bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Value of Baseline Biochemical Parameters Among Severe COVID-19 Patients Admitted to an Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Hospital in South Africa.
Authors: Zemlin Annalise E , Allwood Brian , Erasmus Rajiv T , Masha Tandi E , Chapanduka Zivanai C , Jalavu Thumeka P , Ngah Vera , Sigwadhi Lovemore N. , Koegelenberg Coenraad F , Irusen Elvis , Lalla Usha , Yalew Anteneh , Baines Nicola , Tamuzi Jacques L , Barasa Anne K , Magutu Valerie Kemunto , Njeru Caroline , Amayo Angela , Mureithi Marianne Wanjiru , Mungania Mary , Sono-Setati Musa , Zumla Alimuddin , Nyasulu Peter S.
Published: September 2021

BackgroundData on biochemical markers and their association with mortality rates observed in patients with severe COVID-19 disease admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in sub-Saharan Africa are scanty. We performed an evaluation of baseline routine biochemical parameters as prognostic biomarkers in COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU. MethodsDemographic, clinical and laboratory data were collected prospectively on patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19 admitted to the adult ICU in a tertiary hospital in Cape Town, South Africa, between October 2020 and February 2021. Robust Poisson regression methods and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to explore the association of biochemical parameters with severity and mortality. ResultsA total of 82 patients [(median age 53.8 years (IQR: 46.4-59.7)] were enrolled, of whom 27 (33%) were male. The median duration of ICU stay was 10 days (IQR: 5-14); 54/82 (66% CFR) patients died. Baseline lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (aRR: 1.002, 95%CI: 1.0004-1.004; P = 0.016) and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NTProBNP) (aRR: 1.0004, 95%CI: 1.0001-1.0007; P = 0.014) were both independent risk factors of a poor prognosis with optimal cut-off values of 449.5 U/L (sensitivity: 1; specificity: 0.43) and 551 pg/mL (sensitivity: 0.49; specificity: 0.86), respectively.ConclusionLDH and NTProBNP appear to be promising predictors of COVID-19 poor prognosis in the ICU. Larger sample size studies are required to confirm the validity of this combination of biomarkers.
Trends in Emergency Contraception Awareness Among Women and Girls in 28 Sub-Saharan Countries
Authors: Awopegba Oluwafemi Emmanuel , Chukwudeh Okechukwu Stephen , Owolabi Eyitayo Omolara , Ajayi Anthony
Published: September 2021

BackgroundStudies have shown that emergency contraception (EC) remains underutilised in preventing unintended pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Small-scale surveys have attributed EC underutilisation to gaps in EC awareness among SSA women and girls. However, limited studies have explored trends in EC awareness in SSA. We address this gap by examining trends in EC awareness using data from 28 SSA countries. Our analysis was disaggregated by age distribution, place of residence, level of education, and wealth to show differences in EC awareness trend. Methods We analysed the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data of 1,030,029 women aged 15 to 49 on emergency contraception awareness. EC awareness was defined as having ever heard of special pills to prevent pregnancy within three days after unprotected sexual intercourse. Frequencies and percentages were used to summarise trends in EC awareness between years 2000 and 2019. Results Overall, there was an upward shift in the level of EC awareness in all countries, except in Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, and Ethiopia. While some countries recorded a significant upward trend in EC awareness, others recorded just a slight increase. Women in Kenya, Ghana, Gabon, and Cameroon had the highest upward shift in EC awareness. For example, only 28 percent of women were aware of EC in Ghana in 2003, but in 2014, 64 percent of women knew EC, an increase of over 36 percentage points. Increase in EC awareness was starker among women aged 20-24 years, who resided in urban areas, had higher education, and belong to the highest wealth quintile, than those aged 15-19, in rural areas, with no formal education and belonging to the lowest wealth quintile. ConclusionOur analysis shows that the level of EC awareness has increased substantially in most SSA countries. However, EC awareness still differs widely within and between SSA countries. Intervention to improve EC awareness should focus on women aged 15 to 19, with no formal education, residing in rural areas, and those within the lowest quintile, especially, in countries such as Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Ethiopia were level of EC is low with lagging progress.
L-Theanine Attenuates LPS Induced Motor deficit in Experimental Rat Model of Parkinson’s Disease: Emphasis on Mitochondrial activity, Neuroinflammation and Neurotransmitters
Authors: Kumar Shivam , Awasthi Anupam , Raj Khadga , Singh Shamsher
Published: September 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra. The pathogenesis of PD, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmitter dysregulation. L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects with a high BBB permeability. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate the possible neuroprotective effect of L-theanine in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced motor deficits and striatal neurotoxicity in a rat model of PD. LPS was infused at a dose of 5 µg/5 µl PBS, stereotaxically into SNpc of rats. Treatment with L-theanine at (50 and 100 mg/kg; po), and Sinemet (36 mg/kg; po) was given from day 7 to 21 in of LPS injected rat. On a weekly basis all behavioral parameters were assessed, and animals were sacrificed on day 22. The striatum tissue of brain was isolated for biochemicals (Nitrite, GSH, catalase, SOD, mitochondrial complexes I and IV), neuroinflammatory markers (IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6), and neurotransmitters (serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, GABA, and glutamate) estimations. Results revealed that L-theanine dose-dependently and significantly reversed motor deficits, assessed through locomotor and rotarod activity. Moreover, L-theanine attenuated biochemical markers, reduced oxidative stress, and neurotransmitters dysbalance in the brain. L-theanine treatment at 100 mg/kg; po substantially reduced these pathogenic events by increasing mitochondrial activity, restoring neurotransmitter levels, and inhibiting neuroinflammation. Moreover, data suggest that the positive effects of L-theanine on motor coordination may be mediated by the suppression of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) induced by LPS.
Halorubrum Salipaludis Sp. Nov., Isolated From the Saline–Alkaline Soil
Authors: Gong Qi , Zhao Pu , Miao Shaohua , Yi Keke , Ma Chunhong , Zhang Guishan
Published: September 2021

Strain WN019T, an aerobic, motile, and pleomorphic rods bacterium, was isolated from the natural saline-alkali wetland soil of Binhai new district, Tianjin, China. Cells of strain WN019T were 0.5-0.8 µm in width and 2.0-2.5 µm in length, and the growth occurred optimally at 33-37 ℃, pH 7.5-8.0, and in the presence of 15.0-20.0 % (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the isolate belonged to the genus Halorubrum and exhibited high sequence similarity of 97.8 % to Halorubrum saccharovorum JCM 8865T. The major respiratory quinone of strain WN019T were MK-8 and MK-8 (H2), and the major polar lipids were Glycolipid (GL), Phospholipid (PL), Phosphatidylglycerol-Sulfate (PGS), Phosphatidylglycerol (PG) and Phosphatidylglycerol-Phosphate-Methyl Ester (Me-PGP). The DNA G+C content of the strain was 67.3 mol%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) based on whole genome sequences of strain WN019T and Halorubrum saccharovorum JCM 8865T was 87.5 %, and the digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) value between them was determined to be 35.4 %. Phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic, and genomic analyses suggested that strain WN019T represent a novel species of the genus Halorubrum, for which the name Halorubrum salipaludis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is WN019T (= KCTC 4269T = ACCC 19977T).
Trans-optic Suture Fixation of Subluxated Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Belkin Avner , Yehezkeli Veronika , Assia Ehud
Published: September 2021

PurposeTo report a technique for fixating posterior chamber intraocular lenses (PCIOLs) to the sclera by passing sutures through the lens materialMethodsCases in which PCIOLs were fixated to the sclera using trans-optic sutures were included in this series. Intra and post-operative complications were recorded, and lens position was assessed using slit lamp examination.ResultsFourteen cases were included in this series. In 9 cases the procedure was performed using 9-0 polypropylene in pseudophakic eyes to correct subluxation, centration, tilt or to replace a broken haptic. In 5 cases this technique was used for primary PCIOL fixation using a flanged 6-0 polypropylene suture in aphakic eyes. In all cases the lenses remained centered and stable at the end of follow up, and no post-operative complications occurred.ConclusionTrans-optic suturing is a safe and effective alternative method for fixation of IOLs in a variety of pseudophakic and aphakic clinical scenarios.
The Influence of Eroding Djallonke Genotype on the Incidence of Diseases and Mortalities in Sahalian X Djallonke Cross-bred Sheep
Authors: Abdul-Rahman Iddriss Ibn , Agombire Micheal Baba , Niayele Robert
Published: September 2021

Despite cross breeding of Djallonke and Sahelian sheep due to the higher growth rate and final body weight of the Sahelian breeds over the years, little scientific evidence exists on the ability of the crosses to withstand diseases compared to their Djallonke parents. A study involving 700 Djallonke and two crosses of the Djallonke and Sahelian breeds (50% Sahel × 50% Djallonke, 75% Sahel × 25% Djallonke) was conducted, and documented incidence of diseases, parasites and mortalities in these animals. Enteritis (82%), Ehrlichia ruminantium (6.2%) and orf (6.2%) were more prevalent in 25% Djallonke than both 100% and 50% Djallonkes. Similarly, pneumonia was more prevalent in 50% Djallonkes, individuals of all age groups and females than all other genotypes, adults and males, respectively. Enteritis prevalence was also higher in lambs and males than animals of all age groups and females, respectively. Coccidiosis was more prevalent in individuals of all age groups and males, than lambs and females, respectively. More abscess and trauma cases were found in males than females. Significantly higher levels of tapeworms and flea infestations were seen in lambs than weaners and adults. Conversely, more mange mite and tick infestations were seen in adults than weaners and lambs. Higher levels of mortalities were recorded in all other genotypes, lambs, females and in haemoncosis cases than in 100% Djallonke, all other age groups, males and taeniasis cases, respectively. The Sahel x Djalloke crosses are more susceptible to infectious diseases and record higher mortality rates than the pure Djallonke genotypes.
Development and Characterization of SSR Markers in the Gossypium Barbadense Genome
Authors: ZHONG Wenjuan , YUAN Can , CHEN Zhengjie , ZHOU Yonghang , Chen Siwei , TANG Qingxia , ZHANG Chao , GONG Yiyun , YANG Zehu , MAO Zhengxuan , MU Fangsheng , JI Peicheng
Published: September 2021

BackgroundThe fiber quality and resistance traits of Gossypium barbadense are considerably better than that of other Gossypium species. Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are user friendly, low cost markers widely used in genetic studies. However, most SSRs have been developed from G. hirsutum, G. arboreum, and G. raimondii; no genome-wide SSRs have been developed from G. barbadense.The de novo sequences of G. barbadense cv. Xinhai21 were utilized to develop SSR markers and scanned to detect SSRs using the MIcroSAtellite (http://pgrc.ipk-gatersleben.de/misa/) identification tool. And then in silico PCR analysis was conducted to evaluate these primers polymorphism in five Gossypium species.ResultsIn total, 85,582 SSRs were identified with different motifs. 153,560 primer pairs were successfully designed for 73,419 SSRs. In silico analysis, we found that 8,466 primer pairs of 3,288 SSRs yielded one product (monomorphic) simultaneously in five Gossypium species. two Gossypium species (30 G. hirsutum and 27 G. barbadense accessions) were successfully separated by 300 primer pairs with the polymorphism information content (PIC) ranging from 0.00 to 0.93. ConclusionThese newly developed SSR markers will be helpful for the construction of genetic linkage maps, genetic diversity analyses, QTL mapping, and molecular breeding of Gossypium species.
Correlates of Health-related Quality of Life in Primary Caregivers of HIV Infected and HIV Exposed Uninfected Adolescents at the Kenyan Coast
Authors: Mwangala Patrick Nzivo , Ssewanyana Derrick , Mwangi Paul , Chongwo Esther , Nasambu Carophine , Kagonya Vincent A , Scerif Gaia , Newton Charles R , Abubakar Amina
Published: September 2021

Background: Mothers and other primary caregivers play a crucial role in looking after HIV infected, and HIV exposed uninfected adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa. Daily caring may expose these caregivers to adverse states of health. Unfortunately, very few studies have examined their health-related quality of life (HRQoL) despite the additional risk of poor health outcomes. Our study documents the HRQoL profile, and associated factors in primary caregivers of perinatally HIV infected, perinatally HIV exposed but uninfected and HIV unexposed/uninfected adolescents aged 12 – 17 years at the Kenyan Coast. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis of 485 primary caregivers: 195 of perinatally HIV infected adolescents, 128 of perinatally HIV exposed but uninfected adolescents and 162 of HIV unexposed/uninfected adolescents. All caregivers completed a self-report measure of HRQoL, depressive symptoms, and parenting stress. They also provided their sociodemographic information and that of the participating adolescents. We used one-way analysis of variance (and its non-parametric version) to assess statistical differences among the groups. Linear regression analyses were used to identify correlates of HRQoL among caregivers. Results: Linear regression analyses indicated that depressive symptoms, increasing age of caregiver, and caring for an HIV exposed adolescent were significantly associated with reduced HRQoL at both the RAND SF-36 overall and sub-scale level. Having a professional job relative to subsistence farming was the only factor associated with improved overall HRQoL. At subscale level, higher socioeconomic status correlated positively with HRQoL (within the limitations due to emotional problems domain) while being a grandparent, and level of education (physical functioning domain), and parenting stress (vitality domain) were negatively associated with HRQoL. Moreover, caring for a male adolescent (vitality domain) and increasing adolescent age (pain domain) was associated with declining HRQoL. Conclusions: Caregivers in this sample, especially those who are ageing, at risk of mental ill-health, and taking care of HIV exposed adolescents, appear to be vulnerable. Inclusive and multi-component interventions tailored to the caregivers' psychosocial and mental needs will potentially enhance their quality of life. Longitudinal studies are also needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and longer-term implications of the correlates of caregivers HRQoL identified in the present study.
Climate change increases North Korea’s hunger: implications for social resilience
Authors: Shi Yu , Zhang Yajie , Wu Bingyan , Shi Hao , Li Linchao , Jin Ning , Wang Bin , Liu De Li , Miao Ruiqing , Lu Xiaoliang , Geng Qingling , Lu Chaoqun , He Liang , Fang Nufang , Yue Chao , He Jianqiang , Feng Hao , Pan Shufen , Tian Hanqin , Yu Qiang
Published: September 2021

Adaption based on social resilience is proposed as effective measures to mitigate hunger and avoid disaster caused by climate change. But these have not been investigated comprehensively in climate-sensitive regions especially necessary-quantitative paths. North Korea (NK, undeveloped) and its neighbors (SK, South Korea, developed; China, developing) represent three economic levels that provide us with examples of how to examine climatic risk and quantify the contribution of social resilience to rice production. Our data-driven estimates show that climatic factors determined rice biomass changes in NK, while non-climatic factors dominated biomass changes in NK’s neighbors. If no action is taken, NK will face a higher climatic risk (with continuous high temperature heatwaves and precipitation extremes) by the 2080s with high emission scenario when rice biomass and production are expected to decrease by 20.2% and 14.4%, respectively, thereby potentially increasing hunger in NK. The contribution of social resilience to food production in the undeveloped region (15.2%) was far below the contribution observed in the developed and developing regions (83.0% and 86.1%, respectively). These findings highlight the importance of social resilience to mitigate the negative effects of climate change on food security and human hunger, and provide necessary-quantitative information.
Effects of Enshi Selenium-Rich Tea Combined with Gynostemma Pentaphyllum and Apenma on Lipid Reduction in Hyperlipemia Mice
Authors: Liu Bende , Liu Xiaoling , Zhang Ze , Qin Yan , Zou Fang , Wang Gui , Xing Guilin , Huang Zhong , Hu Jun
Published: September 2021

Objective: To investigate the effects of tea blend composed of Enshi selenium-rich tea, gynostemma pentaphyllum and apenma on blood lipid and lipid metabolism in mice with hyperlipidemia and prevention of hyperlipidemia in mice on the high-fat diet.Methods: Mice were randomized into 7 groups, among which 6 groups were fed with high-fat diet to establish a hyperlipidemia mouse model, and the other group was fed with normal diet as the normal control. After the hyperlipidemia model was established, mice were fed with normal diet while receiving different regimens. The normal diet group, the high-fat control group and the positive control group were given physiological saline solution, physiological saline solution and atorvastatin daily by gavage, respectively. The initial intervention group was given medium dose tea blend solution by gavage, and the other three groups were given low, medium and high dose of tea solution daily by gavage, respectively. After 4 weeks of treatment, mice were sacrificed, blood samples were taken for monitoring of lipid metabolism, -liver and tissue tissues were removed for examination of morphology and gene expression.Results: The tea blend not only significantly reduced the level of blood lipid in hyperlipidemia mice, but also effectively protected the liver and kidney function (P < 0.05). Observation under the light microscope reveled that, high-fat diet led to the accumulation of fat in hepatocytes and disorder of hepatic cordage, while the tea blend alleviated the hepatocyte steatosis. In addition, the tea blend promoted the expression of HL and HSL genes, and increased the levels of LAXR and PPARA, which regulated lipid metabolism at the genetic level (P < 0.05).Conclusion: This study confirmed that drinking tea blend composed of Enshi selenium-enriched tea, Gynostemma pentaphyllum and Apocynum venetum could lower blood lipids in mice with hyperlipidemia. In addition, various doses of tea blend could be used for hyperlipidemia with good liver and kidney function, and medium or high dose of tea blend was relatively safe for hyperlipidemia with poor liver and kidney function.
THE CORRELATION OF ARTERIAL CORD BLOOD GAS VALUES AND APGAR SCORES IN TERM BABIES WITHOUT FETAL DISTRESS AND THEIR EFFECTS ON NICU ADMISSIONS
Authors: YILMAZ ASLAN , Kaya Nesrin , Ulkersoy Ipek , Ünkar Zeynep Alp , ACAR Hazal Cansu , Kaymak Didem , PERK Yıldız , VURAL Mehmet
Published: September 2021

Background

Umbilical artery cord blood gas (UACG) values and Apgar scores (AS) are the two parameters that provide the fastest information about the well-being of a baby after birth. We hypothesized that AS may not be sufficient for a complete and correct evaluation of the newborns and UACG should be used routinely for all births even without any signs of fetal distress.

Material-methods

In this retrospective study, the data of 1781 babies born between January 2018 and December 2019 at Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine were analyzed. Newborn with fetal distress, congenital anomalies, severe and moderate acidemia (pH ≤7.1 at UACG), and pre and postterm newborns are excluded. The UACG and the 1 and 5-minute AS data of 1438 cases were evaluated. Mild acidemia was accepted as a pH between 7.1 and 7.2. Following UACG threshold values were accepted as abnormal pH <7.2, BE <-6 mmol/l, lactate ≥5 mmol/l, HCO3 <18 mmol/l, pCO2 ≥50 mmHg. We evaluated the correlation between UACG and 1 and 5-minute AS and their effects on admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Results

There was a significant correlation between both 1 and 5-minute AS and UACG values such as pH, lactate, and pCO 2 (p<0.001). In addition, significant correlation was found between the 5-minute AS below 7 and some UACG abnormal threshold values (pH, HCO 3 , base excess) (p<0.001). We found that some cases with mild acidemia had a normal 1 and 5-minute Apgar scores (AS≥7) in %1.9 and %2 of cases, respectively. A significant correlation was found between admissions to NICU with 1 and 5-minute AS of <7 (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The 5-minute AS of 7 or higher may not be sufficient to verify the well-being of a newborn. Relying only on AS, may create the risk of missing some newborns with mild metabolic acidosis. 1 and 5-minute AS could be used as a predictive value for NICU admission. We propose that routine UACG should be evaluated for each birth at term, even without any signs of fetal distress and normal AS.
Quantification of the Dynamics of Antibody Response to Malaria to Inform Sero-Surveillance in Pregnant Women
Authors: Dharmaratne A.D.V.Tharkeshi T. , Dini Saber , O’Flaherty Katherine , Price David J , McGready Rose , Nosten Francois , Fowkes Freya JI. , Simpson Julie , Zaloumis Sophie G.
Published: September 2021

Background: Malaria remains a major public health threat and in low malaria transmission areas new tools are needed to detect infections for prompt treatment and to progress elimination efforts. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to malaria infections and access routine antenatal care, presenting a unique sentinel population to apply novel sero-surveillance tools to measure malaria transmission. The aim of this study was to quantify the dynamic antibody responses to multiple antigens during pregnancy to identify a single or multiple antibody response of exposure to malaria in pregnancy. Methods: Antibody-mediated immunity responses to six parasite antigens (five commonly studied merozoite antigens and the variant surface antigen 2-chondroitin sulphate A (VAR2CSA), a pregnancy-specific erythrocytic antigen) were measured over the gestation period until delivery (median of 7 measurements/woman) in 250 pregnant women who attended antenatal clinics located at the Thai-Myanmar border. A multivariate mixture linear mixed model was used to cluster the pregnant women into groups that have similar longitudinal antibody responses to all six antigens over the gestational period using a Bayesian approach. The variable-specific entropy was calculated to identify the antibody responses that have the highest influence on the classification of the women into clusters, and subsequent agreement with grouping of women based on exposure to malaria during pregnancy. Results: Of the 250 pregnant women, 135 had a Plasmodium infection detected by light microscopy during pregnancy, defined as cases. The antibody responses to all six antigens accurately identified the women who did not have a malaria infection detected during pregnancy (93%, 107/115 controls). Antibody responses to P. falciparum merozoite surface protein 3 (PfMSP3) and P. vivax apical membrane antigen 1 (PvAMA1) were the least dynamic. Antibody responses to the antigens P. falciparum apical membrane antigen 1 (PfAMA1) and PfVAR2CSA were able to identify the majority of the cases more accurately (63%, 85/135). Conclusion: These findings suggest that the combination of antibodies, PfAMA1 and PfVAR2CSA, may be useful for sero-surveillance of malaria infections in pregnant women, particularly in low malaria transmission settings, leading to the early detection and treatment of malaria infections in pregnant women.
Compound vulnerabilities exacerbate systemic risks of food security in Somalia
Authors: Thalheimer Lisa , Gaupp Franziska , Webersik Christian
Published: September 2021

The impacts of climate change are increasingly compounding around the world. Simultaneous extreme weather events threaten coping mechanisms such as migration, and food security in breadbasket regions. Systemic risk approaches offer a critical lens to guide risk-informed sustainable action both now, and in the future. This Analysis proposes a generic conceptual framework to address the nature of such risks. We combine data on weather-related displacement, food insecurity, and conflict to characterize compound vulnerabilities underlying systemic risks. Using an Systemic Risk Impact Pathways (SRIP) model, we illustrate intersections between systemic risk elements and compound vulnerabilities in Somalia, a country affected by recurring extreme weather, protracted armed conflict, political instability and displacement. We show how these dynamics have create a complex nexus of strains on the population and its ability to guarantee food security. Advancing a risk-informed sustainable development agenda, we recommend taking a systemic risk approach instead of a single hazard approach.
Risk factors for pneumonitis in advanced extrapulmonary cancer patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Uchida Yasuki , Kinose Daisuke , Nagatani Yukihiro , Tanaka-Mizuno Sachiko , Nakagawa Hiroaki , Fukunaga Kentaro , Yamaguchi Masafumi , Nakono Yasutaka
Published: September 2021

Background

Immune-mediated pneumonitis has a high mortality rate; however, little is known about the related risk factors. We analyzed the risk factors for pneumonitis, such as smoking and lung metastasis (LM), among extrapulmonary primary tumors.
Methods

We retrospectively collected data of 110 patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) (nivolumab/pembrolizumab) for extrapulmonary primary tumors at the Shiga University of Medical Science Hospital, between January 2015 and December 2019. The frequency of pneumonitis was evaluated based on the time between the start of ICI treatment and the onset of symptomatic or all pneumonitis. The severity of pneumonitis was graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5.0. We analyzed the risk factors, such as the absence or presence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) and lung metastases (LMs), or other clinical factors, including smoking status before ICI administration.
Results

The Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that the smoking index and presence of ILD were significant factors for an increased rate of all pneumonitis (hazard ratio [HR] = 20.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 20.0–20.4; p = 0.02 and HR = 4.3, 95% CI = 1.2–12.1; p = 0.03, respectively). LM was significantly related to an increased rate of symptomatic pneumonitis (HR = 6.8, 95% CI = 1.3–124.2; p = 0.02).
Conclusions

Smoking index and ILD were the significant risk factors for ICI-induced pneumonitis. LM was a significant risk factor for ICI-induced symptomatic pneumonitis. Therefore, pre-screening for ILD and LM and the recognition of patients’ smoking histories are important for determining the risk of ICI-induced pneumonitis and allowing safe ICI administration.
The Relationship of Education on Healthy Living Values of Multicultural Islamic Perspective with Healthy Lifestyle Behavior of Junior High School Students in Bengkulu, Indonesia
Authors: Amin Alfauzan , Zubaedi  , Asiyah  , Siregar Abd. Amri , Jaenullah  , Alimni
Published: September 2021

This study aims to determine the relationship between education on the value of healthy living through halal food materials and thaybah in a multicultural Islamic perspective, with healthy living behavior of junior high school students. Based on purposive random sampling, the sample was 50 (21%) from a population of 237 students. The questionnaire used to collect data consisted of a questionnaire with a variable x and a questionnaire with a variable y. Supporting data were obtained through observation and interviews with respondents, namely teachers and several students. Data were analyzed through correlation hypothesis testing with bivariate correlation coefficient technique, namely product moment using SPSS. The results show; There is a close relationship of 0.76 between the two variables. The results of this study answer the contradiction between the two views. One side supports, the other side opposes the theory of the relationship between education, the value of clean and healthy life, a multicultural Islamic perspective on the formation of students' clean and healthy living behavior. The results of this study led to a major change in the views of education actors so as to encourage teachers to be more serious and concentrate on implementing healthy life value education.
The glycobiological landscape of breast cancer: insights into galectins and O-GlcNAc homeostasis-related genes
Authors: Tazhitdinova Rada , Timoshenko Alexander V
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to assess the functional associations between genes of the glycobiological landscape encoding galectins and O-GlcNAc cycle enzymes in the context of breast cancer biology and clinical applications.
Methods

An in silico analysis of the breast cancer data from The Cancer Genome Atlas was conducted comparing expression, pairwise correlations, and prognostic value for 17 genes encoding galectins, O-GlcNAc cycle enzymes, and cell stemness-related transcription factors.
Results

Multiple general and breast cancer subtype-specific differences in galectin/O-GlcNAc genetic landscape markers were observed and classified. Specifically, LGALS12 was found to be significantly downregulated in breast cancer tissues across all subtypes while LGALS2 and GFPT1 showed potential as prognostic markers. Remarkably, there was an overall loss of both correlation strength and correlation relationship between expression of galectin/O-GlcNAc landscape genes in the breast cancer samples versus normal tissues. Six gene pairs (GFPT1/LGALS1, GFPT1/LGALS3, GFPT1/LGALS12, GFPT1/KLF4, OGT/LGALS12, and OGT/KLF4) were found to be potential diagnostic markers for breast cancer.
Conclusions

These findings indicate that the glycobiological landscape of breast cancer underwent significant remodeling, which might be associated with switching galectin gene regulation within a framework of O-GlcNAc homeostasis.
Utility of the Color-Coded Duplex Neurosonographic Spectrum in Critically Ill Children in Resource-Limited Centers: A Case Series
Authors: Caqui-Vilca Patrick , Dominguez-Rojas Jesús , Ponce Javier , Heredia-Orbegoso Gabriel Omar
Published: September 2021

Ultrasound in pediatric neurocritical care has a wide variety of indications, such as the study of vasospasm in subarachnoid hemorrhage, flow changes in intracranial stenosis, endocranial hypertension and to evaluate some therapeutic measures. The following is a series of five most relevant cases collected from Pediatric Intensive Care with abnormal images in transcranial duplex (TCD) and their typical findings in this type of studies. Transcranial duplex offers a diagnostic method of rapid evaluation that provides reliable information for decision making in pediatric intensive care, but it is a tool with which there is little experience in the country, so these findings are didactic and should be complemented with studies of greater diagnostic relevance.
ZIKV outbreak in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, 2021 –a primary report
Authors: KUMAR NARENDRAN PRADEEP , SAINI PRASANTA , SAMUEL PHILIP , AJITHLAL P.M. , SURESH ABIDHA , MATHEW JESSU , SONIA T. , AMJU K.P. , Veerapathiran A. , Selvam A. , Balaji T. , Raju K.H.K. , Gupta Nivedita , KUMAR ASHWANI
Published: September 2021

The recent global outbreaks of the ZIKA Virus (ZIKV) reported in 85 countries and territories caused severe complications such as microcephaly among neonates and Guillain-Barre Syndrome among the older population. Recently, an outbreak of ZIKV was reported from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, India with 66 cases being reported so far. We conducted an outbreak investigation and the primary findings are described here. A cluster of ZIKV cases from the Kadakampalli / Anamugham administrative wards of the Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation area was reported where Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) is located. Later many ZIKV cases were reported from other wards of the city. The density of known Aedes vectors was high in this region of the metropolitan city. Aedes albopictus, Aedes aegypti and Aedes vittatus collected from the focal area of the outbreak were found to be naturally infected with ZIKV. Male specimens of Ae. albopictus were naturally infected, indicating trans-ovarian transmission of the virus. This is first report of incrimination of Ae. albopictus and Ae. vittatus in ZIKV transmission from India. The virus was characterized and the partial sequences clustered with the Asian strain of ZIKV reported from India. The NS5 sequences of human and Ae. albopictus pools from Thiruvananthapuram were 100% similar indicating an ongoing active ZIKV transmission. The state health authorities were sensitized and appropriate containment and vector control measures have been initiated to contain the outbreak. This report underscores the importance of continued human and vector surveillance as well as genomic sequencing to understand the virus evolution and implications on public health.
Treatment of COVID-19 with Herbal Medicines: Perceptions, Attitudes and Practices of Healthcare Professionals Students in Uganda
Authors: Kiyimba Blaise , Kanyike Andrew Marvin , Ssewante Nelson , Nalunkuma Racheal , Musoke Phillip , Atulinda Linda , Namuwaya Claire , Wamala Nicholas Kisaakye , Onyait Teddy , Aringo Ramona Noeline , Kato Hussein , Asasira Ignatius , Bongomin Felix
Published: September 2021

Background: Use of herbal medicine (HM) for the treatment and prevention of the coronavirus disease -2019 (COVID-19) has been reported worldwide. In this study, we aimed to assess the perceptions, attitude and practices of healthcare professionals (HP) students in Uganda concerning HM use in the management of COVID-19 illness.Methods: We conducted an online, cross-sectional study using quantitative methods among HP students across the 12 medical schools in Uganda. Undergraduate HP students aged 18 years and older, from 1st to 5th year of study, pursuing various programs were recruited. Blooms cut-off of 80% (score of ≥ 24 /30) was used to determine good perception and a positive attitude towards HM use. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with HM use.Results: A total of 350 participants responded. Of this, 223 (63.7%) were male. The median age of all participants was 23 (IQR=19-56) years. Majority (n=234, 66.9%) were pursuing Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB). All participants reported awareness on HM use in the management of COVI-19. Fifty-four (15.4%) respondents had a good perception towards HM use, with students in their first year of study having 3-fold the odds of having good perception compared to those in their fifth year (aOR: 2.9, 95% C. I: 1.1-8.1, p=0.037). Participants pursuing Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPHAR) had 4.2-fold higher odds of having a positive attitude towards HM use compared to those pursuing MBChB (aOR: 4.2, 95% CI:1.8-9.9, p=0.001) and those in first year had 2.7-fold higher odds of having a positive attitude towards HM use compared to participants in fifth year of study. (aOR=2.7, 95% CI=1.2-6.3, p=0.019). Participants with positive attitude towards HM use (aOR=63.7, 95% CI=12.8-316.4, p<0.001), pharmacy students (aOR=2.6, 95% CI= 1.1-6.4, p=0.035), allied health program students (aOR=3.6, 95% CI=1.1-11.6, p=0.032), those with good perception (aOR=3.3, 95% CI=1.6-6.5, p<0.001) and positive attitude (aOR=2.7, 95% CI=1.2-5.9, p=0.013) were more likely to recommend use of HM in the management of COVID-19.Conclusion: Awareness of HM use was universal among the participants. However, despite a high proportion of the participants reporting negative perception and attitude towards HM use, at least one- third use HM when they had COVID-19.
Restoration of the GTPase activity of Gαo mutants by Zn2+ in GNAO1 encephalopathy models
Authors: Larasati Yonika , Savitsky Mikhail , Koval Alexey , Solis Gonzalo , Katanaev Vladimir
Published: September 2021

GNAO1 encephalopathy is a rare pediatric disease characterized by motor dysfunction, developmental delay, and epileptic seizures1-3. De novo point mutations in the gene encoding Gαo, the major neuronal G protein, lie at the core of this dominant genetic malady4. Half of the clinical case mutations fall on codons Gly203, Arg209, or Glu246 near the GTP binding/hydrolysis pocket of Gαo1-3. We here show that these pathologic mutations strongly speed up GTP uptake and inactivate GTP hydrolysis by Gαo, resulting in constitutive GTP binding by the G protein. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that the mutations cause displacement of Gln205, the key to GTP hydrolysis. Decreased interactions with cellular partners including RGS19 suggest that despite the enhanced GTP residence, the mutants fail to fully adopt the activated conformation and thus transmit the signal. Through a high-throughput screening of approved drugs aiming at correction of this core biochemical dysfunction, we identify zinc pyrithione and Zn2+ ions as agents restoring the active conformation, GTPase activity, and cellular interactions of the encephalopathy mutants, with a negligible effect on wild type Gαo. We describe a Drosophila model of GNAO1 encephalopathy and show that dietary zinc supplementation restores the motor function and longevity of the mutant flies. With zinc supplements frequently recommended for diverse human neurological conditions, our work spanning from identification of the core biochemical defect in Gαo mutants and cellular interactions analysis to high-throughput screening and animal validation of the deficiency-correcting drug defines the potential therapy for GNAO1 encephalopathy patients.
A Take-Home Message: Spillovers from Workplace Food Waste Campaigns to the Home
Authors: Wang Feiyang , Shreedhar Ganga , Galizzi Matteo , Mourato Susana
Published: September 2021

Understanding how workplace food waste campaigns impact behaviours at home can help promote broader lifestyle change than piece-meal behavioural interventions. Using a quasi-experimental field study and a survey of workers in the hospitality sector, we quantify the worker’s responses to pro-environmental food waste campaigns. We find evidence that efforts to reduce food waste at work is associated with food saving actions at home, pointing to positive spillovers across these contexts.
Radio Propagation Models: A Performance Analysis based Impact of Sparse and Dense Deployment of Nodes under Different Propagation Models in Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANETs)
Authors: Hussain Altaf , Khan Muhammad Rafiq
Published: September 2021

Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) is the most emerging and fast expanding technology since the last two decades. One of the major issue and challenging area in MANET is the process of routing due to dynamic topologies and high mobility of mobile nodes. The exchange of information from source to a destination is known as the process of routing. Spectacular amount of attention has been paid by researchers to reliable routing in ad-hoc networks. Efficiency and accuracy of a protocol depends on many parameters in these networks. In addition to other parameters node velocity and propagation models are among them. Calculating signal strength at receiver is the responsibility of a propagation model while mobility of nodes is responsible for topology of the network. A huge amount of loss in performance is occurred due to variation of signal strength at receiver and obstacles between transmissions. Simulation tools are developed to analyze the weakness and strength of protocols along with different parameters that may impact the performance. The choice of a propagation models have an abundant effect on performance on routing protocols in MANET. In this research, it has been analyzed to check the impact of different propagation models on the performance of Optimized Link State Routing (OLSR) in Sparse and Dense scenarios in MANET. The simulation has been carried out in NS-2 by using performance metrics as average Throughput, average packet drop and average latency. The results predicted that propagation models and mobility has a strong impact on the performance of OLSR in considered scenarios.
ON THE INVESTIGATION OF WIND GENERATED WAVES IN BANGLADESH RIVERS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF STABILITY REQUIREMENTS IN INLAND VESSEL DESIGN
Authors:   Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Department Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) Dhaka, Bangladesh, Islam Muhammad Rabiul , Akib Mahmudul Hasan , Tabassum Fariha , Hossain Khandakar Akhter
Published: September 2021

Standard environmental condition is one of the main inputs in designing a vessel especially in assessment of stability condition. The performance based minimum stability requirements are determined by assessing vessels' dynamic failure modes. Winds as well as wind generated waves are the main factors that affect a specific vessel’s dynamics. Wind generated waves in rivers though are usually small in comparison with ocean waves may play a crucial role behind inland vessels accidents. The river condition of a crucial location in Bangladesh inland river routes is assessed where wind velocities have been taken for a specific duration from a reliable secondary source. A narrow fetch model that considers the wave generation in off-wind direction for estimating wind wave parameters has been used to consider the spiral shape of Bangladesh inland routes. The Bretschneider energy spectrum model for short term wave state is compared with the fetch limited model JONSWAP for the estimated wave condition. This study indicates the rationality of conforming the safety level of Bangladesh inland vessels equivalent to river-sea vessels as defined by other nationals and the classification societies. The wave parameters that are estimated in this study can be used to form a limited wave scatter table for predicting short term environmental conditions to assess the dynamic stability failure modes of the vessels.
The effect of magnetic field variations in a mixture of coconut oil and jatropha on flame stability and characteristics on the premixed combustion
Authors: Perdana Dony , Adiwidodo Satworo , Choifin Mochamad , Winarko Wigo Ardi
Published: September 2021

This study investigates the effect of attracting and repels magnetic fields with the materials of vegetable oil in the form of a mixture of coconut oil and jatropha (B50) against the behavior of stability and characteristics of flame in the process of premixed burning. The fuel for a mixture of vegetable oil of 600 ml was filled into the boiler heated with a gas stove to be evaporated at a temperature of 300 °C and 3 bar pressure was kept constant was mixed with air from the compressor in the burner room. Then a flame was ignited at the end of the nozzle to form a diffusion flame, the flame formed was then given north (N) and south (S). The results showed that the flame speed of the attractive magnetic field was 52.22 cm/sec, the repulsive magnetic field was 50.49 cm/sec while without a magnetic field was 49.79 cm/sec. The increase in the laminar flame speed in the attractive magnetic field is caused by the electron spin becoming more energetic and due to the change in the spin of the hydrogen proton from para to ortho. The attractive magnetic field has the strongest effect on increasing the flame speed. This makes the flame more stable in the equivalency ratio range of 0.75–1.17 compared to without a magnetic field in the same equivalency ratio range. This was so because O2 where it is in nature of paramagnetic was pumped more crossing the flame from south to north poles whereas the heat brought by H2O in nature of diamagnetic was pumped more crossing north to south poles. Whereas on the repel magnetic field, it was hotter when brought by H2O pumped into the flame whereas O2 tended to be pumped going out of the flame. This caused the combustion in the flame was smaller and the reaction was not maximum. As a consequence, the laminar flame speed was more lacking and the reaction was not to the fullest. As a consequence, the laminar flame speed in the repel was fewer than the attract magnetic field
Analysis of the number and angle of the impeller blade to the performance of centrifugal pump
Authors: Susilo Sugeng Hadi , Setiawan Agus
Published: September 2021

The paper discusses the performance of the pump in relation to the impeller. The impeller section is determined by the number and angle of the blades. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the role of the number and angle of impeller blades on the performance (discharge and discharge pressure) of centrifugal pumps based on experiments and simulations.

The method used is experiment and simulation. Using a centrifugal pump type GWP 20/4 SW, Maximum Output: 6.5 HP/3500 rpm, Inlet/Outlet: 2 Inch, Dimensions: 475x375x370 mm. Experiments and simulations by varying the number of blades 2, 4, and 6 with a blade tilt angle of 130°, 150°, and 160°. For flow simulation using solid works program.

The results show that pump performance is related to discharge pressure, impeller with 2-blades and an angle of 130° the pressure increases 0.45–2.45 bar, for 150° increases 0.14–2.96 bar, and 160° increases 0.29–3.07 bars. For a 4-blade impeller and an angle of 130°, the pressure increases by 0.48–3.12 bar, for 150° it increases by 0.39–3.39 bar, and for 160° it increases by 0.36–3.48 bar. While the impeller for 6-blades with an angle of 130° the pressure increases from 0.6 bar to 3.72 bar, for 150° increases from 1.36 to 4.34 bar, and 160° increases by 0.36–4.74 bar. While it related pump performance to flow rate, increasing the number of blades causes a decrease in flow rate. The highest flow rate is in a 2-blade impeller with a blade angle of 130° is 404.91 l/s. The lowest flow rate is on a 6-blade impeller with an angle of 160° is 279.66 l/s