bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validating the Consistency and Quality of “Vaankumari Legiyam” A Classical Siddha Polyherbal Formulation Through Advanced Analytical Methods
Authors: Dash Sujit 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Among Siddha's internal medicine dosage forms, "Legiyam" stands out as a widely recognized medicinal confectionary. This preparation involves heating decoctions, juices, milk, and sugar to form a syrupy consistency. Drug powders and other ingredients are added, and the mixture is cooled before incorporating ghee and honey. "Vaankumaria legiyam," a classic Siddha polyherbal formulation in confectionary form, contains various herbal ingredients known for addressing numerous health concerns, including digestion, diabetes, and skin issues.Commercially available formulations often lack proper standardization, leading to safety and efficacy concerns. In this context, the present study aims to prepare an in-house Siddha formulation using standard raw materials outlined in the Siddha Pharmacopoeia of India. Comparative phytochemical studies was conducted using modern analytical techniques such as AAS, FTIR, HPTLC, and GCMS. The Vaankumari legiyam formulations were tested for heavy metals and trace elements, revealing concentrations below regulatory limits. High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analyzed the phytochemical profile, confirming the product's authenticity. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) identified and quantified volatile organic compounds, confirming the in-house preparation's reproducibility in capturing aromatic and volatile constituents. These tests confirmed the product's safety for human consumption.The current research has shed light on the potential phytoconstituents responsible for the formulations’ claimed therapeutic effects and facilitates quality assessment. The comprehensive analysis of both marketed and in-house formulations of Vaankumari legiyam through various techniques, including phytochemical, physicochemical, AAS, HPTLC, FTIR, and GCMS, has demonstrated consistent and equal results.
Global Competence Behavior: Exploring the Relevance of Students' Scientific Literacy, related Attitudes, and Values - Evidence from PISA 2018 across 52 Countries
Authors: Kastorff Tamara , Moser Stephanie , Heine Jörg Henrik , Kauertz Alexander 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Global competence behavior is increasingly recognized as essential for individuals to navigate diverse perspectives, communicate effectively across cultures, and contribute responsibly to global sustainability and collective well-being. This competence involves sustainable and cultural awareness, ethical judgment, and interacting respectfully. Despite its critical importance, recent international assessments like the 2018 PISA study reveal that students often do not demonstrate global competence behavior regularly. This study, which employs a meta-analytical approach guided by the well-established theory of planned behavior, explores factors influencing global competence behavior by examining attitudes, values, and scientific literacy among N = 399,321 students across N = 52 countries, using data from the 2018 PISA assessment. The analyses highlight the significant roles of students' attitudes toward behavior and their perceived behavioral control over engaging in global competent behaviors. Furthermore, the results underscore the potential benefits of prioritizing global competence behavior in educational systems. The results further shed light on the importance of behavioral intention concerning global competence. The study, therefore, call for educational systems to prioritize holistic goals that embed global competence within curricular frameworks, aligning with evolving international educational standards. Future research should focus on developing and implementing strategies to effectively integrate global competence into education, preparing students to meet the demands of an interconnected world.
Afforestation in West Africa: potential benefits and trade-offs on regional climate extremes
Authors: SY Souleymane , Arnault Joel , Bliefernicht Jan , Quesada Benjamin , Duveiller Gregory , Seydou Abdel Nassirou Yahaya , Oussou Francis Enagnon , Olusegun Christiana Funmilola , Fersch Benjamin , Rummler Thomas , Sawadogo Windmanagda , Laux Patrick , Kunstmann Harlad 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

West Africa is currently experiencing extensive agricultural intensification associated with rapid population growth. Those anthropogenic land use and land-cover changes (LULCC) can have significant impacts at regional and seasonal scales but also for extreme weather events, posing high vulnerability to human, natural, and economic systems. However, the effects of LULCC on extreme events in West Africa remain largely unexplored at the regional scale, lacking consensus. Here, for the first time, we employ high-resolution LULCC experiments (at 3 km resolution, spanning 2012-2022) performed with the fully coupled atmosphere-hydrology WRF-Hydro system (i.e. Weather Research and Forecasting model fully coupled with version 5.2 of the WRF-Hydro hydrological module) to investigate the potential impacts of LULCC (deforestation and afforestation scenarios) on regional climate extremes in the West African Savannas region. Analyzing 18 extreme weather indices, we find that deforestation significantly affects temperature extremes, though with modest average impacts (<3%), consistently impacting regional rainfall extremes ~2 times more than mean rainfall conditions while significantly increasing drought duration. Our findings also reveal contrasting regional biophysical responses to afforestation concerning temperature extremes: converting grassland to evergreen forests tends to mitigate the biophysical warming effect, reducing extreme heat indices through enhanced plant transpiration from largely increased canopy foliage. Conversely, converting grassland to savanna may intensify extreme heat events due to the albedo-induced warming effect and increased downward longwave radiation, resulting in more absorption of shortwave radiation by the surface. This work emphasizes the necessity of fully coupled modeling frameworks that integrate all aspects of LULCC and the potential local positive feedback between the terrestrial hydrological system and the overlying atmosphere to improve the evaluation of land-based mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Biosimilar drug lag and evolution in Malaysia: A retrospective analysis of regulatory approvals
Authors: Hoang Nguyen Thao My , Fatokun Omotayo , Farrukh Muhammad Junaid 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The availability of biosimilars has the potential to increase patient access to affordable biological treatments. However, a delay in national regulatory approval after global approval remains a concern, potentially impeding timely patient access. This study assessed the drug lag for biosimilars approved in Malaysia relative to the European Union (EU) and examined the evolution of biosimilar approvals in Malaysia between 4 August 2008 and 31 August 2023. The median biosimilar approval lag in Malaysia was 800 days (95% CI 398.57-1201.43). Over the study period, 18 INN biosimilars in 38 different brands were approved in Malaysia, with a majority (76.3%) of brand approvals occurring between 2016 and 2023. The number of brand approvals ranged from one to four per INN biosimilar, with a median of 2 (IQR = 1–3). The median time lag between the first and second biosimilar brand approvals was 608 days (IQR = 266–866), while that between the second and third brand approvals was 119.50 days (IQR = 50.25–1442.25). There was a notable drug lag for biosimilar approvals in Malaysia, but recent years showed an increasing trend in biosimilar brand approvals. Streamlined regulatory processes are essential to enhancing biosimilar availability and accessibility in Malaysia.
Evaluation of Radiological Risk Hazards in Sediments and Selected Streams Around Kalulushi and Kitwe Towns
Authors: SHABA PHILLIMON , Hayumbu Patrick , Maseka Kenneth K. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Mining operations in the uraniferous Copperbelt Province of the Katanga Basin have raised significant environmental and health concerns, primarily due to the generation of waste during copper and cobalt extraction processes. Kitwe town heavily relies on the Kafue River for its domestic water supply. However, there has been a lack of studies measuring the levels of natural radionuclides in several tributaries of the Kafue River, namely, the Fikondo Stream, Mindolo Stream, Kitwe Stream, and Mwambashi River. This study utilized gamma-ray spectrometry to assess the presence of radionuclides, specifically radium-226, thorium-232, and potassium-40, in sediments and water near Kitwe and Kalulushi in the Copperbelt Province. The results indicated varying concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in sediments and water, ranging from 51.8 to 104.6 Bq/kg and 1.7 to 28.5 Bq/l, respectively, in sediments, and 43.1 to 72.2 Bq/kg and 0 to 1.3 Bq/l, respectively, in water. These concentrations were compared to permissible limits set by the UNSCEAR and WHO. The study revealed that all three primordial radionuclides exhibited greater activity in sediment samples than in water samples, except for specific instances. The activity of 226Ra exceeded the WHO limits in most cases, while 232Th and 40K were generally greater in all stream samples. To assess the radiological hazard posed by natural radioactivity, various parameters, such as the radius equivalent, absorbed dose rate, absorbed equivalent dose, internal hazard index, external hazard index, and excess lifetime cancer risk, were calculated for the study sites and materials.
Radiological and Surgical Evaluation of Lung Abscesses
Authors: AlZerkly Mouayad Mohammed Khaled , Mardine Heba 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

A lung abscess is a pulmonary lesion characterized by central suppuration and necrosis in the lung parenchyma, leading to lung parenchyma damage and the formation of one or more large cavities. It is a well-defined area containing pus or necrotic debris within the lung tissue, resulting in a cavity formation, and after the formation of a bronchopleural fistula, an air-fluid level forms inside the cavity. This study was a retrospective study analyzing patients from Damascus hospitals (specifically Al-Mouwasat Hospital, Damascus). The files of patients diagnosed with pulmonary abscess were reviewed, going back three years from the year 2021/2022/2023. With the knowledge and approval obtained from the University Deanship. Comparison of CT and plain chest X-ray by time of symptoms to appear The time period from clinical symptoms until the appearance of radiological signs on CT is less than a month, 87%, and on plain chest X-ray, 65%.A section of the sample of pulmonary abscess patients diagnosed with Corona and it was considered a complication. Patients were 25 persons, which represents 17.3% of the sample. The was as a lump or cavity with thick, irregular walls and the formation of a gaseous fluid in all patients 100%. Upon follow-up and application of treatment, the abscess was characterized by its chronic development and slow response to antibiotics. By observing patients, we found that in patients who received drug treatment, radiological monitoring was carried out as the size of the abscess decreased: (within 6 weeks in 60%, within 8 weeks in 20%, within 10 weeks in 20%), while in patients in whom the abscess was ruptured and surgically removed, The CT image is close to normal within 2–3 weeks in most patients. Cases refractory to treatment and lack of drug response occurred in 23% of patients. There were also cases of recurrence, where the abscess recurred after applying drug treatment in 15%, and the abscess burst in 2%. The death rate is 5%, most of them were infected with other dangerous diseases such as Corona and kidney failure.
Integrating multiple sequence information for identifying blood brain barrier peptides
Authors: Zou Hongliang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Peptides capable of penetrating the blood-brain barrier (BBB) have shown promise as potential drugs for treating diseases of the central nervous system. Recently, there has been growing interest in studying these BBB peptides (BBPs). In this study, we developed a computational model to effectively distinguish between BBPs and non-BBPs. Our model incorporated three different types of sequence features, and we utilized the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm to eliminate irrelevant and redundant features. The selected features were then used to train a support vector machine for accurate classification of BBPs and non-BBPs. During the jackknife test, our proposed method achieved classification accuracies of 82.67% and 87.37% on the training and independent testing dataset, respectively. Our approach outperformed state-of-the-art predictors when compared to existing tools used for predicting BBPs.
Quality of Life after Brain Injury in Children aged six and seven years (QOLIBRI-KIDDY) – development and scale analysis of the first disease-specific self-report instrument for young children after traumatic brain injury
Authors: von Steinbuechel Nicole , Zeldovich Marina , Bockhop Fabian , Krenz Ugne , Timmermann Dagmar , Buchheim Anna , Koerte Inga K. , Bonfert Michaela Veronika , Berweck Steffen , Kieslich Matthias , Brockmann Knut , Roediger Maike , Greving Sven , Neu Axel , Wartemann Ulrike , Suss Joachim , Auer Christian , Muehlan Holger , Cunitz Katrin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

To date, there are no age-appropriate instruments for assessing the subjective impact of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) sequelae on multiple domains of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in young children. The present study therefore aims to develop and examine the psychometric properties of a new disease-specific HRQoL instrument, the Quality of Life after Brain Injury for children aged 6–7 years (QOLIBRI-KIDDY). Questionnaire development included focus group interviews, cognitive debriefings, and Delphi expert panels. The pilot version of the instrument was tested in 72 children. After item reduction based on a confirmatory scale analysis considering the six-factor structure of the questionnaire versions for older children, adolescents, and adults (Cognition, Self, Daily Life & Autonomy, Social Relationships, Emotions, Physical Problems), its reliability and validity were investigated. The final version of the QOLIBRI-KIDDY comprises 23 items. Internal consistency was satisfactory (ɑ = 0.49–0.72; ω = 0.57– 0.78). Results for construct validity suggested the expected overlap between generic HRQoL and TBI-specific HRQoL constructs (r = 0.17–0.36). There were small (r > 0.2) to moderate (r > 0.3) correlations between lower TBI-specific HRQoL and participants with lower learning rates, anxiety, depression, and post-concussion symptoms, particularly on the Cognition, Social Relationships, Emotions, and Physical Problems scales. The comparison of known groups revealed moderate and significant effects for lower HRQoL in children with depressive symptoms on the Emotions scale (d = -0.46) and with post-concussion symptoms on the Cognition (d = -0.42) and Social Relationships scales (d = -0.56). The QOLIBRI-KIDDY is a comprehensive, yet economical tool, comparable in content and items to the other age-adapted QOLIBRI versions. Its application has the potential to provide longitudinal data on subjects after TBI from childhood to older age, with a subjective perspective that can contribute to improving the therapy, rehabilitation, and daily life of young children.
Effectiveness of Neuroimaging Modalities in the Detection of Acute Neurological Disorders in the Emergency Department: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shaban Ahmed , Shaban Eman E. , Shaban Amira , Elboraay Toka , Elgassim Mohamed , Fadul Khalid Y , Abdelrahim Mohamed Gafar , Zaki Hany A. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background Emergency department (ED) physicians often encounter patients presenting symptoms related to neurological disorders. However, due to the variation in imaging modalities, it is difficult for physicians to ascertain the most appropriate modality for diagnosis. Therefore, the present meta-analysis was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of various neuroimaging modalities in the detection of acute neurological disorders, with a focus on acute stroke and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).Methods PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were searched for records published until May 2024. Studies published in English and evaluating patients presented for emergency assessment of symptoms related to stroke or SAH were included. Moreover, Quality assessment was performed using the QUADAS-2, and statistical analyses were performed with STATA version 16 software.Results 19 studies (14 focused on acute stroke and 5 on SAH) were included in the final analysis. The pooled analysis showed that Diffusion-weighted image (DWI), computed tomography perfusion (CTP), non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT), and conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) had an overall sensitivity of 91%, 68%, 44%, and 61%, and an overall specificity of 93%, 91%, 90%, and 97%, respectively in the diagnosis of acute stroke. On the other hand, the pooled analysis indicated that CT has an overall sensitivity and specificity of 95% and 100% in diagnosing SAH.Conclusion DWI was more sensitive than NCCT, conventional MRI, and CTP in diagnosing acute stroke. Furthermore, CT was highly sensitive in diagnosing SAH, especially when performed within 6 hours of symptom onset. However, lumbar puncture is still required after a negative CT because there have been a few false negatives.
Escherichia coli isolated from raw cow milk at selected collection centres in Bushenyi district, Western Uganda: A potential risk to human health
Authors: Yashim Blessing J.S. , Ssajjakambwe Paul , Ntulume Ibrahim , Pius Theophilus 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Escherichia coli are known as commensal bacteria in the digestive tract of animals. It is an indicator of faecal contamination when detected in milk, and may be a sign of defective hygiene practices along the processing points. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, characterization, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Escherichia coli isolated from raw cow milk at selected milk collection centers. The overall prevalence of E. coli in raw milk was 26.7%. The prevalence in the three areas was; Nyakabirizi (42%), Ishaka TC (30%), and Bushenyi TC (10%) with a p-value of 0.022, which is statistically significant to p < 0.05, and the posthoc test also showed a significant difference with Nyakabirizi. Of the 23 isolates, 91.3% were susceptible to both chloramphenicol and Nalidixic acids. Resistance was observed with Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (47%), Ampicillin (39.1%), and Tetracycline (30.4%). Molecular characterization indicated one sample was positive for the H7 flagella gene after PCR and sequencing.
Understanding Public Support for Juneteenth as a Federal Holiday
Authors: Martínez Iván Flores , Eremionkhale Amy , Zhou Wendy 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the factors influencing public support of Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday in the United States. Leveraging the Affect, Behavior, and Cognition (ABC) model, we uncover nuanced relationships that shape individual policy attitudes by adding family and community traditions to the model. Our findings show that positive beliefs, emotions, and preferences for celebrating with family or friends increase support, while negative perceptions, commercialization of the holiday, and conservatism decrease it. Polarization perceptions reduced support, but only for the general population. Interestingly, our findings reveal that family traditions of celebrating Juneteenth during childhood have varying effects across different racial groups, with a significant interaction between cognitive inputs and family traditions among African Americans. By considering cultural, cognitive, and emotional dimensions, this study contributes to the understanding of public sentiment toward historical event recognition and provides guidance for promoting unity and appreciation of Juneteenth’s significance. This pioneering research lays the foundation for future studies exploring the dynamics of public support for commemorating historical events and advancing social justice through public policy.
Prevalence of Hypomagnesaemia among Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction and its Correlation to Intra-hospital Complications
Authors: Taha Mohammed Mohammed , Azhary Ayman , Alkhatim Waleed Azhary Sir , Daoud Mahmoud H.S. , Mohmed Mohmed Hussien Ahmed , Idris Maali Yousif Mustafa , Mukhtar Musab Mohammed Ali Ahmed , Saeed Sumaia Ali Mohamed , Ahmed Abdalla Mohamed Abdalla 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Magnesium (Mg) has recognized cardio-protective properties, and hypomagnesemia is common in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Low serum magnesium has been implicated in cardiovascular mortality, but results are conflicting and the pathophysiology is unclear.
Objective:To determine the prevalence and effects of hypomagnesemia in patients with AMI.
Method:A cross-sectional study enrolled 100 patients with acute myocardial infarction admitted to MadaniHeart Centre (MHC) in Sudan. Through one year, demographic data, clinical data (presenting complains, medical history, and medication history), laboratory examination, electrocardiography (ECG) findings, and echocardiography findings were collected. Serum magnesium was measured for all participants, and hypomagnesemia was defined as serum magnesium less than 2.4 mg/dl.
Results: Among 100 patients, 55 (55%) were females and 45 (45%) were males, and the mean age was 60.2±13.0 years. Chest pain (n = 92; 92%) was the major presenting complaint; in addition, DM (n = 50; 50%) and hypertension (n = 50; 50%) were the commonest cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among patients. The mean of magnesium was 2.1±0.4 mg/dl, and hypomagnesemia was found in 10 (10%) patients. Inelectrocardiography, 14 (14%) patients had arrhythmia as RBBB in 4 (4%), SVT in 4 (4%), LBBB in 3 (3%), AF-RVR in 2 (2%) and VT in one (1%) patient (p value = 0.016). 98 (98%) patients were normally discharged, while unfortunately two patients died (2%); both have a high magnesium level.
Conclusion:The frequency of hypomagnesemia among acute myocardial infarction patients was high, with significant association to development of arrhythmias (mainly supraventricular tachycardia) and hypomagnesemia had no significant role as a predictor for prognosis and mortality.