bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
South African higher education: A toxic milieu of neoliberalism, colonialism and anti-Blackness
Authors: Maistry Suriamurthee M. 
Published: October 2024

Post-colonial higher education contexts experience a never-ending recuperation from the multiple violences imposed by colonisation. Coloniality has largely been successful in maintaining a hegemonic hold by white settler colonisers in various facets of higher education despite attempts to decolonise this sector and attempts at transformation. The problem that this article addresses is that these decolonial and transformation initiatives are usually circumscribed within neoliberal parameters that simply perpetuate white hegemony. There appears to be oblivion as to how neoliberalism impacts Black subjects in academia and how historic colonial practices have seamlessly effectuated neoliberal tenets in new cycles of racial repression, issues that this article takes up. Methodologically, this conceptual article applies the tenets of Critical University Studies (CUS) and invokes the principles of Unapologetic Black Inquiry (UBI) to examine neoliberal racialisation, (c)overt anti-Blackness sentiment, the academe’s preoccupation with white sensitivities and the systematic silencing of dissent through neoliberal mechanisms of discipline and control. This article concludes with caution of how a critique of neoliberalism has expediently been trumpeted as the new danger that academia needs to respond to. The effect might be at the expense of evading issues of deep-seated racism that continue to prevail.Contribution: This article makes a specific contribution to the field of CUS and addresses the relationship between colonial continuity and neoliberalism, focusing on the differential experiences of the Black academic subject. It also theorises the notion of camouflage and deflection from racism as a priority social justice imperative.
Pentraxin-3 marker as a predictor of cardiovascular events in obstructive sleep apnea; a cross-sectional study
Authors: Magdy Doaa M. , Sayed Suzan S. , El Zohne Randa A. , Ali Ali A. 
Published: October 2024

Introduction
A large population suffers from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Most of these individuals (almost 90%) are either unrecognized or untreated OSA. These patients are at increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Aim
The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in OSA compared with the clinically relevant biological markers (HbA1c, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), uric acid, and fibrinogen) and to evaluate the relationship between PTX3 levels and risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Patients and methods
This research used a cross-sectional design and enrolled 100 participants with suspected OSA. All the participants underwent a full clinical history, a STOP-Bang questionnaire, and a polysomnography (PSG) study, and the serum biomarkers were also analyzed.

Results
The apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) from PSG was used to measure the OSA severity, and the individuals were distributed into three groups accordingly. Our findings showed that there was a significant difference in Pentraxin 3 and fibrinogen levels between patients with mild or moderate OSA and those with severe OSA. Pentraxin 3, at a cutoff point of greater than 4.25 ng/ml, had the highest prognostic accuracy in OSA (96%), with an AUC of 0.96. Regression analysis revealed that Pentraxin 3, with a cutoff point greater than 4.25, and CRP were significant predictors of cardiovascular disease in individuals with OSA. Furthermore, Pentraxin 3 (with a cutoff point of greater than 4.25 ng/ml) and fibrinogen were significant predictors of pulmonary embolism in patients with OSA.

Conclusion
Serum PTX3 was higher in patients with severe OSA than in those with mild- to moderate OSA. Furthermore, we found that OSA severity as indicated by the AHI was significantly correlated with serum PTX3. PTX3 and CRP are useful markers of cardiovascular risk in OSA.
A novel interleukin 36 gamma for diagnosing and differentiating malignant from infectious pleural effusion
Authors: Amin Nashwa A. , Mohamed Asmaa E. , Wahdan , Shimaa M.E. , Ramadan Amira E. , Mohammed Shimaa M. , Abd-Elraouf Marwa S.E. , Diab Kout A.M. 
Published: October 2024

Background
Pleural effusions can be caused by various diseases, making their diagnosis challenging. Light’s criteria are often used to distinguish transudative and exudative effusions. Exudative effusions have a more complex etiology, including parapneumonic, tuberculous, and malignant effusion.

Objectives
The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and sensitivity of Interleukin 36 gamma (IL-36γ) as a diagnostic marker for differentiating between malignant and infectious pleural effusions.

Methods
The study involved 100 patients with pleural effusion. Patients were categorized into five groups based on their final diagnosis. An ELISA technique was used to quantitatively measure the levels of pleural fluid IL-36γ.

Results
The results showed that pleural IL-36γ levels were higher in tuberculous pleural effusion compared with malignant, transudative, and uncomplicated pleural effusion. In contrast, pleural IL-36γ levels were higher in complicated pleural effusion compared with tuberculous, malignant, transudative, and uncomplicated pleural effusion.

Conclusion
Based on the study’s findings, it was concluded that pleural IL-36γ is a novel biomarker that can be used to diagnose and differentiate malignant pleural effusion from infectious pleural effusion.
Contribution of QuantiFERON TB gold in tube to the diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy: a monocentric prospective study
Authors: Yahiaoui Rachida , Ketfi Abdelbassat , Meçabih Fethi , Hakem Djennette , Ramdani Nadjia , Amrane Rabah 
Published: October 2024

Introduction
The diagnosis of tuberculous (TB) pleurisy remains difficult because of its paucibacillary character. Several authors have studied the usefulness of interferon gamma release assays in the early diagnosis of TB pleurisy, whereas these tests are designed for the detection of latent TB infection.
Our objective is to study the performance and clinical relevance of QuantiFERON TB Gold in Tube (QFT-GIT) in the diagnosis of TB pleurisy in Algeria.

Patients and methods
QFT-GIT was tested in vitro in serum and pleural fluid on a prospective recruitment of 158 immunocompetent patients with pleural effusion.

Results
Of the 158 cases of pleurisy identified, 84 (53.84%) were TB, diagnosed and proven by conventional methods, and 72 (46.15%) were non-TB, of whom 67 (93%) were confirmed of neoplastic origin, five (7%) secondary to a systemic disease and two of nonspecific inflammatory origin. Our results showed a high pleural sensitivity of QFT-GIT (97.62%) compared to serum sensitivity (80.95%). In contrast, serum specificity (83.78%) was higher than pleural specificity (72.97%).
When we used the optimal values from the receiver operation characteristics curve analysis, the area under the curve of interferon-gamma produced by the QFT-GIT test was significantly higher in the pleural fluid than in the blood. Area under the curve of TB antigen interferon-gamma response was 92, 18 [95% confidence interval (CI)=87.56–96.79], nil tube was 95.71% (95% CI=92.43–99), and mitogen tube was 65.34 (95% CI=57.71–72.98).

Conclusion
QFT-GIT in pleural fluid appears in our study as a useful test for the diagnosis of TB pleurisy, but its diagnostic accuracy needs to be validated in further large-scale research.
Assessment of endobronchial chemotherapy in patients with bronchogenic carcinoma
Authors: Elsaidy Ibrahim M. , Abdel Dayem Aya M. , Abd Elfattah Nevine M. , Diab Haytham S. , Saad Amr S. 
Published: October 2024

BackgroundMalignant airway obstruction is commonly found in patients with lung cancer and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Relieving malignant obstruction may improve symptoms, quality of life, and life expectancy. The aim of the present work is to determine the efficacy of endobronchial intratumoral injection of 5-Fluorouracil as a chemotherapeutic agent in palliative care for patients with inoperable nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Patients and methodsA total of 30 patients diagnosed as inoperable advanced-stage NSCLC were included into this randomized prospective controlled comparative study and divided into two groups (group A: 15 patients received the conventional sessions of systemic chemotherapy only and group B: 15 patients received the conventional sessions of systemic chemotherapy in addition to two to three sessions of local endobronchial intratumoral chemotherapy using 5-fluorouracil). Patient characteristics, histology, airways infiltrated with the tumor, performance status, treatment cycles, complications, and therapeutic outcomes were evaluated. Tumor response was analyzed based on bronchoscopic evaluation performed on completion of the final treatment session.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the total objective response between patients who used systemic chemotherapy alone for treatment of advanced NSCLC and those who used systemic chemotherapy in addition to sessions of local chemotherapy using 5-fluorouracil that was injected intratumorally through bronchoscopy in multiple sessions.ConclusionWe concluded that endobronchial intratumoral chemotherapy using 5-fluorouracil is not an effective promising treatment approach for palliative treatment of patients with advanced malignant endobronchial NSCLC.
Assessing the Physical and Clinical Characteristics of a New Adjustable Compression Wrap: Insights from a Single-center Pilot Study in India
Authors: Jindal Ravul , Benigni Jean-Patrick , Uhl Jean-Francois , Jindal Kush , Filori Pascal , Jain Nityanand 
Published: October 2024

Introduction:
Adjustable wraps are a revolutionary avenue in compression therapy because of their ease of application and removal, as well as their ability to be manipulated and readjusted, particularly in older adult patients with leg ulcers.

Methods:
We analyzed the physical and clinical features of a new adjustable wrap marketed by Vein Care, India. Hirai leg was used to demonstrate the stiffness of the wrap, followed by validation on five healthy male participants. Next, we conducted a pilot clinical study to assess the effect of wearing the wrap for 4 h on volume reduction in seven patients with open leg venous ulcers.

Results:
The Vein Care Calf Compression Wrap® functioned similarly to a short stretch bandage, which we demonstrated through the tests performed on Hirai’s leg and on healthy participants. In the pilot clinical study, following 4 h of application, a statistically significant decrease in total leg volume (median 34.5 cc; P = 0.018) was observed. Moreover, a significant decrease in volume at the calf level compared to the lower leg (P = 0.038) was noticed. However, no significant correlations were found in volumetric reduction with age or body mass index. The wrap posed challenges in applying pressure exceeding 40 mmHg due to its unique composition, stretch, and stiffness properties. This characteristic is especially significant for patients with diabetic or mixed arteriovenous ulcers (ankle–brachial index >0.5 and <0.8).

Conclusions:
The wrap’s clinical utility and effectiveness necessitate additional clinical trials and studies with a greater number of patients from diverse demographics.
Reliable Landmarks for Common Femoral Artery Cannulation: Femoral Head or Inguinal Skin Crease?
Authors: Beyranvand Mohammad Reza , Piranfar Mohammad Asadpour , Sheibani Mehdi , Tajabadi Sara Nasiri , Manhoobi Hootan 
Published: October 2024

Context:
Angiography catheterization through the femoral artery (FA) carries risks of vascular complications. The optimal site for puncture is above the common FA bifurcation (CFAB) and below the inferior epigastric artery.

Aims:
This study aims to assess the relationship of the inguinal skin crease with the position of the femoral head and the CFAB.

Settings:
From March 2014 to March 2015, this study was conducted in a single center.

Materials and Methods:
Patients above 18 years were eligible for coronary angiography through the trans-FA. The FA cannulation was carried out using an 18G needle. A contrast medium was injected to visualize the common FA (CFA), the CFAB, and the inferior epigastric artery. A reference point was placed tangent to the inguinal skin crease.

Results:
There were 185 patients, with a mean age of 61.47 ± 8.95 years, and 53.2% were men. CFAB was inferior to the midline of the femoral head in 94.6% of patients and, in relation to the inguinal skin crease, was inferior, equal, and superior in about one-third of patients; the position of the inguinal skin crease was inferior to the midline of the femoral head in 98.1%. The position of the inferior epigastric artery was superior to the femoral head in all patients. There was no significant difference based on gender or body mass index comparison.

Conclusions:
Because femoral head fluoroscopy is less commonly used as a landmark for a puncture during FA cannulation, the inguinal skin crease may be an applicable point for CFA puncture.
Reshaping Arteriotomy at the Corners Eases End-to-side Anastomosis: Results and Description of S-shaped Arteriotomy Technique
Authors: Dabas Ajay Kumar , Biswas Brijesh Kanti , Jha Manvendu , Gupta Aditya , Kadian Abhishek , Mishra Makrand , Pateriya Mohit 
Published: October 2024

Background:
End to side anastomosis (ESA) poses difficulty at corners in small calibre vessels. S shaped arteriotomy (SSA) overcomes this.

Aims:
This study presents the results of SSA and explains the concept involved.

Settings and Design:
It is an observational study with retrospective analysis.

Methods and Material:
SSA coverts a narrow V at the corners into a broader U which pry open the edges. Altered dynamics acting on arterial wall result in this. SSA was utilised for carrying out arteriovenous fistulas [radio- cephalic and brachio-cephalic arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs)] and crural bypasses. The patency of AVFs was determined by doppler and / or ability to carry out successful dialysis. Crural bypass were followed by doppler and/ or CT angiography for patency.

Statistical Analysis Used:
Results are presented as a descriptive analysis.

Results:
One hundred ESAs were done. This included sixty- five radio cephalic AVFs, twenty brachio-cephalic AVFs and fifteen femoro-crural bypasses. The mean diameter of the radial artery was 1.97 +/- 0.24mm; while the average diameter of brachial artery was 3.3 +/- 0.43mm; and that of crural arteries was 2.4 +/- 0.43mm. Twelve radio cephalic AVFs thrombosed, but rest of AVFs matured with a mean follow up of 6 months. The total follow up for crural bypasses was 21 months. The cumulative patency rate was 100 percent at 10 months and 82% at 21 months.

Conclusions:
SSA helps in better visualising of the corners and facilitates ESA with satisfactory results. This happens due to redistribution of forces acting on the arterial wall.
Hexokinase Domain Containing 1 (HKDC1) Gene Variants and Their Association With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: A Mini-Review
Authors: Kanthimathi Sekar , Popova Polina , Mohan Viswanathan , Hannah Wesley , Anjana Ranjit Mohan , Radha Venkatesan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the most common metabolic disorder during the gestational period. Maternal glucose metabolism differs significantly from nonpregnant levels during pregnancy, with increased insulin resistance being the main physiological response. Maternal glucose levels during pregnancy, have a significant impact on the development of early and long-term metabolic health of the offspring. Therefore, a better understanding of the GDM pathophysiology is needed. Hexokinase domain containing 1 (HKDC1) gene was discovered as a gene related to glucose metabolism during pregnancy compared with nongravid state. HKDC1 plays a critical role in glucose homeostasis during pregnancy. Haplotypes of HKDC1 genetic variants associated with 2-h plasma glucose (2hPG) in pregnancy, disrupt regulatory element activity, thereby reducing HKDC1 expression in different tissues. The association of HKDC1 variants with gestational diabetes and 2hPG was investigated in several ethnic groups. These studies suggested that HKDC1 plays a more important role in glucose metabolism during pregnancy than outside of it and also demonstrated that while GDM and type 2 diabetes mellitus have many similarities, there are differences in at least one underlying pathway. This review focuses on the findings of the genetic studies on HKDC1 and GDM.
SDG: Consumer's Perception Towards Herbal/Organic Products with Respect to Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Muthuswamy Vimala Venugopal , Manoharan Keerthana 
Published: October 2024

Objective: This study would help to clarify the perceptions of Indian consumers of organic/herbal products and Sustainable Development Goal. It examines how consumers perceive several elements that were discovered during focus group talks for upcoming research projects by academics and researchers. Additionally, it will support research on the impact of buying herbal products, particularly among the targeted population categories. An attempt has been made by the researcher to study the perception of consumer on herbal products on various parameters like buying behavior, attitude and awareness to make sure of SDG.

Method: The study is descriptive, based on sample survey. And has been carried out on empirical level and it is based on the interview schedule method. Data on the personal and professional backgrounds of the sample respondents, as well as their degree of awareness, attitude, and happiness with herbal products, were gathered through the interview schedule. The instrument used to collect the data is a well-structured questionnaire which is incorporated with items measuring socio-economic status, awareness about herbal products, attitudes and perception towards herbal products and factors influencing the purchase of herbal products. The sampling technique is Simple Random sampling and the sample size is 420. The data were analyzed by using Statistical tools such as, Descriptive statistics, Frequency Distribution Analysis, Reliability and Item analysis, Cross tabulation analysis with Chi-square test, Independent sample t-test, Canonical Correlation Analysis, One way ANOVA (F test). Principle Component Factor Analysis, Rank Analysis and Regression.

Results: It was discovered that the frequency of purchasing herbal goods and the brand that was purchased were significantly influenced by socioeconomic characteristics such as gender, age, education, employment, and marital status. This correlation between the socioeconomic factors and herbal product purchasing suggests that marketers should consider tailoring their products and approaches based on the target audience’s demographics
Impact of HRM Practices on Employees Performance on SDG in Pharmaceutical Companies
Authors: Naik Srimati , Melo Filipe Rodrigues e 
Published: October 2024

Purpose: The main aim of the study is to examine the impact of HRM practices on employee performance in Pharmaceutical companies in Goa. In addition to this, the study also focuses on Human Resource Management Practices and Firms’ Performance in Pharmaceutical Industry. Additionally, it focuses on HRM Practices and it’s Impact on Employee Satisfaction in the pharmaceutical industry. Lastly, the study examines the effect of Human Resource Management Practices on Job Satisfaction.

Theoretical framework: Goa has become a major pharmaceutical hub, with over 30 major companies establishing operations there. They use state-of-the-art equipment and technology in their facilities and export their items to countries all over the globe.
Design/methodology/approach: The study is secondary.

Findings: While this list is by no means exhaustive, some representative names include Cipla, Watson, Whyte, Teva, Lupin Abbott, Indoco, Ranbaxy, Merck, etc. Goa's current annual exports of over Rs. 10,000 crores have been anticipated by a number of experts to increase dramatically to well over Rs. 20,000 crores by 2020.

Research, Practical & Social implications: Examining the impact of human resource management (HRM) practises on employee performance within pharmaceutical companies located in Goa offers a valuable contribution to the current scholarly understanding.

Originality/value: The study titled "The Influence of Human Resource Management Practises on Employee Performance in the Pharmaceutical Sector in Goa, India" is distinguished by its unique emphasis on the pharmaceutical industry within the specific geographical setting of Goa.
Tax Aggressiveness: A Review of the Interaction of Independent Commissioners and Firm Size in the Context of Indonesia Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Susanto Yulius Kurnia , Taqi Muhamad , Soleha Nurhayati , Muchlish Munawar 
Published: October 2024

Objective: The study conducted empirical testing of the independent commissioners can decrease tax aggressiveness. Independent commissioners are part of corporate governance. In addition, there are differences in the influence of the independent commissioners on tax aggressiveness between large and small companies.

Theoretical Framework: The study uses agency theory. Agency theory assumes that each individual has their own interests that motivate them, resulting in a conflict of interest between taxpayers and tax collectors. The difference in research results on the effect of the independent commissioners on tax aggressiveness raises contextual variables. The contextual variable used is firm size.

Methods: The study used manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2020 to 2022. The sample selection used is based on research criteria. The test used is moderation regression analysis.

Results: The study is to support the hypothesis stating that there is an interaction effect between the independent commissioners and firm size on tax aggressiveness. The larger the firm size, the weaker the negative influence of the independent commissioners on tax aggressiveness.

Contribution: This research is expected to contribute to the government to increase revenue from income tax. The government can review the rules regarding the independent commissioners in overseeing management, especially in large companies. Large companies are more likely to carry out tax aggressiveness in the hope of achieving sustainable development goals.

Originality/Value: The novelty of this research is that it raises firm size as a moderator of the relationship between the independent commissioners and tax aggressiveness.