bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insect cell culture vis-à-vis insect pest control
Authors: Battu Jabez Raju , Somala Karthik , Gummudala Yashaswini , Morthala Shankara Sai Reddy , Ramappa Karthik , Gadde Anil , Negi Nitika 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Insect pests are a major cause for losses in agricultural systems, and it is reported that they alone cause up to 45% loss in annual food production. Alleviating the destructive upheaval caused by these six-legged mortals in the agroecosystems falls within the expansive docket of the scientific coterie. Hence, insects are a subject to many experiments in the laboratories and on fields to understand and evaluate their interactions with their biology, physiology, and behavior so as to develop effective managerial strategies against them. Conventional methods include rearing the insects in the laboratory for experimenting on them, which is a very tiring as well as time-consuming process. How convenient it would be, if there is a way to conduct experiments which are directed specifically toward the tissues of insects, particularly cells.

Main body
The present review presents the immense potential of insect cell cultures in screening the toxicity and mode of action of novel insecticides, physiological studies apart from their ability to produce recombinant proteins through baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) which includes a broad range of molecules ranging from the antibiotics to the vaccines. Also, we bring together the concept of culturing insect cells in vitro and how revolutionary they could be in changing the future of research in burgeoning strategies to tackle the menace of insect pests in agricultural production systems.

Conclusion
A deeper grasp of biology and physiological processes will enable us to create techniques that will improve our arsenal in the fight against food crop insect pests. The advancement in culturing insect cells and their potential in entomological research aimed at developing pest control strategies and also for manufacturing vaccines.
Palliative interatrial septum stenting with a vascular stent in a chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patient: Is it beneficial?
Authors: Putra Swastya Dwi , Prakoso Radityo , Sembiring Aditya Agita , Sakti Damba Dwisepto Aulia , Adiarto Suko , Mangkuanom Arwin Saleh , Kurniawati Yovi 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a serious disease that can progress and lead to a deadly outcome. Despite optimal drug therapy, pulmonary hypertension (PH) remains fatal. Untreatable right heart failure (RHF) from CTEPH is eventually a significant cause of death. However, unloading the right heart and increasing systemic output are the treatment goals in these patients.

Case presentation
A 42-year-old female presented to the emergency department with worsening dyspnea experienced for three days before admission. There were also complaints of leg edema, ascites, orthopnea, and palpitation. Physical examination revealed an attenuated second heart sound, abdominal ascites, and bilateral leg edema. She had a history of frequent readmissions due to RHF despite optimal medical therapy and was diagnosed with CTEPH 5 months ago. It was decided that the patient would undergo interatrial septal (IAS) stenting with a vascular stent of 8 mm × 39 mm × 135 cm. The results were good; her symptoms and signs of RHF improved, and she was eventually discharged from the hospital. Four months after the procedure, the patient was able to engage in physical activities without any limitations.

Conclusions
A palliative IAS stent is one of the choices for intractable RHF management in patients with CTEPH. The vascular stent can be used as an alternative in order to make the interatrial connection more stable and last longer.
Characterization, treatment preferences, and outcomes of 390 Egyptian Graves’ disease patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Elsherbiny Tamer Mohamed 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Graves’ disease is the most common cause of thyrotoxicosis worldwide. Patient characteristics may vary according to ethnicity, iodine status, and age. Studies on characterization of Graves’ disease in Egypt are lacking. The present study aims to report the patient characteristics, as well as treatment preferences and outcomes of Graves' disease patients from Alexandria, Egypt.

Methods
A retrospective review of demographic, biochemical, serological, sonographic, and treatment data of Graves' disease patients attending endocrinology outpatient clinic, Alexandria faculty of medicine, Egypt.

Results
Three hundred ninety patients were included. Females were 75.9%, peak age was 21–40 years representing 53.1%, and family history of thyroid disease was positive in 60% of patients. Overt hyperthyroidism was present in 93.9%, TSH receptor antibodies were positive in 97.1%, and thyro-peroxidase antibodies in 74.8%. Goiter was present in 72.8%, nodularity in 18.4%, and thyroid eye disease in 17.7%. Medical treatment was used in 90% of patients, surgery in 5.4%, and radioiodine in 4.3%. For patients on medical treatment, 17.7% achieved remission, 29% relapsed, and 2.85% developed hypothyroidism.

Conclusion
A typical Graves’ disease patient in Egypt is a middle-aged female with a positive family history of thyroid disease. Overt hyperthyroidism was the most common presentation and goiter was a common sign at presentation. The sensitivity of TRAb’s for diagnosing Graves’ disease was excellent (97.1%). ATD’s was the commonest treatment modality with a remission rate of 17.7% and a relapse rate of 29%.
Alternative medicine - a replacement or an adjunctive for conventional therapy of chronic pain
Authors: Bobrzyk Adrian , Kamińska Weronika , Łyko Grzegorz , Antos Maria , Bator Piotr , Wawryszuk Angelika , Rumian Maciej , Makowska Weronika , Rachwał Krystian 
Published: August 2023

Introduction and purpose:
Many people worldwide suffer from chronic pain. It is a very inconvenient condition on its own, not only an accompanying symptom of other diseases. Conventional drug treatment may be insufficient in some cases or may even cause serious side effects in the long term. In response to this, we aim to demonstrate the diversity of alternative pain management techniques in this review and identify conditions where such techniques may be beneficial to patients.
State of knowledge:
This paper evaluates some of the most common alternative pain management methods (acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, mind body therapies, herbal medicine, music therapy) and their application in specific cases of chronic pain. We also describe the possible mechanisms of action involved in the effectiveness of these techniques, based on contemporary studies.
Summary:
In conclusion, there are conditions where alternative medicine may be beneficial for patients suffering from chronic pain. The studies taken into account showed the best effects for chronic musculoskeletal pain treated with methods such as acupuncture and massage. Mind-body therapies may reduce stress levels and symptoms of depression associated with chronic pain, consequently improving the quality of patients' lives. However, alternative methods should not yet be considered as replacements for conventional drug therapy. More studies are needed to evaluate whether alternative therapies will play a significant role in chronic pain management in the future.
Kombucha - fermented tea rich in nutrients and its impact on health - review
Authors: Cywka Łucja , Nowak Alicja , Bogusz Klaudia , Nowak Aleksandra , Baran Natalia , Bielak Adriana , Szwed Weronika , Maksymowicz Marcela , Machowiec Piotr 
Published: August 2023

Introduction and purpose: Kombucha is a fermented beverage, usually made by fermenting sugared black or green tea with the symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). Kombucha has gained increasing popularity in recent years, mainly due to the fact that it has been associated with some health effects. The aim of the study is to review the articles available in the PubMed database in order to learn about the health benefits of Kombucha consumption.

State of knowledge: Kombucha is a source of phenolic compounds, vitamins and minerals, amino acids, enzymes, proteins and other compounds which influence biological activity. Scientific research on Kombucha has shown that it exhibits antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerogenic and antidiabetic properties. It also has a good influence on the digestive system. Kombucha consumption helps to lower cholesterol level, stimulates liver detoxification processes and also supports the proper functioning of the immune system. These properties depend on the various factors such as used products, concentration of bacteria and yeast, duration of fermentation or temperature.

Summary: Kombucha tea is known as a nutraceutical. It could be used as a dietary supplement. Most of the trials have been conducted on rats or mice. Kombucha has only been involved or tested in a few human trials. It is important to spread awareness among the population about this product and its impact on people’s health, conduct more research and standardise the production methods of this beverage.
The use of NovoSorb biodegradable temporising matrix in wound management: a literature review and case series
Authors: Kidd Thomas , Kolaityte Valdone , Bajaj Kuljyot , Wallace David , Izadi David , Bechar Janak 
Published: August 2023

Objective: NovoSorb (Poly-Novo Ltd, Australia) biodegradable temporising matrix (BTM) is a novel artificial dermal matrix. Previous literature is weighted towards its use in burns reconstruction; however, this paper describes its use within a range of wound aetiologies. The authors present one of the largest and most diverse case series to date, and aim to provide an independent benchmark of clinical practice. Method: A retrospective observational study was performed. Patient demographics and clinical data (wound aetiology, site, total body surface area (TBSA), wound bed, number of debridements, time to BTM integration, time to skin grafting) were collected and subgroup analysis preformed. Results: The cohort consisted of 37 patients (acute trauma wounds, n=19; hard-to-heal wounds, n=9; acute infections, n=6; cancer, n=3). Successful BTM integration, allowing subsequent split-thickness skin grafting (STSG), occurred in 70% of cases, despite an overall complication rate of 51%. Mean time from BTM application to STSG was 53 days. There was no difference in STSG outcomes when grafting was performed either before or after the six-week BTM application period. There was no difference when various wound beds (fascia, tendon, periosteum) were compared. Patients >65 years of age were more likely to experience complications; however, this did not affect the speed of integration. The relation of diabetes and smoking to overall integration had no statistical significance. Conclusion: In comorbid patients in particular, the time between BTM application and STSG may be longer than the manufacturer's recommendation. Furthermore, data suggest greater wound bed optimisation and closer interval monitoring in hard-to-heal/malignant wounds, and in older patients and patients with comorbidities. However, BTM appears robust (even in infection) and is showing promise as a useful reconstructive tool.
Severe and complicated soft tissue infections: a single-centre case series
Authors: Ture Zeynep , Unuvar Gamze Kalin , Esmaoglu Aliye , Ulu-Kilic Aysegul , Coruh Atilla , Doganay Mehmet 
Published: August 2023

Objective: To assess the demographic and clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, and economic burden of patients with a diagnosis of complicated skin and soft tissue infection (cSSTI). Method: The demographic and clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, surgical interventions, cost of treatment, and outcome of patients diagnosed with cSSTIs between January 2017 and December 2019 were retrospectively analysed. Results: A total of 24 patients with cSSTIs were included in the study. The median age was 53 (22–85) years, and 14 (58%) were female. The most common comorbidity was diabetes (54%). On admission, 75% of patients presented with sepsis, and 70% had a high-grade Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotising Fasciitis (LRINEC) score. The causative microorganism was isolated from 21 (87%) patients, and the multidrug resistance rate of Gram-negative bacteria was 50%. The median number of debridements was 3 (1–12). In all, 11 patients were followed up in the intensive care unit, and the mortality rate was 29%. The presence of confusion (p=0.025), causative Gram-negative microorganisms (p=0.009), hyponatraemia (p=0.034), the need for intensive care (p=0.001), anti-meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus antibiotics (p=0.023) and the rate of antibiotic changes during treatment (p=0.019) were significantly higher in the non-survival patient group. Hyponatraemia was a significant independent risk factor for mortality (p=0.048). The median cost of per-patient treatment was $9453 USD in the non-surviving and $1536 in the surviving group. Conclusion: It is important to know possible factors and local resistance rates at the beginning of empirical antibacterial and surgical treatment. The presence of hyponatraemia, sepsis and a high LRINEC score can be considered to be the mortality predictors.
Using tap water compared with normal saline for cleansing wounds in adults: a literature review of the evidence
Authors: Holman Monika 
Published: August 2023

Objective: The aim of this literature review was to establish the evidence for using tap water as opposed to normal saline for cleansing wounds in adults. Tap water is widely available and non-toxic to wounds, making it a cost-effective solution for wound cleansing. Despite that, contrary opinions exist with regard to its safety, such as: fear of wound colonisation by Pseudomonas spp. found in plumbing systems of healthcare facilities; damage to the wound bed; or increased pain when tap water is used for wound cleansing. Method: A PICO model was used as a guide to form the title, and the standards for inclusion and exclusion of studies were prespecified to form the eligibility criteria. The search was conducted using a range of databases, including CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Results: Included were seven studies: five randomised controlled trials (RCTs), a quasi-RCT and a cross-sectional study. Of these, six studies demonstrated that use of tap water had no significant influence on wound infection rates when compared to normal saline; four studies established no adverse results or benefits when using tap water or normal saline for wound cleansing; and one study demonstrated that tap water did not increase wound contamination. Also, one study reported no impact on wound healing when tap water or normal saline were used for cleansing; four established that tap water was cost-effective compared to normal saline; and one demonstrated increased patient satisfaction when tap water was used for wound irrigation. Conclusion: Current evidence supports tap water as a safe and cost-effective solution for wound cleansing.
Impact of a new clinical mattress solution on interface pressure and comfort during supine lying
Authors: Webb Jo-Anne , Chohan Ambreen 
Published: August 2023

Objective: Effective pressure management for individuals is critical for hospital and community-based care, to prevent the occurrence of pressure ulcers. This study explores the impact of a new mattress and topper solution on interface pressure and comfort during supine lying. Method: In this quantitative, healthy cohort study, patient–surface interface pressures were calculated for three mattresses (a standard hospital mattress, a new mattress solution (Levitex Foams Ltd., UK) and a dynamic air flow mattress) with and without an innovative topper solution (Levitex Foams Ltd., UK). Subjective comfort, contact surface area, peak and mean pressure and peak pressure index (head, sacrum, heels) were calculated for all mattress conditions for a 21-minute period. Results: A total of 27 healthy volunteers took part in this study. The new mattress solution decreased peak pressure significantly compared with the hospital and air mattresses (p<0.04). Lower peak pressures were observed for the hospital mattress compared with the dynamic air flow mattress. The new mattress solution improved comfort and significantly lowered (>30%; p≤0.005) heel and head pressure compared with the other surfaces. Both hospital and air mattresses significantly reduced pressure and improved comfort with the addition of the new topper solution (p<0.05). Conclusion: The new mattress solution used in this study offers a potentially improved pressure management solution for individuals. Implementation of the topper may also help to improve pressure management when used with existing standard or dynamic air flow mattresses.
COVID‐19 and abortion in the Ohio River Valley: A case study of Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia
Authors: Smith Mikaela H. , Broscoe Molly , Chakraborty Payal , Hill Jessie , Hood Robert , McGowan Michelle , Bessett Danielle , Norris Alison H. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroductionDuring early stages of COVID‐19 in the United States, government representatives in Kentucky, Ohio, and West Virginia restricted or threatened to restrict abortion care under elective surgery bans. We examined how abortion utilization changed in these states.MethodologyWe examined COVID‐19 abortion‐related state policies implemented in March and April 2020 using publicly available sources. We analyzed data on abortions by method and gestation and experiences of facility staff, using a survey of 14 facilities. We assessed abortions that took place in February–June 2020 and February–June 2021.ResultsIn February–June 2020 the monthly average abortion count was 1916; 863 (45%) were medication abortions and 229 (12%) were ≥14 weeks gestation. Of 1959 abortions performed across all three states in April 2020, 1319 (67%) were medication abortions and 231 (12%) were ≥14 weeks gestation. The shift toward medication abortion that took place in April 2020 was not observed in April 2021. Although the total abortion count in the three‐state region remained steady, West Virginia had the greatest decline in total abortions, Ohio experienced a shift from instrumentation to medication abortions, and Kentucky saw little change. Staff reported increased stress from concerns over health and safety and increased scrutiny by the state and anti‐abortion protesters.DiscussionAlthough abortion provision continued in this region, policy changes restricting abortion in Ohio and West Virginia resulted in a decrease in first trimester instrumentation abortions, an overall shift toward medication abortion care, and an increase in stress among facility staff during the early phase of COVID‐19.
How Could Judges Ignore the Audi Et Alteram Partem Principle in a Criminal Case Trial?
Authors: Hidayat Raihan Akbar , Hidayat Beni , Kodio Ahmed Hedieloum 
Published: August 2023

In a judge's decision, legal considerations aim to delve into the facts revealed at trials based on the audi et alteram partem principle, which must exist and become a foundation. The philosophy of the audi et alteram partem principle is essentially the values of justice and balance. In applying the audi et alteram partem principle in a criminal case, although the judges have judicial power, they should consider the evidence and facts that are not only submitted by the public Prosecutor but also have to consider the evidence and facts submitted by the defendant. In decision Number 123/Pid.B/2022/PN Yyk, the panel of examining judges rejected the explanation of the witness a de-charge which was not based on a clear reason, so it was felt that the panel of judges examining the case did not consider the explanation of the witness which was mitigating for the defendant and violated the principle of audi et alteram. Therefore, this study aims to elaborate on how the judicial panel examined the case by applying the audi et alteram partem principle. To answer these legal issues, this study uses combined research methods of normative and empirical data with data collection methods by conducting interviews and literature reviews as well as using descriptive qualitative data analysis methods. The result of this study showed that the judicial panel examining case number 123/Pid.B/2022/PN Yyk did not consider the audi et alteram partem principle for the judgment because the judges were not balanced by only considering the prosecutor's explanation and rejecting the testimony of the defendant's witnesses and ignoring material truth of defendant's proof.
IMT504 protects beta cells against apoptosis and maintains beta cell identity, without modifying proliferation
Authors: Converti Ayelén , Bianchi María Silvia , Martinez Mario D. , Montaner Alejandro D. , Lux‐Lantos Victoria , Bonaventura María Marta 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe have demonstrated that oligodeoxynucleotide IMT504 promotes significant improvement in the diabetic condition in diverse animal models. Based on these results, here we evaluated whether these effects observed in vivo could be due to direct effects on β‐cells. We demonstrate by immunofluorescence that IMT504 enters the cell and locates in cytoplasm where it induces GSK‐3β phosphorylation that inactivates this kinase. As GSK‐3β tags Pdx1 for proteasomal degradation, by inactivating GSK‐3β, IMT504 induces an increase in Pdx1 protein levels, demonstrated by Western blotting. Concomitantly, an increase in Ins2 and Pdx1 gene transcription was observed, with no significant increase in insulin content or secretion. Enhanced Pdx1 is promising since it is a key transcription factor for insulin synthesis and is also described as an essential factor for the maintenance β‐cell phenotype and function. Dose‐dependent inhibition of H2O2‐induced apoptosis determined by ELISA as well as decreased expression of Bax was also observed. These results were confirmed in another β‐cell line, beta‐TC‐6 cells, in which a cytokine mix induced apoptosis that was reversed by IMT504. In addition, an inhibitor of IMT504 entrance into cells abrogated the effect IMT504. Based on these results we conclude that the β‐cell recovery observed in vivo may include direct effects of IMT504 on β‐cells, by maintaining their identity/phenotype and protecting them from oxidative stress and cytokine‐induced apoptosis. Thus, this work positions IMT504 as a promising option in the framework of the search of new therapies for type I diabetes treatment.