bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of the tidal wave in Khor Abdullah and Khor Al-Zubair Channels, Northwest of the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Lafta A.A. , Altaei S.A. , Al-Hashimi N.H.N.
Published: March 2023

The characteristics of the tidal wave propagates along Khor Abdullah and Khor Al-Zubair were studied based on comprehensive field measurements of water level at three locations by using harmonic tidal model. The results revealed that there is a gradual increase in the amplitude of tidal wave when it propagates towards an inland direction due to the convergence nature of the study area. Also, the results of harmonic analysis led to estimate 28 tidal constituents that contribute to water level fluctuations, and M2 was the main contributor, followed by K1, S2, O1, and N2, and the astronomical tide is responsible for about 96% of these variations. The ratio between the amplitudes of the principle diurnal to the principle semi-diurnal constituents gave the tide a form number of 0.68, 0.48 and 0.44 in Khor Abdullah, Umm Qasar and Khor Al-Zubair port stations, respectively. Hence the tide is characterized by mixed, predominantly semi-diurnal. Based on the tidal wave deformation due to the nonlinear tidal interactions, the study area is classified as a flood dominant which suffers from a continuous deterioration in their depths. The results provide useful information for understanding the general behavior of tidal wave and will be significant in the future assessments of coastal developments in this region.
Oxygen consumption and energy budget of the barnacle Balanus amphitrite amphitrite (Darwin, 1854) in an estuarine ecosystem, Basrah-Iraq
Authors: Abdul-Sahib I.M. , Salman S.D. , Ali M.H.
Published: March 2023

The annual O2 consumption, annual energy budget and the ecological efficiencies of a population of the barnacle Balanus amphitrite amphitrite were estimated in Garmat-Ali river, in the period October 1994-September 1995. The annual O2 consumption was 2156 kJ/ m2/yr, the rate of O2 consumption increased with increasing temperature and body weight, the barnacle consumes oxygen at a rate of 0.622 µlO2/mg/h at 15°C, 0.84 µlO2/mg/h at 23°C and 0.954 µlO2/mg/h at 30°C. The Q10 values increased with increasing size of barnacle. The food items provided were the alga, Chlorella sp. with a calorific contents of 3.2 kcal/g DW, and a flesh of the clam C. fluminea with 5.4 kcal/g DW. The barnacle assimilates the flesh of the clam about 7 times more than assimilating the Chlorella. The barnacle allocates 45-55% of the assimilated energy for net growth and 27-37% for metabolic energy expenditure, whereas 18% is channeled for faeces production. The respiratory coefficient (R/P) of this barnacle was 0.6. The assimilation efficiency for the plant and animal food were 88-91%. The annual energy budget equation for a population of barnacle at Garmat-Ali river is: Cp 16271.14 = Pp 11639.55 + Rp 2156 + Fp 2475.60.
Heavy elements accumulation in dominants aquatic plants at Al-Chibayish Marshes, South of Iraq
Authors: Al-Atbee R.S.K. , Al-Hejuje M.M. , Al-Saad H.T.
Published: March 2023

The present study concerned with the heavy elements (Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb) concentration that accumulated in dominant species of aquatic plants (submerged; Ceratophyllum demersum) and (merged; Phragmites australis, Typha domingensis and Schoenoplectus littoralis), in relation to the concentration of these elements in each of the dissolved phase of water and sediments samples which collected seasonally from four sites at Al-Chibayish marshes during August 2017 to April 2018. Also Bioaccumulation factor (BAF) was calculated. The results showed that the highest concentrations of heavy elements was in the sediments, then the aquatic plants and the lowest concentrations was recorded in dissolved phase, whereas the Bioaccumulation Factor (BAF) of heavy elements in aquatic plants, shows that Ceratophyllum demersum have the highest concentration than the other species.
Enterobacteriaceae opportunism isolated from Caspian Turtle Mauremys caspica (Gmelin, 1774) suffering from a fracture of the external shell, East of Al-Hammar Marshes, Iraq
Authors: Mohammad E.T. , Al-Shammari N.A.H. , Bannai M.A.A.
Published: March 2023

Caspian Turtles Mauremys caspica (Gmelin, 1774) are classified as an endangered species on the IUCN red list, by a variety of dangers including hunting, deliberate killings and infectious diseases. The present report included the Opportunistic bacterial isolation which caused clinical signs on the M. caspica Turtles caught from the East Al-Hammar freshwater marshes, during summer 2017. It was suffering from a fracture of the external shell, tissue damage, bacterial growth and acute inflammation of the body tissues. The common clinical signs were external hemorrhage, histopathological changes revealed degeneration and necrosis in all organs associated with chronic inflammatory cell infiltration and Melanomacrophage cells were detected in all turtle tissues. The most common macroscopic lesions found on the skin of the turtle and ulcerative skin, the result in abscesses and dermatitis, regenerative changes on skin lesions and ulcerative deep necrotic and gangrenous changes in the turtle examined. Four different genera of family Enterobacteriaceae which identified by the VITEK II system, with a probability level of 94-99%, Citrobacter freundii (29.06%), Klebsiella oxytoca (25.58%), Serratia fonticola (24.41%) and Enterobacter cloacae (20.41%). The result showed that of a total of sixty-five bacterial isolates from the necrotic lesions skin tissue, some of them which are considered a potential threat to the public health.
Determination of Trace Elements Lead, Nickel and Cadmium in Ground Water from Wells near Southern Refineries, Basrah-Iraq
Authors: Younus B.M. , Al-Khafaji B.Y.
Published: March 2023

The current study was conducted to estimate the concentrations of three trace elements; nickel, lead and cadmium in the groundwater of eight wells, the six wells from w1 to w6 were close to the refineries at about half a kilometer to three kilometers and w7 and w8 wells were about 12.5 km away from the area (control wells) in the surrounding area of Southern Refineries (Al-Shuaiba), Al-Zubair district, Basrah Governorate, southern Iraq. Water samples were collected quarterly. The highest concentrations of lead was 0.933 μg/l in well W1 in spring whereas the minimum concentration of the lead was 0.208 μg/l in well W7 in summer while the rates of nickel concentrations ranged between the highest concentration of 0.445 μg/l in well W1 in winter and the lowest concentration 0.055 μg/l in well W8 during the fall. Cadmium recorded the highest concentration of 0.496 μg/l in well W3 in spring while the lowest concentration was 0.053 μg/l in well W8 in summer. It was concluded from the study that the oil refineries have a significant impact on pollution events. The hydrocarbon pollutants in the nearby wells water originated from these refineries.
The relative condition factor and the Length-weight relationship of Otolithes ruber (Schneider, 1801) from the Iraqi marine waters
Authors: Al-Zaidy F.M.
Published: March 2023

Relative condition factor (Kn) and the relationship of length-weight (L-WR) of Tiger Tooth Croaker fish Otolithes ruber (Schneider, 1801) were determined from January to August 2017 in the Iraqi marine waters. L-WR data of the fishes (females and males) were calculated separately. The mean of (Kn) for females and males was 1.04 and 0.999, respectively. The value of (Kn) for the females was minimum in January (0.953) and May (0.969), whereas the maximum value was noticed in March (1.06 for females and 1.058 for males). The b value was recorded at 2.9747 for the males and 3.0546 for the females. The results of the statistical t-test showed no significant differences between females and males (t= -0.6021, 1.222, p≤ 0.05, respectively).
Analytical study and application of new chelating polymers for removal of heavy metals from wastewater sample
Authors: Shibli R.T. , Jassim T.E.
Published: March 2023

This study includes the preparation of new Schiff-base derived from (3-amino phenol) and (2-hydroxy benzaldehyde and (2-hydroxy-3-methoxy benzaldehyde), the characterization of this bases is carried out by FT-IR and 1H-NMR The prepared bases were loaded on Urethane foam to prepare chelating polymers which were characterized by FT-IR, TGA and DSC technique. The loading efficiency of these resins were investigated toward several ions Cu+2, Cd+2, Ni+2 and pb+2 in different time and pH by Batch method. The prepared chelating polymers showed a good efficiency towards the studied ions and it was maximum for (Cu+2) ions, An application to prepared chelating polymers was carried out on a sample of wastewater of Hamdan´s station in Basrah South of Iraq, and the results showed high and accurate level efficiency to remove the heavy elements.
Aspects of the reproductive cycle of the prawn Macrobrachium nipponense (De Haan, 1849) from Al-Hammar Marsh, Southern Iraq
Authors: Abbas A.T. , Ghazi A.H. , Hassan S.S.
Published: March 2023

The reproductive cycle of the Macrobrachium nipponense (De Haan, 1849) was studied in Al-Hammar Marsh, Southern Iraq during Dec. 2015 to Nov. 2016.The averages of total length, carapace length and weight for males were 65.7 mm, 28.8 mm and 2.9 g respectively, and for ovigerous females were 60.1 mm, 26.0 mm and 3.3 g respectively. Length-weight relationship of M. nipponense was W= 0.407 L e 0.031 (r = 0.67) for the females and W= 0.177 L e 0.043 (r = 0.90) for the males. The highest percentage of ovigerous females was 98.88 % attained in August. The maximum gonado somatic index was recorded in March (10.66) and the minimum was 5.72 recorded in July 2016. The condition factor for the males was ranging from 1.30 to 2.90 in November and August, respectively, while for the females it was between 1.11 and 2.10 at the same periods. Total number of eggs per female was from 799 to 2047 egg/ind. Minimum sex ratio (males: females) was 1:0.17 recorded in February, and the maximum 1:9.00 was recorded in June.
Determination of radon gas concentrations 222Rn in water samples of Rivers and ground wells in Basrah Governorate, Iraq
Authors: Ali M.A.
Published: March 2023

In this study, 52 samples were collected from natural water taken from selected areas from (Rivers, groundwater wells) in Basrah Governorate-Southern Iraq for the period from February - April 2020, to determine the concentrations of the radon gas (222Rn) emitted from the selected and newborn samples of the radioactive element Radium 226Ra located in the series of uranium 238U and calculate the annual effective dose. Solid state Nuclear Track Detectors SSNTDs have been used, a long-term passive measurement method for the emission of (α particles) with the CR-39 detectors, LR-115typeII and a method for measuring the activity with a fast electronic device called RAD7. The results of the study showed that the lowest concentration of radon gas in samples of River water was 196 ±12 Bq.m-3 was in the sample No. W13 water of Garma River, and that the largest concentration was 16217 ±97 Bq.m-3 sample No. W9 from Al Khoura River. As for the radon gas concentration in groundwater wells, its highest concentration reached 22415 ±143 Bq.m-3 in sample No. W36 from Aldawajin well-2, and the lowest concentration was 682 ±46 Bq.m-3 in sample No. W24 in a well at Al-Barjisiah and the general average of radon gas concentration in all the study samples was 7320 Bq.m-3, the annual effective dose of water was estimated and it was found that the highest value was 1.136 mSv.y-1 in sample No. W36 and this value falls outside the internationally approved limit By the World Health Organization WHO, 0.1 mSv.y-1 In general. It was found that radon concentrations in water samples of Rivers and groundwater wells selected from Basrah Governorate-Southern Iraq falls within the limits of the permissible value of 11000 Bq.m-3 for surface water and 20000Bq.m-3 for groundwater wells, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency EPA, with the exception of some samples of Rivers and underground wells, which have recorded values higher than that value, and they may pose a risk on the health of farmers in those areas.
Preparing fish protein concentrate from ray fish by water and alkaline hydrolysis and their physiochemical and microbial properties
Authors: Al-Hassoon A.Sh. , Al-Hamadany Q.H. , Mohammed A.A.
Published: March 2023

The present study aims to produce protein concentrate from Ray fish Himantura randalli. Fish samples were brought from the Iraqi seawater (Fao region), two methods of hydrolysis were used, the first with distilled water and the second with alkali solution (NaOH 0.1N) to recover protein concentrates from fish samples. The yield of protein concentrates recovered by distilled water and alkali solution were 7.2% and 10.1%, respectively, the protein content in the produced concentrates were 82.33% and 84.25% and the fat contents were 6.05% and 7.12% in the mentioned methods, respectively. The study has also tested the functional properties of the produced concentrates, (Solubility, water absorption and fat bending), the measurements of these properties were 60.8%, 67.1%; 3, 2.5 ml/gm and 3.5, 3 ml/gm for the two produced concentrates, respectively. The two concentrates have brown color with light fishy smell and showed good storage ability after 60 days under 28 °C and 7 °C without changes in color or smell, it also showed low total bacterial counts which were 429, 386 CFU/gm and 368, 357 CFU/gm for the two concentrates, respectively.
Use of nano-magnetic materials for removal of lead (II) and cadmium (ii) ions from aqueous solutions
Authors: Hammood A.Y. , Jassim T.E. , Al-Asadi M.J.K.
Published: March 2023

Ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) with structure NiFe2O4 were created following the sol-gel auto-combustion method using lemon juice as surfactant and fuel agent. This method is located within the green chemistry, a method of environmentally friendly and less expensive than other methods. Nanomaterial’s have been diagnosed using different physical and chemical techniques: Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, Field Emission-Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrosc0py (EDX), F0urier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electr0n Microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the phase purity and the particle size 24.27nm. The effects of adsorbent concentration, pH, temperature, and time of contact on Lead and Cadmium ions uptake behavior were measured. The optimum time of contact to attain equilibrium is 60min for Lead (II) ion and 90 min for Cadmium (II) ion, and pH values are in the range (3-9). The results of adsorption showed a strong correlation with Freundlich model compared with the Langmuir model. The thermodynamic parameters were given, revealing endothermic reaction for ΔH, ΔG was found a spontaneous process and ΔS had positive value, increase of disorder of the process.
Commercial shrimp landings of two penaeid shrimps in the main markets of Basrah Province, Iraq
Authors: Abbas A.T. , Ghazi A.H.
Published: March 2023

Two penaeid shrimp species were found in the main fish markets of Basrah Province, Penaeus semisulcatus and Metapenaeus affinis. The quantities of the two species were recorded, the highest landings of P. semisulcatus in Al-Ashar market was 396 +26 kg during September, and the lowest during December (159 +16 kg). In Basrah market, the highest landings was observed in July (410 +32 kg), and the lowest was 200 +22 kg in January. As for M. affinis, the highest landings was 397 +55 kg in July at Al-Ashar market, and the lowest rate in December, which reached 205 +19 kg. In Al-Basrah market, the highest rate of landings was 597 +68 kg in July, and the lowest rate (298 +48 kg) in November. The highest average monthly weight of P. semisulcatus was 80 +7 g during January and the lowest average was 40 +6 g in April. For M. affinis the highest average weight was 25 +5 g. in December and the lowest (12 +6 g.) in May. The highest annual landings of P. semisulcatus in Al-Ashar market was 15.5 tones and in Al-Basrah market was 18 tones. While the highest annual rate of landings of M. affinis in Al-Ashar market was 12.7 tones and in Al-Basrah market 25.8 tones.
The status of Inland Fishery in Dhi Qar Province during the period from 2017 to 2020
Authors: Nasir N.A. , Sultan Q.M.
Published: March 2023

An investigation was carried out to overview the status of the inland fishery resources in Dhi Qar Province during the period from 2017 to 2020. The whole fish landed from five marshes throughout the study period was about 30833 tons using seine net, gill net, cast net and electro-fishing gears. The highest annual quantity landed was about 8502 tons in 2020 which formed about 27.6 % of total fish landed. In fact, this variation in fish stock from year to year could be related to overfishing, weather changes, pollution levels, water levels, market prices and environmental conditions (natural or human-made). This study also indicated that the majority of fish landed came from capture fisheries and the rest from fish farming. Eleven fish species were observed and Cyprinus carpio was dominant with 37 % of the total weight landed followed by Planiliza abu which comprised about 25% of the total. Six native species, two alien species and two migratory species were also found throughout this investigation which composed about 41.3 %, 56.5 % and 2.2 % of the total, respectively.
DISTRIBUTION AND SALE OF ALCOHOLIC DRINKS IN REGIONAL REGULATION OF KAPUAS REGENCY NUMBER: 3 OF 2011 (STUDY OF SHARIA ECONOMIC LAW ANALYSIS)
Authors: Toyyibah Imro Atut , Sodiki Muhammad , Hadi Hendra , Komarudin Parman
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis research has a background because the circulation of alcoholic beverages in Indonesia is increasingly widespread and widespread. Not infrequently the existence of alcoholic beverages often causes problems in society. The type of research is library research. The type of data used in this research is qualitative. The results of this study are that Islam prohibits or forbids the sale and purchase or trade of alcoholic beverages. Even Allah swt cursed drinkers, waiters, sellers, and even buyers of these alcoholic drinks. Even though in the Kapuas Regency Regional Regulation Number: 3 of 2011, it has given permission to certain individuals or groups to sell or trade these alcoholic drinks. The prohibition of buying and selling alcoholic beverages is due to the fact that the goods traded or traded belong to goods that are forbidden to be used as a business in Islam. Keywords: Alcoholic beverages; Regional Regulations; Buy and sell.
Medical information technology for decision-making taking into account the norms of civil law
Authors:   Khmelnytskyi National University, Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine, Hnatchuk Yelyzaveta , Hovorushchenko Tetiana ,   Khmelnytskyi National University, Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine, Shteinbrekher Daria ,   National Aerospace University "Kharkiv Aviation Institute", Kharkiv, Ukraine, Boyarchuk Artem ,   Tallinna Tehnikaülikool (TalTech), Tallinn, Estonia, Kysil Tetiana ,   Khmelnytskyi National University, Khmelnytskyi, Ukraine
Published: March 2023

The task of this study is the design of medical information technology for decision-making taking into account the norms of civil law. The proposed medical information technology ensures the support when making medical decisions about the opportunity of reproductive technologies use (in vitro fertilization, surrogate motherhood), about the opportunity of transplantation and donation, about the opportunity of providing general medical services, about the opportunity of providing therapeutic services, about the opportunity of providing dental services, about the opportunity of vaccination. In addition, the designed information technology automates medical decision-making, minimizes the impact on medical decision-making, takes into account the norms of civil law when making medical decisions.
Pre-copy live virtual machine migration techniques in cloud computing using HDWHM algorithm
Authors:   Dr. SNS Rajalakshmi College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore India, Devi N. , Kumar S. ,   Dr. SNS Rajalakshmi College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore India
Published: March 2023

Live Virtual Machine (VM) migration is a legacy of server virtualization in cloud computing. One of the difficulties in a Virtual Machine (VM) Environment is load balancing, and the pre-copy migration strategy is both time-consuming and expensive. In this paper, we propose an efficient VM migration strategy to compute the parameters for Linear Adam Algorithm overload detection and Interquartile Range (IQR) under-loaded identification, the Central Processing Unit (CPU) utilization is sufficient. VMs require constant network traffic, storage, CPU, and memory demands. This study recommends using the novel Hamming Distance-Based Weighted Harmonic Mean (HDWHM) strategy for pre-copy live VM migration. We tested the suggested strategy using datasets from CloudSim-3.0.3 on a real PlanetLab. Simulations show that the suggested approach decreases host downtimes, energy consumption, VM migrations, and SLA degradation.
Environmental impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Saxena Anjali , Dua Ankita , Talwar Chandni , Singh Mona , Lal Rup
Published: March 2023

The influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the environment garnered attention from the outset of the crisis, with observations and studies of immediate repercussions as well as long-term forecasts. Year 2020 has been billed a "Super Year for Nature" in a variety of conversations on environmental issues. Epidemics and even pandemics are influenced by a variety of biological variables, which can result in a variety of environmental feedbacks. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was designated a pandemic on March 11, 2020, and its quick onset, vast geographic spread, and complex implications make it a once-in-ageneration global calamity. The COVID-19 pandemic had a wide range of environmental repercussions by in the year 2020, both beneficial and harmful, such as air and water quality improvements in metropolitan areas and disastrous contamination owing to the disposal of biomedical and organic waste that piled up during this period. This review presents a summary of the COVID-19's observed and potential environmental effects.
Exploring Microbial Potential for Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Singh Rawat Varunendra , Verma Mansi , Verma Helianthous , Dogra Rawat Charu
Published: March 2023

Microbes play diverse roles in agriculture. They are present in soil, in or on plant parts, and are also found associated with livestock. Soil microbes regulate biogeochemical cycles and cycling of organic matter and nutrients. They secrete compounds that promote growth of the plants by direct or indirect pathways. Many microbes possess catabolic genes that can degrade pesticides. Microbes also work against phytopathogens by inducing resistance in plants, hyperparasitism, antibiosis, competing for nutrients or space, or by producing secondary metabolites. Microbial balance in the gut of the ruminants influences their health and thus their productivity. More recently, in order to improve agricultural production, role of microbes has been explored for developing agricultural practices like organic farming and Climate Smart Agriculture. An understanding of these diverse roles of microbes can aid in the development of microbial interventions for sustainable agriculture, such as development of biofertilizers, bioremediation techniques, use as biocontrol agents or plant growth promoters. Sustainable agricultural production is essential to beat hunger, improve health and well-being and it also contributes towards the economic growth of a nation. In this article, we explore the diverse roles of microbes in agriculture, including modern agricultural practices. We discuss the role of ‘omics’ technologies, to study the microbial communities that have opened a wide arena for designing and developing microbial interventions for sustainable agricultural production. In view of these roles, it is proposed that a greater emphasis needs to be laid on framing policies which incentivize use of microbes in agriculture, as it is the only way forward to ensure sustainable agricultural production and good health of ecosystems and humans.
Gut Microflora and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: A Review
Authors: Goel Piyush , Garg Nidhi , Lata Pushp , Kumar Raj , Bala Kiran
Published: March 2023

Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ACVD) is one of the leading causes of death throughout the world. ACVD is inflammatory and occurs due to the deposition of lipids in the arterial lumen. The increasing trend of ACVD can be attributed to the sedentary lifestyle and it is imperative to investigate the causes of ACVD and their prevention. The human gut hosts an enormous diversity of microbes. This enormous microbial community inhabiting the human gut are responsible for several conditions associated with ACVD and plays a crucial role in its progression. Different methods for studying gut microflora have been developed, which has led to the discovery of dysbiosis. Dysbiosis is the change in homeostasis of the microfloral community. Several external factors are responsible for the dysbiosis including diet, mode of delivery, age, sex, body mass index, host genetics, and antibiotic usage. Dysbiosis results in the release of altered amounts of some bioactive metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), bile acids, and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) which can be a contributing factor in the progression of atherosclerosis. This review will enlist the role of dysbiosis of gut microbiota in atherogenicity and their relevant applications in its prevention. With an adequate understanding of the process involved in gut microbiota dysbiosis, scientists worldwide can develop potential therapeutics for ACVD.
Revisiting dietary effects on the gut microbiota and their implications in health and disease
Authors: Thakran Yashika , Bali Vanshi , Badhan Garima , Kaur Jaspreet , Kaur Jasvinder
Published: March 2023

The interaction between the gut microbiota and its mammalian host is influenced by diet. The host can absorb small metabolites produced by the microbiota, which can alter a range of physiological processes. Several types of gut microbes are linked to immunological and metabolic illnesses, as well as the host's overall health. Bacteroides, Clostridium, and Bifidobacterium are frequently found among these gut flora. We look at how the human intestinal microbiome is influenced by nutrition obtained from plant or animal based diet and how this can affect health and disease. Anaerobic bacteria in the colon produce short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as the principal metabolic products of fermentation. As possible mediators, these fatty acids have been connected to the gut microbiota's influence on intestinal immune function. They've also been implicated in the treatment of inflammatory disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. To this end, the Mediterranean diet (MD), as compared to a westernized diet, has more dietary fibre, leading to the generation of SCFAs. MD thus, has a favourable impact on the immune system and gut bacteria. As a result, the Mediterranean diet is encouraged not only as a potential aid in the treatment of numerous ailments, but also as a means of promoting global health.
Global Impact of Tuberculosis and HIV coinfection
Authors: Nigam Aeshna , Mukherjee Udita , Verma Mansi
Published: March 2023

Tuberculosis (TB) is ranked second among the casualties caused by infectious diseases and therefore has been a focus of research for decades. Multi Drug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis is a potential threat to eradicate TB globally. HIV coinfection further complicates the situation due to difficulty in the management of the dual disease, resulting in a high rate of mortality in cases of MDR-TB with HIV coinfection globally. In India, the HIV-TB coinfection incidence is at the rate of 3.8 per 100,000 people, which is at a significant standing in the world. Early and prompt diagnosis helps in designing an effective treatment regime which includes antiretroviral therapy for HIV and the use of the second line of drugs for the treatment of MDR-TB. Since the course of action is extensive, designing policies to provide a support system to the patient and the caregiver will ensure better management of the disease.
Correlation of HCH Residues Levels and Metagenomic Lin Protein Sequences at Contaminated Sites
Authors: Negi Vivek , Verma Helianthous , Kumar Roshan , Rani Pooja , Kumar Singh Amit , Bajaj Abhay , Lal Rup
Published: March 2023

The residue level of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) at contaminated dumpsites and nearby or related sites were studied. Water samples and sediments were collected from different HCH contaminated sites for residue analysis. These different sites include solexa data of dumpsite, Ummari, Lucknow (U.P.) (SolexaDS), dumpsite (DS) and two samples at the pond sediments near the pesticide industry, Chinhat, Lucknow (U.P.) (PS1 and PS2). 1km and 5km away from the DS i.e., 1km and 5km respectively were also included in the study. There was a correlation of HCH residue concentration at different sites with LinA and LinB protein distribution. Further, to investigate prevalence of LinA and LinB protein sequences in the metagenomic data sets of sites with different HCH gradients, a gene-centric approach was used. The study showed that in HCH stressed niches, LinA and LinB sequences from the metagenomes were found to cluster, thereby providing evidence in support of the proposed evolution of these proteins in the HCH contaminated environment.
Morphology and Morphogenesis of Pseudourostyla levis (Ciliophora, Hypotrichia) from River Yamuna, Delhi, India.
Authors: Gupta Sadhna
Published: March 2023

The ciliated protozoa, Pseudourostyla levis was collected from river Yamuna in Delhi (India). Morphometric characterization and cortical morphogenesis during the division cycle was investigated. The ciliate Pseudourostyla measures 274µm × 80 µm in protargol stained preparations. Cortical structures include buccal, frontal and somatic ciliature. The main morphogenetic events during division cycle in P. levisincludes, partial retention of parental adoral membranelles, dedifferentiation of parental midventral cirri to form frontoventral complex and formation of marginal rows on each side from a common marginal primordium. In the present study, the morphometric comparison of the present isolate with congeners is also presented.
orizontal transfer of haloalkane dehalogenase (LinB) gene among novel hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) degrading sphingomonads isolated from contaminated soil
Authors: Singh Ajaib , Lal Rup
Published: March 2023

Soil samples from a HCH dump site and agricultural fields were collected from northern part of India in order to determine residue levels of a-, b-, g- and d- HCH and distribution of HCH degrading sphingomonads. The concentration of HCH residues was found to be very high in dump site soil (upto 4252.47µg/g) but it was low in the soil collected from the agricultural lands (upto 7.7µg/g). Eight novel HCH degrading strains could be isolated from HCH dump site soil but none from agricultural soil. Southern blot hybridization studies revealed the presence of haloalkane dehalogenase (LinB) genes alongwith IS6100 mobile genetic element in all of these strains. Further, 16S rDNA based phylogenetic analysis showed that these strains belong to the genus Sphingobium of family sphingomonadacae. An evidence for horizontal transfer of linB gene among these novel sphingomonads (only five were analysed) was derived by phylogenetic incongruency based approach. The sequence analysis of linB gene of novel isolates showed high sequence similarity (>98.9 to 100%) with each other indicating they were the homologs of same gene. Comparison of “species tree” with “linB gene tree” revealed incongruency among both the trees thus proving that this gene has disseminated among these novel sphingomonads in a recent HGT event. Presence of IS6100 element in all the strains further supported the evidence. This study reveals that the members of family sphingomonadacae are acquiring lin genes by horizontal transfer under high selective pressure of HCH and such phenomenon at a contaminated site is quite significant for bioremediation of HCH.
Pregled prvih treh let izvajanja programa eksplantacije donorskih pljuč: analiza učinkovitosti in naše prve izkušnje
Authors: Greif Boris
Published: March 2023

Izhodišča: Optimalna kirurška tehnika eksplantacije donorskih pljuč in ustrezna izvedba ohranitvenega postopka organa sta ključna dejavnika pri zagotavljanju dobrega delovanja presajenih pljuč, kar je še posebej pomembno v procesu vzpostavljanja programa transplantacije pljuč.

Metode: Retrospekitvno smo analizirali prva tri leta trajanja programa eksplantacije donorskih pljuč, ki smo ga opravili v sklopu programa presaditev pljuč v naši ustanovi. Glavni namen raziskave je bil oceniti učinkovitost eksplantacije donorskih pljuč z določitvijo PGD (angl. primary graft dysfunction) pri prejemnikih in morebitni vpliv trajanja eksplantacije in razdalje do donorske ustanove na PGD.

Rezultati: Od septembra 2018 do avgusta 2021 smo izvedli 56 eksplantacij donorskih pljuč, od teh smo 37 (66,1 %) pljuč sprejeli, 19 (33,9 %) pa smo jih zavrnili. Od vseh 37 transplantiranih bolnikov jih je 33 (89,2 %) imelo PGD 0, 2 bolnika (5,4 %) sta imela PGD 3, pri 2 (5,4 %) bolnikih pa je bil ta nedoločljiv; PGD 1 ali 2 pa ni bil izmerjen pri nobenem od bolnikov. Čas eksplantacije (p = 0,542) in oddaljenost donorske ustanove (p = 0,605) nista bila statistično pomembno povezana s PGD pri prejemnikih.

Zaključek: Analiza prvih treh let našega dela je pokazala, da smo vzpostavili uspešen in učinkovit program eksplantacije donorskih pljuč, kar je pomemben prispevek dobremu rezultatu zdravljenja bolnikov s presaditvijo pljuč.
Vozniške zmožnosti pri demenci in parkinsonizmu
Authors: Gregorič Kramberger Milica , Trošt Maja , Špeh Andreja , Franko Alenka , Kavčič Vojko
Published: March 2023

Samostojna vožnja avtomobila posamezniku omogoča neodvisnost in dejavno vključenost v družbo. Predstavlja kompleksno dejavnost, ki zahteva uporabo kognitivnih, senzoričnih in motoričnih sposobnosti voznika. Naraščajoči delež starejših v Sloveniji, tako kot v ostalih delih razvitega sveta, pomeni, da se bo v bližnji prihodnosti pomembno povečalo tudi število oseb z nevrodegenerativnimi boleznimi, najpogostejši med njimi sta Alzheimerjeva bolezen in Parkinsonova bolezen. Čeprav starejši povzročijo razmeroma malo prometnih nezgod, se to najverjetneje povezuje s pogostostjo njihove udeležbe v prometu. Upoštevajoč število prevoženih kilometrov so starejši ena od starostnih skupin, ki povzroči največ prometnih nesreč. Pri bolnikih z napredovalo demenco pa so sposobnosti vožnje še dodatno poslabšane, učinkovitost strategij kompenzacije vožnje (npr. izogibanje vožnji ponoči in vožnji po avtocesti) pa vprašljiva. Raziskave o vozniški uspešnosti posameznikov v začetni fazi demence niso povsem enoznačne, zato se o vozniški sposobnosti ne smemo odločati le na osnovi diagnoze. Potrebna je individualna skrbna analiza kliničnega stanja in dodatnih podatkov, dobljenih z nevropsihološkimi testi in preizkusno vožnjo. Ključno je upoštevanje posebnosti nevroloških in drugih okvar pri posameznih boleznih ter možnosti kompenzacije okrnjenih sposobnosti. Glede na široko paleto dejavnikov, ki vplivajo na oceno vozniške zmožnosti, enoznačnega priporočila o vozniški zmožnosti ob postavitvi diagnoze demenca ali parkinsonizem ni moč podati.
Design of Wide-Band Microstrip Antenna for S-Band Telemetry Applications
Authors: M Pushpalatha , N Namana , Navadagi T. S. , D Varun
Published: March 2023

This paper exemplifies the design of a low profile wide-band microstrip antenna suitable for S-Band telemetry applications. The proposed design explores the concept of wide-band antenna with improved omnidirectional gain and smaller size essentially aiming at low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite telemetry. The proposed partial annular radiating patch design has an operating impedance bandwidth ranging from 2.7 GHz to 3.8 GHz with a percentage bandwidth of 31%. It exhibits vertical polarization with a gain of around 1.434 dBi. The design and simulations are carried out using 3D EM tools and the measurement results for various performance metrics of the antenna are validated with the simulation results.
Comparison of Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 Assay with Standard RTPCR Test for Detection of COVID-19 Infection: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Dhuria Nitika , Nagpal Nitin , Sharma Vishal , Kumar Arun
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Real time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test, the gold standard test for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) detection, is a tedious process and requires proficient workforce. Accurate and fast test results may permit more efficient use of protective and isolation resources and allow rapid therapeutic interventions. Aim: To evaluate the analytical performance characteristics of the Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 test, a rapid, automated molecular test for SARS-CoV-2 with gold standard RT-PCR test. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) in Department of Microbiology at GGS Medical College, Faridkot from January 2021-June 2021. A total of 100 nasopharyngeal samples, collected from clinically suspected Coronavirus Diseae2019 (COVID-19) cases admitted at GGSMC during 1st January30th June 2021 were tested both by Xpert assay and RT-PCR test simultaneously, taking RT-PCR as the gold standard test. The data was analysed by MedCalc® statistical software version 19.6.4., and sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratios and the agreement between the two tests were calculated. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 46 years. Of these, 55 were males and 45 were females. The overall sample sensitivity and specificity of the Xpert assay were both 100% and there was perfect agreement across specimens, if authors, set a cut-off Cycle threshold-value (Ct-value) at 40 cycles for Xpert. Of 100 samples, 32 were positive for SARSCoV-2 by either of the tests and 68 were negative. Xpert assay could detect 100% positive cases and RT-PCR test could detect 84.37% positive cases. Out of the 32 samples which were positive by Xpert assay, 5 (15.62%) samples had a Ctvalue greater than 40. Conclusion: The Xpert assay found to be useful as a point-ofcare test in acute scenario, where rapid and authentic diagnosis is essential, but do not have expertise and infrastructure to perform RT-PCR.
Diphtheria Remains a Threat to the Health System Even in the Era of Vaccination: A Cross-sectional Observational Study from Karnataka, India
Authors: Kamath1 Laxmi , Ramitha L , Ratageri Vinod
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Diphtheria is an infectious disease caused by a gram-positive facultatively anaerobic bacilli, Corynebacterium (C.) diphtheriae. The present health statistics and data from the few studies that have been carried out suggest that our war with this disease is still going on and is far from being over in spite of the vaccine that’s freely available. Aim: To study clinical profile, complications, and outcome of diphtheria in karnataka population and to correlate with immunisation status. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based prospective cross-sectional observational study done in the Department of Paediatrics, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubballi, Karnataka, India, from January 2018 to November 2018. Patients admitted with history suggestive of diphtheria were enrolled and categorised into probable and confirmed cases. The age, sex, area of residence, religion, immunisation status, mean time of presentation to hospital from onset of illness, use of inotropes and mechanical ventilation were recorded in a predesigned proforma. Throat swab smear for C.diphtheria and culture, complete blood count, Renal Function Tests (RFT) with serum electrolytes, chest radiograph, Electrocardiogram (ECG) and 2-Dimensional (2D) Echocardiogram (ECHO) were also recorded. Results: Out of total 28 cases, 18 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Male to female ratio was 2:1 and the mean age of presentation was 9.7 years. Highest incidence (n=14, 77.8%) was seen in the age group of 09-11 years. Most common clinical presentation was fever and sore-throat present in all 18 (100%), neck swelling in 13 (72.2%), dysphagia in 05 (27.7%). Examination revealed tonsillar hypertrophy and pseudomembrane in 17 (94.4%) patients, whereas one patient had laryngeal diphtheria, which was diagnosed when swab was sent while intubating in view of membranous laryngitis. Mean time of presentation to hospital after the onset of symptoms was 5.65 days. All children received appropriate antibiotics and Antidiphtheritic Serum (ADS). Total of seven patients were ventilated, of which 5 (27.7%) succumbed, and two were extubated. Four (22.2%) patients developed myocarditis in the second week, and all succumbed to resistant arrhythmias. One patient developed sepsis with ventilator dependency, and succumbed to inotrope resistant septic shock. On follow-up, 5 (27.7%) developed palatal palsy among which three had associated polyneuropathy; all these children recovered with only supportive care. Conclusion: Diphtheria is down but not out, the present study unmasks the fact that the disease is equally prevalent in immunised and older children with the changing epidemiology of diphtheria in the era of vaccines.
Quad Fever after Acute Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Mallappa Maruteesh , Rangappa Pradeep , Jacob Ipe , Thimmegowda Lakshman , Rao Karthik
Published: March 2023

Quad fever is a rare and sometimes fatal condition characterised by sustained high temperatures of 40.8° C (105.4° F) and above, in spinal cord injury patients. Patients are often unresponsive to routine antipyretics and diagnosis is usually one of exclusion after other causes of fever are ruled out. This condition is understood to be secondary to autonomic dysfunction leading to thermoregulatory impairment. In the present case report, a 53-year-old male patient developed a fever of 104°F two days after a traumatic spinal cord injury involving C6-C7 segments. The fever did not respond to paracetamol, empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics or thromboprophylaxis. After ruling out both infectious and non infectious causes of fever, the hyperthermia was attributed to quad fever, a type of neurogenic fever. The patient continued to have non relapsing high fever and died five days after presentation. The case highlights the need to be aware of this differential in cases of high fever following traumatic spinal cord injury, in order to better prognosticate and also avoid unnecessary antimicrobial usage.
Comparison of Gabapentin and Esmolol in Reducing Haemodynamic Response to Laryngoscopy and Intubation: A Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Choudhary Geeta , Yadav Nitu , Bhagat Shubhada , Anant Garima , Goyal Shelly , Bhalla Lakshay
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Haemodynamic stress response to direct laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation have been well established. Both gabapentin and esmolol facilitates in attenuating this stress response through different mechanisms. Aim: To compare the efficacy of gabapentin and esmolol in reducing the haemodynamic stress response to laryngoscopy and intubation. Materials and Methods: The present single centre, randomised clinical trial was conducted at Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, Haryana, India, from May 2022 to August 2022 among 90 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I and II patients. The patients were divided into two groups, group G and group E. In group G, tablet gabapentin 800 mg given three hours before surgery while injection normal saline 10 mL intravenously was given two minutes prior to induction. Group E received tablet placebo three hours before surgery and injection esmolol 1.5 mg/kg diluted upto 10 mL was given intravenously two minutes prior to induction. The baseline Heart Rate (HR), Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) and Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) and the change at 1, 2, 5 and 10 minutes after laryngoscopy and intubation was observed. Comparison of continuous variables between two groups was done using independent t-test and comparison of percentages between two or more groups was done using Chi-square test. Results: The mean age of group G and group E was 41.52±9.87 years and 38.54±10.06 years, respectively. Male to female ratio in group G and group E was 20:25 and 21:24, respectively. There was no significant difference in haemodynamic response to intubation between both gabapentin group and esmolol group. However, the esmolol group had more falls in all haemodynamic parameters such as HR, SBP, DBP and MAP (<20%) intraoperatively. Conclusion: Both esmolol and gabapentin were effective in attenuating the stress response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation when used as premedication. But there was more decrease in HR and blood pressure intraoperatively, when injection esmolol was used.
Profile of HER2/neu Expression in Surface Epithelial Ovarian Tumours: A Clinicomorphological Study
Authors: Rajarajan Abbirami , Amitkumar Kalaivani , Sudalaimuthu Muthu
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Surface Epithelial Ovarian Tumours (SEOT) are most prevalent tumours and account for about two third of all ovarian cancers. Survival of ovarian carcinoma is poor despite optimal surgical and chemotherapeutic management. Evaluation of new diagnostic and prognostic Immunohistochemical (IHC) markers will be essential in this aspect. Aim: To evaluate quantitatively the profile of Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor 2 (HER2)/neu IHC expression with standard scoring system in SEOTs and their association with various clinicpathologic variables (age, laterality, CA 125 levels, histological subtype and FIGO staging). Materials and Methods: The present ambispective study was done in the Department of Pathology, SRM Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu, India, from August 2020 to August 2022 with a sample size of 166 cases. All the histopathological samples of SEOT during the study period from August 2020 to August 2022 (prospective) and all borderline, malignant and few benign cases from June 2016 to August 2020 (retrospective) were also included in the study. Cases for which slides and blocks were not available and patient treated with neo adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy were excluded in the study. For prospective cases after getting clinical history and Cancer Antigen 125 (CA 125) level, specimens were fixed, processed and Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), IHC staining was done as per standard lab protocol, for retrospective cases clinical history, CA 125 levels, pathological diagnosis and tissue blocks were retrieved, IHC performed and finally both prospective and retrospective cases HER2/neu IHC expression association was studied related to clinicopathological parameters. Results: Out of total sample, SEOT was the most common (n=184, 76.98%) tumour cases, followed by germ cell tumours (n=42, 17.57%) cases and least common was sex cord stromal tumour (n=13, 5.43%). HER2/neu had higher IHC expression in malignant tumours and showed statistically significant positive association with age (p-value=0.001), CA 125 level (p-value0.001), and histological diagnosis (p-value <0.001), but there is no significant association with size of tumour (p-value=0.786), parity (p-value=0.717), laterality (p-value=0.514) and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) grading (p-value=0.274). Conclusion: Malignant tumours had high HER2/neu IHC expression, thus emphasising its carcinogenic role and helps in the diagnostic differentiation of benign and borderline tumours with malignant potential from actual malignant tumours and can be a therapeutic target in future.