bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualitative characterization and clustering in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) germplasm accessions
Authors: Williams Greetty , Yesudhas Anbuselvam
Published: September 2023

Most of the tomato genotypes are inbred in nature, indicating the need to assess and characterize germplasm accessions as they are the reserve for genotypes with desired traits. Documentation on morphological traits is quite informative in tomato breeding programs since higher levels of diversity on morphological traits are associated with genotypes with lower genetic diversity when assessed using molecular markers. The present investigation aimed to evaluate morphological diversity in tomato germplasm accessions. Morphological characterization was performed in 104 genotypes acquired from various sources. Thirty-three morphological traits, such as seedling, plant, inflorescence and fruit, were scored based on the tomato descriptors. Out of 33 characters studied, 26 traits exhibited diverse modalities, 4 traits exhibited varied classes in genotypes and 3 traits did not show any variants. Qualitative characterization highlighted greater variability among genotypes, as witnessed by their diverse modalities for each trait. The collected data was subjected to Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering following Ward’s method. Cluster analysis and dendrogram construction displayed genetic diversity's richness in the germplasm accessions. Cluster analysis placed these 104 genotypes in six clusters. The largest cluster comprised 55 genotypes, whereas the smallest cluster had three. Agglomerative Hierarchical Clustering helped to find similarities between genotypes. This efficiently assigned genotypes into groups and thus provided guidelines for parental selection in tomato hybridization and breeding programmes.
Microsatellite markers for crop improvement: A review
Authors: Srivastava Seweta , Aspak  , Mukherjee Suvaraj , Datta Swagnik , Burman Sanchari , Rana Meenakshi , Kumar Rajeev , Katyayani Kanuri Komala Siva , Karnwal Arun , Kumar Shubham , Shukla Manash , Kumar Ravindra
Published: September 2023

Microsatellites or simple sequence repeats (SSRs) markers are a helpful strategy among the various molecular marker techniques for strengthening molecular breeding programs. These are useful markers for genotyping plant populations with tandem repeats of 2-6 base pair length DNA patterns. The expansion of various molecular markers and advances in sequencing technologies has aided crop improvement. Several articles for research scholars with progressive knowledge of molecular genetics have been published in the last three decades to probe the information regarding molecular markers. This article reviews novel advances regarding molecular markers and their implementations in plant breeding for researchers with no expertise in using molecular markers in plant breeding. A superior comprehension of molecular markers, and a better consciousness of the spectrum of crops that can be grown, has resulted from progress in molecular plant breeding, genetics, genomic selection, and genome rectification. Further-generation sequence technology must enable the production of novel genetic markers for multifaceted and amorphous groups through genotyping-by-sequencing and union mapping. The review also discusses almost all the microsatellite markers and their advantages and disadvantages.
Susceptibility baselines for the invasive mealybugs Phenacoccus manihoti and Paracoccus marginatus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in cassava ecosystem against selected neonicotinoid insecticides
Authors: R Sountharya , Kumar Smitha S. , S. V. Krishnamoorthy , M Murugan , N. Senthil , S. Karthikeyan
Published: September 2023

In recent years, an invasive cassava mealybug Phenacoccus manihoti has been threatening cassava cultivation alongside another invasive papaya mealybug Paracoccus marginatus which invaded the country more than a decade ago. In order to evaluate their responses against the commonly used neonicotinoid insecticides: thiamethoxam 25 WG and imidacloprid 17.8 SL,  acute toxicity experiments to determine the susceptibility baselines in populations of two invasive mealybugs in the cassava agro-ecosystem, namely, cassava mealybug P. manihoti and papaya mealybug P. marginatus were performed upto 15 generations. A systemic uptake method was used for the bioassay. The LC50 values of thiamethoxam for F1 generation were 3.298 ppm whereas it was 1.066 ppm for F15 in cassava mealybug. The LC50 values of F1 generation were 2.014 ppm and that of F15 generation was 1.384 ppm when tested with imidacloprid. In the case of papaya mealybug, the LC50 values ranged from 6.138 ppm (F1) to 2.503 ppm (F15) for thiamethoxam and 7.457 ppm (F1) to 3.231 ppm (F15) for imidacloprid. All the susceptibility indices calculated were less than threefold. The rate of resistance development was negative in all cases showing that none of the tested populations harboured any resistance without insecticidal selection pressure. Tentative discriminating doses were fixed for both chemicals with the help of LC95 values obtained from the bioassay experiments, namely five ppm for both thiamethoxam and imidacloprid in the case of cassava mealybug and 10 ppm and 15 ppm, respectively, for thiamethoxam and imidacloprid in the case of papaya mealybug.
Impact of aging on kidneys of male Wistar albino rats: the protective antiaging role of resveratrol
Authors: Hassawi Wasan Waadallah , Al-sammak Maha Abdul-Jabbar
Published: September 2023

Because aging leads to multiple health problems associated with changes in the structure and functions of a different organ system, this study aimed to assess the effect of aging on the histology of renal tissue in rats of various ages and the possible protective role of resveratrol. In the present study, twenty-four male Wistar albino rats were separated into three groups of eight animals each, including rats adult aged (6 months), and old-aged (24 months old). The elderly resveratrol-treated group was administered 25 mg/kg/day of resveratrol diluted in distilled water orally via gastric tube. The treatment lasted three months. At the end of the experiment, blood was drawn for serum creatinine analysis, the animals were sacrificed, and the kidneys were removed and processed for histological investigation. The findings revealed variable changes in kidney tissue, including glomerulosclerosis, compensatory glomerular hypertrophy, tubulointerstitial fibrosis, thickened glomerular basement membrane, arterial sclerosis, tubular dilatation with cast formation,  atrophy of the tubules, infiltration of inflammatory cells, a rise in the rate of apoptotic cells, and a decrease in the glomerular number. These histological changes were associated with increased serum creatinine levels and kidney malondialdehyde (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation. The use of RES (Resveratrol) improved the creatinine level with a decrease in the MDA and improved the histological changes of aged kidney. As a result, the progression of aging was accompanied by different histological variations that interfered with the physiological functioning of the kidney, predisposing older persons to renal illnesses. Utilizing RES as a prophylactic and/or therapeutic medicine for aging-related renal changes is also possible.
Estimation of Sensor-based site specific variable rate fertilizer application for maize (Zea mays L.) crop
Authors: Patle Rita , Kavitha R. , Surendrakumar A. , Balaji K. , Maragatham S. , Suthakar B.
Published: September 2023

Optical spectrometry sensors in crops offer a remarkable technological breakthrough in the field of variable-rate nitrogen fertilization. A field study was conducted during rainy (kharif) season of 2021 at the research farm of the Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Coimbatore to estimate maize crop nitrogen (N), Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) value and chlorophyll content in hybrid maize COH (M) 8. Fertilizers were administered to the plots following the recommendations (250:75:75 kg NPK ha-1) given under Soil Test Crop Response, with a goal yield of 9t ha-1 predicted based on the initial soil available N, P, and K values. The experimental findings revealed a significant impact of nitrogen rate (P<0.001) on the percentage of nitrogen content in the leaves (% N leaf content). Additionally, there was a decrease in maize leaf chlorophyll content index over time, with ranges of 32.96 to 50.57, 28.78 to 41.78, 24.81 to 35.86, 22.12 to 28.54, and 14.34 to 20.56. On the contrary, the NDVI experienced an increase throughout the season, with ranges of 0.32 to 0.49, 0.30 to 0.55, 0.28 to 0.66, 0.46 to 0.88, and 0.56 to 0.84. The study will help foster sustainability within modern intensive farming practices by emphasizing the importance of reducing environmental pollution caused by applying Sensor-based site-specific nitrogen fertilizer for maize crop.
Heavy metal, salinity and azo dye tolerant, Cr (VI) reducing, plant growth-promoting Pseudomonas aeruginosa R32 reverses Cr (VI) biotoxic effects in Vigna mungo
Authors: Kumar Vineet , Omar Rishabh Anand , Kaistha Shilpa Deshpande
Published: September 2023

Hexavalent chromium [Cr (VI)], derived from various industries, including fly ash from coal-based Thermal Power Plants, can be a source of toxic pollution of land and water bodies. This study aimed to bioremediation of such pollutant dump sites using bacteria capable of both Cr(VI) reduction and plant growth-enhancing substance production. The bacteria were isolated from the rhizospheric fly ash of a Thermal Power Plant, Kanpur. One of the rhizospheric isolate, Pseudomonas aeruginosa R32 showed high minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for Cr(VI) (1250 µg/ml), heavy metal tolerance (ZnCl2, CdCl2, Pb(NO3)2) up to 100 µg/ml, Acid Red 249 (AR) tolerance and halotolerance (6% NaCl). The isolate R32 also produces plant growth-promoting (PGP) hormones in the absence or presence of Cr (VI). R32 could completely reduce Cr(VI) at a tested dose of 100 and 500 μg/ml after 24h and 72h, respectively. However, decolorization of AR was observed after 48 hours at an initial concentration of 100 µg/ml and confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. Vigna mungo seed inoculation with isolate R32 showed increased rootling growth compared to shoot after 7 d treatment with 0, 100, 500, and 1000 μg/ml of Cr(VI) concentrations, respectively. Root length tolerance index in Cr(VI) treated V. mungo seedlings was reduced to 56%, 35%, and 29%, respectively, when treated with 100, 500, and 1000 μg/ml Cr(VI) in comparison to control. Cr(VI) sub-MIC concentrations can affect the plant growth-promoting properties of rhizospheric bacteria. Herein, we report the isolation of rhizospheric bacteria P. aeruginosa R32 showing concurrent PGP substance production and Cr(VI) bioreduction capabilities in the presence of PGP inhibitory Cr(VI) concentrations.
Monitoring forest gain and loss based on LandTrendr algorithm and Landsat images in KTH Pati social forestry area, Indonesia
Authors: Umarhadi Deha Agus , Wardhana Wahyu , Senawi  , Soraya Emma
Published: September 2023

Social forestry schemes are now being implemented in numerous state forest areas in Indonesia, aiming to reduce deforestation and improve the community’s livelihood. However, spatial monitoring in the social forestry area is still limited to see how the implementation progresses. The present study aimed to identify the change of forest taking a case in Pati Forest Farmer Communities (KTH Pati) social forestry area from 1996 to 2022 using the LandTrendr algorithm based on Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR) value of Landsat image series. The results detected forest loss and gain covering an area of 453.97 ha and 494.18 ha, respectively. Two main reasons causing the forest loss are the country’s financial and political situation from 1997 to 2003 and the harvest of forest plantations in 2017–2018. However, it was found that the study area had a positive forest gain with the current continuous growth of 292.32 ha (20.16% of the total area). Even though the social forestry policy has not significantly shown a positive impact on forest growth, spatial monitoring through remote sensing can be a great tool for observing the progress.
Development of a web-based simulation application for efficient drip irrigation submain design
Authors: K K Shaheemath Suhara , V Ravikumar , Kannan Balaji , M R Duraisamy , Ganapati Patil Santosh
Published: September 2023

Drip simulation software is essential for accurately optimizing and maximizing the efficiency of drip irrigation systems, enabling precise water management and resource conservation. The present study developed a powerful web-based application to assist irrigation system designers in evaluating the effectiveness of the submain design on uniform or non-uniform slope conditions. The software facilitates the simulation and optimisation of submain design by incorporating modern drip design approaches and state-of-the-art software development methodologies. With its intuitive user interface, the software allows users to effortlessly enter important design parameters, including slope specifications, lateral discharge rates, submain length, lateral spacing and submain inlet pressure head. The software calculates to determine the pressure head values at each outlet and the relative variation in pressure head (vh), allowing for comprehensive design evaluation. Extensive testing using various typical sample data ensured the high accuracy and reliability of the developed web application. It empowers users to explore multiple design alternatives and determine the most suitable option. Rigorous testing, employing various typical sample data, has further enhanced the accuracy and reliability of the developed application. Live demonstrations were conducted to evaluate its user-friendliness, yielding overwhelmingly positive feedback from designers. The software can be accessed conveniently via the website https://www.dripdesigncheck.in/telescopic/submain, ensuring easy availability to users.
Method validation and monitoring of emamectin benzoate in mature banana fruit with peel and pulp through Liquid chromatography-Mass spectrometry/ Mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Authors: Raj R. Surya , Krishnamoorthy S.V. , Suganthi A. , Kavitha C. , Karthikeyan S. , Karedla Ashok Kumar , Karthik P. , Kousika J.
Published: September 2023

Emamectin benzoate has been frequently used in the banana ecosystem to combat the damage of pseudostem weevil. Therefore, the present study was conducted to validate the method, to assess harvest time residues and monitor emamectin benzoate residues in mature banana peel and pulp samples through LC-MS/MS. The validated method was used to determine emamectin benzoate residue in market banana samples. The study used Waters Alliance LC and Acquity TQD with an electrospray ionization interface in the positive ion mode. An isocratic flow of 0.1% formic acid (HCOOH) in water and 0.1% HCOOH in acetonitrile (CH3CN) was utilised for separation. CH3CN was utilised to extract emamectin benzoate residue from the samples, and a dispersive solid-phase extraction technique was used for subsequent cleanup. Linearity tests were performed with standard solutions containing 0.01 to 0.1 g mL-1, with three replicates for each concentration. For mature banana peel & pulp and mature banana pulp matrices, satisfactory recoveries of 79.85 to 95.09% and 89.20 to 100.94%, respectively and high precision relative standard deviations of 0.56 to 2.34% and 2.33 to 6.88%, respectively were obtained. For mature banana (peel and pulp, pulp alone) fruits, the lower detection and quantification limits were (0.003, 0.008), and (0.002, 0.007). The validated approach was utilised to analyse mature banana fruit samples obtained from emamectin benzoate treated fields and banana samples purchased from the local market.  Results showed satisfactory validation of parameters like linearity, the limit of detection and quantification, and recovery for determining emamectin benzoate residues in banana fruit.
Forda Ferson: The Morphological Structure of Generation Z Slang in Social Media
Authors: Grandez Maessy B. , Ablero Maria Carmela P. , Lasala Raidar M. , Gomez Ma. Theresa G. , Bonganciso Ruel T.
Published: October 2023

Filipino Generation Z's creative ability to experiment with morphemes is a factor in the emergence of new words. These lexical items possess the capacity to function as nouns, verbs, and adjectives within the Filipino language. This study aims to examine how Filipino Generation Z slang terminologies are formed if such terms undergo a particular process that adheres to a specific morphological structure and if new sets of rules are observed that are not included in the current morphological rules. Since the researchers used words to analyze the gathered data, a qualitative research design utilizing content analysis was employed in this study. This study employed homogeneous sampling, with researchers extracting only Generation Z slang from the Facebook posts of PNUV first- to fourth-year students as the corpus. The framework matrix was used to determine the morphological processes underlying Generation Z slang. Consequently, it was determined that word formation processes such as coinage, borrowing, compounding, blending, clipping, acronyms, affixation, conversion, and multiple processes were utilized to create Generation Z slang. In addition, the data revealed additional word formation processes, such as contraction, reduplication, and spelling change. Most Filipino Generation Z slang word formation was categorized as a change in spelling. Future researchers can gain a deeper understanding of how the Filipino generation z's language is shaped and how it differs from previous generations by examining linguistic patterns and word forms.
Brazilian Version of the Screening Pediatric Patients for Reading Difficulties Test - Draft (SPRouT-D)
Authors: de Lima Ricardo Franco , Azoni Cíntia Alves Salgado , Lopes-Silva Júlia Beatriz , Tridas Eric Q , Gaab Nadine
Published: October 2023

This is the Brazilian version of the SPRouT-D (see https://osf.io/hdxgf/)
The NeuPT HRV Diagnostic System has Clinical Utility in Measuring Acute Responses to Integrative Therapies
Authors: Wikman Allan Christopher
Published: October 2023

BackgroundThe NeuPT HRV (Heart Rate Variability) Diagnostic System is a laptop-computer based system used in clinical settings to measure HRV and derive other health measures. Its use has been more prevalent in Europe, and in Physical Therapy clinics in the US.ObjectivesThis study looks at whether the System has further utility in other clinical settings such as Integrative Medicine practices, such as to measure acute responses to therapies such as acupuncture, massage, and others.MethodsStatistics on the variability of repeated HRV readings were calculated in situations in which no intervention or event occurred. HRV readings pre-, during, and -post therapeutic events were recorded, and statistics calculated and compared to normal variation. ResultsVarious therapies elicited discernable HRV improvements when compared with normal HRV variation, as expected based upon prior research. A small sample of clinicians (other than Physical Therapists, who already use it) reviewed the System under study and expressed interest in and agreement of its utility.ConclusionsThe NeuPT HRV Diagnostic System has clinical utility for measuring acute responses to Integrative Practice therapies. Further studies with larger sample sizes and additional controls could add stronger evidence to support the System’s use.
Pandangan Dasar Ekonomi Islam
Authors: Mutmainna Noor Syawa
Published: October 2023

Menurut pandangan Islam, problem ekonomi yang asasi bukan pada masalah produksi barang dan jasa atau kelangkaan. Masalah produksi dianggap masalah yang mudah untuk diselesaikan dengan menggunakan akal manusia. Masalah yang asasi dari ekonomi justru muncul ketika manusia sudah mampu memproduksi barang dan jasa tersebut. Yaitu, ketika barang dan jasa harus beredar di tengah-tengah masyarakat. Problem ekonomi yang dianggap asasi adalah masalah interaksi manusia yang terkait dengan barang dan jasa di tengah-tengah manusia.
TINGKAT PEMAHAMAN DAN KEPATUHAN WAJIB PAJAK PEMILIK USAHA KOS TENTANG PAJAK USAHA DI KECAMATAN TANIMBAR SELATAN
Authors: FENANLAMPIR KRISPINA
Published: October 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui tingkat pemahaman dan kepatuhan Wajib pajak Kos dalam membayar pajak, sampel pada peneltian ini adalah pemilik kos yang berjumlah 108 Wajib pajak di Kabupaten Kepulauan Tanimbar. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah ; Dokumentasi, Wawancara. Methode anlaisis yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah deskripsi dengan mengunakan penelitian kualitatif hasil yang diperoleh adalah kurang adanya kepatuhan wajib pajak kos dalam memmbayar pajak dikarenakan pemilik tidak memahami sistem pembayaran pajak, kurang adanya sosialiasi dan penyuluhan pembayaran pajak serta wajib pajak kos tidak ingin melakukan pembayaran pajak. Kurang adanya pemahaman pembayaran pajak Kos sehingga pendapatan Daerah mengalami penururnan
Resume 1 Eko Syariah_Pandangan Dasar Ekonomi Islam
Authors: Azizah Irma Nur
Published: October 2023

Problem ekonomi yang asasi menurut pandangan ekonomi islam adalah masalah distribusi barang dan jasa di tengah-tengah manusia Ekonomi islam lebih terfokus pada perbuatan manusianya, bukan terfokus pada kuantitas barang dan jasanya, sebagaimana dalam ekonomi konvensional Ekonomi islam bersifat megikat terhadap seluruh manusia dan Allah telah menyiapkan siksa bagi yang menyimpang darinya.
Contemporary and Relic Waters Strongly Decoupled in Arid Alpine Environments
Authors: Moran Brendan  James , Boutt David , Munk Lee , Fisher Joshua
Published: October 2023

Deciphering the dominant controls on interconnections between groundwater, surface water, and climate is critical to understanding water cycles in arid environments, yet persistent uncertainties in the fundamental hydrology of these systems remain. The growing demand for critical minerals such as lithium and associated water demands in these arid environments has amplified the urgency to address these uncertainties. We present an integrated hydrological analysis of the Dry Andes region utilizing a uniquely comprehensive set of tracer data (3H, 18O/2H) for this type of environment, paired directly with physical hydrological observations. We find two strongly decoupled hydrological systems that interact only under specific hydrogeological conditions where preferential conduits have developed. The primary conditions in these conduits form are when laterally extensive fine-grained evaporite and/or lacustrine units or perennial flowing streams exist in connection with groundwater discharge sites. These conduits which efficiently capture and transport modern or “contemporary” water (weeks to years old) within the system control the interplay between modern hydroclimate variations and groundwater aquifers. Modern waters account for a small portion of basin budgets but are critical to sustaining surface waters due to the existence of these conduits. As a result, surface waters near basin floors are disproportionally sensitive to short-term climate and anthropogenic perturbations. This framework describes a new understanding of the dominant controls on natural water cycles intrinsic to these arid high-elevation systems which improves our ability to manage critical water resources.
Persistent Global Greening Over the Last Four Decades Using Novel Long-term Vegetation Index Data with Enhanced Temporal Consistency
Authors: Jeong Sungchan , Ryu Youngryel , Gentine Pierre , Lian Xu , Fang Jianing , Li Xing , Kong Juwon , Choi Wonseok , Jiang Chongya , Keenan Trevor , Harrison Sandy , Prentice Ian
Published: October 2023

Advanced Very High-Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) satellite observations have provided the longest global daily records from the 1980s, but the remaining temporal inconsistency in vegetation index datasets has hindered reliable assessment of vegetation greenness trends. To tackle this, we generated novel global long-term Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Near-Infrared Reflectance of vegetation (NIRv) datasets derived from AVHRR and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). We addressed residual temporal inconsistency through three-step post processing including cross-sensor calibration among AVHRR sensors, orbital drifting correction for AVHRR sensors, and machine learning-based harmonization between AVHRR and MODIS. After applying each processing step, we confirmed the enhanced temporal consistency in terms of detrended anomaly, trend, and interannual variability of NDVI and NIRv at desert calibration sites. Our refined NDVI and NIRv datasets showed a persistent global greening trend over the last four decades (NDVI: 0.0008 yr−1; NIRv: 0.0003 yr−1), contrasting with those without the three processing steps that showed rapid greening trends before 2000 (NDVI: 0.0017 yr−1; NIRv: 0.0008 yr−1) and weakened greening trends after 2000 (NDVI: 0.0004 yr−1; NIRv: 0.0001 yr−1). These findings highlight the importance of minimizing temporal inconsistency in long-term vegetation index datasets, which can support more reliable trend analysis in global vegetation response to climate changes.
First impressions count: Therapists’ impression on patients’ motivation and helping alliance predicts psychotherapy dropout
Authors: Jankowsky Kristin , Zimmermann Johannes , Jaeger Ulrich , Mestel Robert , Schroeders Ulrich
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveWith meta-analytically estimated rates of about 25%, dropout in psychotherapies is a major concern for individuals, clinicians, and the healthcare system at large. To be able to counteract dropout in psychotherapy, accurate insights about its predictors are needed. MethodWe compared logistic regression models with two machine learning algorithms (elastic net regressions and gradient boosting machines) in the prediction of therapy dropout in two large inpatient samples (N = 1,691 and N = 12,473) using patient- and therapist-reported variables collected at the time of admission to the clinic.ResultsPredictive accuracies of the two machine learning algorithms were similar and higher than for logistic regressions: Therapy dropout could be predicted with an AUC of .73 and .83 for Sample 1 and 2, respectively. The initial evaluation of patients’ motivation and the therapeutic alliance rated by the respective therapist were the most important predictors of dropout. ConclusionsTherapy dropout in naturalistic inpatient settings can be predicted to a considerable degree by using baseline indicators. Feature selection via regularization leads to higher predictive performances whereas non-linear or interaction effects are dispensable. The most promising point of intervention to reduce therapy dropouts seems to be patients’ motivation and the therapeutic alliance.
Summit on Clinical Science Training: Summary of Meeting Proceedings
Authors: Yee-Bradbury Cindy , Callahan Jennifer , Davila Joanne , Frazier Stacey , Grus Catherine , Joyner Keanan , Kring Ann , Levenson Robert , Merchant Jaisal , Rodebaugh Thomas , Stanton Annette L. , Strauman Timothy J. , Treat Teresa
Published: September 2023

The Summit on Clinical Science Training held in May, 2023, brought together a wide range of people who have a strong interest in clinical science training. This document summarizes the proceedings.
A study of cognitive impairment and its neuroimaging correlates in patients with alcohol dependence a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kandasamy V  , Abdul Rahuman MB  , Ramanujam G
Published: October 2023

Background: Alcohol abuse is one of the most common psychiatric disorders observed worldwide.
Aims and Objectives: The study aimed to assess cognitive impairment in alcohol-dependent patients, its correlation with neuroimaging, and compare the findings with non-alcoholics.
Materials and Methods: We have included 30 alcoholics and 30 control participants. Tools such as semi-structured pro forma, alcohol use disorder identification test score, the severity of alcohol dependence questionnaire (SADQ), and PGI memory scale (PGIMS) were used for the assessment. The measurements of the third and fourth ventricle width, interhemispheric fissure width, cerebellar transverse width, the inner diameter of the skull, anterior horn distance, and midbrain diameter were taken from a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain.
Results: There was a significant difference in remote memory, mental balance, attention and concentration, delayed recall, immediate recall, visual retention, third and fourth ventricle width, interhemispheric fissure width, and cerebral transverse length between alcoholics and non-alcoholics. Further, a correlation analysis of the PGIMS total score with MRI measurements and alcohol intake showed a significant negative correlation of PGIMS total score with third ventricle width, duration of alcohol consumption, period of alcohol dependence, the quantity of alcohol per day, and SADQ score. However, a significantly positive correlation was observed between PGIMS total score and cerebellar transverse length.
Conclusion: Alcohol-dependent patients had poor cognitive functions compared to non-alcoholics. They also had significant cerebral and cerebellar atrophy and were characterized by dilation of the third and fourth ventricles. The increase in the duration of alcohol consumption, period of alcohol dependence, and quantity of alcohol intake caused cognitive impairment independently.
QTc prolongation and diastolic dysfunction in cirrhosis patients with higher Child-Pugh score
Authors: Chandrakant Salve  , Jaiprakash Kuldeep  , Dinesh Singh Mahor
Published: October 2023

Background: Cirrhosis is associated with numerous cardiac abnormalities, which include increased cardiac output, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, increased wall thickness of cardiac chambers, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Without further identified cardiac disorders, cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) is a chronic cardiac dysfunction with an impaired contractile reaction to stress stimuli, impeded diastolic relaxation, and electrophysiological anomalies with a prolonged QT interval. In chronic hepatic disease, echocardiography is a non-invasive method for detecting CCM.
Aims and Objectives: The focus was to examine the link between cardiac dysfunction and conduction disturbances in cirrhosis individuals and the extent of the disorder.
Materials and Methods: A case–control investigation was conducted at a Medical College. The research involved a cohort of 50 patients and an equal number of 50 healthy controls. The Child-Pugh (CP) Score was utilized to evaluate the degree of liver cirrhosis severity. Bazett’s formula was utilized to compute the QTc interval. The 2D echocardiography revealed the presence of diastolic dysfunction, as evidenced by the E/A ratio.
Results: Of 50 patients, 37 (74%) were male, 13 (26%) were female, and the mean age of the patients was 51.76±9.89 years. The E/A ratio in the control group had a mean value of 1.10±0.19, whereas in the cases, it had a mean value of 0.94±0.20. A statistically significant relationship was observed between the control and cases, with a P-value of less than 0.0001. QTc interval between control with a mean value of 382.9±47.34 ms and cases with a mean value of 431.6±62.84 ms was found statistically significant with P<0.0001.
Conclusion: QTc prolongation and transmitral flow abnormality are markers of severe cardiac abnormality in patients with higher CP score in cirrhosis. Hence, recognition of such abnormalities in cirrhotic patients may prevent arrhythmogenic cardiovascular deaths in such patients.
A comparative study of oral clonidine and oral pregabalin as premedication for the control of haemodynamic surge in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Richeek Kumar Pal  , Sunil Kumar Sah  , Subhrajyoti Chattopadhyay  , Sutapa Barik
Published: October 2023

Background: Pregabalin, a gabapentinoid compound, which exhibits potent analgesic, anticonvulsant, and anxiolytic activity, is now additionally being used in the preoperative period to reduce stress responses to direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation as well as to reduce the opioid requirement perioperatively. Clonidine is also being used for amelioration of hemodynamic surge response both during laryngoscopy with endotracheal intubation as well as during various time points of pneumoperitoneum.
Aims and Objectives: The study was designed with an aim to compare the role of oral clonidine (200 mcg) and oral Pregabalin (150 mg) as premedications in controlling the hemodynamic surge response to direct laryngoscopy, endotracheal intubation, and pneumoperitoneum in patients posted for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia (GA).
Materials and Methods: Sixty-six adult patients aged between 20 and 60 years of age, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1 and 2, undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under GA with endotracheal intubation, were randomly allocated to two equal groups (n=33 in each group) to receive either single dose oral 200 mcg clonidine or single dose oral 150 mg pregabalin 2 h before induction of GA. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and arrhythmia if any, were recorded at different points of time perioperatively and compared. Oxygen saturation (SpO2), end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) were also compared at different points of time. Postoperative adverse effects like nausea and vomiting, shivering, and dry mouth were also noted and compared. Sedation was assessed in the immediate postoperative period using Ramsay Sedation Scale and was compared between the two groups.
Results: HRs were significantly lower in the clonidine group at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 min after laryngoscopy and 15 min after pneumoperitonium. MAP and SBP were significantly lower in the clonidine group at 3, 4, and 5 min after laryngoscopy and intubation. There was no significant difference in DBP between the two groups at different points of time. SpO2 and EtCO2 at different points of time and adverse effects like nausea and vomiting, shivering, and dry mouth were comparable between the two groups. Postoperative sedation score was also comparable between the two groups.
Conclusion: Oral clonidine (200 mcg) was found to be superior to oral pregabalin (150 mg) as a premedicant, in attenuating the hemodynamic surge during direct laryngoscopy, endotracheal intubation and during pneumoperitoneum in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy under GA.
Association of ocular psuedoexfoliation syndrome with ischemic heart disease, systemic hypertension, and diabetes mellitus Type II in Bundelkhand region: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Jitendra Kumar  , Archie Gupta  , Nilima Takhelchangbam  , Pandey Aditya
Published: October 2023

Background: Studies exploring the links between ischemic heart disease (IHD), arterial hypertension (AH), diabetes mellitus (DM), and pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) have yielded no clear evidence and attributing PEX to any one particular disease.
Aims and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of PEX syndrome and its association with IHD, AH, and DM at our center.
Materials and Methods: The study comprised of participants (n=102) having IHD, AH and DM. Demographic details and clinical history in detail were written down in a structured proforma. Participants in the study were examined for the diagnosis of PEX syndrome with slit lamp bi microscopy as well as direct and indirect ophthalmoscopy. For numerical variables, descriptive statistics comprised mean and standard deviation, and for categorical variables, the percentage of various categories. To compare categorical variables, Chi-square (χ2) test was utilized.
Results: The prevalence of PEX in our study came out to be 17.64% (18 of the 102). Patients of PEX were in the age group of 61–70 years, that is, 8 (44.44%) and were males, that is, 11 (61.11%). The percentage of systemic hypertension patients who had PEX syndrome was 35.29% with statistical significant association (χ2=10.9; P=0.001). The percentages of IHD and DM patients with PEX syndrome were 11.76% (χ2=1.214; P=0.270) and 5.88% (χ2=3.718; P=0.053), respectively, the statistical association was a non-significant one.
Conclusion: People above 40 years should undergo routine ophthalmological examinations for the detection of PEX Syndrome. Patients diagnosed with hypertension should be given a thorough ophthalmological examination to rule out PEX syndrome.
A comparative study between wide local excision with lay open versus Limberg flap transposition in the management of pilonidal sinus disease – A single center study
Authors: Om Prakash Palsania  , Galwa Rajneesh , Garima Choudhary  , Singh Narender , Meena Sunil Kumar
Published: October 2023

Background: Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) is a tract in the sacrococcygeal region’s subcutaneous tissue that presents with recurrent infection and persistent inflammation. The best surgical strategy for treating pilonidal sinus illness is still up for debate, despite the fact that several surgical techniques for treating the sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus have been identified.
Aims and Objectives: This study evaluated several intraoperative and post-operative constraints related to the surgical techniques of wide excision with lay open and Limberg flap transposition for treating pilonidal sinus.
Materials and Methods: The division of 50 symptomatic pilonidal sinus patients into two equal groups was based on simple randomization. Patients in Group-A had wide local excisions with lay open, whereas those in Group-B received wide excisions with Limberg flaps. Operative time along with post-operative issues including pain, seroma, infection, necrosis of the flap’s tip, gaping, loss of sensation, and recurrence was compared between the two groups.
Results: When compared to the wide excision group, the mean operating time was substantially greater in the Limberg flap repair group. There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of the average number of days spent in the hospital (Group-B was 6.8±1.5 days and Group-A was 12.96±1.3 days), the average number of days it took for the wound to heal (Group B was 16.6±8.5 days and Group-A was 49.5±7.8 days), mean work-off periods (Limberg’s rhomboid flap - 19.64±5.1 days and laying open technique - 52.6±8 days), and mean number of days pain lasted (Group-B - 14.8±5.7 days and Group-A - 45.6±7.5 days). Wide local excisions are associated with increased wound infection. Recurrence in Limberg’s rhomboid flap group was less (4% vs. 16% with laying open approach).
Conclusions: Low recurrence rates and comparably few complications are associated with rhomboid excision with Limberg flap repair transposition surgery. The primary course of action for pilonidal sinus illness should be Limberg flap repair.
Comparative study between effectiveness of proximal femoral nail and dynamic condylar screw in fixation of subtrochanteric femur fracture
Authors: Sarkar Pranjal , Sourav Mal  , Rakshit Susanta , Indrajit Saha  , Bandyopadhyay Ranadeb , Saha Debasish
Published: October 2023

Background: Subtrochanteric femur accounts for 10–30% of peri-trochanteric fractures. They need early fixation to avoid complications of prolonged immobilization. Proximal femoral nail (PFN) and dynamic condylar screw (DCS) fixation are most commonly used for subtrochanteric fracture fixation.
Aims and Objectives: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of PFN and DCS fixation of the subtrochanteric fracture.
Materials and Methods: This descriptive follow-up study was conducted in Bankura Sammilani Medical College, Department of Orthopedics from May 2020 to October 2021. A simple random sampling technique with an estimated sample size of 40 patients in PFN group and 40 patients in DCS group was taken.
Results: Among the PFN cases, 24 (60%) cases were reduced by closed reduction, and 16 (40%) cases were reduced by open reduction. Among DCS cases, 30 (75%) were reduced by open reduction. The average operating time in PFN patients was 80 min and in DCS patients was 104 min. The average blood loss in PFN patients was 178 mL and for DCS patients 252 mL. The average union time of PFN cases was 15.56 weeks and DCS group was 18 weeks. Out of 40 cases of PFN, there were 24 excellent, 8 good, 6 fair, and 2 poor functional outcome by Harris hip Score, and DCS fixation had 6 excellent, 16 good, 12 fair, and 6 poor functional outcome.
Conclusion: There are no major differences in union rate and complication rate between the PFN and DCS. Although PFN has advantages over DCS in terms of decreased blood loss, decreased operative time, faster union, and a greater chance to closed reduction. Overall, it gives better functional result than DCS.
Hepatosplenic fusion in a cadaver - An extremely rare variation
Authors: Ghosh Anasuya , Amit Kumar Pal
Published: October 2023

Anatomical variations are observed at times during routine dissection processes or conduction of autopsies or may be found incidentally during radiological investigations. Fusion of the liver and spleen is an extremely rare condition that has been mentioned only a few times in the literature. “Beaver tail liver” is a variation of the liver where the left lobe of the liver is elongated and extends across the midline toward left hypochondrium of abdomen, often touching and encircling the spleen. Some of these cases may mimic hemorrhage and trauma within and around the spleen in ultrasound imaging or computed tomography scan. In certain cases, the liver and the spleen are difficult to distinguish due to their identical sonographic and radiological properties. Prior knowledge of such instances will help to interpret and manage such cases when encountered.
Monobodies and nanobodies: The era of diagnostic miniature antibodies
Authors: Ruby Dhar  , Kumar Arun , Subhradip Karmakar
Published: October 2023

Monobodies, as the name suggests, are the simplest synthetic version of antibodies engineered to mimic antibodies (antibody mimetics) without their complexity [1].  These are constructed using a fibronectin type III domain (FN3) as a molecular scaffold [2-3]. With a molecular mass of not more than 20 kDA at max, monobodies are excellent tools for in-vivo diagnosis [4]. Unlike the conventional Ab that needs particular treatment protocols to enable them to enter into cells, mono, and nano bodies can be expressed inside the cells with expression cassettes. With high affinity and selectivity, mono and nanobodies can be developed in the shortest possible time with ease that otherwise can't be done by conventional antibodies [5]. Produced from combinatorial libraries and diversified using phage display techniques, monobodies can be generated that are highly specific for their intracellular targets, like monobodies to detect COVID antigens [6].  Similarly, monobodies against KRAS mutants using protein engineering technologies can be sued to detect mutant KRAS in solid tumors[7]. They have a strong tendency to bind to functional sites of specific intracellular target proteins and thus exhibits drug-like properties as well as specific `inhibitors [8,9].  Monobodies are evolving with additional diverse functions and may soon be used as am indispensable tool in biology and medicine[10]
Implication of Organizational Citizenship Behaviour in Nepalese Commercial Banks
Authors: Paudel Sajita , Thapa Bhupal Krishna , Gurung Sumer , Lama Tasi Jangmu
Published: September 2023

Organizations serve people by working with and for them. Both organizations and their employees are interdependent on each other. Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) plays a vital role in the success of any organization. It encompasses discretionary behaviors exhibited by employees that go beyond their formal job descriptions, contributing to the overall effectiveness and functioning of the organization. This study focused on examining the perspective of employees regarding OCB in the banking industry of Nepal. The study adopted a quantitative research approach through a survey design to sample 40 employees from the banks. With the use of several statistical methods, including means, standard deviations, frequencies, and correlation analysis- data gathered from the questionnaire was analyzed and interpreted, and utilized for the analysis of the research objectives and hypotheses stipulated by the study. The study found that there is no direct proportional relationship between demographic variables and OCB.
Consumer Willingness to Pay for Pesticides-Free Fruits and Vegetables (A Case Study of Bhaktapur District)
Authors: Ghimire Deepak , Khadka Kapil
Published: September 2023

Since it has been proven that pesticides free products are helpful to prevent several health hazards. The demand for organic products is increasing all over the world. Thus, this study was conducted with the objective of identifying the factors influencing the consumers' willingness to pay for pesticide-free products in Bhaktapur districts of Nepal. 123 data were collected from four municipalities of Bhaktapur district (Suryabinayak municipality, Madhyapur Thimi municipality, Bhaktapur municipality and Changu Narayan municipality). Logistic regression was applied for the analysis of data. The result of logistic regression reveals that gender, age awareness about the presence of residue in vegetables and awareness about the problem of health from pesticide-free products significantly influence the willingness to pay for pesticide-free fruits and vegetables. Therefore, it is recommended that accessible outlets, reasonable price, and awareness programs on pesticide-free products will encourage local farmers and benefits consumers.
Factors Affecting Customer’s Menu Item Selection in Restaurants
Authors: Pandey Atin , Shrestha Sujan , Manandhar Rikesh
Published: September 2023

With the intent of investigating the factors that affected restaurant menu item choice, the data collected from 40 respondents from various restaurants, it was expected that most restaurant supervisors knew the inclinations of their clients. This knowledge was utilized to maximize the experience of the customers and, consequently, increase the restaurant's income. The quantitative data was gathered through a questionnaire survey method, encompassing factors such as customers' personal preferences, budget considerations, variety and options, enticing descriptions, and visual appeal, which all played a role in influencing customers' choices. Moreover, social and cultural factors, health and nutritional concerns, recommendations and reviews, and seasonal specials were found to have an impact on customers' choices.