bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in prevalence and the cascade of care for type 2 diabetes over ten years (2005-2015): results of two nationally representative surveys in Mozambique
Authors: Madede Tavares , Damasceno Albertino , Lunet Nuno , Augusto Orvalho , Silva-Matos Carla , Beran David , Levitt Naomi
Published: November 2022

Background

Sub-Saharan Africa is predicted to have the steepest increase in the prevalence of diabetes in the next 25 years. The latest Mozambican population-based STEPS survey (STEPS 2005) estimated a 2.9% prevalence of diabetes in the adult population aged 25-64 years. We aimed to assess the change in prevalence, awareness, and management of diabetes in the national STEPS survey from 2014/2015 compared to 2005.

Methods

We conducted an observational, quantitative, cross-sectional study following the WHO STEPS surveillance methodology in urban and rural settings, targeting the adult population of Mozambique in 2015. We collected sociodemographic data, anthropometric, and 12 hour fasting glucose blood samples in a sample of 1321 adults. The analysis consisted of descriptive measures of the prevalence of impaired fasting glucose (IFG), diabetes and related risk factors by age group, sex, and urban/rural residence and compared the findings to those of the 2005 survey results.

Results

The prevalence of IFG and diabetes was 4.8% (95CI: 3.6-6.3) and 7.4% (95CI: 5.5-10.0), respectively. These prevalence of IFG and diabetes did not differ significantly between women and men. The prevalence of diabetes in participants classified with overweight/obesity [10.6% (95CI: 7.5-14.6)] and with central obesity (waist hip ratio) [11.0% (95CI: 7.4-16.1)] was almost double the prevalence of their leaner counterparts, [6.3% (95CI, 4.0-9.9)] and [5.2% (95CI: 3.2-8.6)], respectively. Diabetes prevalence increased with age. There were 50% more people with diabetes in urban areas than in rural. Only 10% of people with diabetes were aware of their disease, and only 44% of those taking oral glucose-lowering drugs. The prevalence of IFG over time [2.0% (95CI: 1.1-3.5) vs 4.8% (95CI: 3.6-6.3)] and diabetes [2.9% (95CI: 2.0-4.2) vs 7.4% (95CI: 5.5-10.0)] were more than twofold higher in 2014/2015 than in 2005. However, awareness of disease and being on medication decreased by 3% and by 50%, respectively. Though this was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

While the prevalence of diabetes in Mozambique has increased from 2005 to 2015, awareness and medication use have declined considerably. There is an urgent need to improve the capacity of primary health care and communities to detect, manage and prevent the occurrence of NCDs and their risk factors.
Factors associated with meeting physical activity guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Heredia Natalia I. , Machiorlatti Michael , Reininger Belinda M. , Robledo Candace
Published: November 2022

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted individual physical activity levels. Less is known regarding how factors such as sociodemographic and built environment were associated with physical activity engagement during the pandemic. Understanding these factors is critical to informing future infectious disease mitigation policies that promote, rather than hinder physical activity. The purpose of this study was to assess predictors of physical activity levels during the beginning of the pandemic (April-June 2020), including Stay-at-Home length and orders, neighborhood safety, and sociodemographic characteristics.

Methods

Data included 517 participants who responded to an anonymous online survey. Physical activity was assessed with a modified Godin Leisure-time exercise questionnaire. We used logistic regression models to estimate unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the associations between independent variables (e.g., demographic variables, neighborhood safety, COVID Stay-at-Home order and length of time) and physical activity levels that did not meet (i.e., < 600 metabolic equivalents of task [MET]-minutes/week) or met guidelines (i.e., ≥ 600 MET-minutes/week). We used R-Studio open-source edition to clean and code data and SAS V9.4 for analyses.

Results

Most participants were 18–45 years old (58%), female (79%), Hispanic (58%), and college/post-graduates (76%). Most (70%) reported meeting physical activity guidelines. In multivariate-adjusted analyses stratified by income, in the highest income bracket (≥ $70,000) pet ownership was associated with higher odds of meeting physical activity guidelines (aOR = 2.37, 95% CI: 1.23, 4.55), but this association did not persist for other income groups. We also found lower  perceived neighborhood safety was associated with significantly lower odds of meeting physical activity guidelines (aOR = 0.15, 95% CI:0.04–0.61), but only among individuals in the lowest income bracket (< $40,000). Within this lowest income bracket, we also found that a lower level of education was associated with reduced odds of meeting physical activity guidelines.

Discussion

We found that perceived neighborhood safety, education and pet ownership were associated with meeting physical activity guidelines during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, but associations differed by income. These findings can inform targeted approaches to promoting physical activity during subsequent waves of COVID-19 or future pandemics.
Primary hip and knee arthroplasty at district level is safe and may reduce the burden on tertiary care in a low-income setting
Authors: Laubscher Kim , Dey Roopam , Nortje Marc , Held Michael , Kauta Ntambue
Published: November 2022

Background

Arthroplasty procedures in low-income countries are mostly performed at tertiary centers, with waiting lists exceeding 12 to 24 months. Recently, this is further exacerbated by the impact of the Covid Pandemic on elective surgeries. Providing arthroplasty services at other levels of healthcare aims to offset this burden, however there is a marked paucity of literature regarding surgical outcomes. This study aims to provide evidence on the safety of arthroplasty at district level.

Methods

Retrospective review of consecutive hip and knee primary arthroplasty cases performed at a District Hospital (DH), and a Tertiary Academic Hospital (TH) in Cape Town, South Africa between 1st January 2015 and 31st December 2018. Patient demographics, hospital length of stay, surgery related readmissions, reoperations, post-operative complications, and mortality rates were compared between cohorts.

Results

Seven hundred and ninety-five primary arthroplasty surgeries were performed at TH level and 228 at DH level. The average hospital stay was 5.2 ± 2.0 days at DH level and 7.6 ± 7.1 days for TH (p < 0.05). Readmissions within 3 months post-surgery of 1.75% (4 patients) for district and 4.40% (35) for tertiary level (p < 0.05). Reoperation rate of 1 in every 100 patients at the DH and 8.3 in every 100 patients at the TH (p < 0.05). Death rate was 0.4% vs 0.6% at district and tertiary hospitals respectively (p > 0.05). Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) rate was 0.43% at DH and 2.26% at TH. The percentage of hip dislocation requiring revision was 0% at district and 0.37% at tertiary level. During the study period, 228 patients received their arthroplasty surgery at the DH; these patients would otherwise have remained on the TH waiting list.

Conclusions

Hip and Knee Arthroplasty at District health care level is safe and; for the reason that the DH feeds into the TH; providing arthroplasty at district level may help ease the pressure on arthroplasty services at tertiary care facilities in a Southern African context. Adequately trained surgeons should be encouraged to perform these procedures in district hospitals provided there is appropriate patient selection and adherence to strict theatre operating procedures.

Level of evidence

Level III Retrospective cohort study
Correlations between serum levels of microRNA-148a-3p and microRNA-485-5p and the progression and recurrence of prostate cancer
Authors: He Wenyan , Zhang Furong , Jiang Feng , Liu Huan , Wang Gang
Published: November 2022

Background

Unpredicted postoperative recurrence of prostate cancer, one of the most common malignancies among males worldwide, has become a prominent issue affecting patients after treatment. Here, we investigated the correlation between the serum miR-148a-3p and miR-485-5p expression levels and cancer recurrence in PCa patients, aiming to identify new biomarkers for diagnosis and predicting postoperative recurrence of prostate cancer.

Methods

A total of 198 male PCa cases treated with surgery, postoperative radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were involved in the presented study. Serum levels of miR-148a-3p and miR-485-5p were measured before the initial operation for the involved cases, which were then followed up for two years to monitor the recurrence of cancer and to split the cases into recurrence and non-recurrence groups. Comparison of the relative expressions of serum miR-148a-3p and miR-485-5p were made and related to other clinic pathological features.

Results

Pre-surgery serum levels of miR-148a-3p in patients with TNM stage cT1-2a prostate cancer (Gleason score < 7) were significantly lower (P < 0.05) than levels in patients with TNM Classification of Malignant Tumors (TNM) stage cT2b and higher prostate cancer (Gleason score ≥ 7). pre-surgery serum levels of miR-485-5p in patients with TNM stage cT1-2a prostate cancer (Gleason score < 7) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in patients with TNM stage cT2b and higher cancer (Gleason score ≥ 7). Serum miR-148a-3p level in recurrence group is higher than the non-recurrence group (P < 0.05) while serum miR-485-5p level in recurrence group is lower than non-recurrence group (P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed the AUCs of using miR-148a-3p, miR-485-5p, and combined detection for predicting recurrence of prostate cancer were 0.825 (95% CI 0.765–0.875, P < 0.0001), 0.790 (95% CI 0.726–0.844, P < 0.0001), and 0.913 (95% CI 0.865–0.948, P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Pre-surgery serum miR-148a-3p level positively correlates while miR-485-5p level negatively correlates with prostate cancer’s progressing and postoperative recurrence. Both molecules show potential to be used for predicting postoperative recurrence individually or combined.
Detecting diseases in medical prescriptions using data mining methods
Authors: Nazari Nezhad Sana , Zahedi Mohammad H. , Farahani Elham
Published: November 2022

Every year, the health of millions of people around the world is compromised by misdiagnosis, which sometimes could even lead to death. In addition, it entails huge financial costs for patients, insurance companies, and governments. Furthermore, many physicians’ professional life is adversely affected by unintended errors in prescribing medication or misdiagnosing a disease. Our aim in this paper is to use data mining methods to find knowledge in a dataset of medical prescriptions that can be effective in improving the diagnostic process. In this study, using 4 single classification algorithms including decision tree, random forest, simple Bayes, and K-nearest neighbors, the disease and its category were predicted. Then, in order to improve the performance of these algorithms, we used an Ensemble Learning methodology to present our proposed model. In the final step, a number of experiments were performed to compare the performance of different data mining techniques. The final model proposed in this study has an accuracy and kappa score of 62.86% and 0.620 for disease prediction and 74.39% and 0.720 for prediction of the disease category, respectively, which has better performance than other studies in this field.

In general, the results of this study can be used to help maintain the health of patients, and prevent the wastage of the financial resources of patients, insurance companies, and governments. In addition, it can aid physicians and help their careers by providing timely information on diagnostic errors. Finally, these results can be used as a basis for future research in this field.
Temperature control after cardiac arrest
Authors: Sandroni Claudio , Natalini Daniele , Nolan Jerry P.
Published: November 2022

Most of the patients who die after cardiac arrest do so because of hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI). Experimental evidence shows that temperature control targeted at hypothermia mitigates HIBI. In 2002, one randomized trial and one quasi-randomized trial showed that temperature control targeted at 32–34 °C improved neurological outcome and mortality in patients who are comatose after cardiac arrest. However, following the publication of these trials, other studies have questioned the neuroprotective effects of hypothermia. In 2021, the largest study conducted so far on temperature control (the TTM-2 trial) including 1900 adults comatose after resuscitation showed no effect of temperature control targeted at 33 °C compared with normothermia or fever control. A systematic review of 32 trials published between 2001 and 2021 concluded that temperature control with a target of 32–34 °C compared with fever prevention did not result in an improvement in survival (RR 1.08; 95% CI 0.89–1.30) or favorable functional outcome (RR 1.21; 95% CI 0.91–1.61) at 90–180 days after resuscitation. There was substantial heterogeneity across the trials, and the certainty of the evidence was low. Based on these results, the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation currently recommends monitoring core temperature and actively preventing fever (37.7 °C) for at least 72 h in patients who are comatose after resuscitation from cardiac arrest. Future studies are needed to identify potential patient subgroups who may benefit from temperature control aimed at hypothermia. There are no trials comparing normothermia or fever control with no temperature control after cardiac arrest.
Hypermetabolic lymphadenopathy following the administration of COVID-19 vaccine and immunotherapy in a lung cancer patient: a case report
Authors: Tripathy Shreya , Alvarez Nathaniel , Jaiswal Shubham , Williams Ryan , Al-Khadimi Munaf , Hackman Sarah , Phillips William , Kaur Supreet , Cervantez Sherri , Kelly William , Taverna Josephine
Published: November 2022

Background

Given the current climate of the pandemic, lung cancer patients are especially vulnerable to complications from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. As a high-risk population group, these patients are strongly advised to receive coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination in accordance with Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines to minimize morbidity and mortality. In recent years, immunotherapy has taken a preeminent role in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer with dramatic improvement in overall survival. Reactive lymphadenopathy following the administration of a coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination can confound the radiographic interpretation of positron emission tomography–computed tomography or computed tomography scans from lung cancer patients receiving immunotherapy.

Case presentation

Here, we present a case of a 61-year-old Caucasian female and former smoker who developed cervical, hilar, supraclavicular, mediastinal, and left retroauricular lymphadenopathy following her coronavirus disease 2019 booster vaccination. At the time, she had been receiving long-term immunotherapy for the treatment of advanced lung adenocarcinoma. Biopsy was pursued owing to concerns of treatment failure and confirmed recurrent malignancy.

Conclusion

This case report highlights the importance of lymph node biopsies in lung cancer patients who present with contralateral lymphadenopathy following coronavirus disease 2019 vaccination to rule out tumor recurrence in this deserving patient population.
Psychological interventions for post-traumatic stress injuries among public safety personnel: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bahji Anees , Di Nota Paula M. , Groll Dianne , Carleton R. Nicholas , Anderson Gregory S.
Published: November 2022

Background

Public safety personnel (PSP) are exposed to potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTE) far more often than the general public, which increases the risk for various post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSIs). While there are many evidence-based psychological interventions for PTSI, the effectiveness of each intervention for PSP remains unclear.

Objectives

The current study assessed the effectiveness and acceptability of psychological interventions for PTSI among PSPs.

Methods

A systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis were performed on the effectiveness and acceptability of psychotherapies for PTSIs (i.e., symptoms of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder) among PSP. The review adhered to the PRISMA reporting guidelines and used standardized mean differences (Cohen’s d), rate ratios (RR), and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) to measure pooled effect sizes across studies; negative d values and RR values less than one indicated a reduction in symptoms compared to baseline or control groups. In addition, heterogeneity was quantified using I2, and publication bias was evaluated using Egger’s test.

Results

The analyses included data from eight randomized controlled trials representing 402 PSP (79.4% male, 35.3 years). Psychological interventions included narrative exposure therapy (n = 1), cognitive behavioral therapy (n = 2), eclectic psychotherapy (n = 2), eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (n = 1), supportive counseling (n = 2), and group critical incident stress debriefing (n = 1). The interventions were associated with statistically significant reductions in symptoms associated with PTSD (d = − 1.23; 95% CI − 1.81, − 0.65; 7 studies; I2 = 81%), anxiety (− 0.76; 95% CI − 1.28, − 0.24; 3 studies; I2 = 47%), and depression (d = − 1.10; 95% CI − 1.62, − 0.58; 5 studies; I2 = 64%). There were smaller but statistically significant improvements at follow-up for symptoms of PTSD (d = − 1.29 [− 2.31, − 0.27]), anxiety (d = − 0.82 [− 1.20, − 0.44]), and depression (d = − 0.46 [− 0.77, − 0.14]). There were no statistically significant differences in dropout rates (RR = 1.00 [0.96, 1.05]), suggesting high acceptability across interventions.

Conclusions

There is preliminary evidence that psychotherapies help treat PTSIs in PSP; however, the shortage of high-quality studies on PSP indicates a need for additional research into treating PTSI among PSP.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO: CRD42019133534.
Whole-genome methylation analysis reveals epigenetic variation between wild-type and nontransgenic cloned, ASMT transgenic cloned dairy goats generated by the somatic cell nuclear transfer
Authors: Wu Hao , Zhou Wendi , Liu Haijun , Cui Xudai , Ma Wenkui , Wu Haixin , Li Guangdong , Wang Likai , Zhang Jinlong , Zhang Xiaosheng , Ji Pengyun , Lian Zhengxing , Liu Guoshi
Published: November 2022

Background

SCNT (somatic cell nuclear transfer) is of great significance to biological research and also to the livestock breeding. However, the survival rate of the SCNT cloned animals is relatively low compared to other transgenic methods. This indicates the potential epigenetic variations between them. DNA methylation is a key marker of mammalian epigenetics and its alterations will lead to phenotypic differences. In this study, ASMT (acetylserotonin-O-methyltransferase) ovarian overexpression transgenic goat was produced by using SCNT. To investigate whether there are epigenetic differences between cloned and WT (wild type) goats, WGBS (whole-genome bisulfite sequencing) was used to measure the whole-genome methylation of these animals.

Results

It is observed that the different mCpG sites are mainly present in the intergenic and intronic regions between cloned and WT animals, and their CG-type methylation sites are strongly correlated. DMR (differentially methylated region) lengths are located around 1000 bp, mainly distributed in the exonic, intergenic and intronic functional domains. A total of 56 and 36 DMGs (differentially methylated genes) were identified by GO and KEGG databases, respectively. Functional annotation showed that DMGs were enriched in biological-process, cellular-component, molecular-function and other signaling pathways. A total of 10 identical genes related to growth and development were identified in GO and KEGG databases.

Conclusion

The differences in methylation genes among the tested animals have been identified. A total of 10 DMGs associated with growth and development were identified between cloned and WT animals. The results indicate that the differential patterns of DNA methylation between the cloned and WT goats are probably caused by the SCNT. These novel observations will help us to further identify the unveiled mechanisms of somatic cell cloning technology, particularly in goats.
Hiking, indoor biking, and body liking: a cross-sectional study examining the link between physical activity arenas and adults’ body appreciation
Authors: Sundgot-Borgen Christine , Trangsrud Lise Katrine Jepsen , Otterbring Tobias , Bratland-Sanda Solfrid
Published: November 2022

Background

Body appreciation might serve as a protective factor for developing eating disorders and is associated with participation in physical activity. Less is known about whether various arenas for physical activity may be linked to body appreciation. Therefore, the current study sought to (1) identify potential associations between physical activity level and arenas for physical activity, connectedness with nature, self-compassion, and body appreciation in adults, and (2) explore physical activity level and arenas, connectedness with nature, and self-compassion as explanatory factors for body appreciation.

Methods

A total of 360 adult Norwegian inhabitants (75% women, mean (SD) age 42.58 (12.30) yrs) responded to an online questionnaire. Instruments included the Body Appreciation Scale, the Connectedness with Nature Scale, and the Self-Compassion Scale.

Results

The percentage of participants who engaged in various physical activity arenas were 98.5% for nature, 57.5% for fitness centers, and 43.0% for organized sports. Small, positive associations were found between body appreciation and the frequency of using fitness centers and nature as physical activity arenas. Self-compassion, connectedness with nature, and frequency of using fitness centers and nature as physical activity arenas explained 39% of the variance in body appreciation.

Discussion

The importance of both fitness centers and nature as arenas for physical activity to explain body appreciation was surprising and might reflect different use of fitness centers among adults compared to younger age groups.

Conclusion

Physical activity at fitness centers and in nature were positively associated with body appreciation in adults. Self-compassion, connectedness with nature, and using fitness centers and nature as arenas for physical activity, were found to explain variation in body appreciation in adults.
Characteristics and contributing factors of adverse drug reactions: an analytical study of patients with tuberculosis receiving treatment under the National TB Program of India
Authors: Shah Harsh , Yasobant Sandul , Patel Jay , Bhavsar Priya , Saha Somen , Patel Yogesh , Saxena Deepak , Sinha Anish
Published: November 2022

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to pose a serious threat to the public health system in India. Although the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) is providing a wide range of interventions from early diagnosis to complete treatment to reduce morbidity and mortality from TB, adverse drug reactions (ADR) remain a challenge in treatment adherence and completion.

Methods

An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in selected districts of Gujarat state. A total of 593 reported TB patients were recruited with an adjusted unified distribution based on the type of cases, site of diseases, and service facility through a simple random sampling method. A semi-structured questionnaire tool was used to collect socio-demographic, clinical, and ADR-related data from the TB patients. Data was analyzed for the frequency, percentage, chi-squared, and adjusted odds ratio to find the association between the variables.

Results

The majority of the study participants were male (87.2%), aged 15 to 60 (57.8%), daily laborers (22.4%), and married (64.2%). Over 75% of individuals had pulmonary TB, with 87% having experienced their first episode, 83% being new cases, and 44.7% having a history of addiction. ADR with mild symptoms was reported by more than a quarter (29%) of TB patients during the intensive phase (77%). The association between ADR experience and drug susceptibility was significant (p<0.005) and drug-resistant TB patients experience two times more ADRs than drug-sensitive TB patients (OR 2.04). Binomial logistic regression was carried out to describe the association between various variables and occurrence of ADRs.

Conclusion

The study highlighted a need to enhance health care providers’ capacity and program structure for managing ADRs among TB patients. In order to completely eliminate TB across the country, it also emphasized the attention for a holistic and all-encompassing strategy for managing TB patients at the field level.
DIALECTICS OF THE PHILOSOPHICAL AND AESTHETIC COMPONENTS OF THE NATIONAL STYLISTICS IN RUSSIAN ARCHITECTURE OF THE 18th – THE FIRST THIRD OF THE 19th CENTURY
Authors: Zhurin Andrey N.
Published: November 2022

The purpose of the study is to examine the characteristics of Russian architecture of the 18th–the first third of the 19th century in the context of the dialectical nature of the philosophical and aesthetic views of the Russian Enlightenment era. The study of philosophical and aesthetic sources of the origin of the Russian national style in architecture during the 18th–the first third of the 19th century is relevant in the time of postmodernism with its stylistic diversity and desire to develop the national component of Russian architecture. In the process of the study the dialectical approach was used, on the basis of which philosophical and aesthetic views and works of architecture are examined from the position of the principle of dialectical contradiction. The dialectical duality of the philosophical and aesthetic views of the Russian Enlightenment was expressed in the union of opposites of the universal and the individual, in emphasizing the importance of the national component in art, which was reflected in the Russian architecture of the 18th – the first third of the 19th centuries, in which were combined the universal stylistic characteristics of baroque and classicism and traditional original national features.
NEW MODES OF EMOTIONS IN MODERN CULTURE
Authors: Kortunov Vadim V. , Saenko Natalya R.
Published: November 2022

The relevance of the study of the emergence of new affective states is related to the political and cultural context: global catastrophes, disillusionment with the idea of universal justice and good, doubt about the universality of humanism and Enlightenment ideas. The purpose of the study is to identify new modes of modern emotional culture (awkwardness, post-irony, new sincerity, cringe). Post-irony allows a person, while remaining in a gray moral zone, to express skepticism about the clarity and comprehensibility of the world, and the new sincerity provides tools for reassembling the world and the soul wounded by totalitarian regimes, wars and terrorist attacks in art, which is studied on literary material, therefore the main method of research is hermeneutic. The ideological separation between post-ironic populist politicians and snowflakes adhering to the norms of the new ethics is analyzed. It is assumed that at the individual level, these new modes of emotions and feelings are not only not harmful, but, on the contrary, have a therapeutic effect.
Interview and external examination of a rheumatological patient
Authors: Belyaeva Elena
Published: November 2022

examination of a rheumatological patient should be carried out in the most thorough manner due to the systemic nature of the lesion and the presence of many specific symptoms and syndromes. The speed and correctness of the diagnosis depends on a competently collected anamnesis and a fully conducted physical examination, and therefore, in many respects, the further life prognosis.
Diagnostic value of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the course of osteoarthritis in young persons with excessive body weight and obesity
Authors: Litvynova A. , Pasieshvili L. , Zagrebelska A. , Hadirova T.
Published: November 2022

In 125 patients with osteoarthritis (OA), among whom 75 had increased body weight, the content of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) was studied. It was established that the course of OA is accompanied by an increase in the content of MMP-9, which correlates with the body mass index. It was proved that the activity of this enzyme did not depend on gender and age in young patients, but had a direct correlative dependence on the radiological stage of the disease.

It is recommended to use this enzyme as an additional criterion for the course of osteoarthritis and control of treatment measures.
Neuropsychiatric dimensions of COVID-19 - literature review
Authors: Kozińska Iga , Oleszczuk Rafał , Kozińska Anna , Oleszczuk Anna
Published: November 2022

SARS-CoV-2 infection leads to severe multiple organ failure. The immune system is stimulated by activating the inflammatory mechanism and by releasing inflammatory cytokines. COVID-19 is able to penetrate the central nervous system, inducing neuritis and neurodegeneration. In our study, we analyzed the latest available articles. We focused on the subject of COVID-19 infection and consequences of neuroinflammation. For this study, we searched the literature available in Pubmed and Google Scholar databases using keywords. There is evidence of a common background of COVID-19 complications and neurological diseases such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease. This type of complication is more frequently observed in serious cases of COVID-19, with a more intense immune response, with higher levels of CRP, ferritin and D-dimers. Organic changes in conjunction with environmental stress caused by the experience of severe illness, fear of becoming ill and social limitations, lead to neuropsychiatric pathologies, including major depressive disorders and post-traumatic stress. The neuropsychiatric implications of COVID-19 represent a severe clinical problem that deserves special attention in the treatment of COVID-19 infection. There is a need to monitor the neuropsychiatric consequences of COVID-19, in order to completely understand the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This knowledge is necessary to be able to confront the public health crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moving Towards a Sustainable Digital Future with Uber – a Legitimate Step Towards a Greener Economy or Merely Greenwashing Policy?
Authors: Moskal Anna
Published: November 2022

The main objective of this article is to assess whether Uber should be evaluated as a profit-driven corporation hiding its destructive practices under green- -washing slogans, or as the pioneer of a new sustainable and environmentally friendly business model. Analysis of the Uber’s business model leads to the conclusion that the company deliberately benefits from hiding under the umbrellaterm of a sharing economy to attract more users and to operate in an unregulated or not-fully regulated market. Furthermore, Uber’s detrimental impact on the environment has been detailed in several European and American studies. Nevertheless, Uber has made steps away from a business model focused on service provision regardless of the environmental cost, and towards sustainably aware, low impact functioning. Uber’s ambitious Green Recovery plan of 2020 aims to start a green revolution in the ride-sharing market; however, it is questionable whether Uber will meet its own ambitious milestones.
Working towards a greener future in veterinary anaesthesia
Authors: Smith Leanne
Published: November 2022

Anaesthetic gases can exhibit global warming effects by acting as greenhouse gases. The global warming potentials of these gases vary greatly — with sevoflurane being the most environmentally friendly. Nitrous oxide may also exhibit a global warming effect by direct ozone depletion. Veterinary professionals have the potential to reduce their carbon footprint by making use of targeted anaesthetic choices, low fresh gas flows, and multimodal anaesthesia protocols. Individual practices can also appoint an environmental leader and apply pressure to production companies, as well as provide incentives to staff members to take individual action. New developments within sustainable anaesthesia include metal organic frameworks for gas recapture and potential reuse, as well as the development of an environmentally friendly volatile agent, xenon.
Actitudes políticas y solicitudes de ayuda directa a los gobiernos locales en América Latina
Authors: Toro Maureira Sergio , González-Ceballos Danytza
Published: November 2022

Este artículo estudia la relación entre las ayudas directas de los gobiernos y autoridades locales con las actitudes políticas de la ciudadanía. Se analizan datos de la encuesta Barómetro de las Américas de LAPOP para una muestra regional de América Latina. Afirmamos que el apoyo al sistema político tiene una relación positiva con la disposición de las personas para solicitar apoyo directo. También sostenemos que, a mayor confianza interpersonal, menor es la probabilidad de solicitar ayuda local.
Phosphonium Grounded Ionic Liquid Influenced in Graphene Oxide Enabled to
Magnetic Polysulfone (GO/Fe3O4@PSF) for the Elimination of 2,4-Dichlorophenol
Authors: Manojkumar M.S. , Sivaprakash B.
Published: November 2022

The phase separation technique was used to create magnetic polysulfone facilitated to graphene oxide
(GO/Fe3O4@PSF) entrapped with the phosphonium-based ionic liquid which removes the phenolic
content from aqueous medium. Scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, Fourier
transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis were used to characterize the
supplement and the immobilization of trihexyltetradecylphosphonium decanoate as ionic liquid in
magnetic polysulfone assisted GO was ascertained to be 83.3%. Adsorbent analysis revealed that the
established granules have the ability to remove a wide range of phenolic compounds. The strongest
expulsion of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) has been accomplished among pH 2.0 and 11. At 25-70 ºC
had no substantial influences on adsorbent, displaying the adsorbent’s suitability for use with genuine
effluents. Sorption capacity evidenced that the pathway takes place in second order and the Weber-Morris
template constrained the adsorbent limiter as adsorbate molecules. The Redlich-Peterson concept was
indeed the great candidate for the experimental evidence, with a significance of 0.82 approaching the
Langmuir isotherm model, which also acquired a qmax of 404.50 mg/g. As a method of gathering data,
these supplements have the great promise to be used in the treatment of phenolic compound caused
environmental contamination.
Synthesis, Antimicrobial, Anthelmintic Activity, Enzymatic Degradation and
Molecular Docking Studies of Some Azo Compounds containing Carvacrol Moiety
Authors: Koshti S.
Published: November 2022

In present work, the carvacrol was derivatized as azo compound by coupling method with eight different
diazonium salts. The newly synthesized azo derivatives of carvacrol screened against four bacterial
species and four fungal species and expressed in terms of zone of inhibition in mm and compared with
standard. Furthermore, enzymatic degradation studies also been done by inoculating these newly
synthesized azo derivatives with Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium species, which secretes the
azoreductase enzyme as responsible for reduction of –N=N– linkage into two different primary aromatic
amines, followed by anthelmintic activity and molecular docking study.
Zeolite Incorporated Copper-Schiff Base Complex: Synthesis, Characterization and Heterogeneous Catalytic Oxidation
Authors: Dutta Buddhadeb
Published: November 2022

A zeolite immobilized hybrid catalyst Cu(MeO-salpn)-NaY has been synthesized by incorporating Cu(II) Schiff base [where MeO-salpnH2 is N,N′-(propane-1,3)-bis-(3-methoxysalicylaldiimine)] complex in the porous matrix of zeolite NaY. The prepared hybrid material has been characterized by infrared, UV-visible spectra, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric (TG-DTA) analyses. The X-ray powder diffraction analysis showed that the crystalline integrity of the pristine NaY zeolite remained intact upon immobilization of the complex. Spectroscopic study indicates that CuN2O2 basal plane of neat complex undergoes distortion upon immobilization of the complex in zeolite cavity. The hybrid catalyst was employed in the oxidation reactions of phenol and 1-naphthol and found to be catalytically active with impressive selectivity. At the same time, free complex [Cu(MeO-salpn)(H2O)] and hybrid material Cu-NaY were prepared and applied for the same reactions, but the catalytic activity of these species were found to be very poor. This study shows that there occurs a distortion of the coordination environment around copper(II) upon immobilization which is a major reason behind the different catalytic activity of these copper-Schiff base systems.
Synthesis of Ternary CaNiAl-Layered Double Hydroxide as Potential
Adsorbent for Congo Red Dye Removal in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Brahma Deepmoni , Nath Kasturi Priyom , Patgiri Madhusmita , Saikia Hemaprobha
Published: November 2022

A hierarchically porous ternary CaNiAl-LDH material was synthesized via a facile urea hydrolysis
method and characterized by PXRD, FT-IR, BET, SEM and TGA techniques. The adsorption efficiency
of synthesized ternary CaNiAl-layered double hydroxide was also examined using Congo red dye as
a model pollutant. Material characteristics affirmed with the formation of circular and flower-like
LDH particles with accessible mesopores of 3.85 nm and intermediate surface area of 58.45 m2/g. The
synthesized ternary CaNiAl-LDH material exhibited the maximum adsorption capacity of 135.21
mg/g towards the targeted organic pollutant from an aqueous medium. The obtained results in isotherm
and kinetic studies demonstrated that sorption of Congo red dye onto CaNiAl-LDH followed Langmuir
isotherm and pseudo-second order model, respectively. In addition, the thermodynamic studies also
suggested the endothermic and spontaneity of the sorption process. The reusability studies confirmed
that CaNiAl-LDH can be reused up to fourth cycle. Therefore, the proposed material CaNiAl-LDH
can be advocated as a highly effective low cost adsorbent for the treatment of water contaminants.
Antibacterial, Anticancer, Catalytic and Antioxidant Activities of Green
Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Derived from Alternanthera sessilis Leaf Extract
Authors: Babu B. Hari , Lakshmi G. Vijaya
Published: November 2022

The current study evaluates the biogenesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) utilizing an aqueous extract
of Alternanthera sessilis (Linn.) leaf. Biological nanoparticle production has recently gained appeal
due to its eco-friendliness, simplicity, cost-effectiveness, non-hazardous nature and difficult
circumstances. Aqueous extract of Alternanthera sessilis leaf contains terpenoids, carbohydrates and
flavonoids to convert metal ions into metal and so stabilize the resultant nanoparticles. The UV-visible
spectrophotometer obtained a distinctive peak at 420 nm, the XRD validated the crystalline FCC
nature of biogenic Ag NPs and the FTIR and zeta-potential (± 14) tests revealed that phyto-chemicals
were responsible for reduction and stabilization of Ag NPs. TEM examination revealed a spherical
form and size of about 24 nm. The biogenic Ag NPs displayed intriguing dose-dependent antioxidant
activity, with an EC50 percent of 69.9g/mL and a maximum activity of 66.36 at 150 μg/mL against
DPPH, as well as considerable catalytic activity against Eosin-Y red dye, 84% of Eosin-Y dye destroyed
after 60 min. Furthermore, the experiments demonstrated that Ag NPs were more effective against
Gram-negative bacteria than Gram-positive bacteria and also show the anticancer activity against
Hela cells and breast cancer cell line (MCF-7).The anticancer activity is more potent in higher
concentrations.
Comparative 4f-4f Spectral Analysis of Simultaneous Complexation of
Pr(III) with L-Tryptophan in Presence and Absence of Ca2+ and Zn2+
Ions in Aqueous Medium: Energy, Intensity and Kinetic Studies
Authors: Singh Thiyam Samrat , Sumitra Ch. , Singh Thiyam David
Published: November 2022

The spectral analysis of the complexation of praseodymium (Pr3+) with L-tryptophan in various aqueous
solvent applying a quantitative probe of 4f-4f transition spectra. The study is carried out by calculating
various energy interaction parameters such as the nephelauxetic effect (β), percent covalency (δ), bonding
parameter (b1/2), Slater-Condon (Fk) and intensity parameters like oscillator strength (P) and intensity of
Judd-Ofelt parameters Tλ (λ = 2, 4, 6). The paramagnetic behaviour of Pr3+ shows 3H4→1D2, 3H4→3P0,
3H4→3P1, 3H4→3P2 types of specific 4f-4f absorption bands and are observed at the visible reason of
427-610 nm. The intensities of 4f-4f transition bands rise on the addition of Ca2+ and Zn2+ ions toward
the complexation of praseodymium (Pr3+):Try and extended result in the case of Ca2+ ion compared to
the Zn2+ ion due to increase in the interaction between ligand and 4f orbital of metal ions. These bands
on immediate minor’s coordination change around praseodymium (Pr3+) found to be highly sensitive
due to the formation of heterobimetallic complex between L-tryptophan (Try) with Pr3+ in the existence
of Zn2+ and Ca2+ ions. The complexation of Try with Pr3+ in the presence of Zn2+ and Ca2+ ions are
monitors simultaneously from the sensitivity of the bands using energy parameters and oscillator
strength. The rate of heterobimetallic complexation of both Zn2+ and Ca2+ ions was calculated from the
4f-4f transition at different temperatures. The thermodynamic parameters and activation energy
calculated from the rate constants from different temperatures are more favourable in case of Try form
complex with Pr3+ in the presence of Ca2+ ion as compared to Zn2+ ion.
Electrochemical Behaviour of Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles using Camellia
sinensis Leaves: Impacts on Photophysical Behaviour of Benzofuran Derivative
Authors: Patil Shivaprasadagouda , Basanagouda Mahanthesh M. , Hiremath Sudhir M. , Jeyaseelan S. Christopher , Sali Raghavendra K. , Sidarai Ashok H.
Published: November 2022

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Camellia sinensis leaf extract was used as a
reducing agent. Electrochemical studies of green synthesized AgNPs were investigated using the cyclic
voltammetry technique. The effect of modifier composition, scan rate and various concentrations of
AgNPs were studied. Photophysical approach of fluorescence emission study of N-(2,5-dimethylpyrrol-
1-yl)-2-(6-methoxy-benzofuran-3-yl)acetamide (DPMBA) dissolved in ethanol. Increasing the
concentration of AgNPs decreases the fluorescence intensity and fluorescence lifetime of the DPMBA
molecule. This experiment has been carried out at room temperature. The Stern-Volmer (S-V) plot
obtained in steady-state and transient state methods. The zeta potential of green synthesized AgNPs
was found to be -33.9 mV. This large negative zeta potential represents repulsion among AgNPs and
dispersion stability. Furthermore, the computational studies such as molecular docking studies,
drug-likeness, Fukui function analysis, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) and ground state
optimized geometry were also conducted. The morphology and particle size of biogenic AgNPs were
characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy
(EDX).
Lead Oxide Nanodots Synthesized by Solvothermal and Microwave
Assisted Method and its Comparative Characterization
Authors: Aziz Mohd Kashif , Kalam Abul , Mustafa Ghulam , Srivastava Shekhar , Ali Syed Kashif
Published: November 2022

This study is focused on synthesis of lead oxide (PbO) nanodots (quantum dots) via two methods viz.
microwave-assisted (B) and solvothermal method (A). The results of microwave-assisted method are
slightly different in comparison to the solvothermal method. Several techniques, such as Fourier
transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), powder X-ray
diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selective area electron diffraction
(SAED) were used for characterizing PbO nanodots synthesized by both methods. The FTIR peak at
687 cm-1 indicated the formation of the Pb-O-Pb bond. The band gap, calculated with the help of UV
data, was ~5.5 eV. The obtained PXRD pattern and miller indices suggested the formation of β-PbO
and α-PbO nanoparticles with orthorhombic and tetragonal geometries. The crystallinity of PbO
nanodots methods by A and B methods was 96% and 99%, respectively. The average crystallite size
(for both samples synthesized by methods A and B) calculated by Debye-Scherrer’s equation was 42
and 38 nm, respectively. Sample A mostly contains α-type lead oxide nanodots, while sample B
mainly contains mostly β-type lead oxide nanodots. The average size of nanodots observed from
TEM images for samples A and B was 3.7 and 2.7 nm, respectively.
Structural Studies of Inclusion Complexes of HP-β-CD and
Cetirizine by Combination of ROESY and Molecular Modelling Methods
Authors: Imtiaz Shah , Singh Jagjeet , Kumar Goutam , Bhardwaj Madhvi , Saraswat Harish
Published: November 2022

Cyclodextrin inclusion complexes (CD ICs) mimics the biological systems in molecular and chiral
recognition mechanisms and therefore used as models in understanding molecular and chiral recognition
because of their small size as compared to large biological systems. Cross peaks observed in the
ROESY spectra of the mixture of cetirizine (CIT) and HP-β-CD demonstrate the portions of the guest
encapsulated in the cavity that helped in establishing the probable orientations of complexes. Protons
of both chlorobenzene and phenyl rings showed interactions with the cavity protons suggesting the
formation of two complexes. Molecular mechanics (MM) and molecular dynamics (MD) studies were
performed only from the wider end of the CD cavity because of steric hinderance of hydroxypropyl
groups on the narrow side of CD cavity. Using the fusion of 2D ROESY and molecular modelling
studies, the final structures of ensembles of the inclusion complexes were established.
Chemical Profiling of Crush, Tear, Curl (CTC) Tea Waste of Eastern
Sub-Himalayan Regions: An Elemental and Spectroscopic Analysis
Authors: Sarkar Satyajit , Bardhan Soumik , Gangopadhyay Arindam , Banerjee Shankha , Senapati Sanjib , Chakraborti Saurabh , Saha Sumit , Singh Mahipal , Chowdhury Monoranjan
Published: November 2022

Tea is not only the most popular beverage in the world but also producing a large quantity untreated
wastes product every year. In particular, the tea gardens of eastern Sub-Himalayan region cumulatively
produce 15 million kg of crush, tear, curl (CTC)-factory tea waste (FTW) every year, which primarily
includes discarded tea leaves, leaf fibers, buds and tender stems of tea plants. Beside that ~ 80%
population of Indian subcontinent consume CTC tea regularly at their homes, tea stalls, market, cafe
etc. and the waste produced from it, is called CTC domestic tea waste (DTW). Thus, not only factory
tea waste but also a large quantity of domestic CTC tea waste (DTW) is exposed into the environment
regularly. In present study, an attempt has been made for primary screening of the compounds in both
the CTC-tea wastes. It has been shown that FTW sample contains greater amount of non-metal elements
such as sulfur, calcium, phosphorus and metal elements like potassium and iron compared to DTW
sample. Abundance of aromatic compounds has been seen to be higher in FTWs whereas, DTW
primarily contains aliphatic compounds. Using Orbitrap-HRLCMS analysis allowed to make accurate
predictions about the molecular structures of the likely organic chemicals found in tea trash. Thus,
various bioactive organic compounds, micronutrients and trace elements from tea waste were found.