bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mapping the cancer-specific EORTC QLQ-BR23 onto the preference-based EuroQol-5D instrument
Authors: Vokó Zoltán , Dank Magdolna , Nagy-Erdei Zsófia , Kalo Zoltan , Geczi Lajos
Published: July 2023

Background: For cost-effectiveness analysis quality of life weights estimated by preference based utility measures are needed. In many studies however, quality of life is estimated by instruments that cannot provide utility measures. The aim of the study was to derive a function which can map the EORTC QLQ-BR23 questionnaire onto the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) questionnaire in breast cancer patients. Methods: A cross sectional study was performed in Hungary in 615 breast cancer patients with different states of the disease. Quality of life was measured by both EORTC QLQ-BR23 and EuroQol-5D. Ordinary stepwise backward least-squares regression was used to develop a mapping function. Adjusted R2, Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC) and root mean square error (RMSE) were used to assess model performance. The robustness of the models was tested by 10-fold cross-validation and bootstrapping. Results: The “best fitting” model contained 26 BR23 item levels as predictors selected in a stepwise backward procedure. However, this model showed considerable variability in the selection of predictors. A model, which performed only marginally worse than the “best fitting model” (adjusted R2 0.44, RMSE: 0.216, AIC:-85.8) and contained the BR23 items was much more stable, therefore we considered it as the best mapping function. Conclusions: The expected value of EQ-5D can be reasonably well predicted based on the results of EORTC QLQ-BR23 in patients with breast cancer. Its applicability, however, for prediction on the individual level is limited.
Methodology and development of the Polish Dictionary of Quality of Life Terms
Authors: Golicki Dominik , Grabowska-Krawiec Patrycja , Szkultecka-Dębek Monika , Zawodnik Szymon , Borowiec Łukasz , Czech Marcin
Published: July 2023

Background: Lack of established Polish terminology is a serious limitation of the development of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) studies in Poland. Our goal is to suggest the best translations in order to create the Polish dictionary of QoL terms. Methods: In February 2012, QoL Special Interest Group of ISPOR Poland Chapter took on the task of preparing Polish dictionary of HRQoL terms. The following steps were planned: (1) preparation of a list of target English-language terms, (2) preparation of a reference list of translations already used in Polish literature, (3) step-by-step translation of English terms by individual experts (4) analysis and approval of proposed translations by Expert Committee, (5) re-analysis of key terms, (6) preparation of pre-final dictionary, (7) reviews by Review Committee, (8) preparation and publication of the final version. Expert Committee was comprised of seven Polish investigators with vast experience in the field of HRQoL studies. Review Committee was formed by three authorities in the field of psychometrics, statistics and epidemiology. Results: Until June 2013, there were 13 meetings of Expert Committee: three focused on the development of methodology and ten - on analysis and approval of proposed translations. Initially, we identified 1640 English terms from different sources. After removal of duplicates, final English list comprised of 1314 terms. Pre-final version of vocabulary, ready for peer-review, consists of 1051 Polish translations. Conclusions: We anticipate, that dictionary prepared by the ISPOR Poland Chapter will support practical usage of patient HRQoL in Poland.
Public-private collaboration to advance the development and benefit-risk assessment of vaccines: The Innovative Medicines Initiative
Authors: Wittelsberger Angela
Published: July 2023

The true value of vaccines to public health remains to be fully exploited. Many of the challenges associated with vaccines, such as public distrust in the overall safety of vaccines, or finding standardised approaches to measure vaccine effectiveness, require the involvement of a number of different stakeholders in order to be successfully addressed. Public-private partnerships such as the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) provide a neutral platform that facilitates collaboration on an unprecedented scale between industry, academia, regulators and other actors in the field of vaccine research.
Clinical and economic analysis of non-medical technologies in Russia
Authors: Holownia-Voloskova Malwina , Krasnova Lubov , Bezmelnitsina Ludmila
Published: July 2023

Health technology assessment includes several aspects: (1) technology position in health care system (characteristic of disease burden and expected socio-economic impact of technology), (2) the main characteristics of studied technologies, (3) clinical efficacy (experimental and in typical clinical practice), (4) safety, (5) clinical and economic evaluation, (6) the ethical aspects of technology applications, (7) psychological aspects, (8) legal aspects, (9) organizational and logistic issues, (10) social issues, including equitable distribution of resources and fair access to technology. Any assessment of medical technology expects answers to be provided to all the above questions. Non-drug medical technologies can be divided on the basis of different classification approaches. From the position of the functional approach – there are diagnostic, therapeutic (invasive, non invasive), rehabilitation, prevention, and technologies for care and maintenance functions. Regarding the use of different components, there are technologies which include drugs or blood components, also foodstuffs for special nutritional uses or medical devices. An example of medical devices may be laboratory gear used for in vitro studies. The paper presents evaluation results of technologies, which employ medical devices. Finally, there are institutional medical technologies. In this article, the authors present studies about therapeutic, prophylactic and organizational technologies. Prevention of contact dermatitis and ulcers in immobilized patients with urinary incontinence. Clinical and economic research unit for physiotherapy and an assessment of the organization of medical technologies that was conducted, due to reforms in the Russian health care system.
Belimumab therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus – the clinical expectations and burdens
Authors: Więsik-Szewczyk Ewa
Published: July 2023

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with serious organ involvement and unpredictable outcome. In 1990s B-cell activating factor (BAFF), which induces B cell maturation, survival, switch-class recombination and high-affinity antibodies production was discovered. The intensive research proven the importance of BAFF in SLE pathogenesis in both murine models and humans. In 2011 belimumab, human monoclonal antibody specific for soluble BLyS (B-lymphocyte stimulator) was approved for active, seropositive SLE treatment in add to standard of care therapy. Belimumab is the first target, biologic therapy formally approved for SLE. To overcome the complexity and heterogeneity of SLE the new rules in clinical trial design were done: restrict inclusion criteria involving only seropositive patients with active disease and implementation of a novel, composed responder index. Despite the success, new medication rises some efficacy concerns: modest clinical effect, no data provided for treatment of lupus nephritis or central nervous system involvement and very high cost.
The Polish Expert Group Position Statement on the safety of biological treatments with monoclonal antibodies and fusion proteins
Authors: Jahnz-Różyk Karina , Filipowicz-Sosnowska Anna , Gil Jerzy , Grieb Paweł , Jędrzejczak Wiesław , Owczarek Witold , Płusa Tadeusz , Rutkowska-Sak Lidia , Rydzewska Grażyna , Szaflik Jerzy , Wysocki Piotr , Łazicka-Gałecka Monika
Published: July 2023

Objective: The first biological therapeutics have already reached their patent expiration dates and corresponding biosimilars have been approved by the EMA and FDA. The approval of products similar, but not identical to already known innovative biologics is stirring a lot of debate about safety concerns, as well as the relevance of these differences to clinical practice. Methods: A Group of 13 experts involved in various aspects of biological therapies in Poland was established. Modified Delphi method of voting was performed to achieve consensus regarding the most important aspects of biological treatment in Poland, with particular concern regarding biosimilars. Results: Ten final statements were discussed and voted upon. The statements cover general aspects of biosimilars, including expected cost-benefit ratios, extrapolation of clinical indications, interchange, switching, patient information and the requirement of patient consent. The state of post-marketing pharmacovigilance of biologicals (innovative ones as well as biosimilars) was also discussed. Conclusions: The Expert Group agreed that introduction of biosimilars is an important achievement in biological therapies, with the potential to reduce treatment costs and increase their availability. Experts also agreed that the safety of biological treatments should be monitored more carefully in Poland. There is an unmet need in Poland for the creation of a registry collecting data needed for the assessment of safety and efficacy of both biosimilars and their reference products in accordance with the experience and principles introduced in other European countries.
Real world data guidelines - current status review
Authors: Szkultecka-Dębek Monika
Published: July 2023

Objective: to identify existing guidelines for real world data collection and analysis. Methods: we performed Pub-Med search in literature for guidelines and recommendations for real world data studies. Results: Based on the performed search we have obtained in total 97661 records. After analysis and selection we finally identified 40 publications fitting our search criteria and we found that only 2 were dedicated to RWD and provided some guidelines to researchers. Conclusion: The published guidelines are usually focused on specific type of RWD studies and there are not many guidelines available in relation to real world data methodology research in general. In view of the potential use of RWD in decision making specific guidelines on how to conduct RWD research are needed.
Sharing neurophysiology data from the Allen Brain Observatory
Authors: de Vries Saskia EJ , Siegle Joshua H , Koch Christof
Published: July 2023

Nullius in verba (‘trust no one’), chosen as the motto of the Royal Society in 1660, implies that independently verifiable observations—rather than authoritative claims—are a defining feature of empirical science. As the complexity of modern scientific instrumentation has made exact replications prohibitive, sharing data is now essential for ensuring the trustworthiness of one’s findings. While embraced in spirit by many, in practice open data sharing remains the exception in contemporary systems neuroscience. Here, we take stock of the Allen Brain Observatory, an effort to share data and metadata associated with surveys of neuronal activity in the visual system of laboratory mice. Data from these surveys have been used to produce new discoveries, to validate computational algorithms, and as a benchmark for comparison with other data, resulting in over 100 publications and preprints to date. We distill some of the lessons learned about open surveys and data reuse, including remaining barriers to data sharing and what might be done to address these.
Temperature sensitivity of the interspecific interaction strength of coastal marine fish communities
Authors: Ushio Masayuki , Sado Testuya , Fukuchi Takehiko , Sasano Sachia , Masuda Reiji , Osada Yutaka , Miya Masaki
Published: July 2023

The effects of temperature on interaction strengths are important for understanding and forecasting how global climate change impacts marine ecosystems; however, tracking and quantifying interactions of marine fish species are practically difficult especially under field conditions, and thus, how temperature influences their interaction strengths under field conditions remains poorly understood. We herein performed quantitative fish environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding on 550 seawater samples that were collected twice a month from 11 coastal sites for 2 years in the Boso Peninsula, Japan, and analyzed eDNA monitoring data using nonlinear time series analytical tools. We detected fish–fish interactions as information flow between eDNA time series, reconstructed interaction networks for the top 50 frequently detected species, and quantified pairwise, fluctuating interaction strengths. Although there was a large variation, water temperature influenced fish–fish interaction strengths. The impact of water temperature on interspecific interaction strengths varied among fish species, suggesting that fish species identity influences the temperature effects on interactions. For example, interaction strengths that Halichoeres tenuispinis and Microcanthus strigatus received strongly increased with water temperature, while those of Engraulis japonicus and Girella punctata decreased with water temperature. An increase in water temperature induced by global climate change may change fish interactions in a complex way, which consequently influences marine community dynamics and stability. Our research demonstrates a practical research framework to study the effects of environmental variables on interaction strengths of marine communities in nature, which would contribute to understanding and predicting natural marine ecosystem dynamics.
Whole genomes from the extinct Xerces Blue butterfly can help identify declining insect species
Authors: de-Dios Toni , Fontsere Claudia , Renom Pere , Stiller Josefin , Llovera Laia , Uliano-Silva Marcela , Sánchez-Gracia Alejandro , Wright Charlotte , Lizano Esther , Caballero Berta , Navarro Arcadi , Civit Sergi , Robbins Robert K , Blaxter Mark , Marquès Tomàs , Vila Roger , Lalueza-Fox Carles
Published: July 2023

The Xerces Blue (Glaucopsyche xerces) is considered to be the first butterfly to become extinct in historical times. It was notable for its chalky lavender wings with conspicuous white spots on the ventral wings. The last individuals were collected in their restricted habitat, in the dunes near the Presidio military base in San Francisco, in 1941. We sequenced the genomes of four 80- to 100-year-old Xerces Blue, and seven historical and one modern specimens of its closest relative, the Silvery Blue (Glaucopsyche lygdamus). We compared these to a novel annotated genome of the Green-Underside Blue (Glaucopsyche alexis). Phylogenetic relationships inferred from complete mitochondrial genomes indicate that Xerces Blue was a distinct species that diverged from the Silvery Blue lineage at least 850,000 years ago. Using nuclear genomes, both species experienced population growth during the Eemian interglacial period, but the Xerces Blue decreased to a very low effective population size subsequently, a trend opposite to that observed in the Silvery Blue. Runs of homozygosity and deleterious load in the former were significantly greater than in the later, suggesting a higher incidence of inbreeding. These signals of population decline observed in Xerces Blue could be used to identify and monitor other insects threatened by human activities, whose extinction patterns are still not well known.
In-silico, evolutionary, and functional analysis of CHUP1 and its related proteins in Bienertia sinuspersici—a comparative study across C3, C4, CAM, and SCC4 model plants
Authors: Won So Youn , Soundararajan Prabhakaran , Irulappan Vadivelmurugan , Kim Jung Sun
Published: July 2023

Single-cell C4 (SCC4) plants with bienertioid anatomy carry out photosynthesis in a single cell. Chloroplast movement is the underlying phenomenon, where chloroplast unusual positioning 1 (CHUP1) plays a key role. This study aimed to characterize CHUP1 and CHUP1-like proteins in an SCC4 photosynthetic plant, Bienertia sinuspersici. Also, a comparative analysis of SCC4 CHUP1 was made with C3, C4, and CAM model plants including an extant basal angiosperm, Amborella. The CHUP1 gene exists as a single copy from the basal angiosperms to SCC4 plants. Our analysis identified that Chenopodium quinoa, a recently duplicated allotetraploid, has two copies of CHUP1. In addition, the numbers of CHUP1-like and its associated proteins such as CHUP1-like_a, CHUP1-like_b, HPR, TPR, and ABP varied between the species. Hidden Markov Model analysis showed that the gene size of CHUP1-like_a and CHUP1-like_b of SCC4 species, Bienertia, and Suaeda were enlarged than other plants. Also, we identified that CHUP1-like_a and CHUP1-like_b are absent in Arabidopsis and Amborella, respectively. Motif analysis identified several conserved and variable motifs based on the orders (monocot and dicot) as well as photosynthetic pathways. For instance, CAM plants such as pineapple and cactus shared certain motifs of CHUP1-like_a irrespective of their distant phylogenetic relationship. The free ratio model showed that CHUP1 maintained purifying selection, whereas CHUP1-like_a and CHUP1-like_b have adaptive functions between SCC4 plants and quinoa. Similarly, rice and maize branches displayed functional diversification on CHUP1-like_b. Relative gene expression data showed that during the subcellular compartmentalization process of Bienertia, CHUP1 and actin-binding proteins (ABP) genes showed a similar pattern of expression. Altogether, the results of this study provide insight into the evolutionary and functional details of CHUP1 and its associated proteins in the development of the SCC4 system in comparison with other C3, C4, and CAM model plants.
Spectrum of Colorectal Polyps in Southern India: A Twin Centre Ambispective Study
Authors: Jabeen Afshan , Sreedhar V Vijay
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Intestinal polyps are grossly visible tumours which protrude (into lumen of gastrointestinal tract). Majority of the polyps are benign in the paediatric age group. However in adults, they may be harbingers of more serious genetic, familial or developmental disorders and some of them may be premalignant. Aim: Our aim was to study the distribution, histological varieties of colorectal polyps and to examine dysplasia in adenomatous polyps and its determinants. Materials and Methods: This is a four years retrospective and one year prospective study from June 2017 to May 2022 conducted at Upgraded Department of pathology, Osmania General Hospital and a tertiary care centre, Shadan institute of medical sciences, Hyderabad. A total of 110 cases of polyps were studied which included 62 cases in adults and 48 cases in children (0-12 years). Predictors of dysplasia in adenomatous polyps were studied. Results were analysed using PSPP software. Results: There were 62.73% (69) males and 37.27% (41) females. The commonest clinical presentation was bleeding from rectum 64.54% (71) cases. Rectosigmoid was the commonest site in 83.64% (92) cases. Juvenile polyps were the commonest in children and constituted 89.58% (43 cases). In adults, there were 63.07% (41) adenomatous polyps. A statistically significant association has been observed between high grade dysplasia and size (p-value 0.015) and villous architecture (p-value 0.02). There was no statistically significant association with site (p-value 0.2). Conclusion: A rising incidence of Colorectal Cancer (CRC) has necessitated identification of preneoplastic Adenomatous polyps which may progress to carcinoma via the Adenomacarcinoma sequence. Polyps occurring as part of polyposis syndromes have increased neoplastic potential. Their detection and treatment carries significant implications both for the patients and their families. In India, there is a need for screening colonoscopy in asymptomatic individuals which can be a potential cancer prevention tool.
A Rare Presentation of Adrenal Leiomyoma Arising in a Ganglioneuroma: A Case Report
Authors: Anjana M , Anila KR , Mathews Anitha , Nadarajan Abinaya R , Ranjith Siva
Published: July 2023

Leiomyomas are benign tumours of smooth muscle origin and can occur in any part of the body with adrenal gland being an uncommon site. Ganglioneuromas of adrenal gland are benign neural crest-derived tumours. Both of these tumours are usually detected incidentally. Hereby, the authors report an unusual case of a 31-year-old woman, who presented with paroxysmal attacks of headache, palpitations and flushing pointing towards a hormone secreting adrenal tumour. However, functional adrenal markers were normal. Radiological investigations revealed 8×3 cm heterogeneously enhancing left suprarenal mass with calcification and extension to left renal vein. Patient underwent left nephrectomy and adrenalectomy with a high clinical suspicion of malignancy because of tumour extension to the renal vein. The histopathological examination revealed a leiomyoma arising in a background of ganglioneuroma which was later on confirmed using immunohistochemistry. Authors have presented the present case because of atypical presentation as a hormone secreting adrenal tumour with radiological features of malignancy and the unique histomorphology of the combined occurrence of leiomyoma and ganglioneuromatous area in the adrenal gland. To the best of author’s knowledge, this is the first case report of such an occurrence in the adrenal gland.
Effectiveness of Nurse-Directed Exercises on Pelvic Girdle Pain and Functional Status among Antenatal Mothers in Tertiary Care Hospital- A Quantitative Research
Authors: Thamizhselvi S , Poongodi V , Annal M Annie , Lavanya S , Umamaheswari R
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder that leads to significant disabilities in day-to-day activities during pregnancy. PGP increases with advancing pregnancy. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of nurse directed exercises on PGP and functional status among antenatal mothers. Materials and Methods: A quantitative research approach- true experimental research (two group pre-test post-test) design was adopted. By simple random sampling technique, with permuted block method, 108 antenatal mothers who attended the antenatal Out Patient Department (OPD) in Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Pillaiyarkuppam, Puducherry, India, at 27 weeks of gestation were selected as a sample. The study has been carried out from 30th March 2022 to 14th May 2022. The numerical pain rating scale and pelvic girdle questionnaire was used. Group-I received nurse directed exercises such as diaphragmatic breathing, Kegel’s exercise, squatting exercise, child pose exercise etc., Group-II received routine care such as diet counselling, personal cleanliness, care of breast, immunisation, rest and sleep, dental care, and avoidance of travelling. Post-test was done at 31 weeks of gestation. Descriptive statistics such as frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation and inferential statistics like Independent t-test, Spearman correlation coefficient, Kruskal-Wallis test was used. Results: Nurse directed exercises were more effective method in reducing the PGP level (4.26 vs 3.02) and improving the functional status (61.059 Vs 55.680) among antenatal mothers with PGP. There was a significant association between the PGP with nature of work (p-value-0.001) and previous history of abdominal or pelvic surgery (p-value 0.0102). Conclusion: Nurse directed exercises were more effective in alleviating the PGP level and helps in improving the normal daily activities of antenatal mothers with PGP.
Lucio Leprosy in Neglected Cases of Hansen’s Disease: A Series of Three Cases
Authors: Kannan Rajkumar , Kumar Parimalam , Vijayan Bhackiya Shree , Yuvapriya B
Published: July 2023

Lucio Leprosy is a rare form of Lepromatous leprosy, which normally occurs in chronic untreated patients of Hansen’s disease. Lucio phenomenon, was first reported from Mexico and henceforth commonly known as Mexican leprosy, but is now being increasingly reported sporadically across the globe. Lucio leprosy presents as slowly progressive diffuse infiltration of skin all over the body with shiny waxy thickened skin, loss of body hair including eyebrows and eyelashes, puffy hands and sensory loss due to involvement of dermal nerves. There will be thickening of upper eyelids that gives the patient a sleepy look (Melancholy look). This case series pertains to three such patients of chronic lepromatous leprosy who had features suspicious of Lucio leprosy. Each case of this series had an unique clinical presentation like diffuse infiltration of skin, total loss of eyebrows, oedema of hands, characteristic triangular ulcers with jagged borders and was posing challenge to the treating Dermatologist. Heavy colonisation of Mycobaterium leprae was observed in the endothelium of small capillaries in the superficial dermis. Involvement of these capillaries manifested as haemorrhage and infarction of the overlying epidermis. As this unusual variant of untreated chronic lepromatous leprosy leads to potentially lethal complications, which are irreversible this study has been designed to highlight the factors predisposing to Lucio leprosy and its impact on the quality of life.
The Relationship between Breast Cancer Prevention and Breast Cancer Screening Behaviours in Tehranian Women: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis
Authors: Rajabzadeh Mahla , Naderi Roya , Bab Sattar , Riahi Mina , Bahrami Fatemeh , Eghbali Mohammad , Haseli Fateme
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women. It is also one of the most important health issues in many countries. Its high prevalence in women makes it necessary to encourage breast cancer screening behaviours. Aim: To investigate the relationship between breast cancer prevention behaviour and its screening behaviour in Tehranian women. Materials and Methods: This was cross-sectional study conducted on 859 women from November to December 2019 by the Iran University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran. These women were selected by the multistage cluster method among five socio-economic classes living in different districts of Tehran. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to determine the relationship between breast cancer prevention behaviour and its screening behaviour. Data were analysed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) software. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: The mean age of the participants was 42±6.94 years. Also,137 (15.9%) of the participants were single, and 604 (70.3%) were married, 78 (9.08%) were divorced and rest widow. Among the studied subjects, 510 (57%) had unfavourable breast cancer screening behaviour. In Pearson’s correlation test, there was a direct and significant relationship between the mean score of breast cancer prevention behaviour and its subscales with breast cancer screening behaviour, except for the dimension of information-seeking (r=0.35, p=0.007). In other words, with the increased breast cancer prevention behaviour, breast cancer screening behaviour also increased. The results of SEM analysis showed that breast cancer prevention behaviour was positively correlated to breast cancer screening behaviour (p<0.001), and about 41% of changes in the breast cancer screening behaviour could be explained by the breast cancer prevention behaviour (β=0.41, p=0.01). Conclusion: Based on the results, it seems vital to take measures to inform and educate women about breast cancer and its complications, problems, prevention, screening, and diagnostic methods. The findings of this study can be used to increase motivation in the design of interventions in order to improve attitude, strengthen self-efficacy, reduce stress, and improve breast cancer screening behaviour.
Assessment of Knowledge of Occupational Health Hazards among Formal and Informal Waste Collectors in Rivers State
Authors: Uzosike Tondor, Cleopatra , Anyanwu Brilliance Onyinyechi , Ugwoha Ejikeme
Published: July 2023

Study was performed to assess the knowledge of occupational hazards and safety practices among formal and informal waste collectors in Rivers State, Nigeria. A concurrent nested mixed design method was employed for this research. 314 formal and 314 informal waste collection workers were sampled for the study using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested questionnaire, observational checklists, clinical, laboratory measurements and a study guide. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 to analyze the data collected from respondents. The finding showed that majority of the organized waste collection workers had an idea about the occupational hazards they are exposed to 206 (65.6%) compared to the informal waste collection workers 93 (29.6%) and the difference was statistically significant with p=0.001. This implies that only a few formal waste collectors and a little over ten percent of the informal waste collectors were seen to possess a poor knowledge of the occupational hazards in Rivers State. The poor knowledge and practice of safety precautions among formal and informal waste collectors in Rivers State would most likely expose the handlers to avoidable health problems. Though more than half of both formal and informal waste collectors had good knowledge about the occupational hazards and safety measures required for their job type. This finding is in consonance with the findings of [1,2]. More formal waste collectors possessed good knowledge of the occupational hazards associated with waste collection in Rivers State compared to the informal waste collectors. periodic training and retraining programs, including risk communication should be done by responsible waste management agencies for the formal waste collectors and by the government for the informal waste collectors, to improve the knowledge level of waste collectors in the state
Changes in Some Haematological Parameters of Two Breeds of Chicken Inoculated with Eimeria Oocyst
Authors: Ekezie C. Chisom , Onyido E. Angus , Iwueze O. Miriam , Umeh C. Ann
Published: July 2023

Coccidian parasites, especially those in the genus Eimeria, are intestinal parasites common in poultry. They cause coccidiosis in infected birds. The effect of the parasites on the haematology of infected chickens was studied using broilers and white-leghorns. A total of 30 day-old chicks, fifteen each from the two breeds, were procured for the experiment. They were grown to three weeks old, and confirmed to be free from any intestinal parasite, before inoculating 10 birds each, randomly selected from the two breeds, with Eimeria oocyst. The packed cell volume (PCV), thrombocyte number, leukocyte number and proportion of leukocyte types were determined from blood samples obtained from the birds within ten days after inoculation and confirmation of infection. Infected broilers (B) and white-leghorns (WL) both had packed cell volumes that were lower than the control (C) (B. 31.8±2.2, WL. 32.8±1.8, C. 34.3±2.6). However, estimates of the effect sizes suggested that coccidiosis accounted for only about 5% of the observed variance in the PCV of broilers and 2% in white-leghorns. The disease significantly affected the thrombocyte number of infected broilers only (B. 7.0±0.5, WL. 10.4±1.1, C. 10.0±0.8). A remarkable difference was found in the leukocyte numbers of infected birds (B. 13.4±2.2, WL. 21.4±3.2, C. 14.9±2.0). However, the infection increased the proportion of circulating monocytes from 1% in control to 5% in the infected birds regardless of their breed. The observation that broilers are prone to parasite induced thrombocytopaenia, supported by the wide disparity in the leukocyte numbers of the two breeds of chicken during an infection, suggest that white-leghorns are better adapted to withstand the effects of coccidiosis when compared with broilers reared under the same environmental conditions.
Impact of Drip Irrigation Regimes and Fertigation Levels on Yield and Economics of Summer Sesame (Sesamum indicum)
Authors: Neelima T. L. , Kumar K. Avil , Ramulu V. , Devi M. Uma
Published: July 2023

A field experiment was conducted at College farm, Water Technology Centre, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agriculture University (PJTSAU), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad during 2018 to 2019 to study the effect of differential drip irrigation and fertigation schedules on yield and economics of summer sesame. The experiment was framed with ten treatments viz., two irrigation levels (0.8 and 1.0 Epan), two fertigation levels (75% and 100% recommended dose of Nitrogen and Potassium), two schedules (Equal and differential) and two treatments with soil application of 100% RDF with Drip irrigation (1.0 Epan) and conventional furrow irrigation (1.0 IW/CPE) and were replicated thrice in Randomized Block Design. The results revealed that, application of 100% recommended dose of Nitrogen and Potassium (RDNK) through drip fertigation @ 0.8 or 1.0 Epan either in differential dosages based on crop growth stage or in equal splits recorded significantly superior yields (1011, 971, 977 and 990 kg/ ha, respectively) compared to the other treatments. These treatments recorded 13.5 and 26.7% higher yields, obtained from soil application of recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF) with drip irrigation at 1.0 Epan (882 kg/ha) and furrow irrigation at a 1.0 IW/CPE ratio (774 kg/ha).  Further, the highest water productivity of 0.24 kg/m3 was recorded with differential application of 100% RDNK under a drip irrigation regime of 0.8 Epan.  This treatment also recorded the highest gross returns ( ₹ 96,489 /ha), net returns (₹ 53,604 /ha) and B:C ratio (2.95).
Physico-chemical Characterization and Assessment of the Risk of Pollution: A Case of Wastewater Generated by the Regional Hospital and the Central Prison of the City of Ngaoundere, Cameroon
Authors: Boukar Hassana , Hareinda Ngoudzeu Lontsi , Dalatou Talba , Adamou Ibrahima , Nestor Nsoe Mengue Jean Jacques
Published: July 2023

Among the public spaces with high human user traffic- schools, hospitals and prisons generate the most volumes of wastewater in developing countries. In addition, when this wastewater is discharged into natural environments without treatment, it can lead to disastrous pollution. The aim of this study is to analyze the physico-chemical parameters of the wastewater of the central prison and the regional hospital in the city of Ngaoundere (Cameroon) and to assess their pollution potential. To achieve this, physical-chemical parameters (temperature; pH; electrical conductivity, total suspended solid; COD, BOD5; heavy metal content) of water from a control site and wastewater from the regional hospital and central prison were measured and compared to current standards. In order to better assess the risk of pollution, a wastewater quality index (WWQI) and a heavy metal pollution index (HPI) were calculated. It shows that for all physico-chemical parameters studied, the values are above the norm except temperature and pH. With a WWQI of 172.81 from prison’s wastewater and of 176.03 from hospital’s wastewater, these wastewaters have values above 100 and are therefore highly polluted. The heavy metal pollution index is 37.89 for control water, 183.10 for prison wastewater and 121.14 for hospital wastewater, respectively. Cadmium and especially lead contribute to increasing the heavy metal pollution index in wastewater. Remediation of these waters should therefore focus on these two heavy metals. The above-standard concentrations of some parameters and pollutants as well as the high wastewater quality index and heavy metal index suggest that the discharge of this wastewater into the natural environment without treatment or its direct use as fertilizers constitutes a potential source of pollution of the soil and surrounding vegetation and beyond a threat to human health if these pollutants enter the human food chain.
Vertical Distribution of Water Soluble Boron and Its Correlation with Physicochemical Properties in Lateritic Soils of West Bengal, India: A Comprehensive Study
Authors: Sahu Mamta , Kundu M. C. , C. P. Mohammed Nisab
Published: July 2023

The vertical distribution of water soluble boron and its relationship to certain soil properties was investigated from soil samples collected at various locations of lateritic soils of West Bengal during 2020-2021. In the lateritic zone of West Bengal, India, a total of 150 soil samples have been collected from 50 sites within two blocks: Bolpur and Illambazar. According to the study, the majority of soils have a clay loam to sandy clay loam texture. The soil pH of the surface soils of the study area ranged from 4.33 to 6.69 with an average value of 5.62, indicating that the majority of soils are strongly acidic to moderately acidic in reaction. The organic carbon content (%) of the surface soils (0–20 cm) of Bolpur and Illambazar blocks varied from 0.32 to 0.58 and 0.33 to 0.99 respectively, and it was found that most of the soils have low to medium organic matter content. With depth, the soil pH increased and the organic matter content decreased in the study area. In the surface soils of the Bolpur block, the water soluble boron content ranged from 0.16 to 0.33 mg kg-1 with its mean content of 0.24 ± 0.046 mg kg-1, whereas in the soils of the Illambazar block, it ranged from 0.15 to 0.33 mg kg-1 with a mean content of 0.25 ± 0.051 mg kg-1. From the results, it is understandable that water soluble B status decreased across the depth and that most of the soils under study were deficient in water soluble B content. From the correlation study, it was found that, water soluble boron significantly and positively correlated with clay content, pH, OC content, CEC and amorphous Fe and Al, indicating the importance of managing these parameters to enhance the availability of soil B. The results of the study would be very helpful to the scientists in advising B application for fruitful crop development in the lateritic soils of the region.
An Economic Analysis on Marketing and Constraints of Red Gram (Maruti & Charu Variety) in Chandrapur District of Maharashtra, India
Authors: Bawankar Shivani , Kumar Sanjay
Published: July 2023

The study was conducted in 2022 with a sample of 100 respondents. The Red gram respondents were divided into three farms groups marginal, small and medium (27, 13, 10 in Maruti and 27, 14 and 9 in Charu variety), respectively. Marketing cost of Maruti and Charu variety was Rs.760/qtl and Rs.780/qtl in channel I, and Rs.1190/qtl in channel II. Marketing margin was Rs. 600/ha in channel I and Rs.950/ha and Rs.930/ha in channel II. Price spread was Rs. 1360 and Rs.1340/ha in channel I and Rs. 2140/ha and Rs.2110/ha in channel II respectively. Marketing efficiency of Maruti and Charu was 6.55 and 6.1 in channel I and 6.85 and 6.75 in channel II. Producer’s share in consumer’s rupee in Maruti and Charu variety was 84.74% and 83.36% in channel I and 75.60% and 75.55% in channel II, respectively. Major constraints during marketing of red gram was lack of storage, high commission charge, delay payment etc.
Organic Methods of Weed Control in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) Cultivation- Alternative to Conventional Chemical Control
Authors: Sathe R. K. , Raskar B. S.
Published: July 2023

The current study, named "Development of organic farming package for brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)," was carried out at the Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth's Research Farm in Rahuri, District of Ahmednagar, Maharashtra (India), during the kharif seasons of 2017 and 2018. Due to weed free treatment followed by mechanical (hoeing) intercultivation and pulling of weeds at 20 days intervals from 20 to 80 days after transplanting of brinjal 2017 and 2018, monocot and dicot weed intensity, category wise weed density (grasses, broad-leaved weeds, sedges), and total dry matter of weeds were significantly at lower magnitudes and weed control efficiency was at higher magnitudes. Weed index was also significantly lower. The mechanical (hoeing) intercultivation method followed by weed-free culture resulted in significantly higher parameters for growth for brinjal.
Application of Hyperbaric Oxygen in Middle-aged and Elderly Patients with Chronic Prostatitis and Depression
Authors: Song Zhaolu , Zhan Lilong , Nong Li Mo
Published: July 2023

Purpose: This study aims to analyze the effects and safety of hyperbaric oxygen in middle-aged and elderly patients with chronic prostatitis and depression.
Methods: A total of 120 middle-aged and elderly patients with chronic prostatitis and depression were enrolled at Qingdao's Jiaozhou Central Hospital. Before and after hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the symptom scoring scale (NIH) and Hamilton Depression Scale (ADMH) scores, testosterone levels, and clinical efficacy were all recorded, and the differences were analyzed using correlation analysis and an independent sample t-test.
Results: Compared with patients before hyperbaric oxygen therapy, NIH-CPSIand AMDH scores were lower, and testosterone levels were higher, which was statistically significant (P <0.05).
Conclusion: The effect of hyperbaric oxygen combination on patients with chronic prostatitis and depression is remarkable, and the level of testosterone is significantly improved, which can effectively improve their clinical symptoms and depressive symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients.
Influence of Salt Concentration on Alkaline Extracted Refined Kappa- carrageenan and Its Characterization
Authors: P. Amruth , Paul Preethy Treesa , M. Rosemol Jacob , Joy Jean Mary , Anandan R. , Mathew Suseela
Published: July 2023

Kappaphycus alverazii remains as a predominant source of kappa-carrageenan which is farmed extensively in Indonesia, Philippines and South East Asia. The current research focuses on the influence of concentration of salts and approach to dialysis on properties of carrageenan. Carrageenan due to its pronounced gelling and viscosifying properties, has gained significant usage in the areas of food, cosmetics, textiles, pharmaceutics, biomedicine, and numerous others. The process of extraction was conducted in a hot, alkaline condition at 80 oC for a duration of 2 hours. The alkaline substance used was KCl with 2% and 4% concentration and solvent to seaweed ratio was 20:1.Further, the resultant extracted samples were subjected to dialysis to evaluate the effect of dialysis on the quality of carrageenan. The absorbance peak at 849 cm–1 from Fourier Transform Infrared-Spectroscopy (FTIR) at all extraction conditions indicated D-galactose-4 sulphate related to kappa carrageenan obtained with no traces of \(\mu\)-precursor. The study demonstrated that the concentration of salts and the approach of dialysis have influenced the quality of yield, viscosity, gel strength, moisture content and ash content for the extracted carrageenan, which remains ideal for commercial applications.
Face masks impede basic and complex emotion recognition: Variation across the broader autism phenotype
Authors: Laycock Robin , Chouinard Philippe A.
Published: July 2023

The broader autism phenotype is characterised by atypical face perception. There is little understanding of how face masks―now commonly worn to protect against transmission of COVID‐19―might impact face processing across the broader autism phenotype. Neurotypical participants had their autistic traits measured and viewed masked and unmasked faces displaying basic and also complex expressions. Face masks reduced emotion recognition for basic and complex expressions in all participants. Autistic traits were linked to lower face emotion recognition, though this was primarily due to reduced accuracy with basic (masked and unmasked) expressions. Autistic traits were not linked to greater challenges in interpreting the emotions of masked faces.
Urban and Rural Patterns of Health Care Utilization Among People With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis in a Large US Patient Registry
Authors: Desilet Luke W. , Pedro Sofia , Katz Patricia , Michaud Kaleb
Published: July 2023

Objective

Rural residence has been associated with health disparities in rheumatic diseases and other chronic conditions in the United States. This study aimed to determine if a relationship exists between geographic residence and health care utilization outcomes for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) in a US‐wide rheumatic disease registry.

Methods

Participants were in FORWARD, The National Databank for Rheumatic Diseases, a US‐wide rheumatic disease longitudinal cohort completing questionnaires between 1999 and 2019. Health care utilization variables (ie, medical visits and diagnostic tests) from six‐month questionnaires were analyzed by geographic categories (small rural/isolated, large rural, and urban). Double selection LASSO with Poisson regression was used to assess the best model when examining the association between health care utilization variables and geographic residence.

Results

Among 37,802 participants with RA, urban residents were more likely than small rural residents to use in‐person health care by most measures including physician visits and diagnostic tests. Urban residents reported more rheumatologist visits (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.22; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.18–1.27) but fewer primary care visits (IRR 0.90; 95% CI 0.85–0.94). Among 8,248 participants with OA, urban residents were also more likely than rural residents to report health care utilization by most measures.

Conclusion

Individuals residing in urban areas were more likely than those in rural areas to report in‐person health care utilization. Specifically, urban residents with RA were more likely to report rheumatologist visits, but less likely to report primary care visits. Less disparity existed in OA health care utilization, although an urban–rural disparity still existed by most measures.
A Flexible Conformal Piezoresistive Sensor Based on Electrospinning for Deformation Monitoring of Carbon Fiber‐Reinforced Polymer
Authors: Cheng Xiaoying , Cao Xuyang , Wu Zhenyu , Ying Zhiping , Camilleri Duncan , Hu Xudong
Published: July 2023

Carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials are widely applied in various areas as key structure components. The structural health monitoring of the CFRP components is crucial to prevent catastrophic failure. However, the nonplane surfaces of CFRP components hinder the attaching of monitoring sensors with hard substrates. Therefore, the substrate conditions for sensor preparation are mainly considered in this study. To adapt the proposed sensors to the curved substrate, including nondevelopable surfaces, electrospinning method is used to prepare conformal piezoresistive fiber films, in which polymethyl methacrylate is served as the matrix and carbon nanotubes are utilized as the conductive filler. The piezoresistive fibers covered on CFRP substrates have a gauge factor up to 207.95 and can response to the strain less than 0.05%. Moreover, the sensor also has high durability and the ability to follow the dynamic excitation signals with as high as 50 Hz.