bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Truenat Mycobacterium tuberculosis with line probe assay for the diagnosis of rifampicin resistance and mutation pattern of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Kumar Pratik , Toppo Amardeepak , Lal Roshan , Pradhan Sagarika , Bhardwaj Puneet 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background:
There is an increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB)/preextensively drug-resistant TB (XDR TB) and XDR TB globally. Therefore, rapid diagnostic tests with good sensitivity and specificity are need of hour. Truenat Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is one such test which gives results in 1–2 h and can withstand a variety of environmental conditions.

Objective:
The objective of this study was to compare Truenat MTB with line probe assay (LPA) for the diagnosis of rifampicin resistance and to study the mutation pattern of MTB.

Materials and Methods:
A comparative record-based study was carried out among 325 patients with multidrug-resistant TB. Sputum samples for pulmonary TB and appropriate site samples for extrapulmonary TB were obtained and tested with Truenat-MTB and LPA. A comparison between results obtained by Truenat-MTB and LPA was done. Based on first-line-LPA and second-line-LPA, gene mutation pattern was studied.

Results:
Males (69.2%) were more than females (30.8%). 30–49 (34.5%) years of age were most commonly affected. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of Truenat MTB compared to LPA were 82.86%, 93.45%, 60.41%, and 97.83%, respectively. The most common gene mutation observed was katG MUT1 in 59 cases. This was followed by rpoB MUT1 in three cases, rpoB MUT2A in two cases, rpoB MUT2B in four cases, and rpoB MUT3 in 12 cases. gyrA mutation was seen in nine cases among which gyrA MUT3A was seen in one case, gyrA MUT3B in one case, and gyrA MUT3C was seen in four cases. Two cases of rrs MUT1 were seen. Five cases of inhA MUT1 were seen.

Conclusion:
Truenat has been found to be economical, less time-consuming, giving fast results, and accurate in the diagnosis of DR-TB. The most common gene mutation observed was katG MUT1 in 59 cases.
Effectiveness of strengthening and stretching exercise along with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques to reduce pain and improve shoulder range of motion in adhesive capsulitis: A literature review
Authors: Evans Evin C. , Priya S. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract:
Adhesive capsulitis (AC) can be defined as a common condition characterized by insidious and gradual inflammation of the glenohumeral joint capsule leading to its contracture and thus resulting in stiffness and loss of shoulder mobility. The disease causes slowly increasing pain and gradually decreasing range of motion (ROM), creating difficulty performing daily activities. Treatments advocated for AC include rehabilitation as the initial conservative measure, anti-inflammatory drugs, intra-articular corticosteroids, capsular distension injections, and surgical interventions The purpose is to review literatures on the effectiveness of strengthening and stretching exercise along with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques to reduce pain and improve shoulder ROM in AC.
Investigating the influence of Bowen technique with retro-walking on hamstring flexibility and dynamic balance in young college-going students
Authors: Pandya Jaydev , Khimani Shyam , Tank Krupa 
Published: October 2024

Abstract:

BACKGROUND:
Hamstring tightness is a common issue affecting individuals, leading to discomfort, pain, and increased risk of injury. The Bowen technique, a gentle myofascial release technique, and retro-walking have been suggested as potential interventions to improve hamstring flexibility and dynamic balance. This study aimed to assess the impact of combining the Bowen technique with retro-walking on hamstring flexibility and dynamic balance in college students.

METHODOLOGY:
A pre–post-experimental study was conducted among 50 college students aged 17–25 years. Participants were randomly allocated to either the experimental group (n = 25) receiving Bowen technique and retro-walking intervention or the control group (n = 25). Hamstring flexibility was assessed using the active knee extension test, and dynamic balance was evaluated using the Y-Balance test. The data were analyzed using paired and unpaired t-tests.

RESULTS:
Intragroup analysis revealed significant improvements in hamstring flexibility and dynamic balance posttreatment in the experimental group (P < 0.05), with no significant changes observed in the control group (P > 0.05). Intergroup analysis demonstrated statistically significant improvements in hamstring flexibility (P < 0.05) and dynamic balance (P < 0.05) between the experimental and control groups postintervention.

DISCUSSION:
The results indicate that the combination of the Bowen technique and retro-walking effectively improves hamstring flexibility and dynamic balance in college students. The Bowen technique likely enhances muscle extensibility and tissue repair, while retro-walking optimizes muscle length utilization and proprioception. These findings underscore the potential utility of these interventions in clinical practice for managing hamstring tightness and improving overall musculoskeletal health.

CONCLUSION:
The integration of the Bowen technique with retro-walking holds promise as a noninvasive and effective approach to enhance hamstring flexibility and dynamic balance in college students.
Positive preoperative cultures but not bacterial species predict postoperative urine culture results after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate
Authors: Doersch Karen M. , Campbell Timothy D. , Li Ashley , Jain Rajat K. , Quarrier Scott O. 
Published: October 2024

Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors associated with positive urine cultures following holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP).

Materials and Methods:
The data from a prospectively maintained database were analyzed to evaluate urine culture results following HoLEP and determine the contribution of predefined variables (age, prostate size, Charlson comorbidity score, surgical time [surrogate for case difficulty], the presence of a catheter preoperatively, postoperative urinary retention, and preoperative positive culture) on urine culture positivity at 60 days postoperatively. Statistical analyses included logistic regression and ANOVA.

Results:
The data from 136 subjects were included in the database and were evaluated at a median of 13.37 ± 6.72 months after their HoLEP. Postoperative positive cultures were noted in 23 subjects (16.91%). Preoperative positive cultures were found to predict positive postoperative urine cultures (odds ratio: 3.78, confidence interval: 1.18–12.78, P = 0.03). However, the preoperative and postoperative results were discordant in 9 of 14 subjects with both positive preoperative and postoperative cultures.

Conclusions:
Positive preoperative cultures were predictive of positive postoperative cultures. However, the pre- and postoperative results were often discordant. Host factors increasing susceptibility to bacteriuria may explain these findings.
Rationale of restaging transurethral resection of bladder tumor in patients with nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer in the current era
Authors: Sharma Amit , Raghavendra R. T. , Biswal Deepak , Yadav Pradhuman , Goel Saryu , Sharma Satyadeo 
Published: October 2024

Background:
We present retrospective data of patients with nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) who underwent restaging transurethral resection of bladder tumor (Re-TURBT) at a tertiary care center.

Materials and Methods:
Records of all NMIBC patients undergoing Re-TURBT between March 2021 and September 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were risk stratified based on TURBT pathology. Re-TURBT was performed between 4 and 6 weeks. Adverse features such as number, size, and appearance were noted. Patients with persistent disease at Re-TURBT were counseled for early cystectomy with urinary diversion or intravesical Bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG). In case of disease upstaging, patients were counseled for radical cystectomy.

Results:
Thirty-eight NMIBC patients (30 males and 8 females) underwent Re-TURBT. Six patients had residual/persistent disease at 6 weeks, all high risk and high grade (HG, P value not significant, P = 0.31). There was no association with number and appearance of tumors with residual/persistence at 6 weeks. The mean lesion size on imaging in cases with and without residual disease was 3.32 ± 0.86 versus 3.39 ± 0.92 cm, respectively, P value not significant (0.868). There was no residual disease in the low-grade (LG) pT1 group, but HG pTa and pT1 (n = 3) had residual disease. Four HG pT1 patients opted for early cystectomy. Two patients each had pT0 and two pT2. At 3 months of follow-up, urethral strictures were seen both in high risk and intermediate risk. Among four patients who had stricture, meatal stenosis was common (50%, n = 2). Two patients had long-segment stricture requiring perineal urethrostomy with stage I Johannsen repair. All HG pT1 lesion patients eventually underwent cystectomy (3 were under staged and two treated completely with TURBT, one with TURBT + BCG and one patient progressed to metastasis).

Conclusion:
Re-TURBT is essential for the management of HG pTa and HG pT1 lesions for accurate staging and treatment of residual disease. However, LG pT1 patients can safely be excluded from Re-TURBT.
The 4-Dimensional Spacetime World Line Image Representation and the Law of Existence of Objects Inferred from it
Authors:   Retired from California State, 1620 Norvell Street, El Cerrito, CA, USA, Wu Yuxiang 
Published: October 2024

MINKOWSKI defined the four-dimensional spacetime model (x, y, z, t) used to represent world-point and world in [1]. The spacetime light cone is an intuitive diagram, compacted one space component and replaced it by time axis, thus the spacetime light cone was based on (x, y, t). In such a way, although it made the visual expression is possible, but also the spacetime light cone exposed shortages as follows •	The spacetime light cone has limited expressive ability •	The relationship between two or more world lines or events cannot be expressed •	Can't express different world lines correctly •	Most images of spacetime light cones are wrong and no use •	The image of spacetime light cone is not intuitive and is obscure in application. Because of this, we designed the 4-dimensional Spacetime World Line image representation. This new 4-dimensional Spacetime diagram presents the complete 3 space dimensions and 1 time dimension. It overcomes the weakness of spacetime light cone, gives clear and precise visual expression of the world line, is able to display multi-world lines in one figure, can clearly present the interface and development process of each of the world line, and display the interaction among them. From the 4-dimensional spacetime diagram, we deducted and proved the Law of Existence of Object, which is as such: From its birth, through its past, to the present, and into the future, an object only exists at the "present" moment.
Cáncer en Quito: análisis de base poblacional de las principales localizaciones, 2015-2019
Authors: Tarupi Wilmer , Abril Andrea , Cabrera Fernando , Imbaquingo Valeria 
Published: October 2024

Introducción: La vigilancia efectiva del cáncer permite comprender su comportamiento a nivel poblacional y orienta a los tomadores de decisiones en la planificación de estrategias de prevención, así como en la evaluación del impacto de sus intervenciones. En este contexto, los Registros de Cáncer de Base Poblacional (RCBP) desempeñan un papel fundamental al generar indicadores epidemiológicos de alta calidad.
Objetivo: Analizar las tasas de incidencia y mortalidad por cáncer en la ciudad de Quito durante el período 2015-2019.
Métodos: Se calcularon las tasas de incidencia y mortalidad estandarizadas por edad utilizando datos del RCBP de Quito.
Resultados: Entre las mujeres, los cánceres más frecuentes son los de tiroides, mama, cérvix, colorrectal y estómago. En los hombres, los tipos de cáncer más frecuentes son los de próstata, estómago, linfomas colorrectal y tiroides. En cuanto a la mortalidad, los cánceres de mama, estómago y cérvix son las principales causas de muerte por cáncer en mujeres, mientras que en hombres, el cáncer de próstata ocupa el primer lugar.
Conclusión: La información quinquenal sobre los indicadores de carga de cáncer presentada por el RCBP de Quito sirve como referencia clave para el monitoreo del cáncer a nivel nacional y como una línea de base esencial para su control.
Dempster Combination Rule-Aided Multi-Sensor Decision-Level-Based Data Fusion in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) over Zero-Trust Security
Authors: Singh Anamika , Kumar Dhanaraj Rajesh , Kumar Sharma Anupam 
Published: October 2024

Data fusion is a process of accommodating data from discrete sources to generate more relevant information with enhanced accuracy and compatibility rather than the data gathered and information produced by the identical or particular source. To achieve better accuracy in the information inferred by the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) system, data fusion is an emerging technology that takes data from different involved devices as input and generates more consistent and accurate information. To safeguard the IIoT data involved in communication foremost is to ensure the authenticity of the devices to block unauthorized access and thus enhance the data confidentiality and data integrity as well. Zero-trust security is thus employed in the IIoT infrastructure to meet the security requirements in question. The proposed approach, Dempster combination rule-aided multi-sensor decision-level-based data fusion (MS-DLDF) in Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) over zero-trust security, breaks down the whole concept into phases – initially, the device authenticity is ensured before entering and accessing the network, next, the device data is then encoded to avoid data theft or breach from any unauthorized device, and lastly, the data fusion algorithm is executed to gather data from multiple sources as input and reach to more appropriate and relevant information as compared to the information inferred from a single source. The proposed MS-DLDF concludes with the outstanding results of the Dempster combination rule with the increased number of sensors in complex networks as compared to the single-source data fusion and Bayesian estimation data fusion with enhanced accuracy by 6%, minimal computation time by 15%, increased precision rate 6%, reduced false positive rate by 31%, and the amplified data confidentiality rate by 2%, respectively.

Received: 23 April 2024 | Revised: 18 June 2024 | Accepted: 22 July 2024

Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to this work.

Data Availability Statement
The IIoT_data that support the findings of this study are openly available at https://data.world/gymprathap/iiot-data.The X-IIoTID datasets that support the findings of this study are openly available at https://data.world/muna-al-hawawreh/industrial-internet-of-thingsintrusion-dataset/workspace/file?filename=X-IIoTID-dataset-new. zip.

Author Contribution Statement
Anamika Singh: Methodology, Software, Writing – original draft, Visualization. Rajesh Kumar Dhanaraj: Conceptualization, Software, Formal analysis, Supervision. Anupam Kumar Sharma: Validation, Writing – review & editing.
Choice of medical speciality: a cross-sectional study of medical students and comparison with existing practice
Authors: Motilal Shastri , Maharaj Reeanna , Bridglal Ranjiv-a , Jaggernauth Ray-Ann , Ramkeessoon Reanna , Libert Rehana , Carmona Rennelle , Roopnarine Reshiva , Burton Reuel 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objective
The objectives of this study were to determine specialty choices, influencing factors, and migration intent among medical students, and to compare this with current specialist practitioners in Trinidad and Tobago (TT).

Methods
A Cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted at the School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of the West Indies, St Augustine Campus, TT. Descriptive statistics were presented for choice of specialty, its predictors, and comparisons with specialists in practice were done.

Results
Overall, 273 (response rate 21.36%) students responded with 73.6% females and an average age of 22.5(SD3.3) The ten most popular responses for specialty of first choice were unsure (9.5%), cardiothoracic surgery (8.7%), general paediatrics (8.7%), general surgery (7.5%), neurosurgery (7.5%), obstetrics and gynaecology (6.7%), cardiology (4.8%), emergency medicine (4.4%), family medicine (4.4%) and orthopaedics (4.4%). The top three factors influencing their choices were, general interest in the field (95.9%), job security (81.3%) and job availability (70.3%), Most respondents (72%) expressed intent to migrate to specialize. Compared to specialist practitioners, significantly more students aspired to do cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, pediatric surgery, and cardiology, while significantly less students chose internal medicine, anaesthesia and critical care, and ophthalmology. (P< 0.05 for all)

Conclusion
A minority of students was uncertain about speciality choice, however most intended to migrate to specialize. A mismatch between student aspirations and current practice was also found. These findings warrant student sensitization to specialties for which there is a need and workplace planning, if we are to retain locally trained doctors.

Keywords: Medical student, specialization, cross-sectional study, postgraduate, Trinidad and Tobago.
O LÚDICO NA EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL: CONCEPÇÕES E PRÁTICASDOCENTES
Authors: Denny Grace Sherley , Mendes Ivanise Nazaré 
Published: October 2024

This article is a section of a Master's Dissertation and aims to analyze how the knowledge of playfulness in early childhood education is contextualized in teachers' pedagogical practices based on the reality of a municipal early childhood education school. The justification is to reevaluate the pedagogical work, seeking to understand that while educators encounter challenges in developing a playful approach with young children, their practice becomes much more expressive and enjoyable for the children’s school experience. A learning environment where playfulness, creativity, and spontaneity prevail becomes far more conducive to learning. The methodological design was non-experimental, descriptive, cross-sectional, with a mixed approach. It was non-experimental because there was no manipulation of variables or comparison groups. The researcher observes what naturally occurs without interfering in any way. It is a descriptive investigation because it aims to describe the characteristics of a certain population or phenomenon or establish relationships between variables. As for the results, we emphasize that, although there was a comparison regarding the teachers’ years of service, it did not influence the findings. What became evident is that both teachers work with the same goal: to motivate the students’ learning processes through playful tools.
PELATIHAN EKSTRAKURIKULER TARI KREASI DALAM MEMBENTUK SIKAP PERCAYA DIRI SISWA OLEH KAMPUS MENGAJAR 7 DI SDN 50 CAKRANEGARA
Authors: Ayunia Nadia , Yulia Rezqiani  
Published: October 2024

Abstrct. Extracurricular dance is a very important activity to build students' self-confidence and sense of responsibility at the 50 Cakranegara State Elementary School. With extracurricular activities, they are able to express themselves through dance movements and musical rhythms so that students' self-confidence can develop. The research method used is the PALS approach (Paraticcipatory action learning system). The data collection was obtained based on observations in grades 4 and 5 as well as notes while in the field. The results of the research showed that children in grades 4 and 5 who took part in dance extracurricular activities and received dance instruction appeared to have a confident attitude. This is demonstrated by several factors, including responsibility and self-confidence. Aspect of self-confidence: students who are always confident and self-confident seem to have a firm stance, drive and joy, which can be seen in every action they take. The ability to fulfill obligations and fulfill commitments is a measure of responsibility. With this creative dance extracurricular, it is hoped that it can foster two aspects, namely confidence in one's abilities and responsibility.
Key Word. Extracurricular, Confidence, Dance Art
A Descriptive Analysis of the Use of Various Therapeutics in a Cohort of COVID-19 Patients and the Influence of Media Coverage
Authors: Mathew Alfred A. , Mensah Barbara , Cravero John C. , Moffatt David C. , Dongre Roshan , Giang Thao K. , Olvera Samantha C. , McLellan Susan L.F. , Levine Corri B. 
Published: October 2024

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) impacted the healthcare system immensely throughout 2020-2022. Treatment practices varied in Texas, as guidelines were in flux. As a result, a variety of therapeutics were used. Many verified medications with scientific basis were trialed, while others were implemented despite a lack of scientific consensus. This study aimed to identify how practice patterns to treat and manage COVID-19 changed over time in a cohort of patients in the University of Texas Medical Branch hospital system.
Methods: Ninety participants with a COVID-19 diagnosis were included in the analysis for this study. Data was collected by a retrospective chart review, and included medications administered before and during current admission. Medications were categorized as: antiviral, antibiotic, steroid, supplement, antibody, hydroxychloroquine, and others.
Results: Differences in therapeutic use were identified based on hospitalization status (outpatient or inpatient) and month admitted. The largest difference in the antiviral remdesivir (78%), requiring intravenous administration for up to ten days. In the outpatient setting, antibiotics, primarily azithromycin, were quite common. Additionally, month-to-month variation in steroid use and antibiotic use was observed.
Conclusion: This study shows that adapting medical guidelines and strong media coverage played a role in the clinical management of COVID-19 patients. At times, some ineffective medications were prescribed such as hydroxychloroquine. Medical leaders and news coverage should collaborate closely in future public health emergencies to prevent the prescription of ultimately ineffective and potentially hazardous treatments.