bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accelerating elimination of sleeping sickness from the Guinean littoral through enhanced screening in the post-Ebola context: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Camara Oumou , Biéler Sylvain , Bucheton Bruno , Kagbadouno Moïse , Mathu Ndung’u Joseph , Solano Philippe , Camara Mamadou
Published: February 2021

Background

Activities to control human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) in Guinea were severely hampered by the Ebola epidemic that hit this country between 2014 and 2016. Active screening was completely interrupted and passive screening could only be maintained in a few health facilities. At the end of the epidemic, medical interventions were progressively intensified to mitigate the risk of HAT resurgence and progress towards disease elimination.

Methodology/Principal findings

A retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the medical activities that were implemented in the three most endemic prefectures of Guinea (Boffa, Dubreka and Forecariah) between January 2016 and December 2018. Passive screening using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) was progressively resumed in one hundred and one health facilities, and active screening was intensified by visiting individual households and performing RDTs, and by conducting mass screening in villages by mobile teams using the Card Agglutination Test for Trypanosomiasis. A total of 1885, 4897 and 8023 clinical suspects were tested in passive, while 5743, 14442 and 21093 people were actively screened in 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. The number of HAT cases that were diagnosed first went up from 107 in 2016 to 140 in 2017, then subsequently decreased to only 73 in 2018. A progressive decrease in disease prevalence was observed in the populations that were tested in active and in passive between 2016 and 2018.

Conclusions/Significance

Intensified medical interventions in the post-Ebola context first resulted in an increase in the number of HAT cases, confirming the fear that the disease could resurge as a result of impaired control activities during the Ebola epidemic. On the other hand, the decrease in disease prevalence that was observed between 2016 and 2018 is encouraging, as it suggests that the current strategy combining enhanced diagnosis, treatment and vector control is appropriate to progress towards elimination of HAT in Guinea.
Infertility and fecundity loss of Wolbachia-infected Aedes aegypti hatched from quiescent eggs is expected to alter invasion dynamics
Authors: Lau Meng-Jia , Ross Perran A. , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: February 2021

The endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia shows viral blocking in its mosquito host, leading to its use in arboviral disease control. Releases with Wolbachia strains wMel and wAlbB infecting Aedes aegypti have taken place in several countries. Mosquito egg survival is a key factor influencing population persistence and this trait is also important when eggs are stored prior to releases. We therefore tested the viability of mosquitoes derived from Wolbachia wMel and wAlbB-infected as well as uninfected eggs after long-term storage under diurnal temperature cycles of 11–19°C and 22–30°C. Eggs stored at 11–19°C had higher hatch proportions than those stored at 22–30°C. Adult Wolbachia density declined when they emerged from eggs stored for longer, which was associated with incomplete cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) when wMel-infected males were crossed with uninfected females. Females from stored eggs at both temperatures continued to show perfect maternal transmission of Wolbachia, but storage reduced the fecundity of both wMel and wAlbB-infected females relative to uninfected mosquitoes. Furthermore, we found a very strong negative impact of the wAlbB infection on the fertility of females stored at 22–30°C, with almost 80% of females hatching after 11 weeks of storage being infertile. Our findings provide guidance for storing Wolbachia-infected A. aegypti eggs to ensure high fitness adult mosquitoes for release. Importantly, they also highlight the likely impact of egg quiescence on the population dynamics of Wolbachia-infected populations in the field, and the potential for Wolbachia to suppress mosquito populations through cumulative fitness costs across warm and dry periods, with expected effects on dengue transmission.
Counterfactual thinking in psychiatric and neurological diseases: A scoping review
Authors: Tagini Sofia , Solca Federica , Torre Silvia , Brugnera Agostino , Ciammola Andrea , Mazzocco Ketti , Ferrucci Roberta , Silani Vincenzo , Pravettoni Gabriella , Poletti Barbara
Published: February 2021

Background

The ability to simulate alternatives to factual events is called counterfactual thinking (CFT) and it is involved both in emotional and behavioral regulation. CFT deficits have been reported in psychiatric and neurological conditions, possibly contributing to patients’ difficulties in modulating behaviors and affections. Thus, acknowledging the presence and possible consequences of CFT impairments might be essential for optimal clinical management.

Objectives

This scoping review aims to summarize the previous evidence about CFT in psychiatric and neurological diseases to determine the extent of the previous research and what has been discovered so far, the variety of clinical conditions considered, the methodologies adopted, and the relevant issues to be addressed by future investigations.

Methods

PsycInfo, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched to identify articles published up to January 2020, written in English and focused on CFT in adults affected by psychiatric or neurological conditions.

Results

Twenty-nine studies have been included; most of them focused on psychiatric conditions, a minority considered neurological diseases. The generation of counterfactual thoughts related to a negative real-life or a fictional event and the counterfactual inference test were the most popular tasks adopted. CFT impairments were reported in both psychiatric and neurological conditions, likely associated with a fronto-executive dysfunction.

Conclusions

Future research might further explore CFT in those psychiatric and neurological conditions in which CFT difficulties have been preliminary reported. Furthermore, it would be recommendable to extend this investigation to all the clinical conditions possibly at risk of fronto-executive dysfunction. In the end, we speculate that since CFT plays a role in driving everyday behaviors, it might be crucial also when medical decisions are involved; thus, future research might extend the investigation of CFT especially to those populations that implicate complex clinical management.
Prevalence of rheumatic heart disease in a major referral cardiology clinic in Ethiopia: A retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Asmare Melkamu H. , Woldehanna Frehiwot , Hunegnaw Samuel , Janssens Luc , Vanrumste Bart
Published: February 2021

Background

Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) remains one of the major causes of death and disability in developing countries. This preventable, treatable but not curable form of cardiovascular disease is needlessly killing scores of children and youth mainly due to the misunderstanding of the burden of the disease in these countries. We sought to describe the prevalence of RHD at one of the major referral cardiology clinics in Ethiopia.

Methods

This was a retrospective cross-sectional chart review of all patients referred for a cardiopathy at the Tikur Anbessa Referral Cardiac Clinic from June 2015 to August 2018. We excluded records of patients with a non-cardiac diagnosis and those without a clear diagnosis. A predesigned and tested EXCEL form was used to collect the data. The data was encoded directly from the patient record files. MATLAB’s statistics toolbox (MATLAB2019b) was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Among the total 7576 records analyzed 59.5% of the patients were women. 83.1% of the data belonged to adult patients with the largest concentration reported in the 18 to 27 age group. 69.7% of the patients were from urban areas. The median age of the study population was 30 (interquartile range = 21–50). 4151 cases were caused by RHD which showed that RHD constituted 54.8% of the cases. The median age for RHD patients was 25 (interquartile range = 19–34). The second most prevalent disease was hypertensive heart disease which constituted 13.6% that was followed by congenital heart disease with 9% prevalence rate.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicated the extent of the RHD prevalence in Ethiopia’s cardiac hospital was 54.8%. What was more critical was that almost 70% of the RHD patients were mainly the working-age group(19 to 34 years).
Does aluminum exposure affect cognitive function? a comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Tao , He Fan , Lin Shangtong , Wang Xinyi , Li Fudong , Zhai Yujia , Gu Xue , Wu Mengna , Lin Junfen
Published: February 2021

Objectives

This study assessed the cognitive function of aluminum-exposed participants from an alum mining zone, compared them with unexposed subjects, and aimed to elucidate the effect of aluminum exposure on cognition.

Design

This was a comparative cross-sectional study. Univariate analyses were used to assess the differences between the aluminum-exposed and unexposed groups. Binary logistic regression models were applied to analyze the effect of aluminum exposure.

Setting

The aluminum-exposed participants were included from an alum mining zone and the unexposed subjects were residents from another district without alum-mine-related factories.

Participants

We included 539 aluminum-exposed participants (254 men, 285 women) and 1720 unexposed participants (692 men, 1028 women).

Results

The mean cognition score on Mini-Mental State Examination was 21.34 (± 6.81) for aluminum-exposed participants. The exposed group had 6.77 times (95% confidence interval, 5.09–9.00) more risk of cognitive impairment than the unexposed group, after adjusting for age, sex, and educational level. No statistically significant association was found between exposure duration and cognition.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated a significant association between aluminum exposure and lower cognitive function.
Shade, light, and stream temperature responses to riparian thinning in second-growth redwood forests of northern California
Authors: Roon David A. , Dunham Jason B. , Groom Jeremiah D.
Published: February 2021

Resource managers in the Pacific Northwest (USA) actively thin second-growth forests to accelerate the development of late-successional conditions and seek to expand these restoration thinning treatments into riparian zones. Riparian forest thinning, however, may impact stream temperatures–a key water quality parameter often regulated to protect stream habitat and aquatic organisms. To better understand the effects of riparian thinning on shade, light, and stream temperature, we employed a manipulative field experiment following a replicated Before-After-Control-Impact (BACI) design in three watersheds in the redwood forests of northern California, USA. Thinning treatments were intended to reduce canopy closure or basal area within the riparian zone by up to 50% on both sides of the stream channel along a 100–200 m stream reach. We found that responses to thinning ranged widely depending on the intensity of thinning treatments. In the watersheds with more intensive treatments, thinning reduced shade, increased light, and altered stream thermal regimes in thinned and downstream reaches. Thinning shifted thermal regimes by increasing maximum temperatures, thermal variability, and the frequency and duration of elevated temperatures. These thermal responses occurred primarily during summer but also extended into spring and fall. Longitudinal profiles indicated that increases in temperature associated with thinning frequently persisted downstream, but downstream effects depended on the magnitude of upstream temperature increases. Model selection analyses indicated that local changes in shade as well as upstream thermal conditions and proximity to upstream treatments explained variation in stream temperature responses to thinning. In contrast, in the study watershed with less intensive thinning, smaller changes in shade and light resulted in minimal stream temperature responses. Collectively, our data shed new light on the stream thermal responses to riparian thinning. These results provide relevant information for managers considering thinning as a viable restoration strategy for second-growth riparian forests.
Exploring the characteristics of a local demand for African wild meat: A focus group study of long-term Ghanaian residents in the Netherlands
Authors: Morrison-Lanjouw Sandrella M. , Coutinho Roel A. , Boahene Kwasi , Pool Robert
Published: February 2021

While there is a growing body of research documenting unregulated African wild meat imports into Europe from the Africa continent, the drivers of this demand are virtually unknown. This study employs focus group discussions and a survey questionnaire to examine the attitudes and practices related to African wild meat consumption in the city of Amsterdam, Netherlands. The Ghanaian community was selected as the object of this study, as it is the largest West African population in the Netherlands and represents an important part of Dutch society. We model our report on a recent US study of the Liberian community of Minneapolis, Minnesota, which allows for the comparison of results between two Western countries. The overall perceived health risk of consuming African wild meat in The Netherlands is low and unlikely to deter consumption. However, local prices for the meat may be prohibitive in some cases. Incentives include health benefits, cultural drivers and a strong preference for the taste of African wild meat over all local meat alternatives. The study calls for further research into the nature of the drivers of demand for African wild meat as well as its public health consequences, in the Netherlands and beyond.
Corticosteroid-binding-globulin (CBG)-deficient mice show high pY216-GSK3β and phosphorylated-Tau levels in the hippocampus
Authors: Gulfo José , Pérez de San Román Joana , Ledda Angelo , Junyent Felix , Ramírez María J. , Gil-Bea Francisco J. , Esteve Montserrat , Grasa Mar
Published: February 2021

Corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) is the specific carrier of circulating glucocorticoids, but evidence suggests that it also plays an active role in modulating tissue glucocorticoid activity. CBG polymorphisms affecting its expression or affinity for glucocorticoids are associated with chronic pain, chronic fatigue, headaches, depression, hypotension, and obesity with an altered hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis. CBG has been localized in hippocampus of humans and rodents, a brain area where glucocorticoids have an important regulatory role. However, the specific CBG function in the hippocampus is yet to be established. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the absence of CBG on hippocampal glucocorticoid levels and determine whether pathways regulated by glucocorticoids would be altered. We usedcbg-/-mice, which display low total-corticosterone and high free-corticosterone blood levels at the nadir of corticosterone secretion (morning) and at rest to evaluate the hippocampus for total- and free-corticosterone levels; 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase expression and activity; the expression of key proteins involved in glucocorticoid activity and insulin signaling; microtubule-associated protein tau phosphorylation, and neuronal and synaptic function markers. Our results revealed that at the nadir of corticosterone secretion in the resting state thecbg-/-mouse hippocampus exhibited slightly elevated levels of free-corticosterone, diminished FK506 binding protein 5 expression, increased corticosterone downstream effectors and altered MAPK and PI3K pathway with increased pY216-GSK3β and phosphorylated tau. Taken together, these results indicate that CBG deficiency triggers metabolic imbalance which could lead to damage and long-term neurological pathologies.
Incidental vocabulary learning with subtitles in a new language: Orthographic markedness and number of exposures
Authors: Pérez-Serrano Mercedes , Nogueroles-López Marta , Duñabeitia Jon Andoni
Published: February 2021

The present study is set to explore the way the orthographic distributional properties of novel written words and the number of exposures to these words affect their incidental learning in terms of recall and recognition. To that end, two experiments were conducted using videos with captions. These videos included written nonwords (orthographically marked language-specific items) and pseudowords (orthographically unmarked items) as captions paired to the spoken targets, presented either in isolation (Experiment 1) or within sentences (Experiment 2). Our results consistently show that items containing legal letter combinations (i.e., pseudowords) are better recalled and recognized than those with illegal combinations (i.e., nonwords). Further analysis in the recall task indicate that frequency modulates the learning of pseudowords and nonwords in a different way. The learning of pseudowords increases linearly with repetitions, while nonwords are equally learned across frequencies. These differential effects found in the recall task do not show up in the recognition task. Although participants took more time to recognize nonwords in the recognition task, increased exposure to the items similarly modulated reading times and accuracy for nonwords and pseudowords. Additionally, higher accuracy rates were found in Experiment 2, which underscores the beneficial effect of supportive visual information.
Hemodynamic effects of high frequency oscillatory ventilation with volume guarantee in a piglet model of respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Bhogal Jagmeet , Solevåg Anne Lee , O’Reilly Megan , Lee Tze-Fun , Joynt Chloe , Hornberger Lisa K. , Schmölzer Georg M. , Cheung Po-Yin
Published: February 2021

Respiratory failure is a common condition faced by critically ill neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). High frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) is often used for neonates with refractory respiratory failure related to RDS. Volume guarantee (VG) mode has been added to some HFOV ventilators for providing consistent tidal volume. We sought to examine the impact of adding the VG mode during HFOV on systemic and cerebral hemodynamics, which has not been studied to date. A neonatal piglet model of moderate to severe RDS was induced by saline lavage. Piglets (full term, age 1–3 days, weight 1.5–2.4 kg) were randomized to have RDS induced and receive either HFOV or HFOV+VG (n = 8/group) or sham-operation (n = 6) without RDS. Cardiac function measured by a Millar® catheter placed in the left ventricle as well as systemic and carotid hemodynamic and oxygen tissue saturation parameters were collected over 240 min of ventilation. Mean airway pressure, alveolar-arterial oxygen difference and left ventricular cardiac index of piglets on HFOV vs. HFOV+VG were not significantly different during the experimental period. Right common carotid artery flow index by in-situ ultrasonic flow measurement and cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (near-infrared spectroscopy) significantly decreased in HFOV+VG at 240 min compared to HFOV (14 vs. 31 ml/kg/min, and 30% vs. 43%, respectively; p<0.05). There were no significant differences in lung, brain and heart tissue markers of oxidative stress, ischemia and inflammation. HFOV+VG compared to HFOV was associated with similar left ventricular function, however HFOV+VG had a negative effect on cerebral blood flow and oxygenation.
Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections and associated factors among patients attending at Sanja Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia: An institutional-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Eyayu Tahir , Kiros Teklehaimanot , Workineh Lemma , Sema Meslo , Damtie Shewaneh , Hailemichael Wasihun , Dejen Eninur , Tiruneh Tegenaw
Published: February 2021

Background

Intestinal Parasitic Infections are the most prevalent diseases in the world, predominantly in developing countries. It is estimated that more than two billion people are affected globally, mostly in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world. Ethiopia is one of the countries in Africa with a high prevalence of intestinal parasites. However, there is a limited study conducted in the study area. Hence, this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasitosis among patients attending at Sanja Primary Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Sanja Primary Hospital from January 1 to August 20, 2019. Stool samples were collected from 1240 study participants and analyzed by direct wet mount and formal ether concentration techniques. Furthermore, sociodemographic and explanatory variables were collected using a face-to-face interview. Data were entered into Epi data version 4.4.2.1 and transferred to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression models were fitted to identify associated factors of intestinal parasitic infections. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was considered to ascertain the significance of the association.

Results

The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection was 52.9% (95% CI: 50.2%-55.5%). Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (21.5%) was the leading cause of intestinal parasitosis followed by Hookworm species (13.3%). Furthermore, the rate of double and triple parasitic infections was observed in 6.1% and 0.5% of study participants respectively. Being Illiterate (AOR: 2.87, 95% CI: 1.06–7.47, p = 0.038), swimming habits of more than 4 times a month (AOR = 2.91, 95% CI 1.62–5.24, p< 0.001) and not washing hands before a meal (AOR: 3.92, 95% CI: 1.74–8.83, p = 0.001) were the key factors significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infection.

Conclusions

The present study showed that the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis is high in the study area. Therefore, there is a need for an integrated control program, including improving personal, environmental sanitation and health education should be given to have a lasting impact on transmission.
Health, lifestyle and sociodemographic characteristics are associated with Brazilian dietary patterns: Brazilian National Health Survey
Authors: Monteiro dos Santos Jonas Eduardo , Crispim Sandra Patricia , Murphy Jack , de Camargo Cancela Marianna
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to identify Brazilian dietary patterns and their associations with health, lifestyle and sociodemographic characteristics. Data from the Brazilian National Health Survey conducted in 2013 were used. A questionnaire was applied containing 22 items related to dietary consumption. Dietary patterns were determined through factor analysis (FA). Poisson regression models, with robust variance, were used to identify associations between dietary patterns and independents variables. Statistical significance was defined as p-value<0.05. Data were analysed for 60,202 adults (estimated population size: 146,308,458). FA identified three dietary patterns: healthy, protein, and western. The younger age group (18–24 years) had a lower adherence to the healthy pattern (PR:0.53; 95%CI:0.49–0.58) and greater adherence to the protein (PR:1.52; 95%CI:1.42–1.62) and western (PR:1.80; 95%CI:1.68–1.93) patterns compared to the elderly (≥60 years). Women had a greater association with the healthy pattern (PR:1.32; 95%CI:1.28–1.38) and lower association with the protein pattern (PR:0.80; 95%CI:0.77–0.82) compared to men. Illiterate participants showed lower adherence to the healthy (PR:0.58; 95%CI:0.53–0.63) and western (PR:0.54; 95%CI:0.48–0.62) patterns compared to those with higher educational levels. Smokers had lower adherence to the healthy (PR:0.76; 95%CI:0.71–0.81) and higher adherence to the protein (PR:1.14; 95%CI:1.11–1.19) patterns compared to non-smokers. Participants with poor/very poor self-rated health status had a lower adherence to the healthy (PR:0.79; 95%CI:0.73–0.86) and western (PR:0.81; 95%CI:0.73–0.89) patterns compared to those in a very good/good self-rated health status. Multimorbidity was positively associated with the healthy pattern (PR:1.18; 95%CI:1.11–1.26) and inversely associated with the protein pattern (PR:0.88; 95%CI:0.80–0.96) compared to participants without comorbidities. We suggest that strategies to promote healthy eating should consider health, lifestyle and sociodemographic characteristics in the Brazilian population.
Gene expression profiling identifies FLT3 mutation-like cases in wild-type FLT3 acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Mosquera Orgueira Adrián , Peleteiro Raíndo Andrés , Cid López Miguel , Antelo Rodríguez Beatriz , Díaz Arias José Ángel , Ferreiro Ferro Roi , Alonso Vence Natalia , Bendaña López Ángeles , Abuín Blanco Aitor , Bao Pérez Laura , Melero Valentín Paula , González Pérez Marta Sonia , Cerchione Claudio , Martinelli Giovanni , Montesinos Fernández Pau , Pérez Encinas Manuel Mateo , Bello López José Luis
Published: February 2021

Background

FLT3 mutation is present in 25–30% of all acute myeloid leukemias (AML), and it is associated with adverse outcome. FLT3 inhibitors have shown improved survival results in AML both as upfront treatment and in relapsed/refractory disease. Curiously, a variable proportion of wild-type FLT3 patients also responded to these drugs.

Methods

We analyzed 6 different transcriptomic datasets of AML cases. Differential expression between mutated and wild-type FLT3 AMLs was performed with the Wilcoxon-rank sum test. Hierarchical clustering was used to identify FLT3-mutation like AMLs. Finally, enrichment in recurrent mutations was performed with the Fisher’s test.

Results

A FLT3 mutation-like gene expression pattern was identified among wild-type FLT3 AMLs. This pattern was highly enriched in NPM1 and DNMT3A mutants, and particularly in combined NPM1/DNMT3A mutants.

Conclusions

We identified a FLT3 mutation-like gene expression pattern in AML which was highly enriched in NPM1 and DNMT3A mutations. Future analysis about the predictive role of this biomarker among wild-type FLT3 patients treated with FLT3 inhibitors is envisaged.
Low muscle mass assessed by psoas muscle area is associated with clinical adverse events in elderly patients with heart failure
Authors: Funamizu Takehiro , Nagatomo Yuji , Saji Mike , Iguchi Nobuo , Daida Hiroyuki , Yoshikawa Tsutomu
Published: February 2021

Background

Acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is a growing healthcare burden with increasing prevalence and comorbidities due to progressive aging society. Accumulating evidence suggest that low skeletal muscle mass has a negative impact on clinical outcome in elderly adult population. We sought to determine the significance of psoas muscle area as a novel index of low skeletal muscle mass in elderly patients with ADHF.

Methods

In this single-center retrospective observational study, we reviewed consecutive 865 elderly participants (65 years or older) who were hospitalized for ADHF and 392 were available for analysis (79 years [74–85], 56% male). Cross-sectional areas of psoas muscle at the level of fourth lumbar vertebra were measured by computed tomography and normalized by the square of height to calculate psoas muscle index (PMI, cm2/m2).

Results

Dividing the patients by the gender-specific quartile value (2.47 cm2/m2 for male and 1.68 cm2/m2 for female), we defined low PMI as the lowest gender-based quartile of PMI. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed female sex, body mass index (BMI), and E/e’, but not left ventricular ejection fraction, were independently associated with PMI. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed low PMI was associated with higher rate of composite endpoint of all-cause death and ADHF re-hospitalization (P = 0.033). Cox proportional hazard model analysis identified low PMI, but not BMI, was an independent predictor of the composite endpoint (Hazard ratio: 1.52 [1.06–2.16], P = 0.024).

Conclusions

PMI predicted future clinical adverse events in elderly patients with ADHF. Further studies are needed to assess whether low skeletal muscle mass can be a potential therapeutic target to improve the outcome of ADHF.
Prevalence of Schistosoma japonicum infection in water buffaloes in selected areas in Davao del Norte and Davao de Oro, the Philippines
Authors: Navarro Rohani C. , de Cadiz Aleyla E. , Fronda Jordan M. , Ong Lynnell Alexie D. , Belizario Jr. Vicente Y.
Published: February 2021

Background and Aim: Schistosomiasis (SCH) japonica is a zoonotic disease that can infect several mammalian hosts. Bovines, particularly water buffaloes, are considered the most important reservoir hosts due to the high levels of schistosome eggs, they excrete into the environment. In the Philippines, the previous studies have revealed a high prevalence of SCH in bovines in selected provinces in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. However, there is a lack of studies on SCH in the Davao Region, Mindanao, where the infection remains a public health concern. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of SCH in water buffaloes in four barangays (villages) each in Braulio Dujali, Davao del Norte and Maragusan, Davao de Oro, Southeastern Mindanao, the Philippines.

Materials and Methods: Fecal samples from 91 water buffaloes were collected intrarectally, processed using the formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation technique, and examined microscopically to determine the prevalence of SCH.

Results: A total of three water buffaloes (8.6%) in Maragusan were determined to be positive for Schistosoma japonicum, while none in Braulio Dujali. The prevalence of other parasites (Fasciola spp. [53.8%], Paramphistome spp. [20.9%], Amphistome spp. [16.5%], Strongyle spp. [11.0%], Balantidium spp. [9.9%], Eurytrema spp. [2.2%], and Gongylonema pulchrum [1.1%]) was also observed.

Conclusion: The results of the study provide baseline data on the presence of S. japonicum in water buffaloes in the Davao Region, Mindanao. Strategies for controlling and eliminating SCH in animal reservoir hosts, especially in water buffaloes, are necessary for the long-term control and elimination of SCH in humans.
Efficient Synthesis and Characterization of Anthracene based
1,3,5-Trisubstituted Pyrazoline Derivatives
Authors: Merry Thechano , Maddela Prabhakar
Published: February 2021

A new series of anthracene scaffold containing 1,3,5-trisubstituted pyrazoline derivatives (3a-p) were
synthesized and well characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FTIR, mass spectroscopic and elemental
analysis methods. The reactions were carried out from anthracenyl pyrazolines (1a-p) and benzoyl
chloride (2) in presence of anhydrous K2CO3 in acetone under reflux conditions for 2-7 h. The obtained
yields were good to excellent (80-94%).
Synthesis of Novel Corrosion Inhibitor N-(1,3-Benzothiazol-2-yl)-4-aminobenzamide
in 1 N Hydrochloric Acid Medium
Authors: Gopal Senthilkumar , Chinnasamy Umarani , Arumugam Ramachandran
Published: February 2021

A novel corrosion inhibitor i.e. N-(1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)-4-aminobenzamide was synthesized and its
corrosion inhibitor on controlling the rate of mild steel material in hydrochloric acid medium (1 N) at
different temperatures was investigated. Rate of corrosion and inhibition efficiency were analyzed and
calculated using mass loss method and electrochemical studies. As the concentration of the inhibitor
increase the inhibitor efficiency also increases gradually with decrease in the rate of corrosion. Therefore
from this study the efficiency of the inhibitor was good at different temperature in 1 N HCl. The
relative corrosion inhibition efficiency of synthesized organic compound has been explained on the
basis of its structure dependent-electron donating properties of the inhibitor. Further the structure and
compound present in the synthesized organic inhibitor compound was confirmed by FTIR and NMR
studies.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of Lanthanum(III) Complexes of 4-Nitrosoantipyrine
Authors: Gopal Meera , Sasi Sreesha
Published: February 2021

A new series of La(III) complexes of the ligand with the general formula [La(L)2(a)3] and [La2(L)4(aa)3], (a = nitrate (1), thiocyanate (2), acetate (3) and propionate (4) ions, aa = sulphate (5), thiosulphate (6), oxalate (7) and malonate (8) ions with the ligand 4-nitrosoantipyrine (L) were synthesized and characterized using various physico-chemical studies. The primary ligand L acts as a bidentate ligand utilizing the carbonyl group and the nitroso group for bonding. The nitrate, thiocyanate, acetate and propionate ions are monovalent unidentate ligands, whereas sulphate, thiosulphate, oxalate and malonate ions are divalent bidentate ligands in the complexes 1-8. Based on spectral data and magnetic susceptibility measurements, geometry of the lanthanum(III) complexes were also proposed.
Characterization of Polymer Powders and Effects of Powder Reuse in Selective Laser Sintering
Authors: Chiririwa H.
Published: February 2021

Selective laser sintering (SLS) had been recognized as production expertise (additive manufacturing). The complication restricting the use of SLS in additive manufacturing in an extensive range of industrial scope is the limited selection of usable polymers as it is only limited to polyamide 12. Other polymeric materials such as polypropylene and polyethylene are needed to establish pristine market avenues in industry. In selective laser sintering, the powder is reused in consecutive cycles of the route for the reason that it is sustainable and cost effective. Characterization procedures, including the many available techniques has been proposed to determine changes in chemical microstructures, morphology along with flowability. Subtle disimilarities linking virgin and used powder have been identified through characterization.
Identification of the Organic Volatile Impurities in Ezitamibe using GC-HS Technique
Authors: Rapeti Durgababu , Venkata Narayanarao Kapavarapu Maruthi , Shyamala Pulipaka , Krishna Rallabhandi Murali
Published: February 2021

Ezetimibe prevents intestinal cholesterol synthesis, which in turn reduces the quantity of cholesterol
and thereby helps to reduce heart problems and strokes. In the production of ezetimibe, several organic
chemical solvents such as methanol, acetone, isopropyl alcohol, dichloromethane, n-hexane, ethyl
acetate, tetrahydrofuran, toluene and dimethyl formamide were used. The measurement of residual
solvents is necessary for release checks of all drug substances, based on sound manufacturing processes.
The analysis of above mentioned nine solvents in ezetimibe drug was investigated using gas
chromatographic method employing detection with flame ionization mode. All analyses were performed
using ZB-624 column (30 m length × 0.53 mm identification, 3.0 μm thickness film). The column
oven temperature flux was managed to maintain for 11 min at 40 ºC and then continued to upsurge to
a temperature close of 240 ºC at a rate of 20 ºC/min and retained for 4 min. The flame ionization
detector and injector port were managed at 260 and 200 ºC, respectively. Results after the validation of
the gas chromatographic method showed the satisfactory linearity, sensitivity, robustness, accuracy,
selectivity and precision for the tested organic solvents. This gas chromatographic approach can therefore
be exploited in the assessment of studied nine residual chemical solvents for periodic analysis by gas
chromatography for samples of ezetimibe drug.
ANÁLISE DO IMPACTO DA CONEXÃO DE MÁQUINAS ASSÍNCRONAS TRIFÁSICAS NO SISTEMA ELÉTRICO DE DISTRIBUIÇÃO
Authors: Cabral Matheus Monteiro , Escobar de Oliveira Marcelo
Published: February 2021

A distribuição de energia elétrica é parte fundamental da sociedade atual e, portanto, aumenta-se a exigência na qualidade de energia elétrica ofertada pelas concessionárias. Diversos fatores podem influenciar nesta qualidade, sendo um deles o próprio comportamento da carga conectada à rede. Dentre os componentes que são recorrentemente empregados nos sistemas de distribuição destaca-se os motores assíncronos, os quais são aplicados desde residências até grandes indústrias. Quando comparado com outros tipos de máquinas (síncronas e a de corrente contínua) esses motores possuem maior robustez, alto conjugado de partida, acionamento simples e reduzido tamanho. Assim, para analisar a influência da utilização de máquinas assíncronas na operação de uma rede de distribuição, foram realizadas simulações com o sistema teste IEEE 37 barras. Para os casos analisados realizou-se variações nas potências das máquinas e comparou-as em ambas as partidas: direta e com softstarter. As simulações foram realizadas no OpenDSS. Os valores de queda de tensão de linha, perdas e potência ativa e reativa são demonstrados para cada uma das situações. Finalmente, expõe-se a importância da utilização de técnicas para a diminuição do impacto da partida dos motores na qualidade da energia.
PARTIDA ESTRELA-TRIÂNGULO E REVERSÃO DE UM MOTOR DE INDUÇÃO COM CHAVES MECÂNICAS UTILIZANDO ACIONAMENTO POR SMARTPHONE
Authors: Gonçalves Silva Bruno , Carvalho Gabriel Fraga , de Melo Marden Deivdson , dos Santos Carlos Renato Borges , de Camargos Ana Flávia Peixoto , Moura Renan Souza
Published: February 2021

Este artigo apresenta o desenvolvimento de um protótipo para acionamento estrela-triângulo com reversão do sentido de giro de motor de indução trifásico, usando um smartphone com o sistema operacional Android. Para a comunicação entre o Arduino Uno e o smartphone, utilizou-se o módulo Bluetooth HC-05. Os comandos enviados são para ligar, desligar e reverter o sentido de rotação do motor. O aplicativo Android foi desenvolvido utilizando-se App Inventor II, do Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Wood-steel composite shear walls with openings
Authors: Vogiatzis Tzanetis , Tsalkatidis Themistoklis , Avdelas Aris
Published: February 2021

This paper reports an investigation into the behaviour of wood-steel composite shear walls, consisting of strand laminated lumber boundary frames with infill steel plates. Recently it has been shown that wood-steel composite shear wall systems can offer various advantages over code-approved wood frame shear walls, including architectural flexibility. However, further research is needed so as to gain a better insight and understanding into the structural behaviour of this lateral load resisting system. On this basis, three-dimensional full-scale finite element models are developed and used to simulate the wood-steel composite shear wall with solid infill plates and with centrally-perforated infill plates. In this paper, firstly, a three-dimensional finite element model of wood-steel composite shear wall under monotonic loading. The numerical results were compared with experimental data and it was found that the model can predict the behaviour of wood-steel composite shear walls with reasonable precision. Using the verified model, a parametric study on wood-steel composite shear wall models with and without openings was performed. Critical parameters influencing the wood-steel composite shear walls behaviour such as the thickness of the steel plate and the opening ratio were investigated. The results of this parametric study provide useful information for the engineering application of wood-steel composite shear wall systems.Â Â
Assessment of selected heavy metal load and identification of bacterial status associated with suya meat sold in Anambra state, Nigeria
Authors: N. Asomugha R. , E. Ilodigwe E. , O. Amedu J. , Ogbonnaya M. , Ifediba E.
Published: February 2021

Heavy metals and some pathogenic bacteria tend to contaminate food substances commonly consumed and this pose as health risks to the populace. The study was therefore conducted to assess the level of metal and bacteria contamination of meat barbecue (SUYA) commonly consumed in Anambra State, Nigeria. Thirty six sample were evenly collected from the sensational Zones and analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Metal values obtained range as follows: Cadmium(4.17-7.93mg/kg), Lead(0.24-3.39mg/kg),Zinc(2.6-28.3mg/kg) and Arsenic(0.19-2.3mg/kg). Samples from Anambra North had the highest Zinc, Lead, and Arsenic levels 14.02, 0.94, and 0.96mg/kg rewspectively, while Anambra South recorded the highest cadmium level 6.16mg/kg. The Estimated daily intake(EDI) of Cadmium alone was found to be greater than the recommended value in the 3 senatorial zones. Again only Cadmium had a target hazard quotient(THQ) of greater than one in all the senatorial zones. All the zones had hazard index (HI) greater than one. North(5.95+00). South,(8.1E+00) and Central(4.8+00). Cancer risk for cadmium recorded in all the zones were above accepted limits. While for Arsenic the North zone recorded levels above acceptable limits. The following bacteria species were isolated from analyze soya samples. Staphyloccocus cereus, Bacillus aureus, Salmonella species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia,however bacillus cereus was most commonly isolated and Pseudomonas aeruginosa least commonly isolated. The results indicated an appreciable level of contamination and a possible public health risk.Â Â
Penal Protection of Environment from Oil Operators Pollutants
Authors: Khudtur Shawn O. , Gaznai SafaaAldden M.
Published: February 2021

Today, the protection of the environment has assumed an even more prominent position with the rapid industrialization resulting not only in the overuse of our limited natural resources but also causing the pollution of the environment. One of the most serious environmental dilemmas we face is oil pollution. The wastes of oil operators, if not treated properly, will inevitably lead to pollution of the environment and may cause life-threatening disasters for all creatures and for many years. Hence, the entire ecosystem could be irreversibly damaged that cost normal life of the mankind. With the beginning of oil industry in Kurdistan Region of Iraq mainly post 2003, the legislator in Kurdistan initiated to issue two laws with the aim of organizing its oil sector and protecting Kurdistan’s environment with its three elements of soil, water and air. Being recent to and lacking experience of the authorities in Kurdistan Region about Oil operations and its negative impacts had reflected on the contents of those two laws. Thus, they were issued with a number of legal loopholes that hindered them to achieve the objectives of environmental security, particularly Environment Penal Protection. In this context, considering the importance of this topic in Kurdistan Region of Iraq, this research attempts to explain and evaluate these two laws, addressing the issues with identifying potential legal solutions to prevent oil pollution infringements in the region which will be a contribution to the development of Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
تسريع الزمن السردي في روايات سنان أنطون
Authors: Ibrahim Sarkawt G. , Ayoob Dhiya A.
Published: February 2021

يتناول هذا البحث موضوعًا هامًّا من موضوعات التقنيات السردية في النصّ الحكائي بشكل عام، والنصّ الروائي بشكل خاص، وهو موضوع تسريع الزمن الروائي وتقنيّاته المميّزة له عن طريق دراسة مستفيضة في نتاج الروائي العراقي سنان أنطون، الشاعر والروائي والأكاديمي العراقي، الذي صدر له ديوان شعر بعنوان (موشور مبلّل بالحروب)، وآخر بعنوان (ليل واحد في كلّ المدن)، وصدرت له أربع روايات وهي على التوالي: (إعجام، وحدها شجرة الرمّان، يا مريم والتي ترشّحت لجائزة البوكر العربية ووصلت للقائمة القصيرة سنة 2012م، فهرس). هناك عدّة أسباب لتسريع السرد، وهناك عدّة طرائق متداولة لأجل ذلك. فعادة ما يتمّ تجنّب النصوص الطويلة والمؤلّفة من الوصف بكلّ أحواله، عندما تجري وتيرة الأفعال لأداء حدث مهمّ، لذا يفضّل الكاتب تأجيل الوصف إلى محطّات أخرى: وصف المكان، الشخصية، الأشياء، المدن وشوارعها… إلخ، والتركيز على الأفعال المتضمّنة للحركة والتلاحق، وقد تكون التبطئة جزئية حتمية ما دام السرد غير قادر على تجاهلها، فلا يوجد سرد خالص لا تتخلّله وقفات وصفية، ولا يوجد سرد قائم – فقط – على الوصف، إذ يتقاسم كلّ منهما الظهور في النصّ وفق الحاجة، وحسب خبرة الكاتب في التعامل معهما على سواء. وعليه توزّع البحث على مبحثين، تسبقهما مقدّمة عن الحركات الرئيسة المتعلّقة بالزمن، والتركيز على تقنيّتين مختصّتين بتسريع السرد، ودورهما البارز في التغلّب على المشاكل التي قد يواجهها أيّ روائي في مسايرة الزمن الحقيقي للحكاية، واللتان ساهمتا في تشكيل بنية النصّ في الروايات المدروسة، وكشفتا عن تمكّن الروائي من عنصر الزمن، بعد أن تخلّص من شوائب الزمن الميّت في أحداث رواياته. والمبحث الأوّل من هذا البحث حمل عنوان "التلخيص"، وفيه درس الباحث هذه التقنية، مبيّنًا دورها في تسريع السرد في الروايات. أمّا المبحث الثاني فتناول الباحث فيه تقنية "الحذف"، محاولاً تسليط الضوء على أبرز مهامها ووظائفها، فضلًا عن دورها الهامّ في تسريع زمن السرد ليتأتّى للكاتب السيطرة على مجرى أحداث رواياته.
مدى علاقة الغرامات المالية بتحقيق المصالح العامة من خلال إدارة الأسواق
Authors: Hamadameen Othman K. , Bajalan Jamal M. F.
Published: February 2021

إنّ هذا البحث دراسة تناولت الغرامات المالية بصفتها عقوبة تعزيرية أو ذات طبيعة خاصة مختلطة من التأديب والتعويض، التي تخصّ مسائل التعزير. واهتم هذا البحث بمواضع كثيرة متعلّقة بالغرامات المالية في مسائل الإخلال بالتنظيمات الإداريّة في الأسواق والمجالات التي تتعلق بالأمن الغذائي، في ضوء مقاصد الشرع في التشريع، على أنّ معظم تطبيقات الغرامة المالية في هذ المجال تنتج من ترك المأمور، أو ارتكاب المحظور، وبعضها مبنية على تقييد المباح.  وتناول هذا البحث دراسة الغرامات المالية من زاوية (السبب والأثر)، باعتبارها عقاباً على المعاصي دون اعتبار للعلاقة بين المال الذي تقع فيه الغرامة بالجناية من جهة تعلّقه بها وعدم تعلّقه بها، وبغضّ النظر عن كونها قُصد بها إتلاف ما وقعت به الجناية أو قصد بها تأديب الجاني. إذ ما من حكومة معاصرة إلا وقد جعلت عقوباتٍ على من يخالف نظامها، ومن أبرزها عقوبة الغرامة حفظاً له، ومن هذا المنطلق قد جاءت هذه الدراسة التطبيقية لتقودنا إبراز تطبيقاتٍ مقاصدية من اجتهادات وأحكام تتعلّق بالغرامات المالية من التغريم والمصادرة والإتلاف والحرمان على الإخلال بالأنظمة الإدارية: من جرائم الأسواق في مسائل الاحتكار، و مخالفة التسعير الجبري، والغشّ، والمواد المنتهية الصلاحية. وهي جرائم ضدّ الأمن المالي والتجاري، ممّا يشكّل اعتداء على نظام الدولة، أو تعدّ من الجرائم ضدّ الأمن العام والمنافع العامة للمجتمع، وبذلك يُبرز مدى علاقة الغرامات في الأنظمة الإدارية في جميع المجالات والشؤون بتحقيق المصالح العامة، وحفظ مقاصد الشريعة من الضروريات أو الحاجيات أو التحسينيات.
Infiltrados e Invasores: Uma perspectiva comparada sobre relações de classe no cinema brasileiro
Authors: Cabral Luana
Published: February 2021

Recensão crítica do livro Infiltrados e Invasores: Uma perspectiva comparada sobre relações de classe no cinema brasileiro, escrito pela pesquisadora Mariana Souto e publicado no ano de 2019.
Novo Cinema Galego: Recepción crítica y presencia en festivales
Authors: Redondo Neira Fernando
Published: February 2021

El Novo Cinema Galego se dio a conocer, principalmente, a través del circuito internacional de festivales. Tratándose, sobre todo, de filmes de vanguardia, de un cine que combina la ficción y el documental, constituye una propuesta autoral que encontró en estos certámenes la vía adecuada para su promoción y difusión. Analizaremos aquí cómo se produjo esa relación entre películas y festivales. Para ello, estudiamos previamente la creación de la marca “Novo Cinema Galego” a través de los medios de comunicación y la recepción crítica de algunas de sus principales películas. A continuación, comprobaremos de qué manera dichos festivales construyen un determinado discurso cultural a partir del concepto de programación y cómo se incorporan a él estas propuestas de los llamados “cines pequeños”, como serían aquellos que se expresan en una lengua no hegemónica.