bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ivemark syndrome with obstructed supracardiac TAPVC- case report
Authors: Vemuri Sravani , Challa Chaitanya , Rao Vala Ramgopal , C. Sudharshan Raj
Published: January 2021

Heterotaxy disorder is a disturbance in the usual left and right distribution of the thoracic and abdominal organs. Ivemark syndrome is one such heterotaxy disorder. It is a rare disorder which affects males more than females with majority of cases presenting in the neonatal period mainly due to complex congenital cardiac disease. Here is a case report of rare disorder of the neonate with Ivemark syndrome with obstructed supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC). Management of obstructed supracardiac TAPVC is complicated as PGE1 infusion is contraindicated and immediate surgical correction is advised.
Training basic echocardiography to pediatric residents: need of the hour
Authors: Prasad Arun , Kumar Pradeep , Yankappa N.
Published: January 2021

Most of the cardiac abnormalities which pediatricians come across, require echocardiography for confirming the diagnosis. Due to the introduction of 'point of care ultrasonography' and widespread availability of ultrasonography equipment in clinical care areas, pediatricians are able to diagnose some of these cardiac abnormalities; however, they are unable to make a prompt echocardiographic diagnosis by themselves in most of these cardiac conditions due to lack of echocardiography skills. Pediatric residents and consultants, especially those who are involved in providing care in pediatric emergency, pediatric ICU, and neonatal ICU, should learn the skills of basic echocardiography for making the quicker diagnosis of such conditions and improving patient care. Subcostal view echocardiography can detect many cardiac abnormalities through a single echocardiographic window. There is a need of formulating a need-based basic Echocardiography training program to be incorporated into the Pediatric residency curriculum.
The pattern of sharp injuries and its associated factors among healthcare workers in Gambella town, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Mengistu Yitayeh B. , Desta Abebaw A. , Fekadu Sofonias A.
Published: January 2021

Background: The objective of the study was to assess the pattern of needle stick and sharp injuries and associated factors among healthcare workers in Gambella Town, Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods: Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 05 March to 20 April 2019. A total of 368 healthcare workers were recruited using a systematic random sampling procedure. The data were entered into Epi info 7 and exported to statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 21 for analysis. P≤0.20 was used to select variables from bivariable logistic analysis to multivariable logistic analysis. P value of ≤0.05 with 95% confidence level was used to identify variables that were associated with needle stick and sharp injuries.  

Results: The prevalence of needle stick and sharp injuries among healthcare workers in Gambella town was 113 (32.2%) 95% CI (27.43, 36.97) with mean age of 30.35±7.73. Work experience >10 years [AOR=2.24, 95% CI: (1.13, 4.43)], absence of training on occupational health and safety [AOR=4.89, 95% CI: (2.21, 10.84)], working more than 48 hours/week [AOR=3.44, 95% CI: (1.76, 6.74)], dissatisfaction with their work [AOR=3.76, 95% CI: (2.12, 6.69)], having low risk perception [AOR=5.82, 95% CI: (2.59, 13.07)], and having moderate risk perception [AOR=3.44, 95% CI: (1.83, 6.49)] were significantly associated with needle stick and sharp injuries.

Conclusions: There was high prevalence of needle stick and sharp injuries among healthcare workers in Gambella town. Lack of training, low-risk perception, dissatisfaction with the working environment, long working hours, and long working experience were associated with needle stick and sharp injuries.
Evaluation of restricted antibiotic utilization and cost-minimization analysis in a tertiary care hospital in India
Authors: Krishna Kumar Dhakchinamoorthi , Swapna Mani , Kanmani Srinivasan , Varsha Varghese , Vidya Nair V.
Published: January 2021

Background: Antibiotic resistance is a major menace to public health and treatment of several infectious diseases, also associated with an economic burden to society.  Pharmacoeconomic analysis of antibiotic usage and cost-minimization analysis provides better and low-cost drug selection for the patients.

Methods: The study was conducted as a cross-sectional, observational analysis of restricted antibiotics in the prescriptions (n= 191). Cost minimization analysis was conducted for the restricted antibiotics alone. The drug costs of prescribed brands were compared with the least cost brands, and the percentage cost difference was calculated and compared by student paired ‘t’ test. P<0.05 considered statistical significance.  

Results: The average age of the patients was found to be 58.1±18.3 (Mean±SD) years, and most of the restricted antibiotics were prescribed for the treatment of hospital-acquired infections 71.7%. Meropenem was prescribed highly 29.8% followed by imipenem (28.8%) and colistin (12%). The major reason for starting restricted antibiotics was found to be infectious diseases (27.7%). The cost-minimization analysis showed that the total unit cost for caspofungin (₹1,85,000 or $2523.40) was found to be higher followed by meropenem (₹1,29,800) in the prescriptions. The mean cost of actually prescribed restricted antibiotics was found to be ₹68,338±61,332 (Mean±SD). The lowest mean cost of restricted antibiotics was found to be ₹32,223±31,082 (p<0.05).

Conclusions: Pharmacoeconomic cost-minimization analysis was a useful tool for clinical pharmacist in the selection of appropriate antibiotics and minimizing the burden of the cost of the drugs, it provides a better outcome in patients while using restricted antibiotics with infectious disease.
Implementation of Electronic Health Record as a Clinical Information Tool to Improve Gastric Cancer Care
Authors: Shahmoradi Leila , KhoramiMoghadam Rogayeh , Ghazisaeedi Marjan , Gholamzadeh Marsa
Published: January 2021

Aim: According to the high prevalence of gastric cancer in Iran, this study aimed to develop a gastric cancer electronic health record (EHR) to improve outpatient gastric cancer care.
Method: This study represented the stepwise process used to develop a web-based gastric cancer EHR to overcome the documentation problems and cancer care complications. These iterative phases included determining the required minimum data sets (MDS), designing, developing and implementation, and usability evaluation. The system functional and non-functional requirements were determined using needs assessment. The MDSs were identified through consensus by a multidisciplinary expert panel. Finally, the web-based system was implemented in PHP language.
Results: Initially, the required datasets were verified by experts. Later, an EHR-based gastric cancer system was implemented successfully to support outpatient cancer care. Based on the analysis, the functional requirements and main modules of the system were specified. The designed system reached an acceptable level of usability and performance.
Conclusion: The system was successfully implemented in the gastric cancer clinic. Implementation of an electronic health record system can not only provide ease of access to clinical information, but also improve the quality of complicated cancer care.
Digital Dashboard for Improving Pharmacy Management: A mixed-method study
Authors: Dehghani Mahmoodabadi Arezoo , langarizadeh Mostafa , Mosaddegh Mehrjardi Mohammad Hossein , Emadi Sima
Published: January 2021

Aim: This study aimed to determine the performance indicators required for hospital pharmacies and design a hospital pharmacy dashboard through defining requirements.
Methods: This study was conducted in three phases in 2017. A qualitative approach was employed to collect and formulate key performance indicators (KPIs) for hospital pharmacies. A semi-structured questionnaire was constructed to determine KPIs. The data were analyzed using framework analysis. The classic Delphi technique was used to determine the dashboard requirements. Finally, the Dashboard was designed using QlikView12 and implemented in the selected hospital. The data displayed on the pharmacy dashboard was driven by the hospital information system (HIS).
Results: The KPIs consisted of three domains including managerial, clinical, and financial indicators.
Conclusion: Pharmacy services have been affected by the complexity and diversity of drugs, clinical concerns, and costs. The dashboard can help pharmacies' managers by monitoring. The dashboard design process begins by identifying KPIs that are important to decision-makers.
BYOD and its Application in the Healthcare Environment
Authors: Shabazi Masoomeh , Amini Rarani Mostafa , Tahmasebian Sharam , Jahanbakhsh Maryam
Published: January 2021

In recent years, the number of people who use mobile devices for business and organizational purposes has increased. This phenomenon is now known as “bring your own device” (BYOD), and it is rapidly entering the health industry, which makes clear the necessity of studying its various dimensions for its implementation and application. Recently, the use of mobile devices is increasing due to the social tendencies of people. Rapid changes in modern gadgets and smartphones have also encouraged organizations to use their mobile devices in the workplace for business purposes, creating related opportunities and challenges. These cases have made the expansion of BYOD inevitable so that the only way to control BYOD’s threats is to accept its process and finally formulate related strategies and policies before using it.
The Effect of Pre-Storage Irradiation Blood on Quality of Red Blood Cells
Authors: Eshghifar Nahal , Maghsudlu Mahtab , Amini KafiAbad Sedigheh
Published: January 2021

Background: Irradiation leads to increased storage lesions that may have harmful effects if transfused. Various storage lesions research has been carried out, and only very few articles are available on the impact of gamma irradiation on RBC storage lesions. Since there has been no study about finding the best time for irradiation, we decided to investigate the effect of irradiation on Red blood cells at different storage times after blood collection
Materials and Methods: A total of 40 units of red blood cells divided into two groups, irradiated and nonirradiated. Irradiated RBCs were divided into three groups and each group containing ten units. The remaining ten units were considered as non-irradiated controls. Sampling from these irradiated and non-irradiated blood units was performed weekly to evaluate biochemical parameters and free plasma hemoglobin/Hemolysis index levels.
Results: A significant increase in the mean values of plasma potassium, plasma Hb/Hemolysis index, and LDH, as well as a significant reduction in the mean value of 2,3 DPG and plasma sodium, were observed in both groups. Although the reduction of 2,3 DPG is extremely remarkable, it is compensated 24-48 hours after transfusion. Hence, the clinical result of 2,3-DPG-depleted RBC transfusion is known to be negligible. The irradiation group alteration was more notable than the non-irradiated one and the changes in the parameters were most significant in the group having been stored for a longer period after irradiation.
Conclusion: Our investigation on the impact of gamma irradiation on RBCs makes it possible to suggest a storage time up to 28 days after irradiation is permissible and the best time for irradiation after blood collection is up to 14 days. It is pointed out that the blood unit should be transfused as soon as possible after the irradiation.
Promoter Methylation Status and Expression Levels of RASSF1A Gene in Different Phases of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
Authors: Sohani Mahsa , Rostami Shahrbano , Azad Mehdi , Hojjatipour Tahereh , Chahardouli Bahram , Alizadeh Shaban
Published: January 2021

Background: Although the precise pathogenesis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remains unclear, studying gene-regulating mechanisms during ALL pathogeneses may shed light on the underlying mechanisms driving malignant behavior. There is some evidence showing the promoter hypermethylation and silencing of RASSF1A tumor suppressor gene in ALL cells; however, there is a lack of evidence for whether the gene indeed alters during different phases of ALL or in response to therapy. Thus, the current study aimed to clarify this issue using groups of adult ALL patients who have been scarcely investigated regarding expression levels and promoter methylation status.
Materials and Methods: In this case/control study, the expression levels and methylation status of the gene promoter was evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR and methylation-specific PCR (MSP), respectively in adults with ALL. The study included peripheral blood of patients with newly diagnosed ALL (n=10), complete remission (CR) (n=10), or relapse (n=10), and 10 control samples from healthy individuals.
Results: MSP results revealed an unmethylated status for almost all patients and control samples, except a case with relapsing ALL, which showed a hemimethylated pattern. RASSF1A also showed no difference in terms of gene expression in the patients compared with the control group (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The results revealed an up-regulation of RASSF1A tumor suppressor in adult ALL patients experiencing CR, suggesting this to be a marker of therapy response. However, further investigations using more sensitive methylation detecting tools with larger sample sizes may better clarify the involvement of the promoter methylation of RASSF1A in these patients.
The Effect of Family-Centered Supportive Program on Chemotherapy-Induced Symptoms in Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
Authors: Sayadi Leila , Varaei Shokoh , Babazadeh Zanjani Melika
Published: January 2021

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a disease of the hematopoietic system and chemotherapy is recommended as the primary treatment. As many chemotherapeutic agents have severe adverse effects, patients require to be supported by their family to deal with chemotherapy-related symptoms. This study attempted to investigate the effect of family-centered supportive programs on chemotherapy symptom control in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
Materials and Methods: Sixty-six patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia undergoing chemotherapy along with their caregivers participated in this nonrandomized clinical trial. Patients in Shariati and Taleghani Hospital were assigned to intervention (n=33) and control group (n=33), respectively. A survey of family-centered supportive program was conducted via in-person and telephone up to 6 cycles of chemotherapy. The chemotherapy symptom assessment scale was administered to record the data during 6 cycles of chemotherapy treatment. The control group only received routine interventions. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and Mann–Whitney U tests.
Results: The results of the study indicated that there was a statistically significant difference in terms of the frequency of 9 chemotherapy-induced symptoms including nausea, shortness of breath, problems related to skin and nails, a sore/sensitive mouth or throat, anorexia, weight gain or loss, headache and sore/scratchy/dry eyes between the control and intervention group. There was also a statistically significant difference in the severity and level of discomfort of 19 chemotherapy-induced symptoms between the control and intervention group.
Conclusion: Family-centered supportive program can be considered as an approach to decrease the frequency, severity and discomfort level of chemotherapy-induced symptoms.
Selection of Suitable Alternative Donor in the Absence of Matched Sibling Donor: A Retrospective Single-Center Study to Compare between Haploidentical, 10/10 and 9/10 Unrelated Donor Transplantation
Authors: Barkhordar Maryam , Kasaeian Amir , Tavakoli Sahar , Vaezi Mohammad , Kamranzadeh Foumani Hossein , Bahri Tannaz , Babakhani Davood , Mirzakhani Leila , Mousavi Ashraf , Mousavi Seied Asadollah , Ghavamzadeh Ardeshir
Published: January 2021

Background: Finding a suitable donor at the optimal time is one of the most challenging issues in many transplant centers. We evaluated the clinical outcomes of 248 patients with acute leukemia and without matched sibling donors (MSD) who underwent alternative transplantation, including haploidentical (n=118), 10/10 matched unrelated (MUD, n=91), 9/10 mismatched unrelated (MMUD, n=21), and 9/10 mismatched related (MMRD, n=18) between January 2010 and November 2019 in our center.
Materials and Methods: The myeloablative conditioning regimen was used in most of the patients. Both post-transplant cyclophosphamide (40mg/kg at +3, +4) and pre-transplant ATG were used in most of Haploidentical transplantations. Patients with unrelated donors received ATG as a part of the conditioning regimen.
Results: The median follow-up was 31.83 months. No significant difference in probability of 3-year leukemiafree survival (LFS) and overall survival (OS) as well as 3-year relapse incidence (RI) were noted between donor sources. A significant difference was found in the 3-year cumulative incidence (CI) of non-relapse mortality (NRM) among the donor sources: 37.89%, 24.20%, 24.30%, and 11.48%, for Haplo, 9/10 MMUD, 10/10 MUD, and 9/10 MMRD (p=0.02). Using the multivariable Cox model, the advanced age of patients and Major-ABO mismatched, were two risk factors independently associated with lower OS and DFS as well as higher NRM, whereas male donor and AML disease compared to ALL were associated with a better OS and DFS.
Conclusion: Given that no significant differences were observed in the overall outcome of Haplo with other alternative transplantations, suggesting that Haploidentical transplantation is a suitable, accessible, and inexpensive option.
A Comparison of the Effect of Two Types of Continuous and Discontinuous Aerobic Exercise on Patients' Stem Cell Mobilization before Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Kasravi Kimia , Ghazalian Farshad , Gaeini Abbasali , Hajifathali Abbas , Gholami Mandana
Published: January 2021

Background: Transplant success largely depends on the number of hematopoietic stem cells. The release of catecholamines following exercise can, as a treatment in addition to medication, affect the mobilization of stem cells from the bone marrow into the peripheral blood. The aim of the present study is to compare two types of aerobic exercise on stem cell mobilization before autologous transplantation.
Materials and Methods: In a quasi-experimental applied study, 60 patients in the age range of 22-69 years referred to Taleghani Hospital were randomly selected and assigned into 3 groups of 20 members (continuous aerobic, discontinuous aerobic and control group). Aerobic exercise program was performed for 7 consecutive days of mobilization period including walking on a treadmill (according to the patient's ability) continuously and discontinuously for 30 minutes in the morning and afternoon. Blood samples were taken the morning before and after mobilization and the CD34 and MNC levels were counted as absolute. Chi-square test, paired t-test, analysis of covariance (ANCOA) and multiple comparison test were used for statistical analysis. All analyses were considered significant at p ≤ 0.
Results: Moderate-intensity continuous and discontinuous aerobic activity increases the number of CD34 and MNC cells. A comparison between continuous and discontinuous aerobic activity showed an increase in the amount of these cells. The continuous aerobic activity group was found to have a statistically significant increase compared to the discontinuous group (P≤0.05).
Conclusion: Moderate intensity continuous and discontinuous aerobic exercise significantly increased hematopoietic stem cells. However, this increase was greater as a result of continuous aerobic exercise than discontinuous exercise. Regarding the potential role of these cells in transplantation, they could possibly help the transplant process.
Association of Cigarette Smoking and Serum Concentrations of Vitamins A and E in Men: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Sohrabi Marjan , Djalali Mahmoud , Javanbakht Mohammad Hassan , Shekoohi Niloofar , Ghavami Abed , Mohammadi Hamed
Published: January 2021

Background: Cigarette smoking is associated with changes in blood concentrations of some antioxidant vitamins. This study aimed to determine the association of cigarette smoking with serum concentrations of vitamins A and E in men.
Methods: This was a case-control study, in which the participants were 80 male smokers and 84 male nonsmokers (age range: 20-60 years). Data on dietary intake, health status, smoking habits, anthropometric characteristics, and vitamin levels were compared between cases and controls.
Results: Smokers had significantly lower concentrations of serum vitamin E (p = 0.001) and vitamin A (p = 0.013) compared with nonsmokers. However, serum vitamin E to cholesterol ratio was not significantly different between smokers and nonsmokers. Moreover, the highest circulating concentrations of vitamin E was observed in smokers who smoked ≤9 cigarettes per day (p < 0.03), while and the lowest vitamin E was seen in men smoking ≥20 cigarettes per day.
Conclusion: The results of this study identified that cigarette smoking is associated with lower levels of serum vitamin E and vitamin A, although it was not associated with vitamin E to cholesterol ratio.
Exploring the Underlying Factors for Fast Food Consumption Behavior among Adolescents: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Pourabbasia Ata , Fatemi Fatemeh-sadat , Tehrani Moghadam Mahdiyeh , Yavari Haniyeh , Seyedhosseini Bahare , Shams Amir Hossein
Published: January 2021

Background: Overweight and obesity cause different disorders such as high blood pressure, inflammation, and cardiovascular diseases. So it becomes a major factor for enhancing different mortal diseases. Due to the high tendency to consume fast food among adolescents, this study aims to identify the causes of adolescent’s desire for and fast food consumption.
Methods: An interview was carried out with some adolescents to explore the reasons and their consumption rate.
Results: The main factors promoting fast food consumption in students can be divided into 4 categories. Also, the students’ motivation in fast food ingestion can be explained in personal, social, and educational reasons.
Conclusion: Increasing number of fast food restaurants, peer pressure, parents’ role in choosing proper nutrition, and lack of knowledge about the risks of fast food are the main reasons for increased fast food consumption in adolescents.
Effect of an Educational Intervention on Healthy Lifestyle in Iranian Children and Adolescents: The Iran-ending Childhood Obesity (IRAN-ECHO) Program
Authors: Abdollahi Zahra , Sayyari Ali-Akbar , Olang Beheshteh , Ziaodini Hassan , Fallah Hossein , Abasalti Zahra , Fozouni Fereshteh , Jafari Sakineh , Lashkarlouki Farhad , Sahebdel Mahnoush , Siadati Arash , Aslani Hamideh , Riahi Roya , Heidari-Beni Motahar , Kelishadi Roya
Published: January 2021

Background: This study aimed at examining the effect of an educational program on children’s and adolescents’ knowledge of, attitude toward, and practice of healthy lifestyle habits.
Methods: This was a quasi-experimental nationwide intervention carried out as part of the Iran-Ending Childhood Obesity (IRAN-ECHO) program. Participants were selected from six cities of Iran. The sample size was calculated to be 1264 for each city. Knowledge of, attitude toward, and practice of healthy nutritional habits were measured at baseline and following the intervention. A physician and a dietitian provided recommendations on healthy diet, screen time, physical activity, and sleep time. Behavioral therapy was given when necessary.
Results: The prevalence of overweight or obesity was 7.6%. The frequency of students with desirable knowledge was significantly greater after the intervention compared with baseline (32.5% vs 24.8%, p = 0.02). The mean score for attitude toward obesity complications significantly increased from 73.09 to 74.78 (p = 0.03). There was also a significant increase in the mean score for the practice of low consumption of unhealthy snacks after the intervention (difference = 1.63, p = 0.03). The mean score for participation in mild physical activity increased from 50.67 to 65 after the intervention (p < 0.001). However, there were no significant changes in the number of students with desirable attitude and practice following the intervention (p> 0.05).
Conclusion: The study shows that an educational intervention based on WHO-ECHO recommendations can be useful for improving the knowledge of a healthy lifestyle in children and adolescents. Over time, it might lead to a positive attitude and behavior toward a healthier lifestyle. Continued professional education and implementation of guidelines for the prevention and management of early childhood overweight and obesity are suggested.
Genetic Diversity of Endophytic Bacillus strains (101 and 201) Isolated from Native Neem (Azadirachta indica L.) Plants of West Malaysia
Authors: Yoganathan Vithiya , Tiwari Kartikeya
Published: January 2021

Background: A large number of bioactive compounds are produced by neem tree (Azadirachta indica). The association between the neem tree and endophytes is not well explored in West Malaysia. Endophytes are the organisms that live inside the medicinal plants and produce bioactive compounds of medicinal importance. The present research work has been carried out to harness significant biocontrol activity showing endophytic bacterial strains. Methods: Screening for bacterial endophytes was performed by using surface sterilisation method. Sterile explants were placed on nutrient agar plates and incubated at 37oC. Plates were observed for the presence of endophytes surrounding the explants. The bacterial endophytes were identified microscopically by Gram staining protocol and molecular characterization was performed by amplification of 16 S rRNA and sequencing. Result: Twelve endophytic bacterial strains isolated in which, only two bacterial strains were found significant in terms of bio-control activity. Therefore, these two bacterial strains were selected for further study. The 16S rRNA amplification and phylogenetic tree construction of endophytic bacterial strains (101 and 201) confirmed that these bacterial strains are closest with Bacillus cereus and Bacillus megaterium strains.
Relationship between In vivo, In vitro Parameters and Chemical Composition to Predict the Nutritive Value of Some Legume Forages
Authors: Aïssa A. , Mustapha C. Ben , Alvir M.R. , Ayed M. Hadj , Znaïdi I.E.A. , Moujahed N. , Kraiem K.
Published: January 2021

Background: Many in vivo and laboratory methods have been used to evaluate ruminant feeds. The objective of this experiment was to determine feed intake, digestibility, kinetics of gas production, in vitro organic matter digestibility (OMDv) and metabolizable energy (ME) of Trifolium alexandrinum (T. alexandrinum) and Medicago sativa (M. sativa) at different maturity stages through in vivo and in vitro methods to elaborate predictive equations from chemical constituents. Methods: In vivo assay was carried out with two groups of five rams male kipped in metabolism cage. Samples of forage, refusal and feces were collected and processed for chemical analysis. In vitro gaz production technique was performed on forage samples. Result: The bud and early bloom stage of M. sativa recorded the highest digestibility values of the chemical component (P less than 0.05). The OMDv of M. sativa was 60.65 and 68.26% (P less than 0.01) for early bloom stage and bud stage, respectively. Crude protein digestibility (CPD) was positively correlated with crude protein rate (R2=0.83, P less than 0.05). The gas production from the insoluble fraction “b” fraction showed a positive correlation with acid detergent fiber (ADF) (R2=0.999, P less than 0.001). However, cumulative gas production at 24h and 48 h of incubation were negatively correlated (P less than 0.05) with the ADF rate (R2= -0.98 and -0.97, respectively).
Conjugation of Biofertilizers with Different Sources of Chemical Fertilizers in Wheat: A Review
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Brar Sukhdeep Kaur
Published: January 2021

Plants nutrients are necessary in increasing production and productivity of crops and healthy food for the world’s ever increasing population. Today, soil management strategies are mainly dependent on inorganic chemical-based fertilizers, which cause a serious threat to human health and the environment. Bio-fertilizer has been identified as an alternative for increasing soil fertility and crop production in sustainable farming. The exploitation of beneficial microbes as bio-fertilizers has become of paramount importance in agricultural sector due to their potential role in food safety and sustainable crop production. Bio-fertilizer can be an important component of integrated nutrients management. Microorganisms that are commonly used as bio-fertilizer components include; nitrogen fixers (N-fixer), potassium and phosphorus solubilizers, growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs), endo and ecto mycorrhizal fungi, cyanobacteria and other useful microscopic organisms. The use of bio-fertilizers leads to improved nutrients and water uptake, plant growth and plant tolerance to abiotic and biotic factors. In wheat, non-symbiotic spp. like Azotobacter and streptomyces may be used as a potential source of plant growth promoter and also can reduce chemical fertilizer up to 25% with compromising yield. Thus, these potential biological fertilizers would play a key role in productivity and sustainability of soil and also in protecting the environment as eco-friendly and cost effective inputs for the farmers. This review will overview the importance of biofertilizers with different sources of chemical fertilizers in wheat.
Effect of Phospho Enriched Compost and Zinc on Productivity and Nutrient Uptake of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) in Sub-humid Southern Hills and Aravalli Region of Rajasthan
Authors: Meena Manisha , Jat Gajanand , Meena R.H. , Choudhary Roshan , Jain Devendra , Doodhwal Kiran , Jat Hemraj , Yadav Sharvan Kumar
Published: January 2021

Background: Phosphorus (P) and zinc (Zn) are essential plant nutrients and their deficiency in soils has the adverse effect on the crop productivity, moreover the antagonistic effect of P on Zn is also important study aspect. Hence, the present investigation was carried out to study the effect of phospho enriched compost and zinc on productivity, nutrient content and uptake of Blackgram (Vigna mungo L.) in Sub-humid Southern Hills and Aravalli region of Rajasthan. Methods: The experiment was undertaken during Kharif 2018 at Rajasthan College of agriculture, Udaipur (Rajasthan). The treatments comprised of four levels of phospho enriched compost (PEC) i.e. control, PEC @ 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 t ha-1 and four levels of zinc i.e. control, Zn @ 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 kg ha-1. The experiment was laid out in a factorial randomized block design with three replications. Result: The increasing levels of phospho enriched compost and zinc upto 4 t ha-1 and 4 kg ha-1, respectively increased significantly (P=0.05) the number of nodules per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, test weight, seed yield, stover yield, nutrient content (N, K and Zn) and uptake (N, P, K and Zn) in seed and stover of blackgram. Whereas, the application of zinc significantly decreased the phosphorus content in seed and stover as compared to control. However, the combined application of phospho enriched compost @ 6 t ha-1 along with zinc @ 6 kg ha-1 was found to record higher seed and stover yield. The application of phospho enriched compost @ 4 t ha-1 and zinc @ 4 kg ha-1 along with the recommended dose of fertilizer results in significantly higher productivity, nutrient content and uptake of blackgram under Typic Haplustepts soil.
Mapping the boundaries of soil horizons using ground-penetrating radar
Authors: Ryazantsev P. A.
Published: January 2021

The article considers the role of GPR in solving problems of soil science, as well as the accuracy of tracking soil horizons using the example of field data. The study of the current state of the issue has shown that there is significant variability in the electrophysical properties of different types of soil. In this case, the dielectric constant of the soil horizons can both increase and decrease with depth. This fact determines the need for parameterization of the soil profile in GPR studies to prevent errors. Based on a generalizing analysis of practical examples, it has been established that the error in determining individual soil horizons by a GPR is on average 2–10 cm, depending on the frequency of the GPR antenna and the structural features of the soil. Experimental and methodological work to substantiate the main conclusions was carried out to trace the soil horizons by the GPR method using the example of typical entic podzol located on the Zaonezhsky Peninsula (Republic of Karelia), the structure and composition of which were described in detail earlier. The survey was carried out by a georadar OKO-2 (Logis-Geotech, Russia) with an antenna unit with a central frequency of 400 MHz. Fieldwork on the study site was carried out along separate transects, according to the reference soil profile. A detailed analysis of the radargrams provided, first of all, tracking the base of the BC horizon. The results obtained showed that the thickness of the soil within the profile varies from 23 to 32 cm, and the average observation error was ± 3 cm. Besides, the influence on the recording of shungite shale fragments and the differentiation of moisture content in the soil horizons was revealed. The presence of shungite shale leads to the formation of diffracted waves and an increase in the amplitudes of the reflected signal, while an increase in humidity is characterized by a decrease in the velocities of the electromagnetic wave.
UNA MIRADA A LA HISTORIA PARA LA RESILIENCIA ANTE EL COVID-19
Authors: Macías-Valadez Treviño María Elena , Gama Campillo Lilia María , Zurita Macías-Valadez Marcela , Rodríguez Quevedo Fernando
Published: January 2021

Se presenta una panorámica de pandemias que, en diferentes épocas y lugares, han afectado la salud de miles de personas. Todas ellas han traído a la población problemas con un fuerte impacto sociocultural, económico, político y religioso. Las pandemias, propagación global de una enfermedad infecciosa, se han presentado a través de la historia alcanzando a miles de personas sin diferencia de edad, sexo o estatus social. Las pandemias han causado estragos de salud pública con alto costo, pero también han provocado enseñanzas ante la necesidad de recuperarse e innovar para resolver la crisis y seguir adelante; en otras palabras, para ser resilientes.
EVALUACIÓN in vitro DE EXTRACTOS DE PLANTAS MEDICINALES COMO POSIBLES AGENTES ANTIMICROBIANOS PARA BACTERIAS PATÓGENAS EN TILAPIA
Authors: García Pérez Josué , Marroquín Mora Dora
Published: January 2021

A nivel mundial, la acuicultura ha crecido dramáticamente en los últimos 50 años, causando impactos negativos en la salud de los peces debido al incremento de enfermedades bacterianas. Los productores de tilapia usualmente tratan las enfermedades con una variedad de antibióticos, promoviendo la resistencia bacteriana. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el efecto antimicrobiano de cinco extractos de plantas medicinales frente a ocho bacterias patógenas aisladas de cultivos de tilapia en Guatemala. De los extractos evaluados, 'Syzygium aromaticum', 'Pimienta dioica' y 'Rosmarinus officinalis' inhibieron el crecimiento de seis, cinco y tres bacterias, respectivamente. Los extractos presentaron características antimicrobianas de amplio espectro, tanto para bacterias Gram negativas y positivas. Los extractos con mayor actividad antimicrobiana fueron 'S. aromaticum' y 'R. officinalis' con concentraciones mínimas inhibitorias y bactericidas entre 300 ppm a 1,563 ppm. Los extractos de 'Cinnamomum verum' y 'Lippia graveolens' no inhibieron las bacterias patógenas aisladas.
Cloud services e o padrão PREMIS
Authors: Castro Fabiano Ferreira de , Alves Rachel Cristina Vesú
Published: January 2021

Introdução: A preservação digital tem sido uma das preocupações de diversas áreas do conhecimento, em especial da Ciência da Informação que, por meio da adoção e do uso efetivo dos metadados e dos padrões de metadados disponíveis oferece respaldo para o tratamento de recursos em ambientes digitais. Objetivo: O objetivo dessa pesquisa consiste no estudo do padrão de metadados PREMIS e sua relação com os Cloud Services. Metodologia: A Revisão Sistemática da Literatura foi o método que possibilitou a construção de um referencial teórico consolidado da relação do padrão de metadados PREMIS para a preservação digital em Cloud Services. Resultados: Como resultados, são apresentadas as discussões, as ações e as iniciativas encontradas na literatura científica internacional que versam sobre o uso de padrões de metadados em Cloud Service, bem como os casos que abordam o PREMIS, na perspectiva dos Cloud Services; além disso, o estudo da relação das unidades semânticas do Dicionário de Dados PREMIS em Cloud Services. Conclusão: Conclui-se que, diante do cenário tecnológico vigente, caracterizado pela heterogeneidade de recursos informacionais, o Dicionário de Dados PREMIS com suas unidades semânticas apresenta importância capital para o estabelecimento da preservação digital em Cloud Services.
Peningkatan pengetahuan dan pemeriksaan skabies santri Pondok Pesantren Nurul Islam Sekarbela
Authors: Hidayat Lalu Husnul , Aini Siti Rahmatul , Hidajat Dedianto , Pratama Iman Surya
Published: January 2021

[Bahasa]: Angka prevalensi skabies di pondok pesantren di Indonesia adalah sebesar 3,9-6% termasuk di Provinsi Nusa Tenggara Barat. Alih pengetahuan oleh tenaga kesehatan terdidik pada santri diperlukan untuk mencapai pesantren bebas skabies. Program pengabdian kepada masyarakat (PKM) ini bertujuan untuk menentukan peningkatan pengetahuan, status perilaku kebersihan santri dan kesehatan kulit santri melalui penyuluhan dan pemeriksaan skabies pada santri Madrasah Aliyah Nurul Islam Sekarbela, Kota Mataram. Peningkatan pengetahuan ditentukan melalui pemberian kuesioner pretest dan posttest setelah penyuluhan. Status perilaku kebersihan santri ditentukan melalui wawancara semi terstruktur. Status dermatologis ditentukan melalui penemuan lesi skabies dengan pemeriksaan fisik dan teknik dermoskopi. Penyuluhan yang telah dilakukan meningkatkan pengetahuan santri terkait skabies sebesar 25-90%. Status perilaku kebersihan santri terkait skabies pada aspek kebersihan diri terkait penularan masih rendah dengan persentase lebih dari 50%. Berdasarkan pemeriksaan fisik, sebesar 21% santri terinfeksi skabies (n = 52 orang) dengan status dermatologikus berupa papula, erilematosa, skuama, dan erosi.

Kata Kunci: alih pengetahuan, skabies, santri, madarasah

[English]: The prevalence of scabies in Islamic boarding schools in Indonesia is 3,9-6%, including the province of West Nusa Tenggara. A knowledge transfer by educated health workers to madrasa students (santri) is needed to protect boarding schools from scabies. This community service program aimed to elevate the students’ knowledge of scabies, develop their hygiene behavior, and help them understand skin protection. It was done through counseling and physical examinations on students of MA Nurul Islam Sekarbela. The increase of knowledge was examined through the provision of pre and post counseling questionnaires. The personal hygiene status was determined through semi-structured interviews. Meanwhile, dermatological status was assessed through the scabies lesions by the physical examination and dermoscopy techniques. The counseling increased students’ knowledge of scabies at 72%-95%. The aspect of personal hygiene relating to transmissions is still low (> 50%). Based on the physical examinations, 21% of the students were infected with scabies (n = 52) in the form of papules, erythematous, squama, and erosion.

Keywords: knowledge transfer, scabies, santri, madrasa
Prognostic Value of Atherosclerotic Extent in Diabetic Patients with Non-Obstructive Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Ding Yipu , Liu Zinuan , Dou Guanhua , Yang Xia , Wang Xi , Shan Dongkai , He Bai , Jing Jing , Chen Yundai , Yang Junjie
Published: January 2021

Background and Objective: Atherosclerotic extent was approved to be associated with adverse cardiac events. Risk score derived by coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) could identify high-risk group among patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) but its ability is still uncertain in the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM). The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of the plaque burden shown by CCTA in diabetic patients with non-obstructive CAD.Methods and Results: 813 DM patients (age 58.9±9.9 years, 48.1% male) referred for CCTA due to suspect CAD in 2015-2017 were consecutively included. During a median follow-up of 31.77 months, 50 MACEs (6.15%) were experienced, including 2 cardiovascular deaths, 14 non-fatal myocardial infarction, 27 unstable angina requiring hospitalization and 7 strokes. 3 groups were defined based on coronary stenosis combined with Leidon score, as normal, non-obstructive Leidon<5, and non-obstructive Leidon≥5. Cox models was used to assess the prognosis of plaque burden within these groups. An incremental incidence of outcome event rates was observed. After adjustment for age, gender, and presence of high-risk plaque, the group of Leidon≥5 showed a higher risk than Leidon<5 in non-obstructive CAD (HR:1.88 95%CI:1.03-3.42, p＝0.039). Similar results were illustrated when segment involvement score was used for sensitivity analysis.Conclusion: Atherosclerotic extent was associated with the prognosis of DM patients with non-obstructive coronary disease, highlighting the importance of better risk stratification and management.
Efficacy of Doxycycline in treating COVID-19 Positive Patients: A Case Series
Authors: Meybody Zohreh Akhoundi , Owlia Mohammad Bagher , Owlia Sina , Mousavinasab Seyed Rohollah
Published: January 2021

Background: Given the high morbidity and mortality caused by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), scientific research is necessary to achieve a proper treatment regimen. Since doxycycline is effective in reducing inflammatory factors, including IL-6 and TNF-alpha that play an important role in initiating cytokine storms and probably causing death in patients with COVID-19, its use is associated with low side effects and can be used orally, the present study was attempted to evaluate the efficacy of doxycycline in the treatment of inpatients and outpatients with COVID-19.Methods: This descriptive and prospective study was performed on inpatients and outpatients were diagnosed with COVID-19 based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test from nasopharyngeal secretions or computerized tomography scan (CT Scan). Patients who met the inclusion criteria received doxycycline at a dose of 100 mg every 12 hours for 7 days and then were evaluated on the baseline day and on days 3, 7, and 14 after admission for cough, Shortness of breath, temperature and oxygen saturation.Results: Out of 21 patients, 11 patients were male and 10 patients were female. Cough, SOB, temperature, and O2 sat improved in both of outpatients and inpatients compared to baseline. In general, the results showed that doxycycline was more effective in improving cough, SOB, temperature, and O2 sat in outpatients than inpatients. Conclusion: It can be concluded that doxycycline with the dose and duration prescribed in our study could play an effective role in the treatment of patients with COVID-19.
Association between Liver Enzymes and Dyslipidemia in Yemeni Patients with Type Two Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Dahman Lotfi S. Bin , Humam Mariam A. , Barahman Omer M.
Published: January 2021

Type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia and is associated with dyslipidemia and liver function disorders. This study was conducted to assess the association between liver enzymes and elevated lipid profile in a sample of Yemeni patients with T2DM. A case-control study comprising 142 T2D patients and 142 healthy control subjects was carried out at the outpatient clinics of Ibn-Sina hospital, Mukalla, during the period from January to May 2020. Serum fasting blood glucose (FBG), total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were analyzed using the Cobas Integra Plus 400 autoanalyzer. Also, anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were taken from each participant. Independent sample T-test and Pearson correlation coefficient were used. T2D patients had significantly higher FBG (P= <0.0001), total cholesterol (P= <0.0001), LDL-C (P= <0.0001), and GGT (P= <0.0001) while, HDL-C was significantly lower in T2D patients (P= 0.021). In correlation analysis, serum GGT was positively associated with FBG (r= 0.216; P= <0.0001), total cholesterol (r= 0.196; P= 0.0001), triglyceride (r= 0.123; P= 0.038), and LDL-C (r= 0.209; P= <0.0001). Also, serum ALT was positively associated with FBG (r= 0.145, P= 0.014) and triglyceride (r= 0.172, P= 0.004). In conclusion, higher levels of ALT and GGT are used as the predictive biomarkers for NAFLD in T2D patients with hyperlipidemia. Thus, routine screening of liver enzymes and lipid profile in T2D patients is recommended for the early detection of liver abnormalities and diminish diabetes complications.
Morphological Physiological and Transcriptional Response to Low Nitrogen Stress in Populus Deltoides Marsh. Clones With Contrasting Nitrogen Use Efficiency
Authors: Chen Cun , Chu Yanguang , Huang Qinjun , Zhang Weixi , Ding Changjun , Zhang Jing , Li Bo , Zhang Tengqian , Li Zhenghong , Su Xiaohua
Published: January 2021

Background: Nitrogen (N) is one of the main factors limiting the wood yield in poplar cultivation. Understanding the molecular mechanism of N utilization could play a guiding role in improving the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). Results: In this study, three N-efficient genotypes (A) and three N-inefficient genotypes (C) of Populus deltoides were cultured under low N stress (5 μM NH4NO3) and normal N supply (750 μM NH4NO3). The dry matter mass, leaf morphology, and chlorophyll content of both genotypes decreased under N starvation. Interestingly, N starvation induced fine root growth in A, but not in C. Next, a detailed time-course analysis of enzyme activities and gene expression in leaves identified 2,062 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in A and 1,118 in C, most of which were up-regulated. Moreover, the sensitivity to N starvation of A was weak, and DEGs related to hormone signal transduction played an important role in the low N response in A. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis identified genes related to membrane, catalytic activity, enzymatic activity, and response to stresses might be critical for poplar’s adaption to N starvation and these genes participated in the negative regulation of various biological processes. Finally, ten inﬂuential hub genes and twelve transcription factors were identified in the response to N starvation, among them Podel.19G001200, Podel.19G035300, Podel.02G021400, and Podel.04G076900 were related to programmed cell death, and the defense response, and PodelWRKY41, PodelWRKY75, PodelWRKY18, PodelBHLH25, PodelBHLH30, PodelBHLH, and PodelHY5 were involved in plant signal transduction.Conclusions: Under the condition of N starvation, A showed stronger adaptability and a better NUE than C in morphology and physiology. The discovery of hub genes and TFs provided a new information for the analysis of the molecular mechanism of N efficient utilization and the improvement of NUE of poplar.