bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular hydrogen exposure improves functional state of red blood cells in the early postoperative period
Authors: Deryugina Anna Vaycheslavovna , Danilova Darya Andreevna , Brichkin Yurii Dmitrievich , Taranov Evgenii Vladimirovich , Nazarov Evgenii Ivanovich , Pichugin Vladimir Viktorovich , Medvedev Aleksandr Pavlovich , Riazanov Michail Valerevich , Fedorov Sergey Andreevich , Smorkalov Andrej Yurevich , Makarov Evgenii Vladimirovich
Published: September 2022

Molecular hydrogen (H2) has been considered a preventive and therapeutic medical gas in numerous diseases. The study aimed to investigate the potential role of molecular hydrogen as a component of anesthesia in surgical treatment with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) of acquired valve defects on the functional state of red blood cells (RBC) and functional indicators of cardiac activity. This clinical trial was conducted with 20 patients referring to the Specialized Cardiosurgical Clinical Hospital, Nizhny Novgorod, Russian Federation, who underwent elective surgery with CPB. Twenty-four patients were randomly assigned to two groups. First group included 12 patients (research group) who received H2 at a concentration of 1.5–2.0% through a facemask using a breathing circuit of the ventilator together with anesthesia immediately after tracheal intubation and throughout the operation. Second group (control group) included 12 patients who were not given H2. Blood samples were withdrawn from peripheral veins and radial artery at four stages: immediately after the introduction of anesthesia (stage 1), before the start of CPB (stage 2), immediately after its termination (stage 3) and 24 hours after the operation (the early postoperative period) (stage 4). An increase in electrophoretic mobility, an increase in the metabolism of red blood cells, and a decrease in the aggregation of red blood cells relative to the corresponding indicators of the control group were observed in the research group. Patients in the research group had a decrease in oxidative stress manifestations most pronounced one day after the operation. There was a statistically significant difference between the indicators of myocardial contractile function in the research and control group on the 1st and 3rd days after surgery. H2 inhalation leads to improvement of functional state of red blood cells, which is accompanied by a more favorable course of the early postoperative period. These data show the presence of protective properties of molecular hydrogen.
A young boy with severe pulmonary-renal syndrome
Authors: Grewal Tejinderpal Singh , Soni Dipesh , Nada Ritambhra , Sharma Navneet , Pannu Ashok Kumar
Published: September 2022

IgA nephropathy is a renal-limited form of systemic vasculitis, and pulmonary manifestations are uncommon. An initial presentation with severe diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) or pulmonary-renal syndrome is rare and only confined to a few case reports. Herein, we present a young male admitted with acute-onset dyspnea, hemoptysis, and rapidly progressive renal failure. With an initial diagnosis of an immune-mediated pulmonary-renal syndrome, he was treated with high-dose corticosteroids and therapeutic plasmapheresis along with intensive organ support (including hemodialysis, red cell transfusion, and high-flow oxygen). After a detailed laboratory evaluation and kidney biopsy, IgA nephropathy was diagnosed. The patient continued to worsen with persistent DAH and died. IgA nephropathy-associated severe DAH or pulmonary-renal syndrome is rare but increasingly recognized. The condition is difficult to diagnose early and has no proven disease-targeted therapy.
Ultrasound Killed the Pelvic Examination
Authors: Lin Luke , Tirado Alfredo , Mateer Erin , Galwankar Sagar , Tucci Veronica
Published: September 2022

We describe a case of multiple missed opportunities to diagnose Fitz-Hugh–Curtis syndrome in a sexually active 26-year-old woman in the emergency department (ED). Repeat ultrasound scans showed a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst. Multiple ED providers relied exclusively on these ultrasound findings as the presumed cause of her pelvic pain, to the detriment of their physical examination. A manual pelvic examination was not performed until her fourth ED return visit, which showed mucopurulent discharge. On the basis of our findings, obstetrics and gynecology team was consulted and the patient underwent diagnostic laparoscopy, which revealed extensive adhesions suggestive of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and Fitz-Hugh–Curtis syndrome. With the advent of ultrasound, we have noticed providers rely on technology to the detriment of their physical examination skills. Many ED providers are hesitant to perform a pelvic examination when a transvaginal ultrasound has already suggested a cause of the patient's pain. Ultrasound will not and cannot diagnose PID.
Penile Fracture with Urethral Rupture
Authors: Joshi Brij Mohan , Ranjan Satish Kumar , Jain Mayank , Kumar Anant
Published: September 2022

Penile fracture with an associated urethral injury is a rare urological emergency resulting from trauma to the erect penis during vigorous sexual intercourse. The patient often presents with swelling of the penis, discoloration of the penile skin, localized pain, and hematuria with a typical history of sudden detumescence during intercourse. Subcoronal penile degloving incision has been conventionally described and is frequently used by many clinicians for the management of penile fracture-urethral injury. Here, we describe a case of complex penile fracture managed through the vertical penoscrotal incision. The penoscrotal approach confers excellent exposure to both the ruptured corpus cavernosum and urethra. This approach ensures successful outcomes in such an emergency procedure without having disadvantages of the degloving incision.
Hepatic Artery Anomalies and Its Impact in Patients Undergoing Pancreaticoduodenectmy. A Comparative Study from Kashmir Valley
Authors: Hassan Nayeem UI , Hassan Yaqoob , Ahmad Prince Ajaz , Shah Omar Javed , Bhat Mohamad Younis
Published: September 2022

Background:

Pancreaticoduodenectomy provides the only opportunity to cure resectable and borderline pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This is linked to a high rate of morbidity and mortality, especially when combined with hepatic artery anomalies. The goal of this study was to analyse the spectrum and impact of hepatic artery anomalies on intraoperative and postoperative variables, and oncologic outcomes in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Materials and Methods:

All patients with resectable periampullary or pancreatic head tumours who underwent pancreaticoduodenectmy (PD) were included. Patients were divided into two groups using computer-generated random numbers; Group A included patients who had pancreaticoduodenectmy (PD) with normal hepatic artery anatomy and Group B included patients with aberrant hepatic artery anatomy. The data was collected and analysed using SPSS 22.

Results:

Among the 238 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 177(74.36%) participants were included in Group A (Normal hepatic artery anatomy) and 61 (25.36%) in Group B (Aberrant hepatic artery anatomy). The mean age of patients in Group A was 51.3 ± 8.63 years while it was 50.6 ± 8.09 years in Group B. The difference in gender, BMI, pre-operative haemoglobin, bilirubin and albumin between two groups was statistically insignificant (P value >0.05). The difference in mean operative time of Group A 230.9(168–390) minutes and Group B 319.6(200–620) minutes was statistically significant (p-value <0.001). The mean blood loss in Group A (511.5 120.18 ml) was significantly lower than in Group B (623.6 127.06 ml) (P ≤ 0.001). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of post-operative pancreatic fistula, delayed gastric emptying, wound infection, atelectasis, hospital stay, peri-operative mortality, positive resection margins, and mean lymph node yield.

Conclusion:

Patients with hepatic artery anomalies who undergo pancreaticoduodenectomy have significantly more operative blood loss. This could be due to the procedure’s complexity and lengthy operative time. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of postoperative morbidity, oncological outcome, or mortality.
Clinicopathological Features of Pancytopenia in Adults and the Role of Bone Marrow Study in Etiological Categorization
Authors: Bhuyan Abhinab , Hazarika Prabir , Deka Rasadhar
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives:

Pancytopenia is a combination of anemia (with a reduction of the red blood cell count), leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Leukopenia is usually mainly due to a reduction in the neutrophil count although the number of other granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes are often also reduced. Pancytopenia is a manifestation of many serious and life-threatening diseases. This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinicopathological features of pancytopenia and the role of bone marrow study for etiological categorization.

Settings and Design:

This is a cross-sectional observational study conducted in a tertiary referral center of north east India, for a period of 1 year (from August 2020 to July 2021).

Materials and Methods:

Proper history taking and clinical examination were done for all patients attending with hemoglobin <10 mg/dL, total leukocyte count <3000 cells/cmm, and platelet count <1 lakh/cmm. The investigations done were peripheral blood smear examination with Leishman stain, special staining, as well as specific biochemical and radiological investigations as per requirement in cases; bone marrow aspiration (under all aseptic precaution); and bone marrow trephine biopsy (under all aseptic precaution). The results are presented in tables and compared with similar studies.

Results:

A total of 42 cases of pancytopenia were evaluated. The age group of 18–20 years was the most commonly affected. Male-to-female ratio was 1.33:1. All the patients presented with generalized weakness and pallor, and a large portion also with abdominal discomfort, hepatomegaly, and splenomegaly. Anisocytosis and macrocytosis were the most common peripheral blood smear findings. Vitamin B12 level was decreased in 75% of all the evaluated cases (15 of 20 cases). Bone marrow was hypercellular in most of the cases (80.95%) followed by hypocellular marrow (14.29%). Megaloblastic erythroid hyperplasia was the most common abnormality found in bone marrow. Megaloblastic anemia was the most common etiology followed by hypoplastic/aplastic anemia. A significant portion (7.14%) also showed bone marrow involvement by myeloma. One case of involvement by metastatic tumor was found.

Conclusions:

Most cases of pancytopenia were due to megaloblastic anemia and so easily curable. The bone marrow study is essential to evaluate a case of pancytopenia to know the exact etiology for proper management.
A Review of Pharmacogenetics of Anticoagulant Therapy
Authors: Abd Alridha Ali Mohammed , Al-Gburi Karrar Mohammed , Abbood Sarah Kadhim
Published: September 2022

Variances in the patients’ outcomes have been a well-documented challenge in anticoagulant therapy. A clinical encounter with a thromboembolic or a hemorrhagic event, due to subtherapeutic or adverse effects of an anticoagulant, is often managed by switching the anticoagulant agent into another, which is more specific and direct-acting. This management approach is usually associated with a financial burden. Additionally, the certainty of achieving better efficacy and safety profile is still questionable. Genetic variants affecting the protein sites that are involved in the anticoagulant pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics interactions have been suggested to contribute to the variability in the response to anticoagulant therapy. The current work reviewed the studies investigating the response variability associated with the anticoagulant therapy (heparins, rivaroxaban, apixaban, and dabigatran) and the potential pharmacogenes contributing to such response variability. Several genetic polymorphisms were reported as potential contributors to variances in response to anticoagulant therapy and were associated with adverse events. A link has been proposed for heparin resistance with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the anti-thrombin-encoding gene (SERPINC1) as well as heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) variant allele (HLA-DRB3*01:01). Several investigations also remarked variations in the serum drug level of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) that are associated with SNPs in the proteins contributing to the pharmacokinetics of the anticoagulant agent. Several studies discerned significant associations between SNPs in the ABCB1 gene and elevations in the serum levels of rivaroxaban, apixaban, and dabigatran. Moreover, carriers of the variant genotype of the SNP (rs776746) in the cytochrome P450 3A5 enzyme-encoding gene (CYP3A5) had significantly higher drug levels when compared with the non-carriers. In contrast, some SNPs were reported to impart a protective phenotype to the carrier. The SNP (rs2244613) in the carboxylesterase-encoding gene (CES1) has been significantly associated with a decline in dabigatran trough levels and a lower risk of hemorrhage. Further investigations are essential to elucidate the extent of pharmacogenetics-based alterations in the drug levels as well as the subsequent clinical outcomes of anticoagulant therapy.
Sociodemographic Profile of Mono Rifampicin-Resistant (RR) Cases Among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients, Erbil, Iraq, 2015–2020
Authors: Abdullah Sharmeen Qadr Faqi
Published: September 2022

Background:

Rifampicin-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (RR-PTB) remains a global health burden. The spread of RR Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a threat to treatment and control of tuberculosis.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the rate of RR-PTB and further determine the factors associated with it.

Materials and Methods:

This study was achieved in April and May 2022. Data were collected, reviewed, and analyzed from archived records of patients who had been tested using Xpert MTB/RIF assay at the Chest and Respiratory Disease Specialized Centre in Erbil City from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2020.

Results:

A total of 1236 medical records of patients who tested for drug resistance using GeneXpert were included in this retrospective data analysis study. Overall, GeneXpert positive results were reported in 196 cases (15.9%) which denote confirmed cases of tuberculosis by the GeneXpert test in the period 2015–2020. From the total confirmed patients, twenty-one cases (21,10.7%) were found to be RR-PTB. The highest prevalence of RR-PTB according to gender, age range, category of patients, and prevalence of HIV status was as follows: male (11; 52.4%), 18–28 years (9; 42.9%), relapse (13; 61.9%), and HIV positivity (12; 57.1%), respectively. The differences in distribution of the rifampicin resistance concerning the aforementioned demography were as follows: gender: nonsignificant, age range: not significant, relapse: significant (P ≤ 0.05), HIV positivity: highly significant (P ≤ 0.01).

Conclusion:

This study reported the prevalence rate of rifampicin-resistant M. tuberculosis was 10.7% among confirmed TB patients. HIV-positive and previous TB treatment history were significantly associated with high RR-PTB. This result showed that GeneXpert assay is a convenient tool for the early diagnosis of rifampicin-resistant M. tuberculosis.
The severity of clinical symptoms and paranasal sinuses CT-scan finding in COVID-19 patients in Kirkuk Province
Authors: Dalloo Fadya Lutfi Dawood , Shukur Mahmood Shakir , Taha Ali Omar
Published: September 2022

Introduction:

COVID-19, first detected in Wuhan, China in December 2019, fast spread across the globe, causing a pandemic affecting many countries around the world.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to assess the severity of clinical features and paranasal sinuses computed tomography (CT)-scan findings in COVID-19 patients and find the relationship between smoking and severity of COVID-19 symptoms.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was achieved on a cohort of 399 patients, who clinically suffer from COVID-19 symptoms. The collected data for those patients included COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, presence of the IgG and IgM antigens, and paranasal sinuses CT-scan images.

Results:

This was a cross-sectional study of 399 patients infected with COVID-19. The mean age of the patients was 39 ± 11 years. Approximately 53.6% of them were males, whereas 46.4% were females. 55.6% of them performed CT scan for sinuses. 28.6% of the patients were with severe clinical features. 51.1% of them were smoking. 77.4% of them were of positive PCR, 57.9% positive IgG, and 86.7% positive IgM. 27.8% of patients were of the age group of 40–49 years. There was a significant association between the severity of COVID infection and age group. There was a significant association between the severity of COVID infection and sinus CT-scan findings. There was a significant association between the severity of COVID infection and positive PCR. There was a significant association between the severity of COVID infection and positive IgM. There was a significant association between smoking and sinus CT-scan findings.

Conclusion:

At the time of COVID infection, the severity of infection ranged from mild to moderate. More severe infection with COVID-19 associated with significant finding in sinus CT scan in patients at age group 50–59 years, and sinus also more severe COVID infection associate with positive CT scan finding that occur more in smocking patients.
Concept of Biochemistry of Food
Authors: Juda Thana Mohammed , Ali Zinah Abbass , Mohammed Seenaa Badr
Published: September 2022

Nutritional biochemistry examines the health benefits gained from eating healthy food. It specifically focusses on nutrient chemical components and how they function metabolically, physiologically, and biochemically. The biochemical study gives information about food metabolism and hormones and enzymes participating in this process and describes the process of food intake and how energy is obtained and the way the energy is spent. It is study of nutrition as a science. Nutritional biochemical therapy refers to specific nutritional procedures including assessment and interventions in the treatment of an illness, injury, or disease condition. Studying the biochemistry of food and its metabolism gives us knowledge about effectors of metabolism in positive direction as it is the source of energy, which is the foundation of life. Its negative effect as metabolite can give rise to diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Role of Carotid Ultrasound in the Evaluation of Atherosclerotic Changes in Beta Thalassemia Major Patients
Authors: Alshammary Ahmed Abdul-Mohsin , Al-Fetlawi Sabih Salih , Aljanabi Zena Abdalameer
Published: September 2022

Background:

Iron overload in beta thalassemia patients may lead to the alteration of arterial structures together with hyperlipidemia and other risk factors that may lead to the atherosclerotic changes and thickening of carotid arteries. Carotid ultrasound is easy, noninvasive, and rapid test that can detect atherosclerotic changes by the assessment of carotid intima-media thickness, which is a structural marker of atherosclerosis, and it correlates well with vascular risk factors and its relation with stroke and coronary artery disease.

Aim:

The aim was to evaluate the role of carotid ultrasound in the assessment of atherosclerotic changes in iron-overloaded beta thalassemia major patients.

Patients and Methods:

This is a case–control study done in Babylon Gynecology and Children Teaching Hospital from July 1 to December 31, 2018 on 60 patients with beta thalassemia major and 30 normal children as a control group. Their age ranges from 3 to 14 years old. Carotid ultrasound examination was done on all patients and the control group.

Results:

In this study, carotid intima-media thickness was significantly higher in patients than in controls (P < 0.001). Carotid intima-media thickness significantly increases in patients with beta thalassemia major with increasing duration of blood transfusion (P < 0.001), with increasing serum ferritin (P = 0.004), and with increasing serum cholesterol (P < 0.001). The study also showed no correlation between body mass index and blood pressure with carotid intima-media thickness.

Conclusion:

Carotid ultrasound is useful in the assessment of carotid intima-media thickness, which is a marker of atherosclerosis and has a strong positive correlation with markers of iron overload and hyperlipidemia.
Симметрии нестационарной иерархии $\mathrm{P}_\mathrm{II}^{(n)}$ и их приложения
Authors: Bobrova Irina Alexandrovna
Published: September 2022

Рассматриваются автопреобразования Беклунда нестационарной иерархии второго уравнения Пенлеве $\mathrm{P}_\mathrm{II}^{(n)}$, зависящей от $n$ параметров: параметра $\alpha_n$ и времен $t_1, …, t_{n-1}$. С использованием генераторов $s^{(n)}$ и $r^{(n)}$ этих симметрий построены аффинная группа Вейля $W^{(n)}$ и ее расширение $\widetilde{W}^{(n)}$, ассоциированные с $n$-м членом рассматриваемой иерархии. Определены рациональные решения иерархии $\mathrm{P}_\mathrm{II}^{(n)}$ через полиномы типа Яблонского-Воробьева $u_m^{(n)}(z)$. Показано, что полиномы типа Яблонского-Воробьева связаны с полиномиальной $\tau$-функцией $\tau_m^{(n)}(z)$, и найдено их детерминантное представление в форме Якоби-Труди.
Явно решаемые системы обыкновенных дифференциальных уравнений первого порядка с однородными правыми частями и их периодические варианты
Authors: Calogero Francesco , Payandeh Farrin
Published: September 2022

Найдены и рассмотрены имеющие очень простые явные решения системы произвольного числа $N$ обыкновенных дифференциальных уравнений первого порядка с нелинейными правыми частями, являющимися однородными функциями произвольной целочисленной степени однородности $M$, положительной или неположительной. Также рассмотрены варианты таких систем с ненулевыми и неоднородными правыми частями. Некоторые из этих систем имеют периодические решения. Новизна полученных результатов заключается в рассмотрении систем, которые характеризуются уравнениями связей, содержащими параметры систем и/или их начальные данные.
Либрации с большими периодами в туннелировании: эффективное вычисление и приложение к тригональным димерам
Authors: Anikin Anatolii Yur'evich , Dobrokhotov Sergey Yur'evich , Nosikov Igor' Anatol'evich
Published: September 2022

При исследовании туннельных асимптотик для нижних уровней оператора Шредингера (таких как энергетическое расщепление в симметричной двойной яме или ширина спектральной зоны в периодической задаче) естественным образом возникают либрации, т. е. периодические решения классической системы с перевернутым потенциалом, которые дважды на периоде достигают границы области возможных движений. В пределе они дают двояко асимптотические решения с двумя симметричными неустойчивыми положениями равновесия (инстантоны). Туннельные асимптотики можно записать двумя способами: либо в терминах действия на инстантоне и линеаризованной динамики в его окрестности, либо в терминах некоторой либрации, называемой туннельной. Второй способ более конструктивен, поскольку его использование для численных расчетов сводится к двум операциям: нахождение либрации с данной энергией и вычисление коэффициентов Флоке для данной либрации. Для применения этого подхода на практике предлагается находить либрации с данной энергией, используя вариационный численный метод, обобщающий идеи метода упругой нити. В качестве приложения найдена асимптотика для ширин нижних спектральных зон и лакун, выраженная через туннельную либрацию в четырехмерной системе, описывающей димер в тригонально-симметричном поле, которая была предложена М. И. Кацнельсоном.
A peripheral osteoma of the mandible: a case report
Authors: Turki Imen Mehri
Published: September 2022

Osteoma is a benign osteogenic lesion with slow and insidious growth rarely observed in the mandible. We report a new and rarely described localization of a peripheral osteoma of unusual size, while showing the interest of piezosurgery in the conservative excision. This technique is less aggressive without morpho-functional sequelae. However, it is important to perform an adequate maxillofacial examination and a correct radiological reading in order to detect this type of lesion early. The diagnostic certainty is always histological.
Socio-economic aspects of the management of chronic viral hepatitis in Côte-d’Ivoire
Authors: Anzouan-Kacou Henriette Ya Kissi , Dehinsala Maire , Bangoura Aboubacar Demba , Kouamé Dimitri Hatrydt , Doffou Adjéka Stanislas , Mahassadi Alassan Kouamé , Yao Fulgence Bathaix , Attia Alain Koffi
Published: September 2022

Context and objectives. Chronic viral hepatitis is a public health problem in Côte-d’Ivoire. A significant number of patients have little access to treatment due to the high costs of assessment and treatment. The objective of our study was to evaluate the costs of assessments and treatment of chronic viral hepatitis. Methods. This was an analytical cross-sectional observational study from March 1, 2019 to July 31, 2019 in the Hepato- Gastroenterology Consultation Service at the Yopougon University Hospital. The variables studied were socio-demographic and economic parameters. Results. 136 patients (men 53.6 %, average age 42 ± 12.2 years) were included. More than half of the patients (63.3 %) had a monthly income not exceeding 490.39 USD. The cost ofthe initial assessment was 223.13 USD and 351.14 USD for viral hepatitis B and C, respectively. Tenofovir and pegylated interferon were free of charge. Treatment with sofosbuvir + velpastavir cost 593.37 USD. The annual follow-up assessment was estimated at 237.02 USD for viral hepatitis B and 225.58 USD for viral hepatitis C. Conclusion. The assessment and treatment of chronic viral hepatitis have a cost that remains high for patients despite the universal health coverage.
Philosophy, Openness, and the imperative of continuous self-renewal
Authors: Mungwini Pascah
Published: September 2022

Philosophy premises itself on the ideals of openness and continuous self-renewal. And yet, the story of philosophy has been an endless struggle against the violence of systematic exclusion and erasure. This article deploys the principle of openness as an analytic category to reflect on the broader question of epistemic decolonisation and the imperative this imposes on the practice of philosophy. There are important ontological, epistemological, and ethical dimensions to the principle of openness with a bearing on the enterprise and how to conceptualise its future. Whether at the global level or within a specific individual tradition, the principle of openness is about the reconfiguration of philosophy itself and restoring its richness and diversity. For the African philosopher, this entails assuming responsibility for the ongoing task of articulating ‘what philosophy is and what it can be’ within the context of Africa’s own history, its problematics, and priority questions.
Engaging in African Epistemology as a Form of Epistemic Decolonization
Authors: Nwosimiri Ovett
Published: September 2022

Epistemic decolonization has taken centre stage in academia and everyday life. Epistemic decolonization is a call to dismantle the Western way of thinking and its self-arrogated hegemonic authority. It is also a call to re-centre the knowledge enterprise in Africa from a western-centric orientation to an African-centric one to accommodate African epistemic formations. In this paper, I intend to contribute to the discussions of epistemic decolonization by showing that engaging in African epistemology is a form of epistemic decolonization. My argument is that we are recalibrating the knowledge enterprise when we go outside of the western episteme to engage with knowledge in other traditions, such as African epistemology.
Impact, Mitigation Strategies, and Future Possibilities of Nigerian Municipal Solid Waste Leachate Management Practices: A Review
Authors: Ishaq A. , Said M. I. M. , Azman S. , Abdulwahab M. F. , Alfa M. I.
Published: September 2022

Landfills and solid waste disposal facilities have historically been the most common point sources of pollution with the potential to release contamination leachate plumes into the environment. Waste disposal is one of the biggest problems that the world is facing. In man’s everyday life, he produces waste materials which, if not properly managed, can affect health and environment. The seepage of landfill leachate into groundwater tables and aquifer systems significantly creates a possible danger and threat to human health and environment at large and remains a subject of concern in Nigeria and other parts of the world. This paper provides a review of existing approaches to leachate treatment in Nigeria and current practices across the globe, depicts the impact on environmental implications, documented previous findings, challenges and mitigation measures, and future perspectives of landfill leachate management in Nigeria, and compares with global practice of leachate management. In Nigeria, there are only a few standard techniques of landfill leachate treatment. This resulted in severe environmental impacts that threaten human life, especially in the north-eastern part of the country. Vector-borne and water-related illnesses such as cholera, Dengue, Diarrhoea, Trachoma, typhoid, malaria etc, have become a major source of concern resulting from the leaching effect from landfills. Advanced treatment methods, including membrane filtration, trickling filters, and Batch and Sequencing-Batch Reactors (SBR) are used in some of the cities and private organizations in Nigeria. Most researchers in Nigeria have stressed the necessity to utilise efficient, cost-effective technology in landfill wastewater treatment. Despite this, landfill leachate has continued to have severe effects in Nigeria and the situation seems to be escalating, requiring further study.
Development of an American Sign Language Recognition System using Canny Edge and Histogram of Oriented Gradient
Authors: Adeyanju I. A. , Bello O. O. , Azeez M. A.
Published: September 2022

Sign language is used by people who have hearing and speaking difficulties, but not understood by many without these difficulties. Therefore, sign language recognition systems are developed to aid communication between hearing impaired people and others. This paper developed a static American Sign Language Recognition (ASLR) system using canny-edge and histogram of oriented gradient (HOG) for feature extraction with K-Nearest Neighbour (K-NN) as classifier. The sign language image datasets used consist of English alphabets from both Massey University and Kaggle, and numbers (0-9) from Massey University. Median filter was used to remove noise after images were converted to grayscale. Otsu algorithm was used for segmentation while edges in the images were preserved using canny edge detection technique with HOG parameters tuning to obtain feature vectors. The extracted features were used by K-NN for classification. An average recognition accuracy and computational testing time of 97.6% and 0.39s respectively were obtained based on experiments with the Massey University dataset. Similarly, an average recognition accuracy and computational testing time of 99.0% and 0.43s respectively were obtained based on experiments with the Kaggle dataset. The developed system successfully recognized static English alphabets and numbers and outperformed some existing systems.
Assessment of Nigerian Calcium Bentonite as Cement Replacement for Shallow depth Oil Well Cementing Operation
Authors: Arinkoola A. O. , Alagbe S. O. , Salam K. K. , Ajagbe B. M. , Akinwole I. O.
Published: September 2022

This study assessed the rheological and mechanical properties of Nigerian Ewu-Obi Calcium Bentonite (ECaB) as cement partial replacement for shallow depth cementing operations using experimental design and response surface methodology. Rheological properties, Thickening Time (TT), and Compressive Strength (CS) were measured using a 12-speed rotational viscometer, High-Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) Consistometer, and Ultrasonic Cement Analyzer, respectively. The effect of the increase in the concentration of bentonite clay as well as its interaction with other cement additives (accelerator and antifoam) on plastic viscosity (PV), yield point (Yp), fluid loss (FL), TT, and CS were investigated. The result shows that the optimum replaceable percentage of ECaB in class G cement, accelerator, and antifoam is 23.5, 7.5, and 0.95 wt %, respectively. At optimum conditions, the PV (17.5±1.35 cp), FL (20 ml/30 min/100 psi), TT (228±16.4 min), and CS24 (614±0.57 psi) obtained agreed with the API standard and compared favorably with literature.
PLOD1 contributes to proliferation and glycolysis in hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating E2F1
Authors: Chen Jian , You Xing , Zhou Luke , Yang Jie , Xie Hui , Liu Lin , Li Youwei
Published: September 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of procollagen-lysine 1,2-oxoglutarate 5-dioxygenase 1 (PLOD1) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods: HCC cells were subjected to loss of function assays via transfection with siRNA targeting PLOD1. Colony formation and cell counting kit 8 (CCK8) were used to determine cell proliferation. Cell cycle was evaluated by flow cytometry while extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) levels, glucose consumption, and lactate production were determined to investigate aerobic glycolysis.

Results: PLOD1 was significantly up-regulated in HCC tissues and cells compared to normal tissues and cells (p < 0.001). Silencing of PLOD1 significantly repressed cell proliferation (p < 0.001) and induced cell cycle arrest in HCC at the G1 phase. ECAR levels, glucose consumption, and lactate production in HCC were reduced by knockdown of PLOD1. Loss of PLOD1 down-regulated the expression of E2F1, while over-expression of E2F1 attenuated PLOD1 knockdown-induced decreases in cell viability, glucose consumption, and lactate production in HCC.

Conclusion: Knockdown of PLOD1 inhibits cell proliferation and aerobic glycolysis in HCC via down-regulation of E2F1. Thus, PLOD1 may help in developing an effective strategy for the management of liver cancer.
Network pharma cology and GEO chip based elucidation of mechanisms underlying the use of Yi Tieqing for prevention and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting
Authors: Xun Shining , Jiao Mingna , Li Jia , Xiaqing Xiaqing , Zhang Afen , He Huali , Zou Junbo , Duan Chongzhen , Zhang Xiaofei
Published: September 2022

Purpose: To investigate the mechanism(s) involved in the use of Yi Tieqing for the prevention and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), using network pharmacology and GEO chip.

Methods: The chemical constituents and functional targets of five traditional Chinese medicines in Yi Tieqing were obtained by searching TCMSP database. The PONV disease targets were identified through DisGeNET, GeneCards and DrugBank databases, and differential expression genes of the GEO database chip (GSE7762) were mined. From the intersections of the component targets and disease targets, the core targets of drugs and diseases were obtained. The core targets were investigated in R language using GO-biological process and KEGG enrichment analyses, and their biological activities were verified via molecular docking. Finally, the severity and incidence of PONV in control and treatment groups were determined and compared.

Results: A total of 254 bioactive components and 301 related potential targets were obtained from the TCMSP database. There were 2092 related targets in PONV, and 6 intersecting targets were obtained from Venn diagram. The results of GO biological process and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the incidence of PONV was strongly correlated with the negative regulation of response to wounding and nervous system. Clinical results showed that from 24 – 48 h (T2) after operation, the severity and incidence of PONV in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Yi Tieqing alleviates PONV through multi-components, multi-targets, and multi-pathways.
Effect of taspine hydrochloride on KGF signal pathway in skin wound healing in rats
Authors: Zhang Xiaojun , Liu Jiadong
Published: September 2022

Purpose: To investigate the effect of taspine hydrochloride and the regulatory involvement of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signal on skin wound healing in rats.

Methods: Wound model rats were assigned to 3 groups (n = 15 each): untreated control, taspine hydrochloride high-dose treatment, and taspine hydrochloride low-dose treatment groups. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and keratinocyte growth factor receptor (KGFR) were determined using qPCR, while immunoblot assay was used to assess protein levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and other inflammatory factors.

Results: There were significantly down-regulated levels of KGF, KGFR, TGF-β1, VEGF, EGF, HGF, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α in control group on the first day, relative to high- and low-dose taspine hydrochloride treatment groups (p < 0.05). Wound repair took more time in control rats than in the 2 taspine HCL-treatment rats. However, healing time was significantly shorter in rats given higher level of taspine HCL (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Taspine hydrochloride down-regulates the high expression of FGF and inhibits inflammatory response in rats with skin trauma. Moreover, it accelerates skin wound healing. These findings support the clinical application of taspine hydrochloride for skin wound healing.
Effect of the of remazolam toluenesulfonate and IPACK on postoperative rehabilitation and sedation in elderly patients undergoing knee arthroplasty
Authors: Zhan Linsen , Xu Xiaofeng , Zhang Yunfeng , Huang Gang , Li Dong , Lan Yunping
Published: September 2022

Purpose: To investigate the effect of the combination of remazolam toluenesulfonate and infiltration between the popliteal artery and capsule of the knee (IPACK) on the rehabilitation and sedation of elderly patients undergoing knee arthroplasty.

Methods: A total of 84 elderly patients who underwent knee arthroplasty in Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between January 2021 and December 2021 were given IPACK in combination with adductor canal block under ultrasound guidance. Forty (40) patients were given anesthesia with propofol + sufentanil + cis-benzene sulfonic acid atracurium (control group), while 44 patients received anesthesia with remazolam toluenesulfonate + sufentanil + cis-benzene sulfonic acid atracurium (study group). Various clinical indices in the patients were assessed

Results: Relative to control, there were significantly lower visual analog scale (VAS) scores at 6 and 12 h after operation, lower frequency of post-operation pumping with PCA pump, lower frequency of remedial analgesia within 48 h after operation (p < 0.05). Moreover, the time taken for spontaneous recovery of breathing, recovery time, and extubation time were similar in the two groups (p > 0.05). The muscle strength of quadriceps femoris of the affected knee joint was higher in the study group than in the control group at 12, 24, and 48 h, after operation (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The combination of remazolam toluenesulfonate with IPACK effectively alleviate pain in elderly patients undergoing knee arthroplasty and improves sedation without increasing cognitive dysfunction. This treatment strategy has potentials for further investigation for possible large-scale application.
Correlation between childhood tuberculosis and abundance of T cell gene transcription and impaired T cell function
Authors: Zhang, Xiaopeng , Jia Zhiyi , Wang Lingzhi , Shao Mingyu
Published: September 2022

Purpose: To investigate the relationship amongst childhood tuberculosis, abundance of T cell gene transcription and impairment of T cell function.

Methods: A total of 329 pediatric patients treated for tuberculosis in Central Hospital of Zibo, Zibo, China from 2017 to 2019 were enrolled in the study. Among them, 167 cases of tuberculosis-hospitalized children were assigned to the TB group. Additionally, 162 well- and adequately-treated patients with a previous history of tuberculosis were selected as the control group. The abundance of continuous gene transcripts in the peripheral blood of the children was analyzed. The RNA profiles were analyzed via microarray, while interferon (IFN) level was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The T cell proliferation was determined by thymidine assay.

Results: Within 6 months of the commencement of treatment, the differentially expressed transcripts returned the expression in children in the control group. The abundance of Talipes equinovarus, atrial septal defect, robin sequence, and the persistence of the left superior vena cava (TARP) gene transcription in the TB group was lower than in the control group on days 30, 120 and 180 (p < 0.05), while IL1R2 gene transcription abundance in the TB group was higher than in the control group on days 30, 120 ,180 (p < 0.05). The proliferation of T cells and IFNγ in tuberculosis children (TB group) were lower than in healthy controls (p < 0.05). In this study, a total of 129 genes were found to have significant differences in expression, and hence it is speculated that changes in RNA abundance altered the immune pathway.

Conclusion: The reduced abundance of T cell gene transcription and renovated T cell function in children with tuberculosis are related to acquired immunodeficiency. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis in children.
HOXC10 promotes nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell proliferation and migration by regulating PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Wu Liping , Qian Guohong , Zheng Yuqing , Zheng Huizhen
Published: September 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the role of homeobox C10 (HOXC10) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods: Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were conducted to determine NPC cell proliferation. Cell migration and invasion were assessed using a Transwell assay, while western blot was used to investigate the mechanism of action involved in HOXC10- mediated NPC.

Results: HOXC10 levels were significantly elevated in NPC cells (p < 0.001). Over-expression of HOXC10 significantly increased NPC cell viability (p < 0.05) and proliferation. However, silencing HOXC10 reduced NPC cell proliferation. HOXC10 knockdown suppressed NPC cell migration and invasion. NPC expression of phosphorylated phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (AKT) proteins were up-regulated after HOXC10 over-expression but were down-regulated upon silencing HOXC10 (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: HOXC10 knockdown reduces NPC cell proliferation and metastasis by inactivating PI3K/AKT pathway, and therefore, can potentially be developed for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Icariin protects myocardial cells in spontaneously hypertensive rats by inhibiting mitochondrial and endopla smic reticulum stress related pathways
Authors: Li Wen , Li Luhong , Guan Siyu
Published: September 2022

Purpose: To investigate the protective effect of icariin (ICA) on myocardial cells in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs), and the mechanism involved.

Methods: Twenty-four SPF-grade, 12-week-old SHRs were randomly assigned to model group and ICA group, with 12 rats/group. There were 12 Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats (aged 12 weeks) in the control group. Rats in ICA group were given ICA suspension (40 mg/kg) through gavage, daily for 3 months, while model rats were given equivalent volume of double distilled water (in place of ICA suspension) via gavage for 12 weeks. Blood pressure, cardiac function, left ventricular (LV) mass index, myocardial morphology and apoptosis-related protein levels were determined and compared among the four groups.

Results: The myocardial cells were hypertrophic and disorderly arranged, with widened intercellular spaces. Besides, there were increases in protein expression levels of p53, caspase 3, Bok, Bax, GRP78, p-PERK, ATF-4, CHOP and DR5, while Bcl-2 protein was down-regulated. In contrast, the levels of these indicators in the ICA group were significantly better than those in the model group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: ICA reduces blood pressure in rats, but improves cardiac function and cardiomyocyte morphology by decreasing apoptosis in cardiomyocytes through down-regulation of mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related apoptosis pathways. Thus, icariin may be suitable for the treatment of hypertension; however, clinical trials need to be undertaken first.
Analisis Load Balancing Berbasis Mikrotik Dalam Meningkatkan Kemampuan Server di Institut Shanti Bhuana
Authors: Mikola Andri , Nurcahyo Azriel Christian
Published: September 2022

Intisari— Semakin berkembangnya teknologi semakin bertambahnya pengguna-pengguna baru dalam bidang teknologi. Seiring dengan perkembangan teknologi, kemampuan dalam jaringan internet juga semakin meningkat sehingga menyebabkan sebuah trafIfic pada jaringan semakin buruk. Load blancing dapat membuat kinerja pada jaringan internet lebih optimal dan melakukan proses Traffic jaringan menjadi lebih stabil.  Konfigurasi Load Blancing dapat di lakukan Pada Mikrotik server melalui media aplikasi Winbox. Proses konfigurasi sehingga menjadi stanbil dapat dilakukan dengan 2 ISP agar jaringan terbagi merata. Dengan Load Balancing bukan hanya sekedar membagikan pemerataan pada jaringan tetapi juga sebagai pengendalian dan penyeimbangan pada web server. Proses pengujian traffic pada jaringan yang kami mendapatkan kecepatan jaringan 17.6 Mbps, dan dapat di simpulkan bahwa jaringan internet di Institut Shanti Bhuana tergolong “Baik”.
N\'eron models of Jacobians over bases of arbitrary dimension
Authors: Poiret Thibault
Published: September 2022

We work with a smooth relative curve $X_U/U$ with nodal reduction over an excellent and locally factorial scheme $S$. We show that blowing up a nodal model of $X_U$ in the ideal sheaf of a section yields a new nodal model, and describe how these models relate to each other. We construct a N\'eron model for the Jacobian of $X_U$, and describe it locally on $S$ as a quotient of the Picard space of a well-chosen nodal model. We provide a combinatorial criterion for the N\'eron model to be separated.

Comment: 37 pages including bibliography. Comments are welcome. To appear in \'Epijournal de G\'eom\'etrie Alg\'ebrique, Volume 6 (2022), Article No. 17
COVİD-19 Pandemi Sürecinde Emziren Annelere ve Emzirme Hemşirelerine İnsan Bakım Kuramı Temelli Yaklaşım
Authors: DURMAZOĞLU Gamze , ALUŞ TOKAT Merlinda , OKUMUŞ Hülya
Published: September 2022

COVID-19 pandemi sürecinde emzirmenin anne ve bebek açısından güvenliği en sık merak edilen konulardandır. Uluslararası kılavuzlar, annelerin COVID-19 olsun veya olmasın, uygun önlemlerle emzirmeye devam edilmesini önermektedir. Bu makalenin amacı pandemi sürecinde emzirmeyi sürdürmek ve desteklemek için İnsan Bakım Kuramı’na (İBK) dayalı bir uygulama örneği oluşturmaktır. Pandemi sürecinden olumsuz etkilenen annelerin hem kendisi hem bebeği için kaygı düzeyi normal zamana göre daha yüksektir. Bu nedenle emzirme hemşiresi annenin duygu ve düşüncelerini açığa çıkarmasına yardımcı olurken bu ilkelere uygun, ahlaki ve etik sorumluluklarının bilincinde davranmaya çalışmalıdır. Emzirme hemşiresi, anneye emzirme sırasında destek olurken, İBK’nın iyileştirici süreçlerinden biri olan sevgi temelli yaklaşımları kullanarak, annelerin COVID-19’a ilişkin endişelerini azaltacak, anne rahatlayacak ve emzirme olumlu yönde etkilenecektir. Hemşirenin hem anneye hem de kendisine karşı merhamet, şefkat ve sevgi dolu yaklaşımları, iyileştirici hemşireliğin bir parçasıdır. Pandemi döneminde emzirmenin başlatılıp sürdürülmesini ve sağlık profesyonellerinin motivasyonunu olumlu yönde etkileyecek, karşılıklı iyileşmeyi sağlayacak olan iyileştirici yaklaşımların kullanılmasının yararlı olacağı düşünülmektedir.