bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barriers of dietary salt reduction among hypertensive patients: a cross sectional study
Authors: Khwaja Mariyam
Published: August 2020

Background: Healthy dietary practice is an important lifestyle modification and one of the key adjuncts to pharmacotherapy in management of hypertension. A modest reduction in salt intake of 5 gm/day lowered blood pressure by 7/4 mmHg diastolic in hypertensive patients. Despite knowledge about the ill consequences, many people continue to consume high levels of salt in their diet. To motivate people to reduce salt in their diet, a solid understanding of barriers encountered by those under salt reduction recommendation is necessary. Hence, this study was conducted with the aim of identifying the barriers to dietary salt reduction among hypertensive patients.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted on a sample of 356 hypertensive patients in field practice areas (urban and rural) in Department of Community Medicine, JNMC, AMU, Aligarh. A pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used for the study. Compliance to dietary salt intake was assessed by calculating average salt intake per person per day. The tenets of health belief model were used to examine the key determinants of human behavior. Analysis was done by using correlation, proportions, chi-square and multiple linear regression.Results: 31.4% of the participants took salt <5 gm per day. A significant association was noticed with area, religion, social class, family size, perceived benefits and perceived susceptibility. A significant positive correlation was seen with total adherence score and family size.Conclusions: A lot of barriers hinder the compliance to dietary salt reduction. Health Education stressing the role of salt reduction in control of blood pressure is recommended.
The relationship between smartphone addiction and depression among university students in Karachi: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Abid Ubaidullah , Khan Tooba Jawed , Sheikh Asif , Saleem Saud , Kayani Hammad Afzal , Habib Muhammad Atif
Published: August 2020

Background: Pakistan demographic and health survey (PDHS) estimated extensive ownership of cell phones in Pakistan with 94.7% in the urban population. Pakistan Advertiser Company reported 77 % of cell phone users aged between 21-30 years. Although, no research was conducted with university population for addiction and depression, so this study aims to find the link between Smartphone addiction and depression in SZABIST University students of Karachi, Pakistan.Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted with self-assessment tools, comprised of three sections: socio-demographic information, smartphone addiction scale-short version (SAS-SV) and Beck’s depression inventory-II (BDI-II). Responses for SAS-SV were rated on a 6-point Likert scale and BDI-II was summated on range 0-60. Percentages mean score was commuted for SAS-SV; the mean score was computed and categorized for BDI-II. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used for data analysis. Statistical significance was set at p<0.01.Results: Total participants were N=225, of which 140 (62.2%) were males and 85 (35.8%) were females. The mean±SD of their ages were 20.9±2.9. Age was found insignificant with depression after applying multiple linear regressions. Mean score of SAS-SV was 54.8±17.2, and BDI-II was13.4±9.6, which showed a significant positive association (OR, 0.241; 95% CI, 0.2 to 0.3; p<0.001). Prior adjusting coefficient, males were speculated having a higher level of depression.Conclusions: A significant positive correlation was found between Smartphone addiction and depression, among University Students of SZABIST. Control smartphones usage is advised for undergraduate students as they are more prone to depression compared to postgraduate students.
Prevalence and determinants of tobacco use in a remote rural area of South India: a community based cross sectional study
Authors: Vinothkumar Gunasekaran , Girija Ganesan , Manikandan Mani , Vincent Antony , Newtonraj Ariarathinam
Published: August 2020

Background: Tobacco use is a major public health problem in India. We intended to study the tobacco use and its risk factors from a rural area of South India.Methods: This study was conducted in 2018, among twenty villages located around a rural health training centre, in South India.Results: Total population surveyed was 14925. Among them 11995 individuals were in the age group of 15 years and above. In this group 739, 6% (5.7-6.6) of tobacco users, 423, 3.5% (3.2-3.9) of smokers and 369, 3% (2.8-3.4) of tobacco chewers were included in the study. Individuals belonging to lower caste were four to five times more likely to be a tobacco user. Tobacco use increases with age. Illiterates were 1.8 times more likely to be a tobacco user, married and Widows were two times more likely to be a tobacco user. Alcoholics were 13 times and hypertensive patients were 1.5 times, non-vegetarians were 1.4 times, individual preferring open defecation were 1.7 times more likely to be a tobacco user. Smoking was more associated with male gender, lower caste, increase in age, married individuals, alcoholics, hypertension and having semi-pucca house. Tobacco chewing was more associated with female, lower caste, increase in age illiteracy, married and widow, alcoholic, hypertension, non-vegetarian diet, open defecation, having kutcha or semi-pucca house.Conclusions: Tobacco use in a remote rural area is high among the socially deprived community who are illiterate, belonging to lower caste and those who prefer open defecation.
Demographic profile of facial fractures in the Punjab population: a pilot study
Authors: Munjal Manish , Kanotra Sonika , Chopra Parth , Munjal Shubham , Chopra Hemant , Uppal Sanjeev , Saggar Tullika
Published: August 2020

Background: Trauma units of tertiary care centers of the north Indian state of Punjab are occupied with young individuals with a passion for driving on full acceleration. There is therefore a high rate of road traffic accidents with and fractures of the facial skeleton are frequently noted .This is noted more so in the male gender.Methods: A retrospective study of the records of 61 subjects admitted under Otolaryngology and Maxillofacial trauma units, during a period of 2 years (August 2013-August 2015) at Dayanand Medical College and hospital were analysed.Results: Males outnumbered the females in the ratio of 5:1. Maximum, 54% were seen in the age group 21-30 years and minimum at the extremes of age. The commonest cause of fracture was road-side accidents which was observed in 72% of patients. In 15% these were due to assaults, in 8% due to falls and only in 3.2% due to sports injury.Conclusions: Facial fractures are recorded more in middle aged males with vehicular trauma being the main aetiology.
Role of sleep and stress in metabolic syndrome: a community based cross sectional study in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
Authors: Dakshinamurthy Senkadhirdasan , Saxena Vartika , Kumari Ranjeeta , Mirza Anissa Atif , Dhar Minakshi , Mishra Ashutosh
Published: August 2020

Background: Sleep disturbances and stress may intervene with the physiological processes in human body and act as a modulator of metabolic homeostasis. The aim and objectives of the study were to estimate the person’s average sleep propensity; to estimate the stress level in the study subjects; and to determine the association of sleep and stress with metabolic syndrome.Methods: A community based cross sectional study was conducted in an urban area of Rishikesh. Sample size was calculated to be 478. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS Version 20.0. Chi-square test was used to examine the association between categorical variables. A p value of <0.05 was considered significant.Results: It was observed that different levels of stress did not have any significant association with metabolic syndrome (MetS) though the odds among individuals with moderate stress were 1.1 times (95% CI 0.6-2.2) higher than those with low stress. The overall sleepiness grading was not significantly associated with Metabolic Syndrome. However, people with mild excessive daytime sleepiness have 4.7 times (95% CI 1.2-18) higher odds of MetS as compared to those with low normal daytime sleepiness. Those with moderate excessive day sleepiness had 1.59 times (95% CI 0.3-8) higher odds of MetS, however it was not statistically significant.Conclusions: Mild excessive daytime sleepiness was associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome. People with perceived stress are having higher chance of getting MetS.
Comparison of knowledge, attitude and practices in routine blood and urine collection among final year laboratory technician students, nursing students and house surgeons
Authors: John Johns , Dharwadkar Kavitarati , P. Jini M.
Published: August 2020

Background: Laboratory services are the backbone of the modern health care sector. In spite of rapid advances in laboratory science, it is still susceptible to various manual and systemic errors. Pre-analytical phase includes specimen collection, storage, separation and transport. Errors in this phase are majorly due to human mistakes and the majority of these errors are preventable. Laboratory technicians and nursing staff from in-patient care are most commonly and directly involved in sample collection. There are many studies done using them as study population. However, the role of physician in sample collection techniques is often ignored. Ideally a doctor should also be aware of the sample collection techniques and anticipate possible lab errors due to pre-analytical error.Methods: A quantitative cross sectional comparative study with 60 participants comprising 20 each from house surgeons, final year lab technicians and nursing students in a tertiary care hospital. A pre-tested, self-administered and validated questionnaire was used to assess knowledge, attitude and practices in routine blood and urine collection with total 27 questions. Statistical analysis: ANOVA, student’s t- test and qualitative analysis was done.Results: In the area of sample collection techniques house surgeons lacked the required knowledge compared to nursing and lab technician students and it was also reflected in sample collection practices.Conclusions: Based on the study, we strongly opine to train MBBS students in routine blood collection techniques and sensitize them to pre analytical errors which will help in reducing lab reporting errors.
Promoting community participation in prophylactic measures against Leptospirosis following devastating floods in central Kerala: an exploratory study
Authors: Cherian Mammen P. , Johnson Abel K. Samuel , Joseph Marina Rajan , John Joban , Cherian Koshy M.
Published: August 2020

Background: Community capacity is superior in Kerala, making the people identify, mobilize, and address public health problems. The state of Kerala in South India was devastated by the 2018 August flood with cumulative rainfall of 2307 mm, 41% above the average rainfall received. Community participation helped to restore health with minimal post-flood morbidity. This paper intends to demonstrate the role of community participation in prophylaxis against Leptospirosis.Methods:  As a part of post-flood recovery activity to prevent communicable diseases, the health system sought community health volunteers, local teachers, and philanthropic organizations. Training was given to volunteers to do preventive measures like chlorination of well water, provide leptospirosis prophylactic drugs based on the guidelines and promote the use of boiled water as well as personal and environmental hygiene. The health workers supervised preventive activities in the areas designated to the volunteers. Medical officers visited random houses to ensure quality and gave necessary instructions. The health staff counseled those who were unwilling for preventive measures. Results: The activity resulted in low incidence of leptospirosis cases (n=13; Incidence <0.02) in the population. Conclusion: Community engagement was effectively utilized by the public health system in disaster mitigation and control during this flood.
Digital mental health apps for self-management of depression: a scoping exploration on awareness, attitude, and user experience among professional course students
Authors: Sucharitha Sree T. , Manoharan Aravind , Dhanuraja Velusamy , Kasi Arunadevi , Ezhilarasan Suganya
Published: August 2020

Background: Globally, depressive disorders are ranked as the single largest contributor to non-fatal health loss (7.5% of all years lost due to disability-YLD). In India, provision of quality mental health care services remains a challenge due to severe deficiency of qualified care givers. Harnessing the potential of digital technologies and smart phone apps need to be explored to address the existing gaps in mental health care services. This study aims to describe the awareness, attitudes and user experiences of mental health apps among professional course students.Methods: A mixed-methods study methodology was adapted involving medical professional students of a tertiary teaching hospital in South India. A web-based survey assessed the awareness, attitudes and usage of mental health apps. Further, in-depth interviews (30) were conducted among selective app users (20) and non-users (10) to gain insights about the user experiences.  Results: Among 898 respondents for the web-based survey, majority were female (513,57.1%), aged between 18-25 years (801,89.2%) undergraduates (673,74.9%), undertaking professional courses in medicine and allied health sciences (633,70.6%). 273 (30.4%) respondents were aware of apps and 86 (9.6%) were ever users. Novel interactive platforms, privacy and agency for self-care are the major factors for using the apps however data confidentiality and authenticity of the app-based information were identified as major concerns limiting app usage.Conclusions: The study found the utilization of mental health apps as self-management tool for depression gaining slow traction among professional course students.
Clinico-epidemiological profile and adherence to antitubercular treatment of tuberculosis patients in a city of Maharashtra
Authors: Dhande Vishal Samadhan , Mankar Amol Vitthalrao , Dahake Satish W. , Navare Vinanti
Published: August 2020

Background: Poor patient adherence to the treatment regimen is a major cause of treatment failure and of the emergence of drug-resistant TB. Present study was conducted to study clinico-epidemiological profile and adherence to anti tubercular treatment among tuberculosis patients.Methods: It was a cross sectional study done among 462 tuberculosis patients visiting G. G. Rathi Tuberculosis hospital during period January 2020 to April 2020.Results: Out of total 462 study subjects 268 (58%) were male and 194 (42%) were female. Most of i.e. 143 (30.9%) were from age group 41-50 years. majority i.e. 148 (32.0%) were educated up to secondary school. As per Morisky medication adherence scale-4, majority 325 (70.4%) study subjects were having high adherence.Conclusions: About 8% of the patients were having low adherent. Age and education of study subject was found to be significantly associated with adherence.
A cross-sectional study on the knowledge and practice of medical certification of cause of death among junior doctors in a tertiary hospital in North-East India
Authors: Bishwalata Rajkumari , Devi Ningthoukhongjam Shugeta , Erora Kongjengbam , Akham Ngamba
Published: August 2020

Background: Medical certification of cause of death (MCCD) is the formal document in which the doctor records the time, causes and circumstances of death of an individual. Inaccuracies and incomplete MCCD will lead to biased estimation of several epidemiological parameters. Hence this study was done to determine the knowledge and practice of MCCD among junior doctors and assess the association between knowledge and some selected variables of interest.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among junior doctors constituting of interns, junior residents and post-graduates trainees of a tertiary hospital of Manipur from February to March 2020. A semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire was used. Data was entered in MS Excel and exported to SPSS version 21 where analysis was done. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test was used for analysis and p<0.05 was taken as significant. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional ethics committee.Results: Out of the 334 total respondents females constituted 53%. Only 88(26.3%) had satisfactory knowledge, and only 14% (47) of the respondents had ever issued MCCD.No significant association was seen between knowledge score and current department of posting, current designation, gender, religion and work experience.Conclusions: Only a quarter of the respondents (26.3%) were having satisfactory knowledge. There is a need to organize frequent workshops, seminars and induction training highlighting the importance of MCCD for the junior doctors with regular audits.
Health concerns during lockdown: an observational study among adults of West Bengal
Authors: Dey Sumit , Dey Indira
Published: August 2020

The government of India enforced a strict lockdown on 24th of March 2020 to flatten the curve of COVID-19 pandemic. People feared this disease and their daily routine was greatly hampered. Social media and online activities became the life line. This is expected to bring changes in the physical and mental health of the citizens. A descriptive, observational, cross-sectional study was carried out on the last week of May 2020, after two months of lockdown. Data was collected using a predesigned, pretested google form which included personal details, symptoms experienced during lockdown and measures taken to reduce the problems. 234 participants submitted their response. Majority of the participants were living with their family during lockdown and 80% were studying or working from home. Sleep disorders, problems with appetite and eye problems were found among majority of the participants. About 65% were threatened with the thought of COVID infection and almost half of the participants were anxious about their career. There is need for monitoring and counselling of those affected with physical and psychological problems, especially the students, so that they can cope up with their regular activities, personal and professional life.
Familial transmission of hepatitis B: an interesting case report
Authors: Debnath Partha , Chavan Vijay , Rane Siddhesh , Jain Shubham , Thanage Ravi , Chandnani Sanjay , Shankarkumar Aruna , Rathi Pravin M.
Published: August 2020

Hepatitis-B is a health problem of global importance. India falls in the low intermediate endemicity zone (prevalence rate 2-4%) for hepatitis-B virus infection. Intrafamilial transmission of HBV has an important role in maintaining endemicity in our country. Here we report an interesting case of intrafamilial clustering of HBV infection from western India. Out of 14 family members, 12 members (85.7%) were hepatitis-B infected (overt or occult). This report highlights that vertical transmission of hepatitis-B is also an important route of hepatitis-B transmission. Screening of family members and contacts of HBsAg positive individuals with both HBsAg and Anti-HBc is required for timely active immunization and adaptation of hygienic precautions to prevent the chain of transmission of hepatitis B.
High fertility level in Sub-Saharan Africa: implication for reaping and optimizing demographic dividend
Authors: Sunmola Adebayo K. , Olaosebikan Johnson S. , Adeusi Temitope J.
Published: August 2020

Africa region remains the continent with the highest total fertility rate among other major regions of the world such as Europe, North America, Asia and Latin America and Oceania. This paper examines the determinants of high fertility in sub-Saharan Africa; it also determines the policy implication for reaping and optimizing demographic dividend. Secondary data sources were employed in achieving the set objectives. This paper submitted that determinants such as age at first marriage; high child mortality; low female education; gender preference; and limited birth spacing were the determinants of high fertility in Africa. For Africa to harness the demographic dividend, certain policy implications such as investment in child survival and health programmes; investment in quantity and quality of education; multi-sectoral approaches and meeting infrastructural development; enhance job market and enact and enforce laws to prevent early marriage among other policy programmes must be embraced. The paper concludes that there is high fertility in sub-Saharan Africa because of the in-built population momentum of the populace. Also, fertility must be reduced significantly if sub-Saharan Africa must reap and optimize the promising dividend. This paper, therefore, recommends that all government in Africa continent should come up with and implement effective population policy that will help to reduce high fertility level.
Epidemiology and health consequences of early marriage: focus on Delta State Nigeria
Authors: Agege Emmanuel A. , Nwose Ezekiel Uba , Nwajei Samuel D. , Odoko Joseph E. , Moyegbone John E. , Igumbor Eunice O.
Published: August 2020

Early marriage occurs for several reasons including gender inequality, poverty, insecurity and tradition. Marrying at such a young age means that these young girls are forced into sexual relations and often get pregnant when they are not ready, causing health challenges and adding to the health burden in developing countries. This paper reviews the epidemiology of early marriage with particular regards to the public health concepts and negative consequences of early marriage. This was a narrative review of previous works on early marriage. Evaluations included the statistics of the negative consequences on women and how best the practices have been ameliorated to its barest minimum. No data available on the previous works dearth of contextualized epidemiological information about Delta State Nigeria. However, available data shows as high as 88% prevalence rate of child marriage in Nigeria, with unexpected pregnancy at 23% being the major cause, maternal mortality at 90%, VVF over 500,000–1,000,000 reported annually in developing countries as the major health consequences. The causes, consequences and prevalence of early marriage constitute reasons for public health concerns to stem the tide. Willful and urgent attention is needed to prevent the pitiable situation of the victims, especially girls. Health literacy is a primary healthcare concept of community educational outreach to adopt.
Contact tracing: a global perspective and recommendations for the Indian scenario
Authors: Puntambekar Varad , Sharma Parth , Mulchandani Manish
Published: August 2020

We are currently in the midst of a pandemic of SARS-COVID-19 that has spread and increased its reach geometrically in just 3 months. Different countries and states are employing multiple methods to decrease the spread of the virus and decrease its negative impact. The government of India also has taken steps to identify and trace all patients and their contacts. This requires immense input of manpower, finance and technological solutions. Models from India and all over the world act as guides in highlighting the advantages and pitfalls of this method. Models of South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore, where intensive contact tracing measures have been implemented have been successful in controlling the pandemic but have created issues of invasion of privacy. Most successful models, in the developing world have sought out to create a multi-disciplinary dedicated contact tracing team of roughly 2-3 contact tracers per 1000 population. It is important to set up a dedicated team for this so that the already stretched ASHA and other community health workers are not overburdened as more responsibilities might lead do decrease in quality. Such a team, which is sensitive to local customs and armed with basics of contact-tracing techniques, need not be highly educated. Technological solutions that keep user privacy as a priority and encourage transparent sharing of methodologies to ensure user privacy must be promoted. Solutions must ensure dissemination of information from trusted sources and self-monitoring of symptoms.
Vaccination programme in India- the present status: a review
Authors: S. Gopalakrishnan , P. Sujitha
Published: August 2020

Vaccines are substances that are used to provide immunity by stimulating the production of antibodies. Immunization is a process by which a person is made to develop resistance towards infectious diseases by using a vaccine. Immunization programme is one of the key interventions for protection of children from life threatening conditions, which are preventable. By this cost effective intervention program, morbidity and mortality due to vaccine preventable diseases has been drastically reduced. In India, immunization programme was introduced in 1978 as ‘Expanded Programme of Immunization’ (EPI) by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. In 1985 the programme was modified as ‘Universal Immunization Programme’ (UIP) implemented in a phased manner. Through this programme nearly 12 vaccines are provided to infants, children and pregnant women. Even though the UIP is expected to cover all the eligible children and pregnant women in the country, the overall vaccination coverage falls short of the expected targets in different geographical regions of the country. As per NFHS 4 data, Punjab had the highest and Nagaland had the lowest vaccination coverage and there is a huge gap between the urban and rural areas in India. Through this review article the authors are trying to trace out the history and evolution of the vaccination programmes and the present status of the programme in view of the various difficulties it faces in recent times, which can lead to outbreaks and re-emergence of already controlled vaccine preventable diseases.
COVID-19 and the judiciary: the case for access to testing Sudhi versus Union of India
Authors: Uberoi Diya
Published: August 2020

In an effort to protect citizens’ right-to-health, the Supreme Court of India on April 8th ordered the government to make COVID-19 testing free in all private hospitals and labs. The Court’s decision in Sudhi v. Union of India marked a significant step towards ensuring that all people, especially poor workers in the informal sector have access to necessary care. Five days later, however, after facing objections from private companies and the state, the Supreme Court reversed its previous order and made testing free for only those living below the poverty line, an obligation already mandated under the National Health Policy Scheme.This commentary suggests that judicial action should be strengthened, not hampered, in times of global health crisis. While no state has unlimited resources to ensure the protection of health, the judiciary should be emboldened to hold the state to account.
Management of iatrogenic displacement of maxillary third molar into pterygomandibular space: case report
Authors: Sengar Poonam , Sybil Deborah , Khan Imran , Singh Sanjay
Published: August 2020

Third molar surgery is the most common minor oral surgical procedure performed in dental clinics. Displacement of maxillary third molar tooth into adjacent spaces such as infratemporal fossa, maxillary sinus has been reported earlier. We present an unusual case of iatrogenic displacement of maxillary third molar into pterygomandibular space. A 24 year old dental undergraduate reported to Department of Oral surgery with complaints of trismus and swelling in the check region after unsuccessful attempt at extraction of maxillary right third molar tooth. Computed tomography scan localized the tooth in the pterygomandibular space. A surgical removal of the displaced tooth was performed under general anesthesia. Displaced tooth was approached by an intraoral vertical incision along the anterior border of ramus of mandible. Correlating with computed tomography scan, tooth was located and removed followed by suturing of the surgical site. A good knowledge of the operating area and adjoining spaces is essential to avoid iatrogenic damage to tissues during minor oral surgery procedures. Adequate exposure and appropriate instrumentation during surgery can prevent undue complications and ensure quality patient care.
Genomic regions of Solanum tuberosum L. associated with the tuber eye depth
Authors: Totsky I. V. , Rozanova I. V. , Safonova A. D. , Batov A. S. , Gureeva Yu. A. , Kochetov A. V. , Khlestkina E. K.
Published: August 2020

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important food crops in the world. The genome of this potato species is autotetraploid and has a high level of heterozygosity, also this potato species is a cross-pollinated plant. These characteristics complicate the genetic analysis and breeding process. The tuber’s eye depth is an important trait that affects the suitability of potato varieties for processing. Potato breeding for this trait is based on phenotypic assessment. Identification of the loci that control tuber eye depth would allow diagnostic markers for the marker-assisted selection to be created. The aim of this study is to search for loci associated with the eye depth by analyzing Solanum tuberosum varieties from the GenAgro collection of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, genotyped using the Illumina 22K SNP potato array DNA chip. The 24 significant markers associated with the “eye depth” trait were identified using 15,214 SNP markers genotyped with the Illumina 22K SNP potato array chip and the general linear model (GLM) taking into account the population structure. Data obtained showed the presence of SNPs in four genomic regions: on chromosome 4 (1 marker in the 3.92 Mb area), 5 (1 marker in the 4.67 Mb area) and 10 (1 marker in the 4.87 Mb area and 21 markers in the region between 48.1–48.9 Mb). The results of localization in the region 48.1–48.9 Mb of chromosome 10 correspond to previously published studies, the remaining three regions were detected for the first time. DNA sections containing SNPs linked to the tuber’s eye depth were studied in the SolTub_3.0 potato genome assembly (https:// plants.ensembl.org/). KASP markers were developed based on the data obtained. It will be possible to screen the breeding material and to breed the varieties more effectively using current markers associated with a shallow tuber’s eye depth.
Identification of species in the genus Nitraria L. (Nitrariaceae) based on nucleotide variability of nuclear ribosomal DNA
Authors: Poliakova T. A. , Banaev E. V. , Tomoshevich M. A.
Published: August 2020

Intragenomic polymorphism of ITS1 and ITS2 of nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences was analysed in 33 samples belonging to the Nitraria species N. schoberi, N. sibirica, and N. komarovii. The nucleotide variability of the ITS region was detected in the Nitraria species as single-nucleotide substitutions (mainly transitions) and single-nucleotide deletion. Information about the nucleotide variability of fragments is given for the first time by us. The ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 region contained 17 phylogenetically informative single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Eleven single-nucleotide substitutions (transitions, C/T) were detected in ITS1. The ITS2 spacer contained 273–274 bp and was more conservative. A total of 5 phylogenetically informative single-nucleotide polymorphisms (4 transitions: C/T, G/A, one transversion: G/C), one single-nucleotide deletion (T/–) were detected in ITS2. The average GC content was 61.5 %. The GC content was lower in N. sibirica (59.2 %) than in N. schoberi and N. komarovii (62.7 %). It has been shown that the shorter ITS2 is a suitable molecular marker separating these species, due to the low interspecific variability and simultaneous available intraspecific variability. Phylogenetic ML and BI trees constructed separately for the ITS1 and ITS2 spacers, as well as separately for the full-size ITS region and the ITS2 spacer, were congruent. The results obtained on the intraspecific differentiation of N. sibirica revealed two main ribotypes among the samples of this species: the main Siberian sibirica-ribotype and the main Kazakh sibiricaribotype. Geographical features of the distribution of N. sibirica ribotypes, as well as the presence of significant differences between the main Siberian and Kazakh sibirica-ribotypes (3 single-nucleotide substitutions) indicated significant inter-population differences and taxonomic heterogeneity of N. sibirica. Most likely, the processes of homogenization of nuclear ribosomal DNA of N. sibirica samples, the origin of which is associated with hybridization and speciation, are currently continuing.
Priority trends and prospects of blackberry breeding in conditions of Central Russia
Authors: Gruner L. A. , Kornilov B. B.
Published: August 2020

This overview substantiates the possibility and expediency of blackberry breeding in Central Russia, where it is in demand, but not widespread in horticulture. Significant achievements of world breeding, which gave modern cultivars a large set of economically important qualities and growing interest in it all over the world, including Russian gardeners, make it relevant to work with blackberries as an object of selection, and as a promising garden plant. However, insufficient frost and winter hardiness of the bulk of the cultivars of this culture cause certain difficulties when growing it in the areas with cold winters to which the Central zone of Russia belongs. The expansion of the market of berry products also imposes increasingly high requirements on the complex of economic indicators of new cultivars, primarily the quality of blackberry fruit. In this regard, improving the existing range of varieties of the culture, increasing its adaptive properties and commodity qualities of berries are urgent tasks for breeders when creating new cultivars. The relevance of blackberry breeding is also dictated by the fact that in Russia its domestic range of varieties is represented by only one modern cultivar obtained in the southern region and adapted, first of all, to it. For the Central zone of the country, the cultivars of this plant have not been developed (except for the limited experiments of I.V. Michurin conducted almost 100 years ago). Therefore, the breeding of adapted cultivars of the culture in the climatic conditions of this region may be promising. It is also possible to grow here (with shelter for the winter) the cultivars already created abroad that can give with the right agricultural technology a good industrial harvest, which is confirmed by the practice of amateur and farm gardening, as well as scientific research. The purpose of this work is to designate the leading directions of blackberry breeding, the most important in the conditions of Central Russia and to show prospects of the development of new cultivars of this valuable culture in the specified climatic zone. The analysis of world trends and experience in the blackberry breeding and variety study, as well as the results of our own research of the culture conducted in the Orel region, allow us to consider it promising and relevant to work on improving the range of varieties of this plant in Central Russia. All priority areas of blackberry breeding, indicated in foreign and domestic breeding programs (winter hardiness, high quality of fresh and processed fruit, the correct shape of berries, their large size, the necessary values of biochemical composition, high productivity of plants, thornless shoots and high resistance to diseases and pests), are relevant for this region of our country, while high winter hardiness is currently the most important of them.
The content of yellow pigments in durum wheat (Titicum durum Desf.) grains: biosynthesis, genetic control, marker selection
Authors: Malchikov P. N. , Myasnikova M. G.
Published: August 2020

Grain with high contents of yellow pigments will add the natural bright-yellow colour to the paste, which unlike a paste with a high level of whiteness, are preferred by consumers. The provitamin activity (vitamin A) and antioxidant activity of the carotenoid pigment increase the biological and nutritional value of the grain with high contents of these pigments. The purpose of this review is to summarize modern knowledge about the biosynthesis and genetic control of pigment accumulation in durum wheat and to assess the main results of research and selection over the past 20 years abroad and in Russia. The trait “concentration carotenoid pigment in grain” (Ypc) is quantitative. However, the prevalence of strong additive gene effects and high heritability have contributed to significant progress in breeding for this trait. Molecular labeling of quantitative trait loci (QTL) that control the synthesis of the carotenoid pigment and the yellowness index (YI) found that they are distributed across all chromosomes of the durum wheat genome. The main QTLs, which determine 60 % of the variation of the trait, were mapped to 7AL and 7BL chromosome. The contribution of these QTLs is associated with allelic variations that control the activity of phytoene synthase (PSY). QTLs with minor effects found on the remaining chromosomes are also reliably mapped using molecular markers. As confirmed in a number of experiments, most of them are QTLs located on 3AS (linked to the LCYE (lycopene ε-cyclase) allele and on 4BS (the LpxB1.1c gene). It has been shown that the LpxB1.1c allele contributes to a decrease in the activity of lipoxygenase, which oxidases carotenoids during the production of end products. This review considered and discusses the problems of molecular markers in breeding programs to increase the concentration of pigments in the grain and improve the color characteristics of the paste.
Study of the effect of the introduction of mitochondrial import determinants into the gRNA structure on the activity of the gRNA/SpCas9 complex in vitro
Authors: Zakirova E. G. , Vyatkin Y. V. , Verechshagina N. A. , Muzyka V. V. , Mazunin I. O. , Orishchenko K. E.
Published: August 2020

It has long been known that defects in the structure of the mitochondrial genome can cause various neuromuscular and neurodegenerative diseases. Nevertheless, at present there is no effective method for treating mitochondrial diseases. The major problem with the treatment of such diseases is associated with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) heteroplasmy. It means that due to a high copy number of the mitochondrial genome, mutant copies of mtDNA coexist with wild-type molecules in the same organelle. The clinical symptoms of mitochondrial diseases and the degree of their manifestation directly depend on the number of mutant mtDNA molecules in the cell. The possible way to reduce adverse effects of the mutation is by shifting the level of heteroplasmy towards the wild-type mtDNA molecules. Using this idea, several gene therapeutic approaches based on TALE and ZF nucleases have been developed for this purpose. However, the construction of protein domains of such systems is rather long and laborious process. Meanwhile, the CRISPR/Cas9 system is fundamentally different from protein systems in that it is easy to use, highly efficiency and has a different mechanism of action. All the characteristics and capabilities of the CRISPR/Cas9 system make it a promising tool in mitochondrial genetic engineering. In this article, we demonstrate for the first time that the modification of gRNA by integration of specific mitochondrial import determinants in the gRNA scaffold does not affect the activity of the gRNA/Cas9 complex in vitro.
Migration of primordial germline cells is negatively regulated by surrounding somatic cells during early embryogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Dorogova N. V. , Khruscheva A. S. , Galimova Iu. A. , Oshchepkov D. Yu. , Maslov D. E. , Shvedkina E. D. , Akhmetova K. A. , Fedorova S. A.
Published: August 2020

Cell migration is an important morphogenetic process necessary at different stages of individual development and body functioning. The initiation and maintenance of the cell movement state requires the activation of many factors involved in the regulation of transcription, signal transduction, adhesive interactions, modulation of membranes and the cytoskeleton. However, cell movement depends on the status of both migrating and surrounding cells, interacting with each other during movement. The surrounding cells or cell matrix not only form a substrate for movement, but can also participate in the spatio-temporal regulation of the migration. At present, there is no exact understanding of the genetic mechanisms of this regulation. To determine the role of the cell environment in the regulation of individual cell migration, we studied the migration of primordial germline cells (PGC) during early embryogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster. Normally, PGC are formed at the 3rd stage of embryogenesis at the posterior pole of the embryo. During gastrulation (stages 6–7), PGC as a consolidated cell group passively transfers into the midgut primordium. Further, PGC are individualized, acquire an amoeboid form, and actively move through the midgut epithelium and migrate to the 5–6 abdominal segment of the embryo, where they form paired embryonic gonads. We screened for genes expressed in the epithelium surrounding PGC during early embryogenesis and affecting their migration. We identified the myc, Hph, stat92E, Tre-1, and hop genes, whose RNA interference leads to premature active PGC migration at stages 4–7 of embryogenesis. These genes can be divided into two groups: 1) modulators of JAK/STAT pathway activity inducing PGC migration (stat92E, Tre-1, hop), and 2) myc and Hph involved in epithelial morphogenesis and polarization, i.e. modifying the permeability of the epithelial barrier. Since a depletion of each of these gene products resulted in premature PGC migration, we can conclude that, normally, the somatic environment negatively regulates PGC migration during early Drosophila embryogenesis.
Genetic markers on the distribution of ancient marine hunters in Priokhotye
Authors: Malyarchuk B. A.
Published: August 2020

This is a review of studies on the genetic polymorphism of modern and ancient populations of the north of Asia and America, with the aim of reconstructing the history of migrations of ancient marine hunters in the Okhotsk Sea region. The data on mitochondrial DNA polymorphism and the “Arctic” mutation distribution – the rs80356779-A variant of the CPT1A gene – were analyzed. It is known that the “Arctic” variant of the CPT1A gene is widely distributed in modern populations of the Eskimos, Chukchis, Koryaks, and other peoples of the Okhotsk Sea region, whose economic structure is associated with marine hunting. According to paleogenomic data, the earliest cases of the “Arctic” variant of the CPT1A gene were found in the Greenland and Canadian Paleoeskimos (4 thousand years ago), among representatives of the Tokarev culture of the Northern Priokhotye (3 thousand years ago), and among the bearers of the culture of the late Jomon of Hokkaido (3.5–3.8 thousand years ago). The results of the analysis revealed several migration events associated with the spread of marine hunters in the Okhotsk Sea region. The latest migration, which left traces on bearers of the Epi-Jomon culture (2.0–2.5 thousand years ago), introduced the mitochondrial haplogroup G1b and the “Arctic” variant of the CPT1A gene from the north of Priokhotye to Hokkaido and neighboring territories of the Amur Region. Traces of earlier migration, which also brought the “Arctic” mutation, were recorded in the Hokkaido population of the late Jomon period (3.5–3.8 thousand years ago). A phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial genomes belonging to the rare haplogroup C1a, found in populations of the Far East and Japan, but phylogenetically related to the C1-haplogroups of the Amerindians, was carried out. The results of the analysis showed that the divergence of mitochondrial lineages within the C1a haplogroup occurred in the range from 7.9 to 6.6 thousand years ago, and the age of the Japanese branch of the C1a haplogroup is approximately 5.2 thousand years. It is not yet known whether this migration is associated with the spread of the “Arctic” variant of the CPT1A gene or the presence of C1a haplotypes in the population of the Japanese islands marks another, earlier, episode of the migration history linking the populations of Northwest Pacific and North America.
¿Quién es el culpable? Ideologías de la comunicación, narrativas y discursos morales en la lucha contra la tuberculosis en una prisión peruana
Authors: Portocarrero Julio
Published: August 2020

Este artículo aborda las narrativas, diálogos y experiencias de internos y personal de salud involucrados en una intervención financiada por el Fondo Global para reducir los índices de tuberculosis en las prisiones peruanas. Se busca responder a dos preguntas principales: ¿cómo se discute y sobre quién recae la responsabilidad del cuidado de la enfermedad en esta intervención?  Se basa en una etnografía realizada en el año 2006 en el penal de Lurigancho, la prisión más hacinada de Perú. El estudio muestra que, contrariamente a lo que la intervención sostenía, buena parte de los internos podían reproducir en sus términos, sin mayores problemas, las versiones biomédicas sobre la etiología de la enfermedad. Se encuentra que el discurso de la intervención termina responsabilizando exclusivamente a los pacientes por su situación de salud, velando otros factores sociales y económicos igualmente importantes.  Se sostiene que muchas políticas de salud pública han cobrado un cariz reduccionista desde que la salud pública se ha comenzado a pensar utilizando supuestos económicos liberales. Como consecuencia de este proceso, algunas enfermedades y tipos de pacientes o grupos sociales pueden ser considerados como moralmente reprochables y castigables. Se concluye que es fundamental explorar la ideología de comunicación detrás de cualquier intervención o política de salud pública.
Gestión de políticas públicas en salud: Mujeres migrantes en una ciudad de la Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Barria Oyarzo Carlos
Published: August 2020

Este trabajo busca caracterizar la gestión cotidiana de la política pública en salud que tiene como destinatarias a mujeres migrantes de zonas rurales de Bolivia en una ciudad de la Patagonia, Argentina. El trabajo de campo se realizó entre los años 2016 y 2018 en dos centros de atención primaria de salud, ubicados en barrios periurbanos de la ciudad de Comodoro Rivadavia, a través del acompañamiento en las tareas cotidianas de efectoras de salud, encuentros, charlas y entrevistas con profesionales, funcionarios y mujeres migrantes. Se evidencia una política focalizada y tutelar en lo que respecta a la salud de migrantes, que vela una lectura generizada, etnicizada, de clase social y generacional, fundamentando técnicas de control y subjetivación, que en algunos casos se presentan disputadas. Desde un enfoque etnográfico, aportes de la antropología de la salud, del Estado y una perspectiva de género interseccional se da cuenta de la producción y gestión del riesgo, así como de sus tensiones en contextos de desigualdad.
Itinerarios terapéuticos de mujeres migrantes de origen boliviano en la ciudad de Buenos Aires
Authors: Buzzi Pablo Andrés , Sy Anahi
Published: August 2020

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo describir y analizar los itinerarios terapéuticos de las mujeres migrantes de origen boliviano en los barrios de Bajo Flores y Villa 31, de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA). Se utilizó metodología cualitativa, orientada a indagar sobre las estrategias de atención a la salud, aplicando las técnicas de entrevista y grupo focal. Como principales resultados, se registra el uso articulado de diversas formas de atención, en particular, es frecuente la consulta al farmacéutico en reemplazo del médico, ya sea como forma de evitar los obstáculos y barreras del sistema público de atención o como alternativa ante el fracaso terapéutico de decisiones previas. Además, en el trabajo se describen las barreras que estas mujeres encuentran al intentar acceder al sistema público. Por último, se observa que la circulación de información entre familiares, vecinos, amigos y “paisanos” se convierte en el medio más frecuente de acceso a conocimientos sobre las alternativas de atención disponibles en cada territorio.