bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intratumoral Heterogeneity of Ki67 Proliferation Index Outperforms Conventional Prognostic Factors in Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer
Authors: Zilenaite-Petrulaitiene Dovile , Rasmusson Allan , Besusparis Justinas , Valkiuniene Ruta Barbora , Augulis Renaldas , Laurinaviciene Aida , Plancoulaine Benoit , Petkevicius Linas , Laurinavicius Arvydas
Published: August 2023

Background Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for ER, PR, HER2, and Ki67 is used in breast cancer (BC) pathology to assess tumor properties and predict patient outcomes and therapy responses. Visual scoring of the IHC biomarkers by pathologists, apart from reproducibility issues, does not sufficiently account for the intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH), often a subvisual feature within the tumor tissue. It has been reported that the ITH indicators of IHC biomarker expression can provide independent prognostic value. In this study, we applied digital image analysis (DIA) and computational pathology methods to investigate the prognostic value of IHC ITH indicators in hormone receptor-positive (HR-positive) BC patients.Methods Whole slide images of surgically excised specimens stained for ER, PR, Ki67, and HER2 from 178 patients with a diagnosis of HR-positive invasive ductal carcinoma were used in the study. Digital tumor tissue segmentation and detection of biomarker-positive and negative cells were performed. The DIA-generated data were systematically subsampled by a hexagonal grid to compute Haralick’s texture indicators for ER, PR, Ki67, and HER2. Univariate and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the prognostic significance of the IHC and ITH indicators in the context of clinicopathologic variables, including conventional assessment of the IHC results provided by pathologists.Results In multivariable analysis, the ITH of Ki67-positive cells, measured by Haralick’s texture entropy, emerged as an independent prognostic factor associated with worse overall survival (hazard ratio = 11.40, p-value = 0.021). Remarkably, the entropy representing the spatial disarrangement of tumor proliferation outperformed the proliferation rate per se established either by pathology reports or DIA. None of the clinicopathologic variables were selected as independent prognostic features in our dataset.Conclusions These results add to the evidence from previous studies that ITH of IHC biomarkers, in particular, ITH of Ki67 proliferation index, exceeds the informative value of Ki67% per se (both visual and digital) in HR-positive BC. The study further demonstrates the benefits of high-capacity DIA-generated data for quantifying the essentially subvisual ITH properties.
Occult Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Lichenoid Dermatitis of the Glans Penis: A Potentially Life Threatening Entity Identified by Immunohistochemistry
Authors: Alomary Simona , Shah Rohan , Bova Emma , Swearingen Alyssa , Schwartz Robert , Lambert W. Clark
Published: August 2023

We have recently reported a series of three cases initially diagnosed histopathologically as lichenoid dermatitis subsequently revealed to be occult squamous cell carcinoma using immunohistochemistry. We now report a fourth case in the glans penis.
MIMO antenna with UWB characteristics and sharp multi-stop band characteristics
Authors: Pannu Preeti
Published: August 2023

With multi-band rejection characteristics, a new low profile antenna of size 34x34 mm2 is conferred in this article. It consist of quad identical monopole elements (originated orthogonally), contributing ultra-wide band characteristics in the system. The single unit of the proposed design consists of modified spinning-top shape radiator (MSTSR), excited by tapered micro strip line feed (TMLF) and semi-circular ground. An excellent bandwidth of 3-12.9GHz (where S11<-10dB) is obtained at each port. By inserting structure of four spirals coils, a sharp notch ranges from 7.9- 8.5GHz is achieved to filter X-band satellite communication uplink. In addition, a circular spiral slot in radiator near the ground plane create stop band at 7.35- 7.565GHz band (satellite communication downlink band). Furthermore, symmetrical rectangular trapezoids resonators and inverted symmetrical rectangular trapezoid structures near the feed line are responsible for elimination of interferences at 5.5GHz lower WLAN and 3.5GHz WiMAX respectively. The FR-4 substrate used for UWB-MIMO design fabrication process and fabricated results are found in good match with the simulated results. Also, the design provides good performance metrics such as total active reflection coefficient, diversity gain, channel capacity loss, isolation, and envelope correlation coefficient.
Cytochrome b Gene as a potential DNA Barcoding Marker in ecoraces of Tropical Tasar Silkworm Antheraea mylitta Drury
Authors: Ray Priti Pragyan , Barala Barsha , Dash Purushottam
Published: August 2023

Background:
Tropical Tasar silkworm Antheraea mylitta Drury, from an economic prospect of view bears a very important role in development of rural community and tribal community of India, through silk production. Since the population of this species has spread over many states with varying environmental factors, the population has isolated into many pockets of population, specifically adapted to that niche, which are called “Ecoraces”. Even though phenotypically these ecoraces may look similar to some level but intra-specific genotypic variability between them affects the yield trait of their cocoons. The purpose of our study was to use Cyt- b gene of mitochondrial genome as a potential DNA barcoding marker for identification of these ecoraces, which is the first report for these ecoraces.
Methods and Results:
For the amplification of mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, 12s rRNA Specific Primer Cytb_mcb 398 and Cytb_mcb 869 were used. The Neighbour-Joining tree was generated using MEGAX with Kimura 2 Parameter molecular evolutionary model. Statistical support for the nodes and the internodes were calculated using bootstrap analysis with 1000 replicates. Maximum likelihood phylogeny analysis was carried out in MEGA X adjusted to 1000 bootstrap replicates under Tamura-3-Parameter. The strongness of the clade was assessed using bootstrap analysis. The parsimony tree was also created using the same MEGA X software. The genetic distance, gene flow and relation among the ecoraces was obtained.
Conclusion:
Apart from being used as an early-warning system for ecological degradation, this knowledge will help in assessing the evolutionary relationship of these economically important ecoraces and identify their position in the process of evolution aiding the assessment of conservation priorities.
High proportion of circulating CD38+ NK cells：a novel biomarker for lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Xueling , Li Haoran , Chen Huixian , Fang Kehua , Chang Xiaotian
Published: August 2023

Background lymph node status is a critical prognostic factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). Due to the potential influence of immune system on CRC progression, investigation into lymphocyte subsets as clinical biomarkers has gained attention. The objective of this study was to assess the predictive capability of lymphocyte subsets for lymph node metastasis (LNM) and prognosis of CRC.Methods Lymphocyte subsets, including T cells (CD3+), natural killer cells (NK, CD3- CD56+), natural killer-like T cells (NKT-like, CD3 + CD56+), CD38 + NK cells (CD3- CD56 + CD38+) and CD38 + NKT-like cells (CD3 + CD56 + CD38+), were detected by flow cytometry. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the risk factors of LNM. The prognostic role of parameters was evaluated by survival analysis.Results The proportion of CD38 + NK cells within the NK cell population was significantly higher in LNM-positive patients (p < 0.001). However, no significant differences were observed in the proportions of other lymphocyte subsets. Poorer histologic grade (odds ratio [OR] = 3.78, p = 0.039), lymphovascular invasion (LVI) (OR = 24.52, p < 0.001), and CD38 + NK cells (high) (OR = 4.67, p < 0.001) were identified as independent risk factors for LNM. Furthermore, high proportion of CD38 + NK cells was associated with poor prognosis of CRC patients (HR = 2.37, p = 0.025).Conclusions The proportion of CD38 + NK cells within the NK cell population is a promising biomarker for LNM. Moreover, an elevated proportion of CD38 + NK cells is associated with poor prognosis in CRC.
Investigation on the impact of new bike stations on a bike-share system based on a complex bike-sharing network
Authors: Kim Kyoungok
Published: August 2023

The effect of newly introduced bike stations on bike-share systems at the system, community, and station levels is investigated in this study. Changes in the topological properties of a bike-share traffic network and its subnetworks defined through community detection are examined using a network analysis methodology that has been relatively underexplored in previous studies despite its significance and utility. Centrality and network flow measures are employed to assess the effects of new bike stations on both individual stations and communities. The findings reveal that introducing new bike stations significantly enhances station connectivity and overall bike usage. However, the impact varies across communities and existing bike stations; notably, spatial relationships with preexisting stations tend to diminish the influence of new stations. This study also establishes a correlation between the utilization of new bike stations and the centrality and network flow of existing neighboring stations.
Domain Generalization for Road Scene Object Detection under Different Weather Conditions
Authors: Wang Yunting , Zhang Jinyi , Jiang Yuxi
Published: August 2023

Road scene object detection is an important component in the field of intelligent transportation, which directly affects the implementation of numerous intelligent transportation applications. However, existing road scene object detection models, mostly developed based on clear weather conditions, are not effective in different weather conditions, and the corresponding detection accuracies will be drastically reduced. To address this problem, this paper proposes a domain generalization method for road scene object detection under different weather conditions. This method employs a road scene domain-invariant feature extraction network to extract both intra-domain and inter-domain invariant features from training domain images, and generates more diverse domain-invariant features for road scene under different weather conditions to enhance the generalization capability of the object detection model. Furthermore, an improved self-distillation mechanism is introduced for the feature extraction of the object detection model, so that the features extracted by the object detection model have rich domain-invariant information to further enhance its generalization ability, thus improving the detection accuracy of the object detection model. The experimental results show that the detection accuracy of the method in this paper is significantly improved compared with that of Faster R-CNN, with a 5.7% improvement in daytime-sunny scene, a 5.9% improvement in dusk-rainy scene, a 2.6% improvement in night-rainy scene, and a 4.7% improvement in daytime-foggy scene. Based on the research methodology presented in this paper, it provides effective support for the practical implementation of intelligent transportation technologies such as vehicle recognition and pedestrian detection.
Dihydromyricetin alleviates inflammatory bowel disease associated intestinal fibrosis by inducing autophagy through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Wang XiaoChun , Li XiaoLi , Ma XueNi , Zhang LuDan , Han TiYun , Zhang DeKui
Published: August 2023

Objective: Intestinal fibrosis is a common complication of inflammatory bowel disease and is characterized by tissue stiffening and luminal narrowing. Dihydromyricetin (DHM) can alleviate liver fibrosis and renal interstitial fibrosis by inducing autophagy. However, whether DHM can alleviate intestinal fibrosis remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the role and mechanism of action of DHM in inflammatory bowel disease-associated intestinal fibrosis .
Methods: Mice were administered Dextran sulphate Sodium (DSS) in drinking water to induce inflammatory bowel disease-associated intestinal fibrosis. HE staining, qPCR and Western blotting were used to analyze colon inflammation. Masson’ s trichrome staining, qPCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were used to evaluate the severity of fibrosis. Transmission electron microscopy and Western blotting were used to assess the activation of autophagosomes. The human colonic fibroblast line CCD-18Co, was cultured in the presence of TGF-β1 to develop a fibrotic phenotype.Immunofluorescence staining, Western blotting and qPCR were used to assess the alteration of fibrosis markers and used to investigate whether DHM-induced autophagy was involved in the inactivation of CCD-18Co cells. Additionally, the role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was investigated.
Results: DHM alleviated intestinal inflammation and inhibited the progression of intestinal fibrosis. Additionally, DHM induced the activation of autophagy, thereby alleviating intestinal fibrosis, and downregulated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in vitro.
Conclusions: Overall, this study demonstrated that DHM can inhibit the progression of intestinal fibrosis and activation of colonic fibroblasts by inducing autophagy through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby playing a preventive and therapeutic role in intestinal fibrosis.
Enhancing PV System Grid Stability Through Reliable Flexible Power Point Tracking Under Partial Shading
Authors: Ouatman Hamid , Boutammachte Nour-Eddine , Tafti Hossein Dehghani , Ouqour Ahmed
Published: August 2023

Flexible power point tracking (FPPT) is incorporated in photovoltaic (PV) systems to enhance the quality and reliability of electricity generation while minimizing grid disruptions and overloads. Grid-friendly systems that contribute to grid control can be developed by modifying maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms. However, the widely used perturb and observe (PO) method for FPPT (FPPT-PO) suffers from oscillations around steady-state operating points, which can be problematic. Moreover, solutions provided in previous studies on FPPT algorithms that address partial shading conditions (PSC) are limited. This study proposes a reliable and sustainable FPPT-PSO algorithm that utilizes the principles of particle swarm optimization (PSO). It involves a power limitation control approach that prevents oscillations at steady-state operating points under PSC and avoids being ensnared at a local maximum power point (MPP). Additionally, the suggested FPPT-PSO algorithm detects changes in power requirements or irradiation conditions. The proposed FPPT-PSO algorithm outperforms other state-of-the-art solutions under PSC, providing more precise PV system performance and avoiding grid disruption and overload. The suggested method is evaluated using MATLAB/Simulink and precise tracking of the global MPP is demonstrated. Drawing on the simulation outcomes, the proposed FPPT-PSO algorithm can perfectly follow the flexible power point (FPP) without fluctuating around a steady-state operating point under PSC.
Zur bestimmten Negation bei Adorno und Naucke : Adornos Auffassung von Freiheit und sein Einfluss auf Nauckes Konzeption des negativen Strafrechts
Authors: Bischoff Joshua
Published: August 2023

Adorno führt in seinem Werk der Negativen Dialektik, anhand einer Kant-Kritik, aus, dass Freiheit nur negativ bestimmt werden kann. Dazu bedient dieser sich der Methode der bestimmten Negation. Dieser Ansatz wird auf Nauckes Konzept des negativen Strafrechts übertragen und gezeigt, dass auch Naucke dieses nur negativ bestimmt. Dabei stellt das negative Strafrecht eine Position dar, welche dem affirmativen Strafrecht kritisch gegenübersteht und dieses kontinuierlich hinterfragen und begrenzen soll.
Neue Lösungsansätze zur Wissenszurechnung im Konzern vor dem Hintergrund moderner Informationssysteme : Eine versäumte Chance bei den Dieselfällen?
Authors: Schellenberg Daniel
Published: August 2023

Die Frage danach, ob und wie eine Zurechnung von Wissen innerhalb einer Konzernstruktur stattfinden kann, wird nach der herrschenden Meinung mit der Ausdifferenzierung von wertenden Kriterien bejaht, welche vor allem an die Zurechnungsrichtung (bottom-up bzw. top-down) anknüpfen. Ein bisher nur wenig Zustimmung findender Ansatz der voraussetzungslosen Pauschalzurechnung könnte durch ein neues theoretisches Fundament, welches nicht nur die einzelne juristische Person, sondern auch den Konzern als rechtliches System ansieht, die Zurechnungsdiskussion vereinfachen. Ein solches Systemwissen kommt ohne Zurechnungsakt aus und stärkt durch klare Risikozuweisung die Markteffizienz. Auf Grundlage dieses neueren Ansatzes werden einige sog. Dieselfälle aus der Rechtsprechung einer kritischen Überprüfung unterzogen.
Umweltzerstörung im Krieg : Die Rolle des Umweltkriegsverbrechens in Art. 8 Abs. 2 lit. b (iv) IStGH-Statut am Beispiel der Angriffe auf Atomkraftwerke in der Ukraine
Authors: Wilson Sophie
Published: August 2023

Der Internationale Strafgerichtshof hat den Tatbestand des Art. 8 Abs. 2 lit. b (iv) IStGH-Statut („das Umweltkriegsverbrechen“) bisher noch nicht angewandt. Zahlreiche seriöse Medien berichten seit Beginn der völkerrechtswidrigen Invasion durch russische Streitkräfte in das Staatsgebiet der Ukraine von Kämpfen rund um das größte Atomkraftwerk Europas in Saporischschja. Dies rief global Furcht darüber hervor, dass es erneut zu einer Atomkatastrophe inmitten des europäischen Kontinents kommen könnte. Dieser Sachverhalt bietet Anlass für eine Diskussion über den Tatbestand des Umweltkriegsverbrechens sowie seiner Auslegungsschwierigkeiten. Anhand eines hypothetischen Sachverhalts soll veranschaulicht werden, ob das Umweltkriegsverbrechen jemals Anwendung finden kann oder ob die Menge an politischen Kompromissen in seiner Gestaltung seine Nutzbarkeit gänzlich negieren.
High school students’ attentional stance, modes of reading engagement, and self-insight during literary reading
Authors: Grandits Peter , Krek Janez
Published: August 2023

The primary aim of this study was to analyze the validity and reliability of an instrument capable of measuring high school students’ attentional stance, modes of reading engagement, and self-insight during literary reading. For this purpose, a self-report questionnaire was administered to high school students in three Austrian regions (N = 417). First, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to test the validity and the reliability of the preconceived measurement model. Second, the interrelationships among the validated constructs were analyzed through structural equation modeling. The fit and the validity of the structural model were evaluated, and the mediating effect of expressive reading was tested. The study yielded an instrument with valid and reliable scores that assesses 9 dimensions of high school students’ reading experiences. The basic Kuiken-Douglas model (2017) on reading engagement and reading outcome could be replicated. Structural equation modeling indicated that high attentional focus negatively predicted expressive-experiential reading that in turn facilitated self-insight. This implies that students should be allowed leaky attention so that they can work with literary texts in a self-modifying way in literature education. Limitations are discussed.
Correlation of Sensory Analysis with Physical Textural Data from a Computerized Penetrometer in the Washington State University Apple Breeding Program
Authors: Evans Kate , Brutcher Lisa , Konishi Bonnie , Barritt Bruce
Published: August 2023

Selecting for crispness instrumentally in fruit from apple (Malus ×domestica) breeding programs is notoriously difficult. Most breeders rely on sensory assessment for this important characteristic. Following the 2009 harvest, we used a computerized penetrometer to assess firmness and texture of apple selections from the Washington State University's apple breeding program and 16 standard reference varieties. Data were compared with sensory data from the apple breeding team. In addition to the expected high correlations between the various firmness measures of the computerized penetrometer and the sensory firmness values, our data also show a significant correlation between the computerized penetrometer crispness value and the sensory crispness value, thus demonstrating the benefit from using this equipment rather than the industry standard Magness–Taylor penetrometer.
Results from Survey Instruments Used to Assess Technology Adoption for Tree Fruit Production
Authors: Ellis Katie , Baugher Tara Auxt , Lewis Karen
Published: August 2023

Advances in horticultural production technology are often hindered by slow grower adoption. Low adoption rates are largely the product of skepticism, which can lead to weaknesses in the commercialization process and affect future research and product development. To better understand industry concerns and design effective outreach methods, an information technology survey was designed as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Research Initiative project titled Comprehensive Automation for Specialty Crops (CASC). This study outlines the survey results from 111 participants at tree fruit meetings in the Pacific northwestern and eastern United States in 2009. Many of the misgivings about new automated technologies, such as equipment cost and reliability of harvest assist, sensor systems, and fully automated harvest machinery, were consistent across the country. Subtle differences appeared between the eastern U.S. and Pacific northwestern U.S. responses, including justifiable equipment price points and irrigation and pest concerns; these are likely attributable to regional differences in climate, operation size and scale, and marketing strategies. These survey data will help the project team better address grower concerns and uncertainty on a regional and national level, thereby improving adoption speed and rates after CASC-developed technologies are rolled out.
An Integrative Literature Review on Technology Adoption by African SMEs
Authors: Kalumendo Rodrigue
Published: August 2023

This literature review analyzes the drivers and barriers to technology adoption by African small and medium enterprises. To achieve this, previous literature on the subject was examined. The paper critically evaluates prior research on the topic and identifies gaps in the existing literature. The integrative approach was used in this literature review. The adoption factors and barriers to technology by African small and medium enterprises were synthesized by analyzing the different documents. Finally, new research directions were proposed. Keywords: Technology, Adoption, Barriers, SMEs.
FUNCTIONS, SLEEP, FATIGUE AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH SCLERODERMA DURING COVID-19: CROSS - SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: ÇİVİ KARAASLAN Tuğba , TARAKCI Ela , KELEŞ Özal , ASLAN KELEŞ Yasemin , UĞURLU Serdal
Published: August 2023

Purpose: COVID-19, which has affected people in various ways, has also shown to cause various limitations on the lives of Scleroderma patients. The current study aims at evaluating the upper extremity functions, sleep quality, fatigue, and health-related quality of life in Scleroderma patients and to determine the factors affecting upper extremity functions.

Methods: A total of 83 participants were recruited in this study. Of the participants, 39 were Scleroderma patients (mean age 43.28±9.96 years) and 44 were healthy controls (mean age 40.05±8.89 years). The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) and Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) were applied to evaluate upper extremity functions of the participants. Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), and the Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire (SHAQ) were used to evaluate the sleep quality, fatigue, and health-related quality of life, respectively.

Results: Scleroderma patients had significantly lower scores in hand functions, sleep quality, fatigue, and health-related quality than the healthy group (p=0.001). The correlations between DASH and PSQI (r=0.559, p=0.001), FSS (r=0.496, p=0.001), SHAQ scores (r=0.754, p=0.001) were highly positive. Similarly, a high correlation was found between MHQ and SHAQ scores (r=-0.679, p=0.001).

Conclusion: Upper extremity functions and health-related quality of life were found to be affected in patients with Scleroderma. It was revealed that upper extremity functions were affected by sleep quality, fatigue, and health-related quality of life. Therefore, knowing all these effects and their relationships with each other allows to draw a systematic treatment plan on Scleroderma patients.
Identifying a Novel Eight-NK Cell-related Gene Signature for
Ovarian Cancer Prognosis Prediction
Authors: Li Nan , Yu Kai , Huang Delun , Zhou Hui , Zeng Dingyuan
Published: August 2023

Background:

Ovarian cancer (OVC) is the most common and costly tumor in
the world with unfavorable overall survival and prognosis. This study is aimed to explore
the prognostic value of natural killer cells related genes for OVC treatment.

Methods:

RNA-seq and clinical information were acquired from the TCGA-OVC dataset
(training dataset) and the GSE51800 dataset (validation dataset). Genes linked to NK
cells were obtained from the immPort dataset. Moreover, ConsensusClusterPlus facilitated
the screening of molecular subtypes. Following this, the risk model was established
by LASSO analysis, and immune infiltration and immunotherapy were then detected by
CIBERSORT, ssGSEA, ESTIMATE, and TIDE algorithms.

Results:

Based on 23 NK cell-related genes with prognosis, TCGA-OVC samples were
classified into two clusters, namely C1 and C2. Of these, C1 had better survival outcomes
as well as enhanced immune infiltration and tumor stem cells. Additionally, it was
more suitable for immunotherapy and was also sensitive to traditional chemotherapy
drugs. The eight-gene prognosis model was constructed and verified via the GSE51800
dataset. Additionally, a high infiltration level of immune cells was observed in low-risk
patients. Low-risk samples also benefited from immunotherapy and chemotherapy drugs.
Finally, a nomogram and ROC curves were applied to validate model accuracy.

Conclusion:

The present study identified a RiskScore signature, which could stratify patients
with different infiltration levels, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy drugs. Our
study provided a basis for precisely evaluating OVC therapy and prognosis.
Preparation of Fluorous Aza-crown Ether with Two Bisfluorous Chain
Type Propionyl Groups: An Investigation of its Partition Ratios in
Fluorous Biphasic Systems and Recyclability During SN2-type
Acetoxylation Reactions
Authors: Yamanoi Takashi , Koike Kenji , Oda Yoshiki
Published: August 2023

In this study, a new fluorous aza-crown ether derivative (1) conjugated with two Bfp
(bisfluorous chain type propionyl) groups was prepared; then, the partition ratios of 1 in biphasic systems
using FC 72 and several organic solvents were investigated. Next, the activities of 1 in an FC
72/acetonitrile biphasic system were assessed via the SN2-type acetoxylation reaction using 2-
(bromomethyl)naphthalene and potassium acetate. Finally, the recyclability of 1 in a two-layer system
based on its immobilization in an FC 72 solvent was examined during acetoxylation reactions.
Drug Targets, Current and Future Therapeutics for the Treatment of
Multi Drug Resistant Tuberculosis with their Clinical Applications: A
Critical Review
Authors: Singh Deepshikha , Singh Vikram , Mandal Subhankar P. , Dsouza Karen , Kumar B.R. Prashantha , Dixit Sheshagiri R.
Published: August 2023

Multi drug-resistant or extensive drug resistance Mycobacterium tuberculosis poses numerous
challenges for health care workers and for public health authorities. Treating multidrug resistant or
extensive drug resistance tuberculosis continues to be a difficult task, as a longer regimen is associated
with a higher number of adverse drug events and economic burden and has a significant negative effect
on health care resources. Many trials and observational studies were conducted. Few studies are
underway to develop the universal regimen and improve the outcomes related to multi or extensive
drug resistance tuberculosis with a shorter regimen duration. The current review will discuss which
drug inhibits what target, their synthesis, genetic aspects, repurposed drugs, novel drugs, and extensive
trials for the treatment of multi or extensive drug resistance tuberculosis.
Colon Targeted Delivery and In Vitro Evaluation of Curcumin for Colon Cancer
Authors: Pandey Amit Kumar , Sara Udaivir Singh
Published: August 2023

Background::

The second most common cause of mortality by cancer is thought to be colorectal cancer, which is one of the most prevalent tumours in the world. Many health advantages have been linked to curcumin, which is the key component of turmeric. The goal of the current study was to create a colon-targeted microbead method coated with Eudragit S100 to improve cur-cumin targeting in the colon by speeding up the rate of its dissolution

Methods:

The ionotropic gelation process was used to create the formulations. The surface phe-nomena, bead shape, entrapment effectiveness, drug loading, and in vitro drug release were all as-sessed for formulations. Moreover, calcium alginate beads with an improved core were enteric coat-ed with Eudragit S100. The polymer concentration and curing duration significantly affected parti-cle size and entrapment effectiveness, respectively.

Results:

The particle size of the improved formulation was 705 μm, drug entrapment efficiency was 83.56%, drug loading was 28.64%, and in vitro release was 81.66% after 6 hours in phosphate buff-er at pH 6.8. After 10 hours, enteric coating with Eudragit S100 of optimized calcium alginate mi-crobeads revealed a 64.09 ± 0.16% drug release. The calculated values of the regression coefficients for the Higuchi, first-order, and zero-order models were 0.9494, 0.8913, and 0.9579, respectively. The 50% inhibitory concentration value was 2.676 based on the percentage of cell viability.

Conclusion:

To effectively treat colorectal cancer, the enteric-coated calcium alginate microbeads can deliver curcumin selectively to the colon when taken orally.
Circular economy strategies at the manufacturing system scheduling level: the impacts on Makespan
Authors: Castiglione C.
Published: August 2023

Abstract. The use of end-of-life and end-of-use products to recover parts and raw materials can mitigate the severity of the increasing price of raw materials, the disruption of global supply chains for critical raw materials (e.g., chips and rare earth elements), and reduce the environmental impacts. Furthermore, circular economy strategies can improve scheduling by shortening the completion times of the components. This paper investigates the effects of implementing circular economy strategies (repair, reuse, and re-manufacturing) at the scheduling level in a manufacturing system involving disassembly, re-manufacturing, and assembly operations. A set of eight priority rules modify the job priority and the strategy implementation. The results show that including circular economy strategies through disassembly can reduce the makespan, but scheduling is pivotal to managing the frequent changes in the quality of end-of-life products and their volumes and the current production order mix.
Iatrogenic Penile Amputation Due to Circumcision Clamp in an Eight-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Baihaqy Ibnu Hakim Muhammad , Nur Budaya Taufiq , Daryanto Besut
Published: August 2023

The circumcision clamp has been the primary alternative to the traditional surgical circumcision procedure since its invention in 1934. The circumcision clamp has the following advantages such as improved wound healing, shorter operation time, and no stitch removal pain. However, the clamp technique has a disadvantage where the operator cannot visualize the glans penis. Many studies have already reported the incidence of trauma or psychiatric disorders related to penile amputation, but the case of circumcision clamp-related penile amputation in Indonesia had never been reported. An eight-year-old boy was taken to the emergency department with post-circumcision bleeding. The patient had been circumcised using an Anastomat® circumcision device in the clinic, two hours prior and then referred to the emergency department. We perform penile exploration, and a defect in the ventral part of the glans penis was found, with the source of bleeding coming from the glans penis, and the urethra remained intact. Penile degloving with urethral spatulation and catheterization with a 10 Fr 2-way foley catheter was installed, continued with penile reconstruction and skin closure. The operation lasted for about sixty minutes. After six months of follow-up, the patient could urinate normally and spontaneously without any clinical complaint. Even though circumcision using a circumcision clamp is considered a safe procedure and preferable to surgical circumcision nowadays, it is necessary to emphasize that the use of a circumcision clamp still has a risk rate for penile amputation.
Aloe vera Extract Sheet and Egg Albumin (Gallus domesticus) Reduce the Number of Lymphocytes on Gingival Incision Wound
Authors: A'ziza Wizni A'dila , Prihastuti Christiana Cahyani , Rochmawati Mutia , Rosyada Alya Ghina , Amanda Putri Myrna Evana
Published: August 2023

An incision in the oral cavity is a dental procedure performed in surgical procedures. Suturing is the gold standard in primary wound closure care, however, suturing can cause tissue trauma, scars, and secondary infections. Cyanoacrylate adhesive is one of the alternative tissue glue for wound closure but it has inflammatory risk as suturing, potential toxicity, and accidental adhesion risks. Aloe vera extract sheet based combined with free-range chicken egg albumin is expected to be an alternative method for wound healing of gingival incisions. This study aimed to investigate the effect of administration of Aloe vera extract wound healing sheet (WHS) and free-range chicken egg albumin on the number of lymphocytes in the gingival incision wound as the inflammatory response. Experimental laboratory research with a posttest-only control group design was conducted in 24 male rats (Rattus norvegicus Wistar strain) with an incised gingiva, divided into four groups, namely T1 (50% WHS concentration and chicken egg albumin), T2 (100% WHS concentration and chicken egg albumin), PC (positive control with suturing), NC (negative control without treatment). The treatment was carried out for seven days. The data obtained were analyzed statistically using One-way ANOVA and Post Hoc LSD. The use of Aloe vera extract WHS and free-range chicken egg albumin (T1 and T2) reduced the number of lymphocytes compared to control groups (PC and NC; p<0.05). WHS and chicken egg albumin can shorten the inflammatory process in wound healing which is characterized by lower lymphocyte counts compared to the control groups.
The Effect of Psychotria malayana Extract on Wound Healing in Male White Rats (Rattus Novergicus) Sprague Dawley Strain
Authors: Fairuz Fairuz , Berty Khory Aurora , Humaryanto Humaryanto
Published: August 2023

Normal wounds are a complex and dynamic process, but they have a predictable pattern, and untreated open lesions are potentially infectious. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) in the United States in 2018 was 157,500, with an estimated mortality rate of 8,205. Psychotria malayana plant contains flavonoids, alkaloids, and tannins, which play a role in the inflammatory phase and proliferation of wound healing. Many pharmacology effects of alkaloid and flavonoid activities include anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of Psychotria malayana extract ointment on wound healing in male white rats (Rattus norvegicus) of the Sprague-Dowley strain. This study is a laboratory experiment using the randomized post-test control only group design. Subjects were 25 male white rats (Rattus norvegicus) of the Sprague-Dowley strain. The rats were divided into five groups. The treatment was carried out for 14 days, and the wounds were shaved under anesthesia, and the skin was taken for histopathological evaluation after it had been examined macroscopically. An independent test showed that there is no significant difference macroscopically between control groups and treatment groups with a p-value >0.05. The Mann Whitney test showed a significant comparison microscopically at the level of angiogenesis, fibroblasts, and collagen in group negative control with group I (10% Psychotria malayana extract ointment) with a P value 0.05%. The conclusion is that 10% Psychotria malayana extract ointment increases fibroblast levels, angiogenesis, and collagen production in wound healing.
The Relationship between APGAR Score and Delivery Mode with Neonatal Sepsis in Ulin Regional Hospital Banjarmasin
Authors: Salim Monica Anggriana , Halim Pricilia Gunawan , Yunanto Ari , Andayani Pudji
Published: August 2023

Neonatal sepsis is one of the most common causes of neonatal death worldwide, affecting up to 3 million neonates each year. Deaths related to neonatal sepsis are more common in developing countries with lower middle incomes. This study aims to find a relationship between APGAR scores at the 1st, 5th, and 10th minutes and delivery mode on the incidence of neonatal sepsis. This research is a retrospective study with a cross-sectional approach at High-Risk Neonatal Installation (INRiT) of Ulin Regional Hospital Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, conducted from January to December 2022. The total sample was 200 babies divided into the sepsis and the control group. APGAR score data at the 1st, 5th, and 10th minutes and delivery mode were taken through medical records. In this study, the average APGAR score at 1st minute in the sepsis group was 5.11; at 5th minute was 6.56; and at 10th minute was 7.65. The results of APGAR score analysis at the 1st, 5th, and 10th minutes in the sepsis and control groups using the Mann -Whitney test obtained a p-value of 0.000. In the sepsis group, 30 babies were born spontaneously, and 70 babies were born with tools (caesarean section/vacuum extraction). The results of the delivery mode analysis in the sepsis and control groups using Fisher's test obtained a p-value of 0.000 (OR: 3.807) which means that there is a relationship between the APGAR score at the 1st, 5th, and 10th minutes and the delivery mode with the incidence of neonatal sepsis.
The Effect of Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) Duration on CD4 Counts in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Patients in dr. Doris Sylvanus Regional Hospital
Authors: Nainggolan Oberson , Sasmithae Lia , Widayati Ratna
Published: August 2023

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks white blood cells, thereby reducing the immunity of infected patients. It attacks Cluster of Differentiation 4 (CD4) lymphocyte cells which have a role in the immune system. It has killed 36.3 million people worldwide. There were reported 222 cases in Central Kalimantan Province in 2019. The therapy given to suppress HIV is antiretroviral (ARV) which gradually recover CD4 cells of the patients. This study aims to determine the effect of duration of the antiretroviral therapy (ART) duration on CD4 counts in patients with HIV at the VCT (Voluntary, Counselling, and Test) Polyclinic, dr. Doris Sylvanus Hospital during 2019-2020. It is a descriptive retrospective study, extracting data from patients medical record data. Following total sampling and selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria i.e. aged ≥18 years and diagnosed with HIV during 2019-2020, with complete CD4 count records prior and after ART, there were 45 patients included. The results showed that CD4 counts increased in patients with fixed dose combination (FDC) Tenofovir, lamivudine and efavirenz, with average value of 190.36± 220.92 cells/mm3 prior ART, became 259.93± 203.74 cells/mm3 at 12 month ART, and 310.82± 22.,53 cells/mm3 at 24 month ART (p = 0.000). Thus, the longer ART duration the higher CD4 counts and recover the normal range.
Study of Dysgeusia and Anosmia Frequency and Risk Factors in Pre-Elderly Post-Covid-19
Authors: Wanodyo Handayani Ari Tri , Hamzah Zahreni , Prijatmoko Dwi , Setyowati Dyah Indartin , Ferdinan Hosea
Published: August 2023

Covid-19 is a respiratory obstruction caused by infection with SARS-CoV-2. The appearance of dysgeusia and anosmia can be a sign that someone has contracted this virus. This study aims to review the frequency and risk factors that cause dysgeusia and anosmia in pre-elderly post-Covid-19. This type of research is descriptive observational with a cross-sectional approach. In this study, only 5.15% of respondents experienced anosmia, 10.31% of dysgeusia alone, and 28.86% of dysgeusia accompanied by anosmia. Dysgeusia and anosmia can be found in every vaccination status. Respondents with ≥1 dominant comorbid were found in respondents who experienced dysgeusia accompanied by anosmia. Symptoms of fever, cough, rhinorrhea, and pneumonia are common in dysgeusia and anosmia disorders. The time of appearance of the disturbance ranges from 1-7 days, with the duration of the disruption 1-14 days. Symptoms of dysgeusia accompanied by anosmia in the pre-elderly post-Covid-19show a higher frequency than dysgeusia alone and anosmia alone. In pre-elderly, men were found to be more at risk than women. Several risk factors, including the aging process, co-morbidities, smoking habits, and vaccination status, support the emergence of these symptoms.
VEHICLE DETECTION AND CLASSIFICATION USING FORWARD SCATTER RADAR (FSR) FOR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT USING CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORK
Authors: Ismail N. N. , Rashid N. E. A. , Nasarudin M. N. F. , Mohamed W.M. W. , Zainuddin S. , Khan Z. I.
Published: August 2023

The importance of automatic vehicle detection and classification has grown significantly in recent years, as it has become a crucial component of traffic management and monitoring systems. To overcome the limitations of traditional video vehicle detection, this paper proposes the use of forward scatter radar (FSR) technology. The FSR system is tested for the classification of four different vehicle types, each with distinct sizes. To improve the classification accuracy of the FSR system, the paper utilizes a well-established neural network known as a convolutional neural network (CNN). Two time-frequency analyses, continuous wavelet transform (CWT) and short-time Fourier transform (STFT), are used to evaluate the classification performance of the FSR system. The study demonstrates that the CNN classifier significantly improves the classification accuracy of the FSR system in vehicle detection and classification. This finding is supported by the evaluation of the time-frequency analyses, CWT and STFT. Overall, the proposed approach has the potential to enhance traffic management and monitoring systems, thereby improving road safety and traffic efficiency.
THE EFFECT OF TOURIST EXPECTATIONS AND TOURIST EXPERIENCES ON TOURIST SATISFACTION WITH HERITAGE ATTRIBUTES: A CASE STUDY OF HỘI AN, VIETNAM
Authors: Minh Ho Ngoc , Rahman Suraiyati , Thi Tran Cam
Published: August 2023

Hoi An, Vietnam is a heritage town that offers many attractions and amenities attracting many domestic and international tourists. Along with the satisfaction studies conducted in Hoi An, the concern on how tourists’ expectations and experiences influence tourist satisfaction with destination attributes is not well explored. The present study determines the extent to which tourist expectations and tourist experiences affect tourist satisfaction with destination attributes; such as heritage attractions, price, people, tourist amenities, and safety. A quantitative research method was used to collect data from international and domestic tourists who had visited and stayed in Hội An, Vietnam for at least one night. Of the 275 responses received, 269 were usable. The findings indicate that tourist experiences with staff, safety, and tourist amenities had the biggest impact on tourist satisfaction in Hội An while tourist expectations did not significantly affect tourist satisfaction. This study also contributed to the strength of Hội An in the hopes that tourism stakeholders in Hội An will use these findings to take proactive steps to increase the competitiveness and attractiveness of Hội An.
CONCEPTUALISING RESILIENCE LIVELIHOOD STRATEGIES OF PADDY FARMERS TOWARDS MALAYSIA NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY AGENDA
Authors: Asli Wan Mohammad Fazil , Rahman Suraiyati
Published: August 2023

The paddy production in Malaysia is characterised as small-scale agriculture, with modest plots of less than 2 ha and approximately 194,000 farmers employed. Majority of these farmers primarily rely on low-income agricultural production. This situation was exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic in the first quarter of 2020, resulting in a 3.11% reduction (17.03 million tonnes) in the overall agricultural output across Southeast Asia. Rural communities are recognised as vulnerable and must adapt to these sudden changes. Despite the vulnerability and shocks experienced by rural communities, especially paddy farmers, the resilience of sustainable livelihood for staple food is the main issue to be taken into consideration. Sustainable livelihoods, which are closely related to rural development communities, serve as the primary force behind the preservation of the economic well-being in rural areas. The primary concern is the lack of imperative strategies to empower the paddy farmers and key stakeholders in the staple food ecosystem in facing uncertainties and shocks. The Sustainable Livelihood Framework has been adopted since 1992 in several countries and international organisations to eradicate poverty. However, this framework raised an issue as a generic concept and required further enhancement to visualise the response to uncertainties and shocks. The framework’s adaptability to climatic and non-climatic food insecurity is dependent on the adaptation strategies that are based on socioeconomic and cultural factors, such as household composition, gender, household asset distribution and external instructions.
AN EXAMINATION OF OUTDOOR RECREATION PARTICIPATION CONSTRAINTS AMONG RURAL AND URBAN COMMUNITIES
Authors: Ab Dulhamid Hasnizam , Isa Mohd Ismail , Mohammed Badaruddin , Sazali Muhamad Ferdhaus , Salim Nurbaidura
Published: August 2023

This study examined the relationship between motivational and constraint factors of outdoor recreational participation among rural and urban communities. Questionnaires were used as the main instrument of the research and were distributed to a number of 384 respondents who were among individuals living in rural and urban areas. Based on the Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the analysis revealed that the RII score for each outdoor recreational engagement motivational factor was at the highest level, as the p-value of the index obtained for each item was more than 0.50. The analysis also revealed that the primary constraint for outdoor recreation participation among both sample studies was the factor of time with a value of (P<.05). As statistical findings of the study indicated how constraint factors could influence motivational factors in the participation of outdoor recreation, it is crucial that future studies also look into constraint issues of respondents to identify and explore motivational factors in the field of rural and urban planning.