bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2): Preventions, keys to diagnosis and treatment of SARS-CoV-2
Authors:   Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, Patel Kuldeep Singh ,   NRI Institute of Research &Technology, Sajjan Singh Nagar Raisen Road, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, Rathi Jagdish Chandra ,   NRI Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 3, Sajjan Singh Nagar Raisen Road, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, Raghuvanshi Karuna ,   NRI Institute of Research &Technology, Sajjan Singh Nagar Raisen Road, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, Dhiman Neerupma ,   Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India
Published: September 2021

World Health Organization (WHO) is gathering the latest scientific findings and knowledge on coronavirus disease (SARS-CoV-2) and compiling it in a database. WHO update the database daily from searches of bibliographic databases, hand searches of the table of contents of relevant journals, and the addition of other relevant scientific articles that come to our attention. The entries in the database may not be exhaustive and new research will be added regularly. Nobel coronavirus investigators, the recognition of a nobel coronavirus as the cause of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) was certainly remarkable, yet perhaps not surprising. Advances in the biology of coronaviruses have resulted in greater understanding of their capacity for adaptation to new environments, transspecies infection, and emergence of new diseases. New tools of cell and molecular biology have led to increased understanding of intracellular replication and viral cell biology, and the advent in the past five years of reverse genetic approaches to study coronaviruses has made it possible to begin to define the determinants of viral replication, transpecies adaptation, and human disease. This summary will discuss the basic life cycle and replication of the well-studied coronavirus, mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), identifying the unique characteristics of coronavirus biology and highlighting critical points where research has made significant advances, and which might represent targets for antivirals or vaccines. Areas where rapid progress has been made in SCoV research will be described. Finally, areas of need for research in coronavirus replication, genetics, and pathogenesis will be summarized.
Machine learning approach for confirmation of COVID-19 cases: positive, negative, death and release
Authors:   Department of Computer Science, The Bhawanipur Education Society College, Kolkata, India, Dutta Shawni , Bandyopadhyay Samir Kumar ,   Department of Computer Science, The Bhawanipur Education Society College, Kolkata, India
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Corona Virus Infectious Disease (COVID-19) is the infectious disease. The COVID-19 disease came to earth in early 2019. It is expanding exponentially throughout the world and affected an enormous number of human beings starting from the last month. The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020 declared COVID-19 was characterized as “Pandemic”. This paper proposed approach for confirmation of COVID-19 cases after the diagnosis of doctors. The objective of this study uses machine learning method to evaluate how much predicted results are close to original data related to Confirmed-Negative-Released-Death cases of COVID-19. Materials and methods: For this purpose, a verification method is proposed in this paper that uses the concept of Deep-learning Neural Network. In this framework, Long shrt-term memory (LSTM) and Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) are also assimilated finally for training the dataset. The prediction results are tally with the results predicted by clinical doctors. Results: The results are obtained from the proposed method with accuracy 87 % for the “confirmed Cases”, 67.8 % for “Negative Cases”, 62% for “Deceased Case” and 40.5 % for “Released Case”. Another important parameter i.e. RMSE shows 30.15% for Confirmed Case, 49.4 % for Negative Cases, 4.16 % for Deceased Case and 13.72 % for Released Case. Conclusions: The outbreak of Coronavirus has the nature of exponential growth and so it is difficult to control with limited clinical persons for handling a huge number of patients within a reasonable time. So it is necessary to build an automated model, based on machine learning approach, for corrective measure after the decision of clinical doctors.
Oxygen Therapy: Systems and Indications in the Pediatric and Adult Population
Authors:   Department of Pediatrics, Hospital San Pedro, Logroño, Spain, García-Muro Cristina , Alatorre-Jiménez Moisés Alejandro ,   Department of Pediatrics, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA, Johal Vickramjeet ,   Department of Pediatrics, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA, Marín-Medina Alejandro ,   Department of Molecular Biology and Genomics, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud (CUCS), Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México, Kaur Ramandeep ,   Department of Pediatrics, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA, Esteban-Zubero Eduardo ,   Emergency Department, Hospital San Pedro, Logroño, Spain
Published: September 2021

Hypoxemia is defined as the decrease in arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) below 80 mmHg. One of the ways to alleviate this condition is through oxygen therapy, which consists of administering oxygen at a concentration higher than atmospheric. This therapy is indicated in various pathologies and is aimed to treat hypoxemia and reduce the patient's myocardial demand and respiratory effort. Classically, this treatment has been carried out using low-flow systems, in which the inspiratory fraction of oxygen (FiO2) cannot be regulated. However, an increase in the use of high-flow oxygen therapy (HFO) has been observed in recent years. These systems allow for greater patient comfort as well as more precise regulation of the FiO2. The purpose of this article is to review respiratory physiology to understand respiratory failure from a clinical and pathophysiological point of view. Likewise, the different oxygen therapy systems most widely used are discussed, as well as their indications for acute and chronic pathologies, both in the pediatric and adult populations.
Blockchain and novel coronavirus: Towards preventing COVID-19 and future pandemics
Authors:   Department of Information and Communication Technology, Bangladesh University of Professionals, Mirpur Cantonment, Dhaka-1216, Bangladesh, Azim Amirul , Islam Muhammad Nazrul ,   Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Military Institute of Science and Technology, Mirpur Cantonment, Dhaka-1216, Bangladesh, Spranger Paul E. ,   Champlain College, Vermont, Burlington, 05401, USA
Published: September 2021

The present world has observed the SARS-CoV2 or COVID-19 spreading rapidly with a rising death toll and transmission rates with an absence of proper data management and information sharing. The current traditional database storage system has the limitations of a centralized control system and tampering of data, particularly when it is being shared with others. The Novel technology known as “Blockchain” is a distributed ledger technology that acts as a shared database, keeping all its copies synced and verified. The objective of this article is to study the concept of a Blockchain based pandemic data management system that would ensure unified patients’ data storage and reliable data management to trackdown coronavirus to combat against this and future pandemics.
Can Myrrh Combat COVID-19?
Authors:   Head of Oral Public Health Operations, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar, Alyafei Najat
Published: September 2021

This paper reviews the therapeutic effects of Commiphora myrrh in different diseases. It is organized by sub-themed sections: nature and history of myrrh, its use in different cultures, its chemical action, and effect on virus or/and bacteria, benefits of its utilization for respiratory problems and oral diseases. A literature research for the Myrrh or C. myrrh was performed using Cochrane Library databases and Medline. Forty two papers, including abstracts and full articles published from 2007 to 2020, in the area of interest were reviewed. It was found that Myrrh or C. myrrh is one of the medicinal plants believed to have therapeutic effects in various diseases. It has medicinal properties, such as immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, anti-tumor, anti-ulcer, and analgesic activities. Besides, Myrrh has also shown to have antiviral properties that help in preventing different types of viral diseases. It noticed in the State of Qatar, sales of herbs and Myrrh has escalade since the surgency of COVID-19 cases, so is there a belief in Myrrh's effectiveness to be used during COVID-19? Studying the effectiveness of Myrrh mouthwashes to combat COVID-19 can emerge as a promising avenue in the field of research.
Primary Cicatricial Alopecia among Lybian patients: A Clinicopathological and Epidemiological study
Authors:   Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Tripoli University, Tripoli, Lybia, Musbah Fauzia
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Cicatricial alopecias are a group of disorders characterized by hair follicle destruction with the consequence of permanent hair loss. The current study was conducted to evaluate the epidemiological and clinicopathological characteristics of cicatricial alopecia in Libyan community. Methods: Thirty-one patients with confirmed diagnosis of cicatricial alopecia by biopsy and tricoscopy during Jan 2018 to Dec 2019 were included in this study. Data were collected by filling a pre-designed questionnaire by all included patients. Descriptive statistics were used for analyzing the results. Chi-squared test was performed to test the relationship between different variables using SPSS 22. Results: Out of 31 cases, 16.1% of patients suffered from lichen planopilaris (LPP), 25.8% discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), 6% Folliculitis decalvans, 6.45% pseudopelade of brocq, and 16.12% Frontal fibrosing alopecia. Conclusions: Cicatricial alopecia was found to affect mainly middle-aged individuals, particularly females. Early diagnosis and treatment can decrease the burden of this concern.
Association Between Face Masks Use and Occupation in Cameroon: Perceived Susceptibility to COVID-19 and Physician’s Roles
Authors:   Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Georgetown University (DC), USA, Setubi Armel Fosso , Wubie Mersha ,   Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Saint Louis University (MO), USA, Djida Alain Pitti ,   Department of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Laboratory of Molecular Design, Group of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, IQS School of Engineering, Ramon Llull University, Barcelona, Spain, Fosoumo Xavier Emmanuel ,   Department of Biomedical engineering University of Douala, Cameroon, Nousse Basile Tchiotchoua ,   Department of Biochemistry, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon, Fopokam Xavier Gabriel ,   Department of Biochemistry, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon, Kwangwa Tchougene Annie-Flore ,   Department of Podiatry, Yaoundé University Health Center, Cameroon
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Face masks use among Cameroonians is a new behavior. Many citizens have adopted face masks as a step to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Individuals might use face masks because of their profession, risk perception, and social status. This study aims at evaluating the relation between occupation and face masks use in COVID-19 setting in Cameroon. Our study hypothesizes that face masks use is not associated with occupation in Cameroon. Methods: A survey was conducted from May 13 to June 3, 2020, among Cameroonians ranging from ages 15 to 66+. Participants answered questions regarding face mask use, occupation, perceived susceptibility to COVID-19, and physicians' guidance. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between face masks use and occupation. Results: A total of 1,525 persons responded to the survey among 837 males and 688 females. After adjustment, face masks use was not associated with the occupation. Guidance provided by physicians were positively associated with face masks use (OR=2.06, 95%CI:1.48-2.85). Face masks use was also associated with reported answers on whether: face masks protect against COVID-19 (OR=10.48, 95%CI: 7.20-15.25), ability to easily access physician’s guidance about COVID-19 on social media (OR=2.70, 95%CI: 1.94-3.75), and the belief that Africans are naturally resistant to COVID-19 (OR=1.73, 95% CI: 1.13-2.65). Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that face masks use in COVID-19 setting in Cameroon is not associated with occupation. However, physicians’ role has an impact on people’s behavior. The association between face masks use and the belief that Africans are naturally resistant to COVID-19 points to low perceived susceptibility that needs to be addressed by health professionals and competent civil authorities.
The Correlate between Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organizer Region Stain and Ki-67 Immnochistochemistry in Diagnostic Breast Cancer
Authors:   Department of Medical Technology, Azzaytuna University, Tripoli, Lybia, ALgarsh Hassan , Abusaida Hana ,   Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Lybia, Torjman Fairouz ,   Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tripoli, Tripoli, Lybia
Published: September 2021

Introduction: This experimental study gauged the value of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer region (AgNOR) staining as a possible technique for the estimation of cell kinetics in conventional histology sections, in benign and malignant breast lesions. Methods: With a silver staining technique and immunohistochemistry, we associated the numbers of AgNORs and Ki67 scores in 30 breast carcinomas and 10 benign breast lesions. Results: The mean values of Ag NORs silver stain dots count for normal, benign, grade II and III were 1.28±0.17, 2.83±0.68, 5.23±0.87 and 7.32±0.92, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference (p≤0.001) was noticed between the all individual groups, among the normal and breast lesion as well as among the GII and GIII. Immunohistochemical Results of Ki-67 protein exhibited homogenous golden-brown color in control case and a positive brown granules or diffuse dark brown color in the nuclei of both benign and malignant cases under the 400X magnify examined under the light microscope. Discussion: AgNOR counts performed on routine formalin-fixed paraffin sections could provide substantial kinetic evidence. Additionally, the difference in AgNOR counts between benign and malignant tumors is such that they may be of diagnostic worth.
Demystifying the conundrum of COVID-19 and cardiovascular system
Authors:   Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Aaster Hospital, Kuwait Road, Al Mankhool, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Dash Debabrata
Published: September 2021

The outbreak of novel Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a global pandemic and a public health crisis. COVID-19 is the clinical manifestation of infection with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although it is predominantly a respiratory illness, there is growing awareness of the cardiovascular manifestations of COVID-19 disease. Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular co-morbidities appear to be at highest risk for mortality from this disease along with the elderly. COVID-19 also contributes to cardiovascular complications, including myocardtits, acute coronary syndromes, arrhythmias, acute heart failure, and, in the most severe cases, cardiogenic shock and death. Several medications proposed in the treatment of this infection have cardiac-specific adverse effects that warrant cardiac monitoring. This review summarizes the rapidly emerging data on the cardiovascular implications of COVID-19.
Medicinal plants: Prospective drug candidates against the dreaded Coronavirus
Authors:   Phytochemistry Research Group, Organic Chemistry Unit, Department of Chemistry, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria, Ojah Emmanuel Onah
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Medicinal plants have been the most productive source of leads for the development of drugs from ancient times. Current research in drug discovery involves a multifaceted approach combining botanical, biological, and molecular techniques. Medicinal plant based drug discovery continues to provide novel and important leads against several diseases. Methods: Relevant articles relating to the concept were identified using a combination of manual library search as well as journal publication on the subject and critically reviewed. Results: Drug discovery from medicinal plants continues to provide an important source of new drug leads however; numerous challenges are encountered including the procurement of plant materials and implementation of appropriate high-throughput screening bioassays. Medicinal plants have great prospect in the ultimate search for the cure against the dreaded coronavirus. Conclusion: It is hoped that the more efficient and effective application of medicinal plants would improve the drug discovery process against the dreaded coronavirus.
Clinical Characteristics and Laboratory Findings in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-2019) Infected Cancer Patients and Chemotherapeutic Medicines against COVID-19
Authors:   Faculty Department of Patological Anatomy, Medical School, University of Athens, Athens, Greece, Chrysanthakopoulos Nikolaos
Published: September 2021

In December 2019 in Wuhan, China, the World Health Organization (WHO) declares that a severe pandemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was emerged and was spread rapidly resulted in dramatic global economic and health implications. The novel coronavirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for a severe inflammatory reaction and clinically severe complications, although the majority of the infected individuals had mild symptoms and favorable prognosis after recovery. However, cancer patients are a high-risk group as are already susceptible to COVID-19 infection due to their underlying disease and their immunosuppression. Moreover, cancer patients are at increased risk of developing clinically severe complications in case of COVID-19 infection such as, Intensive Care Unit admission, required mechanical ventilation or even death. Another aggravating factor for oncological patients, during that pandemic crisis is the risk of postponing cancer treatment. The present review presents the clinical characteristics accompanied by the corresponding laboratory findings in COVID-19 infected cancer patients and the possible therapeutic role of some known chemo-therapeutic agents based on the recent observations of the International literature.
A review on the evolution of immunotherapy in bladder carcinoma
Authors:   Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, Gulinac Milena , Dikov Dorian ,   Grand Hospital de l’Este Francilien, Jossigny, France, Lichev Simeon ,   Resident of Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria, Velikova Tsvetelina ,   Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Sofia, Bulgaria,   Department University Hospital Lozenetz, Sofia, Bulgaria
Published: September 2021

Bladder cancer is one of the most significant genitourinary cancer characterized by a high rate of recurrences, morbidity, and mortality in a large number of patients. Over the years, numerous therapeutic approaches have been developed. For more than 40 years, the most comprehensive method for the treatment of non-invasive and invasive bladder cancer has been the use of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), giving a successful effect in a high percentage of patients. However, due to the genetic instability of cancer and the desire to develop personalized therapy, therapeutic approaches are continually evolving and improving. This review will discuss the therapeutic evolution and directions of future research to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in the treatment of bladder carcinoma.
A rare case of Amyand’s hernia with acute appendicitis in a 69-year-old woman: a case report
Authors:   Department of Radiology, University Clinic of Surgery ", Gligorievski Antonio ,   St. Naum Ohridski",   bul. 11 Oktomvri br. 53, 1000, Skopje, North Macedonia
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Amyand’s hernia is an extremely rare and atypical hernia that is difficult to diagnose clinically characterized by the herniation of the appendix into the inguinal sac. The aim of this report is to describe a case of Amyand’s hernia and highlights the importance of early CT scanning in reaching the exact and early diagnosis of Amyand’s hernia. Case report: We present a rare case of a 69-year-old female patient with a history of intermittent pain in the right inguinal region is see at the emergency surgical clinic. The patient underwent a CT scan of the abdomen and a small pelvis, and an inflamed appendix was diagnosed. The inflamed appendix is herniated in the inguinal hernia sac. Computed tomography was the only modality to diagnose the hernia sac contents preoperatively. Discussion: The reported incidence of Amyand’s hernia is less than 1% of all adult inguinal hernia cases. Acute appendicitis in Amyand’s hernia is even less common, with 0,1% of all cases of acute appendicitis. This hernia may be present without symptoms until the inflammation of the appendix may lead to incarceration, strangulation, necrosis, perforation, or rupture. Early symptoms include tenderness and inguinal swelling. Conclusions: Computer tomography helps make an accurate and timely diagnosis of Amyand’s hernia, thus avoiding complications from delayed surgery.
Cutis Verticis Gyrata Secondary to Cerebriform Intradermal Naevus: A rare entity and its Management
Authors:   Reconstructive Sciences Unit, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia, Lee Jia Yuan ,   Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II, Kota Bharu, Malaysia, Harun Nor Rashid Shawatul Akhma ,   Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II, Kota Bharu, Malaysia, Wan Sulaiman Wan Azman ,   Reconstructive Sciences Unit, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia, Yunus Nor Hayati ,   Department of Pathology, Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II, Kota Bharu, Malaysia, Hisyam Bakrin Ikmal ,   Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
Published: September 2021

Cutis verticis gyrata (CVG) is a rare skin disorder characterised by thick skin folds and grooves, resembling the gyri and sulci of the cerebral cortex. It can be classified as primary essential, primary non-essential and secondary CVG. The rarity of the condition poses a challenge in the diagnosis and ultimately requires good communication between the clinician and the dermatopathologist for diagnosis. Many names have been given to the condition, including Robert-Unna syndrome, cutis verticis plicata, paquidemia verticis gyrata, cutis sulcata, cutis striata or “bulldog” scalp syndrome. To date, the treatment is still limited to plastic surgeons with excision of the folds, scalp reduction and reconstruction. In this article, we are sharing a rare case and the surgical management of a middle age gentleman with cutis verticis gyrata secondary to cerebral intradermal nevus (CIN) over his occipital scalp.
Application of diphenydramine ointment to the eyelids for allergic conjunctivitis
Authors:   Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Disaster Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan, Kamimura Mitsuhiro , Ohnishi Takako ,   Department of Opthalmology, National Hospital Organization Disaster Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan, Terada Hisao ,   Department of Opthalmology, National Hospital Organization Disaster Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan, Mouri Atsuto ,   Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Hospital Organization Disaster Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan, Naoi Takahiro ,   Department of Pharmacy, National Hospital Organization Disaster Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan, Todo Hiroaki ,   Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Josai University, Saitama, Japan, Sugibayashi Kenji ,   Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Josai University, Saitama, Japan
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Allergic conjunctivitis is treated with oral anti-allergy agents or topical eye drops, but the response is often incomplete, and symptoms persist. We considered that topical treatment with an antihistamine ointment (diphenhydramine-Restamin Cream®) on the eyelids could be effective as supplemental therapy. This study investigates the efficacy and safety of Restamin Cream® for allergic conjunctivitis. Methods: In patients with allergic conjunctivitis, Restamin Cream® was applied to both eyelids twice a day for 2 weeks. There was a 2-week observation period before treatment and a 2-week washout period after treatment. Patients recorded symptoms (eye itching and watering) on a visual analogue scale for the entire 6-week period. Assessment of quality of life, evaluation of conjunctivitis, and measurement of visual acuity and intraocular pressure were conducted at the start of observation, at initiation of treatment, at completion of treatment, and at the end of washout. Results: 7 patients were enrolled; 5 completed the study and 2 discontinued due to adverse reactions. The quality of life score and objective ocular findings improved in all 5 patients. Visual analogue scale scores for itching and watering also improved significantly in 3 and 2 patients, respectively. Adverse reactions included local skin irritation in 3/7 patients, and transient blurred vision and eye pain in 1 patient each. There were no changes of visual acuity or intraocular pressure. Conclusions: Application of diphenhydramine ointment to the eyelids was effective for allergic conjunctivitis.
An Overview of the Physiological and Pathological Role of Mast Cells in the Central Nervous System
Authors:   Department of Human Anatomy, State University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Nicolae Testemițanu”, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova, Covantev Serghei
Published: September 2021

Neurological disorders present a major group of diseases with the global prevalence of 6.3%. They are responsible for 12% global mortality. Mast cells are one of the most abundantly present cell of the immune system in the connective tissue and the central nervous system is not an exception. In this article is presented a review of studies on mast cells regarding their physiological role in cental nervous system. We also disscuss their role in several conditions like: multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, neuropsychiatric disorders, cerebrovascular disorders and central nervous system trauma, epilepsy, seizures and tumors. Finally, we evaluate whether they can be used as a targed for pharmaceutical treatment.
ABO Blood Group is Associated with COVID-19 Susceptibility: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors:   Department of Medical Laboratory Services, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria, Ikeagwulonu Richard Chinaza , Ezeonu Chinonyelum Thecla ,   Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria, Obeta Mark Uchejeso ,   Department of Medical Laboratory Management, Federal School of Medical Laboratory Science, Jos, Nigeria, Ugwu Ngozi Immaculata ,   Department of Haematology and Immunology, Faculty of Clinical Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria, Etukudoh Nkereuwem Sunday ,   Department of Haematology & Blood Transfusion Science, Federal School of Medical Laboratory Science, Jos, Nigeria, Uro-Chukwu Henry Chukwuemeka ,   Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Science, Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, Nigeria, Akamike Ifeyinwa Chizoba ,   Department of Community Medicine, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria, Ikeagwulonu Zeal Chinwe ,   Department of Engineering and Maintenance, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Nigeria
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Conflicting evidences exist that ABO blood groups correlate with the susceptibility to COVID-19 and its clinical outcomes. This study aimed to pool available articles that assessed a possible relationship between COVID-19 and ABO blood groups. Materials and methods: A search was conducted in four databases comprising Pubmed/Medline, Google scholar, Journal storage (JSTOR) and African Journals Online (AJOL) for relevant studies available before 25th August 2020 and contained extractable data on ABO blood type distribution and COVID-19 disease. Search terms included a combination of “ABO blood group, and COVID-19, coronavirus, and SARS-COV-2”. Results: Fourteen articles that met study inclusion criteria were selected from a total of five hundred and eighty-five articles identified through database search. The fourteen articles reviewed comprised of a total of 73934 subjects (13189 SARS-COV-2 positive cases and 60745 controls). Overall, the risk of SARS-COV-2 infection was found to be significantly increased in patients with blood group A with ORs: 1.24 (95%Cl: 1.09-1.41, P = 0.001). Additionally, blood group O subjects were seen to have decreased odds of contracting COVID-19 infection (OR: 0.78, 95%Cl: 0.68 – 0.89, P=0.0003). No significant association was found between ABO blood groups and COVID -19 severity and mortality. Conclusions: Blood group A was associated with a higher risk of SARS-COV-2 infection whereas risk of infection was lower in blood group O subjects. No statistical significant association was found between ABO blood groups and COVID-19 severity and mortality. The precise role of ABO blood group in COVID-19 susceptibility, severity and mortality requires further research for clarification.
التحري عن وجود بعض المعادن الثقيلة والميكروبات في التوابل
Authors: محمد وفاء معاد , عبد الرزاق رافد خليل
Published: September 2021

تضمنت الدراسة جمع 11 نوعاَ من التوابل التي تباع في الاسواق المحلية لمدينة تكريت (الكزبرة Coriandrum sativum L,والكاري، والكركمCurcuma Longa, والزنجبيل Zingiber officinale, والفلفل الاسود Piper nigrum, وبهارات الطرشي, وبهارات البرياني, وحبة البركة  Nigella sativa, والقرفة cinnamomum zeylanicum, والسماق  R. coriaria L, والكمون Cuminum Cyminum) للتحري عن وجود بعض أنواع العناصر الثقيلة وتشخيص الأحياء المجهرية الملوثة لها . اظهرت النتائج أن تركيز بعض العناصر الثقيلة ضمن الحدود المسموح بها وفق المواصفة القياسية التي وضعتها World Health Organization (WHO) و Food and Agriculture Organization ((FAOالى خلو التوابل من العنصرين الكادميوم والرصاص في حين وجد الزنك والنيكل والكوبلت بتراكيز مختلفة في الانواع المختلفة الاخرى من التوابل. وكان تركيز النيكل اعلى من الحد المسموح في عينات الفلفل الاسود والدارسين (القرفة) والكركم حيث بلغ (4.959, 3.850, 2.740) ppm على التوالي في حين كان تركيز النيكل في باقي العينات اقل من 0.05 ppm وهي اقل من الحد المسموح به, وكذلك كان تركيز الكوبلت اعلى من الحد المسموح  في عينات الفلفل الاسود والكاري حيث بلغت (4.930 و3.732ppm ( على التوالي اما باقي العينات من التوابل فكان اقل من الحد المسموح به .في حين وجد ان محتوى عينات التوابل من الزنك في جميع عينات التوابل هو تحت الحد المسموح به (100) pmm حسب ((FAO و( WHO) تراوحت القيم بين ppm 0.392 –1.794 ppm , بلغ العدد الكلي البكتيري في التوابل بين (5 ×510 ) و ( 95× 510) وحدة تكوين المستعمرة/غم في حين لوحظ وجود Escherichia coli في النماذج المفحوصة بأجمعها بأعداد تراوحت بين (93×510 _ 35× 510) وحدة تكوين المستعمرة/غم في حين تراوح عدد بكتيريا Staphylococcus  aureus ) 1×510  الى 17 ×10 5 ) وحدة تكوين المستعمرة/غم , مع ملاحظة ظهور الخمائر والاعفان في كل من الكزبرة، الزنجبيل, وبهارات برياني والدارسين (القرفة) وبهارات الطرشي والكمون والفلفل الأسود والكاري والكركم وبأعداد بلغت ( 12×105 ,10×105, 12×105, 6×105, 14×105, 5×105, 2×105, 7×105 و6×510) وحدة تكوين المستعمرة/غم على التوالي.

   في حين وجد ان محتوى عينات التوابل من الزنك في جميع عينات التوابل هو تحت الحد المسموح به (100) pmm حسب ((FAO و ( WHO) وكانت القيم بين ppm 0.392 –1.794 ppm .و بلغ العدد الكلي البكتيري في التوابل بين (5 ×510 ) و ( 95× 510  ) و.ت.م./غم في حين لوحظ تواجد E.coli في النماذج المفحوصة بأجمعها بأعداد تراوحت بين (  93×510 _ 35× 510) و.ت.م/غم في حين تراوح عدد بكتيريا ) Staphylococcus aureus, 1×510  الى 17 ×10 5 ) و.ت.م/غم .
Fontes complementares de financiamento em instituições públicas não federais de ensino superior (IPES): análise sobre a gestão de convênios federais em uma universidade multicampi
Authors: Conceição Sergio Henrique , Neves de Oliveira Cristiane
Published: September 2021

Este trabalho, a partir da compreensão da relevância do papel das instituições públicas não federais de educação superior (IPES) na oferta de ensino, pesquisa e extensão, e a demanda por identificação de fontes complementares de financiamento às suas atividades, tem como objetivo identificar os fatores relevantes do processo de execução financeira de convênios celebrados entre a Universidade do Estado da Bahia (UNEB) e instâncias federais, no período de 2009 a 2014, provenientes do papel supletivo da União, enquanto fontes complementares de financiamento. Os resultados do estudo a partir de uma abordagem quantitativa, lastreado na técnica estatística da análise fatorial, indicaram as dimensões acadêmicas e espaciais, demarcados no contexto da multicampia universitária, como relevantes ao processo de execução financeira dos convênios federais em patamar satisfatório, sinalizando à gestão universitária possíveis encaminhamentos voltados ao aperfeiçoamento das práticas de gestão desses instrumentos.
THE IMPORTANCE OF AGRICULTURE FROM AREAS WITH ESPECIALLY UNFAVORABLE NATURAL CONDITIONS IN POLAND IN THE CONTEXT
OF THE EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL
Authors: Zieliński Marek , Sobierajewska Jolanta
Published: September 2021

The aim of the study is to characterize agriculture in areas (communes) with particularly unfavorable natural conditions for farming, as well as to assess the production potential, organization of production and economic situation of farms from such areas in Poland. The first part of the study describes the characteristics of agriculture in communes with particularly unfavorable natural conditions. For this purpose, data from the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation in Puławy, on the average value of the index of Valorization of Agricultural Production Area (VAPA) in communes in Poland, was used. Communes with particularly unfavorable natural conditions were those with an average VAPA index below 52 points out of 120 possible points. The organizational and economic assessment of farms according to production types was also carried out: field crops, grazing animals, and farms with mixed plant-animal production in communes with an average VAPA index lower than 52 points against a background of similar farms from other communes that have continuously kept accounting for Polish FADN in 2017-2019. It was found that communes with unfavorable natural conditions, compared to other communes, were distinguished by a smaller average utilized agricultural area (UAA) on farms, a smaller share of arable land and a greater permanent grassland in UAA, as well as e.g., a lower share of wheat and rape in total and higher total rye in the crop structure. They had, however, a greater share of land used ecologically in total UAA. They also had a higher density of livestock per 1 ha of UAA. In turn, farms from these areas – regardless of the analyzed production type, as compared to other farms, were characterized by a smaller UAA, incurred lower labor input per farm, and had a lower capital value. They also had significantly lower land and labor productivity as well as income per 1 FWU.
FERTILIZER MANAGEMENT IN POLAND IN LIGHT OF EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL OBJECTIVES
Authors: Wrzaszcz Wioletta
Published: September 2021

The aim of the paper is to outline the problem areas of fertilizer management in Poland, taking the need to achieve European Green Deal (EGD) objectives into account. Fertilizer management is one of the key elements of future agricultural policy, to which the European Green Deal refers, and is closer to the Farm to Fork strategy. The emphasis on the need to promote rational fertilizer management in European documents stemmed from the pressures of this economic activity on the natural environment. The paper focuses on the main determinants of fertilizer management, including the costs and quantities of mineral fertilizers used and the results of the NPK fertilizer balance, using the gross balance and indicator method. The study used Statistics Poland data 2007 and 2016 from the Farm Structure Survey and agricultural accountancy FADN 2014-2019. It was found that, at the level of the agricultural sector, the results of fertilizer balances do not create surpluses and problematic issues concern a significant share of farms with an understated balance of main NPK macroelements. The expected reduction in the level of fertilization under the EGD may result in a reduction in production and economic performance from a farm and negatively affect the state of the natural environment. The fertilizer balance and nutrient efficiency level should be used as measurable indicators for setting reduction targets.
THE IMPACT OF THE EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL STRATEGY ON SECURITY IN THE SUPPLY OF NATIVE PLANT PROTEIN FOR ANIMAL FEED IN POLAND
Authors: Jerzak Michał
Published: September 2021

This article aims to indicate the potential impact of the European Green Deal strategy’s solutions on the production of native protein crops for animal feed and its role in achieving sovereignty in the supply of this raw material in Poland. Self-sufficiency in the supply of plant protein is a concern that has been recognized and widely discussed in the national and European scientific community among practitioners involved in the production of livestock feed and, above all, among politicians of the European Commission, which decides the final shape of the EU Common Agricultural Policy. The strategy adopted by the European Commission, referred to as the European Green Deal, proposes restrictions on the use of plant protection products and mineral fertilizers. This will not take place without having an impact on production and the economic situation in agriculture. The research was conducted based on Statistics Poland data and the results of scientific studies. It was concluded that the implementation of the proposed strategy could be a factor that activates the production of native leguminous plants due to their nitrogen-fixing properties. Consequently, this may contribute to an increase in the production of native plant protein for animal feed, and thus to a greater sovereignty in the supply of this raw material for feed purposes.
MIGRATION PROCESSES TO RURAL AREAS IN POLISH METROPOLISES
Authors: Hadynski Jakub , Genstwa Natalia , Józefowicz Karolina
Published: September 2021

The research problem addressed in this paper includes the progress of suburbanization in selected Polish metropolises. The following core question was formulated: when did today’s suburbanization processes start, and what are the migration trends and targets of the population living at the dividing line between urban and suburban limits in Polish metropolises. Defined as such, the study field enabled formulating the objective of this research, which is to present the formation of new suburbanization processes in the largest metropolises in Poland. Considering the research problem and the defined objective, the authors analyzed the differences in demographic changes across the territory, and put these findings in the context of suburbanization and its stages. This allowed to determine the dynamics and targets of migration in the metropolises surveyed. Also, the changes were compared between the units covered, providing a basis for further considerations on suburbanization and for concluding whether these processes are cyclical in nature. The analyses relied on descriptive statistics methods and on graphical data presentation methods. The selected metropolises were delimited using QGIS Desktop 2.4.0 and adequate geometry (centroid) and geoprocessing (buffer) tools. This paper relies on source data in the form of shapefile vector layers presenting the boundaries of the administrative units considered (http://www.gugik.gov.pl/pzgik). Source materials included public statistical data and program documents developed at regional and sub-regional level. The study period is 1995-2018. In geographic terms, the study focuses on the selected metropolises of Poznań, Warsaw, Łódź, Wrocław, Krakow, Gdansk and Szczecin.
Rynek pracy w Polsce – przemiany i wyzwania
Authors: Kowalik Zuzanna , Magda Iga
Published: September 2021

W artykule przedstawiamy strukturalne zmiany na polskim rynku pracy, które zaszły w latach 2006−2019. W pierwszej części opisujemy, jak na przestrzeni lat zmieniały się stopa bezrobocia i aktywność zawodowa w Polsce. Następnie przechodzimy do kwestii zmian technologicznych, by zastanowić się, czy umiejętności polskich pracowników wystarczą, żeby przeprowadzić transformację technologiczną polskich przedsiębiorstw. Poruszamy również kwestie transformacji demograficznych i malejącej podaży pracy. W drugiej części, poświęconej popytowej stronie rynku pracy, opisujemy przemiany w strukturze przedsiębiorstw oraz w strukturze wynagrodzeń, które zaszły na przestrzeni lat 2006−2019. Choć sytuacja na rynku pracy w Polsce na początku 2020 r. była jedną z lepszych w Unii Europejskiej, wskazujemy, że ostatnie lata dobrej koniunktury można uznać za niewystarczająco wykorzystane. Najważniejsze bariery, które napotka ta gospodarka w nadchodzących latach, to malejąca podaż pracy oraz brak pracowników o odpowiednich kompetencjach. Problemy demograficzne polskiego rynku pracy będą w przyszłości jeszcze bardziej dotkliwe, a zapobiec im może jedynie odpowiednia polityka migracyjna i edukacyjna, a długofalowo − także skuteczne plany zwiększania dzietności.
American tulipwood (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) as an innovative material in CLT technology
Authors: Kłosińska Teresa
Published: September 2021

American tulipwood (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) as an innovative material in CLT technology. CLT (cross laminated timber, X-Lam) is one type of engineered wood products. The first idea of CLT was presented in the seventies of the last century. It is manufactured with timber boards placed side by side commonly with 3, 5 and 7 layers glued at 90 degrees to adjacent layer. The CLT production technology was developed for softwood. The main species in CLT production is Norway spruce (Picea abies L.) and less often White fir (Abies alba Mill.). Hardwood is also used more and more for production of CLT, most often, the wood of Silver birch (Betula pendula Roth.), Ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.), poplars (Populus spp.), Locust tree (Robinia pseudoacacia L.). This paper describes the suitability of cheap tulipwood (Liriodendron tulipifera L.) as a raw material for the production of CLT. Examples of the use of this type of panels in construction are also presented. The tulipwood has similar physical characteristics to softwood, for which CLT production technologies were previously developed. This makes it possible to use the technology previously for softwood CLT was developed. In addition, the tulipwood is characterized by aesthetic visual quality (wood surface similar to marble). Thanks to this, CLT boards to make exposed surfaces can be used.
Practica Paso a Paso (I)
Authors: De Potestad Tellechea Maria Inmaculada
Published: September 2021

Globalizacijos procesą išgyvenančiame pasaulyje gebėjimas bendrauti keliomis užsienio kalbomis, atpažinti ir suprasti kultūrinius skirtumus ir efektyviai veikti daugiakultūrėje aplinkoje tampa kaip niekada svarbus. Šių laikų pasaulyje vis svarbesnę vietą užima ispanų kalba. Taigi KTU lektorė pristato metodinę priemonę „Practica Paso a Paso (I)“, padėsiančią išmokti ispanų kalbos ir suvokti daugiakalbystės suteikiamą naudą. Knyga visiems besimokantiems padės įgyti ispanų kalbos A1 lygio gebėjimus: mokėsite paprastai susikalbėti tarpusavyje, užduoti ir atsakyti į paprastus klausimus apie save, inicijuoti paprastus teiginius ir atsakyti į juos tiesiogiai arba bendrauti labai artimomis temomis. Atlikdami metodinėje priemonėje išdėstytas nesudėtingas užduotis susipažinsite su svarbiausiomis gramatikos taisyklėmis, kurias išmokti padės pateiktos naudingos ispanų kalbos gramatinės lentelės ir pavyzdžiai.
Evaluation of Microalgae’s Plastic Biodeterioration Property by a Consortium of Chlorella sp. and Cyanobacteria sp.
Authors: Bhuyar Prakash , Sundararaju Sathyavathi , Feng Ho Xuan , Ab. Rahim Mohd Hasbi , Muniyasamy Sudhakar , Maniam Gaanty Pragas , Govindan Natanamurugaraj
Published: September 2021

Malaysia is one of the top eight countries that has a drawback of mismanaged plastic waste. This study intended to investigate polymer degradation using the biological technique with the help of microalgae to minimise the time required for biodegradation. This research article aims to identify the collected sample with the most suitable microalgae for the biodegradation of microplastic and to analyse the biodegradation of the polymer by microalgae. The results revealed that the consortium of Chlorella sp. and Cyanobacteria sp. were able to deteriorate low-density polyethene (LDPE sample) through several stages, and this was confirmed by UV-Spec, FESEM, EDX, CHNO, FTIR and DSC analysis. The results obtained revealed that microalgae producing exopolysaccharides (EPS) decreased the carbon and oxygen ratio. According to SEM micrographs, microalga may colonise, agglomerate, and adhere microplastics to its surface, regardless of its fractional size. The EDX analysis showed that the initial composition of carbon was 92.30 ± 1.23 %, while after the incubation, the carbon composition started decreasing from 53.18 % to 39.12 ± 1.08 %. Finally, there was a 37.91 % decrease in carbon weight from elemental analysise
Visualizing the phenotype diversity: a case study of Alexander disease
Authors: Dohi Eisuke , Bangash Ali Haider
Published: September 2021

Since only a small number of patients have a rare disease, it is difficult to identify all of the features of these diseases. This is especially true for patients presenting with the rarest diseases. It can also be difficult for the patient, their families, and even clinicians to know which one of a number of disease phenotypes the patient is exhibiting. This, again, is especially true for patients uncommonly presenting with rare diseases. To address this issue, during Biomedical Linked Annotation Hackathon 7 (BLAH7), we tried to extract Alexander disease patient data in Portable Document Format. We then visualized the phenotypic diversity of those Alexander disease patients with uncommon presentations. This led to us identifying several issues that we need to overcome in our future work.
Draft genome of Semisulcospira libertina, a species of freshwater snail
Authors: Gim Jeong-An , Baek Kyung-Wan , Hah Young-Sool , Choo Ho Jin , Kim Ji-Seok , Yoo Jun-Il
Published: September 2021

Semisulcospira libertina, a species of freshwater snail, is widespread in East Asia. It is important as a food source. Additionally, it is a vector of clonorchiasis, paragonimiasis, metagonimiasis, and other parasites. Although S. libertina has ecological, commercial, and clinical importance, its whole-genome has not been reported yet. Here, we revealed the genome of S. libertina through de novo assembly. We assembled the whole-genome of S. libertina and determined its transcriptome for the first time using Illumina NovaSeq 6000 platform. According to the k-mer analysis, the genome size of S. libertina was estimated to be 3.04 Gb. Using RepeatMasker, a total of 53.68% of repeats were identified in the genome assembly. Genome data of S. libertina reported in this study will be useful for identification and conservation of S. libertina in East Asia.