRA Project in Anantapur District
Authors: Harikrishna Yeragorla Venkata , Naberia Seema
Published: December 2021

Climate change has been perceived with high emphasis from the beginning of this century. Since it directly impacts the ecosystem and agriculture especially over the farmers of dryland regions. The research study has been conducted to assess the farmers’ attitude towards climate-resilient technologies of the National Initiatives on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project by farmers of Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh. The sample consists of 60 farmers as beneficiaries from NICRA villages and 60 farmers as nonbeneficiaries from non-NICRA villages were selected randomly. The ex-post facto research design was used in the study. The results of the study showed that more than half of the beneficiaries (51.67 %) and 48.33 per cent of non-beneficiaries had a medium level of favorableness towards climate-resilient technologies of the NICRA project. From the above findings, this is concluded that both beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of the NICRA project have a positive favourable attitude towards climate-resilient technologies which is considered as a precursor for adoption of those technologies by the farming community. Hence the results of this research study may help extension organizations for good training and implementation of climate-resilient technologies of National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA).
Plant Growth Promotion and Biocontrol Properties of Aneurinibacillus migulanus Isolated from Maize Roots (Zea mays)
Authors: Asogwa Lynda Kelvin , C. Ogbo Frank
Published: December 2021

Aims: To isolate Plant Growth Promoting Bacillus strain from maize roots, to evaluate its biocontrol potentials and to characterize the isolate using16S rRNA sequencing.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Applied Microbiology and Brewing, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, between February 2019 and March 2020.

Methodology: The isolation of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) from maize roots was done using Pikovskaya (PVK) agar. Quantitative determination of phosphate was carried out using PVK broth. Evaluations of other plant growth promoting properties were carried out such as IAA, etc. Fusarium and Enterobacter plant pathogens were isolated from diseased maize plants. The in vitro antagonism effects of the PGPR isolates against the pathogens were analyzed using the dual culture plate technique. The pot experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design. Plant characteristics such as plant height, shoot  and root weight, chlorophyll content, as well as disease assessment were recorded accordingly. The organisms were identified using phenotypic and molecular methods.

Results: Seven PGPR bacteria were isolated from maize (Zea mays) roots using PVK agar. Aneurinibacillus migulanus gave the highest solubilization index of 4.21 while isolate IS48 gave the lowest solubilization index of 1.47. A. migulanus produced IAA, ammonia and cellulase enzyme but no hydrogen cyanide. The organism showed antagonism activity against the two tested phytopathogens. In the pot experiment, A. migulanus treated plants showed a statistically insignificant difference in maize plant height at P=0.05 but gave significant increases in shoot and root wet weights. The organism offered 83.33% and 71.43% protection against Enterobacter and Fusarium pathogens respectively in the pot experiment.

Conclusion: A. migulanus solubilized phosphate in addition to other plant growth promoting  properties. It showed biocontrol potentials both in vitro and in vivo and thus can be used as substitute for synthetic agrochemicals.
Assessment of Pelvic Incidence Angle in Normal Indian Population and Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Kumar J. S. Raj
Published: December 2021

There is increasing emphasis on the sagittal spino-pelvic alignment and its interpretation is of critical importance in the management of spinal disorders. The vertebral column shows a vital role in the funding and locomotion of the human body. The judgment of normality can be made possible by analyzing the normal patterns of sagittal curvature and characteristics of each pattern of sagittal curvatures. In our study the control group which comprised of 50 healthy volunteers exhibited a minimum pelvic incidence of 33° and a maximum of 60° with an average of 50.12°. The minimum pelvic incidence in the study group was 42° and the maximum was 75°.The average pelvic incidence in the low grade listhesis group was 57.78° and in the high grade listhesis group it was 64.75°.The combined average of pelvic incidence angle in the study group was 58.34°and only one patient had a Pelvic incidence Angle of 75 degrees and the remaining three were only one patient had a Pelvic incidence Angle of 75 degrees and the remaining three were below 65 degrees. The objective of this study is to observe the parameters of sagittal and spino-pelvic balance in a sample of the Indian population consisting of volunteer asymptomatic individuals.
Current Approaches for the Management of Multiple Sclerosis – A Review
Authors: Singh Lakhwinder , Yasmin Sabina , Sharma Rajiv
Published: December 2021

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, neuroinflammatory disease which interfere with the central nervous system and damage the myelin sheath and axons. It is mediated by auto-reactive lymphocytes that cross the blood brain barrier cause inflammation, demyelination and axonal loss disturb the communications between the neurons. The exact cause of the MS is not known but it is reported that it may be due to the genetic, environmental factors, viral infections (Epstein Barr virus). There are various approaches for the management of Multiple sclerosis like disease modifying agents are mainly used. Some of the monoclonal antibodies (Ocrelizumab) are approved recently for the management of MS. Due to various unwanted side effects with conventional medicines people are eager to use cost effective medicines with no or less side effects; therefore herbal medicines are best choice for them, they works by different pharmacological actions like reduce oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects and others. Mainly used herbal plants like Ginkgobiloba, Salvia officinalis, Nigella sativa.
Correlation of Chronic Back Pain and Hyperuricemia, Our Hospital Experience
Authors: Ahmed Atif , Kalhoro Muhammad Amjad , Aamer Nasrullah , Kumar Kuldeep , Das Sant , Keerio Niaz Hussain , Noor Syed Shahid
Published: December 2021

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of hyperuricemia in individuals with chronic low back pain.

Methodology: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study performed between January 2021 to June 2021 in Medicine department of Bilawal Medical College LUMHS Jamshoro Pakistan. Patients between the age of 18 to 65 years have been investigated. Data was collected using a designed questionnaire. X-rays and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the lumbosacral spine were used to evaluate any discrepancies associated with low back pain. The levels of uric acid in the blood were measured and documented.

Results: Out of 88 patients with chronic low back pain, 22 (25%) reported hyperuricemia. There was no significant difference in uric acid levels between men and women (P>0.05). We observed that 86.36 %t (n=19) patients with elevated serum uric acid levels also experienced joint pain. Further radiological examination revealed lumbar disc prolapse in 72.7 % (n=16). We found that in 95.45% of the patients, disc space narrowing was present.

Conclusion: Regardless of gender, one in four people with low back pain had hyperuricemia. Patients with low back pain have varying occupational and co-morbidities. Hypouricemia appears to be associated with lumbar disc prolapse and lumbar vertebral joint space constriction. This reveals that hyperuricemia aggravates degenerative spondylolisthesis.
Assessing the Chemosensitizing Effect of Neferine on Cisplatin-Resistant Colorectal Cancer Cells through Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Bharath S. , Gopinath S. , Surovi S. , Padma V. Vijaya
Published: December 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second deadliest diseases next to lung cancer. Cisplatin is the first generation platinum based alkylating agent using for treatment of advance CRC patients. Continuous usages of cisplatin lead to resistance which limits its therapeutic efficacy. Recent research is focused on studying the chemotherapeutic efficacy of the phytochemicals as they are less toxic compared to the conventional chemotherapeutic drugs. Neferine is a bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid extracted from the embryo of Nelumbo nucifera. The anticancer and chemosensitizing effect of neferine has been well reported in several cancer cells. However, there are no reports on the chemosensitizing effect of neferine on cisplatin-resistant colorectal cancer cells (CRCs). Hence, the present study aims at identification of target proteins responsible for cisplatin-resistance in colorectal cancer cells. The present investigation elucidates the specific interaction of neferine with various cell surface receptor proteins related to cisplatin-resistance, multi-drug resistance (MDR) proteins, signal transduction protein and transcription factors via molecular docking approach. The interaction between neferine and the target proteins of cisplatin-resistant colorectal cancer was analyzed through Schrodinger Maestro 11.9 module. From our docking studies we could suggest that neferine is most active for insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R), fibroblast growth factor receptor-2 (FGFR2), zinc finger protein SNAI1 (SNAIL1), signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) and transforming growth factor beta receptor-1 (TGFβR1) when sorted according to their docking score.
Hyperacute Gullain Barre Syndrome (GBS); The Catastrophic Variant- A Rare Case Report
Authors: Acharya Sourya , Andhale Amol , Shukla Samarth , Sagar V. V. S. S. , Kumar Sunil
Published: December 2021

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) also known as acute demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP) is an immunologically mediated  rare neurological disorder.  The  basic pathogenic mechanism is regulated by molecular mimicry. Usually there is a history of preceding infection which occurs some weeks before the attack. The infections are gastroenteritis or upper respiratory. The clinical spectrum of ranges from  mild weakness to devastating paralysis including respiratory failure. Majority of the cases recover but a few continue to have residual neurodeficit. The usual clinical course of GBS from the starting of weakness to development of maximum neurologic progression usually progresses over 4 weeks. Hyperacute GBS is a term used when the progression of weakness occurs within hours to days to maximum neurologic impairment. In this case report we present a 28 year old female who developed rapidly progressive, areflexic quadriparesis with respiratory muscle involvement requiring mechanical ventilatory support within nine hours. Clinical , laboratory and nerve conduction studies suggested a diagnosis of GBS.
Computer Engineering Complete Dentures Workflow: Systematic Techniques Review
Authors: Moaleem Mohammed M. Al , Al-layl Omaima A. , Alhomood Manar A. , Ageeli Walaa A. , Qsadi Alzhouor A. , Mohammed Tahani I. M. , Baraqt Emtinan S. , Zubayni Bashayr M. A. , Alalmaie Nada I. , Huraysi Ahmed H. M.
Published: December 2021

Background: The progress in the use of computer-aided design/computer aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) to fabricat removable prosthodontic prostheses in dental clinics has been exponential. Commercially existing CAD/CAM denture techniques grow every year with increasing benefits to dentists and patients.

Study Design: Systematic review.

Aims: This review assessed and evaluated the different clinical production protocols of presently accessible CAD/CAM denture systems that offer decision support for dental practitioners.

Methodology: Data   for the current object were collected by surveys from different companies manufacturing the Computer Engineering Complete Denture (CECDs). All related subjects published at the last 10 years were collected and included in this review. Techniques were arranged in alphabetical order, as follows. AvaDent Digital Dentures (Global Dental Science), Baltic Denture Creator System (Merz Dental GmbH), and Ceramill Full Denture System (Amann Girrbach AG) can manufacture denture fabrication in three visits, including a try-in step. DENTCA Digital Dentures (Whole You Nexteeth, Inc) can also perform this in three visits. The Wieland Digital Denture (Ivoclar Vivadent, Inc) can manufacture in four dental appointments. Recently developed VITA VIONIC Digital System (VITA Zahnfabrik, Bad Säckingen, Germany) can perform two-step CECD manufacturing.

Results: Most of the systems involved subtractive manufacturing for the fabrication of their dentures and only closed systems. However, Baltic Denture System and VITA VIONIC material types are an open structure that allow users to choose among different handling protocols. It can be shared with several unclosed digital scanner, CAD software options, and milling machines.

Conclusions: The six existing CECD fabrication systems offer many advantages. The decision on which technique to use may be contingent on the dentist’s prosthodontic expertise, patient output amount, and requirements concerning denture individualization.
Report of Antibiotic Resistance in Urban and Rural Wastewaters from West Bengal, India
Authors: Singh Meesha , Karmakar Rupsha , Ganguli Sayak , Ghosh Mahashweta Mitra
Published: December 2021

Aims: This study aims at comparative identification of antibiotic resistance patterns in bacteria isolated from samples collected from rural environment (LS) and urban environments (SS). Metagenomic profiling gave us insights into the microbial abundance of the two samples. This study focused on culture-based methods for complete identification of antibiotic resistant isolates and estimation of comparative antibiotic resistance among the two samples.

Study Design: Untreated medical waste and anthropogenic waste disposal can lead to the propagation of different antibiotic resistant strains in wastewater environments both in urban and rural set ups which provide an insight towards this study approach mentioned in the methodology segment.

Place and Duration of Study: Sewer system of a medical facility located in Purulia, India was the collection site for liquid sludge. Solid sludge and associated wastewater were collected in vicinity of a large urban medical facility from central Kolkata, India.

Methodology: Physico-chemical properties were analyzed followed by microbiological and biochemical characterization. The antibiotic resistance patterns were determined by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion assay. Potent multidrug resistant isolates were identified using 16srRNA gene amplification followed by Phylogenetic profiling, using CLC Genomics workbench.

Results: We observed maximum resistance in an E. coli isolate which was resistant up to 22 antibiotics. Combined data for resistance from urban and rural samples were found to exhibit 83.9% resistance to beta lactams, 85.7% to macrolides, 44.2% to fluoroquinolones, 50% to glycopeptides and cephalosporins, 35.7 % to carbapenems and sulfonamides, 28.5 % to tetracycline, and 23.8 % to aminoglycosides.

Conclusion: The high prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria harbouring diverse resistance traits across samples indicated towards probable horizontal gene transfer across environmental niches. This study can prove to be useful to understand and map the patterns of resistance and stringently apply the counter measures related to public health practices.
Prosthetic Management of Segmentally Resected Mandible and Partial Glossectomy: A Case Report
Authors: Kakade Pooja , Ghadage Mahesh , Daphale Gunjan , Patil Dipooja , Pawar Satish
Published: December 2021

The balance and symmetry of mandibular function gets destroyed by the loss of continuity of the mandible, which deviates the residual fragment towards the resected side thereby altering the mandibular movements. Physical therapy in combination with prosthodontic treatment can be used to reduce the mandibular deviation and hence it improves the masticatory efficiency. Many prosthetic methods are discovered to minimize deviation and provide masticatory efficiency. Some of these methods are mandibular guide ﬂange prosthesis, implant supported prosthesis and palatal guidance restoration. Contact of Tongue with palate is important for the production of normal speech, also the proper place of the tongue during certain sounds is important. In partial glossectomy conditions, tongue to palate articulation gets affected during speech and patient faces difficulty to pronounce certain sounds. For the rehabilitation of such patient thorough knowledge of the production of different sounds can be useful for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Wound healing and Metabolite Profiling in Collagen-Chitosan Biomaterial-treated Chronic Wounds of Hansen’s Disease Patients
Authors: Babu Pombala Suresh , Srinivasan Harini , Dhandapani B. Sai , Rose C.
Published: December 2021

Aims: Impaired wound healing causes chronic ulcers in Hansen’s disease (HD) patients which are an unrecognized clinical manifestation and requires utmost care and attention for wound management. Collagen and chitosan biopolymers when synergistically combined produce a biologically active biomaterial for wound dressings. Hence, the aim was to prepare a collagen/chitosan (COL/CS) composite and characterize for wound healing potential in HD patients.

Place and Duration of Study: CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute, Sardar Patel Road, Adyar, Chennai 600021, Southern Railway Headquarters Hospital, Constable Road, Ayanavaram, Chennai 600023, and Gremaltes Hospital, India between June 2013 and July 2020.

Methodology: The HD wounds were measured by Planimetry in square cm and were also assessed for morphological structure of epidermis and collagen fiber arrangement by High Resolution- Scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM).  Proton Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR) for metabolite identification was studied in blood plasma samples of unwounded, untreated and treated HD patients

Results: Size D (wound size on day of discharge) of the wounds were appreciably lower than Size 0 (wound size before biomaterial treatment) demonstrating efficient wound healing by the biomaterial. The morphological structure of the HD wounds showed healthy epidermal layer and thick fibers of collagen matrix in the treated wounds when compared to the controls. Key metabolites of metabolic pathways such as TCA cycle, creatine cycle and protein metabolism were identified by 1H-NMR spectroscopy

Conclusion: The COL/CS wound dressing is a promising biomaterial for management of chronic wounds in Hansen’s disease.
A Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Effects of Different Forms of Orange Juice on Dental Plaque Ph
Authors: Pavani Bellamkonda , Dev D. S. Monica , Selvakumar Mirnalini , Mali Tejaswi , Madhumidha M. , Logeswari R.
Published: December 2021

Aim: To study the acidogenic response in human dental plaque in vivo with fresh orange juice compared to orange fruit drink with no added sugar and regular orange fruit drink that were currently available in the market.

Materials and Methods: Ninety subjects aged 18-30 years were allocated randomly into 3 groups. 10 ml of each experimental drink was given to the subjects in each group and instructed to keep in mouth for 2 minutes before swallowing. Intrinsic pH of the test drinks was measured by the Digital pH meter. Plaque pH was measured at the baseline, immediately after consumption and at 1,15 and 30minutes post consumption.

Result: Inter group comparison by ANOVA showed significant difference among mean pH values and time intervals. There was significant drop in plaque pH in all the three groups after 1minute. Tropicana group showed drop in pH even after 30 minutes while in other two groups, pH returned to initial levels at the end of 30minutes.

Conclusion: The results of our study showed that, plaque pH dropped rapidly after 1 minute of consumption of all the three fruit juices. Plaque pH returned to initial levels in two groups while in tropicana group, it declined.
The mTOR–lysosome axis at the centre of ageing
Authors: Carosi Julian M. , Fourrier Célia , Bensalem Julien , Sargeant Timothy J.
Published: December 2021

Age‐related diseases represent some of the largest unmet clinical needs of our time. While treatment of specific disease‐related signs has had some success (for example, the effect of statin drugs on slowing progression of atherosclerosis), slowing biological ageing itself represents a target that could significantly increase health span and reduce the prevalence of multiple age‐related diseases. Mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is known to control fundamental processes in ageing: inhibiting this signalling complex slows biological ageing, reduces age‐related disease pathology and increases lifespan in model organisms. How mTORC1 inhibition achieves this is still subject to ongoing research. However, one mechanism by which mTORC1 inhibition is thought to slow ageing is by activating the autophagy–lysosome pathway. In this review, we examine the special bidirectional relationship between mTORC1 and the lysosome. In cells, mTORC1 is located on lysosomes. From this advantageous position, it directly controls the autophagy–lysosome pathway. However, the lysosome also controls mTORC1 activity in numerous ways, creating a special two‐way relationship. We then explore specific examples of how inhibition of mTORC1 and activation of the autophagy–lysosome pathway slow the molecular hallmarks of ageing. This body of literature demonstrates that the autophagy–lysosome pathway represents an excellent target for treatments that seek to slow biological ageing and increase health span in humans.
Identification of ferroptosis‐related genes as potential biomarkers of tongue squamous cell carcinoma using an integrated bioinformatics approach
Authors: Zhu Haisheng , Tao Yuzhi , Huang Qingwen , Chen Zhuoming , Jiang Liujun , Yan Haolin , Zhong Jinghua , Liang Leifeng
Published: December 2021

Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is one of the deadliest cancers of the head and neck, but the role of the ferroptosis pathway in its development is still unknown. In this study we explored the pathogenetic mechanisms associated with ferroptosis in TSCC. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of TSCC patients and used gene ontology (GO), the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to annotate, visualize, and integrate these DEGs. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was performed, and the STRING database was used to construct a protein–protein interaction network to evaluate the predictive value of ferroptosis‐related DEGs. A total of 219 DEGs were identified and GO, KEGG, and GSEA showed that extracellular matrix (ECM)‐receptor interaction and interleukin (IL)‐17 signaling pathways were substantially upregulated in TSCC. Univariate Cox analysis revealed that high expression of CA9, TNFAIP3, and NRAS were predictive of a worse outcome. We then constructed a prognostic model that predicted survival in the validation cohort at 1 year and 32 months. Finally, 60 cases of tongue carcinoma and normal tissues were collected, and immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of CA9. We found that CA9 was strongly expressed in tongue carcinoma tissues and absent in adjacent tissues. Overall, we found that ferroptosis‐related genes may affect TSCC prognosis through the ECM‐receptor interaction and IL‐17 signaling pathways. Additionally, immunohistochemistry confirmed that CA9 was highly expressed in tongue carcinoma tissues, and a model based on ferroptosis‐related genes showed a good ability to predict overall survival in TSCC.
Mechanical and medical imaging properties of 3D‐printed materials as tissue equivalent materials
Authors: Ma Depeng , Gao Ronghui , Li Minghui , Qiu Jianfeng
Published: December 2021

Three materials of polylactic acid (PLA), polyamide 12 (PA12), and light curing resin (LCR) were used to construct phantom using 3D printing technology. The mechanical and medical imaging properties of the three materials, such as elastic modulus, density, effective atomic number, X‐ray attenuation coefficient, computed tomography (CT) number, and acoustic properties, were investigated. The results showed that the elastic modulus for PLA was 1.98 × 103 MPa, for PA12 was 848 MPa, for LCR was 1.18×103 MPa, and that of three materials was close to some bones. In the range of 40∼120 kV, the X‐ray attenuation coefficient of three materials decreased with increasing tube voltage. The CT number for PLA, PA12, and LCR was 144, −88, and 312 Hounsfield units at 120 kV tube voltage, respectively. The density and the effective atomic number product (ρ*Zeff) were computed from three materials and decreased in the order of LCR, PLA, and PA12. The acoustic properties of materials were also studied. The speeds of sound of three materials were similar with those of some soft tissues.
Cancer in Anti‐Neutrophil Cytoplasm Antibody‐Associated Vasculitis and Polyarteritis Nodosa in Australia: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Tieu Joanna , Lester Susan , Raymond Warren , Keen Helen , Hill Catherine L. , Nossent Johannes
Published: December 2021

Objective

The study objective was to compare incident cancer rates among patients with anti‐neutrophil cytoplasm antibody‐associated vasculitis (AAV) and polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) in Western Australia (WA) with the general population and perform time‐varying analyses to identify periods with greatest excess cancers.

Methods

Administrative health data from patients hospitalized with incident AAV/PAN from 1980 to 2014 were linked to the WA cancer registry, which holds compulsorily reported cancer data (excluding skin squamous cell and basal cell carcinomas). Incident cancer rates in patients with AAV/PAN were compared with age‐, sex‐, and calendar‐year‐matched WA population rates.

Results

Patients with AAV/PAN had higher overall rates of incident cancer compared with the matched population (standardized incidence ratio [SIR], 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.42‐2.10). In subgroup analyses, incident cancer rates in patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis/eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis were approximately double the general population (SIR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.73‐2.78) but similar to the general population in patients with microscopic polyangiitis/PAN (SIR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.85‐1.68). Patients with AAV/PAN had higher rates of genitourinary, skin, hematological, and lung cancers. Excess rates of hematological and lung cancers peaked early after diagnosis, whereas excess skin and genitourinary cancer rates peaked at 5 and 10 years, respectively.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of long‐term cancer surveillance in patients with AAV/PAN and defines time frames of excess risk for specific cancers, which may help inform guidance on cancer screening. Furthermore, it indicates the need for skin surveillance for melanoma in addition to nonmelanoma skin cancers in patients who have greater environmental ultraviolet exposure, such as in Australia.