bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geographic heterogeneity of SARS-CoV-2 circulation in Abidjan, Ivory Coast: a prospective study
Authors: Doumbia Moussa , Sevede Daouda , Kouakou Viviane , Pineau Pascal
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Few studies on SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in Ivory Coast have been conducted since the first case was reported on March 11, 2020. The main objective of this study was to observe and better understand the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in Abidjan.
Methodology: This prospective study collected data concerning age, sex, vaccination status, municipality of origin, monthly income, frequency of malaria, and frequency of diarrheal diseases in persons who gave their informed consent. Venous blood samples were taken to test for anti-SARS-COV-2 antibodies (IgM and IgG) using the VIDAS automated system.
Results: A total of 1504 patients were recruited and tested for antibodies directed against SARS-COV-2. Data analysis revealed the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 in 53.5% of participants, 17.3% of the participants had a previous symptomatic infection, 31.4% had an asymptomatic infection, and 44.8% were never in contact with the virus. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was higher in Marcory (70.9%) and Cocody (61.1%) than in the remaining townships (48.4%). Township rates of serologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection correlated with poverty index (p = 0.025), children < 5 years’ proportion in the township (p = 0.026), and levels of malaria (p = 0.034).
Conclusions: In the city of Abidjan, COVID-19 is strongly modulated by poverty, the proportion of babies and toddlers in the community, or exposure to malaria.
Acceptance and hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines in rural and tribal areas of Maharashtra (India)
Authors: Setia Maninder Singh , Tawde Ashlesha , Relwani Nisha , Waingankar Prasad , Natesan Revathi , Kamale Vijay , Seth Bageshree
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines may be a major hindrance to a successful vaccination program. We assessed the vaccine uptake, facilitators, and barriers for the COVID-19 vaccine in tribal and rural populations in Maharashtra, India.
Methodology: The present study is a cross-sectional analysis of data collected from 373 individuals from six villages (three tribal and three rural) from August 2022 to September 2022. Demographic information, COVID-19 history, details about vaccination, and reasons for taking/not taking the vaccine were collected.
Results: In these individuals, 236 (63.3%) had taken two doses, 85 (22.8%) had taken one dose, and 52 (13.9%) had not taken the vaccine. Tribal villagers were less likely to have completed vaccination (50.7% vs 79.3%; p < 0.001). Males were more likely to state ‘compulsory at my workplace’ (27.7% vs 7.7%; p < 0.001), whereas females were more likely to report ‘could not get ration food without it’ (52.7% vs 31.5%; p < 0.001) as the reason for vaccination. Common reasons for not taking the vaccine were: fear of side effects (56%); no need for vaccination (41.2%); do not trust the vaccines (40%); and ‘there is no such thing as COVID-19’(16%). A majority (94.7%) had completed COVID-19 vaccination at government vaccination centers.
Conclusions: Tribal villagers, women, and those from lower socioeconomic status were less likely to have taken the vaccine. Fear about side effects and mistrust about vaccines were the main reasons for not having taken the vaccine. Addressing these issues in mass information campaigns may help improve vaccination coverage.
Prototype biodiversity digital twin: crop wild relatives genetic resources for food security
Authors: Chala Desalegn , Kusch Erik , Weiland Claus , Andrew Carrie , Grieb Jonas , Rossi Tuomas , Martinovic Tomas , Endresen Dag
Published: June 2024

Amidst population growth and climate-driven crop stresses such as drought, extreme weather, fungal and insect pests, as well as various crop diseases, ensuring food security demands innovative strategies. Crop wild relatives (CWR), wild plants in the same genus as the crop as well as wild populations belonging to the same species as the crop, offer novel genetic resources crucial for enhancing crop resilience against these stress factors. Here, we introduce a prototype digital twin (pDT) to aid in searching and utilising CWR genetic resources. Using the MoDGP (Modelling the Germplasm of Interest) tool, the pDT enables mapping geographic areas where stress-tolerant CWR populations can be found. With its graphical user interface, it offers flexibility in selecting genetic resources from CWR tailored to enhance resilience of various crops against diverse stress factors.
Le planning familial, les associations féminines et l’État-providence en Égypte de Fouad I er à Nasser (années 1930-1960)
Authors: Pesquet Laure
Published: June 2024

Au temps de la réforme sociale en Égypte, les associations féminines philanthropiques, soutenues par la monarchie et certains médecins du Caire, s’approprièrent le droit de contrôler la reproduction des femmes démunies, au nom du bien-être national ( al-rafaha ). Après la révolution des Officiers libres qui mit fin au règne du roi Farouq (1936-1952), le contrôle des naissances fut d’abord toléré par le régime nassérien (1954-1970) avant d’être nationalisé afin de protéger l’État-providence. Face au relatif échec du planning familial, les acteurs et actrices du contrôle des naissances réagirent différemment.
A State of Misery: The Place of Welfare and Development in Dahomey (1957-1971)
Authors: Tonolo Giovanni
Published: June 2024

Le Dahomey indépendant adopta quelques mesures sociales en faveur des fonctionnaires et des travailleurs industriels, tout en orientant des politiques de développement autoritaires en direction de la paysannerie. Cet article explique les raisons de ces différentes stratégies de l’État postcolonial. Il montre également comment les bailleurs de fonds ont résisté à l’inclusion de mesures de santé et d’éducation dans les projets de développement, malgré les recommandations d’experts en ce sens. Ce faisant, cet article cherche à croiser les histoires de l’État providence et de l’État développementiste.
Dégoût de l’excessif et production de l’écologie dominante
Authors: Comby Jean-Baptiste
Published: June 2024

Si l’écologisation des expériences bourgeoises du monde prend des tournures différentes en haut à gauche et en haut à droite de l’espace social, elle se heurte de part et d’autre à l’inertie des styles de vie et se révèle fuyante. Les membres de la bourgeoisie culturelle regrettent ce désajustement entre leur volontarisme écologique et sa traduction pratique, quand celles et ceux du pôle économique l’assument comme une expression de leur pragmatisme. Dans les deux cas, ces écologisations jugées imparfaites favorisent la formation, l’activation et l’actualisation d’une disposition réformatrice qui atteste la proximité idéologique de ces deux fractions de classe par-delà leurs styles de vie contrastés. Fondé sur une analyse couplant quarante-quatre entretiens approfondis et 1984 questionnaires, cet article cherche donc à comprendre comment l’intégration morale de la bourgeoisie résiste à la dispersion des idées et pratiques écologiques de ses membres. Il montre qu’au sein des classes dominantes, les conditions sociales ne sont pas réunies pour faire de la question environnementale un marqueur statutaire à même de convertir ces différences d’attitude en concurrence entre leurs fractions. Ces conditions apparaissent en revanche aux marges de la petite bourgeoisie où la disposition réformatrice devient moins centrale dès lors que les formes de sociabilité et de politisation portent plus souvent à faire de l’écologie un enjeu de placement et de classement social.
Les inerties de la transition : la reproduction des paysages capitalistes en Europe, des mines de cuivre aux éoliennes
Authors: Buu-Sao Doris , Patinaux Leny
Published: June 2024

Cet article analyse la place des inerties sociales, économiques et environnementales dans le renouveau industriel induit par la « transition énergétique » contemporaine. Pour cela, il s’appuie sur la comparaison de deux terrains : la réouverture d’une mine de cuivre en Andalousie et l’implantation massive d’éoliennes dans le nord de la France. L’analyse localisée des trajectoires industrielles dans ces deux régions montre d’une part comment se construisent sur le temps long des zones de sacrifice propices au renouveau industriel dans lesquelles les nouvelles dégradations environnementales s’intègrent parmi les dégâts du passé. D’autre part, l’article décrit comment l’extraction de nouvelles ressources minières ou renouvelables se spatialise différemment dans ces territoires dédiés à l’industrie. Il montre enfin la centralité du travail dans l’adhésion ou le rejet de ces nouvelles activités industrielles de « transition ».
Les agriculteurs et la légitimation des politiques de transition : une approche par les discours sur la paperasse
Authors: Mesnel Blandine
Published: June 2024

Cet article interroge la signification politique des discours contre la complexité des normes environnementales en agriculture : quel rapport esquissent-ils à l’objectif de transition ? Il mobilise pour cela la sociologie du travail administratif, des réceptions et des policy feedback de l’action publique. Analysant le cas de la Politique agricole commune, il montre que les discours sur la paperasse correspondent à un rapport ambigu, nuancé et collectivement structuré des agriculteurs à l’action publique environnementale. Les critiques de la bureaucratisation reposent plus précisément sur deux principes moraux structurants : la responsabilité et le réalisme. Dans les deux cas, les discours et les croyances qui les sous-tendent n’aboutissent pas systématiquement à une inertie environnementale ou à une délégitimation complète des programmes publics : ils peuvent aussi signifier une reconnaissance, voire un attachement aux objectifs affichés. Le cas des agriculteurs permet ainsi de discuter certains résultats des travaux sur la place du travail administratif dans les mécanismes de légitimation de l’action publique.
Is protean career orientation related to digital networking? The role of digital technology competencies
Authors: Bazine Nicolas , Fréour Léa
Published: June 2024

Bien que le réseautage numérique ait été identifié comme un comportement important pour le développement de carrière, la recherche reste à ce jour limitée. Avec l’omniprésence technologique, le réseautage numérique est devenu un comportement commun. Cependant, nos connaissances restent limitées sur la façon dont les individus créent et développent leur réseau numérique. En intégrant les recherches sur le réseautage, l’orientation de carrière protéenne et les compétences numériques, nous proposons un modèle reliant l’orientation de carrière protéenne et le réseautage numérique via les compétences numériques. Une étude basée sur 213 étudiants soutient que le réseautage numérique est composé de deux dimensions : la construction et l’utilisation. Notre modèle théorique a été ensuite testé sur un échantillon de 473 étudiants dans lequel l’orientation de carrière protéenne conduit au réseautage numérique via les compétences numériques. Ces recherches mettent en lumière les compétences numériques comme mécanisme expliquant les effets de l’orientation de carrière protéenne sur le réseautage numérique. Elles fournissent également des informations aux conseillers d’orientation, au personnel universitaire et aux universitaires de comment améliorer le réseautage numérique afin d’en tirer un bénéfice pour le développement de carrière.
Performance evaluation of brain state discrimination using near-infrared spectroscopy for brain-computer interface: an exploratory case study
Authors: Masuo Akira , Sakuma Takuto , Kato Shohei
Published: June 2024

A new method of environmental control that does not depend on motor functions is eagerly awaited to support independent living for people with severe quadriplegia. In this study, we conducted an exploratory case study of brain state discrimination in a quadriplegic subject to develop a brain-computer interface controlled by a mental task execution. We measured near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) signals in a patient with a cervical spinal cord injury while performing mental tasks. A block design with a task and a rest separated by 30 seconds was used to measure brain function. The utilized mental tasks were mental arithmetic and Japanese word chains. Seventeen trials of the NIRS signal were acquired for each task, and 52 samples with 24-dimensional features per trial data were extracted. Random forest was used as the classifier, and the number of correct responses in the binary discrimination of the brain states were calculated by cross-validation. The exact binomial test was used for the statistical analysis, and a two-tailed test with a significance level of 5% was performed. The results showed that the number of correct responses was 15 out of 17 (p = 0.002) for the mental arithmetic task and 14 out of 17 (p = 0.013) for the Japanese word chains task, for an overall accuracy of 85%. These results indicate that this method can discriminate the brain state of a patient with quadriplegia from the NIRS signal. By applying these findings to a brain-computer interface, it will be possible to provide a new means of environmental control for individuals with quadriplegia.
A simulation study of CO2 gas adsorption with bottom ash adsorbent from palm oil mill waste using computational fluid dynamic (CFD)
Authors: Sylvia Novi , Tarigan Aden Syahrullah , Dewi Rozanna , Yunardi Yunardi , Bindar Yazid , Reza Mutia
Published: June 2024

Biogas is a cost-effective, efficient, environmentally friendly, and renewable alternative energy source. While biogas contains CH4, it also contains impurities in the form of 27–45% CO2 gas. Therefore, it is necessary to purify biogas by removing CO2 gas as it can reduce the calorific value of CH4, the main component of biogas. The process of methane purification can be achieved through adsorption. Bottom ash, derived from palm oil mill waste, shows great potential for methane purification by effectively adsorbing CO2. This research simulated the methane purification process using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method with the student version of the ANSYS R20 software. The study utilized an adsorbent made from bottom ash obtained from palm oil mill waste. The main objective was to investigate the performance of bottom ash as an adsorbent for removing CO2 gas in a continuous gas flow within an adsorption column. The study involved varying the column bed height (4 cm, 8 cm, 12 cm) and gas flow rate (10 L/min, 15 L/min, 20 L/min). The results showed that the highest efficiency in removing CO2 gas was 84.53% with a bed height of 12 cm and a flow rate of 10 L/min, while the lowest efficiency was 47.87% with a bed height of 4 cm and a flow rate of 20 L/min. Furthermore, the highest adsorption capacity for CO2 gas was 1.64 mg/g with a bed height of 12 cm and a flow rate of 10 L/min, while the lowest capacity was 0.93 mg/g with a bed height of 4 cm and a flow rate of 20 L/min. The linearization of adsorption isotherm data indicated that the CO2 gas adsorption process using bottom ash adsorbent followed the Langmuir model.
Stability analysis of delayed neural networks via compound-parameter -based integral inequality
Authors: Xue Wenlong , Jin Zhenghong , Tian Yufeng
Published: June 2024

This paper revisits the issue of stability analysis of neural networks subjected to time-varying delays. A novel approach, termed a compound-matrix-based integral inequality (CPBII), which accounts for delay derivatives using two adjustable parameters, is introduced. By appropriately adjusting these parameters, the CPBII efficiently incorporates coupling information along with delay derivatives within integral inequalities. By using CPBII, a novel stability criterion is established for neural networks with time-varying delays. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated through a numerical illustration.
L’iconographie de Jacques Ier au XIXe siècle : mythification et démythification
Authors: Trenc Élisée
Published: June 2024

Cette analyse de l’iconographie du roi Jacques Ier au XIXe siècle a pour but de montrer la mythification, à travers la sculpture monumentale, la peinture et l’illustration, d’un personnage historique considéré comme le grand héros médiéval de la Catalogne, le conquérant qui a christianisé et « catalanisé » les royaumes de Majorque et de Valence. Même si ses nombreuses aventures féminines ont donné lieu à une certaine démythification dans le théâtre populaire, les caricatures dans la presse satirique barcelonaise n’ont pas vraiment démythifié le grand roi : au contraire, pour le lectorat anticlérical et républicain de cette presse, sa lascivité a été perçue comme une qualité et un côté plutôt sympathique.
Particularismes catalans i europeismes en el fràsic de l’Espill
Authors: Guia i Marín Josep
Published: June 2024

L’Espill, une oeuvre extraordinaire par sa richesse linguistique et littéraire, fut écrite à Valence dans la deuxième moitié du XVe siècle. On étudie ici l’usage de parémies et d'autres unités phrasiques de cet ouvrage, autant celles qui présentent des spécificités locales (par la construction linguistique ou par les références) que celles qui existent dans d'autres nations et langues d’Europe, au début de la Renaissance.
Jeu vidéo et poésie : les rêveries poétiques des promeneurs d’Eastshade
Authors: Augé Claire
Published: June 2024

Dans cet article, nous nous intéressons à des poèmes écrits par de jeunes élèves de cinquième, au collège, ayant environ douze ans, dans le cadre du cours de français, après avoir joué collectivement au jeu Eastshade (Eastshade studios, 2019). Nous souhaitions voir si l’expérience ludique permettait de faire émerger une expérience poétique. Pour cela, nous verrons en quoi les poèmes témoignent de lectures singulières et variées du jeu vidéo selon différents degrés d’appropriation. Enfin, nous montrerons que l’expérience ludique n’a pas été vécue de la même manière par tous les élèves, ce qui donne lieu à l’expression de différents sujets lyriques.
Exploring Sintering, Densification, and Mechanical Behaviour of Invar Alloys through Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Sahni Sandeep Kumar , Bhowmick Somnath , Upadhyaya Anish
Published: June 2024

In this work, the molecular dynamics simulation method is employed to understand the sintering behaviour and mechanical properties of the Invar alloy. The densification behaviour of Invar alloy nanoparticles with different sizes at a fixed sintering temperature is investigated. The influence of external pressure is also simulated. Finally, the uniaxial tensile test is employed to study the mechanical response of the sintered product. The results show a qualitative relationship between particle size, external pressure, densification, and mechanical properties. Smaller particle sizes and higher external pressure promote densification. The uniaxial tensile results show that the sintered structure has a lower Young’s modulus than the bulk crystal because of the porosity, and the sample with high porosity has a low value of mechanical strength.
Effect of Gadolinium Content on the Microstructures and Corrosion Properties of Mg-4Zn-3Gd Alloy
Authors: Khanam Mita , Kumar Roy Chanchal , Rashed H.M. Mamun Al
Published: June 2024

Lightweight metallic alloys in the transport sector are the essential choice to reduce carbon monoxide emissions. Magnesium (Mg) can serve this purpose appreciably because it has a low density compared to other metallic metals and a high strength in a small portion of metals. The reason behind this is having very low weight. Notwithstanding the alloys exhibit high susceptibility to corrosion especially galvanic corrosion, which impedes it from its various applications. The corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy depends largely on the surface film whether it can protect well and the corrosion due to galvanic effect between the second phase particles or microstructures and the magnesium matrix. Role of second phase particles eventually improves the corrosion property by enhancing its resistance to corrosion. Mg-4Zn being a promising alloy, 3 wt% Gd has been added further to investigate the corrosion resistant properties of Mg-4Zn-3Gd alloy. After preparing the alloys by casting method in induction furnace followed by homogenization at 410°C, the sample was hot rolled at 400°C. Preparation of the samples has been verified by EDS, XRF and XRD analysis. Corrosion study has been done for 1 hour, 24 hours and 72 hours. Microstructures have been taken for as cast, homogenized, and as rolled condition before corrosion test. The analysis shows a large difference in the grain size and phase distribution. Due to dynamic recrystallization during rolling hardness also shows differences compared to as cast and homogenized sample. The corrosion test is performed by weight loss test, electrochemical measurement, and immersion test. In the results, it has been seen an increase in corrosion rate at the initial stage, however it came to a constant rate after some time. After corrosion test, optical micrographs (OM) and scanning electron microstructures (SEM) images show typical morphology of corroded surface with some micro cracks. The presence of Gd in Mg-4Zn alloy enhanced the corrosion performance when it is done for longer time.
Urea cocrystals: the fertilizer industry’s next big thing
Authors: Adassooriya Nadeesh M.
Published: June 2024

No abstract available
Diffusion of Revenue Administration Management Information System (Ramis) in the Inland Revenue Department of Sri Lanka
Authors: Amarasinghe O. L. , Gunaratne M. L. S. , Madusanka W. A. D. C. , Pakianathan A. E. , Pathirana K. P. H. , Ponnamperuma M. P. , Sandeepa W. A. H. , Sannasooriya B. A. , Wijenayake W. K. N. A. , Wijesinghe W. H. S. S. , Dayananda A. G.
Published: June 2024

The Inland Revenue Department of Sri Lanka along with the Ministry of Finance commenced the Project for implementing the Revenue Administration Management Information System (RAMIS) to provide a better service to the nation and taxpayers. The objective of this study is to analyze the evolution of Phase I of RAMIS in order to identify the stages of progression, key players of the project and their influence on implementation and also to recognize the challenges and weaknesses of the project. Thus, the study is significant as it contributes to the extant knowledge by adding new knowledge to the limited research conducted relating RAMIS both globally and locally. Further, it acts as a post-assessment study which will help to analyze the effectiveness of the processes and initiatives. The data was mainly sourced through interviews with the top level employees of the Inland Revenue Department who were directly involved in or exposed to the initiation and Phase I of the RAMIS project and important documents (internal and external organizational documents, namely, internal reports, annual performance reports and operational and strategic plans) relating to the project. Interviews were duly transcribed and analyzed to arrive at the conclusion. The findings of the study revealed that the process of RAMIS implementation is in line with the stages of diffusion of innovation, with key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Finance, ADB, IRD and IDA Singapore. The study also identified weaknesses such as inadequate training provided to staff, time overrun and issues with RAMIS external interface. It was concluded that though the diffusion of RAMIS is in line with the stages suggested by Rogers (1983), it has not been executed effectively owing to political interference and lack of buy-in from the staff. Finally, as a direction for future research, an in- depth study is suggested of both Phases I and II of the RAMIS project while taking into account the tax payer perspective as well.
Against the odds: The struggle of the Cape African Night Schools 1945-1967
Authors: Kallaway Peter
Published: June 2024

No abstract available.
Discover history. A pupil-centered approach to history method
Authors: Trümpelmann Martin
Published: June 2024

No abstract available.
A little god: the twilight of patriarchy in a Southern African chiefdom
Authors: Van Jaarsveld Albert
Published: June 2024

No abstract available.
Not slave, not free
Authors: Bergh J.S.
Published: June 2024

No abstract available.
Resting Metabolic Rate in Indian Adolescents and Youth with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Controlled Study
Authors: Karguppikar Madhura , Mondkar Shruti , Shah Nikhil , Kajale Neha , Kulkarni Sarita , Gondhalekar Ketan , Bhor Shital , Khadilkar Vaman , Khadilkar Anuradha
Published: June 2024

Introduction:

Energy metabolism in type 1 diabetes (T1D) is known to be different. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) accounts for the largest portion of total energy needs. The objective of our study was to assess resting metabolic rate and its determinants in adolescents and young adults with T1D in comparison with age- and gender-matched healthy controls.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 97 children and young adults (10–19 years) with type 1 diabetes having a disease duration of at least 1 year. For the control population, 95 age- and gender-matched healthy adolescents were enrolled. Clinical examination and biochemical evaluation of parameters pertaining to diabetes and body composition were estimated, and RMR was measured using indirect calorimetry for both cases and controls.

Results:

Adolescents with T1D were significantly shorter, and had significantly lower calorie intake, higher RMR and volume of oxygen consumed (VO2) as compared to the healthy controls (P < 0.05). RMR adjusted for weight showed a significant positive correlation with lean body mass (LBM) percentage, and energy intake and a negative correlation with disease duration. Those with a T1D duration of less than 5 years demonstrated a significantly higher RMR, lower body fat percentage, higher LBM percentage, carbohydrate and energy intake/kg body weight and higher calculated insulin sensitivity (IS) as compared to those with greater disease duration. Muscle mass percentage and higher energy intake were found to be significant positive predictors and advancing age/diabetes duration was a negative predictor of weight-adjusted RMR (P < 0.05), whereas IS and male gender tended towards significant negative association (P = 0.06).

Conclusion:

Indian children with type 1 diabetes had a higher resting metabolic rate as compared to healthy children. Muscle mass, energy intake and diabetes duration were observed to be important predictors of RMR in T1D. Reduction in RMR with advancing age/disease duration may predispose to weight gain and subsequent double diabetes in T1D.
Bcl-2 expression and image analysis of premalignant and malignant colonic lesions
Authors: El-Sharkawy Sonia L. , Abbas Naglaa F. , Abdelaal Wafaa E. , Badawi Manal A.
Published: June 2024

Background/aim

Colorectal cancer is the third malignancy worldwide with high mortality. The development of colorectal carcinoma is a multiple step process that turns normal cells into malignant ones. One of these steps is inhibiting apoptosis. Bcl-2 is the key regulators of apoptosis and thus inhibits programmed cell death. The relationship between cell death and cell proliferation is balanced through apoptosis. This study aimed to evaluate immunohistochemical bcl-2 expression, nuclear morphometric parameters, and cell cycle values in premalignant and malignant colon lesions.

Material and methods

Sixty colonic paraffin blocks (10 normal mucosa, 20 adenomas, and 30 carcinomas) from private laboratories and the Pathology Department, National Research Centre, Cairo, Egypt, were included in this study. Bcl-2 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Nuclear morphometric parameters and cell cycle values were studied using an image analysis system.

Results

Immunohistochemical results showed expression of bcl-2 in the lower half of normal colonic crypts. Bcl-2 positivity was detected in 53% of carcinomas and 85% of adenomas with significant difference. The percentage of bcl-2 positive cells in carcinomas was significantly decreased with increasing grades. In carcinomas, nuclear area showed significant increase with increasing grades. Nuclear area showed significant difference between high-grade dysplastic adenomas and carcinomas. Carcinomas showed high proportion of aneuploid cells with significant difference than adenomas. Inverse correlation was detected between aneuploidy and bcl-2 positivity.

Conclusion

Bcl-2 protein has a role in early event of colorectal carcinogenesis. The acceptable reliability of immunohistochemical, nuclear area, and cell cycle analysis may serve as diagnostic and prognostic indicators in benign and malignant colorectal lesions.
Clinical aspects of human Bocavirus 1 in a sample of Egyptian infants with acute lower respiratory tract infection: A pilot study
Authors: El-Zayat Tayseer M. , El-Nady Hala G. , Mohamed Soheir I. , El Refay Amira S. , El Tawel Ahmed N. , Gaber Mona , Ali Mohamed A.
Published: June 2024

Background/aim

The recent advance in molecular technology permitted a comprehensive range of novel viral etiological causes to be detected in respiratory tract specimens. The human Bocavirus 1 (HBoV1) as a virus of the Parvoviridae family recently was defined as a human pathogen mainly linked to acute respiratory infection in children. Our aim was to identify the rate and seasonal variation of Bocavirus 1 infection and their correlation with the different clinical presentations in Egyptian infants less than 2 years old with acute lower respiratory tract infection.

Patients and methods

This study enrolled 100 infants aged from 4 weeks to 2 years presenting with symptoms of acute respiratory infection from Materia Hospital and Alzahraa University Hospital. Full medical history, general and local examination of the chest focusing on respiratory rate and plain chest radiograph were collected from each infant. In addition, pharyngeal swabs were collected from participated infants and were subjected to DNA extraction followed by PCR using different viral protein-targeted primer sets.

Results

Bronchopneumonia was the prominent diagnosis in the enrolled infants (38%) followed by bronchiolitis (34%) and bronchitis (28%) subsequently. The presence of HBoV1 among studied patients was 8% and the peak of the infection was in January (37.5%) followed by April (25%) and July (25%). Most of patients with HBoV1 positive were presented with respiratory distress and refusal of feeding. Seven percent of all patients were presented with diarrhea.

Conclusions

HBoV1 infection may be considered as a risk factor for lower respiratory tract infections in Egyptian children less than 2 years old.
Relation between 25-hydroxy vitamin D and diabetic retinopathy in Egyptian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Elwakeel Mervat E. , El-Senosy Fatma M. , Mohammed Nesma S. , Abdelrahman Heba M. , Ebrihem Eman E.
Published: June 2024

Background/aim

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the leading causes of blindness in people whose ages range from 20 to 64 worldwide. This study aims to evaluate the association of serum 25-hydroxy (OH) vitamin D deficiency and DR in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

Patients and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 90 Egyptian patients with T2DM. Patients were divided into two groups: group I included 44 patients without retinopathy and group II included 46 with retinopathy. Group II was subdivided into two subgroups, group IIa, which included 26 nonproliferative DR patients and group IIb, which included 20 proliferative DR patients. Anthropometric data and laboratory investigations, including fasting and the postprandial blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin, lipid profiles, and serum vitamin D level. A fundus examination was also performed.

Results

The present results exhibited a significant decrease (P<0.05) of serum vitamin D (25-OH-vitamin D) in patients with T2DM and this deficiency is more in group II in comparison to group I and in a patient with proliferative DR (group IIb) compared to nonproliferative DR (group IIa). Also, there was a downward trend in serum vitamin D with the severity of DR. Also 25-OH-vitamin D level was inversely correlated with fasting, postprandial blood sugar, and glycated hemoglobin. A cut-off value for serum vitamin D levels of less than or equal to 12.03 ng/ml served as a sensitive indicator for DR.

Conclusion

25-OH-vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in Egyptian patients with T2DM and this deficiency is highly associated with the presence and severity of DR.
A sharp criterion for zero modes of the Dirac equation
Authors: Frank Rupert L. , Loss Michael
Published: June 2024

It is shown that

\Vert A \Vert_{L^d}^2\ge \frac{d}{d-2}S_{d}

is a necessary condition for the existence of a nontrivial solution

\psi

of the Dirac equation

\gamma \cdot (-i\nabla -A)\psi = 0

in

d

dimensions. Here,

S_{d}

is the sharp Sobolev constant. If

d

is odd and

\Vert A \Vert_{L^d}^2= \frac{d}{d-2}S_{d}

, then there exist vector potentials that allow for zero modes. A complete classification of these vector potentials and their corresponding zero modes is given.
Interplay of serum biomarkers bilirubin and γ-glutamyltranspeptidase in predicting cardiovascular complications in type-2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Al-Suhaimi Ebtesam Abdullah , Al-Rubaish Abdullah Ahmed
Published: June 2024

This editorial synthesizes insights from a series of studies examining the interplay between metabolic and oxidative stress biomarkers in cardiovascular disease (CVD), focusing particularly on type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The central piece of this synthesis is a study that investigates the balance between oxidative stress and antioxidant systems in the body through the analysis of serum bilirubin and γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (γ-GGT) levels in T2DM patients with ACS. This study highlights serum bilirubin as a protective antioxidant factor, while elevated γ-GGT levels indicate increased oxidative stress and correlate with major adverse cardiovascular events. Complementary to this, other research contributions reveal γ-GGT’s role as a risk factor in ACS, its association with cardiovascular mortality in broader populations, and its link to metabolic syndrome, further elucidating the metabolic dysregulation in CVDs. The collective findings from these studies underscore the critical roles of γ-GGT and serum bilirubin in cardiovascular health, especially in the context of T2DM and ACS. By providing a balanced view of the body’s oxidative and antioxidative mechanisms, these insights suggest potential pathways for targeted interventions and improved prognostic assessments in patients with T2DM and ACS. This synthesis not only corroborates the pivotal role of γ-GGT in cardiovascular pathology but also introduces the protective potential of antioxidants like bilirubin, illuminating the complex interplay between T2DM and heart disease. These studies collectively underscore the critical roles of serum bilirubin and γ-GGT as biomarkers in cardiovascular health, particularly in T2DM and ACS contexts, offering insights into the body’s oxidative and antioxidative mechanisms. This synthesis of research supports the potential of these biomarkers in guiding therapeutic strategies and improving prognostic assessments for patients with T2DM and some CVD.
Evaluating new biomarkers for diabetic nephropathy: Role of α2-macroglobulin, podocalyxin, α-L-fucosidase, retinol-binding protein-4, and cystatin C
Authors: Li Jing-Jing , Sa Ru-La , Zhang Yu , Yan Zhao-Li
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

The intricate relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and diabetic nephropathy (DN) presents a challenge in understanding the significance of various biomarkers in diagnosis.

AIM

To elucidate the roles and diagnostic values of α2-macroglobulin (α2-MG), podocalyxin (PCX), α-L-fucosidase (AFU), retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP-4), and cystatin C (CysC) in DN.

METHODS

From December 2018 to December 2020, 203 T2DM patients were enrolled in the study. Of these, 115 were diagnosed with DN (115 patients), while the remaining 88 patients were classified as non-DN. The urinary levels of α2-MG, PCX, and AFU and the serum concentrations RBP-4 and CysC were measured in conjunction with other relevant clinical indicators to evaluate their potential correlations and diagnostic utility.

RESULTS

After adjustments for age and gender, significant positive correlations were observed between the biomarkers CysC, RBP-4, α2-MG/urinary creatinine (UCr), PCX/UCr, and AFU/UCr, and clinical indicators such as urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR), serum creatinine, urea, 24-h total urine protein, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR). Conversely, these biomarkers exhibited negative correlations with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis further demonstrated the diagnostic performance of these biomarkers, with UACR showcasing the highest area under the ROC curve (AUCROC) at 0.97.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores the diagnostic significance of α2-MG, PCX, and AFU in the development of DN. The biomarkers RBP-4, CysC, PCX, AFU, and α2-MG provide promising diagnostic insights, while UACR is the most potent diagnostic biomarker in assessing DN.
Evaluation of left ventricular systolic function in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with and without peripheral vascular disease
Authors: Li Guang-An , Huang Jun , Fan Li
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Patients with T2DM have twice the risk of PVD as nondiabetic patients.

AIM

To evaluate left ventricular (LV) systolic function by layer-specific global longitudinal strain (GLS) and peak strain dispersion (PSD) in T2DM patients with and without PVD.

METHODS

Sixty-five T2DM patients without PVD, 57 T2DM patients with PVD and 63 normal controls were enrolled in the study. Layer-specific GLS [GLS of the epimyocardium (GLSepi), GLS of the middle myocardium (GLSmid) and GLS of the endocardium (GLSendo)] and PSD were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of LV systolic dysfunction in T2DM patients with PVD. We calculated Pearson’s correlation coefficients between biochemical data, echocardiographic characteristics, and layer-specific GLS and PSD.

RESULTS

There were significant differences in GLSepi, GLSmid and GLSendo between normal controls, T2DM patients without PVD and T2DM patients with PVD (P < 0.001). Trend tests revealed a ranking of normal controls > T2DM patients without PVD > T2DM patients with PVD in the absolute value of GLS (P < 0.001). PSD differed significantly between the three groups, and the trend ranking was as follows: normal controls < T2DM patients without PVD < T2DM patients with PVD (P < 0.001). ROC analysis revealed that the combination of layer-specific GLS and PSD had high diagnostic efficiency for detecting LV systolic dysfunction in T2DM patients with PVD. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was positively correlated with GLSepi, GLSmid and PSD (P < 0.05), while LV ejection fraction was negatively correlated with GLSepi, GLSmid and GLSendo in T2DM patients with PVD (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

PVD may aggravate the deterioration of LV systolic dysfunction in T2DM patients. Layer-specific GLS and PSD can be used to detect LV systolic dysfunction accurately and conveniently in T2DM patients with or without PVD.
Estimating the Seroincidence of Scrub Typhus using Antibody Dynamics after Infection
Authors: Aiemjoy Kristen , Katuwal Nishan , Vaidya Krista , Shrestha Sony , Thapa Melina , Teunis Peter , Bogoch Isaac I. , Trowbridge Paul , Blacksell Stuart D. , Paris Daniel H. , Wangrangsimakul Tri , Varghese George M. , Maude Richard J. , Tamrakar Dipesh , Andrews Jason R.
Published: June 2024

Scrub typhus, a vector-borne bacterial infection, is an important but neglected disease globally. Accurately characterizing the burden is challenging because of nonspecific symptoms and limited diagnostics. Prior seroepidemiology studies have struggled to find consensus cutoffs that permit comparisons of estimates across contexts and time. In this study, we present a novel approach that does not require a cutoff and instead uses information about antibody kinetics after infection to estimate seroincidence. We use data from three cohorts of scrub typhus patients in Chiang Rai, Thailand, and Vellore, India, to characterize antibody kinetics after infection and two population serosurveys in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, and Tamil Nadu, India, to estimate seroincidence. The samples were tested for IgM and IgG responses to Orientia tsutsugamushi-derived recombinant 56-kDa antigen using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. We used Bayesian hierarchical models to characterize antibody responses after scrub typhus infection and used the joint distributions of the peak antibody titers and decay rates to estimate population-level incidence rates in the cross-sectional serosurveys. Median responses persisted above an optical density (OD) of 1.8 for 23.6 months for IgG and an OD of 1 for 4.5 months for IgM. Among 18- to 29-year-olds, the seroincidence was 10 per 1,000 person-years (95% CI, 5–19) in Tamil Nadu, India, and 14 per 1,000 person-years (95% CI: 10–20) in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. When seroincidence was calculated with antibody decay ignored, the disease burden was underestimated by more than 50%. The approach can be deployed prospectively, coupled with existing serosurveys, or leverage banked samples to efficiently generate scrub typhus seroincidence estimates.
Case Report: Neurobrucellosis Presenting as Malignancy
Authors: Salcedo Andrea S. , Carreras Xosse , Kobayashi Takaaki , Salinas Jorge L. , Muñoz Sara , Diaz Nelson , Alave Jorge
Published: June 2024

Neurobrucellosis, caused by Brucella species, is a zoonotic infection that may involve the central nervous system. Although uncommon, it can manifest as a solitary intracranial mass. We report a case of neurobrucellosis in a 25-year-old woman from Peru who presented with headache, weight loss, and right-side hemiparesis and paresthesia. A contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging scan revealed an intracerebral mass in the left temporal lobe. Serum testing subsequently were positive. Brain biopsy demonstrated non-necrotizing granulomas without malignant cells. Neurobrucellosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of brain space occupying lesions in endemic countries.
Rapid and Comprehensive Screening for Urogenital and Gastrointestinal Schistosomiasis with Handheld Digital Microscopy Combined with Circulating Cathodic Antigen Testing
Authors: Coulibaly Jean T. , Silue Kigbafori D. , de León Derby María Díaz , Fletcher Daniel A. , Fisher Karla N. , Andrews Jason R. , Bogoch Isaac I.
Published: June 2024

Novel methods are required to aid the monitoring of schistosomiasis control and elimination initiatives through mass drug administration. Portable digital and mobile phone microscopy is a promising tool for this purpose. This cross-sectional study evaluated the diagnostic operating characteristics of a converted mobile phone microscope (the SchistoScope) for the detection of Schistosoma haematobium eggs, as determined by community-based field workers and expert microscopists, compared with a field gold standard of light microscopy. Three hundred sixty-five urine samples were evaluated by conventional light microscopy, with 49 (13.4%) positive for S. haematobium. Compared with light microscopy, the sensitivity and specificity of S. haematobium detection by field microscopists trained to use the SchistoScope were 26.5% (95% CI: 14.9–41.1%) and 98.4% (95% CI: 96.3–99.5%), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of S. haematobium detection by expert microscopists using the SchistoScope was 74% (95% CI: 59.7–85.4%) and 98.1% (95% CI: 95.9–99.3%), respectively, compared with light microscopy. The sensitivity rose to 96.1% and 100% when evaluating for egg counts greater than five and 10 eggs per 10 mL, respectively. A point-of-care circulating cathodic anion (POC CCA) test was used to evaluate Schistosoma mansoni; however, there were too few positive samples to reliably comment on diagnostic characteristics. This study demonstrated that a “urine-only” approach to rapidly screen for schistosomiasis at the point of sample collection can be conducted with mobile phone microscopy (S. haematobium) coupled with POC CCA (S. mansoni). Such an approach may aid in streamlined schistosomiasis control and elimination initiatives.
Feasibility of stabilizing Cd, Pb, and Ni in MSWI fly ash using leachate as an alternative stabilizer
Authors: Zha Fugeng , Qi Wenjin , Chen Xin , Yue Siqi , Xue Xuanxuan , Li Yuxiao , Xu Juan , Liu Fuxin , Wang Xingming , Yao Duoxi , Zhang Shiwen
Published: June 2024

For the synergistic disposal of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash and leachate, MSWI fly ash was stabilized using leachate, sodium sulfide (Na2S), and sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) separately or simultaneously. Results show that the leaching concentration of Cd, Ni, and Pb can be reduced when leachate is used alone but exceeds the landfill admission contents. The leaching concentration of heavy metals were lower than the threshold of the pollution control standard of Chinese garbage landfill (GB 16889-2008) after curing for 14d when DDTC was beyond 1.5%, and Na2S more than 10% except for Pb. The results of orthogonal experiment showed that the lowest leaching concentration was got at 5-fold dilution of leachate, 3% Na2S and 0.8% DDTC, and DDTC was the most influential factor. The leachate can be utilized as a partial stabilizer for stabilization of fly ash. After chemical stabilization, the crystal structure of fly ash changed little, and the surface was densified. The analysis of two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy results showed that the different order between the major function groups of fly ash and stabilizers was got, may be related to chelation, chemical reactions, and precipitation.
ALGILANAN SOSYAL DESTEK, TRAVMATİK STRES VE PSİKOLOJİK İYİ OLUŞ ARASINDAKİ İLİŞKİNİN İNCELENMESİ: DEPREMZEDELER ÜZERİNE BİR ARAŞTIRMA
Authors: Uzak Büşra , Zubaroğlu Yanardağ Melek
Published: June 2024

Bu araştırmanın amacı, 6.02.2023 tarihinde meydana gelen Kahramanmaraş merkezli depremleri yaşayan depremzedelerde travmatik stres(TS), algılanan sosyal destek(ASD) ve psikolojik iyi oluş(PİO) düzeyi arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi ve farklı değişkinlerin birbirleri üzerindeki etkilerin belirlenmesidir. Araştırma, ilişkisel tarama modeli kullanılarak 584 depremzedeyle yürütülmüştür. Araştırmadaki veriler “Sosyodemografik Bilgi Formu”, “Travmatik Stres Belirti Ölçeği”, “Psikolojik İyi Oluş Ölçeği”, “Çok Boyutlu Aile Sosyal Destek Ölçeği” kullanılarak toplanmış, SPSS 26 programında analiz edilmiştir. Araştırma bulgularında sosyodemogrofik ve depremle ilgili değişkenlerin TS, PİO ve ASD puanlarında anlamlı farklar oluşturduğu gözlenmiştir. Bu çalışmada TS ve PİO arasında negatif yönde orta düzeyde (r=-,337, p