bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seroepidemiological study of Toxoplasnw gondif antiboCyamong women in Tikrit city
Authors: Naji Rashid Khulood
Published: September 2023

One hundred women were included in this study which referred by the physicians clinics for the detection of antitoxoplasma antibodies. Venous blood was collected from them, and serum obtained for the performed of rapid latex agglutination test and quelitative detective of Toxoplasma IgM by using Mercaptoethanol test.A questionnaire form was filled for each women by direct interview. The data requested inciuded age, occupation, residency, level of education, owing animals, marital status, history of abortion and numbers of abortion.Forty six (46%) women were dispiayed the presence of antitoxoplasma antibodies. Fifteen (32%) of the positive cases were positive for IgM antibodies.Significant association between the rate of total Toxoplasma antibodies and some epidemiological factors were included.
Isolation and identification of gram negative bacteria fromYouncl infection in general lrospital at Diyala city
Authors: T.Ahmed Luma.
Published: September 2023

Fifty patients with post operative wound infections at a district general hospital in Baaquba were tested for bacterial growth. These patients were exposed to different operations such as (labroectomy,surgical ppendectomy, bullets accidents ,bombing acc.dents anddifferent surgical operations).All patients wounds were swabbed in period from May to August 2006and cultured , the isolated microorganisms were identified on the bases of their morphological ,cultural and biochemical characteristics.twenty six (52%) were positive for bacterial growth .Twenty (77%) yielded a pure culture and six(23%)of mixed culture isolate. These isolates,1(5%)were Pseudomonas aeruginosa 4(20%) were E coli , 3(15%)were Klebsiella pneumoniae and12(60%)were Gram positive. The incidence of bacterial growth was high among adult more than 15 years than children less than 13 years Single and mixed culture were sixty six percent and sixty percent were in adults more than 15 years respectively whereas thirty four and forty percent of single and mixed culture were investigated in children less than 13 years respectively. The study also investigated the bacterial contamination in theater and coach of the same hospital, (1)were Pseudomonas aeruginosa , (3)were E .coli, (0) were Klebsiella and (7) were Gram positive for theater while(0) were Pseudomonas aeruginosa , (2) were E. coli, (1) were Klebsiella and (3) were Gram positive for coaches.
The Effects of Activated Sodium Bentonite on Distributed ThreeTypes of Mycotoxins in Blood, Liver and Kidney of BroilerChicks
Authors: J. Mohammed Mohammad. , M. Saed Jamel , M. Thalej Karkaz
Published: September 2023

Tlris study have been don to know the effects of addingO.50/o of Activated Sodium Bentonite (ASB)wiih 2.5 mgof aflatoxins (AF), 4 mg of ochratoxins (OCH), and 4 mg of T-2 toxin/kg of diets singly or in combination for each of OCH or T-2 toxin with AF on the distribution and levels olaflatoxin Bl (AFBI), aflatoxin Ml (AFMI), Ochratoxin A (OA), and T-2 toxin in blood, liver, and kidney of the broiler chicks fed from 1 to 2l days age. The results indicated that tlre residue's concentration of AFBl and AFM1 in the samples of blood , liver, and kidney were significantly (p<0.05) decreased when we add the AF alone with ASB in the diet of chicks (as shown with treatment T2) which equal to(4.35 and 8.40.ngiml), (18.50 and135.9 nglg),and (12.25 and i25.0 nglg) respectively. Also there are significant decrease in the concentrations of AFBland AFM1 values with the occurrence of ASB with AF plus OCH in the chicks diet (as shown with treatment T6) which were equal to (5.55 and I235ng/ml), (16.25and 153.1 ng/g) and (11.65 and 189.8 ng/g) in the blood, liver and kidney sarnplei respectively. Moreover, when the occurrence the ASB with AF in combination with T-2 toxin in the diet of chicks (as shown with treatment T10) there are also significant decreases between the values of (AFBI)&(AFM1) over the blood samples (6.I5 and 12.45 ng/ml), the liver samples (19.30 and 164.2 nglg) and the kidney samples (19.80 and 147.3 nglg) respectively. However, there is no significance between OA& T-2 toxin values in both 6 and 10 treatments. All the above significant values were compared with the residue colcentrations of AFBI and AFMI in the samples of blood, liver, and kidney from broiler chicks fed diets containing the same toxins without ASB (treatments T1, T5, and T9). The concentration of OA orT-2 toxin in samples of blood, liverand kidney from chicks fed diets containing OCH or T-2 toxin alone or in combination with AF and ASB (treatments T4,T6, T8, and T10) were not significantly effective when compared with the samples from chicks fed the diet containing the same toxins without ASB (treatmentsT3, T5, T7, and T9) respectively. From the results also show, the combination of AF with each OCH or T-2 toxin in the diets of broiler chicks causes a significantly increased in the residues of AFBI, AFMI, OA, and T-2 toxin in blood, liver, and kidney samples when compared with the same samples of chicks fed diets containing each'tsxin alone
Evaluation of Glutathione S Transferase ancl Glutathione Levels inSerum of Normal Individuals and Patients lvith Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Riffat Sarhat Entedhar
Published: September 2023

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is considered as a member of oxidative stress syndrome. It is associated with an imbalance between types of free radicals and scavenging system. Sixty patients with DM were studied for the changes in their Glutathione s- Transferase (GSTs) and Glutathjone (GSH) in the blood. Who attended out patient, and Primary health care In Tikrit Teaching Hospital in Tikrit City. This Study concluded that GST activities are significantly higher in serum of patients with type I and II diabetes mellitus disease than that of controls, P<0.05. But there rvas a significant decrease in levels of GSH activity in both types of diabetic patients. Key rvords: Glutathione s- Transferase (GSTs), Glutathione (GSH), & Diabetes Mellitus (DM).
Serum Alkaline Phosphatase, Iron and Calcium Levels in BreastCancer and Leukemia Patients in Salah Al-Din Province
Authors: M.Yonis Al-Anzy Moayad , Ahmed Salih Nadya
Published: September 2023

This study was conducted on 19 breast cancer and 23 leukemia patients with ages ranged between 25-70 years old registered in Tikrit teaching hospital, Tikrit city, rvith the fifty four normal subject's volunteers and age ranged between 30-60 years old. Statistical analysis, show there lvere highly significant differences (p<0.05) between the mean levels of calcium, iron and alkaline phosphatase in breast cancerand leukemia compared rvith the normal strbjects. We found that the mean levels of serum calcium were higher in ler.rkemia than in breast cancer and normal subjects, also we found higher mean values of serllm iron in breast cancer compared with the leukemia and healthy subjects. The activity of the ALP 'uvas found elevated in both patients and increzrsed levels of ALP depends on the concentration of serurn iron. . We done this study to show effect of the age on calcium, iron and ALP levels in breast cancer and leukemia.
Isolation of CA 125 from Breast Tumor Tissue Using Gel Chromatography
Authors: Ahmed Naji Nazar
Published: September 2023

Gel filtration chromatography technique was used (Sepharose CL - 68) of CA 125 from malignant breast tumor homogenate and the isolation of (CA 125 I 1251 - anti CA 125 antibody), complex was prepared from crude CA 125 , isolated CA 125 and standard human CA 125. The results revealed the presence of two forms of CA 125 (Agl & AgII) and found to be 517 Kda and 38 Kda respectively; The isolation of CA 125 shov,:ed a purification fold of 17.5 Agl and 15 for AgII.
Endocrine Disturbances in Polycy'stic Ovary Sy'ndrome
Authors: Siddiq Ahmed Aydin , Haqqi Tahir Pinar
Published: September 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous disorder of unknown aetiology affecting 5-10% of women of reproductive age. It is a disorder that affects the reproductive, endocrine and metabolic systems, and it is the most common cause of anovulatory infertility. The purpose of this study is to nvestigate the endocrine disturbance in PCO. Two hundred infertile women attended Infertility Unit in Kirkuk were subjected to this study. Their ages range between 17 and 47 years (30.5 + 6.89) with average duration of infertility at the time of the study was (7.23 year + 4.60). Twenty volunteer healthy fertile women of same age range as subjected infertile patients, with no clinical evidence of endocrine abnormalities were subjected to the study as a control group. The immunoradiometric assay of the follicle simulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), LH: FSH ratio, prolactin and progesterone hormones were carried out on samples obtained fro each individual. Regarding the endocrinal evaluation in PCOS cases, our results revealed that mean values of serum LH, FSH and prolactin levels were significantly (P<0.05) elevated in most women who showed PCO and they reached 35.79 U/L + 5.366 ,15.89 IU/L + 4.228 and 21.84 ng/L + 9.534. LH:FSH ratio also showed a significant (p<0.03) increase in this group when compared with that of control group and reached 2.49 = 1.12 in infertile women with PCO. Mean value of serum progesterone level was significantly decreased in those women and declined to 0.14 ng/L £0.214 Regarding the age of women, most cases of PCOS were at age groups 20-29 and 30-39 years which comprised 44.87 % of the 156 cases.
Prevalence and Antibiogram Profile of Neonatal Septicemia inKirkuk Pediatric Hospital
Authors: Akbar Anwar Sheelan
Published: September 2023

During period of Ten months, 200 cases of clinically suspected neonatal septicemia in Kirkuk city were included in this study. The aim of the study was to identify the causative agents of neonatal septicemia and their susceptibility to antibiotics. Blood culture was positive in 79 (39.5%) neonates, 50(63.3%) of them were males and 29(36.7%)were females. Out of 79 positive cases, 53(67.1%) had early-onset septicemia and 26(32.9%) had late-onset septicemia. Gram-negative bacteria were encountered ‘in more than 90 % of these neonates. While gram-positive bacteria represented by Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from 5(6.3%) of neonates only. According to antibiotic susceptibility test it was found that the most effective drug was cefotaxime followed by ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. While most of the isolates were resistant to commonly used antibiotics like Amoxicillin, Ampicillin, Tetracyclin, and erythromycin.
Correlation Betveen Erythromycin- Resistance Phenotypes ofStreptoco cc us Pne unrc nifi e ancl the Invitro Activitl' of Telith romycineand Azithrornycine
Authors: Saleem Mohammed AIi Nuha
Published: September 2023

Tow principal mechanisms have so far been found to be responsible for acquired macrolide ,lincosamide and streptogramin B (MLSB) antibiotics resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae : target site modification and active drug efflux .the target site modification is due to methylase prevents the binding of the antibiotic to its ribosomal target and can be expressed either in a constitutive (cMLS phenotype) or inducible (iMLS phenotype ) manner .the macrolide efflux system,M phenotype ,is mediated by a membrane protein responsible for the efflux resistance. Although the incidence of resistance to macrolides was low in the past today the incidence reported by several countries shows a sensible increase. Thus it is necessary to search and test novel antimicrobial agents characterized by a spectrum of activity against the most common respiratory pathogens. This study compared the invitro activity (MIC and MBC) of telithromycin with activity of azithromycin against Streptococcus pneumoniae recently isolated from San Giovanni Battista Hospital (Turin, Italy). Erythromycin — resistance phenotypes were determined through a triple — disk test to correlate a potential different bacterial pattern to antimicrobial s sceptibility. The incidence of erythromycin-resistance was 26.66% .In the group of Ery-R Streptococcus pneumoniae 58.33% strains belonged to ¢MLS phenotype, 33.33% to M phenotype and 8.33% to iMLS phenotype. Telithromycin presented MIC values lower than those detected with azithromycin against all isolated strains . Telithromycin appeared to be highly active against Streptococcus pneumoniae, in particular when resistance is mediated by the efflux system confirming its clinical efficacy among respiratory streptococcal infections.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus among Risk Groups in MosulCity
Authors: Hashem Saddon Israa , Ibraheem Salih Nadia
Published: September 2023

Cross sectional study of 200 blood donors and other risk groups were conducted in Mosul city. The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was (5.5%). Anti-HCV positivity was found to be more common in male at the age group of < l0 years. History of blood transfusion was observed as a common risk factor related to anti-HCV positivity. History of past and present signs that are related to anti-HCV positive were, (72.7%) of cases were suffered front upper abdominal discomfort , (54.5%) of cases lvere suffered from jaundice, (54.5%) of cases u'ere suffered from loss of appetite, (27.2%) of cases were suffered from arthralgia, (18.1%) of cases w'ere suffered from skin rash.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nerv Sulfadiazine and SulfapyridineDerivatives
Authors: Kahtan Abddulla Iebtehal
Published: September 2023

A series of 4-Hydroxybenzosulfadiazine (1, ia, lb, 3) and sulfapyridine (2,2a,2b,4) derivatives, were prepared by condensation of appropriate sulfadiazine, sulfapy'ridine with 4- hydroxybenzoic acid in the presence of molecular sieves followed by 2-amino methylation on hydroxy group.
Investigating the Needs of Caregivers of Patients Suffering from Chronic Diseases: A Mixed-Method Study
Authors: Katsarou Aggeliki , Intas George , Pierrakos George
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to investigate the needs of carers of patients suffering from chronic diseases.

Material and Methods:

The present study is a mixed approach, quantitative and qualitative. The study population consisted of 560 caregivers of patients with chronic diseases. The data collection was done with an improvised needs survey questionnaire, which included 57 questions. The questionnaire surveyed carers ‘financial needs, social needs, psychological needs, and patients’ education needs. The Cronbach-a index of the Patient Needs Survey was 0.956 and that of caregivers was 0.965. Carers’ burden of care was assessed with The Zarit Burden Interview scale. The statistical analysis of the data was done with the statistical program IBM SPSS for Windows version 26.0.

Results:

The main diseases of the patients were chronic renal failure (22.6%), multiple sclerosis (19%), cancer (19%), diabetes mellitus (7.1%), dementia (6%), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (6%). The majority of patients (82.1%) had health problems for more than 24 months. Caregivers provided 12.5 ± 8.3 h of daycare and cared for patients for more than 24 months (73.2%). Caregivers seek information from health professionals (4.41 ± 1.2), need more information (4.11 ± 1.4), feel stressed about the role of caregiver (3.91 ± 1.3), time available for vacation is limited (3.89 ± 1.4), time available for entertainment is limited (3.80 ± 1.3) and they feel intimidated with the role of carer (3.76 ± 1.3). The caregivers’ charge was 42.4 ± 19.6. Most caregivers reported moderate to severe burdens.

Conclusion:

Caregivers experience a lack of clear and comprehensible information about the treatment that caring patients receive, as well as a lack of ongoing care from health professionals.
Pericapsular Nerve Group Block as an Effective Intervention for Pain Relief and Improving Functional Mobility in Cancer Patients: A Case Series
Authors: Mantha Srinivasa Shyam Prasad , Suvvari Praneeth , Kodisharapu Praveen Kumar , Rayani Basanth Kumar
Published: September 2023

Pericapsular nerve group block (PENG) is an ultrasound-guided regional block technique that blocks the articular branches of the femoral nerve, accessory obturator nerve and obturator nerve. These nerves richly innervate the anterior capsule of the hip joint and blocking these nerves helps in hip analgesia. PENG block is commonly used in hip fracture pain perioperatively. In this case series, we have used PENG block in cancer patients with hip pain. PENG block was given to six patients with bupivacaine and triamcinolone, out of which five patients had good pain relief and their functional mobility to activities of daily living improved.
Cultural Adaptation of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 in Hindi for Use with Patients with Cancer in Community Palliative Care Settings
Authors: Bhardwaj Tushti , Arora Neha , Paul Anu , Chowdhary Pallika
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) in Indian settings is yet not very often used in palliative care with the Hindi-speaking population. The Hindi version of PHQ-9 is available but its cultural adaptation to the Hindi-speaking population in North India receiving palliative care services is required to be tested. PHQ-9 as a depression screening questionnaire may help to identify depression symptoms among patients with cancer. This study aimed to examine the cultural equivalence of PHQ-9 Hindi for use with patients with cancer receiving palliative care services in North India.

Material and Methods:

Based on the standard methodology of translation and adaptation of the scale, the following process was used: (i) Two focused group discussions with 17 experts working in a cancer palliative care setting, (ii) qualitative interviewing with 11 patients, and (iii) research team review. All interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and item-wise content analysis was conducted.

Results:

A few difficult phrases in the original PHQ-9 were ‘dilchaspi’, ‘avasadgrast’, ‘kam urja’, ‘nakaam’, parivar ko neecha dhikhana and ‘ashthir’ which were changed to Kam Mann Lagna, Mann Dukhi hona, kamjori, saksham nahi hain’ ‘asafal’, Parivar ko nirash karna’ and ‘bechain,’ respectively. Two items, namely no. 6 and 8 were changed to shorten the length for appropriately conveying the meaning.

Conclusion:

Hindi language involves various dialects which change from region to region bringing variations in understanding the meaning of the words. It is recommended that culturally equivalent scales are used in practice and research. PHQ-9 is now culturally adapted for the Hindi-speaking population in North India. PHQ-9 will help identidy depressive symptoms at an early stage. Psychometric testing of PHQ-9 is underway.
A novel biplanar repair technique for tendoachilles tendon ruptures
Authors: Bhasin V. B. , Singh Amarjeet , Jolly Angad , Palatty Christo
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

Achilles tendon is one of the most commonly ruptured tendons in the body. Conservative and operative treatment is both well-described in the literature. Surgical treatment carries risks and complications, which we tried to overcome with our novel biplanar repair technique.

Materials and methods:

The unique features of our technique include an incision with intact skin bridge, repair of tendoachilles tendon with mediolateral and anteroposterior tunnels in calcaneal tuberosity and a post-operative cast permitting knee flexion, preventing knee extension.

Results:

The results of this technique after 1 year of follow-up showed no wound-related complications, no rerupture, and an average American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score of 92.

Conclusion:

It is a promising technique and further studies are needed to compare the results of our technique with existing ones over longer periods.
Vitamin D deficiency does not associate with anterior cruciate ligament injuries in elite athletes
Authors: Gupta Ravi , Kapoor Anil , Jhatiwal Sanjay , Singh Sandeep
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

Recently, low levels of Vitamin D levels in sportspersons are observed by many studies. However, the role of low Vitamin D levels on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is not well studied. The purpose of this study was to find out the correlation between serum Vitamin D levels and ACL injury.

Materials and Methods:

This is a case–control study in which 55 athletes were enrolled in both cases (ACL deficient) and controls (ACL intact). Serum Vitamin D levels were measured in both the groups (preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively) and depending on the Vitamin D levels, athletes were categorized as Vitamin D deficient (<20 ng/mL), insufficient (20–30 ng/mL), and sufficient (>30 ng/mL). Functional outcomes were assessed using the Lysholm score and Tegner activity score at 12 months follow-up.

Results:

Overall, 91% of cases and 93% of controls were observed to be Vitamin D deficient or insufficient (n.s.). There was no significant difference among mean Vitamin D levels in cases (16.34 ± 11.89 ng/mL) and controls (18.08 ± 9.9; n.s.). There was no significant difference in post-operative function outcomes (Lysholm score) between the three groups among cases at 12 months follow-up (n.s.).

Conclusion:

The presence of low Vitamin D levels is not a risk factor for ACL injuries and low Vitamin D levels are not a hindrance to recovery after ACL reconstruction.
Intra-articular drain versus no drain after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A prospective comparative study
Authors: Sharma Rajiv , Joshi Amit , Basukala Bibek , Singh Nagmani , Bista Rohit , Panta Sunil , Pradhan Ishor
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the use of an intra-articular drain the following arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) would have benefits in terms of post-operative range of motion, pain, and swelling as compared to the use of no drain.

Materials and Methods:

This was a prospective comparative study conducted at the Department of Orthopedics, Baidya and Banskota (B&B) Hospital over a period of 11 months from August 15, 2021, to July 15, 2022. One hundred and fifteen patients who underwent ACLR with or without meniscal procedures were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A (55 patients) where the drain was used and Group B (60 patients) where the drain was not used. Patients were evaluated on day 3 and day 14 and post-operative outcome in terms of flexion loss, extension loss, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, and suprapatellar girth was compared between these two groups.

Results:

No significant difference in flexion loss, extension loss, suprapatellar girth, and VAS score was observed between these two groups both on day 3 and day 14.

Conclusion:

We concluded that routine use of intra-articular drain is not necessary for arthroscopic ACLR.
Interpreting serology reports in dengue infection
Authors: Bharathi Umaserma , Ramanan Padmasani Venkat , Balan Rajesh , Rachana I. V.
Published: September 2023

Dengue infection is diagnosed by the clinical picture and confirmed by laboratory evidence of dengue non-structural protein 1 (NS1) antigen (first 5 days) or dengue immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody (beyond the 5th day). However, in secondary dengue infection, the IgM antibody levels do not rise much and the diagnosis may be missed if the levels if IgG antibodies are not considered. A 5-year-old child presented with fever, cough, and vomiting for 4 days. A diagnosis of respiratory infection was made and she was treated accordingly. She developed abdominal pain on day 3 of admission and ultrasound abdomen showed ascites and pleural effusion. Dengue fever with plasma leak was suspected. Since it was day 6 of illness, dengue serology was sent. The dengue IgM antibodies were low (5.4 IgM units [Positive >11 IgM units]).However, dengue immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody level was 13.34 units and the IgG/IgM ratio was 2.4. A diagnosis of secondary dengue was made. The child improved with supportive measures and was subsequently discharged. To conclude, awareness about the phases of dengue fever and correct interpretation of serological tests is needed for diagnosis and appropriate management.
The pattern of online health information-seeking behavior before and during the COVID-19: An online cross-sectional survey among Nigerians
Authors: Jamiu Monsur Olalekan , Ozoeze Ugo N. , Gbonjubola Yusuuf Tunde , Muhammad Daha Garba
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

To evaluate alterations in the behavioral pattern of people looking for health information online in Nigeria.

Material and Methods:

Using a Google form that included a consent form and a data collection tool, 206 internet users participated in this online descriptive cross-sectional survey. From April 22 through May 31, 2022, the Google form’s link was shared on social media with all eligible participants. Descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage were used to summarize the data, which was represented as a bar chart.

Results:

Respondents within the age range of 20-29 years (82.5%) predominated in the study and were mostly Male (63.1%). The proportion of persons with internet access had gone up slightly from 98.5% to 99.5%, but internet usage remained the same (99% Vs 99%), however, a decrease in the frequency of using the internet always (56.3% Vs 48.5%) was observed. During COVID-19, there was a rise in the percentage of people obtaining health information online (87.4% vs. 96.6%).

Conclusion:

Albeit a slight decrease in using the internet during the COVID-19 era, however, there was an increase in online seeking behavior.
Coinfections with Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus among tuberculosis patients in Jos, Nigeria
Authors: Agabi Yusuf Amuda , Onyedikachukwu Alagbu Jennifer , Udeogu Kosisochukwu Elijah , Chukwu Chukwu , Nkup Jude Yunzoom , Okojokwu Ocheme Julius , Okop Kufre Joseph , Gomerep Simji Samuel
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

This study investigated the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among tuberculosis (TB) patients in Jos, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:

Seventy-one (71) TB-positive individuals visiting anti-retroviral clinics (male and female between the ages of 15–55 years) were enrolled in the study. Questionnaires and consent forms were issued to these patients after obtaining ethical clearance for the study. Two milliliters of blood samples were obtained from each TB-positive individual by venipuncture and were analyzed using a hepatitis B and C rapid kit (Solid rapid test kit manufactured by Hangzhou Deangel Biological Engineering Co., Ltd. China). Analysis of data was performed with version 26 of SPSS software.

Results:

Out of the seventy-one (71) TB patients recruited in the research, 4 (5.6%) and 2 (2.8%) patients had hepatitis B and C virus, respectively. In this study, HBV seroprevalence, 3 (13.1%) and 1 (11.1%) were recorded among two age groups: 26–30 and 36–40 years, respectively. HCV seroprevalence, 2 (9.1%) was reported within the age group 26–30 years only. The age group and the prevalence of HBV and HCV among the study subjects had no statistically significant relationship (P > 0.05). Of the 37 females examined, 2 (5.4%) were positive for HBV or HCV, respectively, while of the 34 males, 2 (5.9%) had only HBV. The variables which showed no significant relationship with hepatitis B and C virus were age (P = 0.423; P = 0.436), sex (P = 0.660; P = 0.268), newly diagnosed TB patients and those on treatment (P = 0.416; P = 0.111), blood transfusion (P = 0.433; P = 0.330), illegitimate sex (P = 0.668; P = 0.239), tattoo (P = 0.298; P = 0.298), human immunodeficiency virus status (P = 0.542; P = 0.654), use of sharp objects (P = 0.409; P = 0.686), and knowledge of the virus (P = 0.702; P = 0.614) as P > 0.05. In addition, variables that showed a significant relationship with HCV infection are those that have not been vaccinated with hepatitis B (P = 0.015) as P < 0.05.

Conclusion:

TB patients attending the Faith Alive Foundation Hospital and Plateau Specialist State Hospital, Jos have a low seroprevalence of HBV and HCV and it is recommended that more sensitive and reliable diagnostic options such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction are employed in further studies. TB patients seropositive for HBV or HCV were referred to physicians for appropriate management to prevent complications and the likelihood of damage to the liver as a result of treatment with drugs against TB.
Enhancing anaerobic endurance in football players: A comparative study of 3-a-side and 5-a-side small-sided games
Authors: Kusuma Ketut Chandra Adinata , Artanayasa I Wayan , Sudiana I Ketut , Yudi Alex Aldha
Published: September 2023

The demands of modern football are to play at a high tempo for two 45-minute games or more. Aerobic endurance, power, maximum speed, and acceleration are not enough for today players. The purpose of this study was to reveal the impact of 3-a-side and 5-a-side small-sided games (SSGs) on increasing anaerobic endurance. This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest group design involving 40 young football players who were randomly assigned to practice 3-a-side and 5-a-side for 4 weeks. Before and after carrying out the 4-week training, a Repeat Sprint Ability Test (RSAT) was performed to measure anaerobic endurance. The paired sample t-test was used to determine whether there was an effect of the exercise, and the independent sample t-test was used to see whether there was a difference in the results between the two groups at the 1% significance level. Before carrying out the parametric test, the data were first tested for normality using Kolmogorov-Smirnova and for homogeneity using Levene's. It was revealed that 3-a-side and 5-a-side SSGs were both capable of increasing anaerobic endurance, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. It can be concluded that anaerobic endurance can be increased within four weeks by using these two methods. The recommendations from this study are to conduct a randomized controlled trial with a larger and more diverse sample to validate and extend these findings. Further studies also need to explore the effects of SSGs exercise on anaerobic endurance over a longer exercise period and in different age groups to gain a more comprehensive understanding.
Charge transport in individual short single-stranded RNA molecules
Authors: Chandra Subrata , Maksudov Farkhad , Kliuchnikov Evgenii , Pattiya Arachchillage Keshani GG , Piscitelli Patrick , castillo Aderlyn , Marx Kenneth , Barsegov Valeri , Artés Vivancos Juan Manuel
Published: September 2023

Charge transport in biomolecules is crucial for many biological and technological applications, including biomolecular electronics devices and biosensors. RNA has become the focus of research because of its importance in biomedicine, but its charge transport properties are poorly understood. Here, we use the Scanning Tunneling Microscopy-assisted molecular break junction method to measure, for the first time, the electrical conductance of 5-base and 10-base single-stranded (ss) RNA sequences. These ssRNAs show single-molecule conductance values around 0.001 G0 (G0 = 2e2/h), while equivalent ssDNAs result in featureless conductance histograms. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra and MD simulations reveal the existence of extended ssRNA conformations versus folded ssDNA conformations, consistent with their different electrical behaviors. Computational molecular modeling and Machine Learning-assisted interpretation of CD data helped us to disentangle the structural and electronic factors underlying CT, thus explaining the observed electrical behavior differences. RNA with a measurable conductance corresponds to sequences with overall extended base-stacking stabilized conformations characterized by lower HOMO energy levels delocalized over a base-stacking mediating CT. In contrast, DNA and a control RNA sequence tend to form closed structures and thus are incapable of efficient CT.
Coverage Improvements for Sub-Terahertz Systems Under Shadowing Conditions
Authors: Mohr Werner
Published: September 2023

Radio propagation in the millimeter wave and sub-terahertz domain is heavily affected by shadowing conditions. The communication link is blocked without any additional technical means being used. Coverage improvements can be provided by using reflectors, RIS arrays, and repeaters to direct radio waves around corners or obstacles. These concepts show different performance and complexity levels affecting their network deployment. This paper investigates the achievable radio range or the received power to compare specific deployment concepts under realistic propagation conditions. Overall, the repeater solution provides either the largest radio range or the lowest necessary total transmit power compared to reflectors or RIS arrays and, thereby, is the most sustainable approach. A RIS array requires an additional centralized signal processing capacity for calculating optimized RIS settings and results in the highest level of network deployment complexity.
Comparative Analysis of NOMA and OMA Schemes: GSVD-based NOMA Systems and the Role of Mobile Edge Computing
Authors: Dursun Yunus
Published: September 2023

This paper presents a comprehensive study that examines the fundamental concept of the non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) scheme and provides its detailed comparison with the orthogonal multiple access (OMA) technique. Furthermore, the paper explores the application of the generalized singular value decomposition (GSVD) method in conjunction with NOMA, accompanied by a detailed review of GSVD-based NOMA systems. This study also introduces the concept of mobile edge computing (MEC) and extensively discusses its key parameters. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of NOMA MEC is presented, shedding light on its potential advantages and challenges. The aims of this study are to provide a comprehensive understanding of the aforementioned topics and contribute to the advancement of MIMO-NOMA systems.
Performance Comparison of Several Algorithms for Localization of Wideband Sources
Authors: Ougraz Hassan , Safi Said , Boumezzough Ahmed , Frikel Miloud
Published: September 2023

In recent years, researchers have tried to estimate the direction-of-arrival (DOA) of wideband sources and several novel techniques have been proposed. In this paper, we compare six algorithms for calculating the DOA of broadband signals, namely coherent subspace signal method (CSSM), two-sided correlation transformation (TCT), incoherent multiple signal classification (IMUSIC), test of orthogonality of frequency subspaces (TOFS), test of orthogonality of projected subspaces (TOPS), and squared TOPS (S-TOPS). The comparison is made through computer simulations for different parameters, such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), in order to establish the efficiency and performance of the discussed methods in noisy environments. CSSM and TCT require initial values, but the remaining approaches do not need any preprocessing.
Design and Analysis of a Low-profile Microstrip Antenna for 5G Applications using AI-based PSO Approach
Authors: Kundu Krishanu , Bhattacharya Ankan , Mohammed Firdous H. , Pathak Narendra Nath
Published: September 2023

Microstrip antennas are high gain aerials for low-profile wireless applications working with frequencies over 100 MHz. This paper presents a study and design of a low cost slotted-type microstrip patch antenna that can be used in 5G millimeter wave applications. This research focuses on the effect of ground slots and patch slots which, in turn, affect different antenna parameters, such as return loss, VSWR, gain, radiation pattern, and axial ratio. The working frequency range varies from 24 to 28 GHz, thus falling within 5G specifications. A subset of artificial intelligence (AI) known as particle swarm optimization (PSO) is used to approximatively solve issues involving maximization and minimization of numerical values, being highly challenging or even impossible to solve in a precise manner. Here, we have designed and analyzed a low-profile printed microstrip antenna for 5G applications using the AI-based PSO approach. The novelty of the research is mainly in the design approach, compactness of size and antenna applicability. The antenna was simulated with the use of HFSS simulation software.
Analysis on the Configuration Path of Improving the Quality and Efficiency of County-Level Libraries in China
Authors: Jiang Yan
Published: September 2023

County-level libraries have an inescapable responsibility for cultivating local cultural identity and realizing rural revitalization. Therefore we analyzed factors that affect the service efficiency of grass-roots libraries in Henan Province through a field investigation and qualitative comparative analysis QCA and proposed a high-efficiency configuration. In addition we put forward the strategy of improving the quality and efficiency of our country􀆶 s county-level libraries in the electronic information age.
Research on the Development of Global New-Energy Vehicle Industry Under the Goal of Carbon Neutrality
Authors: Lu Hong-cheng
Published: September 2023

As a pioneer in energy conservation and environmental protection new energy vehicles also play an important role in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Carbon neutrality will become a long-term measure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the future and the new-energy vehicle industry should develop a path that is more in line with the goal of carbon neutrality.
The Effectiveness of Expressive Writing Therapy in Reducing Anxiety Levels in Teenage Bullying Victims
Authors: Syah Afni Yan , Dewiyuliana Dewiyuliana
Published: September 2023

Bullying is a social phenomenon that often occurs in society, especially in adolescents. There are many biological, psychological, and social changes that can cause conflict problems between themselves and the surrounding environment. This causes the emergence of victims of bullying which causes anxiety in the teenager. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of expressive writing therapy in reducing anxiety levels in adolescent victims of bullying. The research method used quasi-experimental research with a pre-test and post-test control group design approach. The sampling technique with a total sampling of 44 respondents and divided into 2, namely the experimental group and the control group. The results of the study using the Paired Sample T-test showed that p = 0.000 (p <0.05) means that expressive writing therapy is effective in reducing anxiety levels in adolescent victims of bullying. This can be seen from the decrease in anxiety scores in adolescent victims of bullying from 50.0% to 41.0% severe anxiety, which is mild anxiety after expressive writing therapy intervention. Therefore, it is suggested that expressive writing therapy can be used as one of the ways to overcome the anxiety of teenagers who are victims of bullying both on campus and at home.
Through the Eyes of Queens: Exploring the Schooling Experiences of Black Girls in Upper Elementary School Using Photovoice
Authors:   , Clark Nyree
Published: September 2023

The disparate treatment of Black girls in the U.S. educational system is creating a chasm of inequality that is suffocating their academic achievement, personal growth, and identity development (Ricks, 2014; Morris, 2018; Morris, Conteh, & Harris-Perry, 2018). The purpose of this research study is to share the life experiences of Black girls in upper elementary school regarding their sense of identity and sense of belonging. According to Morris, 2018; Ladson-Billings, 2009 & Evans, 2019 Black girls have faced social injustices that negatively affect their sense of belonging at school, their maintenance of a healthy self-awareness, and their access to high quality instructional practices. Through the Eyes of Queens is a qualitative participatory inquiry design method that uses Photovoice to capture the lived experiences of the participants by recording those experiences and reflecting upon them, engaging in critical discussions, and gaining a deeper understanding of their positionality in their learning environment (Wang & Burris, 1997). The research questions that guided this study were: 1. How does the schooling experience of Black girls in Grades 3–6 influence the perceptions of their intersecting identities? 2. How do Black girls in Grades 3–6 describe their sense of belonging in their school setting? The themes of mind, body, and soul emerged from the first research question. The themes of relationship, safety, and spaces emerged from the second research question. The intersectionality of Black girls explores race and gender in a way that displays their impact on each other (Crenshaw, 1993: Collins, 1998; Cho, Crenshaw & McCall, 2013). Creating a community of learners involves creating spaces for Black girls where they feel safe and respected so that they may learn and be valued as persons (Ladson-Billings, 2009; Ford, 2010; Hammond, 2015; Hollie, 2017). The conceptual framework Black Girls From the Inside Out (Clark, 2023) provides a systemic approach to supporting Black girls in the K-12 school system. It is a multi-layered approach that provides strategies related to the intersectionality of each girl, instructional practices centered in culturally relevant pedagogy of the educator, and the elimination of barriers for Black girls as seen through the lens of critical race feminism. The premise of this study is that it is the responsibility of educational leaders to make sure all voices are heard and valued in the school setting by eliminating as many barriers as possible for Black girls for them to thrive in K-12 schools.
Determinants of Organizational Citizenship Behavior on the Influence of Personality Traits on Leadership Style of Public Sector Officials in Riau Province: A Gender Perspective Review
Authors: Alviani Devi , Handayani Ririn , Hadiyati Hadiyati
Published: September 2023

This research aimed to find out the determination of organizational citizenship behavior on the relationship between personality traits and leadership styles. The sample in this research is 234 respondents from 1.080 population, filled by the leader of Riau province public sector. Quantitative method used in this research. This research used probability sampling technique, proportional stratified random sampling method, and the Krejcie and Morgan, 1970 formula. The verification analysis technique of this research was carried out with statistical tests of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS) as analysis tools. This research shows that: openness to experience has a positive and significant effect on leadership style; neuroticism has a positive and significant effect on leadership style; organizational citizenship behavior is a quasi-moderating between openness to experience and leadership style positively and significantly; and organizational citizenship behavior is a quasi-moderation on the between neuroticism and leadership style negative and significantly.
Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada Sektor Publik Provinsi Riau dengan tujuan mengetahui determinan organizational citizenship behavior pada hubungan personality traits dan gaya kepemimpinan pejabat. Kuantiitatif digunakan sebagai pendekatan pada penelitian ini. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan teknik sampling Probability, metode Proportionate Stratified Random Sampling dengan formula Krejcie and Morgan, 1970 dari 1.080 populasi menjadi 234 responden. Teknik analisa verifikatif penelitian ini dilakukan dengan uji statistic Structural Equational Modelling (SEM) dan Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS) sebagai alat analisisnya. Hasil analisis membuktikan variabel openness to experience berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap gaya kepemimpinan; variabel neuroticism berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap gaya kepemimpinan; variabel organizational citizenship behavior merupakan quasi moderasi pada hubungan openness to experience dan gaya kepemimpinan secara positif signifikan; dan variabel organizational citizenship behavior merupakan quasi moderasi pada hubungan neuroticism dan gaya kepemimpinan secara negatif signifikan.
Análisis de confort térmico en escuelas del milenio. Caso: Quito y Babahoyo
Authors: Ledesma Hidalgo Gabriela , Rivera Lara Rosa
Published: September 2023

Ecuador carece de normativas de confort térmico en edificaciones, por lo que el diseño arquitectónico no responde a características climáticas. El programa Escuelas del Milenio utiliza una infraestructura prototipo en pos de optimizar el tiempo de construcción y disminuir costos sin consideración a la variación climática. l presente estudio utiliza encuestas para determinar las condiciones ideales térmicas en las aulas y busca evaluar el impacto de técnicas de arquitectura pasiva, para garantizar el confort térmico en la edificación. Las encuestas mostraron que los niveles de confort térmico varían de los estándares internacionales y pueden ser influenciados por otros parámetros independientes a la calidad del espacio. Se seleccionaron dos escuelas: Quito y Babahoyo (Sierra y Costa), como casos de estudio para la realización de encuestas y el monitoreo de las condiciones ambientales. Se utilizó la simulación dinámica para evaluar el desempeño térmico de las edificaciones y evaluar el impacto en confort térmico de los principales factores arquitectónico de la envolvente. Los edificios prototipo logran un confort térmico del 70% en Quito y del 64% en Babahoyo; utilizando parámetros óptimos de diseño arquitectónico estos valores se pueden elevar al 95% y 80% respectivamente.
Morfogénesis y fractalidad: análisis de la ciclorruta de Bogotá, Colombia
Authors: Luján Villar Juan David , Luján Villar Roberto Carlos
Published: September 2023

Las ciudades exhiben un principio de ordenamiento fractal –patrones fractales y auto-afines o auto-similares independientes de escala–, el cual fue demostrado como característica morfológica de la complejidad urbana desde hace algunas décadas (Batty y Longley, 1994). Este estudio explora y desarrolla un abordaje complejo de la ciclorruta de la ciudad de Bogotá D.C (Colombia), a través de estimaciones fractales y densidades de sus diferentes espacios. Se utilizaron metodologías complementarias como los sistemas de información geográfica (SIG) para el procesamiento de los datos. Como resultado se evidencia los sitios de mayor y menor densidad en la estructura de la ciclorruta bogotana, como indicador de evolución y planeación. Se concluyó que el conjunto de los tamaños de las dimensiones fractales presenta una distribución tipo ley de potencia –representada por una línea en picada–, lo cual reafirma su naturaleza fractal. Como aspecto innovador este trabajo propone establecer una conexión posible entre las ciencias sociales y las ciencias de la complejidad, entre las que se encuentran la Geometría fractal, a partir de una exploración transdisciplinar que contribuya a los estudios recientes sobre complejidad urbana desde Latinoamérica.