bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analgesic Medications for Pain Treatment in a ICU
Authors: Belice Tahir , Akdoğan Berivan , Demir İsmail 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Aim
Pain management requires a broad and multidisciplinary approach that includes physical, psychological and spiritual domains. In this study, we provide the rates and types of painkillers that have been used in a ICU with demographics and mortality rates.
Methods
Patients charged in the ICU were found over the Probel registry system, and the number and types of painkillers, mortality rates, age and gender of the patients were recorded in excel and analyzed with SPSS. Independent T test and one way ANOVA were used to correlate variables
Results
A total of 283 subjects was included in this study with 143 (50.5%) women and 140 (49.5%) men. The numbers of ICU patients that were under 65 years old and aged 65 and over were 88 (31.1%) and 195 (68.9%), respectively. The number of patients that was not administered analgesics was 172 (%60.8) while the number of participants that was administered was 111 (39.2%). The number of single analgesic usage was 83 (29.3%), whereas the number of two analgesics or three were 3 (1.4%) and 23 (8.1%), respectively.
Conclusions
Pain management is a complex and difficult process and it is possible to obtain more effective results when it is planned as comprehensive and multidisciplinary.
The prognostic utility of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in spinal surgery: systematic review protocol
Authors: Osunronbi Temidayo , Olukoya Olatomiwa , Sharma Himanshu 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio has been extensively reported to predict patients' outcomes in fields such as cancer, cardiac surgery, infection, and stroke medicine. However, there is no consensus on the prognostic utility of NLR in spinal surgery patients. Hence, this systematic review aims to analyse existing evidence and evaluate the relationship between NLR and outcome measures in spinal surgery patients. This is a study protocol describing our systematic review methods.
Selective block of sensory neuronal T-type/Cav3.2 activity mitigates neuropathic pain behavior in a rat model of osteoarthritis pain
Authors: Itson-Zoske Brandon , Shin Seung Min , Xu Hao , Qiu Chensheng , Fan Fan , Hogan Quinn H. , Yu Hongwei 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Peripheral and central nociceptive sensitization is a critical pathogenetic component in osteoarthritis (OA) chronic pain. T-type calcium channel 3.2 (CaV3.2) regulates neuronal excitability and plays important roles in pain processing. We previously identify that enhanced T-type/CaV3.2 activity in the primary sensory neurons (PSNs) of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) is associated with neuropathic pain behavior in a rat model of monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced knee OA. PSN-specific T-type/CaV3.2 may therefore represent an important mediator in OA painful neuropathy. Here we test the hypothesis that the T-type/CaV3.2 channels in PSNs can be rationally targeted for pain relief in MIA-OA.
Methods
MIA model of knee OA was induced in male and female rats by a single injection of 2 mg MIA into intra-knee articular cavity. Two weeks after induction of knee MIA-OA pain, recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAV)-encoding potent CaV3.2 inhibitory peptide aptamer 2 (CaV3.2iPA2) that have been characterized in our previous study was delivered into the ipsilateral lumbar 4/5 DRG. Effectiveness of DRG-CaV3.2iPA2 treatment on evoked (mechanical and thermal) and spontaneous (conditioned place preference) pain behavior, as well as weight-bearing asymmetry measured by Incapacitance tester, in the arthritic limbs of MIA rats were evaluated. AAV-mediated transgene expression in DRG was determined by immunohistochemistry.
Results
AAV-mediated expression of CaV3.2iPA2 selective in the DRG-PSNs produced significant and comparable mitigations of evoked and spontaneous pain behavior, as well as normalization of weight-bearing asymmetry in both male and female MIA-OA rats. Analgesia of DRG-AAV-CaV3.2iPA1, another potent CaV3.2 inhibitory peptide, was also observed. Whole-cell current-clamp recordings showed that AAV-mediated CaV3.2iPA2 expression normalized hyperexcitability of the PSNs dissociated from the DRG of MIA animals, suggesting that CaV3.2iPA2 attenuated pain behavior by reversing MIA-induced neuronal hyperexcitability.
Conclusions
Together, our results add therapeutic support that T-type/CaV3.2 in primary sensory pathways contributes to MIA-OA pain pathogenesis and that CaV3.2iPAs are promising analgesic leads that, combined with AAV-targeted delivery in anatomically segmental sensory ganglia, have the potential for further development as a peripheral selective T-type/CaV3.2-targeting strategy in mitigating chronic MIA-OA pain behavior. Validation of the therapeutic potential of this strategy in other OA models may be valuable in future study.
Evidence-based analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 furin site origin
Authors: Romeu Antonio R. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The origin of the SARS-CoV-2 is still unclear. Simply said, its emergence is due to the acquisition of the polybasic furin cleavage site on the S protein in one of its closest relatives. The recent discovery in Laos of bat Rhinolophus coronaviruses that contain receptor binding domains almost identical to that of SARS-CoV-2, and despite not having the furin site, they can therefore infect human cells (1), is the cornerstone to identify the SARS-CoV-2 progenitor. However, it is not yet known where the insertion of the furin site at the S1/S2 junction in the S protein of the pandemic virus came from. Not only from where, but also how, where and when of such acquisition. The most surprising was: (i) that the polybasic furin cleavage site is unique to SARS-CoV-2 among Sarbecovirus (2), and (ii) that the inserted four amino acid motif has a CGG-CGG encoded arginine pair which is rare in coronaviruses (3). So, my question is if the SARS-CoV-2 insert in the S gene insert would match to human transcripts. Here, I address this issue by using NCBI and GISAID databases, the NCBI Human Genome Resources, sequence analysis tools and in-house developed bioinformatic tools. I found that the 12-nucleotide insert encoding SARS-CoV-2 furin site 100% match to several human transcripts. Taken together the presence of these human transcripts and the expression patterns their genes, results provide insight into human potential recombination link to SARS-CoV-2 furin cleavage site, during undetected human-to-human virus transmission.
Impact of COVID-19 on community-led total sanitation (CLTS) in Ghana: perspectives of implementing partners
Authors: Tsekpetse-Akuamoah Kweku , Mariwah Simon , Boateng Ebenezer Nana Kwaku , Adjakloe Yvonne Ami 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Since the adoption of Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) in Ghana in 2012, eight (8) partners have been involved in the implementation of the approach in over 140 districts. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the need for improved sanitation and hygiene practices, the nature and the extent of the impact of the pandemic on the implementation of CLTS remains empirically unclear. This study sought to explore the perceptions and experiences of implementing partners about the impact of COVID-19 on CLTS in Ghana. Using a purposive sampling technique, the study gathered data from 22 representatives using the in-depth interview technique. The study revealed that the implementing partners revealed that the pandemic has had both positive and negative impacts on the implementation of CLTS in Ghana. Negatively, the pandemic stalled the activities of CLTS through the ban on social gathering. On the other hand, the pandemic reinforced the need for CLTS through increased construction and use of handwashing facilities to prevent diseases. To sustain the gains from the pandemic, implementing partners should leverage the existing community-based mass media outlets such as information centres and radio stations to communicate behaviour change messages of CLTS in Ghana.
Increasing production efficiency of irrigation systems through stakeholder participation
Authors: Asthana Anand N. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Irrigation projects have elicited ambiguous views, if not outright animosity, during the past four decades. Aside from environmental and relocation concerns, low productivity is a source of criticism. Irrigation management systems in developing countries seem to have historically underperformed due to government control. Weak institutional arrangements have hindered effective and timely water distribution. There is widespread dissatisfaction with technocratic top-down programmes imposed with little community support. A rising recognition that more advanced engineering and information technologies are not the primary drivers of increased irrigation potential utilisation has resulted in an emphasis on farmer-led irrigation. Many developing countries have introduced reform instruments since the 1980s, with the most notable paradigm being a move from government control to participative management by stakeholders. This study looks into the situation in Cambodia where participation of farmers in managing irrigation schemes is being sought through the formation of Farmers Water Users Committees. The study quantifies the improvement in project performance with farmers’ participation through Farmers Water Users Committees and finds it significant. Furthermore, using difference-in-difference methodology, this research finds that the improvement is not a blip and is sustained over the medium term.
Participatory water institutions and sustainable irrigation management: evidence and lessons from West Bengal, India
Authors: Chattopadhyay Soumyadip , De Indranil , Mishra Prabhat , Parey Akhilesh , Dutta Subhasish 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBased on a survey of selected Water Users’ Associations (WUA) and their members in West Bengal, India, this paper examines the nature and determinants of member participation in irrigation management. WUA meetings were held on a regular basis with higher member participation under Tube Well, Check Dam and River Lift Irrigation schemes. Their physical characteristics (e.g., high sub-surface storage and flowing rivers with large catchment areas) and system features (e.g., centralized pump house and defined distribution infrastructure) contribute to better water availability, incentivizing the members to participate. Our regression analysis suggests that along with these factors, the socioeconomic attributes of members and their perception about the functioning and decision making of the WUA influence participation in the collective management of schemes. The more the members perceive the functioning of WUAs as democratic and transparent, the greater is their incentive to participate. Greater participatory involvement of the members in the form of donating land for irrigation construction and in training programs is also found to be crucial. So, this paper argues for making the decision-making processes within WUAs democratic and transparent, along with greater efforts toward capacity building of the members, including training for skill enhancement, management and provision of agricultural support practices.
Safety and Outcomes of Intravitreal Aflibercept in Diabetic Macular Edema – A
Systematic Review
Authors: Dascalu Ana Maria , Rizzo Manfredi , Rizvi Ali A. , Stoian Anca Pantea , Iancu Raluca Claudia , Stana Daniela , Tudosie Mihail Silviu , Serban Dragos 
Published: April 2022

Background:
Recent evidence on the role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the pathogenesis
of ischemia and microvascular hyperpermeability leading to macular edema has brought anti-VEGF
intravitreal therapy into the limelight.

Objective:
We performed a systematic literature review focusing on the outcomes and safety of the intravitreal
use of aflibercept in diabetic macular edema.

Methods:
The studies documented cases with at least three consecutive intravitreal injections of aflibercept
(IVA) repeated monthly with a follow-up period of at least one year. The outcomes were evaluated in terms of
reported functional and anatomical improvement of the macula, as reflected by changes in visual acuity and
macular thickness measured by Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT). In addition, for safety assessment, all
reported local and general adverse effects were analyzed.

Results:
All studies showed an overall significant anatomical and functional improvement. In patients with the
5 IVA monthly at the beginning of the therapy, the visual gain at 52 weeks varied widely between 5 and 18.9
EDRS letters, with a mean value of 9.48 letters. The higher gain was obtained in treatment naïve patients, with
worse VA and increased CST at baseline. The lower gain was obtained in patients previously treated with anti-
VEGF. Anti-Platelet Trialists' Collaboration-defined arterial thromboembolic events were not statistically different
between the aflibercept group and the laser group.

Conclusions:
Intravitreal aflibercept therapy provides significant improvement in visual acuity and a good safety
profile. Randomized studies are needed to document the optimal frequency of intravitreal injections for optimal
treatment.
Elevated Urinary Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 and Insulin-Like Growth
Factor Binding Protein-7 Predict Drug-Induced Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Akalya K , Murali Tanusya Murali , Vathsala Anantharaman , Teo Boon-Wee , Low Sanmay , Dharmasegaran Dharmini , Koh Liang-Piu , Bonney Glenn Kunnath , Hong Wei-Zhen , Da Yi , Chua Horng-Ruey 
Published: April 2022

Background:
Urinary tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP2) and insulin-like growth factor binding
protein-7 (IGFBP7) predict severe acute kidney injury (AKI) in critical illness. Earlier but subtle elevation of
either biomarker from nephrotoxicity may predict drug-induced AKI.

Methods:
A prospective study involving serial urine collection in patients treated with vancomycin, aminoglycosides,
amphotericin, foscarnet, or calcineurin inhibitors was performed. Urinary TIMP2 and IGFBP7, both absolute
levels and those normalized with urine creatinine, were examined in days leading to AKI onset by KDIGO criteria in
cases or at final day of nephrotoxic therapy in non-AKI controls, who were matched for age, baseline kidney function,
and nephrotoxic exposure.

Results:
Urinary biomarker analyses were performed in 21 AKI patients and 28 non-AKI matched-controls; both
groups had comparable baseline kidney function and duration of nephrotoxic drug therapy. Significantly higher absolute,
normalized, and composite levels of TIMP2 and IGFBP7 were observed in AKI cases versus controls as early as
2-3 days before AKI onset (all P<0.05); >70% of patients with corresponding levels above 75th percentile developed
AKI. Normalized TIMP2 at 2-3 days pre-AKI predicted AKI with the highest average AUROC of 0.81, followed by
that of composite [TIMP2]x[IGFBP7] (0.78) after cross-validation. [TIMP2]x[IGFBP7] >0.01 (ng/mL)2/1000 predicted
AKI with a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 60%.

Conclusion:
Elevated urinary TIMP2 or IGFBP7 predicts drug-induced AKI with a lead-time of 2-3 days; an opportune
time for interventions to reduce nephrotoxicity.
An Overview of Dihydroartemisinin as a Promising Lead Compound for
Development of Anticancer Agents
Authors: Yong Jianping , Lu Canzhong , Olatunde Olagoke Zacchaeus 
Published: April 2022

Abstract:
Dihydroartemisinin(DHA) is a derivative of artemisinin, which firstly showed higher antimalarial activity. Over the years, DHA has also been discovered to exhibit higher anticancer efficacy without adverse side effects. Although some shortcomings have been discovered during biological evaluation (such as poor aqueous solubility, short half-life, and initial burst release effect), several attempts have been developed to overcome these shortcomings. For example, appropriate delivery techniques were used to improve its anticancer efficacy. In this minireview, we focused on summarizing the anticancer mechanisms, anticancer efficacy of free DHA and in combination therapies, hybrids, and nanoparticle formulations, which will provide adequate insights for its clinical use as anticancer agents, and on the design and synthesis of DHA derivatives for development of anticancer agents.
Promising Role of Phytochemicals in the Prevention and Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Unnisa Aziz , Chettupalli Ananda Kumar 
Published: April 2022

Abstract:Cancer has a significant social consequence all around the globe. In 2020, approximately 19.3 million new cases of cancer were diagnosed worldwide, with about 10 million cancer deaths. In the next two decades, suspected cases are anticipated to increase by roughly 47%. The rising number of cancer patients, as well as the inadequacy of traditional chemotherapeutic agents, radiation, and invasive surgical procedures, all rely on massive cell death with hardly any selectivity, causing severe toxicities. In comparison to synthetic medications, there has subsequently been a surge in international interest in non-synthetic and alternative remedies, owing to improved adaptability and reduced side effects of drug responses. Several people with cancer prefer alternative and complementary therapy treatments, and natural remedies play a crucial role in cancer chemoprevention as they are thought to be harmless, offer fewer negative effects, and become less sufficient to evoke addiction by the wider population. Chemopreventive, antimetastatic, cytotoxic, and anti-angiogenic actions are among the promising clinical advantages, which have been established in vitro research and certain clinical trials; nevertheless, additional clinical trials are needed. This review examines several phytochemicals that may have anti-cancer and chemopreventive properties.
Monitoring of Surgical Wounds with Purely Textile, Measuring Wound Pads – II. Detection of Bacterial Inflammation by Measurement of Wound Tissue Temperature
Authors: Pötzschke Harald , Zirk Kai-Uwe 
Published: April 2022

Aims:
This study was executed to aquire basic knowledge on relations between design characteristics and the quality of measurements, as well as the optimization of the design of purely textile, measuring wound dressings for the detection of wound tissue warming as an indicator for (bacterial) inflammation.

Background:
The normal healing of surgical skin wounds may be disrupted by complications, by far the most common being post-operative bacterial infections.

Objective:
The temperature of the wound and its surroundings – the main indicative parameter for the onset of bacterial inflammation – can be determined and shown by means of functionalized, purely textile wound dressings with measuring capability when used as part of a measuring and assistance system. The textile sensors comprise insulated electrical wires stitched onto a textile backing designed as double meander, which is appropriate for the detection of temperature, moist, and rectangular transverse elongation (indicating inflammation, bleeding or seroma discharge, and tissue volume increase as a sign of haemorrhage (into the tissue) or seroma formation).

Methods:
Major design parameters are diameter of the electrical conductor (wire) / distance between an electrical conductor and the nearest (parallel) conductor / spacing of the embroidered seams (upper thread loops) along a conductor / number of meander loops, and length, width, and area of the double meander sensor array.

Results:
Skin temperature rises a few degree Celsius resulting in differences in ohmic resistance in the order of a few parts per thousand. The ohmic resistance of the electrical sensor wire as measurement for the temperature under the dressing solely depends on the length of the wire. Neither the spacing between the sections of wire nor the spacing of the upper thread has any detectable direct effect on the determination of the temperature.

Conclusion:
To improve measuring accuracy, sensor wires as thin as possible should be used for two reasons: (1) because their ohmic resistance is higher, simplifying measurement, and (2) because they can be stitched closer together in wound dressings, enabling a longer sensor wire to be used in the area of interest.
Psychological Diversity in the Workplace: Personality Types and Gender Differences within Ethnicities
Authors: Diab-Bahman Randa 
Published: April 2022

Introduction:
In recent years, the process of hiring an employee has become an important part. New and innovative ways of assessing employees are continuously sought after, primarily to ensure the right person for the right job. Exploring under-studied psychological differences which may impact the workplace could shed light on this important topic.

Methodology:
In this research, personality test results from 119 participants from Egypt, India, Lebanon and Philippines, men and women working in the Food & Beverage industry in Kuwait were collected. Each participant was given the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality type questionnaire which identifies individuals into one of 16 personality types.

Results:
Each ethnicity cluster was tested individually for frequencies and correlations of specific personality types within their own groups, as well as an investigation on the possibility of gender correlations. It was found that the proportions of the personality types are the same among genders across both their ethnicity group as well as their personality type.

Conclusion:
The findings are significant in that they shed the light on hidden psychological elements which may have an impact on the workplace. They may also aid communication strategies amongst different ethnicities as well as give insight on motivational factors which may lead to more productivity.
Fast Complete Ternary Addition with Novel 3:1 T-Multiplexer
Authors: Saha Aloke , Pal Rahul , Kumari Tripti , Singh Rakesh K. , Chakraborty Somashree , Ghosh Jayanta 
Published: April 2022

Background:
Complete Ternary Adder is the prime building block for Ternary Carry Save
Adder (TCSA) and acts as a critical deciding factor to optimize the overall speed-power performance
for many complex ternary computing like ternary multiplications.

Objective:
This work proposes a new idea for high-speed complete Ternary Adder design with reduced
Power-Delay-Product (PDP) using PTL (Pass Transistor Logic) based novel 3:1 Ternary Multiplexer
(T-MUX) for efficient ternary computing.

Materials:
No external materials have been used in the present work.

Methods:
In the proposed approach, a novel 3:1 T-MUX with conventional E-MOS (Enhancementtype
Metal Oxide Semiconductor) transistor is designed first. The Novel Select Unit (SU) and Control
Unit (CU) are the prime building blocks of the proposed T-MUX circuit, which are discussed in detail.
The 3:1 T-MUX is exploited next to achieve the proposed high-speed, low-PDP Ternary Half and Full
Adder operation. The complete adder circuit is designed and optimized based on BSIM4 device parameters
using 32nm standard CMOS technology with 1.0V supply rail at 27°C temperature. Trit values
“0”, “1” and “2” are represented with 0V, 0.5V and 1.0V respectively. Extensive T-Spice simulation
with all possible test patterns using PWL (Piece Wise Linear) input source validates the proposed
circuit. The evaluated speed-power result of the proposed TFA is then compared with the most recent
competitive study to set a benchmark.

Results:
The proposed complete TFA offers 68.9% and 82.5% reduction in propagation delay along
with 27.7% and 31.6% Power-Delay-Product (PDP) reduction compared to the most recent competitive
complete TFA Design-1 and Design-2, respectively.

Discussion:
As per the study, the proposed idea can be a good selection to produce fast ternary
addition along with reduced Power-Delay-Product (PDP).

Conclusion:
The proposed complete TFA can be utilized effectively as Ternary Carry Save Adder
(TCSA) for fast, low-PDP ternary multiplication as well as for other computation-intensive
applications.