bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 Pandemic: Marked Global Disparities in Fatalities According to Geographic Location and Universal Health Care
Authors: Dongarwar Deepa , Salihu Hamisu M.
Published: May 2020

Since its outbreak, COVID-19 pandemic has been the biggest global concern with exponentially increasing number of cases and associated deaths across all habitable continents. Various countries around the world with their diverse health care systems, have responded to the pandemic in very distinctive ways. In this paper, we: compared COVID-19 mortality rates across global geographic regions; and assessed differences in COVID-19-related case fatality rate (CFR) based on presence or absence of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). We found that as of May 6, 2020, Europe had experienced the highest CFR globally of 9.6%, followed by 5.9% in North America. Although the pandemic originated in Asia, the continent ranked second to the last in terms of CFR (3.5%). Countries with UHC had lower number of cases of 37.6%, but the CFR of countries with UHC was twice that of countries without UHC (10.5% versus 4.9%). In conclusion, UHC does not appear to protect against mortality in a pandemic environment such as with COVID-19.

Key words: • COVID-19 • Global disparity • Universal Health Coverage • Case fatality rate

 

Copyright © 2020 Dongarwar and Salihu. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
I Seminário Integrado IFC- FURB de Educação Profissional e Tecnológica: Caminhos trilhados e resultados alcançados
Authors: Suhr Inge Renate Frose
Published: May 2020

O relato se refere a preparação, execução e avaliação do I Seminário Integrado IFC-FURB de Educação Profissional e Tecnológica, ocorrido em 2019, na cidade de Blumenau. Trata-se de uma ação conjunta entre o mestrado ProfEPT – ofertado pelo Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia Catarinense – IFC – campus Blumenau e pelo grupo de pesquisa EDUCOGITANS, associado ao programa de Pós-graduação em Educação da Fundação Universidade Regional de Blumenau – FURB.
Levantamento dos dados censitários básicos da área de influência: Região Portuária de São Francisco do Sul
Authors: Borges Silivi Juliana , Truppel Schmidt Gabriela , Cristina Krüger Claudia
Published: May 2020

Municípios costeiros apresentam conflitos de uso em seu território e a presença de um porto de considerável importância aumenta a complexidade de suas relações. A presença de ecossistemas com grande produtividade e diversidade, além da beleza cênica ímpar faz com que a zona costeira seja uma área de grande atrativo. Como consequência torna-se alvo dos mais variados interesses, como por exemplo, comercial, turístico e industrial, fazendo com que seus conflitos sejam cada vez mais complexos. Assim, este espaço geográfico transforma-se no palco de uma série de impactos e relações que devem ser geridos de forma sustentável para que se obtenha o desenvolvimento econômico, sem perder a qualidade ambiental ou aumentar a desigualdade social. O objetivo deste artigo foi realizar o levantamento e informações básicas referente aos domicílios, rendimentos e tipo de tratamento de esgoto sanitário na área portuária do município de São Francisco do Sul.
Apresentação do Programa
Authors: Quadro Mário
Published: May 2020

Apresentação do Mestrado ` Profissional em Clima E Ambiente  do Instituto Federal de Santa Catarina (IFSC)
Dinâmica do Fitoplâncton e Avaliação de Cianotoxinas em Tanques de Psicultura e suas Associação as Variáveis Ambientais
Authors: Pereira Aline , Schramm Mathias , Santos Kleber
Published: May 2020

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a dinâmica do fitoplâncton com ênfase em cianobactérias e cianotoxinas presentes em em tanques de piscicultura, relacionando aos parâmetros meteorológicos e físicoquímicosda água. A metodologia foi estabelecida em um plano de amostragem sazonal em quatorze tanques de cultivo de Oreochromis niloticus, em sete propriedades localizadas nas cidades de Blumenau, Gaspar eMassaranduba. Foram realizadas amostragens qualitativas e quantitativas durante o verão e inverno de 2019, totalizando 56 amostras. Os ensaios biológicos de identificação e contagem do fitoplâncton e de identificação equantificação de cianotoxinas foram realizados no Laboratório de Pesquisa e Monitoramento de Algas Nocivas e Ficotoxinas de Itajaí (LANF). Os dados climáticos foram obtidos no Centro de Informações de RecursosAmbientais e de Hidrometeorologia de Santa Catarina (CIRAM). Parâmetros físicos-químicos da água foram determinados no Freitag Laboratórios em Timbó. Resultados quantitativos demostraram que as classes maisbem representadas em número de espécies no verão e inverno foram Chlorophyceae e Bacillariophyceae. A riqueza de táxons apresentou valor mínimo de 1 táxon e máximo de 34 táxons. O índice de dominância deSimpson (D’) apresentou valor máximo de 0,91%. Não foi detectada presença de cianotoxinas nas análises de Cromatografia Líquida e Espectrometria de Massas realizadas até o momento.
Distribuição do Fitoplâncton no Entorno da Reserva Biológica Marinha do Arvoredo
Authors: Tranker Viviane , Freire Andrea , Schramm Mathias
Published: May 2020

O fitoplâncton constitui um dos principais componentes dos sistemas aquáticos marinhos e sua distribuição é influenciada por vários fatores ambientais, tais como, nutrientes e luz, além de temperatura, turbidez e oxigênio dissolvido. O ambiente marinho da plataforma de Santa Catarina é um sistema subtropical, oligotrófico. Massas de água de origem oceânica modificam as condições oceanográficas da região (ACAS, APP, e aporte continental por PRT e CN) Apesar da importância biológica dessa região, estudos sobre a distribuição e ecologia do fitoplâncton são escassos. Diante disso, o objetivo do presente estudo é avaliar a distribuição do fitoplanctônica no entorno da Reserva Biológica Marinha do Arvoredo, ao longo de três anos consecutivos. O presente estudo é baseado no projeto MAArE. Coletas foram realizadas entre os anos de 2014 a 2016, em seis estações de amostragem e em três profundidades. Parâmetros físicos foram obtidos in situ e químicos coletados em garrafas Van Dorn para análise dos nutrientes inorgânicos em suspensão. Amostras para análise quantitativa do fitoplâncton, coletados em garrafa Van Dorn e acondicionadas em frasco de 250 mL, preservadas em solução de água do mar-formaldeído a 4%. A identificação e contagem dos organismos foi realizada em microscópio ótico invertido Olympus®, modelo CKX41, segundo o método clássico de Utermöhl. Altas densidades celulares foram associadas as altas concentrações de Silicato. Durante o verão, nas estações costeiras, a fertilização por este nutriente está sob influência continental e intrusão da ACAS nas estações mais profundas e no inverno pelo intrusão APP.
Um Plano Municipal para Adaptação dos Efeitos das Mudanças Climáticas no Municipio de São Francisco do Sul - SC
Authors: De Oliveira Rafael , Widmer Walter
Published: May 2020

As mudanças climáticas estão acontecendo em uma proporção sem precedentes e impactando muitas pessoas em todo o planeta, principalmente através da ocorrência da elevação do nível médio do mar e eventos extremos, como secas mais longas e freqüentes, elevação na atividade de furacões e enchentes; o que demanda esforços de adaptação. Tais mudanças alertam para um panorama preocupante no que se refere aos ecossistemas costeiros e a infraestrutura das cidades litorâneas, potencializando impactos socioambientais significativos. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo formular contribuições preliminares para um documento técnico sugerindo estratégias, ações de adaptação e gerenciamento de riscos às mudanças climáticas, aplicado à cidade litorânea de São Francisco Sul, localizada no norte de Santa Catarina, especificamente quanto aos eventos relacionados à processos erosivos na linha de costaOs resultados preliminares indicam que a área em estudo  apresenta risco menor em sua extensão norte e risco crítico em sua extensão sul, sendo esta a área com maior vulnerabilidade Espera-se que essa metodologia possa ser aplicada posteriormente a outros ecossistemas do território municipal, gerando contribuições para um plano municipal de adaptação às mudanças climáticas, que eventualmente poderá ser replicado à outras cidades litorâneas, contribuindo com a melhoria da qualidade de vida da população costeira catarinense.
Santa Catarina visto do espaço à noite e o sistema viário
Authors: Ribeiro Eduardo Augusto Werneck
Published: May 2020

O produto cartográfico derivado de imagens noturnas (Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer  - VIIRS) do sensor Suomi NPP pode observar pouca luz até a escala de uma lâmpada de estrada isolada ou de um barco de pesca. A proposta foi aplicar este recurso para identificar os espaços luminiosos e opacos, discutidos em Santos e Oliveira (2001). Neste artigo descreve-se a metodologia aplicada. O produto final se mostrou interessante para usos no planejamento e gestão territorial.
Diagnostic Performance of APRI and FIB-4 for Confirming Cirrhosis in Indonesian HIV/HCV Co-infected Patients
Authors: Yunihastuti Evy , Wicaksana Bramantya , Wiraguna Andrian , Hidayah Ainum Jhariah , Amelia Fhadilla , Natali Veritea , Widhani Alvina , Sulaiman Andri Sanityoso , Kurniawan Juferdy
Published: May 2020

Background: After successful of antiretroviral therapy, highly effective direct acting antiviral (DAA) make HCV elimination reasonable in HIV/HCV co-infected patients. However, in achieving this target, there are still barriers to start DAA treatment, particularly in the area of liver fibrosis assessment that determine the duration of therapy. We aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of APRI and FIB-4 for diagnosing cirrhosis in HIV/HCV co-infected patients using hepatic transient elastography (TE) as gold standard.Method: This is a retrospective study on HIV/HCV co-infected patients who concomitantly performed hepatic TE measurement, APRI, and FIB-4 evaluation before HCV treatment initiation at a tertiary hospital in Jakarta from 2014 to 2019. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of indirect biomarkers for liver stiffness measurement (LSM) ≥ 12.5 kPa was determined by receiver operator characteristics curves. Results: 223 HIV/HCV co-infected patients on stable antiretroviral therapy were included, of whom 91.5% were male with mean age of 37 (SD 5) years. Only 28.7% of patients were classified as cirrhosis (F4). Using TE as gold standard (≥12.5 kPa), the low threshold of APRI (1) had specificity 95%, sensitivity 48.4%, correctly classified 81.6% of patients, with moderate performance, AUC at 0.72 (95% CI 0.63-0.80). The optimal cut-off of FIB-4 was 1.66 [specificity 92.5%, sensitivity 53.1%, AUC at 0.73 (95% CI 0.65-0.81)] and correctly classified 81.1% of the patients.Conclusion: APRI score > 1 and FIB-4 score > 1.66 had moderate performance with high specificity in diagnosing cirrhosis. These biochemical markers could be used while TE is not available.
Nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus in farm animals and breeders in North of Morocco
Authors: Mourabit Nadira , Arakrak Abdelhay , Bakkali Mohammed , Zian Zeineb , Bakkach Joaira , Laglaoui Amin
Published: May 2020

Background: The objectives of this study were to determine for the first time, in Morocco, the nasal carriage rate, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles and virulence genes of S.aureus isolated from animals and breeders in close contact.Methods: From 2015 to 2016, 421 nasal swab samples were collected from 26 different Livestock areas in Tangier. The antimicrobial susceptibility phenotypes were determined by disk diffusion according to EUCAST 2015. The presence of nuc, mecA, mecC, lukS/F-PV, and tst genes were determined by PCR for all isolates. Results: The overall S. aureus nasal carriage rate was low in animals (9.97%) and high in breeders (60%) with a statistically significant difference, (OR= 13.536; 95% CI = 7.070- 25.912; p< 0.001).In general, S. aureus strains were susceptible to the majority of antibiotics and the highest resistance rates were found against tetracycline (16.7% in animals and 10% in breeders). No MRSA was detected in animals and breeders. A high rate of tst and lukS/F-PV genes has been recovered only, from animals (11.9% and 16.7%, respectively).Conclusion: Despite the lower rate of nasal carriage of S. aureus and the absence of MRSA strains in our study, S. aureus strains harbored a higher frequency of tst and lukS/F-PV of virulence genes, which is associated to an increased risk of infection dissemination in humans. This highlights the need for implementing adequate approaches for prevention.Further larger and multi-center studies are needed to validate and confirm our findings.
Effect of different restorative crown design and materials on stress distribution in endodontically treated molars: A finite element analysis study
Authors: Lin Jie , Lin Zhenxiang , Zheng Zhiqiang
Published: May 2020

Background: The purposes of this simulation study were to evaluate the stresses in the roots of endodontically treated molars with extensive coronal tissue loss which were restored by endocrowns (all-in-one core and crown) and traditional crowns with post-cores, during masticatory simulation using finite element analysis. Methods: A mesio-distal cross-section of a lower right first molar was digitized and used to create 2-dimensional models of the teeth and supporting tissue; different crown designs, viz., endocrown with 2 mm occlusal clearance, endocrown with 4 mm occlusal clearance and post-core crown; different crown materials, viz., zirconia (Zr) and lithia-disilicate reinforced glass ceramic (LDRGC), and different post and core materials, viz., glass fiber (GF), stainless steel (SS) and metal cast (MC). An axial load of 600 N was applied to the central fossa of occlusal surface. Results: The stress distributions were similar between Zr and LDRGC for periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. The root canal inner wall maximum principal stresses of SS post (70.8 MPa) and MC post (71.4 MPa) were higher than that of GF post (36.0 MPa) and endocrown (2.4 MPa).Conclusion: The endocrowns reduced stress concentration for the root canal inner wall in comparison with the conventional post-core crown. Molars restored with endocrowns are less prone to root fracture than those with posts.
Amaranth as a bread enriching ingredient
Authors: Derkanosova Natalia , Stakhurlova Anastasiia , Pshenichnaya Irina , Ponomareva Irina , Peregonchaya Olga , Sokolova Svetlana
Published: May 2020

Amaranth is a promising raw material for enriching foods with protein, minerals, vitamins, dietary fibre, squalene, and other nutrients. However, its varieties differ significantly in composition and properties. The research included two stages. At first, we studied the composition of eight amaranth varieties grown in a collection nursery of Voronezh State Agrarian University. Their composition was a factor that determined their functional use as an enriching ingredient. We found that amaranth grain of the Universal variety could be best used to increase the biological value of foods, whereas the Universal and Valentina varieties could be recommended as multifunctional ingredients. The addition of enriching ingredients into foods, including breads, often leads to changes in their traditional consumer properties. Therefore, our next step was to study changes in the composition of Universal amaranth during extrusion using IR spectroscopy. Also, we assessed the effect of amaranth extrudate on the baking properties of model wheat flour and extrudate mixtures as the main factor of the product’s consumer properties. The results showed a redistribution of moisture between flour gluten proteins and extrudate dietary fibre. We also established amounts of amaranth extrudate needed to ensure the preservation of crumb appearance and structure close to the traditional ones.
A multidisciplinary perspective to protect the quality of water in natural wetlands. A case study in Oaxaca, Mexico
Authors: Sánchez-Cohen Ignacio , Barbosa-Moreno Finlandia , Macias-Corral Maritza Argelia , Díaz-Padilla Gabriel , Guajardo-Panes Rafael Alberto
Published: May 2020

In Mexico, 142 sites covering almost nine million hectares are listed as Ramsar wetlands. Given the complaints of local inhabitants regarding water quality, and the interest of the federal government for setting up a plan for wetlands protection, we evaluated the ecological condition of a wetland in rural Oaxaca, Mexico. Existing water quality data were compiled and analyzed. Among the parameters of interest were temperature, pH, DO, N, P, and fecal contamination. Even though microbial contamination was a primary concern, a more important worry to local users was the presence of pesticides in water due to inadequate disposal of empty containers and runoff from upstream farmlands. Public meetings with water users, researchers, and local and federal personnel were held to get the opinion about strategies for protection of the wetlands. Outcomes of the decision meetings using a decision-support system highlighted that to preserve the wetlands, the implementation of riparian vegetation (buffer zone) and the management of surface water should be considered as conservation practices. Law enforcement would improve the watershed and wetlands' health for preventing further deterioration. Because of the success in getting public participation and input, the approach will likely be replicated in other parts of the country.
Water governance challenges in rural South Africa: exploring institutional coordination in drought management
Authors: Makaya Eugine , Rohse Melanie , Day Rosie , Vogel Coleen , Mehta Lyla , McEwen Lindsey , Rangecroft Sally , Van Loon Anne F.
Published: May 2020

Droughts have severe direct impacts on the livelihoods of rural populations. Thus, the management of water for communal agriculture and water supply should be well coordinated to enhance drought resilience. Notwithstanding the interrelations among water management institutions in South Africa, there are complexities in the way these institutions work together, both in preparation for, and during drought times. In this article, we examine the governance of water resources in South Africa with a view to understanding institutional coordination in drought management at different operational scales. Using a qualitative approach, the roles and relationships between water actors at the local and regional level were analyzed for their adequacy in building local level drought resilience in a village in the Limpopo province, South Africa. Key informant interviews conducted revealed operational drought management challenges that emanate from communication barriers, coordination inconsistences, and undefined, unclear actor roles and responsibilities during disasters. The top-down approach to disaster management, while of some value, currently constrains the effectiveness of the local-level institutions implementing local drought risk reduction efforts. Achieving more successful water and drought governance endeavors could be enhanced by greater and wider engagement with community-based actors and water management institutions.
Rural people's intention to adopt sustainable water management by rainwater harvesting practices: application of TPB and HBM models
Authors: Aliabadi Vahid , Gholamrezai Saeed , Ataei Pouria
Published: May 2020

Water is the prerequisite for human adaptation to climate change and is the key link among climatic conditions, humans, and the environment. Human behavior can mitigate the impacts of climate change. The present study aimed to evaluate rural people's readiness for sustainable management of water resources. To achieve this goal, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and Health Belief Model (HBM) were used as the research framework. The research instrument was a closed-end questionnaire developed on the basis of TPB and HBM. The face and content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by a panel of experts in sustainable agriculture. Its reliability was also checked in a pilot study by calculating Cronbach's alpha, the average variance extracted (AVE), R2, and composite reliability (CR). The research sample was composed of 480 villagers from Hamadan province, Iran, who were familiar with sustainable water resources management in the context of the rooftop rainwater harvesting project. The results showed that in TPB, the variables of moral norms, attitude, and self-identity could account for 61 percent of the variance in rural people's intention to adopt the practices of sustainable water resources management. Based on HBM, the variables of perceived benefits, perceived susceptibility, and perceived severity could capture 49 percent of this variance. The results revealed that both theories had the potential to predict rural people's intention to engage in the sustainable management of water resources, but TPB proved to provide a more robust prediction than HBM.
Configuración de identidades en contextos migratorios: indagación de prácticas cotidianas en peluquerías dominicanas en Santiago de Chile
Authors: Lara Antonia
Published: May 2020

El propósito de este artículo es aportar al campo de estudio sobre configuración de identidades en contextos migratorios, por medio de la búsqueda de prácticas cotidianas realizadas en las peluquerías en Santiago de Chile. Lo anterior se llevó a cabo a través de una indagación etnográfica durante 18 meses (años 2015 y 2016). Se obtuvo que el espacio de la peluquería se organiza en torno a las prácticas del alisado del cabello afro y el llamado brushing dominicano, las que, junto a maneras de usar la peluquería, generan pertenencia y, al mismo tiempo, diferencias y jerarquías entre mujeres, producidas en la interseccionalidad entre nacionalidad, género y “raza”. Desde la peluquería como intento de lugar propio, se generan disputas, resistencias y transacciones con el contexto local. Una limitación del presente artículo es no dar cuenta de la perspectiva masculina, de sus prácticas y concepciones respecto al trabajo de belleza del cuerpo.
Healthcare Workers Are Losing Their Lives in the Battle of Covid-19 All Over the Globe
Authors: BEYAZADAM Damla , ALİMOĞLU Orhan
Published: May 2020

Frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) play the most essential role, especially since the Covid-19 breakout, providing care for patients all over the world. In the context of Covid-19, thousands of healthcare workers were infected and hundreds of them have died.
Since there is no systematic reporting system of infected healthcare workers, it is difficult to track down current and accurate data. While national reports help to understand the severity of the infection among HCW, yet global data is lacking. Therefore we aimed to gather nationwide information regarding HCW infections.
After a collective search through international resources, we gathered a count of 708 deaths among HCWs until April 27, 2020, which represents 0.35% of total global deaths. Among those 708 deaths, 365 (51.5%) of them were doctors and 126 (17.79%) were nurses (Table 1).9 The mean age of the HCWs was 58. Total of 52 countries were recorded. Highest number of deaths was recorded in Italy (153), which is followed by United States of America (USA) (135), Iran (84), England (70) and Turkey (26). With respect to their heroic efforts, we aimed to gather and report these 708 fighters who have given their lives saving others throughout the globe.
Ingo Berensmeyer, Gert Buelens and Marysa Demoor (eds.), The Cambridge Handbook of Literary Authorship. Cambridge University Press, 2019
Authors: Bennett Andrew
Published: May 2020

A review of Ingo Berensmeyer, Gert Buelens and Marysa Demoor's (eds.) The Cambridge Handbook of Literary Authorship (Cambridge University Press, 2019). 
El género Rhytidhysteron (Dothideomycetes, Ascomycota) en México
Authors: Cobos Villagrán Aurora , Hernández Rodríguez César Hugo , Valenzuela Ricardo , Villa-Tanaca Lourdes , Calvillo-Medina Rosa Paulina , Mateo-Cid Luz Elena , Martínez-Pineda Michelle , Raymundo Tania
Published: May 2020

Antecedentes y Objetivos: Actualmente, se reconocen 21 especies adscritas al género Rhytidhysteron. En México sólo se ha reportado Rhytidhysteron rufulum. El género se caracteriza por sus histerotecios naviculares a apoteciales, el borde es estriado o liso; los colores del epitecio varían de anaranjado-rojizo, amarillo, verde a negros y las ascosporas presentan tres septos longitudinales. El objetivo del presente estudio es realizar una revisión taxonómica del género Rhytidhysteron en México, basada en caracteres macro y micromorfológicos.
Métodos: Se realizaron diez exploraciones entre 2017 y 2019 en diversas regiones de México. Además, se revisaron los especímenes depositados en la colección de hongos del herbario ENCB. Los ejemplares fueron estudiados, descritos y determinados de acuerdo con las técnicas tradicionales en micología.
Resultados clave: Se revisaron 381 especímenes pertenecientes al género Rhytidhysteron, de los cuales se determinaron cuatro especies: Rhytidhysteron neohysterinum, una nueva especie para la ciencia, R. neorufulum y R. thailandicum que son nuevos registros para el país, y R. rufulum previamente citado.
Conclusiones: El género Rhytidhysteron tiene una alta diversidad de especies en México. La mayoría de los especímenes se han encontrado sobre ramas en descomposición, principalmente en géneros de la familia Fabaceae en bosque tropical caducifolio, lo que podría sugerir que este grupo de plantas representa el microhábitat al que las especies de Rhytidhysteron se han adaptado.
The epidemiological plateau of Corona virus in Gulf countries: a descriptive statistics study
Authors: Mouhamad Raghad S. , Al-Khafaji Khlood Abedalelah , Allami Risala H. , Alabboud Michael , Hameed Abdulla Maha , Jafaar Mohammed M.
Published: May 2020

The novel SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the beta coronaviruses and causes a severe pandemic disease named as COVID-19. In late December 2019. WHO situation reports on 11 March 2020, declared that COVID-19 a pandemic due to its global spread. All Arab countries have reported COVID-19 cases. The confirmed cases of COVID-19 pandemic in Arab gulf countries were reported in the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, respectively. The fatality case rates in Gulf Countries are less than 1% in Oman, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, yet it hits 7.5% in Iraq. In this manuscript, we try to interpret the pandemic statistically in gulf countries, especially in Iraq. Additionally, the distribution of COVID-19 confirmed cases based on ABO blood groups were investigated. Epidemiological analyses revealed that a decreased risk of infection was attributed to blood group O compared to non-O blood groups, whereas people with the A and A.B. blood groups showed the highest risk for COVID-19 infection. Besides, high risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, blood clotting, and interleukin secretion was also related to blood groups in different orders. Accordingly, patients with a specific blood group that are associate with the above diseases should be under strict medical surveillance when infected with COVID-19 to reduce complications and severity. This study provides further confirmation for the previously reported correlation between the ABO blood groups and the susceptibility to COVID-19 infection.
Near-Infrared Cerebrovascular Reactivity for Monitoring Cerebral Autoregulation and Predicting Outcomes in Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury: Proposal for a Pilot Observational Study
Authors: Gomez Alwyn , Dian Joshua , Froese Logan , Zeiler Frederick Adam
Published: May 2020

Background

Impaired cerebrovascular reactivity after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in adults is emerging as an important prognostic factor, with strong independent association with 6-month outcomes. To date, it is unknown if impaired cerebrovascular reactivity during the acute phase is associated with ongoing impaired continuously measured cerebrovascular reactivity in the long-term, and if such measures are associated with clinical phenotype at those points in time.

Objective

We describe a prospective pilot study to assess the use of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to derive continuous measures of cerebrovascular reactivity during the acute and long-term phases of TBI in adults.

Methods

Over 2 years, we will recruit up to 80 adults with moderate/severe TBI admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with invasive intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring. These patients will undergo high-frequency data capture of ICP, arterial blood pressure (ABP), and NIRS for the first 5 days of care. Patients will then have 30 minutes of noninvasive NIRS and ABP monitoring in the clinic at 3, 6, and 12 months post-injury. Outcomes will be assessed via the Glasgow Outcome Scale and Short Form-12 questionnaires. Various relationships between NIRS and ICP-derived cerebrovascular reactivity metrics and associated outcomes will be assessed using biomedical signal processing techniques and both multivariate and time-series statistical methodologies.

Results

Study recruitment began at the end of February 2020, with data collection ongoing and three patients enrolled at the time of writing. The expected duration of data collection will be from February 2020 to January 2022, as per our local research ethics board approval (B2018:103). Support for this work has been obtained through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) (R03NS114335), funded in January 2020.

Conclusions

With the application of NIRS technology for monitoring of patients with TBI, we expect to be able to outline core relationships between noninvasively measured aspects of cerebral physiology and invasive measures, as well as patient outcomes. Documenting these relationships carries the potential to revolutionize the way we monitor patients with TBI, moving to more noninvasive techniques.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/18740
The (Socio)Linguistic Identities of Islam in Northern Cameroon
Authors: Baimada Gigla Francois
Published: May 2020

This paper hypothesizes that such sociolinguistic identities as Kanuri, Shuwa Arabic, Fulfulde and Wandala which are all Cameroon languages are so much linked to Islam in Northern Cameroon that their development are parallel that of Islam in this part of the country. In order to verify this, observation, three hundred questionnaires and communication with Muslim faithful were used in three Friday mosques in Maroua, Garoua and Ngaoundere, the main cities of this half of the country. The second dimension of Spolky’s (2006) theory on language and religion was used as frame. The paper finds that there is mutuality between these languages and Islam not just due to historical factors, but also because of the influence on the making of a sociolinguistic repertoires and the building of (new) religious communities. As these linguistic identities are reminiscent of Islam, they stand as the main linguistic vehicles of Islam in Northern Cameroon.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF MULTIPURPOSE HERBAL CREAM
Authors: NAVINDGIKAR NIKHIL NITIN , KAMALAPURKAR K. A. , CHAVAN PRASHANT S.
Published: May 2020

Objective: To formulate and evaluate herbal cream using Aloe Vera gel, dimethyl sulphoxide extracts of Neem (Azadirachta indica) and Tulsi (Ocimumtenuiflorum) to give multipurpose effect.

Methods: The cream was prepared by using the cream base that is bee’s wax, liquid paraffin, borax, methylparaben, distilled water, rose oil, Aloe Vera gel, dimethyl sulphoxide extracts of Neem and Tulsi. The cream was prepared by using the slab technique/extemporaneous method for geometric and homogenous mixing of all the excipients and the herbal extracts. By using slab technique, we have developed three batches of our herbal cream, namely F1H, F2H, and F3H. All three batches were evaluated for different parameters like appearance, PH, viscosity, phase separation.

Results: All the three formulations F1H, F2H, F3H showed good appearance, PH, adequate viscosity and no phase separation was observed. Also, the formulations F1H, F2H, F3H showed no redness, erythema and irritation during irritancy study and they were easily washable. All the three formulations F1H, F2H, F3H were stable at room temperature.

Conclusion: All three herbal ingredients showed significant different activities. Based on the results, we can suggest that all the three formulations F1H, F2H, F3H were stable and can be safely used on the skin.
FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF MICROEMULSION CONTAINING NEEM SEED OIL
Authors: THORAT YOGESH S. , KOTE NAGESH S. , PATIL VIRENDRA V. , HOSMANI AVINASH H.
Published: May 2020

Objective: The objective of the present study was to formulate Microemulsion containing seed oil. Neem seed (Azadirachtaindica) oil was extracted from its seeds by the soxhlet apparatus. Acetone is used as a solvent. PEG 400 and Carbopol 940p was select as surfactant, co-surfactant and hydrogel thickening agent. Microemulsions were characterized for pH, viscosity, spreadability, in vitro drug transport study and in vivo antibacterial activity and shows satisfactory results. Antibacterial activity of formulation against E. coli Shows at a concentration of 3%. The neem seed oil microemulsion has the potential for antibacterial activity.

Methods: A ratio of surfactant and cosurfactant i.e, S/CoSchoosen and corresponding mixture was made. The mixture was mixed with oil. Each mixture was mixed thoroughly using magnetic stirrer until homogenous dispersion/solution was obtained. Double distilled water was used in this formulations as to prevent the incorporation of surface active impurities. The mixture was titrated with water and ambient temperature with constant stirring at the endpoint where the mixture become clouded, the quantity of aquous phase added. The percentage of three different pseudo-phases incorporated were calculated. 

Results: Solubility studies in various solvents reveals that the oil is insoluble in distilled water and ethanol. Soluble in methanol.

Conclusion: It was observed that the microemulsion having multilamellar nature. Batches with carbopol shows better homogenous distribution. The stability of microemulsion prepared with carbopol 71 was gretter than with xanthan gum. The in vitro study of microemulsion was performed and Batch (F7) is optimized batch which shows highest drug release.
ASSESSMENT OF ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY OF KOHL/KAJAL PREPARED BY DIFFERENT INDIAN METHODS AGAINST SELECTED MICROBIAL STRAINS
Authors: RANDIVE DHEERAJ S. , BHINGE SOMNATH D. , JADHAV NAMDEO R. , BHUTKAR MANGESH A. , SHIRSAT MRUNAL K.
Published: May 2020

Objective: To prepare and evaluate different types of Kajal formulations and evaluation of its antimicrobial activity along with preliminary verification of the content responsible for the said effect.

Methods: We have prepared kajal formulations by use of different metal plates, marble tile, ghee and Aloe vera mucilage and tried to verify the antimicrobial effect attributed to the formulation by these substances.

Results: Carbon soot obtained from the use of copper plate showed more antimicrobial potential against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli, with zones of inhibition 18±0.235 mm, 17±0.124 mm and 19±0.528 mm respectively. Also this formulation at different concentrations when compared with Ciprofloxacin exhibited promising results. Moreover, this formulation when used with Ciprofloxacin at a concentration of (50:50) revealed a synergistic effect against the clinically resistant strains of P. aeruginosa, with zone of inhibition 22±0.578 mm and 20±0.987 mm at a concentration of 10 and 5 µg ml-1 respectively, whereas, Ciprofloxacin exhibited zone of inhibition of 26±0.457 mm and 24±0.751 mm at the similar concentrations. To assess the effectiveness of Aloe vera we used marbles tiles for collection of carbon soot. The zones of inhibition observed for Kohl formulations prepared by using carbon soot collected from marble tiles impregnated with Aloe vera mucilage exhibited less antimicrobial activity than that of copper soot against the selected microbial strains.

Conclusion: All the prepared kajal formulations exhibited antimicrobial activity. Aloe vera and copper soot is responsible for significant antimicrobial activity and when combined with Ciprofloxacin it showed synergistic activity against the clinically resistant strains of P. aeruginosa.
COMPARISON IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY EXPRESSION OF DESIDUAL NATURAL KILLER (dNK) IN SEVERE PREECLAMPSIAAND NORMAL PREGNANCY
Authors: LUBIS MUARA P.
Published: May 2020

Objective: Preeclampsia characterized systematically by extensive vascular endothelial dysfunction and microangiopathy on mother, dNK is very important for the success of placentation. They are the key mediator of maternal immune system interactions with fetal cells. dNK cells are also involved in the modulation of EVT and the remodeling of spiral arteries.

Methods: Analytic research with cross-sectional study, with samples of pregnant women who suffer from severe PE and aterm pregnancy which came to H. Adam Malik Hospital and Networking Hospital, November 2015-April 2016. The samples are 46 women, who met the inclusion criteria.

Results: Immunohistochemistry examination dNK cell in the severe PE case group and control group, statistically found p<0,05. dNK placenta expression in the severe preeclampsia case group gives an overview of expression with a mean of 2.55±2.31, while the control group of normal pregnancy had higher mean is 8.66±3.16.

Conclusion: The examination of immunohistochemistry of dNK cells showed there is a significant difference in the expression of Immuno-histochemistry dNK cells between severe PE case group and non severe PE.
UV-SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC METHOD DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION FOR ESTIMATION OF IPRATROPIUM BROMIDE IN API AND PHARMACEUTICAL DOSAGE FORM
Authors: KOKANE ANJALI P. , TEGELI VARSHA S. , SHINDE BHAGYASHRI S.
Published: May 2020

Objective: The current work intended towards the developed and validated by using Simple, rapid, sensitive, precise and specific method UV Spectrophotometric method for the estimation of Ipratropium bromide in API and pharmaceutical formulation.

Methods: Water used as a solvent and the absorbance of the drug was measured at the absorbance’s maxima of Ipratropium bromide λmax is 214 nm.

Result: Calibration curve plotted in concentration range 20-120µg/ml exhibit the linearity relationship with line equation y=0.0062x+0.3161 and r2=0.995. The Accuracy was found to be 99.5-100.1%, the precision %RSD= 0.12888-0.30533, and the LOD and LOQ is 8.78266-28.5881. The method was found to comply with all the validation parameters as per ICH guidelines indicating the sensitivity of the method towards analyte.

Conclusion: The method can be used satisfactory for the routine analysis of Ipratropium Bromide present in API and Pharmaceutical dosage form.
FORMULATION OPTIMIZATION AND EVALUATION OF MOUTH DISSOLVING FILM OF RAMOSETRON HYDROCHLORIDE
Authors: PATEL ZANKAHANA , BHURA RAHIL , SHAH SAMIR
Published: May 2020

Objective: Ramosetron Hydrochloride is found to be more potent and having a longer duration of action with the least side effects, but the major drawback is it undergoes hepatic first-pass metabolism so our aim is to prepare mouth dissolving film (MDF) of Ramosetron hydrochloride for rapid relief in emesis.

Methods: The mouth dissolving films of Ramosetron Hydrochloride were prepared by using the solvent casting method. Films were formulated using HPMC E5 (Hydroxy Propyl Methyl Cellulose) as a film-forming agent, PEG400 (Polyethylene glycol) as a plasticizer and Aspartame as the sweetening agent. A 32 full factorial design was applied considering the concentration of HPMC E5 (X1) and concentration of PEG400 (X2) as independent variables and % cumulative drug release (Y1) (CDR), disintegration time (Y2) (DT) and tensile strength (Y3) (TS) as dependent variables. The prepared films were evaluated for thickness, folding endurance, tensile strength, disintegration time, drug content uniformity and taste masking by E-tongue. The results indicated that factors X1 and X2 were found to be having a positive effect on DT and TS and negative effects on CDR.

Results: The optimized formulation was found to be the best with 94.00±0.85% in vitro drug release, 33.22±0.75 sec DT and 1.359±0.005 g/mm2 tensile strength. Concentration of aspartame was optimized with E-tongue taking into consideration increased electric potential with decreasing bitterness.

Conclusion: Thus, a rapidly dissolving oral film of Ramosetron Hydrochloride with successful taste masking and immediate in vitro drug release was prepared using a solvent casting technique.
COMBINATION OF WHOLE BRAIN RADIOTHERAPY WITH DIFFERENT FRACTION AND CONCOMITANT CAPECITABINE IN BRAIN METASTASIS BREAST CANCER
Authors: RUDIYO YEOH , ISKANDAR JAPARDI , AZNAN LELO , SUSWORO SUSWORO , JACUB PANDELAKI , ADANG BACHTIAR , MUHAMMAD ICHWAN , SUZY INDHARTY , JULI JAMNASI , WILLIAM OMAR
Published: May 2020

Objective: Breast cancer is the second most frequent cancer worldwide. The main therapeutic modality for breast cancer with brain metastasis is radiation. Whole Brain Radiotherapy (WBRT) is a regional treatment that provides moderate doses of radiotherapy to all brain tissue. Capecitabine was found to be effective for the treatment of breast cancer with metastasis. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of WBRT on the response of breast cancer brain metastatic lesions combined with capecitabine administration.

Methods: This study uses a prospective, randomized-blind cohort analytic study approach. Subjects were randomized into two groups by giving different fraction of WBRT and capecitabine. Subjects were evaluated 4 w post-radiation. Data on differences in patient responses in the two treatment groups were analyzed.

Results: A total of 23 breast cancer patients with brain metastasis participated in this study. Group I (WBRT 10x3Gy + capecitabine 1000 mg/m2/b.i.d) obtained results of 5 (45.5%) out of 11 are responding to therapy. Whereas in group II (WBRT 20x2Gy + capecitabine1000 mg/m2/b.i.d) found 11 (91.7%) out of 12 patients responded to therapy. The results of statistical analysis showed that there were significant differences between the two groups with a value of P = 0.027.

Conclusion: Giving capecitabine and WBRT with 20x2Gy gives a better response both clinically and statistically
EFFECT OF ANGIOSPERMIC EPIPHYTES ON THE RELATIVE STATUS OF ERGOSTEROL AND ELECTROLYTE LEAKAGE IN FUNGAL PATHOGENS
Authors: BARKAH HAMZAH JUMAH ESSA , LOKESH S.
Published: May 2020

Objective: In the present study, emphasis has been made to assay the antifungal activity of some angiospermic epiphytes like Cuscuta reflexa, Viscum orientale, Cymbidium bicolor, Bulbophyllum propinquum, Hoya ovalifolia and Dendrophthoe falcata.

Methods: The antifungal activity due to epiphytes extracts was expressed in term of reduction in dry biomass of fungi based on the relationship of ergosterol content and electrolyte leakage in fungal pathogens viz., Colletotrichum dematium, Drechslera oryzae, Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani treated with epiphytes extract.

Results: Treated fungi showed increased in ergostesrol content and increased electrolyte leakage confirmed the pathetic situation of fungi; hence there was fungistatic effect, which was dose-dependent.

Conclusion: The angiospermic epiphytes of selected species chosen for the study could be serves an alternative eco-friendly source to synthetic fungicides.
SENSITIVITY AND SPESIFICITY VALUE OF PLATELETS, MALIGNANCY RATIO INDEX AND BOTH COMBINED IN DIAGNOSING OVARIAN CANCER AT GENERAL HOSPITAL HAJI ADAM MALIK MEDAN FROM 2016-2018
Authors: V. YOVITA , MRZ TALA , S. DINA , S. N. LUMBANRAJA , D. L. LUBIS , C. A. ADELLA
Published: May 2020

Objective: This research aimed to analyze sensitivity and specificity values of platelets, RMI and both combined as ovarian cancer diagnostic modality in Haji Adam Malik Hospital in 2016-2018.

Methods: This is analytic research with a diagnostic test design on 204 patients who had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and patients with ovary benign tumors which have been examined the value of full blood and the malignancy ratio index and ovarian mass that has been proven by the results of anatomic pathology at General Hospital Haji Adam Malik Medan in 2016-2018. The data is tabulated into 2x2 table and then calculated for each sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value.

Result: By using platelet cut-off value>450000 per mm3 in diagnosing ovarian cancer with sensitivity 55.44% and specificity 83.65% were obtained. IRK has a sensitivity 83.16% and specificity 76.92%. Platelet and IRK values ​​provided the highest diagnostic value (specificity) compared to when they were each single which was 97.11% while the combination of platelet and IRK values ​​had a sensitivity of 49.50%.

Conclusion: Platelet and IRK values ​​gives the highest diagnostic value (specificity) compared to when both are used, namely 97.11%.
POSSIBLE PROTECTIVE ROLE OF SODIUM SALICYLATE NANOEMULSION AND GINGER ON CISPLATIN‑INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN RATS (BIOCHEMICAL AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY)
Authors: S. E. EL-SHEIKH , Z. EL-KHAYAT , A. A. HASSAN , N. MOHAMED , M. EL-NAGGAR , E. OMARA
Published: May 2020

Objective: To describe the preparation and characterization of nanoemulsion of sodium salicylate loaded butane tetracarboxylic acid (Bt-Sc-NPs). It also investigates the possible protective effects of Bt-Sc-NPs and\or medicinal plant ginger to evaluate the changes of liver functions, oxidative stress and histopathological investigations against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity.

Methods: Serum was used to determine alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), δ-glutamyl transferase (δGT), serum human laminin (LN) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase1 (TIMP1). Liver tissue samples collected from the rats were used for the measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and paraoxonase 1 (PON1).

Results: The beneficial effects of Bt-Sc-NPs with its anti-inflammatory effect and the medicinal ginger with its antioxidant effect were observed. Injection of rats with cisplatin significantly increased serum ALT, AST, ɤGT, TIMP1 and LN. It also increased cisplatin-induced oxidative stress by a significant elevation in liver MDA, NO content; however, a significant decrease of PON1 content. While protection with Bt-Sc-NPs or ginger significantly improved these parameters. In addition, combination of both Bt-Sc-NPs and ginger significantly induced a decrease in serum ALT, AST, ɤGT, TIMP1 and LN. It also reduced cisplatin-induced oxidative stress by the significant reduction in liver MDA, NO content and elevation of PON1 content much more than protection with Bt-Sc-NPs or ginger alone.

Conclusion: Bt-Sc-NPs were synthesized using nanoemulsion with the help of homogenization and ultra-sonication waves. Combination with both of Bt-Sc-NPs and ginger showed a hepatoprotective role in ameliorating cisplatin‑induced hepatotoxicity due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
ANTIHYPERGLYCEMIC ACTIVITY OF IMPERATA CYLINDRICA ROOT METHANOL EXTRACT IN RATS
Authors: RUSLIN  , ASPADIAH VICA , DHIANAWATY DIAH
Published: May 2020

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the inhibitory activity of Imperatacylindrica root methanol extract on glucose absorption level in intestine of male Wistar strain rats at a dose of 90 mg/kg-bw, which is a dose having antihypertensive activity.

Methods: Extract inhibitory activity on the glucose absorption level in the intestine of the rats followed Soedigdo-Marsongkohadi method. Glucose absorption level was measured from a mixture of 30 mmol glucose in 0.9 % sodium chloride solution as the control solution and a mixture of the extract at the dose of 90 mg/kg-bw in another control solution as the tested solution

Results: The result showed that the extract at the dose of 90 mg/kg-bw had significant activity (p<0.05) to decrease the glucose absorption level in the intestine of the rats.

Conclusion: I. cylindrica root methanol extract at the dose of 90 mg/kg-bw had a significant activity to inhibit the glucose absorption level in the intestine of the rats. Thereby, the extract at the dose of 90 mg/kg-bw had antihyperglycemic activity.