bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Old Testament encounters Archaeology: the controversy between Sayce and Driver
Authors: Davey Christopher J.
Published: March 2024

The context and content of the debate between Archibald Henry Sayce, Professor of Assyriology and Samuel Rolles Driver, Regius Professor of Hebrew, Oxford University, are described. The inter-related backgrounds of both men are discussed. While Sayce’s criticism was focussed on the literary analysis of the Old Testament, Driver criticised Sayce’s aims, which he had misunderstood. The debate revealed that different methodologies were applied by the two men and these reflected the distinct mindsets associated with archaeological research and biblical studies.
The use of the 5S rDNA IGS region for DNA barcoding and molecular taxonomy of two Ukrainian species of the genus Tulipa L.
Authors: Tynkevich Y. O. , Roshka N. M. , Timkanych E. E. , Moysiyenko I. I. , Volkov R. A.
Published: March 2024

Taxonomic identification of closely related representatives of the genus Tulipa L. is complicated by the convergent similarity of morphological characters, interspecific hybridization, polyploidy and asexual reproduction. Among the tulips in the flora of Ukraine, the most problematic is the status of taxa of the complex species T. sylvestris L. Aim. To examine the organization and evolution of the nuclear 5S rDNA IGS region for four closely related Tulipa taxa and to evaluate the possibility of its use in the molecular taxonomy of this plant group. Methods. PCR amplification, cloning and sequencing of 5S rDNA repeat units, bioinformatic and phylogenetic analysis. Results. In this work, 5S rDNA repeats were sequenced for the species T. graniticola and T. ophiophylla, which are considered to be synonyms of T. sylvestris L. by many authors. We also assembled the main ribotypes from full-genome libraries of short Illumina reads for T. patens, and T. saxatilis, the species related to T. sylvestris. A comparative analysis of the structure of 5S rDNA sequences and a phylogenetic analysis based on the IGS region were carried out. Conclusions. A high level of 5S rDNA IGS variability has been demonstrated for representatives of the subgenus Eriostemones of the genus Tulipa. The use of 5S rDNA IGS for phylogenetic analysis enabled the clear delimitation of the closely related species T. saxatilis, T. patens, and the complex species T. sylvestris, as well as the delineation of the taxa with the controversial status, T. graniticola and T. ophiophylla. Therefore, the use of this region of the nuclear genome is a promising approach to the molecular taxonomy of the genus Tulipa.
Automutilação, ideação suicida e tentativa de suicídio entre adolescentes trans e/ou com variabilidade de gênero
Authors: Bonato Fernanda , Mussi Adriane , Baccarim Roberta cristina Gobbi , Ferreira Jéssica Mayra , Nunes Thamirys Nardini , Assunção Thais Ferreira Assis
Published: March 2024

O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever os comportamentos de automutilação, ideação de suicídio e suicídio entre adolescentes brasileiros(as/es) trans e/ou com variabilidade de gênero. Em 2021, a Coordenação Nacional da Área de Proteção e Acolhimento a Crianças, Adolescentes e Famílias LGBTI+ entrevistou 120 famílias de crianças e adolescentes trans e/ou com variabilidade de gênero, sendo 64 destas entrevistas realizadas foram realizadas com responsáveis de adolescentes entre entre 12 e 17 anos. Os dados apontam que 50% da amostra de adolescentes já apresentou, em algum momento de vida, um comportamento de automutilação; 37,5% já pensou em suicídio e 17% já tentou o suicídio. Conclui-se que há necessidade de pesquisas, intervenções e políticas públicas, pois adolescentes trans apresentam maior vulnerabilidade social, devido aos estigmas, preconceitos e marginalização social.

Palavras-chave: transgeneridade; variabilidade de gênero; adolescência; automutilação; suicídio.
Relationship between frequency of use of psychological skills and competitive anxiety in elite athletes
Authors: Ninck Netto Felipe , Nunes Sandra , Menuchi Marcos , Fernandes Marcos
Published: March 2024

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of frequency of use of psychological skills (relaxation, emotional control, automatization, goal setting, imagery, self-talk, negative thoughts, and activation) on somatic and cognitive anxieties, as well as self-confidence in competitive elite athletes. The study employed a cross-sectional, relational, and ex post facto design. The non-probabilistic, intentional sample consisted of 64 competitive elite athletes with a mean age of 25.70 (SD = 4.53), participating in various sports disciplines. The Brazilian versions of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 and the Test of Performance Strategies-2 were administered in the week preceding the competitions. Significant effects of frequency of use were observed for relaxation, automatization, and imagery on cognitive anxiety and somatic anxiety. Conversely, frequency of use in negative thoughts and emotional control demonstrated significant effects on both cognitive and somatic anxieties, as well as self-confidence. Additionally, the frequency of use in goal setting and activation showed a significant effect solely on self-confidence. These findings are of utmost importance to Sports Psychology in Brazil, suggesting that the frequency of utilizing psychological skills may influence competitive anxiety.
Modelant feminitats: sobre la disciplina i l’humor fet per dones
Authors: Pujol Cristina
Published: March 2024

L’humor fet per dones que es gesta en l’ecosistema mediàtic d’internet té un encaix difícil quan es desplaça a canals i formats generalistes. Després d’Elvis (Baz Luhrmann, 2022), on se’ns conta amb una narrativa i una estètica aclaparadores l’ascens i caiguda del mite popular d’Elvis consumit en les gargamelles del showbusiness, Sofia Coppola ens conta a Priscilla (2023) el revers íntim i domèstic de la vida de la seva dona durant els seus anys de relació (1959-1973): la seva primera trobada a la base militar nord-americana d’Alemanya –ella amb 14 anys i ell amb 24–, la seva marxa als EUA, la seva vida a Graceland, les noces, la maternitat i la separació.
The Arctic Region as an Object of Geopolitical Contradictions
Authors: Chanyshev Rustem Narimovich , Zaripov Rinat Raisovich
Published: March 2024

Over the past thirty years, the world community has increased interest in the Arctic, new opportunities are emerging due to global warming, and many states have seen new prospects for their own development and strengthening their influence in the world. But non-Arctic states will have to prove the validity of their interests in order to get the right to participate in decision-making in the region. The results of many scientific studies indicate large oil and gas deposits, as well as reserves of many other types of minerals, respectively, interested countries will need to confirm the legitimacy of their rights to extract resources. With the melting of glaciers, new transport hubs are opening up, such as the NSR and NWP, which Russia and Canada seek to control, and where the United States and other countries insist that the NSR and NWP should have the status of international straits. Tensions are growing around the island of Svalbard, although the Paris Convention on Svalbard was signed in 1920, which implies Norway's sovereignty over the island, other countries have retained the right to conduct economic activities on the island, and Norway is trying to challenge this right in various ways. This paper examines hypothetical areas of cooperation and disagreements between stakeholders in the Arctic. The article describes the structure of relations between actors in the Arctic region, their problems and national interests, as well as cooperation in various fields. So countries that usually oppose each other in many regions can cooperate, sometimes even having contradictions in the Arctic, which ultimately allows us to see how many states can simultaneously converge and disagree on many issues in the Arctic. What makes this region unique in international relations.
Asthma–COPD overlap syndrome among smoker subjects with asthma: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Olimat Safa , Altawalbeh Shoroq M. , Maabreh Roqia S. , Basheti Iman A.
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of asthma–chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap syndrome (ACOS) in asthmatic outpatients with smoking exposure (smokers or ex-smokers with ≥10 pack-year history) and to evaluate quality of life (QoL) and adherence among the study sample. This cross-sectional study was conducted at outpatient respiratory clinics in governmental hospitals in Jordan. Asthmatic outpatients were interviewed to assess their spirometric readings, patients’ adherence, and patients’ QoL [using the Mini Asthma QoL questionnaire (MiniAQLQ)]. The prevalence of ACOS was found to be 33% among asthmatic smoker patients in the outpatient setting (n = 65 out of 200 subjects with asthma-diagnosed patients recruited into the study). For subjects with ACOS, 47.7% of them were older than 60 years old. Smoking history for more than 30 years was prevalent among most subjects with ACOS (67.7%). The MiniAQLQ average score was found to be low (mean ± SD = 3.23 ± 1.01, score out of 7) and similarly for patients’ adherence to their treatment modalities (mean ±SD = 1.76 ± 1.2, score out of 6). A significant positive relationship between adherence to treatment and QoL was found among subjects with ACOS (correlation coefficient = 0.171, p-value = 0.018). In conclusion, a moderate prevalence of ACOS was estimated among asthmatic smoker patients. Low levels of QoL and adherence to treatment were significantly correlated.
Therapeutic potential of Anacyclus pyrethrum aqueous extract in managing Clonazepam withdrawal in rats
Authors: Baslam Abdelmounaim , Kabdy Hamid , Aitlaaradia Mehdi , Laadraroui Jawad , Oufquir Sara , Aboufatima Rachida , Boussaa Samia , Chait Abderrahman
Published: March 2024

The management of benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome is challenging, and there is currently no consensus on the optimal treatment approach. Our study aims to investigate the possible effect of the aqueous extract of Anacyclus pyrethrum (AEAP) on Clonazepam dependence in rats via the measurement of oxidative stress, behavioral and biochemical changes. Dependence was induced by chronic administration of Clonazepam for 30 days, then AEAP was administered orally to rats. Withdrawal syndrome was assessed employing the conditioned place preference test, behavioral tests, and biochemical assays. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The percentage of open-arm entries, time spent in open arms decreased, and immobility time increased significantly among the Clonazepam-dependent group from the preconditioning to withdrawal phase (p < 0.001). The cortisol level was higher among Clonazepam group, the MDA increased, and CAT and SOD measurements demonstrated a notable decrease in the Clonazepam withdrawal group. AEAP administration at a dose of 200 mg/kg significantly alleviated anxiety and depression-like behaviors and led to a substantial decrease in oxidative stress levels during Clonazepam withdrawal, demonstrating the beneficial impact of AEAP. The use of Anacyclus pyrethrum may provide a novel therapeutic approach for managing the adverse effects of Clonazepam dependence by targeting oxidative stress.
Promising sponge-derived marine fungi as antibacterial and biofilm inhibitors
Authors: Wigati Dyan , Setyowati Erna Prawita , Tunjung Pratiwi Sylvia Utami , Nugraha Ari Satia
Published: March 2024

Marine organisms, especially sponges, provide many sources of metabolites with various biological activities. Most sponges associate with microbes such as fungi. To solve the problem of sponge availability, it is necessary to isolate compounds from marine-derived fungi due to their feasibility and advantages. This study, thus, highlights that the most prominent genera to produce metabolites active as antibacterials and antibiofilm were Aspergillus, Penicillium, Neosartorya, and Trichoderma. The summarized data of isolated compounds related to antibacterial and antibiofilm activities until 2022 included anthraquinones, sterigmatocystin analogs, hydroxy pyrrolidine alkaloids, helvolic acid derivatives, lactones, prenylated phenylbutyrolactones, citrinin and derivatives, bisthiodiketopiperazine, cyclotetrapeptides, dihydrochromone dimers, amino lipopeptides, furan derivatives, aspiron-derivatives, halogenated metabolites, and alkaloids. Since the biofilm mechanism is very complex, some antibacterial compounds do not necessarily work as antibiofilms. Nevertheless, it can be concluded that compounds produced from sponge-associated fungi have the potential to be developed as new antibacterial and antibiofilm agents although still require further investigation related to the mechanism of actions of the compounds.
Respuesta del zorro Vulpes vulpes (Linaneus, 1758) a excrementos de otros mamíferos introducidos en su territorio: comparación de los efectos del carácter local/introducido del intruso, la proximidad filogenética y el tipo de dieta
Authors: de Miguel Francisco Javier , Alvaredo Mercedes
Published: March 2024

Carnivores control their territory by locating their scent marks and responding to marks left by homo or heterospecific intruders, being re-marking one of the possible answers. In order to investigate the possible factors that trigger re-marking (local nature of the intruder, phylogenetic closeness, similarity in the diet), we studied in Monte de Valdelatas (Madrid) , from January to October 2005, the response of foxes to faeces from diverse species, introduced into its territory: common genet (Genetta genetta), bush dog (Speothos venaticus), leopard (Panthera pardus) and nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus). The analysis showed significant differences only between the responses to faeces from nilgai and leopard, in three of the four routes selected for the study. Neither local/non local character of donor species nor its degree of kinship with the fox influenced significantly in the results. The only clear trend was that the response was all the more intense the more carnivore was the donor species.
Contribución al conocimiento de la dieta invernal de la marta (Martes martes) en el País Vasco
Authors: Fernández José María , Ruiz de Azuz Nerea
Published: March 2024

We present the analysis of a sample of 96 Pine Marten (Martes martes) scats found in winter, in a mountain beech forest in the Basque Country (Northern Spain). Small mammals (mainly Apodemus sp., Microtus sp. and Myodes glareolus) comprised 48,2% of ingested biomass, and birds 50,7%, while arthropods remained important regarding frequency of occurrence but not biomass (0,7%). This high importance of birds showed its compensatory role as type of prey during a season with an estimated low abundance of rodents in the study area.
Rabphilin-3A negatively regulates neuropeptide release, through its SNAP25 interaction
Authors: Hoogstraaten Rein I. , Abramian Adlin , Murphy Fiona H. , McDaniel Kathryn F. , Toonen Ruud F. , Verhage Matthijs
Published: March 2024

Neuropeptides and neurotrophins are stored in and released from dense-core vesicles (DCVs). While DCVs and synaptic vesicles (SVs) share fundamental SNARE/SM proteins for exocytosis, a detailed understanding of DCV exocytosis remains elusive. We recently identified the RAB3-RIM1 pathway to be essential for DCV-, but not SV exocytosis, highlighting a significant distinction between the SV– and DCV secretory pathways. Whether RIM1 is the only RAB3 effector that is essential for DCV release is currently unknown. In this study, we characterized the role of rabphilin-3A (RPH3A), a known downstream effector of RAB3A, in the DCV secretory pathway using RPH3A-deficient hippocampal mouse neurons. RPH3A did not travel with DCVs, but remained stationary at synapses. In the absence of RPH3A, the number of DCV exocytosis events was 3-fold higher than in wildtype (WT) neurons. RPH3A lost its punctate distribution when it was unable to bind RAB3A. However, this was not rate limiting, as expressing a mutant RPH3A that was unable to bind RAB3A restored exocytosis to WT levels, but not when RPH3A was unable to bind SNAP25. In addition, RPH3A null neurons had longer neurites, which was partly restored when ablating all regulated secretion with tetanus neurotoxin. Taken together, we conclude that RPH3A negatively regulates DCV exocytosis, potentially also affecting neuron size. Furthermore, RAB3A interaction is required for the synaptic enrichment of RPH3A, but not for limiting DCV exocytosis. Instead the interaction of RPH3A with SNAP25 is relevant for inhibiting DCV exocytosis.
Heavy grazing reduces soil bacterial diversity by increasing soil pH in a semi-arid steppe
Authors: Wang Xiaonan , Zhou Chengyang , Zuo Shining , Ji Yixin , Liu Wenxin , Huang Ding
Published: March 2024

Background

In a context of long-term highly intensive grazing in grassland ecosystems, a better understanding of how quickly belowground biodiversity responds to grazing is required, especially for soil microbial diversity.

Methods

In this study, we conducted a grazing experiment which included the CK (no grazing with a fenced enclosure undisturbed by livestock), light and heavy grazing treatments in a desert steppe in Inner Mongolia, China. Microbial diversity and soil chemical properties (i.e., pH value, organic carbon, inorganic nitrogen (IN, ${\mathrm{NH}}_{4}^{+}$-N and ${\mathrm{NO}}_{3}^{-}$-N), total carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and available phosphorus content) both in rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils were analyzed to explore the responses of microbial diversity to grazing intensity and the underlying mechanisms.

Results

The results showed that heavy grazing only deceased bacterial diversity in the non-rhizosphere soil, but had no any significant effects on fungal diversity regardless of rhizosphere or non-rhizosphere soils. Bacterial diversity in the rhizosphere soil was higher than that of non-rhizosphere soil only in the heavy grazing treatment. Also, heavy grazing significantly increased soil pH value but deceased NH4+-N and available phosphorus in the non-rhizosphere soil. Spearman correlation analysis showed that soil pH value was significantly negatively correlated with the bacterial diversity in the non-rhizosphere soil. Combined, our results suggest that heavy grazing decreased soil bacterial diversity in the non-rhizosphere soil by increasing soil pH value, which may be due to the accumulation of dung and urine from livestock. Our results highlight that soil pH value may be the main factor driving soil microbial diversity in grazing ecosystems, and these results can provide scientific basis for grassland management and ecological restoration in arid and semi-arid area.
Non-conventional Determinants of Cardiovascular Health in Latin American Women
Authors: Avalos Oddi Alejandra , Crosa Veronica Lía , Verdugo Silvina , Romera María , Patiño Ivana , Castillo Costa Yanina , D Imperio Heraldo , Rubilar Bibiana
Published: March 2024

Background: Besides traditional risk factors (RF), non-conventional determinants (NCD) of cardiovascular (CV) health are additional risk factors in women. Therefore, they should be explored to establish their prevalence and association with the female gender. Objective: The aim of this study is to know the prevalence of socioeconomic (SE) and psychosocial (PS) factors as NCD in CV health in Latin American (LATAM) women. Methods: We conducted an observational, cross-sectional study using an anonymous survey distributed among LATAM women between May and June 2022. The information gathered included SE and PS NCD, traditional RF and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Results: A total of 4915 women participated; mean age was 49 ± 13 years. Most respondents (49.6%) lived in Argentina, 55.8% in large cities; 94.4% reported adequate access to healthcare services and 89% had access to some level of education. Although 79.9% had a paid job, more than half reported their salary was not commensurate (59.5%) and 26.7% reported exposure to violence at the workplace. The most prevalent PS factors were low to moderate level of satisfaction (68.3%), anxiety or irritability (51.9%), apathy, negative thoughts, or unhappiness (41.7%). Age > 45 years was significantly associated with overweight, obesity, unemployment, and violence at the workplace. On multivariate analysis, sleep disorders (OR 1.7; p = 0.001), living in a city with low population density (OR 0.5; p < 0.001), violence at the workplace (OR 1.8; p = 0.001), anxiety (OR 1.5; p = 0.001) and a history of pregnancy complications (OR 1.6; p = 0.022) were independently associated with CVD. Conclusion: The prevalence of PS and SE factors affecting the CV health of LATAM women was significant. Variables such as violence at the workplace, anxiety, or irritability, living in cities with low population density, sleep disorders and pregnancy complications were independently associated with CVD. This survey shows the impact of SE and PS factors as NCD on the cardiometabolic burden and CV health of women in LATAM, mainly in those > 45 years.
Alcohol Impact on the Heart and Cardiovascular System - Hypertrophy, Remodeling and Strain Impairment - Contemporary State-of-the-Art
Authors: Hamala Piotr , Wierzbowska-Dravik Karina
Published: March 2024

The recent data show that chronic overuse of alcohol may lead to cardiovascular dysfunction, starting from traditionally judged as low ethanol doses, since the burden of arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, increases even in moderate alcohol consumers. The other common mechanisms of the disadvantageous impact of ethanol are related to the development of hypertension and its direct aftermath, hypertrophy, fibrosis, and diastolic dysfunction. Since the chance of the reversibility of cardiac remodeling depends on the early diagnosis of cardiac dysfunction, the wider application of novel and sensitive methods of myocardial function assessment, including longitudinal strain of the left and right ventricles, as well as the adapted protocols for stress echocardiography, should be recommended.
Presence of Moderate or Severe Regurgitation after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implant with the Cusp Overlap Strategy
Authors: Fava Carlos , Lev Gustavo , Rodríguez Andrés , Andreoli Franco , Gómez Silvina , Mendiz Oscar
Published: March 2024

Background: The aim of this study is to whether higher transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) with self-expandable valves using the right and left cusp overlap strategy (Cusp Overlap, COVL) is associated with a lower incidence of moderate or severe paravalvular regurgitation (PVR), compared with the conventional strategy (CON). Methods: A total of 206 consecutive patients undergoing TAVI with self-expandable valves between August 2019 and May2022 were analyzed. The CON technique was used in the first 101 patients (49%) and COVL was used in 105 (51%). The primary endpoint (PEP) was the presence of moderate or severe paravalvular regurgitation at 30 days. Results: There were no clinical differences between the groups in terms of mean age, sex or comorbidities, except for a trend towards more patients with diabetes and previous percutaneous coronary intervention in the COVL group. The STS score was greater in the COVL group (6.9 ± 2.2 vs. 5.8 ± 2.4 in the CON group; p = 0.01). There was no difference in the PEP at 30 days with 2% incidence of moderate PVR in the CON group and 0.9% in the COVL group, and none of them presented severe PVR. There were no differences in mortality, myocardial infarction, coronary artery obstruction, stroke, major bleeding or vascular complications. The need for permanent pacemaker was lower with the COVL strategy (6.7% vs. 17.8%, p = 0.01) and a new left bundle branch block occurred in 5.7% vs. 12.9% (p = 0.07). Conclusions: In this single-center series, the strategy of high transcatheter aortic valve implantation using the COVL strategy showed no difference in the presence of moderate or severe regurgitation compared with the conventional strategy, with no differences in complications, and was associated with a lower need for definitive pacemaker and with a trend towards lower incidence of left bundle branch block at 30 days.
Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children: The Importance of Early Evaluation of Laboratory Parameters
Authors: Rodríguez Kibrik Julián , Cazalas Mariana E. , Petrillo María Lucila , Guiñazú Gonzalo G. , Moros Claudio , Choe Hyon J. , Goldsman Alejandro , Grippo María , Sardella Ángela , Baleani Silvia
Published: March 2024

Background: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is an uncommon condition associated with COVID-19 with a wide spectrum of presentations, ranging from Kawasaki-like disease to multisystem involvement with shock. The association between the laboratory characteristics and unfavorable outcome has been described, but the cut-off points associated with higher risk have not yet been defined. Objective: The aim of this study was to describe and analyze the characteristics of patients with MIS-C and their associations with the laboratory findings. Methods: We conducted an analytical and retrospective study of pediatric patients hospitalized between May 2020 and June 2021 with diagnosis of MIS-C in Hospital General de Niños Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez (HNRG). The cohort was made up of 23 patients, 17 female (53.13%) and 15 male (46.87%); mean age was 7.67 years (range 0.5-14.91). Ten patients (31.25%) presented shock. Clinical and echocardiographic data and values of high-sensitive troponin I, N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), platelets and lymphocytes at the time of diagnosis were obtained and compared between those with shock during evolution (group 1) and those without shock (group 2). Results: There was a significant difference in baseline elevated NT-proBNP values between both groups (p = 0.008), but not in troponin levels and lymphocyte and platelet counts. Of the 13 patients who required inotropic agents, 58% had baseline lymphopenia (p = 0.006 vs those who did not require inotropic drugs). Conclusions: Although mortality due to MIS-C is low, cardiac involvement and hemodynamic impairment may be common. The availability of a commonly used laboratory tool for patient categorization could help to mitigate risks and obtain early referral to specialized centers.
Accelerated Diagnostic Protocols Based on High-Sensitivity Troponin in the Diagnosis of Thoracic Pain: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sprockel John J. , Álvarez Johann M. , Bohorquez Juan C. , Herrera Geober H. , Hurtado Jesús E. , Álzate Juan P. , Diaztagle JUan
Published: March 2024

Background: The progress of high-sensitivity troponin for accelerated diagnostic protocols to assess chest pain, allows the identification of patients admitted to the emergency room with low-risk chest pain for a major adverse cardiovascular event, that could be early and safely discharged, saving time and resources. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess clinical trials using accelerated diagnostic protocols based on high-sensitivity troponin. Methods: A search of randomized clinical trials evaluating accelerated diagnostic protocols based on high-sensitivity troponin in emergency services was carried out in MEDLINE/Ovid, Cochrane and EMBASE database, using the assessment criteria of the Cochrane manual and the PRISMA strategy. Results: After screening 3509 studies, 5 clinical trials, including 1513 patients, were analyzed. Early discharges were identified in 409 (27%) of patients, in 91% of cases for ESC 0/3-h protocols, 72% for 0/1-h, 48% for EDACS, 40% for HEART, 19% and 32% for ADPT and 8% and 18% for standard care protocols. The negative predictive value was high, in the 99.1-100% range. Mean length of hospital stay was lower for the 0/1-h and ESC 0/3-h protocols, with 4.6 and 5.6 hours, respectively. Conclusions: Accelerated diagnostic protocols in chest pain using high-sensitivity troponin allow a higher proportion of early discharges with a low rate of major cardiovascular events, with reduction in length of hospital stay and resources used.
EVALUATION OF VEDANASTHAPANA (ANALGESIC) EFFECT OF MOCARASA: SHALMALI NIRYASA (SALMALIA MALABARICA – GUM DC)
Authors: Shreedevi Huddar , Elleri Anup Kumar , C Devaraj
Published: March 2024

Pain, said to be one of nature’s earliest signs of morbidity and is also one of the most typical presentations seen in medical practice, brings disturbance in the equilibrium state of a person. In order to manage such conditions, several drugs are available in the present era. Among them, some are expensive, and some have side effects such as dyspepsia and gastrointestinal bleeding, burning sensations, etc. For relieving pain, Acharya Charaka mentioned Vedanasthapana Daseimani Gana (Group of 10 Drugs), of which Mocarasa (Salmalia malabarica Dc.) is one among them. This study is taken up to evaluate the Vedanasthapana (Analgesic) karma of Mocarasa on albino mice using Eddy’s hot plate method. The Eddy’s Hot plate method is followed with three groups of Albino mice (6 mice in each group) as control group, standard drug group and trial drug group. Distilled water is fed to the control group, Mocarasa kwatha (decoction) for the trial drug group and Diclofenac sodium for the standard drug group. Statistically, the analgesic effect in the trial drug started gradually at 60 min and continued up to 120 min. Meanwhile, the standard group showed immediate onset of action at 15 min duration and progressively increased up to 120 min. The trial drug and the standard drug showed insignificant differences, which reveals that both have similar analgesic activity.
FORMULATION OF HERBAL SOAPS FROM PHYLLANTHUS RETICULATUS FRUITS AND TECTONA GRANDIS LEAVES AND EVALUATION OF ITS PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Authors: Verenkar Nikita GS
Published: March 2024

The present investigation aimed to develop and evaluate the herbal soap by aqueous extracts of Tectona grandis leaves and fruits of Phyllanthus reticulatus. The herbal formulation was then subjected to phytochemical screening and evaluated for colour, pH, odour, texture, foaming ability, moisture content and irritation test. The results demonstrated that the herbal soaps revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids and anthocyanins. The physicochemical results were satisfactory for both the herbal soaps. No such studies related to the preparation of soaps using these extracts have been done so far. Hence, the present study was of great importance and could serve as an alternative to chemical soaps.
EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY AGAINST PSEUDOMONAS AERUGINOSA: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN THE HYDRO-ALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF RIPE AND UNRIPE BANANA PEELS
Authors: Sarkar Soumita , Bose Mayukh , Ray Moumita
Published: March 2024

Background: Sustainable utilisation of agro-food wastes is rich in phytonutrients exhibiting a wide range of bioactivities and is the focus of recent research. Banana peels are waste products traditionally used for ailments like cough, burns, and inflammation. The present study evaluated the antimicrobial action of the ripe and unripe peel extract against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is responsible for most nosocomial infections and makes it challenging to achieve therapeutic compliance. Methods: The ripe and unripe banana peels were collected and authenticated, and hydro-alcoholic extracts were prepared using maceration. Phytochemical analysis, antioxidant and antimicrobial studies were performed with both the extracts and compared. Results: Both the peels were identified as Musa paradisiaca L., and hydro-alcoholic extracts showed the presence of flavonoid and phenolic compounds in significant amounts. The in-vitro antioxidant study revealed the ripe peels to be more potent, having an IC50 value of 35.71 µg/ml in DPPH free radical scavenging action. It significantly inhibited gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, comparable with the Amoxicillin as standard. Both the extracts had MIC as 300 mg/ml, but the zone of inhibition produced by the ripe peels (1.63 cm) was more potent than the unripe peels (1 cm). Conclusion: The present study data indicated that the hydro-alcoholic extract of ripe banana (Musa paradisiaca L) peel was promising in antioxidant and antibacterial action primarily due to its significant phenolic contents. Further research is needed for a detailed evaluation of its phytopharmacological action, which can be beneficial for developing a cost-effective natural source of antimicrobial agents in pharmaceutical industries along with an eco-friendly environment.
A CLINICAL CASE STUDY OF HYPERTHYROIDISM AND ITS AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT
Authors: Bisht Shweta , Chauhan Sonam , Singh N R
Published: March 2024

Hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis is a disorder of the thyroid gland resulting in hypersecretion of thyroid hormones, namely T3 and T4, that, in turn, result in the diminished secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone. All these events lead to hyperactivation of metabolism and sympathetic nervous system, resulting in symptoms of increased body secretions, diarrhoea, palpitation, raised blood pressure, fatigue and intolerance to heat. Also, there are symptoms of increased appetite and weight loss and menstrual and erectile dysfunction. In Ayurveda, there is no concept of hormones. On an Ayurveda basis, body and disease are dosa, dhatu and mala, so after reviewing Ayurveda text, Hyperthyroidism seems to be aggravated Pitta-Vata disorder leading to teekshana agni (increased digestive fire) and ati- mala pravritti (frequent stools), ati sweda (excessive sweating), vishrata (smell of raw meat), alpa sukra (oligospermia), alpa putra (less progeny) etc. A 25-year-old female, already diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism, came to OPD of Kayachikitsa CBPACS. On evaluation, it seems that the patient has symptoms of aggregated Pitta Vata; with Ayurvedic medicine, the patient is completely cured and values of TSH raised from 0.030 µIU/ml to TSH- 4.01 µIU/ml within normal limits.
Relationship between Anthropometric and Serum Parameters of Adolescent School Children Aged 10 – 19 Years in Upland and Riverine Public Secondary Schools in Rivers State
Authors: Jike-Wai, O  , Wabali, V. C.
Published: March 2024

The study assessed the relationship between anthropometric and serum parameters of adolescent school children aged 10 – 19 years in upland and riverine public secondary schools in Rivers state. Four hundred and eighteen (418) adolescents were randomly selected from 4 secondary schools, two each from the upland and riverine areas for the study. Standard procedures were used to obtain data for all parameters. Serum from forty subjects was used for biochemical analysis. Data collected was analysed using statistical product and service solution (SPSS) for windows version 25. Data obtained was presented as frequencies, percentages, Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship between variables and significance accepted at p ≤ 0.05. Significant correlation exist between BMI and haemoglobin in the upland (r = 0.364) and in the riverine area (r = 0.819) at p<0.05.While a positive correlation was observed between WHR and serum zinc in the Riverine (r = 0.731) at p<0.05, and a negative correlation exists between WHR and serum calcium in the Upland (r = -0.421) area at p<0.05. MUAC showed a positive correlation with Haemoglobin in the Upland (r = 0.452) at p<0.05. Triceps (r = -0.818) and sub-scapula (r = -0.747) skinfolds both showed negative correlations with serum zinc in the Riverine area at p<0.01 and p<0.05 respectively. Nutrition education and counseling are essential in secondary schools to reduce malnutrition among adolescent school children.
Morphological Characterization of Elite Indian Bean Genotypes of Bundelkhand Region
Authors: Singh Arjun , Pandey AK , Siddesh S  , Nale Rutuja , Verma Nirankar , Kumar Vinay
Published: March 2024

The morphological characterization of Indian bean genotypes of Bundelkand region was conducted at Vegetable Research Farm, RLBCAU, Jhansi during kharif season 2020-21. A total of 21 genotypes of Indian bean were collected from various districts of Uttar Pradesh. The randomized block design with two replications was used and morphological characterization was conducted. Observations were recorded on ten morphological characters selected from DUS. Dolichos bean germplasm exhibits significant diversity in various qualitative traits, including plant growth habit (ranging from pole to bush), stem colour variations (green, dark green, and purple), diverse flower colours (purple, white, and dark purple), leaf vein colours (light green, green, and purple), distinct leaf densities (sparse, intermediate, and dense), pod colours encompassing green, light green, white, purple, and dark purple, as well as pod characteristics such as curvature (straight, curved, and highly curved) and shape (straight, intermediate, and curved).
Revealing the Inheritance of Qualitative Traits and Identification of Transgressive Segregants for Productivity Traits in Early Segregating Generation of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merril]
Authors: Spoorthi S. R.  , Immadi Shobha
Published: March 2024

The breeding effort was carried out to elucidate information on the inheritance of qualitative traits and identification of transgressive segregants for productivity traits in two crosses viz., DSb 23 x MACS 1575 (Cross 1) and DSb 23 x MACS 1460 (Cross 2) in soybean during Kharif 2020 at Botany Garden, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. The observations were recorded on nine traits viz., days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, plant height, pods per plant, 100 seed weight, seed yield per plant, hilum colour, leaf shape and flower colour. Test for goodness of fit revealed that the traits viz., flower colour and leaf shape are controlled by a single dominant gene (3:1) and hilum colour was controlled by two genes with complementary gene action (9:7). In general, the percent of transgressive segregants obtained for yield-related traits was in a range of 7-17%. The high frequency of favorable segregants was identified for pods per plant (15.33%), 100 seed weight (13.87%) and days to maturity (16.42%) in cross 1, and high frequency of favorable segregants in cross 2 were observed for days to 50% flowering (8.95%), plant height (13.75%) and seed yield per plant (14.17%).  These segregants can be further utilized in the breeding programme to develop high-yielding varieties and morphological traits can be used as markers in molecular breeding.
Umbilical Cord Care Knowledge and Practice among Caregivers in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria
Authors: Ozigbo Chinelo Juliana , Onotume Okemena Esther
Published: March 2024

Aim: To assess the knowledge and practice of current cord care recommendations among care givers in Yenagoa, and to identify gaps to be addressed to prevent neonatal sepsis.

Study Design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study:  The study was carried out at the well-child clinics (WCC) of 3 major healthcare facilities in Yenagoa namely, Agudama Primary Health Centre, Yenizue-gene Comprehensive Health Centre, and Diete Koki Memorial Hospital, from August to September 2023.

Methodology: The study was conducted among 285 caregivers in the study sites. Data on cord care knowledge and practices was collected using self-administered structured questionnaires administered proportionately across the study sites. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23, from which descriptive statistics were generated. All necessary ethical considerations were upheld.

Results: In this study, 268 (97.1%) of the respondents had antenatal care, over 77% delivered in healthcare facilities, 252 (88.4%) indicated that they knew how to properly care for their children’s cord and 244 (85.6%) had been taught cord care. While 269 (94.4%) respondents were aware of the use of methylated spirit for cord care, only 96 (33.8%) were aware of the use of chlorhexidine gel. Good umbilical cord care knowledge score of 51.6% was obtained while good umbilical cord care practice score was 32.7%.

Conclusion and Recommendation: Modest umbilical cord care knowledge gap and huge practice gap were found in this study. The knowledge gaps were mainly with the use of chlorhexidine gel, dry cord care, and application of substances to the cord, and these reflected remarkably in their practice. There is urgent need for improvement in umbilical cord care knowledge and practice among caregivers, a review of cord care knowledge of frontline health educators and the contents of their cord care education.
Canopy Management of the Great Banyan Tree in Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah, India
Authors: Barman R. D. , Saha T. , Singh D. , Swamy J. , Sarkar G. , Mastakar V. K.
Published: March 2024

The present communication deals with the prop root training of Great Banyan Tree (GBT) of Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden (AJCBIBG), Botanical Survey of India, Howrah. The GBT spans an area of 4.86 acres and features over 4400 aerial prop roots, covering a canopy circumference of 543 meters. Notably, the tree has survived three major cyclones, including the latest one, Amphan, on May 20, 2020, which significantly impacted a major portion of the tree. To address the damage caused by all cyclones and facilitate the expansion of the GBT, the AJCBIBG Authority is continuously working to train the prop roots for improving of canopy management using indigenous techniques developed by the staff over a decade for this age-old tree.
Study on Major Disease-insect Incidence of Scented Gobindabhog Rice in New Alluvial Zone of West Bengal
Authors: Mahata Dibyendu , Ghosh Mrityunjay , Panja B. , Karmakar K. , Banerjee S.
Published: March 2024

A comprehensive study on “Improvement of production and storage system for Gobindabhog rice in West Bengal,” comprising two field and one laboratory experiment, was done at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, India, during the period of 2010–2012 to find out the optimum planting time, spacing, nutrients, disease, and pest management for scented Gobindabhog rice during the kharif season. Plant height, tiller production, and leaf area index increased consistently with the advancement of crop growth up to panicle exertion, panicle initiation (i.e., 56 DAT), and flowering (i.e., 84 DAT) stages, respectively. The planting date had a significant effect on the incidence of blast disease in Gobindabhog rice during both 2010 and 2011, except at 28 DAT. Delay in planting generally provided a favorable environment for the causal organism (Payricularia oryzae) during the vegetative and reproductive stages of Gobindabhog rice, thereby leading to a greater incidence of delayed crops (25 July, 10 August, and 25 August) than the earlier one (10 July). The susceptibility of the Gobindabhog rice crop to brown spot disease caused by Drechslera oryzae increased progressively with the advancement of crop age from 28 DAT (i.e., active tillering stage) to 84 DAT (i.e., flowering stage). The population of gundhi bug (Leptocorisa acuta) increased steadily from 84 DAT (i.e., 50% flowering) to 112 DAT (maturity stage), irrespective of main and sub-plot treatments as well as years of investigation.
Effect of Commuters’ Income on the Ferry Operational Costs in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Ayantoyinbo B. B.  , Afolayan I. O.
Published: March 2024

Commuters’ mobility plays significant roles in urban economic due to its reliance on the cheapest means and available transportation system from one location to another. Commuters’ income in Lagos State affects the number of traffic generated along waterways during travel behavior such as commuters’ occupation and commuters’ level of car ownership. This study aims to estimate the impact of commuters’ income on the ferry operations in Lagos state.

The research was carried out in four selected waterways terminals in Lagos State. The authors used primary data with the aid of snow balling sampling technique to administered 836 questionnaires at the selected inland waterways terminals in Lagos State. The study used multiple regressions to analyze the obtained data in the study area.

The result of the findings revealed that majority of the respondents representing 63.9% (523) of the sample size had no car. Furthermore, passenger’s income that was measured using passengers’ occupation and passengers’ car ownership had a significant impact on ferry operational costs in Lagos State having R value of .699 (69.9%) and p-value of 0.000. This shows that ferry operational costs can be determined by passengers’ daily or monthly income.

The study concluded that increase in mobility demand along waterways can be experienced when traveling cost is minimal compared to other means of transportation. It was recommended that government should subsidize the freight price and come up with a policy that will enforce usage of ferry service.
Enhancement of Interconnectivity in the Channels of Pentacene Thin‐Film Transistors and Its Effect on Field‐Effect Mobility
Authors: Lee H. S. , Kim D. H. , Cho J. H. , Park Y. D. , Kim J. S. , Cho K.
Published: August 2006

With the aim of improving the field‐effect mobility of transistors by promoting the interconnectivity of the grains in pentacene thin films, deposition conditions of the pentacene molecules using one‐step (total thickness of layer 50 nm: 0.1 Å s–1) and two‐step (first layer 10 nm: 0.1 Å s–1, second layer 40 nm: 4.0 Å s–1) depositions are controlled. Significantly, it is found that the continuities of the pentacene thin films vary with the deposition conditions of the pentacene molecules. Specifically, a smaller number of voids is observed at the interface for the two‐step deposition, which results in field‐effect mobilities as high as 1.2 cm2 V–1 s–1; these are higher by more than a factor of two than those of the pentacene films deposited in one step. This remarkable increase in field‐effect mobility is due in particular to the interconnectivity of the pentacene grains near the insulator substrate.
A Hexagonal 2a,c Superstructure of Ba7F12Cl2.
Authors: Bernsteiner Anita , Kubel Frank
Published: August 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Bis(ammonium) Tris(hexaaquamagnesium) Tetrakis(hydrogen phosphite).
Authors: Abdallah Khaoulani Idrissi , Mohamed Saadi , Mohamed Rafiq , Abdelhalim Guelzim
Published: August 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
X‐Ray and Thermal Investigations of LaFeTeO6 and LaCrTeO6 Compounds.
Authors: Gupta Neeraj K. , Roy S. P. , Joshi P. V. , Rao G. A. Rama , Krishnan K. , Mudher K. D. Singh
Published: August 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Enantioselective Reduction of Aliphatic Ketones Using NaBH4 and TarB—NO2, a Chiral Boronic Ester.
Authors: Kim Jinsoo , Singaram Bakthan
Published: August 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Electrooxidation of Alcohols in an N‐Oxyl‐Immobilized Rigid Network Polymer Particles/Water Disperse System.
Authors: Kubota Jun , Ido Toru , Kuroboshi Manabu , Tanaka Hideo , Uchida Tetsuya , Shimamura Kaoru
Published: August 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Reductive Amination of Aldehydes Using Aminoboranes as Iminium Ion Generators.
Authors: Suginome Michinori , Tanaka Yusuke , Hasui Tomoaki
Published: August 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.