bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitric oxide therapy is beneficial to rehabilitation in professional soccer players
Authors: Zaborova Victoria A. , Butenko Alexandra V. , Shekhter Anatoly B. , Fayzullin Alexey L. , Pekshev Alexander V. , Serejnikova Natalia B. , Chigirintseva Ol'ga V. , Kryuchkova Kira Yu. , Gurevich Konstantin G.
Published: July 2022

Nitric oxide can activate neutrophils and macrophages, facilitate the synthesis of collagen, which allows significantly accelerating the regeneration of traumatized tissues. We studied the effects of nitric oxide-containing gas flow generated by plasma-chemical device “Plason” in a rat model of full-thickness wounds. Histological and morphometric analyses revealed that Plason treated wounds expressed significantly fewer signs of inflammation and contained a more mature granulation tissue on day 4 after the operation. Considering the results of the experimental study, we applied the Plason device in sports medicine for the treatment of lower limb bruises of 34 professional soccer players. Athletes were asked to assess the intensity of pain with the Visual Analogue Scale. Girths of their lower limbs were measured over the course of rehabilitation. Nitric oxide therapy of full-thickness wounds inhibited inflammation and accelerated the regeneration of skin and muscle tissues. Compared with the control, we observed a significant reduction in pain syndrome on days 2–7 after injuries, edema, and hematoma, and shortened treatment duration. This pilot study indicates that the use of nitric oxide is a promising treatment method for sports injuries.
Target-Controlled Inhalational Anesthesia-Isoflurane Consumption with Adequacy of Anesthesia Monitoring in Conventional and Multimodal Analgesia – A Comparative Study
Authors: Vithayathil Reshma , Savitha Keelara Shivalingaiah , Dixit Nischala , John Litty
Published: July 2022

Background:

In a time of increased concern over the environmental impact of chlorofluorocarbons, there is an impetus to minimize inhalational anesthetic consumption. It is possible with multimodal analgesia (MMA) and the use of end-tidal controlled anesthesia (EtCA) which is a low-flow anesthesia technique with adequacy of anesthesia (AoA) monitoring. In MMA, all four elements of pain processing namely transduction, transmission, modulation, and perception are targeted with drugs having a different mechanism of action. In EtCA, anesthetic gases are automatically adjusted for the set minimal alveolar concentration by newer anesthesia work station (GE Healthcare Aisys CS2). AoA is a derived parameter of entropy and surgical pleth index which measures the depth of anesthesia and analgesia, respectively.

Aim:

The aim is to assess the difference in isoflurane consumption between MMA and conventional groups for a given period of time with EtCA and AoA monitoring.

Setting and Design:

This was a prospective randomized controlled trial involving 60 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. They were divided into MMA group and conventional group.

Materials and Methods:

Both the groups received preemptive intravenous diclofenac sodium 75 g and 2% xyloadrenaline infiltration at entry ports. MMA group in addition received paracetamol 1 g and clonidine 0.75 μg.kg− 1. Intraoperatively, patients were on EtCA with AoA monitoring.

Statistical Analysis:

Mean differences in isoflurane consumption between the two groups were compared using an independent t-test. Postextubation adverse effects of analgesic drugs and awareness under general anesthesia were compared using the Chi-square test and presented as numbers and percentages. P < 0.05 was considered a statistically significant.

Results:

Mean isoflurane consumption in the conventional group was 12.7 ± 5.3 mL which was significantly higher than the MMA group which was 8.9 ± 4.1 mL (P = 0.002). The duration of anesthesia between the groups was not significant clinically (P = 0.931).

Conclusion:

EtCA with MMA significantly reduces isoflurane consumption compared to the conventional group of anesthesia.
Distal Humerus Extraarticular Fractures with Large Butterfly Fragment
Authors: Kar Rajesh , Kumar Sanjay , Garg Anant Kumar
Published: July 2022

Background:

The treatment of distal-third extra-articular fracture of the humerus with large butterfly fragment is challenging and often controversial. The aim of this study is to see the result of open reduction and internal fixation of such fractures fixed with pre-contoured extra-articular anatomical locking plate in context to percentage of union, time of union and functional capability.

Materials and Methods:

This is a prospective study comprising of 28 cases from 2016 to 2019 with average follow-up of 19 months. In this study, all the cases included were extra-articular fractures of distal humerus having large butterfly fragments and were comminuted. The simple distal humeral extra-articular fractures without comminution were excluded from study. All the patients were operated on with posterior triceps reflecting approach and fixing the fractures with 3.5 mm pre-contoured extra-articular locking plate.

Results:

Out of 28 cases, there were 17 males and 11 females with mean age of 34.8 years. 4 patients were having post injury radial nerve palsy. None of the patients in our series were treated conservatively. The average time of operation after injury was 7 days and the average time of union was 20 weeks. 3 of the patients post operatively developed radial nerve palsy which completely recovered within 5 months. The results were evaluated with Mayo elbow performance score.

Conclusion:

Distal humeral comminuted extra-articular fractures are complex and difficult to manage. A pre-contoured distal humeral plate is a good option and gives adequate purchase for distal fixation. Moreover, the triceps sparing approach is good and chances of nerve injury and stiffness are less. We are happy with this plate and type of fixation.
Prevalence of ocular morbidity in preschool children in Pune, Maharashtra
Authors: Kalamkar Sagar , Gogate Parikshit Madhav , Kaur Hardeep , Phadke Supriya Pramod , Shinde Amit
Published: July 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of ocular morbidity in preschool children in Anganwadis of Pune.

Methods:

All preschool children from Anganwadi in the area of Vishrantwadi and Yerawada in Pune city, western India, in the age group 36 to <72 months, underwent comprehensive eye examination in October 2019–February 2020: visual acuity estimation of each eye separately, slit-lamp examination, cycloplegic refraction, orthoptic evaluation, and fundoscopy. Prior to screening, an informed written consent form was taken from their parents and class teacher. All children needing optical or medical care were provided the same.

Results:

We examined 1341 children (aged 3 to <6 years, mean: 3.85 ± 1.0) in 36 Anganwadis, and 693 (51.7%) were girls; 81 (6%) children were detected to have ocular morbidities. There were refractive error in 42 (3.1%), strabismus 8 (0.6%), disorder of lid and adnexa 11 (0.8%), allergic conjunctivitis 2 (0.15%), bacterial conjunctivitis 3 (0.2%), viral conjunctivitis 2 (0.15%), corneal opacity 3 (0.2%), nystagmus 4 (0.3%), convergence insufficiency 3 (0.2%), and cataract 2 (0.15%). There was no gender difference for any morbidity, but older children were more likely to have one (P < 0.001). Out of 42 having refractive error, 5/42 (12%) had myopia, 1/42 (2%) hypermetropia, 11/42 (26%) myopic astigmatism, 3/42 (7%) compound myopic astigmatism, and 22/42 (52%) had mixed astigmatism.

Conclusion:

Refractive error in preschool children was not an insignificant problem. Most of the morbidities were treatable, and visual impairment was preventable.
Role of B-scan ultrasonography in preoperative evaluation of posterior segment in dense cataract
Authors: Hegde Rajarathna , Hegde Vidya , Bappal Anupama
Published: July 2022

Context:

B-scan ultrasonography is a diagnostic tool available for use in dense cataracts that gives vital information on vitreous, retina, choroid, and sclera.

Aims:

This study was planned to determine the abnormalities of the posterior segment in the presence of dense cataracts using B-scan ultrasonography and to determine the sensitivity and specificity of it.

Settings and Design:

Observational study design.

Subjects and Methods:

This observational study was done in patients with dense cataracts of any age. All the study participants underwent anterior segment evaluation, vision assessment, and posterior segment evaluation using B-scan ultrasonography. After cataract surgery, fundus evaluation of these patients was done. Pearson Chi-square test was used for assessing sensitivity and specificity of B-scan ultrasonography.

Results:

A total of 184 eyes of 161 patients were analyzed. The mean age of the study group was 59.17 ± 10.65 years. Majority of the participants (76.4%) were from rural areas. Out of 161 participants, 23 had bilateral dense cataracts. Preoperative B-scan ultrasonography assessment in 184 eyes showed posterior vitreous detachment (n = 40), retinal detachment (n = 2), vitreous hemorrhage, posterior staphyloma, and asteroid hyalosis (n = 1 each). Sensitivity and specificity of B-scan were analyzed in 173 eyes. Pearson Chi-square test showed the sensitivity of B-scan ultrasonography to be 64.2%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, and negative predictive value of 81.5%.

Conclusions:

The study showed that B-scan is a good tool for diagnosing posterior segment pathologies in patients with dense cataracts.
Central serous chorioretinopathy in coronavirus disease-19 patient
Authors: Singh Shipra , Goyal J. L. , Singh Divya
Published: July 2022

A 46-year-old male with mild coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms presented to the emergency department complaining of decreased vision in the right eye (RE). Funduscopic examination revealed serous macular detachment at the posterior pole with loss of foveal reflex in the RE. Fundus fluorescein angiography revealed pinpoint leakage in the early phase, which was enlarged in the late phase to appear like inkblot suggestive of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR), which was confirmed on optical coherence tomography as hyporeflective space due to the collection of serous fluid between the neurosensory retina and retinal pigment epithelium. He received COVID-19 directed therapy. The patient became systemically alright and his vision in the RE improved. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is associated with thromboembolic events and retinal ischemia may create hyperpermeability of choroid leading to the formation of CSCR.
Clinical practice patterns in the management of thyroid nodules: The first survey from the Middle East and Africa
Authors: Beshyah Salem , Khalil Aly
Published: July 2022

Objective: We sought to scope the practices in managing thyroid nodules in the Middle East and Africa (MEA). Materials and Methods: Survey of a convenience sample of physicians concerned with the management of thyroid disease. Results: Two hundred and twelve responses are included. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is performed chiefly using ultrasound guidance (74.9%), generally by radiologists (47.1%). Respondents have a lower threshold for FNA than recommended. Management depends on the FNA cytology, with the follicular lesion of undetermined significance/atypia of undetermined significance resulting in repeat FNA for cytology (40.7%), immediate referral for thyroid surgery (32.9%), or molecular testing (13.2%). Follicular neoplasms are referred for lobectomy or total thyroidectomy by 81.6% of respondents. Nodules suspicious for malignancy are referred for thyroid surgery by 76.6% and for molecular testing by 20.1%. Respondents are less likely to perform FNA in an octogenarian than a younger patient with a comparable nodule. For a multinodular goiter, 29.9%, 25.9%, or 17.8% of respondents would, respectively, sample the largest 2–3 nodules, single largest nodule, or all nodules >1 cm in size. During pregnancy, respondents would perform FNA with nodular growth (27.1%) in the absence of nodular growth (25.6%), but more respondents (35.2%) would defer FNA until after pregnancy. Conclusions: The physicians' survey revealed a practice pattern in managing thyroid nodules in the MEA region, including both agreements and deviations from current guidelines. Focused quality assurance exercises, education, and research are needed.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on diabetic ketoacidosis admissions to a COVID-19-free hospital
Authors: Alnuaimi Mouza , Siddiqua Amatur , Aljaberi Asma , Alkaabi Juma , Aldahmani Khaled , Afandi Bachar , Almazrouei Raya
Published: July 2022

Background: COVID19 infection is associated with worse outcomes in patients admitted with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The indirect impact of the pandemic on DKA admissions to COVID19 free hospitals has not been evaluated. In this study, we evaluate the characteristics and outcomes of DKA admissions before and during the pandemic. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 146 episodes of DKA for patients aged 16 years and above admitted to Tawam Hospital, A COVID-19-free hospital, between April and October from 2017 to 2020. Sociodemographic, clinical, and laboratory data were retrieved from the electronic records. Data from the (2017–2019) period were compared to those during the COVID19 pandemic in 2020. Results: We evaluated 79 pre-COVID19 and 67 during the COVID19 admissions. During the pandemic, patients were older (30 vs. 23 years, P 0.2) with higher proportions of male sex (66% vs. 25%) and non-Emirati nationals (Arabs 17.9% vs. 12.7% and South Asian 20.9% vs. 3.8%). In addition, only 64.2% of patients had medical coverage compared to 92.4% in pre-COVID19 time. More patients with newly diagnosed diabetes (25.4% vs. 7.6%) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (32.8% vs. 17.7%) were encountered during the pandemic. Overall, there was no significant difference in severity, time to resolution, and mortality. Length of stay was longer for DKA admissions during the pandemic (4 vs. 3 days). Conclusion: In our COVID19-free hospital, the pandemic has led to an increased rate of DKA admissions and significant change in the sociodemographic characteristics of patients with DKA. Clinical care, patients' management, and outcomes were not adversely affected. Assessing the indirect impact of the pandemic is essential for future service planning.
Lipid profiles of Nigerians living with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Azeez Taoreed , Adio Mosunmoluwa , Bamidele Olabisi
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Dyslipidemia is often associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D), with both having an additive effect on cardiovascular risk. The objective of the meta-analysis was to determine the prevalence of dyslipidemia in individuals living with T2D mellitus in Nigerian and to examine the pattern of their dyslipidemia. Methods: The study followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. Medical databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journals Online, and SCOPUS as well as the gray literature were systematically searched. MetaXL was used for statistical analysis adopting the random effect model. Heterogeneity was determined using the I2 statistic, while publication bias was assessed with the funnel plot. Results: Twenty-two studies met the eligibility criteria for the meta-analysis. The total sample size was 3575. The prevalence of dyslipidemia among Nigerians living with diabetes ranges from 25% to 97.1%. The pooled prevalence of dyslipidemia among Nigerians living with T2D was 63% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 52%–72%). I2 statistic was 97%. The funnel plot implied minimal publication bias. The pooled prevalence of elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was 33% (95% CI: 18%–49%). The pooled prevalence of elevated hypertriglyceridemia was 88% (95% CI: 84%–91%). The pooled prevalence of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was 47% (95% CI: 32%–62%). The pooled prevalence of elevated hypercholesterolemia was 33% (95% CI: 23%–43%). Conclusions: The prevalence of dyslipidemia among Nigerians with T2D mellitus is very high. The most common abnormalities are hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL-C.
Surgical and cell therapy in critical limb ischemia: Current evidence and rationale for combined treatment with special focus on diabetic patients
Authors: Del Foco Ottorino , Bencomo-Hernandez Antonio , Castillo-Aleman Yandy , Sanna Pierdanilo , Benedetti Stefano , Dassen Enrico
Published: July 2022

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is considered the end-stage of peripheral arterial disease, with a prevalence between 2% and 4% in the general population and more than 15% in older adults. One-year major amputation rate can reach 30%, and diabetic patients are five times more likely to develop CLI than nondiabetics. The vascular damage and the complexity in the anatomical extension of the lesions are also worse in people with diabetes with poorer outcomes after vascularization attempts. Following the classifications suggested by international guidelines, we can define the presence of CLI and have a precise evaluation of the amputation risk and the best revascularization procedure for the patient. Nowadays, new endovascular techniques and devices make it possible to treat tibial vessels and even arteries below the ankle with promising initial results. Nevertheless, the re-occlusions rate and the need to re-do treatments at 1 year remain between 30% and 50%. The disease progression and hyperplasia can because it. However, the damage at the microcirculatory level can also lead to a decrease in tissue runoff and an increase in peripheral resistance, which determine the revascularization failure. In the last 20 years, several trials have been designed to avoid amputation in patients with no surgical options. The aim is to find a valid cellular base therapy to create a new vessel web in the ischemic tissue based on the angiogenetic power that stem cells have already demonstrated in vitro and animal studies. Different types of cells have been tested with different concentrations and administration routes with promising results. CD34+ Mononuclear cells, Mesenchymal stem cells, growth factors have demonstrated their contribution to the neo-angiogenesis in ischemic areas. At Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, we created a cellular cocktail as an adjunct treatment to surgical revascularization. We think that acting at the microcirculatory and immunological level. We may reduce postsurgery hyperplasia and increase tissue perfusion, ultimately prolonging the patency of revascularization procedures.
Fecal Sampling of Soil, Food, Hand, and Surface Samples from Households in Urban Slums of Dhaka, Bangladesh: An Evidence-Based Development of Baby Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Interventions
Authors: Monira Shirajum , Zohura Fatema , Bhuyian Md Sazzadul Islam , Parvin Tahmina , Barman Indrajeet , Jubyda Fatema Tuz , Nahar Kazi Sumaita , Sultana Marzia , Ullah Wali , Biswas Shwapon Kumar , Hasan M. Tasdik , Rahman Kazi Zillur , Masud Jahed , Uddin Ismat Minhaj , Thomas Elizabeth D. , Perin Jamie , George Christine Marie , Alam Munirul , Johura Fatema-Tuz
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was to identify the exposure pathways of fecal pathogens for a pediatric population living in the urban slums of Bangladesh. A total of 252 soil, food, surface, and hand rinse samples were collected from the pilot households with children less than 5 years of age. All samples were analyzed using the IDEXX Quanti-Tray System (Colilert-18) to enumerate fecal indicator bacteria Escherichia coli. Escherichia coli was detected in all soil samples collected from children play spaces (N = 46), 35% of objects and surfaces children frequently put in their mouths, and 31% of child food samples. Thirty-three percent of hand samples from the child and 46% of hand samples from the caregiver had detectable E. coli. These findings showed high fecal contamination of soil, food, and on hands and surfaces in households with young children and demonstrate the need for interventions reducing these exposure pathways for susceptible pediatric populations.
Back to the Future: Quantifying Wing Wear as a Method to Measure Mosquito Age
Authors: Gray Lyndsey , Asay Bryce C. , Hephaestus Blue , McCabe Ruth , Pugh Greg , Markle Erin D. , Churcher Thomas S. , Foy Brian D.
Published: July 2022

Vector biologists have long sought the ability to accurately quantify the age of wild mosquito populations, a metric used to measure vector control efficiency. This has proven challenging due to the difficulties of working in the field and the biological complexities of wild mosquitoes. Ideal age grading techniques must overcome both challenges while also providing epidemiologically relevant age measurements. Given these requirements, the Detinova parity technique, which estimates age from the mosquito ovary and tracheole skein morphology, has been most often used for mosquito age grading despite significant limitations, including being based solely on the physiology of ovarian development. Here, we have developed a modernized version of the original mosquito aging method that evaluated wing wear, expanding it to estimate mosquito chronological age from wing scale loss. We conducted laboratory experiments using adult Anopheles gambiae held in insectary cages or mesocosms, the latter of which also featured ivermectin bloodmeal treatments to change the population age structure. Mosquitoes were age graded by parity assessments and both human- and computational-based wing evaluations. Although the Detinova technique was not able to detect differences in age population structure between treated and control mesocosms, significant differences were apparent using the wing scale technique. Analysis of wing images using averaged left- and right-wing pixel intensity scores predicted mosquito age at high accuracy (overall test accuracy: 83.4%, average training accuracy: 89.7%). This suggests that this technique could be an accurate and practical tool for mosquito age grading though further evaluation in wild mosquito populations is required.
Malaria Burden and Associated Risk Factors in an Area of Pyrethroid-Resistant Vectors in Southern Benin
Authors: Accrombessi Manfred , Akogbeto Martin C. , Dangbenon Edouard , Akpovi Hilaire , Sovi Arthur , Yovogan Boulais , Adoha Constantin , Assongba Landry , Ogouyemi-Hounto Aurore , Padonou Germain Gil , Thickstun Charles , Rowland Mark , Ngufor Corine , Protopopoff Natacha , Cook Jackie
Published: July 2022

Malaria remains the main cause of morbidity and mortality in Benin despite the scale-up of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs), indoor residual spraying, and malaria case management. This study aimed to determine the malaria burden and its associated risk factors in a rural area of Benin characterized by high net coverage and pyrethroid-resistant mosquito vectors. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in three districts in southern Benin. Approximately 4,320 randomly selected participants of all ages were tested for malaria using rapid diagnostic tests within 60 clusters. Risk factors for malaria infection were evaluated using mixed-effect logistic regression models. Despite high population net use (96%), malaria infection prevalence was 43.5% (cluster range: 15.1–72.7%). Children (58.7%) were more likely to be infected than adults (31.2%), with a higher malaria prevalence among older children (5–10 years: 69.1%; 10–15 years: 67.9%) compared with young children (< 5 years: 42.1%); however, young children were more likely to be symptomatic. High household density, low socioeconomic status, young age (< 15 years), poor net conditions, and low net usage during the previous week were significantly associated with malaria infection. Malaria prevalence remains high in this area of intense pyrethroid resistance despite high net use. New classes of LLINs effective against resistant vectors are therefore crucial to further reduce malaria in this area.
Determination of heavy metals in cement dust, top soil and teff around Habesha and Mugher cement factory, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia
Authors: Fikadu Tsehay , Mekassa Birhanu
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACT. In this study, the level of selected heavy metals in cement dust, soil and teff samples collected from around Mugher and Habesha cement factories, Ethiopia were determined using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS). The collected samples were digested using properly optimized acid digestion using a mixture of 5 mL HNO3:1 mL H2SO4:1 mL HClO4 at 200 oC for 2 h for the cement dust; 3 mL HNO3:4 mL HClO4:1 mL H2O2 at 300 °C for 3 h for the soil and 5 mL HNO3:3 mL H2O2 for 1:30 h at 200 °C for the teff samples. The mean concentrations of metals determined (mg/kg) were in the ranges of Cu (450.26-471.79), Zn (1096.75-1103.10), Mn (3316-3419), Cr (242-404), Fe (31846-33836), Ni (1524-1727), Co (2492-2517), Cd (20.4-26.1), Pb (255-649) for cement dust; Cu (294-333), Zn (194-330), Mn (498-521), Cr (330-450), Fe (5283-5392), Ni (1138-3719) and Co (1439-1516) for soil, Cu (85.6-89.4), Zn (314-466), Mn (733-741), Cr (297-342), Fe (1327-1574) for teff. Cd and Pb were not detected in the teff and soil samples. The soil and teff samples collected from the two cement factories contained significant level of heavy metals. Except iron, the level of heavy metals in soil and teff samples were above the permissible limit of FAO/WHO.

 

KEY WORDS: Cement factory, Cement dust, Soil, Teff, Wet digestion, Heavy metals

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(3), 487-501.                                                               

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i3.1
Novel palladium(II) complex derived from mixed ligands of dithizone and triphenylphosphine synthesis, characterization, crystal structure, and DFT study
Authors: A. Mohamad Hikmat , O. Ali Karwan , A. Gerber Thomas , C. Hosten Eric
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACT. A novel distorted square-planar palladium(II) complex of the type [Pd(Hdz)(PPh3)Cl], where (Hdz = dithizone mono deprotonate and PPh3 = triphenylphosphine), was synthesized in dichloromethane reactions between PdCl2 and a mixture of Hdz and PPh3. The new Pd(II) complex has been identified by FT-IR, electronic spectra, DFT calculations, molar conductivity, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. An X-ray diffraction study revealed the structure of this complex, indicating distorted square planar coordination geometry around the Pd(II) ion by N, S, P, and Cl donor atoms. XRD analysis has also shown that the Pd(II) complex contains one five-membered ring formed by the coordination of the Hdz ligand through the nitrogen and sulfur atoms to the palladium metal center. To comprehend the strength of nucleophilic and electrophilic attack between the ligands and metal ions, the natural bond orbital (NBO) was used. Finally, density functional theory (DFT) was used to show the molecular reactivity and stability of the ligands and palladium complex.

 

KEY WORDS: Palladium(II), Dithizone mono deprotonated, Distorted square planar geometry, NBO analysis, DFT calculations

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(3), 617-626.                                                               \

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i3.11
Molecular docking supported investigation of antioxidant, analgesic and diuretic effects of Costus speciosus rhizome
Authors: Ershad Naznin Nura , Mazumder Tanoy , Sharif Reza Md. , Jafrin Sarah , M. Alshahrani Sultan , M. Alqahtani Ali , Alqahtani Taha , F.M. Shahid Ud Daula A.
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACT. The aim of the current study was to analyze the polyphenols and determines the antioxidant, analgesic and diuretic properties of the methanolic extract of C.speciosus rhizome. DPPH and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays were used to determine the antioxidant activity. Acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced licking experiments were used to assess the analgesic effect. The total phenolic, flavonoid and flavonol contents were found 51.73± 0.25 mg GAE/g dry weight, 3.41± 0.07mg QE/g dry weights and 44.19± 2.24 mg QE/g dry weight, respectively. The plant extract exhibited weak antioxidant activity in the DPPH and FRAP assays, with an IC50 value of 1699±62 μg/mL and an EC50 value of 125±2 μg/mL, respectively. The extract significantly reduced the number of writhes at both doses (200 and 400 mg/kg body weight) as compared to the control. The extract (400 mg/kg) also significantly reduced the percent inhibition of licking by 31.96 and 62.69% compared to the control in the early and late phase, respectively. Compared to the standard drug furosemide, the plant extract also showed a weak diuretic effect. The docking study supported the analgesic activity of rhizome extract. The potent analgesic activity of the plant extract justifies the traditional and medicinal aspects.

 

KEY WORDS: Costus speciosus, Analgesic activity, Diuretic effect, Molecular docking

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(3), 627-640.                                                                

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i3.12
Molecular structure and optical attributes of (Na-CMC/SA) natural polymer blend
Authors: A. El-Bana A. , M. Abdelghany A. , S. Meikhail M.
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACT. Biopolymers are referred to the bio-degradable polymer that is derived from living organisms in nature or synthesized from renewable materials but needs polymerization. There are consisting of monomeric units that bond together through a covalent bond to obtain large molecules. A biopolymeric blend of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose/sodium alginate (Na-CMC/SA) film was prepared by the casting/solvent evaporation method. In addition to the molecular structure, the optical and molecular geometry of the collected films were characterized. XRD of binary blend investigated the interaction and miscibility among two biopolymers. FTIR of the blend spectrum explicated the conferring of the two polymer group’s vibrations. UV/Vis and optical studies appeared a peak in the binary at the wavelength (227 nm) which explained the high combination between two polymers. Molecular geometry clarifies the assignment of vibrational spectra of pure polymers which implied the important role of the (C=O) group as eventful regions for the two polymers.

 

KEY WORDS: Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, Sodium alginate, Na-CMC/SA, FTIR, XRD, UV/Vis

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(3), 707-716.                                                               

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i3.19
Removal of algae from thermal mud pool: A case study in Koprukoy (Erzurum, Northeast (NE) Turkey) thermal spring area
Authors: Kiliç Sara , Kalkan Ekrem , Nadaroglu Hayrunnisa
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACT. Thermal spring areas, which are available globally, are used for recreational purposes or wellness applications because these areas have mineral-rich materials of thermal water and thermal muds. At the same time, thermal spring areas are one of the best habitats for algae among aquatic habitats. If algae formed on the surface of the thermal water in these areas, they create an ugly appearance and disrupt the aesthetics of the water because of their uncontrolled growth. The algae removal applications are the most effective methods for solution of these adversities in the thermal spring areas. In this work, experimental study was carried out to investigate the removal of algae from thermal water and thermal mud pools in the Delicermic-Koprukoy (Erzurum, NE Turkey) thermal spring area. For this purpose, some chemical materials were used for the removal of algae. The results of the experimental studies showed that the Al2SO3+CaO solution is a good material that provides 100% removal of algae from thermal water and thermal mud pools at pH 6.

 

KEY WORDS: Algae, Algae removal, Thermal water, Thermal mud, Spring area 

 

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(3), 545-553.                                                          

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i3.5
Effect of aluminum oxide on the structure and conduction behaviors of silver borate glasses
Authors: El Damrawi G. , M. Abdelghany A. , Salaheldin H.
Published: July 2022

ABSTRACT. The current study focuses on glass preparation and characterization in the glass system of chemical formula xAl2O3 (35-x) Ag2O.65B2O3 (0≤x≤35 mol%), where Ag2O is replaced with Al2O3. To examine a wide range of both structure and morphology of the prepared glasses, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of 27Al nuclei, X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are used. In Al2O3-rich glass, the well-formed AlO6, AlO5, and AlO4 structural groups are the well-formed units. In samples of (20 and 30 mol % Al2O3), tetrahedral AlO4 and traces from AlO6 units could be detected. At lower concentrations of Al2O3 (10 mol%), the dominant forming unit is only AlO4 groups containing non-bridging oxygen bonds (NBO). The XRD spectra confirm the amorphous nature of the glasses of Al2O3 ˂20 mol% while glasses of higher Al2O3 concentrations contain crystalline Ag2Al2B2O7 formed due to the higher oxygen packaging of the mixed AlO5 and AlO4 compared with that of glasses containing only AlO4 species only. The morphology of crystalline units is confirmed from TEM to differ from that of an amorphous composition. The increase of activation energy and the hardness number of the glasses led to an increase in the durability of the investigated glasses.

 

KEY WORDS: Aluminum borate glass, NMR, Coordination of aluminum atom, Conductivity, Crystallization process

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2022, 36(3), 597-606.                                                              

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v36i3.9
Jak Rakowice stały się kolebką polskiego lotnictwa
Authors: Drożdż Mateusz
Published: July 2022

How Rakowice became the hub of Polish aviation

This article describes the takeover from Austrian hands of the military airport in Krakow-Rakowice during the liberation of Krakow on 31 October 1918. Although this subject is treated marginally in the historiography of the town, the airport taken over was of great significance for Polish military aviation and, thanks to this, obtained the title of the “cradle of Polish aviation”. The article is an attempt to establish a true chronology of the events which led to the seizure of power by the minority Polish crew and the protection of military property against looting, as well as to refute the myths that have grown over the last decades, and which are frequently presented in the literature dedicated to Polish aviation. The article recalls the important role played during the days when the Habsburg rule fell in Krakow by two Polish aviators – Captain Roman Florer and Sgt Mech. Antoni Jucha, thanks to which, the airport was very quickly able to serve the reborn Republic. The text presents the infrastructure of the airport on the day of its acquisition, as well as its visible traces in the current landscape of Krakow, almost one hundred years after the described events and over fifty years since the airport was closed.
Patriotyzm u progu wolności w świetle syberyjskich wykładów Romana Dyboskiego
Authors: Maciuk Marcin
Published: July 2022

Patriotism on the threshold of freedom in Roman Dyboski’s Siberian lectures

This article concerns the issues connected with shaping patriotism among young Poles living in exile in Siberia while Poland was on the verge of regaining independence. The matter is analysed on the basis of eleven lectures given by Roman Dyboski, a specialist in English, which he delivered in the years 1918–1921 in Khabarovsk, Novonikolayevsk and Krasnoyarsk for Polish prisoners of war. These lectures are stored in his legacy in the Archives of PAN and PAU in Krakow. According to Dyboski, the basic foundation of patriotism is the feeling of a bond with one’s own nation. He saw the lack of a united nation in society as one of the key threats for a reborn Poland. Therefore, he also tried on many occasions to remind his countrymen about the historical foundations of the Polish national identity. Through the tales of, among others, the glorious times of the Jagiellonian dynasty, the victories of the great Hetmans Stanisław Żółkiewski and Karol Chodkiewicz, and the fame of Fryderyk Chopin, Dyboski wanted to arouse a feeling of pride in the prisoners, to make them aware that they are part of a great living nation, heirs of the wonderful achievements of their predecessors. He showed the companions of hardship that patriotism was a great responsibility for the achievements of their forefathers, he wanted to highlight that they inherited the testament of the war and an independent fatherland. A patriot in the times of an independent Republic according to Dyboski was aware of this identity, responsible for the country, an active citizen, who should be unswerving and steadfast during service for a good cause, even in the most difficult moments and conditions. He believed that the unity of the whole nation based on an active, civil, morally-based attitude of patriotism enabled the rebirth of Jagiellonian Poland – a powerful country in Central-Eastern Europe, with historical and geographical roots, a world p
Claude Vigée au miroir de l’é/Écriture
Authors: Hendrickx Claire
Published: July 2022

Claude Vigée in the mirror of the Scripture(s)

According to Paul Ricœur, « The text is the medium through which one understands oneself ». Claude Vigée (1921-2020), as a Jewish writer, tries to receive, embrace and perpetuate the identity conveyed by the Holy Scriptures into his own writing, while also relating it to his life. Asserting oneself as part of a vaster destiny or History; developing a better self-knowledge in the light of a shared relation to the world; finding one’s reflection in Biblical figures, but also relinquishing one’s Self for a better understanding of one’s belonging: these are the paths taken by Vigée for this identity quest which implies the pursuit of the father – or, rather, of the Biblical Fathers – in a fully assumed filiation.

Słowa kluczowe: identité narrative,
Więzienie karno-śledcze w Kaliszu 1918-1939. Wybrane problemy
Authors: Razyhrayev Oleh
Published: July 2022

Mieszczące się w zespole budowlanym o stylu neoromańskim wzniesionym w 1846 r. Więzienie Karno-Śledcze w Kaliszu mieściło się przy ul. Łódzkiej 2 oraz stanowiło integralną część systemu penitencjarnego międzywojennej Polski. Zgodnie z rozporządzeniem Prezydenta Rzeczypospolitej Ignacego Mościckiego w sprawie organizacji więziennictwa z dnia 7 marca 1928 r. więzienie było przeznaczone do odbywania kary od 1 do 3 lat oraz należało do II klasy o pojemności od 150 do 450 osób. W praktyce w latach 1921-1935 liczba więźniów wahała się od ok. 220 do ok. 520. W drugiej połowie lat 1920-ch więzienie liczyło 109 pojedynczych oraz 7 wspólnych cel. Pod względem organizacyjno-administracyjnym wyżej wspomniany zakład penitencjarny zawierał dział administracyjny, gospodarczy, pracy oraz kasę. Służbowy personel więzienia stanowili funkcjonariusze państwowi oraz pracownicy kontraktowi. We wrześniu 1939 r. kaliskie więzienie zostało przejęte przez niemiecką administrację wojskową.

Prison in Kalisz 1918-1939. Selected problems

The prison in Kalisz was housed in a neo-Romanesque building complex built in 1846 and was located at Łódzka street, 2. This prison was an integral part of the penitentiary system of interwar Poland. According to the regulation of the President of Poland Ignacy Mościcki, regarding the organization of the prison from 7 March 1928, the prison was intended to serve a sentence of 1 to 3 years and belonged to the second class with a capacity of 150 to 450 people. In practice, in 1921-1935, the number of prisoners was from about 220 to about 520. In the second half of the 1920s, the prison contained 109 individual and 7 common cells. In terms of organization and administration, the aforementioned penitentiary institution included an administrative, economic, labor and cash department. The personnel of the prison were state officials and contract agents.
Materiały do biografii księdza Jerzego Bekiera w Bibliotece Polskiej im. Ignacego Domeyki w Buenos Aires
Authors: Mikołajczyk Marcin
Published: July 2022

Celem autora artykułu jest przedstawienie materiałów związanych z życiem i działalnością ks. Jerzego Bekiera, znajdujących się w Bibliotece Polskiej im. Ignacego Domeyki w Buenos Aires. Materiały opracowano na podstawie portalu szukajwarchiwach.pl. Zaprezentowana została sylwetka księdza oraz zarys historii i działalności biblioteki.

The materials to the biography of fr. Jerzy Bekier in the Ignacy Domeyko polish library in Buenos Aires

The aim of the author of this article is the presentation of the materials related to life and activity of Fr. Jerzy Bakier. These materials are placed in The Ignacy Domeyko Polish Library in Buenos Aires. They were elaborated based on szukajwarchiwach.pl network. The figure of the priest as well as the history and activity of the library were presented.
Computer Vision Based Fire Detection System Using OpenCV - A Case Study
Authors: Kumar Aman , D Gonsalves Flavia
Published: July 2022

Conventional fire detection system was based mechanical sensor for fire detection. The smoke particles in the surrounding detected by sensors in the traditional fire detection system. However, this can also lead to false alarms. For example, a person smoking in a room of can activate a general fire alarm system. In addition, these systems are expensive and ineffective if the fire is far away from the detector. An alternatives fire detection system such as system based on computer vision and Image/video Processing technology to manage false alarms from conventional fire detection. One of the most cost-effective ways is to use surveillance cameras to detect fires and alert affected parties. In the following proposed system proposes a technique which will be monitor the outburst of a fire anywhere within the camera range using a surveillance camera. In this Paper, fire alarm system will be developed to efficiently detect fires and protect lives and property from fire hazards. This research describes a fire detection system that uses color and motion models derived from video sequences. The proposed approach identifies color changes and mobility in common areas to identify fires and can therefore be used both in real time and in datasets.
The Lived Experience of Postpartum Anxiety During COVID-19: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study
Authors: Ladd Walker , De Decker Jenny
Published: July 2022

The experience of pregnancy and postpartum anxiety disorders results in adverse birth outcomes and the disrupted development of infants and children. Since the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has designated pregnant and postpartum women as more vulnerable to COVID-19 (CDC, 2021), and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders rates have increased. However, research regarding the lived experience of women with postpartum anxiety (PPA) during a global pandemic remains lacking. Using van Manen’s hermeneutic phenomenological research method, we interviewed eight women self-identifying as having had PPA during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analysis revealed five themes describing the lived experience of PPA during COVID-19: Wired, Trapped, Lost in Time, No Safety Net, and Doubting Myself. The lived experience of PPA was both mirrored and masked by the lived experience of a global pandemic, exacerbating PPA due to the unknown and constricting nature of the pandemic. These findings suggest the need for future research to include subjective human experiences as pivotal components in creating support practices and a deeper understanding of PPA in the context of unprecedented life events.
Editorial
Authors: Sarkar Debashis
Published: July 2022

Cost of food in India increased 7.75 percent in June of 2022 over the same month in the previous year probably due to higher feedstock costs and quantum leap in minimum support prices. It reveals that the food inflation will average over 8 per cent year-on-year in 2022 from 3.7 percent in 2021.
"Assessment of Marketable Surplus of Rice and Wheat in Rohatas District of Bihar"
Authors: Sharma Avdhesh
Published: July 2022

"With the increasing production levels, it is necessary to assess how much amount is really available to the non-farming community of the nation as this directly links to food security. Being Bihar one of the prominent rice and wheat growing state this paper tends to analyze the marketable surplus of these crop in Rohatas district commonly known as “Rice Bowl of Bihar”. The survey findings highlights that marketable surplus directly escalates with increase in farm size. Factors such as family consumption, wages in kind and animal feed reduced the amount of surplus available for marketing. The disposal pattern clearly indicates that due to shortage of proper storage facilities, transportation and credit facilities a large number of farmers vend their produce to village traders immediately after the harvest. Proper technological developments are key to increase the marketable surplus in the area."
"Institutional Instruments of Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic Integration"
Authors: Liapa Mykola
Published: July 2022

"The article is devoted to improving the Euro-Atlantic integration of Ukraine. The authors investigated the main stages and the current state of the Euro-Atlantic integration of the state and outlined the institutional mechanisms for implementing state policy Ukraine-NATO. The authors elaborated on the main mechanisms of implementation and the Euro-Atlantic course of the state in the context of each of the ministries responsible for implementing the provisions of the Association Agreement identified “weaknesses”, analyzed the experience of countries, and proposed institutional tools for Ukraine’s Euro-Atlantic integration. The study has a significant political impact and contributes to the stable development of the state, maintaining the institutional and legal foundation for further reforms and continuing a coherent and consistent state policy in the field of Euro-Atlantic integration after the change of Parliament and E-Government."
"Economic Feasibility of Capsicum Cultivation Under Greenhouse Condition – A Case Study"
Authors: Reddy Nalla Bhanu Prakash
Published: July 2022

"Greenhouse cultivation is one of the most promising emerging technologies in vegetable or flower crops, ensuring high quality and quantity. It also ensures year-round production of vegetables with high value in the market, particularly during the off-season. However, cost is the major concern in this technology. The present study focuses on the economic viability of capsicum cultivation under a naturally ventilated medium-cost greenhouse equipped with drip facility. The study was undertaken in the semi-arid region, a village called Saidapur of Sangareddy district near Hyderabad. The primary data were collected directly from the farmer through personal interview. The detailed data required for further evaluation were generated by the cost-accounting method. The feasibility of production under greenhouse was examined with the help of project evaluation methods such as Pay Back Period (PBP), Net Present Worth (NPW), Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), and Internal Rate of Returns (IRR). The actual worth of economic inputs with subsidy component (75%) provided by the Government was considered for detailed evaluation purposes. The capsicum cultivation under the greenhouse by availing above said subsidy was found highly feasible as indicated from shorter pay-back period, larger net-present worth, benefit-cost ratio of more than unity and IRR more than usual rate of interest of bank loans. However, the results also indicated that capsicum cultivation under a greenhouse without subsidy is not feasible economically."