bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
25 years of the Carpathian field practice (results of natural geographical research)
Authors: Halahan Oleksandr , Kovtoniuk Olga , Korohoda Nataliia , Lavruk Tetiana
Published: October 2020

The article highlights the history and features of field practices, which have been held for 25 years at the training base “Yasinya” of Taras Shevchenko National University. The base is located in the valley of the Chorna Tysa River - a tributary of the Tysa River (Ukrainian Carpathians). The main routes of practice are laid out in the upper reaches of the Chorna Tysa basin and the surrounding mountains. Landscapes and geomorphological objects and processes available for study and observation during the passage of these routes are described. The results of natural-geographical research carried out during educational practices are generalised and perspective directions of development of this territory are proposed.
Changes in Macroeconomic conditions and capital Return in Indonesia
Authors: Selvi Andesta , Mohammad Adam , Suhel .
Published: October 2020

Purpose: this study aims to examine the influence of changes in inflation, changes in the rupiah exchange rate, changes in the money supply, changes in SBIS, changes in foreign exchange reserves and changes in interest rates on the return of Indonesian Islamic stocks.

Methods: this study is focused on looking at conditions of macroeconomic changes that have an impact on the activity of the Islamic capital market, particularly on the return of Islamic stocks listed in the Jakarta Islamic Index. This empirical evidence is related to variable macroeconomic changes, namely changes in inflation, rupiah exchange rate, money supply, foreign exchange reserves, Indonesian Syariah Bank Certificates (SBIS) and interest rates on sharia stock returns for the period January 2014 – December 2019 obtained from Financial publications. Service Authority (OJK) and Bank Indonesia. The analysis technique used is quantitative analysis using multiple regression analysis tools.

Results: the results of this study are (1) Variable Changes in Inflation, Changes in the Amount of Money Supply, Changes in Foreign Exchange Reserves, Changes in SBIS have a positive and significant effect on Stock Returns listed on the Jakarta Islamic Index, (2) changes in exchange rates have a negative and significant effect on Stock Returns listed in Jakarta Islamic. Index, (3) the Interest Rate variable has no effect on Stock Returns listed on the Jakarta Islamic Index.

Conclusions and Relevance: the approach used by each variable starts with the conventional followed by the study of Islamic macroeconomics, in order to provide a philosophy of science and economics that refers to Baqir Sadr in the Iqtishaduna book. In this study, researchers examined macroeconomic variables on sharia stock returns to prioritize people's welfare and pay close attention to every investment process based on sharia principles. Therefore the public, entrepreneurs, investors and company performance must pay attention to information regarding changes in inflation, changes in the rupiah exchange rate, changes in the money supply, changes in Bank Indonesia Sharia Certificates (SBIS), changes foreign exchange reserves, and changes in interest rates in order to minimize risks for both investors and entrepreneurs. This variable can affect the movement of the capital market so that the return on Islamic stocks also has an effect.
Mental health situation during COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia
Authors: . Martina , Hapsari Dewi , Ramdhoni Reza
Published: October 2020

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused concern in the community. This pandemic is an outbreak that can have an impact on the mental health and psychosocial conditions of everyone. This study aims to see an overview of the mental health condition of people in Indonesia during the Covid-19 pandemic.Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study with a retrospective approach. This study used an internet-based online questionnaire via Google form with questions from the Director-General of the Indonesian Ministry of Health. The questionnaire was distributed online. 127 participants responded to the questionnaire in this study. Results: The study showed that most participants aged between 18-23 years old, female, worked as health workers and students, residing outside of Java, was anxious, and did not experience psychotic symptoms. In this study 106 people experienced anxiety and 21 people did not. Participants who did not experience psychotic symptoms (normal) tended to not anxious than anxious. Women tend to be more prone to anxiety than men. Both students and unemployed people experience anxiety more compared to civil servants.Conclusions: Socialization about safe, comfortable, and healthy activities needs to be done to the community to reduce anxiety in the community during the COVID-19 pandemic accompanied by providing comprehensive knowledge about COVID-19.
Role of cytological examination in head neck masses
Authors: Munjal Manish , Chopra Ajay , Munjal Shubham , Kalra Shivam , Shukla Khyati
Published: October 2020

Background: Fine needle cytology can differentiate inflammatory and the neoplastic lesions. Moreover, the neoplastic lesions of the head and neck have a propensity to seed the subcutaneous tissues if overlying planes are widely violated, thereby fine needle cytology over an excision’s biopsy is the preferred choice. Methods: 106 patients with head and neck swelling were selected from the head-neck tumor clinic of the Oto-rhino-laryngology services, Dayanand medical college and hospital, Ludhiana, India. An analysis of the efficacy of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of head and neck swellings was carried out.Results: Overall sensitivity of FNAC was 88.9% whereas overall specificity was 100%. Overall accuracy for salivary gland tumors was 100% for pleomorphic adenoma. FNAC from 50 subjects (56.2%) reported tubercular pathology. FNAC had to be repeated in 6.6% of the cases because of unsatisfactory smears. In 3 cases, false negative diagnosis was obtained and in 3 it was inconclusive.Conclusion: Properly executed FNAC is of the greater value in surgical practice with 88.9% sensitivity and 100% specificity.
Iodine deficiency disorders in a South Indian district: still a public health problem?
Authors: B. T. Prasanna Kamath , Bhattacharyya Ananta , Mokhasi Varsha R.
Published: October 2020

Background: Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) constitute the single largest cause of preventable brain damage worldwide leading to learning disabilities and psychomotor impairment. Nearly 266 million school children worldwide have insufficient iodine intake. IDD was found to be a public health problem in 47 countries. Since the information on current prevalence of goiter in Kolar was not available, the present study was undertaken.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among school children aged 6-12 years in Kolar taluk. A total of 2700 children were selected for goiter examination by multistage random cluster sampling technique. A total of 270 children were tested for the median urinary concentration and 540 salt samples were tested from the households of the study population.Results: The total goiter rate was 5.66% among primary school children aged 6-12 years with a significant difference between ages. As the age increased the goiter prevalence also increased. The median urinary iodine excretion level was found to be 105 mcg/l and 92.788.7% salt samples had >15 ppm iodine content.Conclusions: Present study shows mild goiter prevalence in primary school children in Kolar district and an adequate iodine content of salt in urine.
A cross-sectional study to assess the morbidity pattern, healthcare-seeking behavior and its determinants among adults of urban slum dwellers of Chennai
Authors: Banu Nilofur , Annadurai Kalaivani , Ranganathan Karnaboopathy
Published: October 2020

Background: Health seeking behavior is an important decision in health care management and it becomes more relevant among underprivileged populations like urban slums. The objectives of the study was to find out the morbidity pattern, health care seeking behaviours , the morbidity pattern its determinants among urban slum dwellers in Chennai.Methods: This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among 400 respondents of Nallakuppam slum in Chennai by systematic random sampling method from October 2017 to October 2019. A semi structured schedule was used to collect information among them after their valid informed consent. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage were used.  Chi square test was used to assess the association between factors.Results: Almost half of the study participants (53.50%) were female and 30.50% have completed high school education. Hindu was the major religion practiced and most of them belonged to lower middle socio economic class. Though majority of the study population suffered from communicable diseases like ARI and fever which might be due to overcrowding in that area, treatment seeking behavior was found to be good among the study participant suffering from non-communicable disease like DM, HTN and CHD, which showed that the type of disease played an vital role in seeking treatment among the study participants.Conclusions: Though the study participants had different choice in health care such as government, private or some time both facilities for treating their illness, trust on the health care provider played an important role in availing services from particular health care facilities.
Original research: knowledge and attitude for information gathering practices related to COVID-19: a cross sectional study amongst healthcare workers in New Delhi
Authors: Malhotra Anureet , Siwach Ishaan , Yadav Geeta
Published: October 2020

Background: COVID cases in India have surpassed the 50,000 mark as per data available on 7th May with more than 1783 reported deaths. Measures have been deployed by competent authorities to optimally educate healthcare workers (HCWs) in various aspects of this novel disease. Along with an assessment of the prevailing knowledge regarding COVID among HCWs, our study aimed to gather insight into the resources used and efforts made to keep up with the latest developments taking place during the pandemic.Methods: A cross sectional web-based study was conducted in April 2020 using a self-prepared 38 item questionnaire which was distributed to HCWs. Appropriate statistical tools were used for data analysis with p-value < 0.05 being considered as significant.Results: 275 HCWs completed the survey with a response rate of 40.1% with a majority of respondents being doctors (56.6%) and medical students (34.9%). Respondents showed suboptimal knowledge about clinical features, prevention, treatment, and complications of COVID-19. Mean % correct responses were 52.89% (SD+9.83%). Information seeking efforts made by respondents significantly correlated with their knowledge(p=0.043). Official government websites were the most used resource (37.8%). HCWs who had received formal training/guidelines from their institutions had higher knowledge (p=0.003).Conclusions: It is of utmost significance to identify and bridge critical gaps in knowledge by using authentic sources of information to improve understanding of this novel disease to ensure better patient outcomes.
Clinico-epidemiological profile of paediatric dengue patients in a tertiary care hospital: a retrospective study in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Padmavathy Chilakala , Madhavi B. Devi , Suneetha S. , Chaduvula Suresh Babu
Published: October 2020

Background: Dengue is a mosquito borne viral disease in the world with unpredictable clinical course and outcome. Though it is self-limiting in most of patients, the dengue hemorrhagic stage and dengue shock syndrome are life threatening.Methods: It is a retrospective cross-sectional observational record-based study conducted in King George Hospital in Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, AP, India. Upon clinical suspicion, Dengue fever was confirmed by NS 1 antigen and/or Dengue antibody IgM, IgG in KGH laboratory in patients who were admitted in the hospital data was collected from records after ethical committee approval. Data of pediatric dengue positive cases in the age group ranging between 0-14 years from January 2018 - November 2018 were reviewed.Results: In this study the highest percentage of age group was found between 0-5 years. Fever was present in 100% cases, abdominal pain in 47% cases, rash, nausea/vomiting were found in 37%, headache in 12.35%, myalgia/ arthralgia or backache in 13.48%, retro orbital pain in <1% cases. Dengue fever (DF) was found in 46 % cases, dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) in 50% and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) in 3.9 cases.Conclusions: The study found among these 50% developed DHF and 46% DF and 3.9% DSS. Early admissions of pediatric cases can prevent major complications like DHF and DSS. The predominant complaints found were fever, vomiting and abdominal pain in paediatric group.
Prevalence of fracture risk among middle-aged and elderly population of Gujarat, India: an observational study
Authors: Brahmbhatt Bhoomika G. , Sheth Megha S.
Published: October 2020

Background: This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of fracture risk among middle-aged and elderly population of Gujarat and to find out the prevalence of the clinical risk factors (CRF) and its significance with risk of fracture. To compare the risk of fracture among men and women.Methods: An observational study included 500 participants both men and women, in age group of 40-80 years. Participants were assessed with the fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) without BMD to evaluate the 10-year probability of risk of Major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) and Hip fracture (HF). India-specific age-dependent thresholds were used to categorize the participants into safety zone and treatment zone followed by statistical analysis. Level of significance was kept at 5%.Results: Total 500 participants, 56.8% males and 43.2% females with mean age 56.3±9.7 years. As per the estimated prevalence, 22% participants were in treatment zone and 78% were in safety zone for HF risk and for major osteoporotic fracture risk, 24% participants were in treatment zone and 76% were in safety zone. In 18.6% participants the hip fracture risk was ≥3% and in 2% participants the major osteoporotic fracture risk was ≥20%. Women had more fracture risk compare to men, for HF [t (464.6)=-3.04, p=0.002] and for MOF [t (441.3)=-5.13, p<0.001]. Significant difference in fracture risk was found with presence of CRF except with smoking and alcohol use.Conclusions: FRAX can be used to identify the 10-year probability of fracture risk. The prevalence showed fewer participants in treatment zone and more in safety zone. Women had higher fracture probabilities than men.
An epidemiological study to assess unmet needs for family planning among married women in an urban slum area of Mumbai
Authors: Rawat Shalini , Yadav Ashwini , Gohar Meraj
Published: October 2020

Background: Unmet need is useful tool for monitoring family planning program and maternal health. Thus, reducing maternal mortality, unintended pregnancies and abortions. Use of modern contraceptives in 2017 prevented an estimated 308 million unintended pregnancies.Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among reproductive age (15-44 years) women attending general OPD in Urban health Training centre for a period of one month. Simple random sampling was used and sample size of 375 was taken. Data was analysed using SPSS software version 23.Results: Out of 375 women 85 (22.66%) were using contraceptives while 290 (77.34%) of women were not using any type of contraception. Total unmet need for spacing birth was 69 (18.4%) while for limiting birth was 98 (26.13%). Unmet need for spacing birth was highest 27 (26.21%) in age group of 20-25 years and unmet need for limiting birth was highest 10 (12.04%) in the age group of 30-35years. Educational status and socio-economic status of the women were found to be significantly associated with the unmet need. (50%) of women with no child and 24 (55.81%) women having one child had more need for spacing birth while women who had 2 children 26 (24.29%) had need for spacing and 41 (38.31%) had need for limiting births.Conclusions: The unmet need for contraception was found to be 44.53% which is much higher than the NFHS-4 data for urban Maharashtra i.e.11%. Appropriate measures should be taken for motivating couples to adopt the family planning methods specially among younger age women and economically backward groups
Epidemiology of head and neck neoplasms: a review
Authors: Munjal Manish , Kaur Ramanpreet , Sharma Sarit , Kaur Raminderjit , Kailey Vikramjit , Munjal Shubham , Saggar Tulika , Verma Hitesh
Published: October 2020

Head and neck malignancy is the sixth common type of cancer, representing about 6% of all cases and accounting for an estimated 6,50,000 new cancer cases and 3,50,000 cancer deaths worldwide every year. An overview of the problem with emphasis on its global epidemiology is being reviewed.
Vaccine hesitancy in India-the challenges: a review
Authors: S. Gopalakrishnan , P. Sujitha
Published: October 2020

Immunization is the most cost-effective scientific method of reducing childhood morbidity and mortality. In India the national immunization programme has not been able to attain complete coverage of the eligible children and hence mortality due to vaccine preventable diseases is approximately 5 lakhs annually.  Every year, 89 lakhs children are at risk to develop vaccine preventable diseases due to lack of immunization. While most people vaccinate according to the recommended schedule, this success is challenged by individuals and groups who delay, hesitant or refuse vaccines due to various reasons. Despite the realization of compulsory scheduling of vaccines, there are an alarming number of parents who do not permit the vaccination of their children as scheduled. Vaccine hesitancy refers to a delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccines despite the availability of vaccination services. WHO in 2019 listed vaccine hesitancy as one of the ten global health threats. The recent vaccination coverage evaluation studies have shown that there is a perceptible drop in the vaccine coverage in most parts of India and also that the disparity in the urban-rural coverage is also widening. Hence an evaluation of the reasons for vaccine hesitancy is vital at present to strengthen the universal immunization program. The authors are trying to trace the present status and reasons for vaccine hesitancy reported in recent times, which can lead to outbreaks of already controlled vaccine preventable diseases and to identify strategies which are being implemented to overcome the vaccine hesitancy.
Malnutrition assessed by mini nutritional assessment tool among Indian elderly: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bisai Samiran , Dey Uposoma
Published: October 2020

Overall health and nutritional status of elderly population of India is not satisfactory. Therefore, present systematic review was conducted to determine the overall occurrence of malnutrition of Indian elderly and furthermore attempted to find out the underlying causes of malnutrition. Present review considered published article reported malnutrition of elderly as assessed by mini nutritional assessment (MNA) tool. Thus, literature searching, screening and data synthesis was made and recorded following preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) protocol. All published literature looked through utilizing the accompanying keywords. The MedCalc software was applied to estimate the overall prevalence of malnutrition by using meta-analysis statistical method. Thirty of 147 articles were included in this analysis. Overall mean MNA scores was 19.47±4.17. Study found overall prevalence of malnutrition among elderly was 17.93% (95% CI: 14.23-21.84). The prevalence of malnutrition was significantly higher in rural elderly (21.67%, 95% CI: 16.44-27.40) than urban (14.23%, 95% CI: 10.02-19.05) elderly of India. Rural elderly more likely to be 1.8 (OR: 1.76; CI: 1.56-1.99) times greater chance to be developed malnutrition than the urban elderly. Moreover, present study estimated that about 18.6 million Indian elderly population was malnourished and expected to be 22 million by 2021 due to elderly population growth, morbidity, poverty and joblessness by COVID-19 pandemic. Given the expansion of elderly malnutrition in future, there is felt need a special nutrition intervention programme for the rural elderly population. Thus, a dedicated geriatric friendly nutrition rehabilitation center (GFNRC) may be setup at every community development block of India.
Postgraduate training in community medicine in India in the era of COVID-19: challenges and remedies
Authors: Cherian Vinu , Philip Joel
Published: October 2020

The recent months have witnessed an unprecedented disruption in the processes and methods of training post-graduate students.1 The residents who are currently enrolled in post-graduate programs must be equipped with the necessary know-how to become competent specialists in the future. Therefore, the challenges facing these programs in India need to be identified and the necessary remedial measures must be swiftly put in place. In this article, we attempt to identify the most pertinent challenges facing the post-graduate students in community medicine, from their perspective, and also provide individually tailored recommendations to overcome them.
Evaluating the Immune Response of Recombinant H1N1 Hemagglutinin with MF59 Adjuvant in Animal Model as a Novel Alternative to the Influenza Vaccine
Authors: Rashedi Niloufar , Taghizadeh Morteza , Mohamadynejad Parisa , Mahdavi Mehdi , Jalalirad Reza
Published: October 2020

The H1N1 influenza virus is known as a serious pandemic threat across the globe. Vaccination is one of the most effective methods of protection against this virus and the way to reduce the seasonal pandemic risk. The commercial vaccine does not adequately respond to pandemic strains. This study examines the potential function of formulated H1N1 hemagglutinin with MF59 adjuvant against A/PR/8/34 (H1N1). To this end, a recombinant hemagglutinin (rHA) gene of influenza A virus was designed and expressed in SF9 cell by the Baculovirus expression system. Four groups of mice were immunized by rHA in combination with MF59, Alum adjuvant, and  virus split only. The immunized mice subsequently used for the humoral immune assay and the results compared with untreated mice (negative group). Besides, both treated and control mice groups were challenged with mouse-adapted influenza virus A/PR/8/34(H1N1) through the intranasal drop. Bodyweight, survival, temperature variation, and the medical conditions of the samples were assessed.  Mice immunized with the recombinant protein demonstrated a humoral response to the influenza A virus. Upon virus challenging, co-administration of rHA with MF59 adjuvant could lead to 92% survival of the vaccinated mice within 10 days. The MF59-treated group showed slight weight loss and high-temperature body two weeks after infection. This group also displayed a higher hemagglutination inhibition (HI) antibody titer as compared to the group vaccinated with virus split, and Alum adjuvant. Altogether, the results showed that the recombinant protein with the MF59 adjuvant created better safety than the Alum adjuvant, thereby can be considered as a safe and reliable vaccine against the H1N1 virus for further investigations.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Calcitriol through DNA Methylation Alteration of FOXP3 in the CD4+ T Cells of Mice
Authors: Oraei Mona , Bitarafan Sama , Mesbah-Namin Seyed Alireza , Noori-Zadeh Ali , Mansouri Fatemeh , Parastouei Karim , Anissian Ali , Yekaninejad Mir Saeed , Hajizadeh Maryam , Saboor-Yaraghi Ali Akbar
Published: October 2020

Vitamin D plays a variety of physiological functions, such as regulating mineral homeostasis. More recently, it has emerged as an immunomodulator player, affecting several types of immune cells, such as regulatory T (Treg) cells. It has been reported that vitamin D exerts some mediatory effects through an epigenetic mechanism. In this study, the impacts of calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, on the methylation of the conserved non-coding sequence 2 (CNS2) region of the forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) gene promoter, were evaluated. Fourteen C57BL/6 mice were recruited in this study and divided into two intervention and control groups. The CD4+ T cells were isolated from mice splenocytes. The expression of FOXP3, IL-10, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β1) genes were relatively quantified by real-time PCR technique, and the DNA methylation percentage of every CpG site in the CNS2 region was measured individually by bisulfite-sequencing PCR. Vitamin D Intervention could significantly (p<0.05) increase the expression of FOXP3, IL-10, and TGF-β1 genes in the CD4+ T cells of mice comparing with the control group. Meanwhile, methylation of the CNS2 region of FOXP3 promoter was significantly decreased in three of ten CpG sites in the vitamin D group compared to the control group. The results of this study showed that vitamin D can engage the methylation process to induce FOXP3 gene expression and probably Treg cytokines profile. Further researches are needed to discover the precise epigenetic mechanisms by which vitamin D modulates the immune system.
Gene Co-expression Network Analysis for Identifying Modules and Functionally Enriched Pathways in Vitiligo Disease: A Systems Biology Study
Authors: Derakhshani Afshin , Mollaei Homa , Parsamanesh Negin , Fereidouni Mohammad , Miri-Moghaddam Ebrahim , Nasseri Saeed , Luo Yongwen , Safarpour Hossein , Baradaran Behzad
Published: October 2020

Vitiligo is the most common cause of skin, hair, and oral depigmentation which is known as an autoimmune disorder. Genetic and environmental factors have important roles in the progression of the disease. Dysregulation of gene expression, like microRNAs (miRNA), may serve as major relevant factors. Several biological processes are involved in vitiligo disease and developing a comprehensive approach helps us to better understand the molecular mechanisms of disease. In this research, we describe how a weighted gene co-expression network analysis as a systems biology approach assists to define the primary gene modules, hub genes, and messenger RNA (mRNA)-miRNA regulatory network in vitiligo disease as the novel biomarkers. The results demonstrated a module with a high correlation with vitiligo state. Moreover, gene enrichment analysis showed that this module's genes were mostly involved in some biological activities including G protein-coupled receptors signaling pathway, lymphocyte chemotaxis, chemokine activity, neutrophil migration, granulocyte chemotaxis, etc. The co-expression network was constructed using top hub genes of the correlated module which are named as CXCL10, ARL9, AKR1B10, COX7B, RPL26, SPA17, NDUFAF2, RPF2, DAPL1, RPL34, CWC15, NDUFB3, RPL26L1, ACOT13, HSPB11, and NSA2. MicroRNAs prediction tool (miRWalk) revealed top miRNAs correlated with the interested module. Finally, a drug-target network was constructed which indicated interactions of some food and drug administration (FDA) approved drugs with hub genes. Our findings specified one important module and main hub genes which can be considered as novel biomarkers for vitiligo therapeutic purposes.
Is It Drug or Food Allergy? A Case Report
Authors: Kalikyan Zaruhi
Published: October 2020

Sometimes allergic reactions caused by various food allergens often hidden in the composition of medications can mistakenly be diagnosed as drug allergies. Such reactions can especially be unexpected if antihistamines-virtually designed to treat allergy symptoms, are imitated. We present the case of a 37-year-old female patient with cutaneous allergic reaction initially diagnosed as drug allergy to desloratadine/aerius, a desloratadine-containing antihistamine medication. The diagnostic search began with the anamnestic data of the patient about an allergy to cooked corn in her childhood, current seasonal allergic rhinitis, and hand dermatitis probably related to her professional activity. Skin tests and additional laboratory examinations led to diagnosing corn/maize allergy manifested as both food (mainly) and pollen allergy. Besides, it was concluded that hand dermatitis also can becaused by cornstarch contained in medical gloves. Finally, based on the results of a drug challenge test performed with two desloratadine-containing medications–desloratadine/aerius containing cornstarch as an excipient and desloratadine/lordestinenot containing cornstarch, the causative significance of corn was confirmed. Thus, the initial diagnosis of drug allergy was changed to that of food allergy.
Early Normalization of Free Light Chains Predicts Better Outcomes in Patients with Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Benson Rony , Nair Sreejith G , Narayanan Geetha
Published: October 2020

Background: The half-life of free light chain is short and can be used as an early marker for tumor response in patients with multiple myeloma [MM]. This prospective study is aimed at evaluating whether early light chain response can predict response to treatment in patients with MM.
Materials and Methods: Thirty six patients with a diagnosis of MM and with an abnormal to normal light chain ratio of > 10 were included in this study.
Results: The median age at presentation was 56 years. Fourteen patients had lambda light chain disease, whereas 22 patients had kappa light chain disease. Twenty-four patients [66.6%] had reduction of abnormal to normal light chain ratio to < 10 after 2 cycles, of whom 15 [62.5%] achieved a CR or VGPR after 6 cycles. Among 12 patients who did not have reduction of abnormal to normal light chain ratio to < 10, only 1 patient achieved CR while 11 patients [91.6%] achieved a PR or less[Fishers exact p=0.004]. Median follow-up was 13 months. Median progression-free survival for the entire cohort was 15 months. One-year Progression-Free Survival was 77% vs 57.1%, [p= 0.008], respectively for patients with early normalization and those who did not show early normalization.
Conclusion: Early light chain response after 2 cycles of chemotherapy is a good predictor for treatment response in patients with MM treated with bortezomib based chemotherapy. Treatment intensification based on early light chain response merits further evaluation in a prospective trial
How Do We Manage HLA-B27-associated Ocular Inflammation Refractory or Intolerant to Conventional Immunomodulatory Therapy?
Authors: Luong Hien Doan
Published: October 2020

This is an Editorial and does not have an abstract.
Topical Interferon Alpha 2b in the Treatment of Refractory Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Maleki Arash , Stephenson Andrew Phillips , Hajizadeh Fedra
Published: October 2020

Purpose: To report the efficacy of topical interferon alpha 2b in the treatment of refractory diabetic macular edema.
Methods: In this retrospective interventional case series, five eyes of three individuals with diabetic macular edema resistant to multiple intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs and macular photocoagulation were included.
Results: All studied eyes had undergone multiple intravitreal injections including bevacizumab, combination of bevacizumab and triamcinolone and aflibercept, and macular laser photocoagulation before being included in this study. Two intravitreal ranibizumab injections had also been performed in both eyes of one patient. Two eyes had undergone pars plana vitrectomy, one for diabetic macular edema and the other for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. After a discussion regarding the experimental topical interferon alpha 2b treatment, all patients agreed to start interferon alpha 2b drops four times a day. One month after the treatment, optical coherence tomography demonstrated a significant improvement in macular structure and thickness which was stable or improved at the three-month follow-up visit. Visual acuity in all eyes was stable or improved throughout the three-month follow-up period. Conjunctival injection and follicular conjunctivitis were the side effects of topical interferon alpha 2b and were treated with lubrication and steroids.
Conclusion: This case series demonstrated the potential efficacy of interferon alpha 2b in the treatment of refractory diabetic macular edema. It might be an option in patients with contraindications for intravitreal injections.
Abbey and George
Authors: Gunn Jennie A.
Published: October 2020

Abbey and George discuss their beliefs regarding abortion in a light hearted manner. Both are aborted fetuses. Abbey was aborted by induction, and George by spontaneous. The pros and cons of abortion, the effects, and the use of fetal cells in research are presented in play format. Abbey is a devout Christian, and George is an atheist. The play allows the reader to hear both sides of the topic.
Resiliensi dan Kemiskinan: Studi Kasus
Authors: Rasmanah Manah
Published: October 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengungkap gambaran resiliensi mahasiswa yang mengalami kesulitan ekonomi dan faktor yang mempengaruhi. Jenis penelitian ini kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi kasus. Subjek penelitian adalah seorang mahasiswa yang mengalami kesulitan ekonomi tetapi berprestasi akademik sebagai sumber primer dan seorang teman dekat subjek dan saudara kandung subjek sebagai sumber data sekunder. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah wawancara dan observasi. Data dianalisa menggunakan teknik analisis studi kasus menurut Robert K Yin yang terdiri dari penjodohan pola, eksplanasi dan deret waktu. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa mahasiswa memiliki resiliensi dalam menghadapi kesulitan ekonomi yang ditandai dengan kemampuan  regulasi emosi, self efficacy yakni memiliki inisiatif, mampu menyelesaikan masalah, kreatif dan bertanggung jawab, optimis, mampu menganalisa masalah, memiliki motivasi berprestasi, mampu mengenali potensi diri, memiliki modal kesuksean dan telah memiliki pencapaian (prestasi akademik). Faktor yang mempengaruhi resiliensi  adalah faktor internal berupa, keterampilan sosial, empati, konsep diri positif, self-efficacy dan self esteem, memiliki rasa kebermaknaan yakni optimism, motivasi, minat, sistem keyakinan dan karakter yang humoris. Sedangkan faktor eksternal dipengaruhi oleh dukungan keluarga dan teman, norma keluarga dan rule model.resiliensi, kemiskinan, mahasiswa
Percepção de estudantes sobre métodos de aula invertida no ensino de enfermagem
Authors: Silva Trindade Ricky Falcão , Menegaz Jouhanna Do Carmo , Rodrigues Dias Geyse Aline , Costa Figueiredo Maria Clara
Published: October 2020

Objetivo: conhecer a percepção de estudantes de graduação sobre o uso de métodos de aula invertida na disciplina de Enfermagem. Método: estudo qualitativo, descritivo, com participação de oito estudantes do curso de graduação em Enfermagem de Universidade Pública da região Norte do Brasil. Realizou-se a coleta de dados, por meio de entrevista, cuja análise seguiu as fases de codificação, aberta e axial, do método das comparações constantes ordenada em versão trial do programa Atlas TI®. Resultados: constituíram-se de cinco categorias: Preferências; Percepção dos estudantes sobre aula invertida; Processo de aprendizagem facilitado; Dificuldades e desafios; Sugestões e avaliações. Não há consenso entre os participantes sobre preferências, particularmente, se confrontados os métodos de aula invertida versus métodos tradicionais de ensino. Identifica-se que pelos métodos empregados na disciplina os estudantes percebem promoção e desenvolvimento de conhecimentos e habilidades tanto quanto dificuldades e desafios para a sua integração à rotina de estudo. Conclusão: o estudo revelou que os estudantes têm uma compreensão razoável sobre a aula invertida, quando demonstram conhecimentos, habilidades, assim como dificuldades e desafios relativos à experimentação do método. Entretanto considera-se necessário investigar experiências de estudantes de enfermagem em outros ambientes, para uma compreensão mais profunda de como o aprendizado é afetado por esse modelo
Representações sociais de gestantes que frequentam serviço especializado em gestações de alto risco
Authors: Ferreira Sayonara Natália , Lemos Marina Pereira , Santos Walquíria Jesusmara
Published: October 2020

Objetivo: compreender as representações sociais e experiências das gestantes que frequentam serviços especializados em gestação de alto risco. Método: estudo qualitativo, realizado com mulheres em assistência pré-natal de um serviço público especializado em Gestação de Cuidados Especiais de um município mineiro de médio porte. A coleta de dados ocorreu, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada na qual se utilizou as noções da Teoria das Representações Sociais e os dados organizados, por meio da Análise Estrutural de Narração, para realizar a interpretação das respostas. Resultado: as representações encontradas estão em torno das ideias relacionadas ao risco presente nas gestações e à experiência vivenciada nos atendimentos realizados nos serviços de referência, emergindo da análise três categorias temáticas: representações relacionadas ao modelo biomédico, representações relacionadas ao medo e representações relacionadas à morte. Conclusão: como consequência desse estudo, foi possível evidenciar que as representações das gestantes de alto risco giraram em torno de sentimentos de medo relacionado à gestação e da morte em decorrência dos agravos da condição de risco, além da valorização do modelo biomédico e do profissional de medicina em detrimento do trabalho em equipe multiprofissional e da promoção da saúde.
A religiosidade/espiritualidade como recurso no enfrentamento da COVID-19
Authors: Scorsolini-Comin Fabio , Rossato Lucas , Cunha Vivian Fukumasu da , Correia-Zanini Marta Regina Gonçalves , Pillon Sandra Cristina
Published: October 2020

Objetivo: problematizar de que modo a Religiosidade/Espiritualidade (R/E) pode ser empregada como um recurso no enfrentamento da pandemia da COVID-19. Método: Reflexão teórica baseada na literatura científica da área. Resultados: Entre as principais aplicações dessa dimensão no contexto de atenção em saúde destaca-se a R/E como recurso para a compreensão dos efeitos da pandemia na vida cotidiana; como recurso de enfrentamento e fonte de apoio para pessoas adoecidas, cuidadores e familiares; como suporte nas situações de isolamento social e quarentena; como recurso para profissionais de saúde diretamente envolvidos no combate à pandemia; como recurso na compreensão de situações de luto. Conclusão: Recomenda-se que a R/E possa ser empregada como um recurso não apenas na explicação das repercussões emocionais da doença, mas como estratégia que possa, de fato, promover um cuidado mais humano e integrado diante de um cenário pandêmico impermanente.
HOW COMMON IN POLISH POPULATION ARE GENOTYPES OF APOLIPOPROTEIN E WHICH PREDISPOSE TO ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE DEVELOPMENT?
Authors: Szywacz Wioletta , Szywacz Wioletta , Poręba Małgorzata , Macionga Agata , Szweda-Gandor Nikola , Łącka-Gaździk Beata , Grzeszczak Władysław
Published: October 2020

Introduction Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is a glycoprotein secreted mainly by hepatocytes. It’s involved in cell proliferation and cholesterol transport. ApoE is occurring primarily in 3 significant variants ε2, ε3 and ε4. It is coded by two genes what means the combination of two polymorphic alleles determines its genotype. ApoE-ε3/ε4 and -ε4/ε4 increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) development several times compared to the general population. Early prevention can significantly slow down AD development and shorten its course. Aim The aim of this study was to check the distribution of ApoE gene among population from South Poland and compared results with previous study indicating allelic discrimination among random patients in research group. Material and methods In general we carried out genotyping polimorphism of ApoE. The process consisted of: 1. Colecting blood samples from patients, 2. Isolating DNA, 3. Preparating concentrations of DNA and checking it with spectrophotometer, 4. Allelic discrimination with fluorescent – labelled probes, 5. Genotyping of the ApoE polymorphism using Roche Lightcycler96 device. Study group consisted 830 subjects. 1660 determinations has been conducted. Results After expanding the research group by 81 patients it is shown that amount of carriers ApoE-ε2/ε4, ApoE-ε3/ε4 and ApoE-ε4/ε4 increases. The most numerous genotypes in research group are ApoE-ε2/ε2 and ApoE-ε3/ε3. Conclusions An upward trend in the relative numbers of carriers of genotype associated with a higher risk of developing AD has been noticed with the extension of research. Further research should be performed and the rese
Ion-exchange properties of the natural zeolite amicite
Authors: Chukanov Nikita V. , Kazheva Olga N. , Chervonnaya Nadezhda A. , Varlamov Dmitry A. , Ermolaeva Vera N. , Pekov Igor V. , Shilov Gennadiy V.
Published: October 2020

Crystals of the natural zeolite amicite, ideally K4Na4(Al8Si8O32)·10H2O, were ion-exchanged in the reactions with 0.1 N aqueous solutions of AgNO3, RbNO3, CsNO3 and Pb(NO3)2 at 363 K for 24 h. Under these conditions, Cs+ substitutes K+ whereas the most part of Na+ remains unexchanged; Rb+ partly substitutes both Na+ and K+; Pb2+ and Ag+ completely substitute Na+ and K+. All the compounds are monoclinic. The Cs- and Rb-substituted samples have unit-cell parameters close to those of initial amicite. The exchange of Na+ and K+ for Ag+ is accompanied by a significant decrease of the unit-cell volume. The unit-cell parameter c of Pb-amicite is nearly threefold larger than the c parameter of initial amicite. Infrared spectra show that framework topology is preserved during the ion exchange. The crystal structures of initial and Cs-exchanged amicites have been solved by direct methods.
Microbial potentiometric sensor technology for real-time detecting and monitoring of toxic metals in aquatic matrices
Authors: Brown Frank C. , Burge Scott R. , Hristovski Kiril D. , Burge Russell G. , Taylor Evan , Hoffman David A.
Published: October 2020

Considering that toxic metals can affect metabolic processes in microorganisms adversely, it can be hypothesized that these metals in water matrices would induce a decrease in metabolic activity of the biofilm microorganisms populating the surface of a sensing electrode, which could be registered as a change in the open-circuit potential (OCP) generated by the biofilm microorganisms. The goal of this study was to test this hypothesis and demonstrate the underlying principle that microbial potentiometric sensor (MPS) technology could be used for long-term and real-time monitoring and detection of rapid changes in metal concentrations in realistic aquatic environments. To address the goal, four objective were addressed: (1) a batch reactor with three graphite-based MPS electrodes was fabricated; (2) a set of single-ion solutions  and one multiple ion solution were prepared  reflecting realistic concentrations of metals found in electroplating wastewaters; (3) the responses of the MPS to the simultaneous presence of multiple toxic metal ions in a single solution were measured; and (4) the changes of the MPS signals to the presence of individual  metal ion solutions were examined. While the hypothesis was validated, the study also revealed that the MPS was sufficiently sensitive to not only detect, but also quantify, toxic metal ion concentrations in aqueous solutions. The coefficients of determination, which were R2>0.995, and responsiveness of <1 μmol/L for some toxic metal cations, strongly support the performance  of MPS technology in the echelons of expensive analytical tools capable detecting and measuring trace elements.The magnitude of the MPS response was toxic metal specific. When the molar concertation normalizes the inhibition portion of the signal area, the assessed sensitivity order was: Se>Cd>Pb>Ag>Ni> Zn.  The study provides valuable information for enforcement agents, environmental professionals, and wastewater treatment operators, so toxic metal pollution and its detrimental impacts can be  prevented and mitigated.
Optimization of electro-Fenton oxidation of carbonated soft drink industry wastewater using response surface methodology
Authors: Davarnejad Reza , Azizi Jamal , Joodaki Amir , Mansoori Sepideh
Published: October 2020

The immense volume of highly polluted organic wastewater continuously generated in the beverage industry urges the design of new types of wastewater treatment plants. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of the electro-Fenton (EF) technique to reduce organic pollution of real effluent from a carbonated soft drink factory. The impact of various process variables like pH, time, current density, H2O2/Fe2+ molar ratio, and the volume ratio of H2O2/soft drink wastewater (SDW) was analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM). The observed responses were in good agreement with predicted values obtained through optimization. The optimum conditions showed a chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency of 73.07 %, pH of 4.14, time of 41.55 min, current density of 46.12 mA/cm2, H2O2/Fe2+ molar ratio of 0.9802, and H2O2/SDW volume fraction of 2.74 ml/l. The EF process was able to effectively diminish the organic pollution, reduce the residence time and, therefore, the operating costs.
The Effect of Bone Marrow Transplantation on Oocyte-Granulosa Cell Interaction and Follicular Development of Cisplatin-Induced Ovarian Failure in Rat
Authors: Hendarto Hendi
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Chemotherapy has cytotoxic effect that induces follicular damage and abnormal folliculogenesis leads to ovarian failure. Two crucial   growth factors in abnormal folliculogenesis, Growth Differentiation Factor-9 (GDF-9) and Kit-Ligand, will be disrupted and affect follicular development. In this study, we evaluate whether bone marrow transplantation (BMT) has a role on oocyte-granulosa cell interaction by analyzing GDF-9 and Kit-Ligand expressions and also follicular development by analyzing primordial, primary, secondary and graafian follicles of cisplatin-induced ovarian failure in rat. Material and method: Forty eight rats were divided into three groups: control, cisplatin and cisplatin + BMT. Ovarian failure was induced by administration   of intraperitoneal cisplatin 5 mg/kg body weight for 1 week. BMT 2 x107 cells were injected through rat tail vein after cisplatin administration.  Bone marrow was isolated from rat femur and characterized    by CD44(+), CD45(-), CD105(+). Immunohistochemistry examinations for ovarian GDF-9, Kit-Ligand and follicle development evaluation were performed after 2 weeks of BMT injection. Results:  The  expressions   of Kit-ligand  among  three  groups  by ANOVA were  significant different (p=0.00), whereas by Post Hoc: cisplatin group lower  than  control  group (p=0.00); cisplatin + BMT group  higher than  cisplatin group (p=0.00); and no significant different between  control  group and cisplatin + BMT group (p=0.955). The expressions of GDF-9 by Kruskal Wallis showed significant different (p=0.00) among three groups whereas cisplatin + BMT group higher than cisplatin group and control group. In cisplatin + BMT group the number of primordial, primary, secondary and graafian follicles were higher than those in cisplatin group; but were lower than those in control group (p=0.000). Positive Paul Kart Horan (PKH) labeling was seen in cisplatin + BMT   group only. Conclusion:  In cisplatin-induced ovarian failure in rat, bone marrow transplantation may improve oocytegranulosa cell interaction and follicular development.