bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exercise Rehabilitation and/or Astragaloside Attenuate Amyloid-Beta Pathology by Reversing BDNF/TrkB Signaling Deficits and Mitochondrial Dysfunction
Authors: Wang Yu-Ling , Chio Chung-Ching , Kuo Shu-Chun , Yeh Chao-Hung , Ma Jui-Ti , Liu Wen-Pin , Lin Mao-Tsun , Lin Kao-Chang , Chang Ching-Ping
Published: August 2021

Background: Although there are numerous investigations regarding the beneficial effects of exercise rehabilitation (ER) or astragaloside (AST) after amyloid-beta (Ab) pathology, the mechanisms are still not well understood. We aim to assess whether ER and/or AST counteract Ab pathology via diminishing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling deficits and mitochondrial dysfunction. Methods: Ab1-42 were microinjected into the bilateral ventricles to induce Ab neuropathology in rats. The Alzet osmotic pump containing full of AST was implanted subcutaneously during surgery. The ER group of rats started at seven days post-surgery and lasted for four weeks. The ANA12 was administrated once per day to the endpoint of the experiments to antagonize the BDNF action. Neurobehavioral functions were evaluated by Y-maze, radial maze, and rotarod tests one day before surgery and 14 to 35 days post-surgery. Cortical and hippocampal expressions of both BDNF/TrkB and cathepsin D were determined by Western blotting method. The rat primary cultured cortical neurons were incubated with BDNF and/or AST and ANA12 followed by exposure to aggregated Ab for 24 hours. The cell viability (by MTT assay), mitochondrial membrane permeability and electrochemical potential (by JC-1 stain), DNA fragmentation (sub-G1 and DNA ladder assay), synaptic plasticity (by immunofluorescence stain), and pTrkB/pAkt/pGSK3b/b-catenin signaling (by Western blot) were determined.Results: ER and/or AST reversed neurobehavioral disorders, downregulation of cortical and hippocampal expression of both BDNF/TrkB and cathepsin D, neural pathology, Ab accumulation, and altered microglial polarization caused by Ab. In vitro studies also confirmed that topical application of BDNF and/or AST reversed the Ab-induced cytotoxicity, apoptosis, mitochondrial distress, synaptotoxicity, and decreased expression of p-TrkB, AKT, p-GSK3b, and b-catenin in altered rat cortical neurons. In particular, the beneficial effects of combined ER (or BDNF) and AST therapy in vivo and in vitro were superior to ER (or BDNF) or AST alone. Furthermore, we observed that any gains from ER (or BDNF) and/or AST could be significantly eliminated by ANA-12, a potent BDNF/TrkB antagonist. Conclusion: These results indicate that whereas ER (or BDNF) and/or AST attenuate Ab pathology by reversing BDNF/TrkB signaling deficits and mitochondrial dysfunction. In particular, AST can be an alternative therapy to replace ER.
Expression and Subcellular Localization of Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 (DDR1) Define Prostate Cancer Aggressiveness
Authors: Bonfil R. Daniel , Chen Wei , Vranic Semir , Sohail Anjum , Shi Dongping , Jang Hyejeong , Kim Hyeong-Reh , Prunotto Marco , Fridman Rafael
Published: August 2021

Background: The Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 (DDR1) is one of the two members of a unique family of receptor tyrosine kinase receptors that signal in response to collagen, which has been implicated in cancer progression. Here, we examined the expression of DDR1 in prostate cancer (PCa), and assessed its potential value as a prognostic marker, as a function of grade, stage and other clinicopathologic parameters.Methods: We investigated the association between the expression level and subcellular localization of DDR1 protein and PCa aggressiveness by immunohistochemistry, using tissue microarrays (TMAs) encompassing 200 cases of PCa with various Gleason scores (GS) and pathologic stages with matched normal tissue, and a highly specific monoclonal antibody. Results: DDR1 was found to be localized in the membrane, cytoplasm, and nuclear compartments of both normal and cancerous prostate epithelial cells. Analyses of DDR1 expression in low GS (≤7[3+4]) vs high GS (≥7[4+3]) tissues showed no differences in nuclear or cytoplasmic DDR1in either cancerous or adjacent normal tissue cores. However, relative to normal-matched tissue, the percentage of cases with higher membranous DDR1 expression was significantly lower in high vs. low GS cancers. Although nuclear localization of DDR1 was consistently detected in our tissue samples and also in cultured human PCa and normal prostate-derived cell lines, its presence in that site could not be associated with disease aggressiveness. No associations between DDR1 expression and overall survival or biochemical recurrence were found in this cohort of patients. Conclusion: The data obtained through multivariate logistic regression model analysis suggest that the level of membranous DDR1 expression status may represent a potential biomarker of utility for better determination of PCa aggressiveness.
Overexpressions of RHOA, CSNK1A1, DVL2, FZD8, and LRP5 Genes Enhance Gastric Cancer Development in the Presence of Helicobacter Pylori
Authors: Demirci Ufuk , Orenay-Boyacioglu Seda , Kasap Elmas , Gerceker Emre , Bilgic Fahri , Yuceyar Hakan , Yildirim Hatice , Baykan Ahmet Ramiz , Ellidokuz Ender Berat , Korkmaz Mehmet
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Intestinal metaplasia (IM), and Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection can be shown as risk factors in the development of gastric cancer (GC). WNT signaling pathway plays a critical role in carcinogenesis. However, the literature studies are limited on the significance of this pathway for the transition from IM to GC.Methods: We aimed to investigate the importance of the genes of WNT signaling pathways diagnostic and prognostic markers in the presence and absence of HP in conversion from IM to GC. 104 patients, (GC group n=35, IM group n=45, control group n=25) were included in this case-control study. Expression of genes in WNT signalling were searched in study groups with qRT-PCR array and qRT-PCR method. Data were analysed using PCR array data analysis software.Results: Statistically significant overexpression of RHOA, CSNK1A1, DVL2, FZD8 and LRP5 genes was detected in the GC and IM groups compared to the control group (p <0.05). Statistically significant overexpression of RHOA, CSNK1A1, DVL2, FZD8 and LRP5 genes was observed in patients with metastatic GC compared to patients with GC without metastasis (p <0.05). It was found that the RHOA, CSNK1A1, DVL2, FZD8 and LRP5 genes were statistically significantly over-expressed in diffuse GC patients compared to non-diffuse GC patients (p <0.05). Statistically significant overexpression of RHOA, CSNK1A1, DVL2, FZD8 and LRP5 genes was detected in HP positive IM patients compared to HP negative IM patients (p <0.05).Conclusion: Overexpression of RHOA, CSNK1A1, DVL2, FZD8 and LRP5 genes in IM may suggest that these genes are important markers in the development of IM and inflammation with HP. In addition, these genes are linked to tumor burden in the GC group. Consequently, we can conclude that these genes are poor prognosis biomarkers for GC and have the potential to be used as markers for future treatment monitoring.
A Study on the Reliability and Validity of the Standing Lateral Radiograph Method to Assess Acetabular Component Version
Authors: Zhang wenhui , Xu Jie , Li Deng , Sun Hao , Cai Zhiqing , Ma Ruofan
Published: August 2021

Objectives: Version of the acetabular component on standing position is an important factor influencing the risk of adverse outcomes during functional activities after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The main objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of a method for measuring cup version on standing lateral (SL) radiograph.Methods: 87 consecutive patients who underwent primary THA were included. SL radiograph and computed tomography (CT) scan were taken 7 days after THA to measure the cup version. The measurement method was based on the cross-table lateral (CL) radiograph. The tangential line of the cup opening face was determined through two intersecting points of the cup outer edge circle and the opening face elliptical arc. The version was measured between the horizonal line and the tangent line by two independent examiners. Radiographic measurements were compared with CT measurements after the uniformization of pelvic tilt (PT).Results: All measurements had excellent intra- and inter-observer reliabilities with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) >0.90. The mean version was 15.56° (SD 11.22°, -19.82° to 38.74°) for SL radiographs and 16.19° (SD 12.09°, -23.00° to 47.20°) for PT-matched CT. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.901, p < 0.001) between radiographic versions and CT versions. The mean difference was -0.63° (SD 5.25°, -14.92° to 12.72°) and the differences were almost within the 95% limits of agreement. Conclusion: SL radiograph allows accurate and practicable evaluation of post-operative functional acetabular cup version, with an advantage to identify the pelvic tilt simultaneously.
Identification of Prognostic lncRNA Related to the Immune Microenvironment of Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Authors: Dai Wang-Ying , Wang Bin , Li Jian-Yi , Zhu Jun-Cheng , Luo Zong-ping
Published: August 2021

Background: Soft tissue sarcoma is a malignant tumor with high degree of malignancy and poor prognosis, originating from mesenchymal tissue. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in various biological and pathological processes in the body. They target mRNA through transcription or post-transcription, resulting in the occurrence, invasion, and metastasis of tumors. Therefore, they are highly relevant with regard to early diagnoses and as prognostic indicators.Objective: The objective of the present study was to identify immune-related lncRNAs associated with the tumor microenvironment that can be used to predict soft tissue sarcomas.Methods: Clinical data and follow-up data were obtained from the cBioPortal database, and RNA sequencing data used for the model structure can be accessed from. The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. LncRNAs were screened by differential expression analysis and co-expression analysis. The Cox regression model and Kaplan–Meier analysis were used to study the association between lncRNAs and soft tissue sarcoma prognosis in the immune microenvironment. Unsupervised cluster analysis was then completed to discover the impact of screening lncRNAs on disease. Lastly, we constructed an mRNA-lncRNA network by Cytoscape software.Results: Unsupervised cluster analysis revealed that the 210 lncRNAs screened showed strong correlation with the tumor immune microenvironment. Two signatures containing seven and five lncRNAs related to the tumor microenvironment were constructed and used to predict overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). The Kaplan–Meier（K-M） survival curve showed that the prognoses of patients in the high-risk and low-risk groups differed significantly, and the prognosis associated with the low-risk group was better than that associated with the high-risk group. Two nomograms with predictive capabilities were established.Conclusion: The results indicate that seven OS- and five DFS-related lncRNAs are correlated with the prognosis of soft tissue sarcoma.
Data Classification and Prediction of Type and Outcome of Treatment of Nosocomial Infection Patients: Using Neural Network Algorithm
Authors: Farahbakhsh Amin , Dezfoulian Hamidreza , Khazaee Salman
Published: August 2021

Background

In general, a predictive system for the diagnosis and prediction of nosocomial infections can help improve the quality of services in health centers and reduce the associated costs. Therefore, the present study was designed to predict the type and outcome of treatment of nosocomial infection patients using neural network algorithm.
Methods

The study is a cross-sectional one based on the registered data done on the nosocomial infection data of selected hospitals of Hamadan Province from March 2017 to March 2019, including 5,680 cases of nosocomial infections. According to patients' information registered in the Nosocomial Infection Registration System, nine criteria including the patients’ basic clinical information including name of the hospital and ward, infection-causing tool, organism, time from hospitalization to infection, length of hospital stay, age, gender, and weight were used as the explanatory criteria, and two criteria of type of infection and the final outcome of treatment, together with the actual available results, were used as the intended targets for performing the necessary analyses in data mining. In this study, neural network algorithm was implemented using IBM SPSS Modeler Software, version 18.0.
Results

The study results showed that length of hospital stay and hospitalization ward were the most influencing factors on the incidence of nosocomial infection. This network is multilayer and has two output layers and 11 hidden layers as well as 9 input layers. The results of the algorithm, with an accuracy of 91.8%, have had good adjustment with the actual results.
Conclusions

The results obtained from the model can help take an accurate step towards prediction of the likelihood of nosocomial infection and its outcome. It also identifies and prioritizes the factors influencing the incidence of infection.
Diagnostic Error Rates and Associated Factors for Lower Gastrointestinal Perforation: A Multicenter Retrospective Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Harada Taku , Watari Takashi , Watanuki Satoshi , Hiroshige Juichi , Kushiro Seiko , Miyagami Taiju , Shusa Syunsuke , Suzuki Satoshi , Hiyoshi Tetsuya , Hasegawa Suguru , Nabeshima Shigeki , Aihara Hidetoshi , Yamashita Shun , Tago Masaki , Yoshimura Fumitaka , Kunitomo Kotaro , Tsuji Takahiro , Hirose Masanori , Tsuchida Tomoya , Shimizu Taro
Published: August 2021

Lower gastrointestinal perforation is rare and challenging to diagnose timeously in the acute abdomen. However, no study has examined the frequency and associated factors of diagnostic errors related to lower gastrointestinal perforation. This large-scale multicenter retrospective study investigated the frequency of diagnostic errors and identified the associated factors. This study retrospectively analyzed data on patient factors, symptoms, situational factors, and physician factors across nine institutions between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019. Timely diagnosis was defined as diagnosis at the first visit to a computed tomography (CT)-capable facility or referral to an appropriate medical institution immediately following the first visit to a non-CT-capable facility; cases not meeting this definition were defined as diagnostic errors that resulted in delayed diagnosis. Of the 439 cases of lower gastrointestinal perforation identified, delayed diagnosis occurred in 138 cases (31.4%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between examination by a non-generalist and delayed diagnosis. Other factors, such as presence of fever, absence of abdominal tenderness, and unavailability of urgent radiology reports, tended to be associated with delayed diagnosis. The initial misdiagnoses mainly comprised gastroenteritis, constipation, and small bowel obstruction. In conclusion, diagnostic errors occurred in about one-third of lower gastrointestinal perforation cases.
Changes in Peripheral Arterial Blood Pressure After Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta (REBOA) in Non-traumatic Cardiac Arrest Patients
Authors: Brede Jostein Rødseth , Skjærseth Eivinn , Klepstad Pål , Nordseth Trond , Krüger Andreas Jørstad
Published: August 2021

Background Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) may be an adjunct treatment to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Aortic occlusion may increase aortic pressure and increase the coronary perfusion pressure and the cerebral blood flow. Peripheral arterial blood pressure is often measured during or after CPR, however, changes in peripheral blood pressure after aortic occlusion is insufficiently described. This study aimed to assess changes in peripheral arterial blood pressure after REBOA in patients with out of hospital cardiac arrest.Methods An observational study performed at the helicopter emergency medical service in Trondheim (Norway). Eligible patients received REBOA as adjunct treatment to advanced cardiac life support. Peripheral invasive arterial blood pressure and end-tidal CO2 (EtCO2) was measured before and after aortic occlusion. Differences in arterial blood pressures and EtCO2 before and after occlusion was analysed with Wilcoxon Signed Rank test.Results Five patients were included to the study. The median REBOA procedural time was 11 minutes and median time from dispatch to aortic occlusion was 50 minutes. Two patients achieved return of spontaneous circulation. EtCO2 increased significantly 60 seconds after occlusion, by a mean of 1.16 kPa (p = 0.043). Before occlusion the arterial pressure in compression phase were 43.2 (12 – 112) mmHg, the mean pressure 18.6 (4 – 27) mmHg and pressure in the relaxation phase 7.8 (-7 – 22) mmHg. Two minutes after aortic occlusion the corresponding pressures were 114.8 (23 – 241) mmHg, 44.6 (15 – 87) mmHg and 14.8 (0 – 29) mmHg. The arterial pressures were significant different in the compression phase and as mean pressure (p = 0.043 and p = 0.043, respectively) and not significant in the relaxation phase (p = 0.223).Conclusion This study is, to our knowledge, the first to assess the peripheral invasive arterial blood pressure response to aortic occlusion during CPR in the pre-hospital setting. REBOA application during CPR significantly increase the peripheral artery pressures. This likely indicates improved central aortic blood pressure and warrants studies with simultaneous peripheral and central blood pressure measurement during aortic occlusion.Trial registration The study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03534011).
Determinants that Associated with Traveling History of COVID-19 Patients in Ethiopia During Stay at Home State of Emergency
Authors: Gebre Kindu Kebede , Demissie Million Wesenu
Published: August 2021

Background: The recent outbreak of Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) Disease (COVID-19) has put the world on alert and impacting societies around the world in an unprecedented manner. The main aims of this study was to investigate the association among the socio-demographic factors with traveling history of COVID-19 Patients in Ethiopia during stay at home state of emergency. Methods: A total of 162 respondents with COVID-19 during March 13, 2020 to May 6, 2020 in Ethiopia were used. Two sided chi-square test was used to test the association between the socio demographic factors among COVID-19 Patients. A log-complement logistic regression model was used to compute the health ratios (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to measure the effect of those factors. Results: The data was analyzed using 162 patients of severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus-2. An association was found between traveling history of COVID-19 infected patients and Gender (male vs female) [B =5.410, p<0.020] and Age group [a=13.082, p<0.004]. Log-complement logistic regression model showed that Gender and Age were significant factors associated to traveling history of COVID-19 Patients. Health ratio showed that increasing risk of traveling history for COVID-19 patients associated with higher number of males [ HR=0.5895, 95%CI: 0.4007-0.8672, P<0.0073] and Age group 18-39 years [HR=0.4139, 95%CI: 0.2385-0.7184, P<0.0017] on patients of COVID-19. Akaike information criteria with minimum value [AIC=1.2158] indicated that Log complement logistic regression model was fitted the data well for the similar dataset of patients’ with novel corona virus. Conclusions: Male Gender and Age group 18-39 years are significant socio-demographic factors associated to traveling history of patients with corona virus disease. Further socio-demographic investigations are required to better understand the extent of association with Gender and Age for effective intervention and fight this pandemic to preserve lives.
Malignant Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Pleura: Case Report
Authors: Khouzam Matthew S , Khouzam Nayer
Published: August 2021

Background: Solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura are rare diseases of the thoracic cavity. They frequently grow unnoticed until they exert compressive effects on adjacent organs. Treatment of solitary fibrous tumors of the pleura is surgical resection. Post-operative surveillance is recommended to identify early recurrent disease. Case Presentation: We present a rare case of a 76-year-old female patient with no previous pulmonary history who presented with progressive dyspnea, fatigue, and involuntary weight loss. On chest X-ray and computed chest tomography scan, she was found to have a 16.7 cm x 12.8 cm x 10.1 cm bulky mass occupying the left hemithorax with associated compressive atelectasis of the lung. She underwent a computed tomography guided biopsy that revealed the mass to be a solitary fibrous tumor. The patient underwent left muscle sparing lateral thoracotomy with complete resection of the tumor. Post procedure, the left lung fully expanded. 18 months post-resection, she developed a 3.3 cm x 1.7 cm tumor along the left internal thoracic artery lymph node chain which was histologically identical to the resected tumor. The patient is currently being treated with bevacizumab and temozolomide. Conclusion: Solitary fibrous tumors are very rare pleural tumors. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice followed by close post-operative surveillance.
Meta-analysis on the prevalence of Mycoplasmosis in poultry of India and the World
Authors: Ramasamy Kannaki T , Priyanka E. , Nishitha Y. , Haunshi Santosh
Published: August 2021

Mycoplasmosis, is one of the important disease of poultry industry causing huge economic loss. In the present study, the prevalence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma Synoviae (MS) in poultry from India and the World was estimated using meta-analysis from the studies during 2010–2020. The meta-analysis of studies from the world showed that overall pooled prevalence estimates for MS (42.52% CI: 33.16–52.16) is more than MG (39.31% CI: 25.76–53.74). In India also, the pooled estimate for prevalence of MS (29.34% CI: 14.40-46.93) is more than MG (25.97% CI: 19.41–33.11). However, the prevalence of both MG & MS is comparatively less in India than other parts of world. Pooled estimate through serological techniques was more for both MG & MS than other diagnostic methods and ELISA was the most reported diagnostic method followed by other methods including serum plate agglutination assay (SPA), PCR and isolation etc. Zone wise prevalence estimate showed that south zone has comparatively higher prevalence (37.37%) for both MG & MS than other zones in India. Continent wise analysis revealed that African continent has more prevalence for both MG (50.09 % CI: 31.75–68.42) and MS (44.79 % CI: 23.26–67.37) followed by others. Overall, the current study indicates higher prevalence of Mycoplasmosis worldwide including India and other countries emphasizing the importance of strict implementation of biosecurity measures and vaccinations.
Dhaka Water-logging: Causes, Effects and Remedial Policy Options
Authors: Taufiq Hossain Ahmed
Published: August 2021

Water-logging is a major challenge for Dhaka city, the capital of Bangladesh. The rapid, unregulated, and unplanned urbanization, as well as detrimental social, economic, infrastructural, and environmental consequences, not to mention diseases like dengue, challenge the several crash programs combating water-logging in the city. This study provides a brief contextual analysis of the Dhaka’s geomorphology and natural plain, as well as, storm water drainage systems, before concentrating on the man-made causes and effects of water-logging, ultimately exploring a few remedial measures.
Key factors associated with malaria infection among patients seeking care through the public sector in endemic townships of Ayeyarwady Region, Myanmar
Authors: Dunning Jillian , Aung Nang Khaing Zar , Ward Abigail , Aye Moe Moe , Lourenço Christopher , Gallalee Sarah , Lavenberg Stephen , Menach Arnaud Le , Tun Myat Min , Thi Aung
Published: August 2021

BackgroundAyeyarwady Region in Myanmar has made significant progress towards malaria elimination, with confirmed cases decreasing from 13,522 in 2013 to 122 in 2019. As transmission declines, malaria becomes increasingly focalized both in geographic hotspots and among population groups sharing certain risk factors. Developing a thorough profile of high-risk activities associated with malaria infections is critical to ensure intervention approaches are evidence-based. MethodsA test-negative study was conducted from September 2017 to May 2018 in Ngaputaw, Pathein and Thabaung townships in Ayeyarwady Region. Patients that presented to selected public facilities or community health volunteers with fever answered survey questions on demographic and behavioral risk factors, including exposure to malaria interventions, and were assigned to case and control groups based on the result of a malaria rapid diagnostic test. A random-effects logistic regression model adjusted for clustering at the facility level, as well as any variables along the causal pathway described by a directed acyclic graph, was used to determine odds ratios and association with malaria infections. ResultsA total of 119 cases and 1,744 controls were recruited from 41 public facilities, with a mean age of 31.3 and 63.7% percent male. Higher risk groups were identified as males (aOR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2–2.9) and those with a worksite located within the forest (aOR 2.8, 95% CI: 1.4–5.3), specifically working in the logging (aOR 2.7, 95% CI: 1.5–4.6) and rubber plantation (aOR 3.0, 95% CI: 1.4–6.8) industries. Additionally, links between forest travel and malaria were observed, with risk factors identified to be sleeping in the forest within the past month (aOR 2.6, 95% CI: 1.1–6.3), and extended forest travel with durations from 3 to 14 days (aOR 8.6, 95% CI: 3.5–21.4) or longer periods (aOR 8.4, 95% CI: 3.2–21.6). ConclusionMalaria transmission is highly focalized in Ayeyarwady, and results illustrate the need to target interventions to the most at-risk populations of working males and forest goers. It will become increasingly necessary to ensure full intervention coverage of at-risk populations active in forested areas as Myanmar moves closer to malaria elimination goals.
Knowledge of danger signs during pregnancy and health seeking behaviours among women attending antenatal care; the case of two referral hospitals in Southwest Cameroon
Authors: Ajabmoh Elvis Nkengasong , Atemnkeng Confidence Alemajo , Nkemayim Denis Chap , Ngunyi Yannick Lechedem , Egbe Thomas Obinchemti
Published: August 2021

Background: Danger signs of pregnancy are alerts of obstetric complications which commonly occur from mid to late pregnancy and can lead to maternal and/or fetal morbidity/mortality if appropriate care is not sort in a timely manner. Delay in seeking care is one of the key factors leading to maternal death, which can be associated with poor knowledge on obstetric danger signs. In Cameroon, published data on the assessment of knowledge of danger signs in pregnancy is rare, despite the burden of maternal morbidity and mortality. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge of danger signs during pregnancy and health care seeking behaviours among women attending antenatal care at the Buea and Limbe Regional Hospitals, Cameroon. Methods: This was a hospital based, cross sectional study, conducted at the Antenatal Care unit of Buea and Limbe Regional Hospitals from 24th February 2020 to 24th May 2020. Convenient sampling was used to recruit participants, and data was collected using a structured questionnaire with closed and open-ended questions. Data analysis was done using SPSS Version 25. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the association between dependent and independent variables. Statistical significance was set at a 95% CI, with a P-value < 0.05. Results: A total of 400 pregnant women were enrolled in study, 117(29.3%) had experienced danger signs during pregnancy and reported the healthcare seeking behaviours after recognizing the danger sign. Among those who recognized danger signs, majority 91(77.8%) visited a healthcare facility. Almost two-thirds 246(61.5%) of respondents had poor knowledge of danger signs. The most commonly mentioned danger sign was vaginal bleeding 257(64.25%). Women who were older than 19 years (AOR=3.96; 95%CI: 2.8-4.1, P=0.006), and women who attended at least high school (AOR=3.02; 95%CI: 1.7-5.3), P= 0.001) were associated with good knowledge of danger signs. Conclusion: Knowledge of danger signs during pregnant was poor among antenatal care attendees in both hospitals. Age older than 19 years and at least high school attendance was associated with good knowledge. Also, women took appropriate healthcare seeking actions after recognizing danger signs during pregnancy. Thus, intervention programs aiming to improve women’s knowledge on pregnancy danger signs should be intensified during antenatal care visits.
Mobility analysis of a robotic cardiopulmonary resuscitation device
Authors: Ardestani Mahdi , Asgari Mohsen
Published: August 2021

During chest compressions action, in CPR (CPR), the 2 arms of the rescuer constitute a parallel mechanism. Inspired by this performance, during this study a specific family of lower mobility parallel manipulators by employing a modified version of Delta robot is proposed for chest compressions in rescuing a patient. One of the biggest differences between this mechanism and the Delta parallel mechanism is that the position of the three active connections of the robot relative to each other has changed the geometry of the platforms. Also, it shapes the asymmetrical structure within the robot mechanism and its workspace. Another difference is due to the architectural optimization method considering the mixed performance index, which has been used during this mechanism to achieve a much better compromise between the manipulator dexterity and its workspace. Within the present paper, after introducing the architecture of the robot, a closed-form solution is developed for the kinematic problem and therefore the results are verified using MSC. Adams©. Then Jacobian matrix is generated to gauge the singularity problem of the proposed mechanism. then, the workspace of the robot is investigated and compared with the original Delta mechanism.
Beneficial immune-regulatory effects of novel strains of Aureobasidium pullulans AFO-202 and N-163 produced beta glucans in Sprague Dawley rats
Authors: Ikewaki Nobunao , Raghavan Kadalraja , Dedeepiya Vidyasagar Devaprasad , Vaddi Suryaprakash , Iwasaki Masaru , Preethy Senthilkumar , Senthilkumar Rajappa , Abraham Samuel JK
Published: August 2021

Background:Immune system dysregulation plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. A balanced immune response is essential to mounting anti-viral defences, and biomarkers such as the white blood cell (WBC) count, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the lymphocyte-to-C-reactive-protein (LCR) ratio have been reported as potential predictors of immune status. The beneficial immunomodulation effects of a biological response modifier glucan (BRMG) produced by two strains of Aureobasidium pullulans, AFO-202 and N-163, were reported in earlier in vitro studies. In this study, we compared their efficacy on immune-inflammatory parameters in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats.Methods:This study was performed on four groups of healthy SD rats, with six subjects in each group: Group 1, which was euthanised on Day 0 to obtain baseline values; Group 2, which served as the control (drinking water); Group 3, which received AFO-202 beta glucan at a dose of 200 mg/kg/day; and Group 4, which received N-163 beta glucan at a dose of 300 mg/kg/day. Test solutions were administered to the animals in Groups 2–4 by gavage once daily for 28 consecutive days. Biochemical analyses were conducted on haematological, immunological and inflammatory biomarkers on Days 15 and 29.Results:The NLR decreased, whereas the LCR and leukocyte-to-C-reactive protein ratio (LeCR) increased in Group 3 (AFO-202) at 15 days, but the values were within the normal physiological range only. At 29 days, this difference among the groups was not observed. There were no significant differences between the groups in the other parameters, such as red blood cell (RBC) count, WBC count, CRP, IgA, IL-6, IFN-γ and sFAS.Conclusion:AFO-202 beta glucan helps marginally decrease NLR and increase LCR and LeCR in healthy SD rats within 15 days. This might be beneficial to tackling infections such as COVID-19 that involve immune system dysregulation. These results warrant further investigations in larger numbers of healthy and diseased models to develop appropriate strategies for balancing immune system dysregulation using these beta glucan food supplements with proven safety.
A highly stable, nanotube-enhanced, CMOS-MEMS thermal emitter for mid-IR gas sensing
Authors: Popa Daniel , Hopper Richard , Ali Syed Zeeshan , Cole Matthew , Fan Ye , Veigang-Radulescu Vlad-Petru , Chikkaraddy Rohit , Nallala Jayakrupakar , Xing Yuxin , Alexander-Webber Jack , Hofmann Stephan , De Luca Andrea , Gardner Julian William , Udrea Florin
Published: August 2021

The gas sensor market is growing fast, driven by many socioeconomic and industrial factors. Mid-infrared (MIR) gas sensors offer excellent performance for an increasing number of sensing applications in healthcare, smart homes, and the automotive sector. Having access to low-cost, miniaturized, energy efficient light sources is of critical importance for the monolithic integration of MIR sensors. Here, we present an on-chip broadband thermal MIR source fabricated by combining a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) micro-hotplate with a dielectric-encapsulated carbon nanotube (CNT) blackbody layer. The micro-hotplate was used during fabrication as a micro-reactor to facilitate high temperature (>700 • C) growth of the CNT layer and also for post-growth thermal annealing. We demonstrate, for the first time, stable extended operation in air of devices with a dielectric-encapsulated CNT layer at heater temperatures above 600 • C. The demonstrated devices exhibit almost unitary emissivity across the entire MIR spectrum, offering an ideal solution for low-cost, highly-integrated MIR spectroscopy for the Internet of Sensors.
Trends of CO and NO2 Pollutants Change in Iran during Covid-19 Pandemic using Time-Series Sentinel-5 Images in Google Earth Engine
Authors: Shami Siavash , Ranjgar Babak , Azar Mahdi Khoshlahjeh , Moghimi Armin , Sabetghadam Samaneh , Amani Meisam
Published: August 2021

The first cases of Covid-19 in Iran were reported shortly after the disease outbreak in Wuhan, China. The end of the Persian year and the beginning of the Nowruz holidays in the following year (March 2020) coincided with its global pandemic, which led to quarantine and lockdown in the country. Many studies have shown that with the spread of this disease and the decline of industrial activities, environmental pollutants were drastically reduced. Among these pollutants, Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) are widely caused by anthropogenic and industrial activities. In this study, the changes of these pollutants in Iran and its four metropolises (i.e., Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, and Tabriz) in three time periods from March 11 to April 8 of 2019, 2020, and 2021 were investigated. To this end, time-series of the Sentinel-5P TROPOMI and in-situ data within the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud-based platform were employed. It was observed that the results obtained from the satellite data were in agreement with the in-situ data (average correlation coefficient = 0.7). Moreover, the results showed that the concentration of NO2 and CO pollutants in 2020 (the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic) was 5% lower than in 2019, indicating the observance of quarantine rules as well as people’s initial fear of the Coronavirus. Contrarily, these pollutants in 2021 (the second year of the Covid-19 pandemic) were higher than those in 2020 by 5%, which could be due to high vehicle traffic and the lack of serious policy and law-making by the government to ban urban and interurban traffic. Furthermore, the increase of the NO2 and CO in 2021 was followed by an increase in the deaths caused by Covid-19 and triggering the fourth peak in the Covid-19 cases, signifying a link between exposure to air pollution and Covid-19 mortality in Iran.
Cordycepin, an adenosine analog Induces Apoptosis, ROS Generation, and Suppresses Mitochondrial potentials. Exhibits activities against Dalton’s Lymphoma.
Authors: Shukla Alok , Kumar Sandeep , Kumar Naveen , Patel Anand Kumar , kumar Lokesh , Acharya Arbind
Published: August 2021

Cordycepin exhibits anticancer potentials against various types of cancer cells. However, the multitudes of associated aspects of its anticancer properties against T- cell Lymphoma remains obscure. Based on in vitro studies, we reported that cordycepin exhibits an antineoplastic effect, against Dalton’s Lymphoma (DL) cells. This study illustrates antineoplastic effects and associated mechanisms of cordycepin against tumor cells withdrawn from murine T-cells Lymphoma, designated as Dalton’s Lymphoma. Our study reveals that cordycepin demonstrates tumoricidal activities against tumor cells via activating apoptosis and necrosis, including the surplus level of Reactive oxygen species production, declined mitochondrial membrane potentials, altered cell survival, and chromatin fragmentation. Moreover, this study also reported cordycepin-induced cell cycle arrest in tumor cells which further leads to apoptosis of tumor cells. This investigation elucidates the implication of antitumor actions of cordycepin against T- Cell Lymphoma accompanied by mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathway and therefore, have great medicinal significance.
Human rights in Muslim law: current issues
Authors: Maryniv I.I. , Malik K.R.
Published: August 2021

The article is devoted to the study of the peculiarities of the legal system of Muslim countries. The author analyzes the essence of the concept of human rights and freedoms in Muslim law, as well as comparative characteristics with the Western legal system. The general principles of law in the Muslim system, due to the peculiarities of its historical formation, establish the criteria of conformity of positive law to the values of a particular society, limiting the action of a law to generally accepted moral criteria. It is noted that certain aspects of Sharia have different meanings for followers of Islam and those who do not adhere to this faith. In a ratio religious and secular rules of conduct operate differently. The author points out that in the theory of Muslim law, all people are equal regardless of their social background, skin color or language. It also speaks of the equality of all before the law and the court, but in practice a completely different situation arises. The article analyzes the disrespect for women's rights and the fact that women are essentially unprotected in Islam. It is noted that human rights, which should be universal in nature, were neglected by delegates to the 1993 UN Human Rights Conference in Vienna. In view of this, Islamic society is faced with the question: either Islam and Sharia, or democracy and human rights. At the same time, no explanation was given as to why one should be chosen over the other. The author proposes to gradually incorporate Muslim law into the law of Western countries, but only with respect for the national and cultural peculiarities of the East. It also highlights the importance of developing categories of human rights in the Muslim legal system, taking into account the standards of the Western concept of human rights and conducting a detailed study of Islamic law, rather than simply adding Western notions of natural human rights to Muslim law.
Legal aspects of the impact of educational migration on the national security of Ukraine
Authors: Makarchuk V.V.
Published: August 2021

The article is intended to analyze the legal aspects of the impact of educational migration on the national security of Ukraine. The legal basis of educational migration is considered, in particular, the consolidation of Ukraine's participation as a full participant in the European educational space in the regulatory framework and its impact on Ukraine's national security. The positive and negative consequences of educational migration and their impact on the national security of the country are analyzed. Comprehensive measures, including legal ones, in the field of education and migration policy of Ukraine have been identified. Academic mobility and cross-border education are identified as the main institutional forms of educational migration. Today, the national security of Ukraine requires the protection of the public interests of all segments of the population, including young students, which ensures the sustainable development of the country and society. The vast majority of migrants are young people - the most active part of the population, prone to self-development and adaptation in a multicultural environment. Ensuring constitutional human rights and freedoms, including their right to education, are objects of national security. It is proved that international integration and integration of the national higher education system into the European educational space is one of the main principles of state policy in education. Accordingly, there are academic mobility programs in the field of international cooperation. Migration policy is one of the priority areas of the country's development. Migration is a complex process that includes, in addition to legal, economic, socio-psychological, political and cultural interrelationships. The issue of modern migration processes and national security is always promising in terms of further research, especially given that the analysis of the migration situation in Ukraine shows that they are developing much more dynamically than the process of legal regulation in this area. In fact, it is about the complexity of effective legal regulation of migration processes in the country.
Determining the responsibilities of inheritors
Authors: Goncharova A.V.
Published: August 2021

Like subjective rights, responsibilities are part of the legal status of the individual. In the theory of state and law, duty is understood as a measure of proper conduct established by law. The peculiarity of the responsibilities of the heir is that at the time of acceptance of the inheritance, the heir passes not only the asset but also the liability. The heir who inherited the heir is liable for the debts of the testator. The exercise of the right to inherit primarily consists in the fact that the heir has the right to accept the inheritance or to refuse it. At the same time, it is not allowed to accept an inheritance with a condition or with any reservation. At the heart of the realization of the right to inherit - the will of the heir. The heir decides to accept the inheritance, to refuse it or not to accept the inheritance, based on their own interests. The freedom to renounce the inheritance is also manifested in the choice of the method of renunciation: either in favor of a particular heir, or without specifying such. At the time of death, the testator ceases to be the subject of any relationship, loses subjective rights and obligations. In turn, the heirs acquire property rights and subjective rights and obligations only with the passage of time. It is not possible to inherit only rights without fulfilling the obligations arising from the acceptance of the inheritance. It is also not possible to transfer the performance of one's duties to another person in order to be able to exercise one's inheritance right. To the heirs pass not only the rights of the testator, but also his responsibilities (translational succession), even if they were not specified in the will, because the inheritance is a universal succession. In universal succession, the whole set of rights and responsibilities of the testator's predecessor passes to the heir, except those that are closely related to the testator's personality. In this case, all components of this set belonging to the testator are transferred to a single act.
The role of executive bodies as subjects of the economic security system of Ukraine
Authors: Melnyk V.I.
Published: August 2021

The article is devoted to the role of executive bodies as subjects of the economic security system of Ukraine. Attention is drawn to the importance of effective administrative activity as one of the basic preconditions for the proper functioning of various branches of the economic sector. It is noted that such activity is of great strategic importance in the issues of ensuring the stability of the national economy and facilitating the necessary development of the latter. An attempt is made to prove that an important role, given their goals, objectives, functions and constitutionally established appointments, is assigned to the executive authorities to facilitate the proper functioning of the national economic system. It has been noted that, among all other bodies of State power, entities have undoubtedly played a significant role in this process and have a special place in the existing State machinery. Attention is drawn to the issues of the concept, as well as to the definition of the structure of the administrative and legal status of the subjects in question. The purpose, tasks and functions of executive bodies as subjects of the system of economic security of Ukraine are defined and characterized. Competence of the said structures in this direction of scientific research is determined, key powers of executive authorities as subjects of the national system of economic security are singled out. It is noted that great importance is given to development of general and coordinated activity of executive authorities, taking into account complexity and multifaceted nature of national economy. It has been noted and an attempt has been made to prove that strengthening external and internal cooperation is a weighty prerequisite for the effective protection of the economic component. It is pointed out that this is especially important in the context of active globalization processes, including those related to the economic sphere. It is noted that such practice also takes place in most EU countries and shows positive statistics from this activity.