bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Factors Associated With Practice and Knowledge of Essential Newborn Care Among Nurse and Midwives in Assosa Zone Governmental Health Facilities, Western Ethiopia, 2021.
Authors: Bayisa Diriba , Teklay Berhane , Demissie Mabratu , Dina Hunduma
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Promoting basic newborn care skills and practices is a cost-effective approach to improving newborn health outcomes. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the essence of the essential knowledge about newborn care, practices and related factors among nurse and midwives in western Ethiopia.Objective: This study intended to assess factors associated with Practice and knowledge of Essential newborn care among nurse and midwives working in Assosa Zone governmental health facility, western Ethiopia, 2021. Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study design was conducted among nurses and Midwives those engaged in newborn care services in selected public health facilities in Assosa Zone western Ethiopia. A Convenient sampling technique was applied. Data was collected by interviewer administered structured questionnaires.Data processing and analysis: The collected data was entered into Epi data 3.1version and analyzed by using SPSS version 26. The strength of association between independent and dependent variables was measured by odd ratios with 95% CI at p-value of < 0.05. Result: 98% nurses and midwives w. Mean value of good knowledge and good practice of essential newborn care were 61.7% [95% CI (56.4, 69.8)] and 41.5% [95% CI (38.3, 48.5)] respectively. Being trained, educational qualification, availability of newborn care materials and work experience were significantly associated with knowledge practice of essential newborn care.Conclusion: This study identified that knowledge of essential newborn care was average among Nurse and Midwifes; however, the practice of essential newborn care was very low compared to other studies in Ethiopia. Therefore factors identified; in service training, improving educational qualification and increasing accessibility of new born care materials at all facility level are interventional areas to bring required knowledge and practice of Essential new born care.
Efficacy of a Blended Learning Programme in Enhancing the Communication Skill Competence and Self-Efficacy of Nursing Students in Conducting Clinical Handovers: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Chung Jessie Yuk Seng , Li William Ho Cheung , Cheung Ankie Tan , Ho Laurie Long Kwan , Chung Joyce Oi Kwan
Published: January 2022

Background: A clinical handover is an essential nursing practice that ensures patient safety. However, most newly graduated nurses struggle to conduct clinical handovers as they lack sufficient communication skill competence and self-efficacy in this practice. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of a blended learning programme in enhancing the communication skill competence and self-efficacy of final-year nursing students in conducting clinical handovers.Methods: A randomised controlled design was used. A convenience sample of 96 final-year baccalaureate nursing students at a local university, who had no previous training in clinical handovers. Data were collected in 2020. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 50) that received a blended learning programme with face-to-face training and an online module on handover practice, or a waitlist control group (n = 46) that received only face-to-face handover training during the study period and an online module immediately after the completion of data collection. The outcomes were the communication skill competence and self-efficacy of the participants in conducting clinical handovers. Results: We found that the participants in the experimental group had significantly higher communication skill competence (p < 0.001) than those in the waitlist control group. Although both groups showed a significant improvement in self-efficacy, the mean scores of the experimental group were higher than those of the waitlist control group (p < 0.001).Conclusions: This study demonstrated the efficacy of a blended learning approach in improving the communication skill competence and self-efficacy of final-year nursing students in conducting clinical handovers. The findings have implications for the clinical handover training programme.Trial registration: The study protocol was registered in the Registration ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05150067; retrospective registration; date of registration 08/12/2021).
Postnatal Clubs for Integrated Postnatal Care in Johannesburg, South Africa: A Qualitative Assessment of Implementation
Authors: Makina-Zimalirana Ndinda , Dunlop Jackie , Jiyane Anele , Bartels Sophia Marie , Struthers Helen , McIntyre James , Rees Kate
Published: January 2022

Background
South Africa has reported challenges in retaining women in Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) programs postnatally. Due to the success of PMTCT in the antenatal period, proportionally more infant transmissions now occur after delivery. The Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) Postnatal Club (PNC) model allows for integrated postnatal care and support. Anova Health Institute implemented the model in primary health facilities in Johannesburg as part of a planned national scale-up. We aimed to assess the implementation of these PNCs.
Methods
We used the RE-AIM (Reach, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance) framework to assess implementation success and explore factors influencing implementation. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 PNC staff, both clinicians and lay counsellors, using convenience sampling, from 12 facilities in Johannesburg. Data were analysed thematically using the RE-AIM framework.
Results
PNC were perceived to have many benefits for postnatal clients and their infants: providers reported reduced waiting times, reduced number of clinic visits and that PNC provided clients with a space to form cohesive group dynamics thereby contributing to retention and adherence to antiretroviral therapy. However, it was found that lacking resources (e.g., space, medical equipment, staff) negatively impacted reach, implementation and sustainability. At times the PNC model was altered to accommodate the availability of resources (e.g., counselling mothers individually). Additionally, providers expressed concerns about lack of stakeholder adoption and emphasized the importance of involving facility leadership for successful integration of the model into routine primary healthcare.
Conclusion
Our study found incomplete implementation of PNC in most of the participating facilities attributed to lack of resources and stakeholder buy-in. This underscores the need for increased support at management level to ensure sustainability. Effective collaboration between all stakeholders would allow better use of existing resources. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether all components of the model need to be implemented fully to ensure optimal outcomes, and to identify implementation strategies to facilitate scale-up.
Extracting the candidate genes for cancer from the microarray gene expression data by stochastic computation
Authors: Behera Narayan , Sinha Shruti
Published: January 2022

Microarray gene expression data provides a simultaneous gene expression profile of thousands of genes. A handful of genes among the thousands of genes play dominant roles in a disease process. It is impractical to find these faulty genes from experimental data. A computational approach is necessary to find the key genes and hence it is an important area of research in bioinformatics. A new algorithm is developed in this work to identify the candidate genes of a cancer from microarray gene expression data. Gene clustering enables identification of co-expressed genes in specified biological conditions. Many algorithms have inherent limitations to understand the accurate information. This model is a hybrid of clustering algorithm and genetic. A genetic algorithm utilizes the three biological principles of evolution, such as selection, recombination, and mutation to solve an optimization problem. An interdependence measure between the genes is based on a metric which can be mutual information. In many conventional algorithms, a Euclidean genetic distance measure is used. This is basically the difference between gene expression values. Genes are similar if their expressions levels are very close. Similarity of the gene expression levels, and also positive and negative correlations between the genes are taken into account while clustering them. This property is used in mutual information which introduces a parameter called interdependence measure. This says roughly how the two genes are correlated. The genes having higher interdependence measures are the top candidate genes responsible for a diseased state. These top genes are believed to be faulty genes that contain the most diagnostic information for cancer. An analysis is done on gastric cancer, colon cancer, and brain cancer microarray gene expression datasets to pinpoint the faulty genes. In comparison with many existing computational tools, the top candidate genes found by this evolutionary computational model, are able to classify the known samples into cancerous and normal ones with high accuracy. The new model called as evolutionary clustering algorithm also creates more even-like distribution of genes in the clusters. Furthermore, the present computational tool is more coherent in clustering the genes having large differences in their expression values. This information-theoretic computational method can be potentially applied to the big data analysis from other sources.
Study Protocol: Development and Pilot Testing of the Critical Care Pain Observation Tool for Families (CPOT-Fam)
Authors: Shahid Anmol , Owen Victoria S , Sept Bonnie G , Longmore Shelly , Soo Andrea , Brundin-Mather Rebecca , Krewulak Karla D , Moss Stephana J , Plotnikoff Kara M , Gelinas Celine , Fiest Kirsten M , Stelfox Henry T
Published: January 2022

BackgroundPatients in the intensive care unit (ICU) often have limited ability to communicate making it more difficult to identify and effectively treat their pain. Family caregivers or close friendsof critically ill patients may be able to identifysigns of pain before the clinical care team, and could potentially assist in routine pain assessments. This study will adapt the Critical Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT) for use by family members to create the CPOT-Fam and compare family CPOT-Fam assessments with nurse-provided CPOT assessments for a given patient.MethodsThis study will be executed in two phases:1) Development of the CPOT-Fam - A working group ofpatient partners, ICU clinicians, and researchers will adapt the CPOT for use by family caregivers (creating the CPOT-Fam) and produce an accompanying educational module to deliver information on pain and how to use the tool.The CPOT-Fam will undergo pre-clinical testing with participants (i.e., members of the public and family caregiversof critically ill adults), who will complete the educational module and provide CPOT-Fam scores on sample cases. Feedback on the CPOT-Fam will be collected.2) Pilot testing the CPOT-Fam – Family caregivers of critically ill adults will complete the educational module and provide information on: 1) demographics, 2) anxiety, 3) caregiving self-efficacy, and 4) satisfaction with care in the ICU. Family caregivers will then provide a proxy assessment of their critically ill loved one’s pain through the CPOT-Fam and also provide a subjective(i.e., questionnaire-based including open-ended responses) accountof their loved one’s pain status. A comparison (i.e., agreement) will be made between family caregiver provided CPOT-Fam scores and ICU nurse-provided CPOT scores (collected from the provincial health information system), calculated independently and blinded to one another. Feasibility and acceptability of the CPOT-Fam will be determined.DiscussionThe results of this work will produce a familycaregiver CPOT (i.e., CPOT-Fam), determine feasibility and acceptability of the CPOT-Fam, and comparepain assessments conducted by family caregivers and ICU nurses. The results will inform whether a larger studyto determine arole for family caregivers in ICU pain assessmentusing the CPOT-Fam is warranted.Trial registration- Not applicable.
Viability of Natural Populations of Hypancistrus zebra (Siluriformes, Loricariidae), Xingu, Brazil
Authors: Silva Liriann Chrisley Nascimento Da , de Sousa Leandro Melo , De Marco Paulo , Vieira Thiago Bernardi
Published: January 2022

Hypancistrus zebra is an endemic fish species from the Middle Xingu River and recently included in the Critically Endangered (CR) category in the Red Book List of Endangered Brazilian Fauna that follows IUCN criteria. Given these impacts and the lack of information about the species, it is difficult to assume the viability of natural populations. Thus, this work aims to evaluate the effect of the variation of intrinsic parameters on the population viability of H. zebra. For this, an Individual Based Model (MBI) was created of the type Agent Based Modeling (MBA). To create the model, we considered “individuals” as an entity and the following variables of interest: longevity, age of sexual maturity, annual reproduction number, instant birth rate (b0), instant mortality rate (d0), interference of each individual in population growth (b1), interference of each individual in population mortality (d1), time (t), radius, richness (S), tolerance (tol) and population size (N). The model showed that natural populations today, even not taking human impacts in account, are at the limit of viability. However, any factor that causes a reduction in resource availability, even if not evident, can lead to a steep population decline, affecting the viability of the populations.
Aeolian Sand Deposit Assessment in an Arid Area, Case Study: The Region of Ksour Mountains (SW of Algeria)
Authors: Bouarfa Said , Derdour Abdessamed , Okkacha Youb , Almaliki Abdulrazak H. , Jodar-Abellan Antonio , Hussein Enas E.
Published: January 2022

The phenomenon of aeolian sand deposit constitutes a major problem in the region of Ksour Mountains in Algeria, which causes serious social and economic problems. To assess the textural properties of sands, and to investigate the origin of aeolian sand deposit in the study area, eleven (11) samples were collected from the sands of Ain Sefra. Then the granulometry, calcimetry and morphoscopy of the samples were studied. Granulometric testing of samples from 11 locations showed that sand size was very fine to fine grained, with a mean grain value of 226.5 μm. It sort ranged from 1.22 to 1.90, indicating well sorting the sands and skewness values ranging from-0.4 to 0.66, being mainly negative with an average of -0.06, indicating symmetrical to fine skewed values. The values of kurtosis ranges from 0.79 to 1.5, with an average of 0.93, where 64 percent of samples are Mesokurtotic and 36 percent of samples are Platikurtotic. Calcimetric results show a very low percentage of carbonate, which ranges from 1.85 % to 7.4 % and illustrate a very low content of fine fraction and organic matter. The preliminary examinations of the sands in our study area by morphoscopy showed that 73 percent of sand are in RM category, 19 percent in the rounded and shiny (EL) category. In comparison, 08 percent are represented by the fresh and angular (NU) category. The outcome of various experimentation led to the conclusion that the aeolian sand deposit in the study area, are linked to the wind transport from the Moroccan territory such as Chott Tigri, Oued Maader, the corridor between Figuig, Bouarfa and Massa Daraa, which are the dominant sources of sands in the region of the study area. Therefore, the study better understands the origin of sands and their characteristics in this part of the Ksour Mountains.
Long-term Cardio-vascular Risk Assessment in Chronic Kidney Disease and Kidney Transplanted Patients Following SARS-COV-2 Disease: Protocol for Multi-center Observational Match Controlled Trial
Authors: Tapoi Laura , Apetrii Mugurel , Dodi Gianina , Nistor Ionut , Voroneanu Luminita , Siriteanu Lucian , Onofriescu Mihai , Kanbay Mehmet , Covic Adrian
Published: January 2022

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) produced a pandemic since March 2020 by affecting more than 243 million people with more than 5 million deaths globally. SARS-CoV-2 infection is produced by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme, which among other sites is highly expressed in the endothelial cells of the blood vessels, pericytes and the heart, as well as in renal podocytes and proximal tubular epithelial cells. SARS-CoV-2 and cardiovascular disease (CVD) are interconnected by risk factors association with an increased incidence of the disease and by determining de novo cardiac complications. At the same time, COVID-19 disease can lead to acute kidney injury directly, or due to sepsis, multi-organ failure and shock. Therefore, the pre-existence of both CVD and chronic kidney disease (CKD) is linked with a higher risk of severe disease and worse prognosis. MethodsThe main aim of this study is to assess the CV risk in a CKD (stage 3 to 5), dialysis and kidney transplanted population, following SARS-CoV-2 infection, with focus on the endothelial dysfunction as compared to a control group of matched patients. By using clinical evaluation, flow-mediated dilatation, carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, intima-media thickness, echocardiographic parameters, lung ultrasound, bioimpedance spectroscopy and a series of novel biomarkers, the investigators will determine the long-term impact of this disease on CV and renal outcomes.DiscussionThis study will address the challenges and implications in long-term CV sequeale of COVID-19 and focus on a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms and possible therapeutic options.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05125913. Registered November 18, 2021.
Basicity and Nucleophilicity Effect in Charge Transfer of ALH3-Base Adducts
Authors: Aichi Mouhamed , Hafied Meriem , Dibi AMMAR
Published: January 2022

This study permits to explore the interactions involved in Lewis acid (AlH3) and Lewis bases: CO; H2O; NH3; PH3; PC13; H2S; CN- ; OH-; O2 -2; F-; N (CH3)3; N2; N2H4; N2H2; pyridine; aniline. By means of DFT theory calculations with B3LYP functional using 6-31G(d,p) basis set and in order to check the effects of both the donor and the acceptor in the establishment of the different adducts we focused mainly on the calculation of the energetic gap ∆EHOMO-LUMO, Gibbs energies ∆G, the angle (𝜃) in AlH3-Base and the interaction energy values Eint. The several parameters of the reactivity (electrophilicity index (𝜔) , nucleophilicity (𝑁), chemical potential (μ), hardness (η) and polarizability (α) are also calculated to defined the weak interaction as well as to distinguish between the nucleophilicity and basicity of the different Lewis basis.Our results showed that the electronic charge transfer is estimated to be important in the systems where the interaction is established between Al and anionic bases, and the electron donor power is predictable for O-2, F- , OH- and CN-. The pseudo-tetrahedral adduct arrangements depend on the parameter geometries (bond length interaction and 𝜃 angle) and Gibbs energies ∆G characterizing the main stability.
Liver Tumor Detection by Automated Thresholding and Image Segmentation
Authors: J Jeslin Libisha , G Pavithra , R Sundar , C Ram Kumar
Published: January 2022

Cancer is the most prevalent disease, with higher death factor in human beings. The irregular growth of cells leads to liver cancer or hepatic cancer, where, Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the affected liver cancer to 75% of cases. Due to risk factors, it is difficult to be diagnosing the liver cancer at the earlier stage. Since, manual segmentation of tumor from Computed Tomography (CT) image is associated with time consuming and the task requires expert radiologist. To overcome this problem we need an automatic segmentation and analysis process, to identify the prevalence of liver cancer in the early phase itself. This technique consists of various image processing techniques to detect, segment and analyse the tumor in the liver automatically. The clustering algorithm is applied on liver CT image for effective tumor detection. In order to segment the region of tumor, distance transform and watershed transform is used. Then, the intensity of the tumor can be measured by the process which involves edge detection, adaptive thresholding, hole – filling and background subtraction. This works aims to improve accurate analysis of tumor in the liver.
Summer Regional Climate Simulations over Tibetan Plateau: From Gray Zone to Convection Permitting Scale
Authors: Ma Mengnan , Ou Tinghai , Liu Dongqing , Wang Shuyu , Fang Juan , Tang Jianping
Published: January 2022

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) is often referred to as ‘the Third Pole’ and plays an essential role in influencing the global climate. However, it remains challenging for most global and regional models to realistically simulate the characteristics of long-period climate over the TP. In this study, two Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) experiments using the regional climate simulation method of spectral nudging with gray-zone (GZ9) and convection-permitting (CP3) resolution are conducted for summer from 2009 to 2018. The surface air temperature (T2m) and precipitation from the two simulations and the global reanalysis ERA5 are evaluated against in-situ observations. The results show that ERA5 has a general cold bias over southern TP, especially in maximum T2m (Tmax), and wet bias over whole TP. Both experiments can successfully capture the spatial pattern and daily variation of T2m and precipitation, though cold bias for temperature and dry bias for precipitation exist especially over the regions south of 35°N. Compared with ERA5, the added value of the two WRF experiments is mainly reflected in the reduced cold bias especially for Tmax with more improvement found in CP3 and the reduced wet bias. However, the ability of WRF experiments in significantly improving the simulation of precipitation seems limited, which may be related to physical parameterization and lack of representativeness of station observation. Further investigation into surface radiation budget reveals that the underestimation of surface net radiation contributes a lot to the cold bias of T2m over the eastern TP in GZ9 while is improved in CP3 due to more downward solar radiation. Compared with GZ9, CP3 shows larger specific humidity at low-level (mid-high level) coexists with more precipitation (clouds) over the southern TP. This improvement is achieved by better depiction of topographic details and stronger northward water vapor transport (WVT) in CP3, providing more water vapor for precipitation at surface and much wetter condition in the mid-high level.
Zero fluoroscopy ablation for atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia and typical atrial flutter is equally safe and effective with EnSite NavX, Carto3, and Rhythmia mapping systems
Authors: Piros Katalin , Perge Péter , Salló Zoltán , Herczeg Szilvia , Nagy Vivien Klaudia , Osztheimer István , Merkely Béla , Gellér László , Szegedi Nandor
Published: January 2022

Purpose
Our purpose was to compare the procedural characteristics, success rate, and complication rate of the conventional fluoroscopic (CF) and the zero-fluoroscopic (ZF) approach in patients undergoing catheter ablation AVNRT or typical atrial flutter (Aflu).
Methods
186 consecutive patients with an indication for AVNRT or Aflu ablation were enrolled. Based on the operator's preference, the patients were assigned to either CF or ZF group. In the ZF group EnSite NavX, Carto3, or Rhythmia EAMS were used for catheter guidance.
Results
The median age was 56 (IQR= 42-68) years, 144 patients had AVNRT, and 42 had Aflu ablation. CF approach was chosen in 123 cases, while ZF in 63 cases. ZF approach was used more often in case of AVNRT patients [56 (39%) vs. 7 (17%), p=0.006] and in the case of female patients [43 (43%) vs. 20 (23%), p=0.025]. Acute procedural success was obtained in all cases. There was no difference in the complication rate (1 vs. 1, p>0.99) between the two groups. No difference was found regarding the procedure time between the CF and ZF groups [CF: 55 (46-60) min, ZF 60 (47-65) min; p=0.487] or in the procedure time for the different EAMS [EnSite NavX: 58 (50-63) min, Carto3: 60 (44.5-66.3) min, Rhythmia: 55 (35-69) min; p=0.887]. Similar mid-term success rate was seen in the two groups [41 (100%) vs. 96 (97%); p=0.55].
Conclusion
The ZF approach demonstrated non-inferiority in safety and efficacy compared with CF for the AVNRT and Aflu ablations.
Oral Health Among Children With Haematological Malignancies In Syria
Authors: Alhaffar MHD Bahaa Aldin , Mustafa Khattab , Alsabbagh Samira , Alhaffar Ola , Kakaje Ameer
Published: January 2022

Background: Since 2011, Syria has been facing a conflict that impacted all aspects of life. Haematological malignancies are mainly treated with chemotherapy which can further harm oral health. This study evaluates oral health of children with haematological malignancies and on chemotherapy in Syria.Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of (40) patients from the major paediatric hospital in Damascus. Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) and Oral Assessment Guide (OAG) indices were used to evaluate oral health. Data about cancer was collected from medical records. Results: Patients aged between 3-14 years. Three types of paediatric cancer were included; acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) 52.2%, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL) 27.5%, and Burkitt Lymphoma (BL) 20%. Average DMFT was (6.7 ± 3.2) and average OAG index was (10.8 ± 1.7). DMFT was significantly correlated with OAG (r=0.021). In patients undergoing chemotherapy, better DMFT and OAG indices were reported in males who had cancer for shorter periods, had higher frequency of toothbrushing, or/and were helped while toothbrushing. However, age and cancer type did not significantly affect DMFT and OAG.Conclusion: Children undergoing chemotherapy in Syria had worse oral health and pain compared to other children from the same age in similar studies. More attention should be given to these patients in order to improve their overall health and their quality of life especially during the ongoing conflict.
Therapeutic natural compounds Enzastaurin and Palbociclib inhibits MASTL kinase activity preventing breast cancer cell proliferation
Authors: Polisety Aneesha , Misra Gauri , Rajawat Jyotika , Katiyar Amit , Singh Harpreet , Bhatt Anant Narayan
Published: January 2022

Microtubule-associated serine/threonine kinase-like (MASTL) regulates mitotic progression and is an attractive target for the development of new anticancer drugs. In this study, novel inhibitory molecules were screened against MASTL kinase, a protein involved in cell proliferation in breast cancer. Natural source-derived drugs Enzastaurin and Palbociclib were selected to identify their role as MASTL kinase inhibitors. Cytotoxic activity, kinase activity and other cell-based assays of Enzastaurin and Palbociclib were evaluated on human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells. The potential natural compounds caused cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cells in a dose and time-dependent manner. Further analysis by Annexin V and PI staining indicated that both drugs are potent inducers of apoptosis. Enzastaurin induced G2/M phase arrest while, Palbociclib caused G1 arrest. MASTL kinase activity was significantly abrogated with both the compounds showing EC50 values of 17.13µM and 10.51µM respectively. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that Enzastaurin and Palbociclib possess the ability to inhibit MASTL kinase activity and induce cell death in breast cancer cells, thus exhibiting significant therapeutic potential.
Investigating the relationship between economic growth, agricultural expansion and chemical pollution in Iran through decoupling index analysis
Authors: Najafabadi Mostafa Mardani , Mirzaei Abbas , Laskookalayeh Somaeh Shirzadi , Azarm Hassan
Published: January 2022

The balance between the growth of the agricultural economy and the spread of pollution due to consumption of chemical inputs is one of the major challenges in agricultural sector. In this regard, the use of decoupling index to decouple the link between agricultural production and pollution caused by the consumption of chemical inputs, such as fertilizers and pesticides, is emphasized. Therefore, in the present study, the decoupling index is first calculated in relation to the emission of pollution caused by the use of chemical inputs in the process of agricultural production during the period of 1991-2016 in Iran. Then, by systematically reviewing the existing literature, the factors affecting the decoupling index in the agricultural sector of Iran are evaluated using the ARDL model. The results showed that in recent years, pollution indicators in relation to chemical inputs have not had an ideal trend and despite the further growth of agricultural production, the quality of the environment has experienced a declining trend. The results of the decoupling index related to the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers in Iran show that during a 26-year period, only 5 and 4 years of use of these inputs have had a sustainable state compared to production growth. Also, among the factors affecting the decoupling index, the value-added variable of the agricultural sector has the most positive effect on this index and thus, increases the level of pollution in the agricultural sector in the long run. The variables of gross domestic production (GDP) and the area under cereal cultivation in the agricultural sector will also increase the decoupling index.
Project SCANCER: An Open-access Drug Repurposing and Data-mining Platform to Enhance Target Validation and Optimize International Research Efforts against Highly Progressive Cancers
Authors: Dora David , Dora Timea , Szegvari Gabor , Gerdán Csongor , Lohinai Zoltan
Published: January 2022

The expanding body of potential therapeutic targets requires easily accessible, structured, and transparent real-time interpretation of molecular data. We invite research teams to join and aim to enhance the cooperative work of more experienced groups to harmonize international efforts to overcome less prevalent, devastating malignancies. We show how we integrated our previous expertise in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) with data mining approaches to initiate a new platform to overcome highly progressive cancers such as triple-negative breast and pancreatic cancer. Here, we integrate available fundamental data and present a novel, open access, data-mining, drug repurposing platform, deriving our searches from the entries of Clue.io. Through the front end, users can create their drug-target list to select the clinically most relevant targets for further functional validation assays or drug trials. SCANCER integrates searches from publicly available databases, such as PubChem, Drug Bank, PubMed, and EMA; and complementing them with background information on compounds using entities like UniProt, String, and genecards. Cancer drug discovery requires a convergence of complex, often disparate fields. We present a simple, transparent, and user-friendly drug repurposing database.
Transverse drill lead angle and positioning during tibial tunnel creation in the anatomical single-bundle reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament
Authors: Yan Jingtong , Fan Zheyuan , Hu Gaojian , Gao Yu , Li Yuhuan , Tang Jinshuo , Wang Xingxing , Yang Modi , Lv Jiayin
Published: January 2022

Objective
To determine the optimal tibial insertion orientation for guiding the transverse drill lead angle and tibial positioner during reconstruction of a single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Methods
A total of 48 patients (26 males; 22 females) with normal knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were screened. Ultimately, 46 patients underwent bilateral knee MRI examination.
Results
For right vs the left knees, the tibial ACL insertion area was 120.10±5.40 mm2 and 119.46±6.59 mm2, respectively in males, and 114.76±7.01 mm2 and 113.68±8.30 mm2, respectively, in females. The angle between the long axis of the tibial ALC insertion area and the anteroposterior line of the tibial plateau was 20.47±3.91° and 20.95 ± 4.15°, respectively, in males, and 19.96±4.00° and 20.60±4.54°, respectively, in females. Additionally, the angle formed by the ACL and the tibial plateau in the sagittal plane was 43.82±4.56° and 44.76±3.58° respectively, in males, and 45.20±3.43° and 44.46±2.17°, respectively, in females. The distance between the midpoint of the tibial ACL insertion and the anterior edge of the tibial plateau in the sagittal plane was 21.59±2.32 mm and 21.79±2.02 mm, respectively, in males, and 18.93±1.12 mm and 20.13±1.84 mm, respectively, in females. Similarly, the length of this point from the posterior edge of the tibial plateau was 34.56±3.36 mm and 34.54±3.04 mm, respectively, in males, and 28.85±2.18 mm and 29.03±2.18 mm, respectively, in females. The coronal angle between the ACL and the tibial plateau was 66.37±4.44° and 66.49±4.96°, respectively, in males, and 66.70±4.84° and 66.39±2.79°, respectively, in females, and the length from the midpoint of the tibial ACL insertion in the coronal plane to the inner edge of the tibial plateau was 34.28±1.70 mm and 35.90±1.62 mm, respectively in males, and was 30.21±1.59 mm and 31.84±1.71 mm respectively, in females. The length of this point from the outer edge of the tibial plateau was also 43.82±2.09 mm and 41.70±1.85 mm, respectively, in males, and 37.50±1.72 mm and 35.64±2.29 mm, respectively, in females. Finally, the width of the tibial ACL insertion in the coronal plane was 9.90±1.66 mm and 9.54±1.64 mm, respectively in males, and 8.50±1.03 mm and 8.53±1.18 mm, respectively, in females.
Conclusion
This study determined the optimal drill lead angle for tibia positioning during ACL reconstruction in Chinese patients.
Cytoprotective, antioxidant and anti-migratory activity of Pistacia lentiscus L. supercritical carbon dioxide extract on primary human endothelial cells
Authors: Giordo Roberta , Cossu Annalisa , Porcu Maria Cristina , Cappuccinelli Roberto , Biosa Grazia , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Pretti Luca , Nasrallah Gheyath K , Pintus Gianfranco , Posadino Anna Maria
Published: January 2022

Green chemistry is emerging as a useful tool for producing valuable chemicals from biomass. However, extracted compounds need to be tested for safety, quality, and efficacy before their use in humans. Here we investigate the chemical composition and biological effects of leaves Pistacia lentiscus L. essential oil (EO) extract obtained with supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2). Extract's phytoconstituents profiling was performed by GC-MS/MS, while antioxidant activity was evaluated on human primary endothelial cells (ECs) using the reactive oxygen species (ROS) probe H2DCFDA. Potentil extract toxicity and protective effect against H2O2-induced oxidative stress were investigated using LDH-leakage and BrdU-proliferation tests. Extract’s effect on ECs migration was determined by trans-well assay. Terpenes represented the main extraction process fraction yielding 0.14% of EO. Germacrene D (11.18%), delta-cadinene (10.54%), and alpha-pinene (8.7%) were the most abundant OE molecules. Challenged with ECs, increasing extract concentrations failed to affect cell proliferation or promote cell death. ROS assessment in unstressed and H2O2-treated ECs demonstrated an extract dose-dependent antioxidant activity. The exposure of H2O2-treated ECs to increasing extract concentrations dose-dependently rescued cells from the H2O2-induced impairments of cell proliferation and death. Extract was able to significantly counteract fetal calf serum-induced ECs migration. For the first time, we report that a SCCO2 extract obtained from PL leaves is safe on ECs and may be a useful source of valuable compounds with vasculoprotective properties.
Modelling multiple time-scales with flexible parametric survival models
Authors: Batyrbekova Nurgul , Bower Hannah , Dickman Paul W. , Landtblom Anna Ravn , Hultcrantz Malin , Szulkin Robert , Lambert Paul C. , Andersson Therese M-L.
Published: January 2022

Background: There are situations when we need to model multiple time-scales in survival analysis. A usual approach in this setting would involve fitting Cox or Poisson models to a stacked time-split dataset. However, this leads to large datasets and can be computationally intensive, especially if interest lies in displaying how the hazard rate or survival change along multiple time-scales continuously. Methods: We propose to use flexible parametric survival models on the log hazard scale as an alternative method when modelling data with multiple time-scales. By rewriting one of the time-scales as a function of the other time-scale, there is no need to split the data into categories of time along one or both of the time-scales. Result: Through case-studies we demonstrate the usefulness of this method and provide examples of graphical representations of estimated hazard rates and survival proportions. The model gives nearly identical results to using a Poisson model, without requiring time-splitting. Conclusion: Flexible parametric survival models are a powerful tool for modelling multiple time-scales. This method does not require splitting the data into small time-intervals, and therefore saves time, helps avoid technological limitations and reduces room for error.
Construction and validation of the remote teaching quality perception scale in the COVID-19 pandemic: an exploratory factor analysis and item response theory approach.
Authors: Fernandes Rafael da Silva , Luz Rosana Maria do Nascimento , Reis Daniela Castro dos , Luz Marc Augusto Lima da , Guimarães Gabriella Vitorino , Bornia Antônio Cezar , de Andrade Dalton Francisco
Published: January 2022

The biosafety protocols adopted to ensure social distancing between people during the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic changed social interaction behavior and led educational institutions to adopt the emergency remote teaching format. To understand the impact on the learning process, this article aims to develop and build a measurement tool to measure the perception of students regarding the adequacy of remote teaching, offered by the Federal Rural University of the Amazon (UFRA), to the detriment of onsite teaching previously adopted in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, this being the latent trait to be measured. For content-based validation, the study conducted three phases: 1) initial construction of the measurement tool and literature search; 2) conducting focus groups with students; and 3) analysis by judges to outline factors and potential items. The tool presented for the content validity index a mean of 94.16% of acceptance per item and values above 93.43% of acceptance for the factors and domains. For validation based on the internal structure, this study applied the concepts of item response theory, factor analysis, and dimensionality. The overall precision of the tool scores was analyzed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, whose value obtained was 96.64%, indicating high precision. Besides the coefficient, the precision of the tool was analyzed through the information function of the IRT test, whose result is in the interval between (-1.5 and 2.5) approximately. Finally, a standardized measurement scale was created with the metric (0,10) from 501 respondents, and it was possible to observe that a profile associated with a perceived negative loss of teaching quality is positioned at levels lower than -10 and referring to that 30.2% of students, at the levels (-5 to 5), are more likely to be positioned at a level of equivalence and refer to 45.7%, and at higher levels to 7, with 24.1% of the respondents, are associated with a positive perceived gain in teaching quality.
Transurethral flexible ureteroscope incision and drainage combined with Holmium laser for the treatment of parapelvic renal cysts: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Meng Xiangjun , Mi Qiwu , Chen Derong
Published: January 2022

Background—We aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of transurethral flexible ureteroscope incision and drainage combined with Holmium laser for the treatment of parapelvic renal cysts.Methods—The clinical data of 65 patients with parapelvic renal cysts were retrospectively analyzed between October 2017 and April 2021. Among them, 31 patients with parapelvic cysts (group 1) underwent a transurethral flexible ureteroscope incision and drainage combined with Holmium laser, and the other 34 patients (group 2) underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic unroofing. The clinical characteristics of patients were recorded. The surgery time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization time, complications and cyst size at 1 year postoperatively were recorded and statistically analyzed.Results—All patients were successfully treated with flexible ureteroscope incision and drainage or retroperitoneal laparoscopic unroofing. No statistically significant difference was found between group 1 and 2 in terms of clinical characteristics, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), location, cyst size, and Bosniak classification of renal cysts. Group 1 demonstrated shorter surgery time, less intraoperative blood loss, and shorter hospitalization time than the control group (group 2) (p < 0.001). However，no significant differences in complications and cyst size at 1 year postoperatively was observed between the two groups (p > 0.05).Conclusions—The transurethral flexible ureteroscope incision and drainage with Holmium laser for the treatment of parapelvic renal cysts has obvious advantages over traditional surgery, and is worthy of promotion and application, but its long-term effect needs further follow-up.
Accessing Antenatal Care (ANC) services during the COVID-19 First Wave - Insights into decision-making process from rural India
Authors: Bankar Shweta , Ghosh Deepika
Published: January 2022

Background Antenatal Care (ANC) services are a prime focus of the National Health Mission (NHM) of the Government of India, with emphasis on promoting maternal and child health. The services are designed to reach villages with the appointment of Frontline Health Workers (FLHWs) and the establishment of a network of health centres at the primary level for uninterrupted service delivery. However, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the outcomes of the national lockdown from late March to June 2020 the decisions to access these services were impacted. Methods Using a qualitative design, data were collected through 12 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with pregnant women and 17 IDIs with frontline health workers in the selected six districts under study. The narratives were analysed using inductive coding in Atlas.ti. Results Pregnant women, most of whom belonged to poor and marginalised groups, were left with limited access to health centres and FLHWs. Respondents from the study areas of rural Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh extensively reported concerns stemming from the lockdown that influenced their decision around accessing ANC services . These included anxieties around meeting their families’ daily needs due to a loss of livelihood (in particular, abject food insecurity), inability to access healthcare, and a sense of mistrust in public health systems and functionaries. All of these, coupled with the real threat to health posed by COVID-19, threw their plans for pregnancy and delivery into jeopardy. Conclusion This study identified a number of behavioural, social and structural factors deeply entrenched in the communities, which resulted in confusion and anxiety, leaving pregnant women and FLHWs feeling hapless and helpless. To ensure ANC services in times of crisis, strategies to address the behavioural, social and structural concerns and place ANC services as essential services in the study area and in similar contexts need to take into account the factors identified by this study.
Enhanced Parasympathetic Cholinergic Activity Inhibited Lipid-induced Oxidative Stress in Obese African Americans
Authors: Parsa Dena , Aden Luul A. , Pitzer Ashley , Ding Tan , Yu Chang , Diedrich Andre , Milne Ginger L. , Kirabo Annet , Shibao Cyndya A.
Published: January 2022

Background: African Americans (AAs) are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease (CVD), they are 20% more likely to die from CVD than whites, chronic exposure to inflammation and oxidative stress contributes to CVD. In previous studies, enhancing parasympathetic cholinergic activity has been shown to decrease inflammation. Considering that AAs have decreased parasympathetic activity compared to whites, we hypothesize that stimulating it with a central acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, galantamine, would prevent lipid-induced oxidative stress.Objective: To test the hypothesis that acute dose of galantamine, an AChE inhibitor, decreases lipid-induced oxidative stress in obese AAs.Methods: Proof-of-concept, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study that tested the effect of a single dose of 16 mg of galantamine versus placebo on lipid-induced oxidative stress in obese AAs. Subjects were studied on two separate days, one week apart. In each study day, 16 mg or matching placebo was administered before 20% intralipids infusion at doses of 0.8 mL/m2/min with heparin at doses of 200 U/h for 4 hours. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 2 and 4 hours during the infusion.Main Outcome Measures: Changes in F2-isoprostane (F2-IsoPs), marker of oxidative stress, measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and in plasma at baseline, 2, and 4-hrs post-lipid infusion. Secondary outcomes include changes in inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF alpha).Results: A total of 32 obese AA women were screened and fourteen completed the study (age 37.8±10.70 years old, BMI 38.7±3.40 kg/m2). Compared to placebo, 16 mg of galantamine significantly inhibited the increase in F2-IsoPs in PBMC (0.007±0.008 vs. -0.002±0.006 ng/sample, P=0.016), and plasma (0.01±0.02 vs. -0.003±0.01 ng/mL, P=0.023). Galantamine also decreased IL-6 (11.4±18.45 vs. 7.7±15.10 pg/mL, P=0.021) and TNFα levels (18.6±16.33 vs. 12.9±6.16 pg/mL, P=0.021, 4-hrs post lipid infusion) compared with placebo. These changes were associated with an increased plasma acetylcholine levels induced by galantamine (50.5±10.49 vs. 43.6±13.38 during placebo pg/uL, P=0.025).Conclusions: In this pilot, proof-of-concept study, enhancing parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) cholinergic activity with galantamine inhibited lipid-induced oxidative stress and inflammation induced by lipid infusion in obese AAs.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers NCT02365285