bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential Use of High Rate Algae Ponds for Resource Recovery in the Water-Food-Energy Nexus for Tanzania: A Review
Authors: Kaombo Mary , Mayo Aloyce W. , Kimwaga Richard , Gabrielsson Sara
Published: March 2021

The use of High Rate Algal Ponds (HRAPs) for the treatment of wastewater and resource recovery has raised interest in recent years. Treatment of wastewater through this technology has proved to have high efficiency in reducing the level of pollution, nutrients, dissolved solids as well as pathogens. HRAPs are more efficient than conventional Wastewater Stabilization Ponds (WSPs) due to their design approach that provides room for high rate bio-chemical processes, which increase the mechanisms of nutrients and pathogens removal as well as the rate of micro-algae production for purposes of resource recovery. This paper reviews the upgrading potential of existing WSPs to HRAPs for resource recovery from products of wastewater for biofuel production, as a plant nutrient or for irrigation purposes and animal feeding. Several results have reported HRAPs to have efficiency in reducing bacterial contamination in excess of 99% while the removal of organic matter of up to 84% for Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) and 88% for Biochemical Oxygen Demand under normal conditions have been reported. The removal for nitrogen was indicated to vary from 50 t0 98% while that of phosphorus varies from 32 to 99% depending on the culture conditions. It was further noted that, the potential for resource recovery from HRAPs is high in terms of energy and nutrients recovered through algae biomass, particularly for biofuel and animal feed production. Whereas among the dominant algal species of the HRAP Chlorella vulgaris revealed to have suitability in both treatment of wastewater and achieved a higher effluent quality and having nutrients contents essential for lipid extraction for biofuel and as a protein source for animal feeding which is largely attributed by their ability to grow very rapidly and to tolerate varieties of cultural conditions. To date, limited research attention has been given to studying the re-use potential of wastewater for irrigation purposes in Africa.
Integrated Mobile and web-based Application for Enhancing delivery of HIV/AIDS Healthcare Information in Tanzania
Authors: Mwammenywa Ibrahim A. , Nkotagu Michael H. , Kiajage Shubi F.
Published: March 2021

This study aims to develop an integrated e-health platform for enhancing delivery of HIV/AIDS healthcare information in Tanzania, which consists of a mobile application and a web-based system. The study is based on the system's functional and non-functional requirements for an e-health system for delivery of HIV/AIDS healthcare information. The Rapid Application Development (RAD) model was adopted during the system development. The system requirements were modelled into Data Flow Diagram (DFD) in order to obtain the clear flow of the HIV/AIDS healthcare information between the clients and HIV/AIDS healthcare practitioners. With the use of different software development tools and environment such as Android studio and Symfony framework; both android application and web-based system were developed. Finally, the developed system was tested for individual module functioning as well as the functioning of the fully integrated system. The user acceptance survey gave the mean score of above 4 on the scale of 5 for each tested aspect of the system. These scores show that the developed system was positively accepted by the users and commended the Ministry of Health and to deploy the system for enhanced delivery of HIV/AIDS healthcare information.
Blind Algorithm Development for Peak to Average Power Ratio Reduction in OFDM Systems under Frequency Selective Channels
Authors: Gadiel Godwin M. , Ibwe Kamwe , Kisaka M.M
Published: March 2021

One major drawback of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system is peak to average power ratio (PAPR). This effect causes high power amplifier (HPA) to introduce intermodulation and out of band radiation as the signal goes through, thus degrades the performance of OFDM systems. This paper proposes blind algorithms which takes advantage of signal transformation technique and signal distortion technique. Simulation results show that at complementary cumulative distribution function (CCDF) level of 10-3 , the proposed algorithm achieved 3.2 dB PAPR improvement compared to discrete Fourier transform with interleaved frequency division multiple access (DFT-IFDMA) based algorithm. The bit error rate (BER) performance has degraded by 2 dB compared to the original OFDM signal with no distortion under frequency selective channel (FCS) at BER of 10-4 . These presented results, mark this algorithm as a better candidate for PAPR reduction algorithm in long term evolution (LTE) network. Under AWGN channels, the proposed algorithm performs better both in low and high signal power values. Under frequency selective channels, the existing and proposed algorithm converges after 10 dB of signal to noise power values. The low BER transmissions at low signal power values signify energy efficiency, ideal for portable wireless devices with limited battery power.
Practical Approach for Removal of Natural Organic Matter and defluoridation of Maji ya Chai river Water: Use of Acid Pre-treated Bone Char and Coagulants
Authors: Minja Rwaicha
Published: March 2021

The removal of natural organic matter (NOM) and fluoride from Maji ya Chai River water (MCRW) using bone char (BC) and coagulants was investigated. Fine BC particles ranging from 0.045 to 0.2 mm were used in a 1 litre half-filled container, stirred at 300 rpm for 60 min followed by addition of a commercial coagulant and allowed to settle for 24 hours to remove NOM. MCRW practicable and affordable defluoridation method for removal of NOM through defluoridation with BC pre-treated with 0.3 N HCl followed by coagulation with Poly-aluminium chloride (PACl) is proposed. Reduction of fluoride from 21 mg/L to 1.7 mg/L was achieved by use of 5 g/L of 0.3 N HCl acid pre-treated BC and 66 mL of 1% PACl per litre of MCRW. The acid pre-treated BC was found to double defluoridation capacity of BC, while adjustment of pH of MCRW with HCl acid to pH 3 has tripled defluoridation capacity of BC. The 0.3 N HCl acid pre-treated BC is preferred to avoid impractical working with acid solution for pH adjustment in households and communities. The treated water pH was within the acceptable portable water range of 6.5 to 8.5. PACl is a preferable coagulant for removal of NOM from MCRW since it is more effective and safer compared to use of alum and zetafloc 703.
Reviewing the Potential and Constraints of Modified Technology Options for Faecal Sludge Management in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Selelman Amour , Mbwette Tolly S.A. , Gabrielsson Sara , Kimwaga Richard
Published: March 2021

Cities in the developing world face the challenge of safe management of faecal sludge because of rapid population growth that overwhelms the sanitation infrastructure and services. In developing countries, only 50% of faecal sludge (FS) generated is safely managed the remaining portion is haphazardly disposed of in the environment risking public health and environment. In response to the urgent need for safely managed sanitation services, technological options for containment, desludging and transportation of FS are being modified. This paper reviewed current desludging practices and the potential of modified technological options for addressing FSM at containment, desludging, and transportation in Dar es Salaam unplanned urban settlements. The paper reviewed; water seal squat pan, Urine Diversion Dry Toilet (UDDT), split slabs, pre-installed suction hose, and the container-based sanitation (CBS) for containment stage. Others are the hand tools, sludge digger, the excrevator, rammer, and the eVac for desludging; and small pick-up truck and motorized tricycle and transfer stations for transfer and transportation of FS. Based on technical feasibility, social and environmental context of Dar es Salaam, the reviewed modified technology options have the potential of addressing FSM challenges in unplanned urban settlements in Dar es Salaam. However, institutional arrangement particularly the absence of the modified technologies in the menu of recommended technological options affects their upscaling. Paradoxically, most of the technologies have not been vigorously tried in the field to inform policy choice. Improvement of FSM with the application of modified technological options will require improvement in enabling environment for their operation and continuous modification. The major research gaps have also been identified in this review.
Multipath Exploitation-Based Indoor Target Localization Model Using Single Marginal Antenna
Authors: Sisala Joseph , Abdalla Abdi T.
Published: March 2021

Recently, indoor target localization became an area of interest due to its diverse applications. In indoor target localization, surrounding environment creates multipath components, which can be exploited to aid in localization process. A number of studies have been proposed to employ multipath exploitation in localizing indoor targets. However, their localization errors can still be improved. This study proposed a new localization model based on multipath exploitation techniques by using triangulation method. Ultra-wide band signals were resolved and associated using marginal antenna-based scheme. The estimate of the target location was then obtained using measured round-trip time delays. The location was determined by applying the simple trigonometry on the triangle in which real radar, virtual radars, and the target location are the vertices of the triangle in question. Simulation results show that the proposed method has improved the localization error over a wide range of timing errors, target locations and room sizes with the overall maximum localization error of 1.4 m equivalent to 22.2% improvement as compared to 1.8 m localization error obtained using the method developed by the Muqaibel et al. (2017).
Recorrido de los semilleros en Colombia.
Authors: Salinas Silva Raúl , Nolasco Cervantes Angel
Published: March 2021

El recorrido de los semilleros en Colombia muestra que las políticas educativas, cada vez más, promueven el acercamiento de la formación investigativa a los planes curriculares, a la vinculación de estudiantes en los proyectos de investigación docente y a la realización de ideas innovadoras.
Editorial 3
Authors: Tovar Soto Jhonatan Paolo
Published: March 2021

Para esta edición, nuestro co-editor en jefe nos presenta una visión sobre la producción en investigación y las publicaciones.
HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH HEAVY METALS IN COMMERCIAL CHICKEN MEAT VIA CONSUMPTION WITHIN SOUTHERN NIGERIA
Authors: Ogu G. I. , Akinnibosun F. I.
Published: March 2021

Chicken meat is classed among one of the major sources of animal proteins and still enjoys global acceptance to date without recourse to their heavy metal residues. Hence, this study investigated the heavy metal residues in raw chicken meat and the associated health risk via consumption within major markets in southern Nigeria. A total of 240 raw chicken meat samples (muscle tissues) were purchased randomly from Warri, Akure, Ado-Ekiti and Benin City markets. After ashing, digestion and heavy metals analysis for Pb, Cr, Cd, Mn, Ni, Zn and Cu using standard atomic adsorption spectrophotometer, the target hazard quotient (THQ), health risk index (HI) and daily intake index (non-carcinogenic risk) and incremental cancer risk in children and adults were determined. The mean heavy metals ranged from 0.001 ± 0.001 mg/kg (Cr) to 2.094 ± 0.001 mg/kg (Zn) and varied significantly (P<0.05) with Warri samples (58.9 %) yielding the highest level, followed by Benin City (26.8 %), Ado-Ekiti (10.2 %) and Akure (4.2 %) samples. The non-carcinogenic risks (HR/HI) were substantially low for the metals studied in all the locations except for Cd, which could pose serious health risk among children in Warri location. However, the incremental cancer risk ranged from 10-4 to 10-3 in all the locations, suggesting at least a cancer case per 1,000 exposed people (both in children and adults). Considering the impending public health risks, critical hazards points of heavy metals contaminations along meat production chains should be properly identified to drastically reduce their potential risks to exposed consumers.
MICROFLORAL COMPOSITION OF GASTRO-INTESTINAL TRACT OF BROILER CHICKENS EXPOSED TO FEED FORMULATIONS FROM FERMENTED CASHEW APPLE RESIDUE
Authors: Oyetayo M. A. , Akinnibosun F. I. , Omonigho S. E.
Published: March 2021

Broiler feed was formulated from fermented cashew apple residue (CAR) and its effect on the intestinal microflora balance of the birds was evaluated. CAR was subjected to fermentation by Lactobacillus plantarum before being incorporated into the feed. The feeds were formulated by substituting maize with CAR at three levels: 100:0 (Diet A), 50:50 (Diet B), and 70:30 (Diet C) maize to CAR. Forty Day-old chicks were placed on the formulated feed for 6 weeks until they reached table size weight (2.2-2.5 Kg). The results indicated a slight difference in the colour and formation of the faeces of the experimental birds and there were no significant differences in the feed intake of the treatment groups and the control during the trial period. There were no significant differences in the feed conversion ratio (1.531±0.02 to 1.710±0.01) and the total weight gain (2.226±0.08 to 2.355±0.10) of the experimental groups and the control. Further, there was a higher level of lactic acid bacteria in the intestine of the groups fed with the feed containing fermented CAR recording 3.8 x 107 and 2.9 x 107cfu/g compared with the controls (2.2 x 107cfu/g). Also, the total Enterobacteriaceae, E. coli and Salmonella counts in the intestinal content of the birds fed with the formulated feed containing the CAR were significantly lower than those found in the control group. These suggest that the cashew apple residue does not have negative effect on the intestinal microflora balance of the birds therefore, it may be used in the poultry feed formulation since it is cheap and available in large quantities during maize scarcity.
EXPLORING AWARENESS AND ATTITUDES OF NURSES TOWARDS HERBAL MEDICINE USE DURING PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
Authors: Orabi A. M. , Alharbi R. , Abdulkhaleg N
Published: March 2021

Herbal medicine is one of the popular complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies used by women. The aim of the present study was to explore awareness and attitudes of nurses towards herbal medicine use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. A descriptive design was used to collect data from all nurses working at maternity units, King Khalid Hospital, Jeddah. Data were collected using a questionnaire designed by the investigators on socio-demographic background, awareness, and attitudes regarding herbal medicine use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. More than two thirds of the participants heard about herbal medicine and knew about its use by women during pregnancy and breastfeeding (88.6% and 68.6% respectively). However, more than half of them were not aware of its benefits or harms (55.7% and 65.7%). Half of them were familiar to and aware of the effects of ginger (55.7%) and garlic (51.4%). However, most of them were unfamiliar of myrrh (78.6%), fenugreek (71.4%), and fennel (68.6%). Participants had neutral and positive attitudes towards herbal medicine use during pregnancy and breastfeeding (43% and 57% respectively). Statistically significant correlations were found between attitudes towards herbal medicine and nurses’ age and number of children (P=0.03). Although nurses knew about herbal medicine use by women during pregnancy and breastfeeding and had favorable attitudes towards it, more than half of them need to be aware of its benefits or harms.
ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE IN BACTERIAL PATHOGENS ISOLATED FROM CATTLE DUNG AND ITS CONTAMINATED SOIL
Authors: Obuekwe I. S. , Offodile C. K.
Published: March 2021

Cattle dung is used as organic fertilizer and alternative source of fuel or biogas but could also be a source of antibiotic resistance genes in the environment. This study isolated, identified and assessed antibiotic susceptibility pattern of bacteria from cattle dung and its contaminated soil. Bacteria isolation and identification were based on standard techniques while hemolytic activity was used to confirm potential pathogenic bacteria. Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of isolated pathogens were assayed by disk diffusion method. Among isolated bacteria, Staphylococcus spp had highest occurrence of 23.8 % while Micrococcus spp was the least at 1.3 %. Hemolytic bacteria isolates were Staphylococcus aureus (16.5 %), Bacillus spp (17.4 %), Nocardia spp (4.6 %), Escherichia coli (29.4 %), Pseudomonas spp (13.8 %), Serratia marcersens (2.8 %) and Salmonella spp (15.6 %). High resistance (100 %) against Ampiclox (30 µg) was observed in all Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus spp isolates while Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates showed 100 % resistance to Ofloxacin (30 µg). Most Gram-positive bacterial isolates were majorly resistant to Beta lactams while Gram negative bacteria were resistant to Fluoroquinolones antibiotics. Multiple antibiotics resistant index (MARI) was measured at greater than 0.2, and was observed in 71.5 % of the hemolytic pathogens. Antibiotics resistance in hemolytic bacterial pathogens from this study is indicative of environmental sources of antibiotic resistance and possible adverse effects on human health.
Consumer attitudes towards healthy and organic food in the Kurdistan region of Iraq
Authors: Ali Bayad Jamal
Published: March 2021

There has been increasing awareness of the benefits of healthy and organic food products as more knowledge has been gained on their effects on health, environment, social convenience and sustainable development. Acquiring insight into consumer attitudes is essential for the industry to grow. Compared with the rest of the world, the Kurdistan region of Iraq is still in the early stages of understanding the importance of healthy and organic food products. The study aim was to investigate the attitudes of Kurdish consumers concerning healthy and organic food. I administered an online survey to 452 respondents, and their responses were analysed by using descriptive statistics and performing correlation, linear regression and factor analysis. The findings indicated that health concerns were the main reason for healthy and organic food consumption. I also found that quality and taste were important factors in purchasing decisions and that consumers were willing to pay a premium price if these foods were available. However, there was a general lack of concern about food production effects on the environment and animal welfare. This research provides a new insight into the attitudes of Kurdish consumers in Iraq towards healthy and organic food. This population has not been covered before, which in turn will add to the literature on this subject.
The influence of transformational leadership dimensions on intrapreneurial behaviour through mediators
Authors: Huynh Thi Thuy Giang
Published: March 2021

The present study aimed to examine the direct impact of transformational leadership dimensions on employee strategic renewal behaviour and venture behaviour, and through a mediating role of job satisfaction and employee commitment to organizational change. The study sample consisted of 464 employees in different firm types in Ho Chi Minh city of Vietnam. The data is analysed using a structural equation model (SEM). The paper shows that dimensions of transformational leadership (namely intellectual stimulation, inspirational motivation, and individual consideration) have positive and significant influence employee strategic renewal behaviour and venture behaviour directly, and via job satisfaction and commitment to organizational change (affective commitment and normative commitment) as a moderating mechanism.
Knowledge management capability as an absorptive for driving innovation: The role of type of innovation
Authors: Fahmi Muhamad Robith Alil , Yulianto Edy
Published: March 2021

Knowledge-Based View as an intangible resource for the company will become the knowledge capability it possesses. Particularly in the context of SMEs in developing countries like Indonesia, SMEs have a big role in contributing to the country's economy. Therefore, knowledge capability is a resource that must be owned by SMEs that should be able to encourage adopting this type of innovation. In accordance with the basis of Knowledge-Based View, this knowledge will have an impact on company performance and its competitive advantage through the types of innovations that have been adopted. The quantitative method was used by distributing questionnaires totaling 120 SMEs in Indonesia and the data were processed using PLS-SEM. This study has a hypothesis that the relationship between knowledge management capability has a positive and significant effect on firm performance, as well as the mediating role of the type of innovation. The results in this study indicate that knowledge management capability does not have a significant effect on firm performance. However, the relationship between knowledge management capability shows that it has a significant effect on marketing, product, process, and service innovation. Discussions related to these results are also explained by implication factors in this study.
The role of strategic innovation for sustainability of businesses during the covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Abusalma Abdallah
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to know the role of strategic creativity in the sustainability of business in the Jordanian tourism sector in the shadow of the Corona pandemic, in addition to knowing the impact of its growth and what is the level of strategic creativity in the Jordanian tourism sector. The study population may consist of all employees of tourism companies in Jordan with all their services, and a questionnaire was created in order to achieve the aim of the study. The study used the analytical, descriptive, quantitative approach, whereby a random sample (319) respondents were distributed. After analyzing the study, the results showed that the level of strategic creativity in the Jordanian tourism sector is high, and that strategic innovation has an impact on the sustainability of businesses in that sector. The study recommended the necessity of supporting the Research and Development Department as a strategy for tourism companies to get out of the Corona pandemic.
The effect of digital finance on financial stability
Authors: Risman Asep , Mulyana Bambang , Silvatika Bayu Anggara , Sulaeman Agus Sunarya
Published: March 2021

Digital finance plays a major role in achieving financial inclusion targets which have a positive impact on economic growth and people's welfare. One of the main elements of digital finance is digital payments, which are increasingly playing a role with the presence of e-commerce and financial technology (fintech). Apart from these positive impacts, digital finance is also feared to have a negative impact on financial system stability, especially in relation to systematic risk. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of risk factors in digital financial relations and financial stability. The research method used is the Multiple Linear Regression Model and Moderating Regression Analysis (MRA), using 120 samples of panel data for 10 years (2010 to 2019). The results show that market risk can moderate the influence of digital finance on financial stability, so that increased systematic risk will reduce the positive impact of digital finance on financial stability.
Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) and Chronic Pain
Authors: Berger Amnon A. , Liu Yao , Possoit HarLee , Rogers Anna C. , Moore Warner , Gress Kyle , Cornett Elyse M. , Kaye Alan David , Imani Farnad , Sadegi Kambiz , Varrassi Giustino , Viswanath Omar , Urits Ivan
Published: March 2021

Context: Chronic neuropathic pain is a common condition, and up to 11.9% of the population have been reported to suffer from uncontrolled neuropathic pain. Chronic pain leads to significant morbidity, lowered quality of life, and loss of workdays, and thus carries a significant price tag in healthcare costs and lost productivity. dorsal root ganglia (DRG) stimulation has been recently increasingly reported and shows promising results in the alleviation of chronic pain. This paper reviews the background of DRG stimulation, anatomical, and clinical consideration and reviews the clinical evidence to support its use. Evidence Acquisition: The DRG span the length of the spinal cord and house the neurons responsible for sensation from the periphery. They may become irritated by direct compression or local inflammation. Glial cells in the DRG respond to nerve injury, producing inflammatory markers and contribute to the development of chronic pain, even after the resolution of the original insult. While the underlying mechanism is still being explored, recent studies explored the efficacy of DRG stimulation and neuromodulation for chronic pain treatment. Results: Several reported cases and a small number of randomized trials were published in recent years, describing different methods of DRG stimulation and neuromodulation with promising results. Though evidence quality is mostly low, these results provide evidence to support the utilization of this technique. Conclusions: Chronic neuropathic pain is a common condition and carries significant morbidity and impact on the quality of life. Recent evidence supports the use of DRG neuromodulation as an effective technique to control chronic pain. Though studies are still emerging, the evidence appears to support this technique. Further studies, including large randomized trials evaluating DRG modulation versus other interventional and non-interventional techniques, are needed to further elucidate the efficacy of this method. These studies are also likely to inform the patient selection and the course of treatment.
Structural Equation Modeling of the Correlation Between Social Capital and the Professional Ethics of the Specialists of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran
Authors: Marzoghi Rahmatola , Mohtaram Maasoumeh , Hoseini Fatemeh , Shekuhi Mohammad
Published: March 2021

Background: Although ethics is essential to every occupation, it is even more crucial in the professions of the healthcare sector as the spiritual and responsible behavior of these employees toward patients plays a pivotal role in improving and restoring their health. Social capital is a significant determinant of the level of professional ethics. The organizations that respect social norms and principles could create a platform of trust and mutual communication between individuals to contribute to professional ethics promotion. Objectives: The present study aimed to model the structural equation of the correlation between social capital and the professional ethics of the specialists of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Methods: This study was conducted in all the hospitals in Shiraz, Iran (n = 33) in 2019. Cluster sampling was applied to select 10% of the hospitals as the research population, and several general practitioners and specialists (n = 200) completed the questionnaires for data collection. In addition, data on social capital were collected using the social capital questionnaire (2012), and the field data regarding the professional ethics of the physicians and medical specialists were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire. Results: The mean scores of the social capital and professional ethics of the participants were higher than cut-off points. In addition, the final model of the study indicated that the professional ethics of the practitioners could be predicted by their perceptions of social capital. Conclusions: Social capital is an important criterion of the survival of every system and organization, including medical organizations. Given the importance of social capital in the growth, success, and sustainability of social systems, administrators and health officials must develop basic infrastructure and an atmosphere of trust, security, and loyalty through the improvement of ethics among medical staff, especially among physicians and medical specialists.
Survival Rate and Prognostic Factors Among Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Using the Joint Model
Authors: Arab Borzu Zahra , Khadembashi Naghmeh , Hajifathali Abbas , Baghestani Aahmadreza , Roshandel Elham
Published: March 2021

Background: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the most effective of all hematologic malignancies treatments, resulting in a significant improvement in survival rate. Objectives: This study aimed at determining the survival rate and factors affecting the survival in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, using the joint model. Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort study, used for collecting data from patients with hematopoietic malignancies who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in Taleghani Hospital (Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences), Tehran, Iran during the years 2007 and 2015 and were followed up till 2017. A Bayesian joint model of longitudinal and survival was chosen, using Win Bugs software. Results: A total of 395 patients were enrolled. The median overall survival was 6.3 years (95% CI (5.86, 6.76)). Eighty-one patients had died. The obtained results from this study manifested that age (HR: 1.02, 95% CI: (1.002, 1.04)) and pre-transplantation relapse (HR = 1.64, 95% CI: (1.09, 2.4)) have incremental impact on death after transplantation, while malignancy type (NHL (HR: 0.33, 95%CI: (0.152, 0.73)) and AML (HR: 0.62, 95% CI: (0.29, 0.7)) are also effective in reducing death after transplantation. Similarly, the correlation index between longitudinal and survival models proved to be significant (HR: 0.6, 95% CI: (0.0802, 0.37)). Conclusions: This study showed that age, per-transplantation relapse, and malignancy type are the effective factors in the survival rate. Moreover, the link parameter between longitudinal response (WBC) and the survival indicated that an increase in WBC count leads to a decrease in the death risk.
Dealing with Futile Treatments Based on the Humanistic Approach
Authors: Pooladgar Parham , Bazmi Shabnam
Published: March 2021

: Medical futility is one of the most common controversial topics in medicine, medical ethics, and philosophy of medicine. Every day, doctors are dealing with patients who are in a condition that must have a decision about requested futile treatment with their own beliefs, opinions, and different demands. This is an important issue that must be taught during teaching courses. Therefore, it is good to provide general policies for teaching how to make the best decision, establishing better communication between doctors and patients, and maintaining their Autonomy. On the other hand, with the interference and expansion of humanistic and holistic attitudes in the treatment of patients, it must be considered that at all treatment levels, especially decisions related to end-of-life, it is better to involve this point of view in our policies. In the present article, we tried to give a general conclusion of general policy and present standards for a humanistic policy by analyzing various countries’ policies and expressing their bugs.
Sporotrichosis: Review of Innate and Acquired Immune Mechanisms
Authors: Tirado-Sanchez Andres , Bonifaz Alexandro
Published: March 2021

Context: Different factors such as the site of infection, the etiological agent, and the immune system can modify the antifungal response of the host. Differences in Sporothrix schenckii strains’ virulence and the host’s immune competency may be involved in the development of sporotrichosis. Nevertheless, the mechanisms related to the disease’s development and progression remain not fully elucidated. Nowadays, no model outweighs the usefulness of mice in biological studies. In these models, transient controlled immunity is created by depressed inflammatory cells during the acute phase of the disease. This is also related to nitric oxide-induced T-cell apoptosis and the lack of a mitogen response. Evidence Acquisition: The recognition of the lipid components of S. schenckii can induce and prolong inflammation. This recognition occurs mainly through the Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 or the inflammasome. At the same time, TLR-2-mediated identification of fungal exoantigen can serve as an immune evasion process, continuing and worsening the infection. Cell-mediated immune mechanisms have a predominant influence on modulating the clinical expression of sporotrichosis, which is mainly related to Th1/Th17 immunity. Conclusions: In this study, we aimed to explore the innate and acquired immune mechanisms involved in sporotrichosis, as well as the most commonly used animal models for experimental studies.
Impact of Simulated Gastric Acid on Surface Roughness and Frictional Resistance of Orthodontic Archwires: An In vitro Study
Authors: Baidas Laila , Alkawari Huda , Alshihah Nada , Almashaan Ghaida , Alwaalan Haya
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Acid regurgitation caused by gastro-oesophageal reflux disease can lead to decreases in intraoral pH below the critical pH for orthodontic appliances. Exposure of brackets and archwires to such acidic environments causes changes in the surface properties that affect the frictional forces generated during orthodontic sliding mechanics and reduce the clinical efficacy of the wires. Aim: This in vitro study aimed to determine the effects of simulated gastric acid with pH 1.2 and pH 4 on the surface topography, surface roughness, and frictional resistance properties of different types of orthodontic archwires. Materials and Methods: A comparative in vitro study evaluated a total of 135 samples of three commercially available archwires: Stainless Steel (SS), nickel titanium, and beta-titanium (n=45/group). Each archwire was divided into three subgroups (n=15) according to different pH solutions: distilled water (control; pH 6.7), pH 4, and pH 1.2. The samples in the two acidic pH subgroups were immersed in the respective solution for two minutes, rinsed with distilled water, and stored in distilled water at 37°C. The procedure was repeated 6 times a day for nine days with 24-hours interval in between each cycle. The surface topography of the wires was examined by scanning electron microscopy, while the surface roughness was inspected by noncontact surface profilometry. Finally, the frictional resistance was measured by a universal testing machine. One-way ANOVA and a Tukey’s post-hoc test were used for analysis, with values of p≤0.05 considered significant. Results: The results showed an increase in surface roughness of the SS (p<0.001) and beta-titanium (p=0.003) wires as the acidity of the solution increased. The SS wires showed the lowest frictional resistance in pH 1.2 solution among the wires used (p=0.005). No correlation was found between surface roughness and frictional resistance in this study. Conclusion: Increased acidity condition significantly affects the surface roughness of beta-titanium and SS wires, and has no effect on the frictional behaviour of the orthodontic wires expects in the SS wires. Thus, because the surface properties of the archwires can be affected by acidity in the oral cavity, it is recommended to change the orthodontic wires regularly throughout orthodontic treatment, especially in patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease.
Dental Caries Prevalence among Diabetics Acrylic Partial Denture Wearer’s- A Review
Authors: Ambikathanaya UK , Swamy KN Raghavendra , Kumar G Anil , Tejaswi Sunil , Shetty Suneeth
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Dental caries is one of the most common oral health conditions affecting 60-90% of the population. The progression of dental caries results in tooth loss if not treated properly. Tooth loss will presumably cause functional impairment which might ultimately affect the quality of life. Removable partial denture is one of the most widely accepted means of tooth replacement. It had been noticed that removable partial dentures increased the likelihood of new or recurrent caries on remaining adjacent natural teeth. Diabetes mellitus is the most routinely encountered disease among various systemic diseases. Studies revealed that dental caries has been more prevalent and even severe in diabetic patients than nondiabetics. Aim: To assess the effect of Acrylic Removable Partial Dentures (RPD) and diabetes in prevalence of dental caries. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in JSSDCH, JSSAHER, Mysuru, Karnataka in the year July 2017. The duration of conducting literature search was from July 2017 to Dec 2019. Individuals participating in the study should be partially edentulous and aged between 18-64 years either diabetic or nondiabetic. 69 articles were identified from searching electronic data base (Pubmed, Cochrane, Google scholar) and manual searching from July 2017 to December 2019. 19 articles were excluded following an initial screening. 50 articles were included for the further review. Scientific evidence supporting the hypothesis of the study 10 articles where five articles were review and five articles were original research. The main outcome of intervention involved both methodology and assessment tools applied by investigator to assess the effect of RPD and diabetes in terms of prevalence of dental caries. Results: Studies had shown that RPD wearers shows high caries prevalence as compared to nonwearers, Diabetic patients reported high caries prevalence compared to nondiabetic patients. This literature review states that RPD and Diabetes had an impact on prevalence of dental caries. Conclusion: The conclusion from this present review would indicates that good metabolic control in diabetic patients, periodic monitoring of the removable partial denture, oral hygiene, good RPD design framework, following post-insertion instruction of the RPD, following regular recall visits contributes towards prevention of plaque favouring inhibition of caries prevalence among diabetic and nondiabetic patients wearing RPD.
Evaluation of Marginal Adaptation and Wear Resistance of Nanohybrid and Alkasite Restorative Resins
Authors: Afraaz Abdul , Borugadda Roopesh , Mandava Jyothi , Chalasani Uma , Ravi Ravichandra , Pamidimukkala Sahithi , Boddeda Mohan Rao , Athkuri Srividya
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Polymerisation shrinkage stresses developed during curing of adhesive resin cements may cause debonding at the margins of cavity leading to microgap formation with secondary caries and consequently restorative failure. Thus, a restoration should have good marginal integrity and wear resistance to obtain high success with clinical longevity. Aim: To compare the influence of thermo-mechanical stresses on marginal quality and wear of class II Mesio-Occluso-Distal (MOD) restorations filled with Solare Sculpt or Cention N. Materials and Methods: An in vitro study was conducted at GITAM Dental College and Hospital, Visakhapatnam on 80 human extracted mandibular molars by preparing mesio-occlusal-distal class two cavities that restored either with Solare Sculpt or Cention N resin composites. Baseline evaluations were recorded for marginal gaps (in μm) through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and the weights of the samples were recorded by an electronic balancing instrument to measure the amount of wear (in grams). Following thermo-mechanical cyclic loading, all the restored teeth were evaluated again to record the same parameters. The statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) programme for windows version 22.0 (IBM, NY) software. An independent t-test for intergroup comparison and a dependent t-test for intragroup comparisons were done to analyse the tested parameters with the significance level established at (p≤0.05). Results: In intergroup comparison, no difference in marginal adaptation was observed before thermo-mechanical loading between two materials with a p-value of 0.3625, but after therm-omechanical loading Cention N exhibited significantly superior marginal adaptation with a p-value of 0.0374. Both the materials have shown a significant difference in the marginal adaptation after thermo-mechanical loading in the intragroup comparison with Cention N (0.0002) and Solare sculpt (0.0001) p-values. The wear rate was not different statistically between the materials with a p-value of 0.7144 before thermo-mechanical loading and 0.2285 after thermo-mechanical loading. Conclusion: Marginal adaptation of Cention N was superior to Solare Sculpt, whereas both the materials exhibited a similar wear rate.
Comparative Evaluation of Postoperative Pain after using Open Ended, Closed Ended Endodontic Needles and Endoactivator during Final Root Canal Irrigation Procedure: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Vishwakarma Sucharita , Shenoy Arvind
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Apart from manual activation methods of irrigants during final irrigation procedure, multiple irrigant activation devices have been introduced which can influence the postoperative pain. Aim: To evaluate postoperative pain after final irrigation with open and closed-ended endodontic needles and Endoactivator during root canal treatment. Materials and Methods: This randomised controlled trial was conducted in Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Bapuji Dental College and Hospital, Davangere, from June 2018 to August 2018. Total of 75 symptomatic irreversible pulpitis patients were randomly assigned into three groups. In group EN-1, final irrigation protocol was performed with 30-gauge notched tip needle (Pac-Dent, India), group EN-2 using side-vented, closed 30-gauge needle (Max-i-Probe, Dentsply, USA) and in group EA using Endoactivator (Dentsply, USA). Pain using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was evaluated at 8, 24 and 48 hours. Participants were prescribed Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) as an escape medication. Comparison between the three groups at each time interval was done using Kruskal Wallis test followed by Mann-Whitney U test as post-hoc test. Change in VAS score over different time intervals (8, 24 and 48 hours) in each group was compared using Kruskal Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test. The p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. SPSS version 20 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Mann-Whitney U test revealed significant difference between EN-1 and EN-2 (p=0.002) and between EN-1 and EA (p<0.001) at 8-hour time interval; between EN-1 and EA (p=0.002) at 24 hour time interval and between EN-1 and EN-2 (p=0.01) as well as between EN-1 and EA (p=0.002) at 48 hour time. Mann-Whitney U test showed significant difference (p<0.05) in number of NSAIDs taken at 8 hour between EN-1 and EA (p=0.04) and between EN-2 and EA (p=0.01); at 8-24 hour between EN-1 and EA and between EN-1 and EN-2 (p<0.001); at 24-48 hour between EN-1 and EA and between EN-1 and EN-2 (p<0.001). Conclusion: Number of NSAIDS taken by patients was significantly higher in open-ended needle irrigation group compared to side-vented needle and Endoactivator group in all the three time intervals along with postoperative pain. Thus, during final irrigant activation, application of Endoactivator or side-vented needle can be more beneficial in decreasing the incidence of postendodontic pain.
Role of Serum Amyloid A Protein in Various Diseases with Special Reference to Periodontal and Periapical Inflammation- A Review
Authors: Peeran Syed Wali , Elhassan Ahmed , Zameer Mohammed , Basheer Syed Nahid , Mustafa Mohammed , Thiruneervannan Madhumala
Published: March 2021

Serum Amyloid A (SAA) is an Acute-Phase Protein (APP) produced as an innate nonspecific response to any tissue damage. Hence, it plays a significant role in chronic inflammatory diseases. In particular, SAA levels increase dramatically in chronic periodontitis and chronic apical periodontitis. Recent studies suggest this role of SAA in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including chronic periodontitis and chronic apical periodontitis. Thus, the focus of this review is to sum up the current understanding of the role of SAA in health and disease and to elaborate on possible mechanisms by which SAA could play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic periodontitis and chronic apical periodontitis.
Teledentistry Applications: Potential Dental Care Facilitator amidst a Pandemic
Authors: Datta Shubham , Sybil Deborah , Jain Vanshika
Published: March 2021

This article illustrates the various accessible Teledentistry Applications (Apps), available on Google play store and Apple app store for android and iOS software, respectively, which can facilitate dental care amidst global health crisis such as pandemics, specifically the current COVID-19 pandemic. Online searches, according to set criteria, were conducted on Google search engine using the WorldWideWeb and Google play store. Search yielded 499 applications of which, 478 were excluded to include a total of 21 applications. Each included app was reviewed for downloads, user ratings, customer support and key features. Teledentistry in the form of mobile or web based application is a viable option for continuing dental services during periods of lockdown. Effective use of the existing apps requires increased patient awareness and dentist acceptance. Newer and efficient apps are required to facilitate comprehensive care in a hospital based dental practice.
Susceptibility of Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus to Ceftaroline
Authors: Sreedharan Harsha , Pai KB Asha
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) infection is a major global healthcare problem, the prevalence of which varies from 25-50% in India. It is known to cause Skin and Soft tissue Infections (SSI), endovascular infections, endocarditis, pneumonia, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, and sepsis. Vancomycin is the drug of choice for treating severe MRSA infections. Ceftaroline, a fifth-generation cephalosporin has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for treating acute bacterial SSI caused by susceptible micro-organisms including MRSA, Community acquired respiratory tract infection, MRSA bacteremia and endocarditis. Aim: To assess the susceptibility of clinical isolates of S. aureusto ceftaroline, in a Tertiary Care Hospital. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology of a Tertiary Care Hospital over a period of two months from June 2019 to July 2019. S.aureus isolates from various clinical samples were screened for methicillin resistance by disc diffusion method using cefoxitin disc and ceftaroline susceptibility of these isolates was assessed by E-strip method. The isolates were classified as ceftaroline susceptible, Susceptibility Dose Dependent (SDD) and ceftaroline resistant respectively as per CLSI guidelines. A descriptive analysis of the data was done and the results were presented as frequencies and percentages. Results: All the S.aureus isolates were found to be susceptible to ceftaroline. Methicillin Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus(MSSA) isolates had lower Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) when compared to MRSA. The highest MIC among MRSA was 0.5 μg/mL. Conclusion: Ceftaroline can be considered as an effective alternative for treatment of infections caused by MRSA.