bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surge of healthcare associated infections in COVID intensive care units
Authors: Priyadarshi Ketan , Dhandapani Sarumathi , Vinothini A Benedict , Punnen Stessy Ann , Sastry Apurba S 
Published: December 2024

: Healthcare-associated infection played a vital role in determining the patient’s outcome during the COVID pandemic. However, the data on HAI rates is largely unavailable in COVID locations. This is because conducting HAI surveillance inside COVID ICUs is a big challenge. Therefore, we conducted this unique quality improvement study which aims at comparing the trends of HAI rates in COVID and non-COVID ICUs during the ongoing pandemic.: The aim of the study was to compare the HAI rates in COVID and non COVID ICUs with the baseline HAI rates in pre COVID era.: The HAI surveillance was carried out during April 2020-December 2020 in the COVID ICUs (test group) and non-COVID ICUs (control group) and compared with ICUs from January 2019 to March 2020 (pre COVID baseline group). Then HAI data was analysed and the HAI rates were calculated based on national healthcare safety network guidelines. Overall, the HAI rates were higher in COVID time in comparison to pre COVID time. During the COVID period, higher HAI rates were seen in the COVID ICUs than in the non COVID ICUs. CLABSI rate had the highest occurrence followed by VAE, CAUTI, and SSI.: Higher HAI rates in COVID time indicates that there is need of serious infection control intervention thereby reducing the HAIs associated in COVID patients. Strict compliance to hand hygiene and other transmission-based precautions are to be followed in order to enhance the overall safety of patients.
Assessment of bacteriological contamination in coin currency in circulation
Authors: Gedam Dilip , Taiwade Pooja Dilip , Kayal Titirsha , Meshram Prashant , Bhise Swati 
Published: December 2024

: The primary aim of this study was to identify the bacterial contaminants present on Indian currency coins, characterize the different types of bacteria isolated, and assess the antimicrobial resistance patterns of the bacteria within the Nagpur region of Maharashtra, India. Determining the isolation and identification of the various pathogens on coin surfaces is essential for addressing the potential spread of diseases through handling currency.: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology at Indira Gandhi Government Medical College & Hospital, Nagpur, spanning from 2015 to 2024. We collected 120 currency coin samples aseptically from individuals across various occupational groups. The culture and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were analyzed following standard operating procedures.: A total of 50.83% of the coins exhibited bacterial contamination, with . identified as the most frequently isolated organism at 13.33%. The highest levels of contamination were found in lower-value coins. Notably, there was a significant decrease in coin contamination during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, likely due to a rise in online monetary transactions. The isolated bacteria demonstrated strong sensitivity to several antibiotics, including Ampicillin, Amikacin, Gentamicin, Ciprofloxacin, Ceftazidime, Cefotaxime, Doxycycline, and Ceftriaxone.: The present study finds that Indian currency coins often harbor pathogenic bacteria, especially enteropathogens, which play a significant role in the spread of diseases. It is essential to raise public awareness about the importance of maintaining good personal hygiene when handling coins. By practicing proper hand hygiene and adhering to sound sanitary practices, individuals can greatly reduce the risk of infection, particularly those who handle both food and money at the same time.
Neonatal septicemia: Diagnostic challenges and the role of CRP and blood culture
Authors: Pipaliya Binda Prakashbhai , Norris Saurabh Chhotalal , Patel Rachana Dhirubhai , Pandya Himani Bhardwaj , Javadekar Tanuja Bakul 
Published: December 2024

Neonatal septicemia, a serious blood infection occurring within the first four weeks of life, is a significant cause of neonatal deaths. Its diagnosis is challenging due to the non-specific nature of its signs and symptoms. C-reactive protein (CRP) serves as a valuable biomarker for early detection, facilitating timely treatment and improving survival rates as a rapid adjunct to the standard blood culture process. This study explores the relationship between CRP levels and blood culture findings in diagnosing Neonatal septicemia. The objectives were to determine common organisms causing neonatal septicemia, to evaluate CRP as a diagnostic tool for Neonatal septicemia compared to blood culture results. The study examined the correlation between CRP levels and blood culture outcomes in neonates suspected of having sepsis. Blood samples were aseptically collected and inoculated in 1 set of BD BACTECTM Peds Plus/F blood culture bottles, incubated for five days using a BD BACTEC automated machine. The bacteria isolated from positive blood culture were processed using Vitek-2. CRP levels were determined using the latex agglutination card test, with positive samples further analyzed via quantitative nephelometry. Of the 321 samples, 28.97% (93) tested positive for bacterial sepsis via blood culture. Among these, 33.3% (31 cases) were , 18.3% (17 cases) were , and 11.8% (11 cases) were , with coagulase-negative staphylococci (CONS) being the most common group overall. Among the Gram-negative organisms, (8.6%) and (6.5%) were significant contributors to neonatal septicemia. CRP was positive in 82 cases with blood culture-positive samples and in 105 cases with blood culture-negative samples, underscoring its potential as a diagnostic marker for Neonatal septicemia. While CRP is a valuable biomarker for detection of Neonatal septicemia, it should not be used as a sole diagnostic tool due to its lack of specificity. CRP testing provides a presumptive diagnosis that can guide early antibiotic therapy, emphasizing its significance in neonatal care.
A stochastic analysis and bibliometric analysis of COVID-19
Authors: Gaur Nisha , Chaudhary Rakshita , Yadav Mohit , Srivastava Siddharth , Chaudhary Vanshika , Shah Mohd Asif 
Published: December 2024

COVID-19 a novel Corona Virus Disease which was caused by SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2) continues to pose a critical and urgent threat to global health. When an infected person comes in contact with a normal individual or when the infected person sneezes or coughs, the virus that triggers COVID-19 spreads.The spread of novel SARS-CoV-2 was increasing, and the threats caused by it were becoming more severe in 2021. To counter the disease and save countless lives in danger, it is necessary to predict the trend of the number of cases and deaths and then implement the policies accordingly. In this paper, the trends of the growth rate of worldwide cases and deaths were studied, and the future growth for 100 days was predicted using the Neural network model and Polynomial Regression model. For efficient planning, the countries were grouped using Principal Component Analysis and the predictions were made. The cases and deaths in different countries and states were related through the Pearson coefficient, and the heat maps were studied. Additionally, in this paper, a case study to predict the trend of cases, number of deaths and recoveries in India was also performed. The Indian states were grouped into four groups based on the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) results, and relevant remarks and trends were suggested. The growth of cases and deaths was studied, and the peaks were predicted for the next 200 days. In recent months, COVID-19 has generated a significant deal of anxiety as a global pandemic, and an increasing number of studies have been published in this area. Consequently, a bibliometric examination of these papers may offer insight into current research hot subjects and trends. We are the first to join stochastic analysis of COVID-19 effects with bibliometric analysis of COVID-19. This prediction, if taken into consideration strategically during the planning of preventive measures of COVID-19 can help to reduce the cases to a great extent.
Hyperbilirubinemia and transaminitis in hepatitis A: case report on early remission through ayurveda interventions
Authors: Panda Ashok Kumar 
Published: December 2024

Hepatitis A is a common cause for acute hepatitis and jaundice. It is mostly self-limiting requires no or suppurative treatment and very rare cases prolong jaundice, liver failure and death. Prolonged jaundice types of cases are mostly going to folk healers and herbalist. Ayurveda has no recordable evidence of course of treatment in Hepatitis A. Therefore, this case paper will be a notable evidence for Ayurveda in hepatitis A. A 43-year female came to hospital with an one week history of lethargy, anorexia, weight loss and yellow discoloration of urine. The patient has Hepatitis A (HAV) IgM antibody positive with other viral profile negative and elevated bilirubin(6.28mg/dl) and high transaminase (SGOT-824U/L and SGPT 1263 U/L). Arogyavardhini Vati, Liv 52Hb and Phalatrikadi Kwatha were administrated in its standard doses as these regimen have Agnideepak(Carminative), Srotosothaka (channel purifier), Mrudu virechana ( Mild purgative)properties, but no signicant change in liver function test . then ( Siddha Makardwaja Rasa) is added to reduce liver inflammation and possible involvement of cholangitis. The physical strength , appetite was normalised along with normalisation of bilirubin and liver transaminase within three weeks of the therapy. The combination of therapy may reduce the bile acid cytotoxicity of bile and, possibly, decrease of the concentration of hydrophobic bile acids in the cholangiocyte. As Siddha Makardwaja special is in metallic oxide form (Au/HgO), it may be acts as an anti-inflammatory drug by reducing pro inflammatory cytokine expression, blocking leucocyte adhesion and decreasing oxidative stress due to infection. This case report is preliminary evidence for further stresses the significance of Siddha Makardwaja Rasayana along with other Ayurveda formulations in early remission of high bilirubin and liver transaminase in Hepatitis A infection. This treatment regimen can be used for local epidemic of Hepatitis A for appropriate Ayurveda management after randomised clinical trial.
The Teaching About De Facto States in Times of Crises: The Case of Transnistria
Authors: Kosienkowski Marcin 
Published: December 2024

In this article, I share my personal experience of teaching about the de facto state of Transnistria during times of crises and within Central and East European and multicultural contexts. I begin by explaining where and when I teach about Transnistria, which may not be so obvious because it is a narrow topic. Next, I focus on how I approach classes devoted to Transnistria as a controversial and sensitive issue that requires specific teaching strategies. Finally, I discuss the outcomes of implementing these strategies and share my personal feelings about instruction concerning Transnistria. This article may be valuable to junior scholars who have recently started covering the subject of Transnistria and other de facto states and are seeking guidance. It may also benefit experienced senior scholars by offering them an opportunity to compare their teaching strategies.
The Effect of Acupressure on Pain Associated with Chest Tube Removal in Patients with Chest Trauma
Authors: Dahmardeh Hanie 
Published: December 2024

Background: Inserting a chest tube is a life-saving procedure for patients with chest trauma, but it is often associated with significant pain. To alleviate this discomfort, non-pharmacological methods such as acupressure can be employed. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effect of acupressure on pain during chest tube removal in patients with thoracic trauma.
Methods: This quasi-experimental study involved the selection of 204 patients with chest tubes following chest trauma in Zahedan in 2022. The through patients were selected purposefully and Non-random allocation divided into two intervention and control groups of 102 people. The intervention group received acupressure treatment, while the control group did not. Pain levels of the patients were measured using a pain intensity scale on both the day of chest tube insertion and the day of removal. The data were analyzed using statistical test such as independent-t, paired-t and chi-square statistical tests within the SPSS 26 software.
Results: The normality of the main variable was assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS) test. The significance level for the pain variable was found to be less than 0.05 (P<0.001), indicating a non-normal distribution. Therefore, the Mann-Whitney U test was utilized for data analysis. The results of the Mann-Whitney test revealed that before the intervention, the mean pain scores were 9.46±0.69 in the intervention group and 9.47±0.65 in the control group. After the intervention, the mean pain scores were 7.11±0.98 in the intervention group and 9.39±0.90 in the control group. Based on the Mann-Whitney U value obtained from the comparison of the two groups before and after the intervention, it can be concluded that the intervention had a significant effect on reducing pain (Table 2).
Conclusion: The insertion and removal of chest tube after trauma can be an extremely painful experiences for individuals. Considering the crucial role of nurses, non-pharmacological methods such as acupressure can be used to alleviate their pain. Acupressure is a cost-effective, accessible, and readily available approach that can be utilized in this context.
Solar Update - July 2024
Authors: Bestenlehner Dominik 
Published: December 2024

In this issue: Solar Heat Worldwide / IEA SHC Solar Award 2024 Shortlist / SACREEE / Solar Neighborhoods: Task 63 / Interview with Maria Wall: Task 63 / Member News: Poland / Reflections from the Chair / Design Guidelines: Task 65 / Standardized Energy Storage Procedures: Task 67 / SHC Publications / SHC Solar Academy Webinars / SHC Members
Differential Effects of Reproductive Hormones on the Developmental Potential of Oocytes in Hainan Black Lambs/Goats
Authors: Lin-Lin Pei , Ruo-Tong Wang , Wen-Hao Wang , Kai Hu , Xin Xu , Chun-Jie Liu 
Published: December 2024

Background: The study elucidated the effects of reproductive hormones on the developmental potential of oocytes in Hainan lamb/adult goats by analyzing the changes in the concentrations of reproductive hormones (FSH, LH, 17β-E2) in Hainan lamb/adult goat serum. Methods: The experiment used radioimmunoassay to detect follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), oestradiol (17β-E2), concentrations in the serum of Hainan goats (3-month-old/18-month-old) during different oestrous cycles and to analyze the changing pattern of hormones. Result: The results showed that the number of follicles obtained in lambs was significantly higher than in adult goats (P less than 0.05), but the quality of follicles in lambs was poor and the number of available oocytes in them was lower than in adult goats. During the estrous cycle, adult black goats exhibit peak serum concentrations of FSH and LH on the 13th day, reaching 2.73 ng/mL and 5.69 ng/mL, respectively. In lamb goats, FSH reaches its peak concentration on the 15th day at 2.56 ng/mL, while LH peaks on the 13th day at 5.13 ng/mL. On the 15th day, both adult black goats and lamb goats experience the lowest serum concentrations of 17β-E2, at 4.42 ng/mL and 7.63 ng/mL, respectively. The serum concentrations of FSH and 17β-E2 in adult black goats are significantly higher than those in lamb goats (P less than 0.05) In summary, FSH and 17β-E2 can promote the maturation and development of oocytes in Hainan 3-month-old lamb goats, which can be injected with the corresponding concentration of hormones on the 15th day during the synchronized estrus in Hainan 3-month-old lamb goats, to improve the quality and quantity of oocytes, to better utilize the in vitro embryonic production performance of the young animals and to accelerate the acquisition of good livestock breeds.
Phytochemical Profiling and Cytotoxic Potential of Senecio flavus n-Hexane Extract using in vitro and in silico Approaches
Authors: Abutaha N. , Al-Dawsari B.S.A. , Al-Qahtani S. , Rady A.M. , . F.A. Al-Mekhlafi 
Published: December 2024

Background: Using natural products as potential anticancer and antimicrobial agents has gained significant attention. Methods: This study investigated the anticancer and antimicrobial properties of Senecio flavus by using MTT and well-diffusion assays, respectively. The study also examined the potential of S. flavus extracts to induce apoptosis in liver cancer cells using light and fluorescent microscopy. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was utilized to identify the phyto-compounds, which were subsequently analyzed through molecular docking using AutoDock Vina 1.1.2. Result: The difference in solvent polarity and extraction methods had a notable influence on the yield of the extracts. The saponin fraction had the highest yield (4.42%). Only the hexane extract demonstrated cytotoxic with IC50 values of 241.2 and 187.8 mg/mL for HepG2 and Huh-7 cells, respectively. Apoptotic morphological changes were observed in cells treated with the hexane extract. Additionally, apoptotic cell induction was confirmed using DAPI and AO-EB dual staining. The saponin fraction of S. flavus demonstrated antimicrobial activity, indicated by inhibition zones measuring 19 mm, 27 mm, 13 mm, 17 mm 12 mm against Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR), Acinetobacter baumannii (ATCC® BAA-747), Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus Listeria monocytogenes, respectively. GC-MS analysis identified a range of bioactive phyto-compounds within the hexane extract. The compounds (R)-3,5,8a-Trimethyl-7,8,8a,9-tetrahydronaphtho[2,3-b]furan-4(6H)-one and Tricyclo [20.8.0.0 (7,16)]triacontane, 1(22),7(16)-diepoxy- demonstrated the most favourable docking results with 4JAS and 5W1B, respectively, exhibiting a ΔG of -9.7 kcal/mol. This highlights the potential of S. flavus as a promising plant, which requires further investigation and development as a therapeutic agent.
Estudo sobre a autoavaliação de competências em docentes universitários da rede de educação adventista
Authors: Silva Soares Hellen Mercês , Soares Conceição Ana Flávia 
Published: December 2024

Objetivo: O objetivo da pesquisa é avaliar o nível de desempenho que docentes universitários da Rede de Educação Adventista de Ensino Superior Brasileira atribuem a si mesmo nas competências para a educação de adultos, desde uma perspectiva andragógica. Entende-se, portanto, que o papel do docente em contextos universitários difere do ensino básico exigindo competências e habilidades distintas da atuação na educação infantil. Justifica-se que, embora a prática da educação de adultos seja uma preocupação antiga, pesquisas nessa temática são relativamente recentes.
Métodos: A metodologia utilizou-se da amostragem não probabilística por conveniência em docentes do Ensino Superior da Rede de Educação Adventista, o instrumento de coleta de dados foi composto por duas partes: dados de caracterização da população e a escala de classificação autodiagnostica de competências para o papel do educador adulto.
Resultados: Na literatura brasileira há poucos estudos que abordam competências de professores para trabalhar com educação de adultos, não havendo estudos que mensuram tais competências em professores que atuam em universidades na perspectiva andragógica no contexto da Educação Adventista Superior Brasileira. Os resultados indicaram que os participantes deste estudo, de acordo com suas respostas, estão no nível desejado de suas habilidades e competências andragógicas.
Conclusão: Conclui-se que o perfil levantado pelos docentes indica uma educação adventista que visa atender às necessidades gerais de aprendizagens, formando alunos pensantes e criativos, incentivando a transformação de conhecimentos e atitudes, a partir de soluções de problemas relacionados ao cotidiano dos educandos.
Oficina de máquinas e robótica: olhares pregressos sobre um espaço de fazer científico
Authors: Magro Dionysio Luis Gustavo , Hugo Henrique de Abreu Pinto  , Varela Saturnino Gustavo Henrique , Dionysio Renata Barbosa 
Published: December 2024

O presente artigo vem apresentar a Oficina de Máquinas e Robótica construída no ano de 2023 por professores de Química e Física, visando oferecer um cenário de ensino de Ciências mais interativo e colaborativo. Diante desse horizonte, os docentes construíram uma proposta que apresenta o estudante Surdo como elemento central da construção do conhecimento, ou seja, é por meio de seu protagonismo que os projetos são criados e desenvolvidos de forma colaborativa, envolvendo sujeitos com habilidades e funções diferentes em prol da construção coletiva. Assim, não existe um planejamento fechado de atividades a serem desenvolvidas, o que torna o projeto mais flexível quanto às criações. Por outro lado, de acordo com a demanda dos alunos, a introdução dos conceitos científicos vai sendo feita pelos professores, o que torna o processo de ensino e aprendizagem dinâmico. Durante as explicações, buscamos relacionar as práticas estudadas a questões de Ciência, Tecnologia e Sociedade, para que os alunos pudessem entender quais são as implicações dos fenômenos químicos e físicos que estão vivenciando em seus respectivos cotidianos. Por fim, acreditamos que a oficina oportuniza situações de aprendizagem diferenciadas que podem promover a autonomia, a construção individual e coletiva do conhecimento, além de impulsionar o desenvolvimento linguístico e promover argumentações.
Effect of biodynamic preparations 500 and 501 on vine and berry physiology, pedology and the soil microbiome
Authors: Rienth Markus , Lamy Frederic , Chessex Clément , Heger Thierry 
Published: December 2024

The increasing interest in organic and biodynamic wine production is driven by a desire for sustainability and reduced reliance on synthetic inputs. As of 2021, organic viticulture accounted for 6.4 % of the global vineyard surface, with biodynamic practices gaining traction, particularly among high-end wineries seeking to differentiate their products through unique, environmentally conscious cultivation methods. Biodynamic viticulture, while rooted in organic principles, incorporates specific biodynamic preparations (notably preparations 500 and 501), with proponents asserting benefits such as enhanced soil vitality, vine resilience, and superior wine quality. However, the scientific community remains divided on whether biodynamic methods offer substantial advantages over organic practices alone. Previous studies (Döring et al., 2019; Rienth et al., 2023) have shown minimal differences between the two in terms of vine performance and berry quality. This study aims to evaluate the long-term effects of biodynamic preparations 500 and 501 on vine physiology, berry quality, and soil properties in a Swiss vineyard.