bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of hepatitis E virus (HEV) in pork sold in Saint-Louis, the North of Senegal
Authors: Tene Sophie Deli , Diouara Abou Abadallah Malick , Kane Alé , Sane Sarbanding , Coundoul Seynabou , Thiam Fatou , Nguer Cheikh Momar , DIOP Mamadou , MBAYE Mame Ndew , Mbengue Malick , Lo Seynabou , Diop Ndiaye Halimatou , Toure Kane Coumba , Ayouba Ahidjo
Published: January 2024

The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic pathogen with a variety of hosts, including pigs, which act as reservoirs. In industrialized countries, sporadic cases caused by genotype 3, contracted by ingestion of contaminated uncooked or undercooked meat, have been reported. However, in developing countries, HEV infection is mainly dominated by genotype 2 and often associated with poor hygiene conditions and drinking water supplies. In West Africa, HEV infection and its circulation in domestic fauna are very poorly documented. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of HEV in pork sold in Saint-Louis. Meat products were collected between 20 and 25 August 2022 in three location of Saint-Louis region. After purchasing 250 g of sample, we minced 2 g of sample for extraction of total nucleic acids using the Purelink™ Viral DNA/RNA kit and then RT-PCR using the One-Taq™ One-Step RT-PCR kit targeting the HEV ORF2 genomic region. The products obtained were visualized on a 1% agarose gel. Of a total of 74 samples, divided into pork meat (n=65) and pork liver (n=9), 5.4% (n=4) were tested positive for HEV. In both cases, 2 samples were positive, representing a rate of 3.1% and 22.2% for meat and pork liver respectively. All new viral sequences obtained form a monophyletic group within HEV genotype 3. These preliminary results reveal a potential circulation of HEV in the pig population. The high proportion of contamination in the pork liver samples highlights a major risk associated with their consumption.
Exploring Entropy-Based Classification of Time Series Using Visibility Graphs from Chaotic Maps
Authors: Conejero J. Alberto , Velichko Andrei , Garibo-i-Orts Òscar , Izotov Yuriy , Pham Viet-Thanh
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we propose a method for assessing the effectiveness of entropy features using several chaotic mappings. We anlyze fuzzy entropy (FuzzyEn) and neural network entropy (NNetEn) on four discrete mappings: the logistic map, the sine map, the Planck map, and the two-memristor-based map, with a base length time series of 300 elements. FuzzyEn is shown to have improved global efficiency (GEFMCC) in the classification task compared to NNetEn. At the same time, there are local areas of the time series dynamics in which the classification efficiency NNetEn is higher than FuzzyEn. The results of using horizontal visibility graphs (HVG) instead of the raw time series are also shown. GEFMCC decreases after HVG time series transformation, but there are local areas of the time series dynamics in which the classification efficiency increases after including the HVG. The scientific community can use the results to explore the efficiency of entropy-based classification of time series.
Comparative Studies of Structural and Physicochemical Properties of the First Fullerene Derivative FD‐C60 (Fullerenol) and the Second Fullerene Derivate SD‐C60 (3HFWC)
Authors: Koruga Djuro , Mileusnic Ivana , Matija Lidija , Kuhn Dietmar , Christ Bastian , Dembski Sofia , Jevtic Nenad , Janac Jelena , Pavlovic Vladimir , De Wever Bart
Published: January 2024

(1) Background: Since fullerene C60 is insoluble in water and is toxic, it is not applicable in biomedicine and cosmetics. For this reason, the first derivative FD-C60 (fullerenol) was synthesized, which solved the problem of solubility in water and partially reduced toxicity. In order to maximally reduce toxicity and increase biomedical efficiency, the second derivative SD-C60 (3HFWC- Hyper-Harmonized-Hydroxylated Fullerene Water Complex), was created. (2) Methods: In order to obtain the most reliable data, several different methods are applicable in the characterization of FD-C60 and SD-C60 with water layers (NIR, FTIR, 13C-NMR,  1H-NMR, TGA/DTA, XRD, AFM/MFM etc.). (3) Results: FD-C60 as an individual structure is about 1.3 nm in size, while SD-C60 as an individual structure is 1030 nm in size. The aforementioned methods showed that SD-C60 contains water layers, which explains the difference between those two structures in the physicochemical properties, and their effects on biomolecules. (4) Conclusions: Based on the above methods and techniques, FD-C60 and SD-C60 are two different substances in terms of size, structure, and physicochemical properties; FD-C60 at 100C has endothermic characteristics and SD-C60 at 133C has exothermic characteristics, FD-C60 possesses water molecules only from humidity, while SD-C60 has water molecules from both humidity and extra water molecules in layers, the zeta potential of FD-C60 is -25.85 mV, while it is -43.29 mV for SD-C60.
Speeding-Up Process Development of Continuous Slug Flow Crystallization for Novel Substance Systems
Authors: Kufner Anne Cathrine , Zink Sarina , Wohlgemuth Kerstin
Published: January 2024

The pharmaceutical industry is undergoing a shift in processing methods for small-scale production (250-1000 kg/a), leading to an increased focus on continuous production research. Various concepts were developed to overcome challenges in small-scale crystallization for the production of high-quality products. However, further optimization is needed to enhance the industrial applicability of these concepts. This study aims to demonstrate the practical applicability of the Slug Flow Crystallizer (SFC) in the pharmaceutical industry by extending its use to a wider range of substance systems for small-scale API production. Employing an experimental strategy, the research seeks to rapidly assess the SFC's potential for achieving uniform, high-purity product yields, emphasizing the importance of factors such as slug flow stability, residence time distribution, and substance-specific crystallization criteria. This, coupled with our previously published model-based strategy, forms a comprehensive methodology to explore crystallization behavior and modeling for a variety of substance systems within the SFC. The ultimate goal of this study is to showcase the practicality of the SFC in the pharmaceutical industry, enabling the way for its reliable use in long-term, small-scale continuous crystallization and the production of high-quality pharmaceutical products.
Cow’s Milk: A Benefit for Human Health? Omics Tools and Precision Nutrition for Lactose Intolerance Management
Authors: Pratelli Giovanni , Tamburini Bartolo , Badami Giusto Davide , Lo Pizzo Marianna , De Blasio Anna , Carlisi Daniela , Di Liberto Diana
Published: January 2024

Cow’s Milk (CM) is a healthy food consumed worldwide by individuals of all ages. Unfortunately, 'lactase deficient' individuals cannot digest milk's carbohydrate lactose depriving themselves of highly beneficial milk proteins like casein, lactoalbumin and lactoglobulin, due to lactose intolerance (LI), while other individuals develop cow milk allergy specifically against these proteins (CMPA). The management of these conditions is distinctly different and an inappropriate diagnosis or treatment may have significant implications for the patients, especially if they are infants or very young children, resulting in unnecessary dietary restriction or avoidable adverse reactions. Omics technologies play a pivotal role in elucidating the intricate interactions between nutrients and the human body, spanning from genetic factors to the microbiota profile and metabolites. This comprehensive approach enables the precise delineation and identification of distinct cohorts of individuals with specific dietary requirements, so that tailored nutrition strategies can be developed. This is what is called personalized nutrition or precision nutrition (PN), the area of nutrition that focuses on the effects of the nutrients over the genome, proteome and metabolome, promoting well-being and health, preventing diseases, reducing chronic disease incidence, and so increasing life expectancy. Here, we report the scientific community opinion proposing to replace the approach “one size fits all” with tailor-made nutrition programs, designed by integrating nutrigenomic data together with clinical parameters and microbiota profiles, taking into account the individual lactose tolerance threshold and needs in terms of specific nutrients intake. This customized approach could help LI patients to improve their quality of life, overcoming depression or anxiety, often resulting from the individual perception of this condition as different from a normal state.
Oncostatin M Suppresses Bone Morphogenetic Protein-4-Induced Osteoprotegerin Synthesis in Osteoblasts: Attenuation of p70 S6 Kinase
Authors: Hioki Tomoyuki , Tachi Junko , Matsushima-Nishiwaki Rie , Iida Hiroki , Kozawa Osamu , Tokuda Haruhiko
Published: January 2024

Oncostatin M (OSM), an inflammatory cytokine belonging to interleukin-6 superfamily, is recognized as an essential factor secreted by osteal macrophages to orchestrate bone remodelling. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) produced by osteoblasts regulates osteoclastogenesis. We previously demonstrated that bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) stimulates OPG synthesis in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells, and that SMAD1/5/8(9), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and p70 S6 kinase positively regulates the OPG synthesis. The present study is aimed to investigate the effect of OSM on BMP-4-stimulated OPG synthesis in osteoblasts. OSM suppressed the release and the mRNA expression of OPG upregulated by BMP-4 in MC3T3-E1 cells.  Neither the BMP-4-induced phosphorylation of SMAD1/5/9 nor that of p38 MAPK affected by OSM. On the other hand, the BMP-4-stimulated phosphorylation of p70 S6 kinase was considerably suppressed by OSM. These results strongly suggest that OSM suppresses the BMP-4-stimulated OPG synthesis via inhibition of the p70 S6 kinase-mediated pathway in osteoblasts.
RFID-Based Localization System for Monitoring the Oak Acorns Dispersal
Authors: Ciężkowski Maciej , Jankowski-Mihułowicz Piotr , Skrobacz Kacper
Published: January 2024

Radio techniques are widely used in wildlife tracking. Currently, the most common tracking methods include radio tracking (operating on VHF and UHF frequencies), satellite tracking (e.g., Argos satellite Doppler-based positioning system), and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) tracking. One of the radio tracking systems is the Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) system, characterized by small dimensions and a long operational period due to energy-efficient features. The advantages of RFID make it possible to apply this technique to track oak acorns in the process of zoochoric dispersal. In our study, we explored the potential applications of RFID systems for monitoring the dispersal of oak acorns. We developed a tracking system based on a semi-passive RFID tag, which we tested under laboratory and quasi-realistic conditions. The obtained results confirm the feasibility of using our system in radio tracking small objects such as oak acorns.
Examining Personal Data Protection Law of Indonesia and South Korea: The Privacy Rights Fulfilment
Authors: Shahrullah Rina Shahriyani , Park Jihyun , Irwansyah Irwansyah
Published: January 2024

Personal data leakages have been experienced by both Indonesia and South Korea. To ensure the protection of privacy rights relating to personal data, both countries have promulgated special laws, namely the Indonesian Personal Data Protection Law (PDP Law) and the South Korean Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). This study aims to compare the two laws to ascertain their similarities and differences by adopting a comparative law approach. The study found that similarities exist in the two laws. They are to protect personal data and confer rights on data subjects. In the absence of explicit consent given by data subjects, data controllers and processors are prohibited from collecting and processing the data with some exceptions. They also mandate a special institution that is tasked to investigate and sanction data controllers and processors when they conduct data infringement. There are inherent differences in the two laws. PIPA is designed to be the framework legislation and PDP is designed to be a special statute. Additionally, PIPA mandates the institution dealing with personal data protection without referring to any other law but the Act itself.Â Â PDP Law clearly states that further provisions relating to this institution will be governed by Presidential Regulation.
Upaya Peningkatan Pembelajaran IPA Melalui Penerapan Model Problem Based Learning Berbantuan Media Konkret bagi Siswa Kelas V SD
Authors: Buanawati Alfina Tri , Suhartono Suhartono , Wahyudi Wahyudi
Published: January 2024

Pembelajaran IPA pada siswa kelas V SD diharapkan dapat mengembangkan sikap ilmiah, keterampilan proses, dan hasil belajar ranah kognitif melalui permasalahan dalam kehidupan sehari-hari. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mendeskripsikan langkah-langkah model Problem Based Learning dengan media konkret, meningkatkan pembelajaran IPA, serta mendeskripsikan kendala dan solusi saat pembelajaran. Subjek penelitian ialah guru dan siswa kelas V SDN Bendogarap. Data yang digunakan yakni kuantitatif dan kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah observasi, wawancara, dan tes. Validitas data menggunakan triangulasi teknik dan sumber data. Analisis data dilaksanakan melalui reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Terdapat lima langkah penerapan model PBL dengan media konkret. Persentase penilaian sikap pada siklus I 76,38%, siklus II 87,50%, dan siklus III 94,44%. Persentase keterampilan proses siklus I 79,99%, siklus II 87,50%, dan siklus III 93,33%. Persentase ketuntasan hasil belajar ranah kognitif siklus I 80,34%, siklus II 86,53%, dan siklus III 88,46%. Kendala yang dijumpai yaitu siswa kurang aktif dalam pembelajaran. Simpulan penelitian ini adalah penerapan model PBL dengan media konkret dapat meningkatkan pembelajaran IPA tentang siklus air pada siswa kelas V SDN Bendogarap tahun ajaran 2022/2023.

 

 
Penerapan Model Problem Based Learning (PBL) dengan Media Konkret untuk Meningkatkan Pembelajaran Matematika tentang Bangun Ruang pada Siswa Kelas V SD Negeri 3 Kepil Tahun Ajaran 2022/2023
Authors: Nur Aini Zakia , Wahyudi Wahyudi , Ngatman Ngatman
Published: January 2024

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mendekripsikan langkah-langkah Problem Based Learning dengan media konkret, meningkatkan pembelajaran matematika, serta mendeskripsikan kendala dan solusi yang ditemui dalam pembelajaran. Penelitian ini menggunakan Penelitian Tindakan Kelas. Subjek penelitian ialah guru dan siswa kelas V SDN 3 Kepil. Data yang digunakan berupa data kualitatif dan kuantitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan observasi, wawancara, dan tes. Validitas data menggunakan triangulasi sumber dan teknik. Analisis data dilaksanakan melalui reduksi data, penyajian data, dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan peningkatan pembelajaran matematika dengan model Problem Based Learning dengan media konkret. Ketuntasan hasil belajar siswa siklus I= 82,5%, siklus II= 85%, dan siklus III= 90%. Kendala yang ditemui yaitu siswa kurang aktif dalam pembelajaran. Dapat disimpulkan bahwa penerapan model Problem Based Learning dengan media konkret dapat meningkatkan pembelajaran matematika tentang bangun ruang pada siswa kelas V SDN 3 Kepil tahun ajaran 2022/2023.

 
Peningkatan Kemampuan Berpikir Kreatif Berbasis Literasi Digital Dengan Model Project Based Learning pada Siswa Kelas V SD Negeri Secang 1
Authors: Khauzanah Asyifa Nur , Wardani Krisma Widi
Published: January 2024

Tujuan penelitian ini untuk meningkatkan kemampuan berpikir kreatif melalui literasi digital dengan penerapan model Project Based Learning siswa kelas V SD Negeri Secang 1. Tindakan ini dilakukan karena rendahnya kemampuan berpikir kreatif siswa, yang berakibat pada penurunan hasil belajar. Penelitian ini termasuk penelitian tindakan kelas kolaboratif. Penelitian ini dilakukan dalam dua siklus yang mencakup serangkaian persiapan, pelaksanaan, observasi, dan refleksi. Proses pengumpulan data menggunakan beberapa metode yaitu observasi, tes, dan dokumentasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa implementasi pembelajaran berbasis proyek dapat meningkatkan kemampuan berpikir kreatif dan hasil belajar siswa. Peningkatan kemampuan berpikir kreatif dalam pembelajaran IPAS dilihat melalui perkembangan kegiatan pra-siklus sebesar 36,8%. Peningkatan ini kemudian menjadi 73,7% pada siklus I, dan akhirnya menjadi 100% pada siklus II. Hasil belajar siswa juga menunjukkan perkembangan yang signifikan. Awalnya pada pra-siklus, hasil belajar mencapai 47,37%. Namun setelah pelaksanaan siklus I terjadi peningkatan sebesar 73,68%. Peningkatan ini terus berlanjut pada siklus II sebesar 94,74%.
Pengaruh Problem Based Learning terhadap Keterampilan Mengajar Mahasiswa di Universitas Hasyim Asy’ari Tebuireng Jombang
Authors: Susilo Claudya Zahrani , Asmarani Ratih , Nuruddin Muhammad , Raharja Hawwin Fitra
Published: January 2024

Riset ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh penerapan model pembelajaran Problem Based Learning terhadap keterampilan mahasiswa PGSD dalam mengajar siswa sekolah dasar. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan yaitu penelitian eksperimen dengan desain penelitian one group pretest posttest. Populasi pada riset ini adalah seluruh mahasiswa semester IV Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar. Teknik yang digunakan untuk pengambilan sampel adalah purposive sampling yaitu mahasiswa semester IV-B. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah lembar penilaian kemampuan dasar mengajar. Tujuan dari riset ini yaitu untuk mendeskripsikan pengaruh pembelajaran Problem Based Learning terhadap keterampilan mahasiswa dalam mengajar. Analisis data menggunakan uji-t. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perolehan nilai sig 0.000 < 0.05. Sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa ada pengaruh model pembelajaran Problem Based Learning terhadap keterampilan mengajar mahasiswa PGSD Universitas Hasyim Asy’ari Tebuireng Jombang.
Pengaruh Penguatan Peran Kepala Sekolah terhadap Peningkatan Produktivitas Kerja Guru Sekolah Menengah Pertama
Authors: Manggung Raden Enen Rosa , Hardhienata Soewarto , Ikhsan Ikhsan
Published: January 2024

Produktivitas kerja guru adalah kunci keberhasilan dalam memberikan pendidikan berkualitas dan membantu membentuk masa depan generasi penerus. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk pengaruh penguatan peran kepala sekolah terhadap peningkatan produktivitas kerja guru sekolah menengah pertama. Metode penelitian ini adalah metode kuantitatif dengan pendekatan survey lapangan. Sampel penelitian ini yaitu 107 guru SMP Swasta Kecamatan Ciampea Kabupaten Bogor. Instrumen penelitian ini berupa angket yang sudah dipastikan valid dan reliabel. Adapun teknik penelitian ini dilakukan dengan analisis statistika deskriptif, uji pra syarat, uji hipotesis. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa: (1) produktivitas kerja guru cenderung tinggi; (2) peran kepala sekolah cenderung dalam kategori sedang; (3) terdapat pengaruh positif yang signifikan peran kepala sekolah terhadap produktivitas kerja guru. Simpulan penelitian ini yaitu terdapat pengaruh peran kepala sekolah terhadap produktivitas guru sekolah menengah pertama.
Efek Kepemimpinan Partisipatif Dalam Pengaruh Praktek Berbagi Pengetahuan Terhadap Kinerja
Authors: Susanto Teguh Trianung Djoko , Soraya Evitha , Muhidin Aeng , Doriza Shinta
Published: January 2024

Tantangan yang dihadapi SMK menuntut para guru untuk melakukan inovasi.  Untuk mendorong kinerja inovatif, dua faktor penting yang perlu dipertimbangkan adalah kepemimpinan partisipatif dan praktek berbagi pengetahuan di antara karyawan. Untuk mengetahui pengaruh kepemimpinan partisipatif dan praktek berbagi pengetahuan terhadap kinerja inovatif, studi korelasional dilakukan. Survei melibatkan 268 guru SMK di DKI Jakarta. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa praktek berbagi pengetahuan dan kepemimpinan partisipatif terhadap kinerja inovatif. Pentingnya manajemen menyediakan sistem dan platform yang memfasilitasi praktek berbagi pengetahuan dan memberikan insentif yang cukup terhadap partisipasi dan kontribusi karyawan pada inovasi.
Penggunaan Learning Management System (LMS) Sebagai Pembelajaran Jarak Jauh
Authors: Musthofa Tatag Fajrin , Rejekiningsih Triana , Sukmawati Fatma
Published: January 2024

Penggunaan LMS dalam tata kelola BUMDes di Kabupaten Bojonegoro memiliki potensi besar untuk meningkatkan aksesibilitas dan efektivitas pembelajaran serta memperkuat tata kelola yang baik. Melalui media ini, pengurus dan anggota BUMDes dapat meningkatkan pengetahuan, keterampilan, serta pemahaman mereka dalam mengelola BUMDes dengan baik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi implementasi pembelajaran jarak jauh dengan memanfaatkan Learning Management System (LMS) di lembaga Badan Usaha Milik Desa (BUMDES) di Kecamatan Dander. Metodologi penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan wawancara, observasi, dan analisis deskriptif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan LMS di BUMDES sangat memberikan manfaat dalam hal aksesibilitas pendidikan, peningkatan partisipasi masyarakat, dan pemahaman teknologi pendidikan non formal.bagi pengurus BUMDES. Namun, penelitian ini juga mengidentifikasi beberapa tantangan, seperti keterbatasan akses internet di wilayah pedesaan dan tingkat keterampilan teknologi yang beragam di antara peserta. Implikasi penelitian ini adalah bahwa implementasi LMS dapat menjadi sarana yang efektif untuk meningkatkan pendidikan pengurus. Rekomendasi yang muncul dari penelitian ini dapat membantu BUMDES di seluruh wilayah pedesaan untuk lebih efektif melaksanakan pembelajaran jarak jauh.
Pengaruh Media Animasi Terhadap Karakter Peduli Lingkungan Siswa SD Kelas 3 Pada Pembelajaran IPA
Authors: Nugraha Widdy Sukma , Rachmawati Asye
Published: January 2024

Pentingnya sikap peduli terhadap lingkungan memiliki peranan sentral dalam mengaplikasikan konsep pembelajaran Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam (IPA) dalam kehidupan sehari-hari adalah dengan mengembangkan media pembelajaran menggunakan teknologi seperti media video animasi, untuk menyampaikan informasi kepada anak-anak mengenai masalah sampah. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah memastikan bahwa implementasi pembelajaran dapat mencapai hasil maksimal dengan dukungan media animasi. Metode penelitian yang diterapkan adalah tipe desain kuantitatif pre-eksperimental, dengan menggunakan pendekatan One Group Pretest Posttest. Hasil analisis data yang telah dilakukan di SD Pananjung Garut menunjukkan bahwa hasil hipotesis menunjukkan nilai thitung ≤ ttabel, dengan nilai 6,698 ≤ 1,711, sehingga Ho ditolak dan Ha diterima. Oleh karena itu, dapat disimpulkan bahwa media animasi memiliki pengaruh terhadap pembentukan karakter peduli lingkungan pada siswa SD Kelas 3.

 

 

 
Transitivity Analysis in Academic Writing: A Case Study of Feminist, Female, Feminine
Authors: Chen Yahua
Published: January 2024

As one of the metafunctions in Systemic Functional Linguistics (SFL), experiential meaning plays a vital role in interpreting texts. The transitivity system identifies the experiential meaning and captures how reality is construed by manifold linguistics choices. Despite the widespread application of Holliday’s transitivity system, academic discourse receives far less attention than it deserves. In response, the study is set to analyze an extracted passage from the academic essay The Feminist Reader and to reveal the author’s underlying ideology of feminism by using the transitivity system as a theoretical framework. Among the six processes outlined in the framework, the study discovers that relational processes highly dominate writing, distantly followed by material, while verbal and mental processes respectively come third. Moreover, it is the genre and register of academic writing and the author’s writing intentions that contribute to different proportions of processes. In addition to exploring those hidden reasons, it is admitted that the transitivity choices the author makes are covert manifestations of her perspective on femininity.
Fatality as a Result of Traditional Circumcision in Mthatha Region in South Africa (2004-2014)
Authors:   Professor, Research Associate, Faculty of Health Sciences, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6017 South Africa., Meel Banwari
Published: January 2024

context: The practice of culture is to protect people and preserve life. No culture allowed becoming a danger to human beings, sacrificing young lives year after year. The community keeps turning a blind eye to one death after the other because of tradition and culture. Objective: The main objective of the study was to describe the deaths that occurred between 2004 and 20014 due to traditional circumcisions. method: This is a record review descriptive study. The data were collected from the Forensic Pathology Laboratory of Hospital Complex from 2004 to 2014. results: A hundred and fifty-five cases of circumcision-related deaths were reported over a period of 11 years (2004-14) in the region of South Africa. The causes of death included septicaemia (66-42.6%), blunt trauma (6-3.9%), dehydration (4-2.6%), renal failure (3-1.9%), hypothermia (2-1.2%), and pulmonary thrombo-embolism (2-1.2%). conclusions: Death due to circumcision is unethical and unacceptable conduct due to unacceptable cultural practices. This practice must be banned. A strong political message needs to be sent to the community as well as to the practitioners of circumcision.
Histopathological Evaluation of Cardiac Lesions in Autopsy Specimens
Authors:   Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, MS Ramaiah Medical College & Hospital, MSR Nagar, Bengaluru, India., D Clement Wilfred , Anupam Chinki ,   Post Graduate Student, Department of Pathology, MS Ramaiah Medical College & Hospital, MSR Nagar, Bengaluru, India.
Published: January 2024

ABSTRACT context: Evaluation of cardiac autopsy specimens is crucial for identifying concealed cardiovascular pathology and providing insights into the pathogenesis and progression of disease. Hence, this study was undertaken to evaluate the histopathological features of cardiac lesions in autopsy specimens. method: The was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted on cardiac specimens from routine autopsies over a period of three and half years, between January 2018 and June 2021, at M.S. Ramaiah Medical College and Hospitals, Bengaluru. The hearts were evaluated grossly and microscopically to identify the various histopathological changes. results: A total of 250 cases, with mean age of 39±15 years and male-female ratio of 4.4:1, were evaluated. In 207 (82.8%) cases 299 morphological lesions were identified, comprised of coronary atherosclerosis (52.4%), myocardial infarction (26%), aortic atherosclerosis (21.2%), cardiac hypertrophy (12%), valvular disease (2%), aortic dissection (2%), cardiac tamponade (1.6%), pericarditis (1.2%), myocarditis (0.8%) and cardiomyopathy (0.4%). conclusion: Cardiac lesions were detected in 82.8% in autopsies. The most frequent finding is coronary atherosclerosis with triple vessel involvement being the commonest. Severe luminal occlusion, calcification and thrombosis are most frequent in Left anterior descending coronary artery. The next most common lesion is Myocardial Infarction, the most significant pathogenetic mechanism of which is coronary atherosclerosis. There is a strong association between coronary and ascending aorta atherosclerosis. Thus, many preventable and concealed lesions are discovered at cardiac autopsies and this data is important for assessing disease trends and introducing new interventions and therapeutic management regimes
Evaluation of Histopathological Spectrum of Hepatic Lesions in Liver Biopsies: A Two Years Prospective Study
Authors:   Student, Department of Pathology, MS Ramaiah Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560054, India., Shah Sagar , M Usha ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, MS Ramaiah Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560054, India., Wilfred Clement ,   Professor, Department of Pathology, MS Ramaiah Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560054, India., K Rashmi ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, MS Ramaiah Medical College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560054, India.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Liver biopsy is an important diagnostic tool that assists determination of specific diagnoses and directs therapeutic decisions in patients with acute and chronic liver diseases. It can also be used to estimate the degree of liver damage to grade and stage hepatitis B and C, and to determine the best treatment for the damage or disease. Material and Method: A two year prospective study was conducted on 78 liver biopsies in the Department of Pathology, M.S. Ramaiah Medical College and Hospital from January 2018 to January 2020. The sections were examined and the histopathological findings were recorded. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed by using markerssuch as CK7, CK20, CDX2, CEA, Hep par 1, TTF-1, synaptophysin, chromogranin and AFP for increased diagnostic accuracy. Results: In this study, age ranged from 3 months to 80 years. Mean age was 42.5 years. Out of 78 cases, 51 cases were males, 27 were females. Liver biopsy revealed that chronic hepatitis and metastasis were the commonest findings constituting 14.1% each. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cirrhosis constituted 11.53% and 10.25% of total cases, respectively. Conclusion: Liver biopsy continues to play an important role in modern clinical practice and remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of majority of the hepatic diseases. Histopathological examination of liver biopsy specimen is an essential, safe and reliable tool for the diagnosis, accurate assessment of severity and follow up of the various hepatic lesions.
Autopsy findings in Kidney- A Plethora of Lesions for A Histopathologist
Authors:   Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Medical College, Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Academy of Higher Education and Researh, Mysuru, Karnataka 570001, India, Patel Sapna , Maurya Shailja ,   Senior Resident, Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India., B R Rajalakshmi ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Medical College, Jagadguru Sri Shivarathreeshwara Academy of Higher Education and Researh, Mysuru, Karnataka 570001, India
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Autopsy studies aid to the knowledge of pathology by unveiling some of rare lesions which are a source of learning from a pathologist’s perspective. Perinatal autopsies form an integral part in providing a clue to ascertain the cause of perinatal deaths and to study the congenital anomalies. Kidneys being important organs in maintaining the homeostasis, are affected by a variety of lesions like congenital anomalies, neoplasms and infections apart from being secondarily involved by diabetes, poisoning and other systemic diseases. Aims and objectives: 1. To determine the spectrum of histopathological findings of kidney in medicolegal autopsies. 2. To study the congenital anomalies and other lesions of kidney in perinatal autopsies. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of medicolegal cases (269) and perinatal autopsies (100) for six years were included. The gross and microscopic findings of the specimens were taken into consideration. Results: Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) (51.16%) was the commonest histopathologic finding with the next common being changes secondary to diabetic nephropathy (16.27%). Others include hydronephrosis (13.9%), pyelonephritis (9.3%), multilocular cystic renal cell carcinoma (MCRCC), adult polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), a case of coexisting pulmonary tuberculosis with liver cirrhosis and renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and a case of tumor to tumor metastasis. Perinatal autopsies showed cystic renal dysplasia, renal agenesis, autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) and a hybrid lesion. Conclusion: This study highlights the various incidental findings in medicolegal autopsies, which are imperative in academic and research purposes. Despite the growing complexity and dependence on newer diagnostic methodologies, the traditional role of histopathology in autopsy remains the gold standard.
Hematological Profile in Patients of Chronic Kidney Disease in a Tertiary Care Centre in South India
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Pondicherry 607402, India., Raghavan Venkat , Vaithy K Anandraj ,   Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Pondicherry 607402, India., K Shanmugasamy ,   Professor, Department of Pathology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Pondicherry 607402, India., S Sowmya ,   Professor and Head, Department of Pathology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Pondicherry 607402, India.
Published: January 2024

Background: Chronic kidney disease has increased rapidly in the world, especially in developing countries like India,due to increase in Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension etc.Besides, symptomatology in such patients, laboratory parameters like Hematological, Biochemical etc are important in establishing diagnosis in such patients. Often, importance is paid to Biochemical parameters and Hematological parameters are neglected.Hematological parameters play a pivotal role in prognosis of these patients. Aim: The main aim of this study is to assess the hematological parameters in patients of Chronic Kidney disease and to assess their effect post dialysis. Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional study done on 64 patients of chronic kidney disease and on maintenance of dialysis. The study was carried out in Hematology section of Central Laboratory, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute,Pondicherry from January to July 2020. Results: Out of 64 patients of Chronic Kidney disease, 47 (73.4%) patients were males and 17 (26.5%) patients were females. Majority of the patients were from the age group 41–60 years (76.5%), followed by the age group 21–40 years (18.7%). The major cause of Chronic Kidney disease was patients suffering from both Diabetes mellitus and hypertension accounting to 63 %, followed by Diabetes mellitus alone 25% and Hypertension alone 12%. (Graph 1) The hematological parameters before and after dialysis were anaemia, otherwise other parameters were within normal limits. The peripheral smear examination of all these patients, out of which 52(81.2%) patients showed Normocytic Normochromic anaemia and 12 (18.7%) patients showed (Graph 2) Microcytic hypochromic anaemia. Peripheral smear examination of Normocytic Normochromic anaemic patients showed evidence of hemolysis post dialysis in 28 patients. 12 patients showed fragmented red blood cells(schistocytes) alone, 7 patients showed microspherocytes alone and 9 patients showed both fragmented red blood cells and microspherocytes. Peripheral smear picture was more or less similar pre and post dialysis,except the parameters improved after the dialysis. Conclusion: Chronic kidney disease is a serious health ailment, which requires careful monitoring of all the parameters, not merely the kidney function tests, but also the hematological parameters, which affect the prognosis of the condition of the patient.
Pattern of Filling Up of Medical Certificate of Cause of Death at A Tertiary Care Hospital during Covid Pandemic: A Matter of Concern
Authors:   Senior Demonstrator, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Government Medical College Kota, Rajasthan 324010, India, Meena Sachin Kumar , Ramteke Rajesh Babulalji ,   Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Raipur Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chhattisgarh 492006, India., Tatwal Brijesh ,   Senior Demonstrator, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Government Medical College Kota, Rajasthan 324010, India.
Published: January 2024

Medical Certification of Cause of Death- MCCD, plays an important role in deciding the direction of public health programs, provide a feedback system for future implementation of health policies, health planning and management of epidemiological studies, vital statistics, medico-legal investigations, census studies, health research, assessment of effectiveness of public health programs. As Covid- 19 produces so much confusion into the mind of treating doctor as how to give cause of death in MCCD. Certification and classification and coding of death related to Covid-19 is essential for smooth contact tracing afterwards. Our study focused on the analysis of MCCD proformas filled up by residents and faculty members and common mistakes committed while filling it while treating the Covid patient at isolation wards. This is a retrospective, cross sectional study carried out at Covid-19 dedicated hospital associated with a Medical College situated in Rajasthan. The period of this study is three month of early Covid-19 pandemic time from 1st April 2020 to 30th June 2020, in which a total of 199 deaths were reported. We could study a total of 152 certificates (76.38%) out of total 199 deaths as in rest of cases, the MCCD was not attached as deceased was brought dead to hospital. The analytical result of study revealed some major errors like immediate cause of death was Covid-19 positive with cardiovascular arrest. The conclusion of our study highlights an urgent need for imparting extra efforts towards awareness, importance to undergraduates as well as postgraduate training. Also emphasis training of senior and junior faculty with other treating doctors. Suggestions to government for impose strict rules over clinician so that they know the importance of MCCD in pandemic time also.
Hair Dye Poisoning Patterns among Population in Nellore State Andhra Pradesh
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Mata Gujri Memorial Medical College, Kishanganj, Bihar 855107, India., Gunjan Niranjan Kumar , Kishore Kathi Aswani ,   Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Narayana Medical College, Chinthareddy Palem, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh 524003, India.
Published: January 2024

Background: Hair Dyes are chemicals that are used to change hair colour. Hair colouring has become irresistible fascination to improve physiognomy especially people having grey hair. Hair dyeing is an ancient art and hair colourants are rapidly growing globally. But sometimes it is used to commit suicide. Hair dye poisoning occurs when someone swallows’ dye or tint used to colour hair. Morbidity and mortality due to poisoning have been known to pose a significant burden on the health. Aims and Objectives: To study the incidence and demographic features of hair dye poisoning in people who are admitted in Narayana Medical College Hospital, Nellore district State Andhra Pradesh South India. Type of Study: This is a two years prospective study. Place of study: Hair dye poisoning admitted in Narayana Medical College Hospital between the periods July 2012- June 2014. Material and Methods: All patients admitted and managed for hair dye poisoning were retrieved and data collected. Age, sex, incidence, residence, education and marital status were all recorded on the prepared proforma. Observation and Discussion: In our study, age wise distribution of 76 cases of paraphenylenediamine (PPD) hair dye poisoning revealed that maximum cases (56.6%) were in the age group 21–30 years with 27.96 ± 11.24 years mean and standard deviation respectively. Hair dye poisoning was common among females (76% of all cases). The incidence of hair dye poisoning was 154.84 patients of hair dye poisoning/1000 cases of all poisoning/year from July 2012 to June 2013 and 112.90 patients of hair dye poisoning/1000 cases of all poisoning/year during July 2013 – June 2014. Rural people (52.60%) consumed hair dye poison more than urban population. More common in under matriculation. Maximum persons (78.9% of all cases) were married. Conclusion: Trend of hair dye consuming is increasing now a days among young, rural population. It is common among female, married persons and increasing burden on health care institution.
Doctrine of ‘resipsa loquitur’ in surgical management of head injury in Transkei region, South Africa: Case Report
Authors:   Professor, Research Associate, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth 6031, South Africa., Meel Banwarilal
Published: January 2024

Background: Poor people accept death as ‘God’s wish’, sing a ritual song and bury their loved ones without pointing a finger at anyone or asking how their loved ones died. Medical errors cause several deaths, but most of the time this goes unnoticed, because many affected by it are poor and illiterate. Objective:To highlight the problem of fatal surgical errors in the management of head injury of patients in the Transkei region of South Africa. Case Histories: The case reports of the autopsies that discussed are intended to highlight the gross surgical negligence of medical professionals. In the first case, burr-holes were made to release intracranial pressure, but a piece of glass, which was the primary cause of increased intracranial pressure, was left in the cranium. In the second case, an inexperienced operating surgeon pushed the drill deep into the cortex of the brain while making burr-holes. The third case report describes a head injury suffered by an alcohol-intoxicated patient. The head injury was inflicted at a police station. This article presents histories, post-mortem findings, causes and mechanisms of death, as well as discusses acts of commission and omission. Conclusion: A high level of fatalities is caused by ‘acts of commission and omission’ in respect of head injury of patients in the Transkei region of South Africa. This matter needs regular auditing through forensic pathology services.
Spectrum of Neural Tube Defects Among the Fetal Autopsies in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Southern India
Authors:   Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, JSS Medical College, Mysuru, Karnataka 570015, India., BR Rajalakshmi , Patel Sapna ,   Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, JSS Medical College, Mysuru, Karnataka 570015, India.
Published: January 2024

Background: Neural tube defects (NTDs) are congenital disorders with multifactorial etiology that increase the risk of death as well as disability in early neonatal period and infancy. Objective: The study was conducted in a tertiary care referral hospital to analyse the disease burden of neural tube defects and to study the associated anomalies in the affected fetuses. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted retrospectively from January 2011 to December 2020 on a total number of 402 fetal autopsies received after abnormal ultrasonographic findings and intrauterine deaths diagnosed prenatally. Results: Out of the total 402 cases of fetal autopsies, 42 neural tube defects were detected, 33(79 %) were open type and 9(21%) were closed type neural tube defects. Out of the open type, majority were meningomyeloceles with 18 (43% of NTDs) cases, 11(26% of NTDs) cases were of anencephaly. Arnold chiari malformation was associated in 4 cases and a rare case of craniorachischisis was encountered. Among the closed type, 6 (14%) were meningoceles and 3(7%) were encephaloceles. A case of Meckel Gruber syndrome with an associated encephalocele was diagnosed. Conclusion:The present study would contribute to the prevalent disease burden of neural tube defects in Southern India, proving to be useful in the design and implementation of appropriate comprehensive preventive strategies including nutritional fortification, swift antenatal diagnosis and prompt intervention to reduce the morbidity.
Study of the Impact of Leucocyte Reduction on the Coagulation Factors in Fresh Frozen Plasma
Authors:   Professor & Head, Department of Pathology, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakkam, Tamilnadu 603103, India., Raghavan Vijayashree , Muniraj Femela ,   Professor, Department of Pathology, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakkam, Tamilnadu 603103, India
Published: January 2024

Introduction:Plasma transfusion is required to arrest or prevent bleeding, for various congenital and acquired cases of coagulopathies such as inherited factor deficiencies, disseminated intravascular coagulation, liver disease, post major trauma, etc. Leukocyte reduced blood components are indicated to prevent the febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions, Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) alloimmunization, transmission of infections such as cytomegalovirus (CMV), and adverse transfusion reactions due to storage lesion. In the present study, the effect of plasma filtration on eight coagulation factors viz. fibrinogen, factors II, V, VII, VIII, IX, X and XI has been studied.Materials and Methods:The plasma separated from the whole blood donation from each of 25 donors was separated into two aliquots. Group-1 included unfiltered fresh frozen plasma; group-2 included fresh frozen plasma which was subjected to pre-storage leukocytereductionbyfiltration.ThelevelsofthecoagulationfactorsFibrinogen,II,V, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI were estimated in each sample in both the groups.Results:There was no statistically significant difference in the levels of any of the coagulation factors included in this study, between the unfiltered and the leukocyte reduced plasma. Group O positive individuals were found to have higher levels of all the coagulation factors. Conclusion:Filtration of plasma has no effect on the coagulation factors. This is the first study where the effect of plasma filtration on eight coagulation factors has been studied. Blood group O positive individuals were found to have higher levels of all the eight coagulation factors.
Perceptions about the Virtual Learning amongst Medical students: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors:   Professor & Head, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, DVVPF'S Medical College, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra 414111, India., Kadu Sandeep S , Raut Pritish K ,   Professor,Department of Community Medicine, DVVPF'S Medical College, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra 414111, India., Burungale Shamkumar U ,   Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, DVVPF'S Medical College, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra 414111, India.
Published: January 2024

Background: Covid-19 pandemic has forced the medical education to switch from traditional learning to virtual learning. Many different platforms are available for virtual learning. And like any other teaching-learning method, this new method also has its pros and cons. But the important thing is how the medical students perceive this technique. Hence, the study was planned to understand the student’s perception regarding Virtual learning. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among under-graduate medical students across various medical colleges in India, via a Google form. Total 824 medical students participated in the study. Results: Out of 824 participants, 36.2% feel that students do not listen to the virtual class attentively from start to end. 79.2% agree that there is more distraction during virtual learning and 77.1% students feel that virtual learning is boring because of lack of interaction between teacher and students. Also 47.3% students don’t think that it is easy to clear doubts during virtual learning. 77.5% agree that there are more chances of scrolling the social media during virtual learning. According to 67.7% students, only the knowledge aspect is better learnt during the virtual learning. But the 50.1% students agree that virtual learning is cost-effective and time-saving. Still, 90.9% students prefer traditional learning considering all aspects of medical education Conclusion: Despite having certain advantages, medical students still prefer conventional method of learning to acquire different competencies, while the virtual learning remains supportive method. Many issues need to be addressed for wide acceptance of virtual learning.