bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation of serum magnesium levels with body mass index in post-menopausal women: an observational study
Authors: Verma Shubhangi , Dilwale Shankar G.
Published: May 2021

Background: Obesity and overweight status based on body mass index among post-menopausal women is common finding. Micro-nutrient deficiencies like magnesium have also been summarised in the post-menopausal syndrome. With this background we planned this study to correlate serum magnesium levels with body mass index in post-menopausal women.Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on the post-menopausal women attending the department of medicine in a tertiary care hospital of Maharashtra. We recruited 60 cases that fitted our eligibility criteria taken from the duration of 4 months in our institute. Data was collected using pre-designed and pre-tested questionnaire which had demographic variables, anthropometric measurements like height, weight, body mass index etc and serum magnesium levels of the patients. Serum magnesium levels were tested in blood using commercial kit for quantative measurement (Xylidyl Blue method) using automated analyser. Body mass index was calculated using the standard formula and classified based on the WHO guidelines.Results: The mean serum magnesium levels among obese/overweight post-menopausal women was 1.43±0.23 and among non-obese/overweight post-menopausal women it was 2.59±0.31(p<0.001). We found a high inverse correlation between serum magnesium levels with body mass index in the present study. (r=-0.83, p<0.001)Conclusions: The serum magnesium levels were significantly lower among the obese/overweight subjects when compared to normal subjects in the present study. There was significant high negative correlation between the serum magnesium levels and body mass index in the present study.
Acceptability of COVID-19 vaccine among medical students: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: G. R. Leela , R. Pandurangaiah , C. K. Rajamma
Published: May 2021

Background: After the announcement of vaccine in India for health care worker, medical students is one among them, they are exposed to the COVID-19 patients. Vaccination plays crucial role in controlling the pandemic, study to know the acceptability of vaccine.Methods: Total of 1030 medical students are enrolled in the prospective cross-section study done in Kerala. Online Questionnaire was filled between 1st January 2020 to 28th February 2021 and data collected and analysed.Results: Out of 1030 students we found that high rate of acceptability, 710 (67%) of students willingness to take vaccine if eligible. Females (73%) are more willing to accept vaccine then male (65%), students as good knowledge, attitude and practice towards COVID-19.Conclusions: As these students are come in health care worker we need to cover 100% vaccination in them this will be the direct impact on the general population. Increase awareness of medical college students about current available vaccine to reduce hesitancy.
Association of total bilirubin levels with acute coronary syndrome and other risk factors: an observational study
Authors: Verma Shubhangi , Kamble Omkar
Published: May 2021

Background: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) refers to clinical symptoms pertaining to acute myocardial infarction. Bilirubin is an antioxidant that helps in removal of excessive heme. The aim of the study was to find the association of ACS and other risk factors for ACS with the total bilirubin levels in our setup.Methods: A cross sectional observational study was conducted on 100 cases attending the department of medicine in a Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Medical College, Amravati, Maharashtra. Patients fitting the eligibility criteria were subjected to data collection which was done using pre-designed case record form. The case record form had details of demography, detailed clinical history, physical examination and relevant investigations.Results: The mean age of the cases was 55.64±10.23 years with male preponderance. Majority of the patients presented with chest pain (83%) followed by shortness of breath (65%) and nausea/vomiting (33%). There was moderate significant correlation between total bilirubin levels and LDL levels (r=0.703; p value<0.001) and There was mild significant correlation between total bilirubin levels and TGs (r=0.403, p value<0.001) Based on the median value of 0.48 as cut off, 33% had bilirubin levels more than 0.48. Presence of diabetes and hyperlipidemias had significant association with the total bilirubin levels.Conclusions: Nearly 1/3rd of the patients in our study had high bilirubin levels. Higher bilirubin levels correlated well with presence of diabetes and presence of hyperlipidemias.  There was significant correlation between the serum LDL and TG levels with total bilirubin levels in the present study.
LEVEDURAS EM CASOS DE MASTITE BOVINA SUBCLÍNICA NO SUL DO RIO GRANDE DO SUL
Authors: Rassier dos Santos Pedro , Lambrecht Gonçalves Carolina , Carla Dors Giniani , De Lima Gonzalez Helenice , Da Silva Nascente Patrícia
Published: May 2021

Alguns alimentos como o leite tem um importante papel na dieta humana, pois fornece uma série de nutrientes essenciais. A contaminação do leite por micro-organismos indesejáveis, como os fungos, pode causar alterações físico-químicas no mesmo, limitando sua durabilidade e de seus derivados, além de determinar problemas econômicos e de saúde pública. As leveduras são os agentes fúngicos mais frequentemente relacionados às infecções da glândula mamária em bovinos de leite. Para realização deste trabalho, foram coletadas 640 amostras de leite, oriundas dos quartos mamários de vacas em lactação que apresentaram resultado positivos ao Califórnia Mastitis Test (CMT). Previamente foi realizada a desinfecção do teto com algodão embebido em álcool 70ºGL e posteriormente retirou-se as amostras de aproximadamente 10 mL de leite que foram encaminhadas para o Laboratório de Micologia, no Instituto de Biologia da UFPel, semeadas em placas de Petri contendo Ágar Sabouraud Dextrose adicionado de Cloranfenicol e armazenadas na estufa por 7 dias a 36 °C. Nas amostras em que houve crescimento leveduriforme, fez-se a identificação através do Sistema Vitek 2. Foram identificados: Cryptococcus laurentii, Candida famata e Candida parapsilosis.
Take a Ride on Credibility: The Role of Brand Personality in Users’ Loyalty to Virtual Brands in the Sharing Economy
Authors: Moreno Lucas , Demo Gisela , Rocha Thelma Valéria , Scussel Fernanda
Published: May 2021

Objective: Although the sharing economy is a global phenomenon, being  a path to create international brands with a worldwide customer reach, the relationship between virtual brands and users’ in this new sector remains underexplored, leading us to investigate the relation between brand personality and users’ loyalty to virtual brands.Method: Survey with 580 users of ride apps, using structural equation modeling to test the prediction of brand personality on user’s loyalty.Results: The present research depicts the intangible aspects of the relationship between users and brands in the digital environment, revealing the personality traits of virtual brands and the impact on customer loyalty in the context of the sharing economy. Credibility and audacity are the most prominent characteristics of virtual brands, being credibility, reflecting the users’ trust in the brand, the main driver of loyalty.Contributions: These findings contribute to the relationship marketing body of knowledge; in a sense, it provides information about how customers relate to their favorite virtual brands and indicates an antecedent of relationship marketing. Customer brand relationship studies also benefit from our results since we suggest important factors that enable positive associations about a brand in consumers’ minds.Relevance/Originality: This study represents a seminal step in investigating the relational aspects of the interaction between users and virtual brands in the sharing economy, which has brought the need to rethink brand management and brand positioning in the context of virtual brands.
THE EFFECT OF ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEMOGRAPHIC CONDITION ON CRIMINALITY IN EAST JAVA PROVINCE
Authors: Hariyantia Fani Novi , Purtomo S Rafael , Wilantari Regina Niken
Published: May 2021

Introduction: This study aims to determine how much the effect of economic growth and demographic conditions on the crime rate in East Java Province. This study is using secondary data for 6 years from 2013-2018.Methods: The data analysis method used in this study is panel data regression analysis method with the Fixed Effect Model (FEM) approach. The dependent variable used in this study is the crime rate, while the independent variables are economic and demographic growth, which includes population density and the number of poor people.Results: Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that economic growth has a positive but insignificant relationship to the crime rate in East Java Province. Population density has a positive and significant relationship to the crime rate in East Java Province. Meanwhile, the number of poor people has a negative and significant relationship with the crime rate in East Java Province. The results of the study also show that economic growth, population density and the number of poor people have an effect and significant relationship on the crime rate in East Java Province.Conclusion and suggestion: This needs an equitable distribution of income and empowerment of human resources through improving educational facilities and infrastructure as well as skills so that productivity and community income increase. In addition, it is necessary to have equitable development and the provision of employment opportunities in each region so that population density is not concentrated in one or several areas.
Palliative Care in Humanitarian Crises
Authors: Coghlan Rachel
Published: May 2021

Palliative care and humanitarian action share fundamental goals to relieve suffering and uphold dignity; and both hold an ethical root in the recognition of our common suffering in illness and dying, our compassionate action in response to suffering, and our common humanity. The parallels in goals and ethos should make universal application of palliative care in humanitarian crises a norm, but in humanitarian practice today this is not the case.

There is growing consciousness of the imperative to integrate palliative care into humanitarian response. Compassionate palliative care is steeped in humanitarian history, norms and ethics. ‘Small but potent’ acts of compassion are a profound and far-reaching element of palliative care response that can be delivered no matter how scarce the resources. In addition to meeting a neglected need, the broader practice of ‘small but potent’ acts of compassionate palliative care may serve to remind humanitarian actors of the very essence of a humane response and offer a radical reclaiming of the roots of humanitarianism.
Humanitarian Disaster Response
Authors: Rosario Henry
Published: May 2021

Communities the world over continue to be alarmingly vulnerable to natural hazards, leading to no shortage of devastating consequences. Whether or not climate change brings forth an increasingly ferocious variety of hazards, actors involved in disaster response will still face a multiplicity of challenges to delivering lifesaving aid. For instance, humanitarian organizations sometimes face the challenge of overcoming the reluctance of disaster affected states to accept their assistance. When disasters extensively overwhelm state capacity the refusal of external assistance can have serious ramifications for those affected. Despite the stakes, research surrounding aid rejection in these contexts is limited. This analysis sheds more light on why aid rejection occurs and highlights to humanitarian organizations and other researchers the fundamental considerations to develop an understanding on this subject.

A synthesis of existing research on disaster response reveals the very tangible political risk that disaster affected states face when engaging with international offers of assistance. It is in the effort to mitigate this political risk to their legitimacy that states may ultimately decide to reject aid. A few key state characteristics such as response capacity, level of external intervention and domestic politics may also amplify this risk, resulting in a higher likelihood that external aid is rejected. This analysis engages with these factors to determine their validity and relevancy to humanitarian practitioners seeking to develop the appropriateorganizational strategies.

In an effort to better understand aid rejection a disaster dataset was developed based on the concept that disasters with higher visibility on the international scene present a higher level of political risk for an affected state, and therefore have the highest likelihood of resulting in cases of aid rejection. However, in analysing disasters that met this criterion over a 10 year period the research found no instances whereexternal aid was universally and indiscriminately rejected. This is not to say that there were no cases where an affected state rejected assistance from a particular party but that even in these instances those states did accept aid from some other source.

The implication of these findings is that states affected by natural borne disasters are likely to accept external offers of assistance so long as those offers carry a manageable level of political risk. Humanitarian organizations should therefore consider how they can mitigate the political risk they might present to an affected state as part of their disaster response strategy.
Revolutionary Development: Why Humanitarian and Development Aid Need Radical Shifts
Authors: Sonrexa Juhi
Published: May 2021

A new vision for international development has been called for, and evidence indicates that the industry is experiencing broad fragmentation in terms of identified priorities, challenges, concerns and paths forward. It has most notably struggled to share power with local and national counterparts and truly embody the principles of participatory development. Meanwhile, the rate and intensity of existential crises threaten to overtake humanity’s ability to adapt.

To replace deeply entrenched, unhelpful patterns (assumptions, behaviours and values) requires a new kind of thinking inspired and informed by transcendent learning processes that simultaneously lead to individual and collaborative action and transformation. This paper provides an argument which stresses the need for a seismic shift, from the still dominant underpinnings of modernism mindsets and patriarchal thought-forms towards a relational or participative consciousness that reflects feminist values and the deeply interconnected world that we live within.
Monte Carlo Risk Assessment of Formation Damage Caused by Asphaltene Deposition
Authors: Carvalhal Arley S. , Costa Gloria M. N. , Vieira de Melo Silvio A. B.
Published: May 2021

Uncertainties regarding the factors that influence asphaltene deposition in porous media (e.g., those resulting from oil composition, rock properties, and rock/fluid interaction) strongly affect the prediction of important variables, such as oil production. Besides, some aspects of these predictions are stochastic processes, such as the aggregation phenomenon of asphaltene precipitates. For this reason, a well-defined output from an asphaltene-deposition model might not be feasible. Instead of this, obtaining the probability distribution of important outputs (e.g., permeability reduction and oil production) should be the objective of rigorous modeling of this phenomenon. This probability distribution would support the design of a risk-based policy for the prevention and mitigation of asphaltene deposition. In this paper we aim to present a new approach to assessing the risk of formation damage caused by asphaltene deposition using Monte Carlo simulations. Using this approach, the probability-distribution function of the permeability reduction was obtained. To connect this information to a parameter more related to economic concepts, the probability distribution of the damage ratio (DR) was also calculated, which is the fraction of production loss caused by formation damage. A hypothetical scenario involving a decision in the asphaltene-prevention policy is presented as an application of the method. A novel approach to model the prevention of asphaltene aggregation using inhibitors has been proposed and successfully applied in this scenario.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Patients with Hematological Malignancies: The Mixed-Method Analysis of an Israeli National Survey
Authors: Levy Ilana , Sharf Giora , Norman Shlomit , Tadmor Tamar
Published: May 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic required reevaluation of the therapeutic approach and added emotional stress for patients with hematological malignancies at high risk of contracting the virus. We aimed to evaluate how it affected such patients during the second lockdown in Israel.Methods: This national survey included Hebrew-speaking patients with hematological malignancy. This included three tools with 28 items of socio-demographic and medical baseline characteristics, management of hematological disease, and evaluation of emotional coping during COVID-19 pandemic; the Hebrew version of the Patient Health Questionnaire 9; and 3 qualitative open-ended questions. Data was analyzed by mixed methods which combined both quantitative and qualitative thematic analyses.Results: 408 patients responded to the survey. The management of their hematological disease included a decrease in the number of visits to the hematology clinic (37.0%), delay of some treatment schedules (9.1%), and prescription of replacement therapies permitting less visits to the clinic (2.2%). The frequency and intensity of “feeling afraid” regarding COVID-19 infection was increased (mean±SD: 4±1 to 5±2 in a 1-7 Likert scale), and a high rate of depression was recorded, which appeared to be more evident in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) (p<0.001).Conclusion: The management of hematological malignancies during pandemics should always take into consideration patients' fears, as well as the development of depression related to isolation and loneliness, in addition to the high risk of severe disease. Patients with CML had a high rate of depression which obviously needs to be managed very carefully during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Cell-Based Subtractive Panning Strategy for Selection of Conformation-Specific Single-Chain Variable-Fragment (scFv) against Dimerization Domain of EGFR
Authors: Valadan Reza , Dabiri Mina , Tehrani Mohsen , Tabar Gholamreza Hashemi , Rafiei Alireza
Published: May 2021

Background and Objective: Overexpression of the EGFR, from the ErbB receptor family, has been observed in several cancers and causes resistance to therapeutic antibodies, such as Herceptin. In this study, we produced a recombinant single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody against the EGFR dimerization domain. Methods: The recombinant scFv was generated using a cell-based subtractive panning strategy. Subtractive panning was performed on genetically engineered VERO/EGFR cells and cancerous MDA-MB-468 cells. Phage cell-ELISA was used to monitor the binding of the selected scFvs to the dimerization domain of EGFR. Inhibition of EGFR and HER2 dimerization by the produced scFvs were finally evaluated using the dimerization inhibition test. Results: PCR fingerprinting results showed a uniform digestion pattern following the third round of panning that confirmed the success of subtractive panning. Moreover, cell-ELISA validated the reactivity of the produced scFvs to EGFR after stimulation with EGF. The dimerization inhibition test showed the capacity of the scFvs to inhibit EGFR and HER2 dimerization. Conclusions: Directed HER2 targeting showed to be more effective to target the functional domain of the cell receptor for the complete blockade of the intracellular signaling pathway. The subtractive panning strategy used in this study could control the process of directed selection of specific antibodies against the dimerization domain of EGFR. The selected antibodies might then be functionally tested for antitumor effects in both in vitro and in vivo studies.
A Systematic Review on Papers That Study on SNPs That Affect SARS-CoV-2 Infection & COVID-19 Severity
Authors: Suh Siyeon , Lee Sol , Gym Ho , Jee Sun Ha , Yoon Sanghyuk , Park Seunghwan , Cha Jihi , Kwon Do-Hyung , Yang YunSu
Published: May 2021

Background:COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2 has become the most threatening issue to all populations around the world. It is directly and indirectly affecting all of us and thus, is a emergence topic dealt in global health. In order to avoid the infection, various studies have been done and still ongoing. Now having over 141 million cases of COVID19 and causing over 3 million deaths around the world, the tendency of infection and degree severity of the disease shown in different groups of people came up as an issue. Here, we reviewed 21 papers on SNPs related to SARS-CoV-2 infection severity and analyzed the results of them.Methods:The PubMed databases were searched for papers discussing SNPs associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection severity. Clinical studies with human patients and statistically showing relevance of the SNP with virus infection were included. Quality Assessment of all papers were done with Newcastle Ottawa Scale.Results:In the analysis, 21 full-text literatures out of 2956 screened titles and abstracts, including 63496 cases, were included. All were human based clinical studies, some based on certain regions gathered patient data and some based on big databases obtained online. ACE2, TMPRSS2, IFITM3 are the genes mentioned most frequently that are related with SARS-CoV-2 infection. 20 out of 21 studies mentioned one of more of those genes. The relevant genes according to SNPs were also analyzed. rs12252-C, rs143936283, rs2285666, rs41303171, and rs35803318 are the SNPs that were mentioned at least twice in two different studies.Conclusions: We found that ACE2, TMPRSS2, IFITM3 are the major genes that are involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection. The mentioned SNPs were all related to one or more of the above mentioned genes. There were discussions on certain SNPs that increased the infection severity to certain ethinic groups more than the others. However, as there is limited follow up and data due to shortage of time history of the disease, studies may be limited.
Neonatal Tactile Stimulation Modulates Dendritic Spine Densities in Somatosensory Cortex of Adult WAG/Rij rats
Authors: Ilbay Gul , Balikci Aymen , Kokturk Sibel , Yilmaz Melda Yardimoglu , Ates Nurbay
Published: May 2021

Objective: The aim of our study is to examine the effects of neonatal tactile stimulatons on the brain structures that previously defined as the focus of epilepsy in the Wistar-Albino-Glaxo from Rijswijk (WAG/Rij) rat brain with genetic absence epilepsy.Methods: In the present research, morphology and density of dendritic spines were analyzed in the somatosensory cortex (SoCx) of WAG/Rij rats (non stimulated control, tactile-stimulated and maternal separated rats) and healthy Wistar (non-epileptic) rats. To achieve this, a Golgi-Cox method was used.Results: Dendritic spine number in layer V of the SoCx has been detected significantly higher in adult WAG/Rij rats at post natal day 150 in comparison to non-epileptic adult control Wistar rats (p<0,001). Moreover, quantitative analyses of dendrite structure in adult WAG/Rij rats showed a decrease in dendrite spine density of pyramidal neurons of SoCx which occurred in early neonatal exposure to maternal separation (MS) and tactile stimulation (TS) (p<0,001).Conclusions: Our findings provide the first evidence that tactile stimulations during the early postnatal period have a long-term impact on dendrite structure in WAG/Rij rat’s brain and suggest a reduction in dendrite spine density is linked to absence seizure reduction.
A High-performance Structural Material Based on Maize Straw and Its Completely Biodegradable Composites of Poly (Propylene Carbonate)
Authors: Ge Jifei , Li Fushi , Gao Yunbao , Jin Jing , Jiang Wei
Published: May 2021

A technique of chemical treatment combined with hot pressing is used to fabricate a high-performance structural material based on maize straw. The chemical structures and compositions of the densified maize straw are determined by ATR-FTIR, XRD, and TGA. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the densified straw can reach as high as 598.6MPa and 6.2%, which are approximately 9.3 times and 2.2 times higher than that of the natural straw, respectively. Furthermore, chemical treatment and hot pressing are essential steps for preparing the densified straw. The chemical treatment using a mixed alkali solution can remove the fractional lignin and hemicellulose but preserve most of the cellulose, thus enhancing the degree of crystallinity and the heating resistance of the densified straw. The SEM results prove that densification by hot pressing is committed to fabricating a structure material with high-performance from maize straw, which has eliminated the defects and reinforced the mechanical properties of the densified straw. At the molecular level, the hydrogen bonds between the aligned cellulose fibers have bridged the neighboring cellulose fibers, reinforcing the mechanical properties of the densified straw. After compositing the densified straw with a biodegradable poly (propylene carbonate), the mechanical properties of the composite are considerably improved, predicting a huge application prospect in automobile, construction, furniture, and even airplane fields.
Game-based education promotes sustainable water use
Authors: Bilancini Ennio , Bconcinelli Leonardo , Paolo Roberto Di
Published: May 2021

In this study we estimate the impact of a game-based educational program aimed at promoting sustainable water usage among 2nd-4th grade students and their families living in the municipality of Lucca, Italy. To this purpose we exploited unique data from a quasi-experiment involving about two thousand students, one thousand participating (the treatment group) and one thousand not participating (the control group) in the program. Data were collected by means of a survey that we specifically designed and implemented for collecting students' self-reported behaviors.
Our estimates indicate that the program has been successful: the students in the program reported an increase in efficient water usage and an increase in the frequency of discussions with their parents about water usage; moreover, positive effects were still observed after six months. Our findings suggest that game-based educational programs can be an effective instrument to promote sustainable water consumption behaviors in children and their parents.
Clinical Characteristics And Identification of Novel TGF-β1 Mutation In Three Unrelated Chinese Families With Progressive Diaphyseal Dysplasia
Authors: Tao Xiao-Hui , Yang Xing-Guang , Wang Zi-Yuan , Xu Yang , Zhang Zhen-Lin , Yue Hua
Published: May 2021

BackgroundTo investigate the clinical characteristics and molecular diagnosis of progressive diaphyseal dysplasia (PDD) in three unrelated Chinese families. MethodsThe present study recruited six patients aged 14 to 45 from three unrelated families with PDD, including five females and one male. Clinical manifestations, biochemical tests, radiographic examinations were analyzed and the TGF-β1 gene mutation was further identified by Sanger sequencing. In addition, data of treatment and follow-up were also collected.ResultsThe onset age of the patients ranged from 1 to 6 years. All the affected patients had family histories and were consisted with autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. All of them exhibited gait disturbance, fatigue, progressive bone pain, as well as muscle atrophy and weakness in limbs. Notably, there was one 15-year-old girl who experienced heart valve defects and tachycardia at birth. Laboratory examinations revealed the inflammatory markers were in high level, besides the extremely increased bone metabolism indicators. The thickened diaphysis of long bones and the narrowed medullary cavity were observed by radiography. Furthermore, radionuclide bone scan detected abnormal symmetrical radioactive concentration in the affected regions of bone. Sanger sequencing identified a missense heterozygous mutation in exon 4 of TGF-β1 gene, resulting in R218C, which confirmed PDD eventually. More important, a novel mutation c.669C>G in exon 4 of TGF-β1 gene harboring C223W were detected in family 3. Subsequent bioinformatics software predicted that the novel mutation was pathogenic. Our study also showed that zoledronic acid was not effective in the control of bone turnover markers and the relief of bone pain in patients with PDD.ConclusionIn addition to the typical PDD manifestations, the new phenotypic characteristics such as tachycardia and heart valve defect were firstly reported in one female patient carried the novel mutation p.Cys223Trp in TGF-β1 gene. In addition, our study indicated that the increased bone metabolism indicators and inflammatory markers may possess auxiliary diagnosis for PDD. More importantly, zoledronic acid was used to treat PDD patients in this study. After one-year follow-up, it was proved that the drug effect was not satisfactory, and new drugs need to be developed to treat the disease.
Land Use change and its Drivers in the Wetlands of Barotse Floodplain of Zambezi River Sub-Basin, Zambia
Authors: Banda Arnold Mahonko , Banda Kawawa , Sakala Enock , Chomba Machaya , Nyambe Imasiku Anayawa
Published: May 2021

River floodplains such as the Barotse Flood Plain (BFP) in Western Zambia, provide a large number of ecosystem services and economic value for the inhabitants. Yet, in spite of its importance, the flood plain has been vulnerable to drivers of land use change suggestive of potential wetland degradation. This study aimed at determining the extent of land use change in the wetland of BFP in the selected years between 1980 to 2020 and identifying, and assessing drivers of land use change in the wetlands of BFP using satellite data. The study utilized both secondary and primary data sources. Primary data was collected using interview schedule, key informants’ interviews, Participatory Rural Appraisal and field observations. The Raosoft random sample calculator was used to determine the sample size of heads of households from 9 districts that are found within the Barotse Flood Plain. Then, proportional sample size per district out of 270 was calculated. It was found that there is land use change in the wetlands of BFP caused by many driving factors such as biophysical, economic, infrastructure development, technological, demographic, agriculture and others. The study recommended strategies such as the Government of Zambia, traditional leaders and other stakeholder should embark on protection and conservation of BFP. In addition, new policies on land use and water resources management in the wetlands such regularly monitoring of all activities taking place in and around the wetland of BFP by Water Resources Management Authority should be explored.
Acute Toxicity Study of Bioactive Galactomannans From Two Non-Traditional Leguminosae Sources
Authors: Marques Fabrícia da Cunha Jácome , Nascimento Francisco Glerison da Silva , Nonato Dayanne Terra Tenório , Nogueira Amaurílio Oliveira , Lima Iásly Costa , Machado Olga Vale Oliveira , Assreuy Ana Maria Sampaio , Mota Mário Rogério Lima , Chaves Edna Maria Camelo , Aragão Gislei Frota , Castro Rondinelle Ribeiro , Soares Pedro Marcos Gomes
Published: May 2021

Galactomannans from Caesalpinia pulcherrima (GM-CP) and Delonix regia (GM-DR) are being pointed as potential therapeutic agents, but systematic evaluations on their acute toxicity are yet to be reported. In order to evaluate the occurrence of systemic toxicity, groups of three female rats received oral GM-CP or GM-DR (300 mg kg-1), whereas the control group received vehicle. Since lethality was absent, other groups received doses of 2,000 mg kg-1, which also did not cause lethality. Collection of organs and blood samples were done at day 14. Dermal toxicity of the galactomannans was also evaluated (2,000 mg kg-1, n=3 per group), as well both mechanical hypernociception and inflammatory cell influx after administration of GM-CP or GM-DR via intra-articular route (200 µg, n = 5 per group). At the routes and doses employed, both galactomannans did not evoke physiological / behavioral changes or skin / joint inflammation. Since the LD50 was not inferior to 2,000 mg kg-1, both galactomannans are in the class 5 of the Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals.
Maternal/Child Social Support and Food Security in Relation to Child Height and Bmi in Four Low- and Middle- Income Countries: Mediation Analysis of Young Lives Data
Authors: Lee Hwa-Young , Song In Han , Kawachi Ichiro
Published: May 2021

BackgroundPoor nutritional status in childhood is associated with an elevated risk of mortality and morbidity later in life. Previous studies showed a positive association between specific types of social capital and child nutritional status. Our study examined whether improved food security mediates the impact of maternal and child social support on child height and body mass index (BMI) in four low- and middle-income countries.Methods We used data from the Young Lives cohort study comprising roughly 1,000 children at age 8 and 12 in Vietnam, Ethiopia, India, and Peru. Outcome variables were z-score for height (HAZ) and BMI (BAZ). Results Belonging to the top half of maternal financial support and child financial support was positively associated with child HAZ at age 12 in Peru. Belonging to top half of overall maternal support among children aged 8 in Vietnam, and maternal financial support among children aged 12 in India were also positively associated with child BAZ. A positive association of food security was only found with maternal financial support among children aged 12 in Peru. However, food security did not play a significant role in mediating the effect of maternal financial support on child HAZ at age 12. ConclusionsStrengthening social support to improve child nutritional status may not be a sufficient intervention in resource-poor settings because sources of supports may lack sufficient food resources to share. Considering between-country heterogeneity, a “one size fits all” approach for enhancing social capital may not be appropriate.
The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Treatment Patterns
Authors: Li Jipeng , Zhao Meng , She Haicheng
Published: May 2021

Background: To describe changes in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) surgical procedures in Beijing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and Methods:A retrospective cohort of RRD patients was analyzed. Patients were divided into the COVID-19 pandemic group and pre-COVID-19 group according to their presentation. The presurgery characteristics, surgical procedures, and surgery outcomes were collected. The potential factors related to the choice of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) or scleral buckling (SB) were analyzed using logistic regression. The differences in the procedure choice under specific conditions were compared. Surgery outcomes were compared between the two groups.Results:In the COVID-19 pandemic group, less patients received SB (27.8%, 41.3%, p=0.02) while more patients received PPV (72.2%, 58.6%, p=0.02); in patients who received SB, fewer patients received subretinal fluid drainage (45.4%,75.7%, p=0.01); in patients who received PPV, fewer patients received phacovitrectomy (7.0%, 21.0%, p=0.02). The choice of PPV was related to older age (1.03, p=0.005), the presence of RRD with choroidal detachment (RRD-CD) (2.92, p=0.03), pseudophakia (5.0, p=0.002), retinal breaks located posterior to the equator(4.87, p<0.001), macular holes (9.76, p=0.005), and a presurgery visual acuity (VA) less than 0.02 (0.44 , p=0.03). Fewer phakia patients with retinal breaks located posterior to the equator (1/28, 11/30, p=0.01) and fewer patients with chronic RRD and subretinal strand (1/9, 9/16, p=0.03) received SB in the COVID-19 pandemic group. More patients with improved VA (55.7%, 40.2%, p=0.03) in the COVID-19 pandemic group. The overall single-surgery retinal attachment rate was similar in the two groups (94.9%, 94.5%, p=0.99).Conclusions:During the COVID-19 pandemic, the main reason for the increased number of PPV in RRD treatment was that more complicated cases were presented. However, the surgeons were conservative in procedure choice in specific cases. The adjustments on RRD treatments leads to comparable surgery outcomes.
Dhauliganga, Uttarakhand, India Coalescent Natural Disaster: A Geoinformatics Perspective
Authors: Dwivedi Deepti Km. , Goswami Ajanta , Panchal Hardeep , Das J.D. , Saraf Arun K.
Published: May 2021

On 07 February 2021 around 10:30 hrs local time catastrophic flash flood occurred in the Dhauliganga River (a tributary of Ganga River) near Rini village at 2000m above msl (mean sea level) (Chamoli District), which killed 79 people and about 125 people are still missing. Part of the area belongs to Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve which is completely protected from human interventions. Further, on Dhauliganga River, there were two run-of-river hydroelectric power Rishiganga Small Hydro (13.2 MW) at 1975m above msl and Tapovan Vishnugad (520 MW) at 1795m above msl projects which were also severely damaged due to the devastating flash flood. More than 150 workers were also trapped in the under construction power tunnel of Tapovan Vishnugad project. Further, it is important to note that the study area belongs to highly seismically active region and Zone-V Seismic Zoning Map of India which comes under highly vulnerable category. During last thirty years the region has also witnessed about 53 earthquakes (within 100km) of magnitude ranging Mw 3.2–6.6. Similarly, landslide hazard zonation map of Uttarakhand also shows that the study area belongs to very high to severe category. Initial assessment on the day of event suggested that there was a glacial burst. However, later series of remote sensing images revealed that initially there was heavy snow fall during 03-05th February 2021 in the region. Later, it has been evaluated through time series high spatial resolution remote sensing images of various satellites that a large part of a north facing triangular shaped slope (having about 660m base and about 1100m height, estimated total volume 18.1 million m3 which includes rocks, snow and ice) at 5540m above msl has failed which was also supporting a small hanging glacier. This landslide and consequently massive debris flow into the Raunthi Gadhera initially blocked flow of Dhauliganga near Rini village [at 2000m above msl (mean sea level)] which later failed around 10:30 hrs on 07 February 2021 and has brought a catastrophic flash flood in the Dhauliganga river. Further, remote sensing images acquired around 10:33 hrs of 07th February 2021 revealed a large dust cloud which clearly unravels the sequence of events from high-altitude landslide, collapse of a small hanging glacier, snow avalanche to catastrophic flooding. Even after the catastrophic flash flood of 07th February 2021, an elongated lake (length about 800m, width at the front is about 100m and having depth of about 46m including freshly deposited debris and silt of about 10m, an estimated total volume of water might be ≈ 800000 m3) was created due to blocking of flow of Rishi Ganga River which still postures flash flood hazard for the downstream areas.
The Effect of Co-Administration of Portulaca Oleracea and Plantago Psyllium Plus Submaximal Swimming Training on Memory Deficit in Streptozotocin/Nicotinamide-Induced Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Parsa Hesam , Ghasemi Fateme , Ranjbar Kamal , Komaki Alireza
Published: May 2021

Many studies have assessed the effect of exercise training and the use of various herbs on the cognitive deficit in type-2 diabetic patients. The aim of the current study was to assess the effect of a combination of two traditional plants, Portulaca oleracea and Plantago psyllium, and swimming training on cognitive decline in type 2 diabetic rats. Fifty male Wistar rats (weight: 275±25g) were selected. Type-2 diabetes was induced by a single IP injection of streptozotocin and nicotinamide. Then, the subjects were randomly assigned to the following groups: control-healthy (Con), control-diabetic (D), diabetic-training (D+Tr), diabetic-P.oleracea plus P. psyllium (D+PO+PP), and diabetic- P.oleracea plus P. psyllium plus training groups (D+PO+PP+Tr). Training groups were subjected to submaximal swimming training for 12 weeks (5 days per week). Learning abilities and memory retention were evaluated using shuttle box, elevated plus maze, open field, and novel recognition object tests. Step-through latency period in retention phase in the shuttle box test and discrimination index in the novel recognition object test increased in response to the simultaneous use of two herbal medicines. Swimming training had no effect on learning and memory indices in diabetic rats, but co-administration of P. oleracea and P. psyllium with swimming training for 12 weeks ameliorated passive avoidance memory, general locomotor activity, and exploratory behavior in diabetic rats. These results indicated that co-administration of P. oleracea and P. psyllium with submaximal swimming training for 12 weeks can reverse the cognitive impairment present in type-2 diabetic rats.
Out-of-Pocket Healthcare Expenditures of Households Living With Rare Diseases
Authors: Oğuzhan Gülpembe , Ökçün Selin , Kurnaz Mustafa , Çalışkan Zafer , Koçkaya Güvenç , Karahan Ekin Begüm , Atakay Deniz
Published: May 2021

Background: Economic impact of rare diseases for both individuals and family members, in addition to many expenditures such as disease-related medication, use of healthcare, access to treatment, special medical and nutritional requirements; it also causes indirect effects such as loss of productivity, loss of wages, health insurance and inability to find work. In this study, it is aimed to determine the out-of-pocket health expenditures and economic burden of households where individuals with rare diseases live in Turkey.Methods: The research population consists of registered members of associations that are members of the Rare Diseases Network. The questionnaire was developed based on literature review and expert opinion and the online survey was made available between 01.05.2020- 31.05.2020. After obtaining data on out-of-pocket expenditures in rare diseases, the necessary analysis was carried out through the Microsoft Office Excel application. In addition to the general analysis involving all participants, expenditures on the basis of disease group and disease were calculated. The costs calculated in Turkish Liras (₺/TL) have been converted to Euros (€) according to the average exchange rate for 2020. Results: 456 participants were included in the analysis. Accordingly, 233 patients were included in the metabolic diseases category, 178 in the neuromuscular system diseases category and 41 in the others category. It was determined that special nutrition were the highest expenditure group and emergency department were the lowest expenditure group. The lowest amount of out-of-pocket expenditure is in the metabolic diseases group. It has been observed that 47.35% of all participants allocate more than 10% of the annual average household income and 4.65% more than 100% of the annual average household income for medical expenses. It is seen that the average out-of-pocket expenses in DMD, SMA, cystinosis and cystic fibrosis diseases are close to each other.Conclusion: Since individuals with rare diseases are often unable to work, out-of-pocket expenditures related to the disease lead to financial difficulties and even impoverishment. Their already difficult lives get even more difficult by the financial sacrifices made for treatment. Treatments for rare diseases need to go beyond special exclusivity for patient access and reimbursement.
Whole Genome Sequence of Wilsonomyces Carpophilus, the Causal Agent of Shot Hole of Stone Fruits: Insights Into Secreted Proteins of a Necrotrophic Fungal Repository
Authors: Farooq Mahiya , Shah Mehraj D. , Padder Bilal A. , Sofi T.A. , Masoodi Khalid k. , Nabi Asha , Hamid Sumaira , Ahmad Mushtaq
Published: May 2021

Wilsonomyces carpophilus is a necrotrophic plant pathogenic fungus with a wide host range infecting all stone fruits such as peach, plum, apricot and cherry, and almonds among the nut crops. Necrotrophs are more devastating with a complex pathogenicity mechanism and least known effector repositories. Here, we report a 29.9 megabase draft genome assembly of W. carpophilus. We explored the hybrid technology of Illumina HiSeq and PacBio sequencing technologies to get the unbiased results of sequence reads. We aligned short Illumina reads against the long PacBio reads. A total of 10,901 protein-coding genes were predicted that includes varied set of genes such as HET genes, cytochrome-p450 genes, kinases etc. We mined 2851 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) in the genome assembly. We also predicted the diverse inventory of secretory proteins, transporters, primary and secondary metabolic enzymes. A total of 225 secreted proteins, hydrolases, polysaccharide-degrading enzymes, esterolytic, lipolytic and proteolytic enzymes were the most significant proteins reflecting the necrotrophic lifestyle of the W. carpophilus. We also identified 146 tRNAs and 52 rRNAs in the pathogen genome.
Protection of Supraclavicular Nerve in the Surgical Procedures of Clavicle Fracture Fixation
Authors: Abula Abulaiti , Liu Yanshi , Liu Kai , Cai Feiyu , Abulaiti Alimujiang , Maimaiti Xiayimaierdan , Ren Peng , yusufu Aihemaitijiang
Published: May 2021

Background: The present study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the protection of the supraclavicular nerve in the treatment of clavicle fracture using fracture reduction and percutaneous external locking plate fixation or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).Methods: A total of 27 patients suffered clavicle fracture and underwent fracture reduction and external or internal fixation with reserved clavicular epithelial nerve in our department from January 2015 to January 2020 were retrospectively collected, including 19 males and 8 females with a mean age of 42 years (range 21 to 57 years). Among them, 17 patients were treated with the fracture reduction and percutaneous external locking plate fixation, while the other 10 patients were treated with ORIF. The sensory function of the affected shoulder area and the superior lateral thoracic area after surgery was collected and analyzed, as well as the satisfaction rate after the fixation was removed.Results: All the 27 patients were successfully followed with a mean duration of 1.3 years (1 to 5.8 years). There were significant differences in sensory dysfunction in the shoulder area and superior lateral thoracic area, pricking in the operation area and neck and shoulder, tactile hyperalgesia, and local numbness between the two groups after surgery (P<0.05). All the fractures achieved bone union. The satisfaction rate in the percutaneous external locking plate fixation group was higher than that in the ORIF group after the fixation was removed (P<0.05).Conclusions: Percutaneous external locking plate fixation with reservation of the supraclavicular nerve in the treatment of clavicle fractures can reduce the incidence of postoperative paresthesia in the affected shoulder and superior lateral thoracic area, and improve the satisfaction rate of the surgical effect.