bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrative analysis reveals cryptic speciation linked to habitat differentiation within Albanian populations of the anomalous blues (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae, Polyommatus Latreille, 1804)
Authors: Parmentier Laurian , Vila Roger , Lukhtanov Vladimir
Published: November 2022

The Balkan Peninsula is one of the greatest hotspots for biodiversity in Europe. While the region has been investigated thoroughly, some parts remain understudied and may still harbour undiscovered diversity, even in well-studied organisms such as Lepidoptera. Here we investigated the group of the so-called anomalous blue butterflies, also known as ‘brown complex’ of the subgenus Agrodiaetus Hübner, 1822 including the taxa of the entire Polyommatus aroaniensis (Brown, 1976) species complex. This species complex is distributed in the southern part of the Balkan Peninsula and known to be represented by three closely related allopatric species, differentiated by their chromosome numbers (n) and mitochondrial (mt) DNA. These are P. aroaniensis sensu stricto (Southern Greece, Peloponnese, n=47–48; mt haplogroup aroa1), P. timfristos Lukhtanov, Vishnevskaya et Shapoval, 2016 (Central Greece, Attika, n=38, aroa2) and P. orphicus Kolev, 2005 (North-Eastern Greece, Southern Bulgaria, n=41–42, orph1).

Based on an analysis of chromosomal, molecular and morphological markers, we demonstrate that a fourth taxon of this species complex exists in Albania. This taxon possesses the mt haplogroup aroa3, which is the most differentiated within the entire P. aroaniensis species complex, and the karyotype (n=42–43), which differs by one fixed chromosome fission from P. orphicus. The Albanian taxon seems to be ecologically specialised (habitat on dark-coloured, ophiolitic substrate soils) and differs in colouration (wing reflectance) from the others taxa of the P. aroaniensis species group. Based on the evidence here presented and following the current view of the taxonomy of the group, we propose considering the Albanian taxon as a new species, here described as Polyommatus luraesp. nov. At the contact zone between the new species and P. orphicus, in addition to typical ones, we detected specimens with haplogroup orph2, karyotype n=43 and intermediate morphology, which seem to represent P. lurae × P. orphicus hybrids.
Notulae to the Italian flora of algae, bryophytes, fungi and lichens: 14
Authors: Ravera Sonia , Puglisi Marta , Vizzini Alfredo , Totti Cecilia , Aleffi Michele , Bacilliere Giulia , Benesperi Renato , Bianchi Elisabetta , Boccardo Fabrizio , Bolpagni Rossano , von Brackel Wolfgang , Canali Giulia , Celli Giulia , Cogoni Annalena , De Giuseppe Antonio B. , Di Natale Stefano , Di Nuzzo Luca , Dovana Francesco , Gheza Gabriele , Giordani Paolo , Giorgi Carlo Maria , Giugia Daniele , Iberite Mauro , Isocrono Deborah , Malíček Jiří , Mayrhofer Helmut , Muscioni Marco , Nascimbene Juri , Nimis Pier Luigi , Ongaro Silvia , Passalacqua Nicodemo G. , Piccardo Pino , Poponessi Silvia , Prieto Álvaro María , Prosser Filippo , Puntillo Domenico , Santi Francesco , Scassellati Elisabetta , Schultz Matthias , Sciandrello Saverio , Sicoli Giovanni , Soldano Adriano , Tiburtini Manuel , Vallese Chiara
Published: November 2022

In this contribution, new data concerning bryophytes, fungi and lichens of the Italian flora are presented. It includes new records and confirmations for the algal genus Chara, for the bryophyte genera Bryum, Grimmia, Cephaloziella, Hypnum, Nogopterium, Physcomitrium, Polytrichastrum, Rhynchostegiella, Saelania, and Schistostega, the fungal genera Cortinarius, Lentinellus, Omphalina, and Xerophorus, and the lichen genera Acarospora, Agonimia, Candelariella, Cladonia, Graphis, Gyalolechia, Hypogymnia, Lichinella, Megalaria, Nephroma, Ochrolechia, Opegrapha, Peltigera, Placidium, Ramalina, Rhizoplaca, Ropalospora, Strangospora, Toniniopsis, Usnea, and Zahlbrucknerella.
A systematic review of breast milk microbiota composition and the evidence for transfer to and colonisation of the infant gut
Authors: Edwards C.A. , Van Loo-Bouwman C.A. , Van Diepen J.A. , Schoemaker M.H. , Ozanne S.E. , Venema K. , Stanton C. , Marinello V. , Rueda R. , Flourakis M. , Gil A. , Van der Beek E.M.
Published: November 2022

The intestinal microbiota plays a major role in infant health and development. However, the role of the breastmilk microbiota in infant gut colonisation remains unclear. A systematic review was performed to evaluate the composition of the breastmilk microbiota and evidence for transfer to/colonisation of the infant gut. Searches were performed using PUBMED, OVID, LILACS and PROQUEST from inception until 18th March 2020 with a PUBMED update to December 2021. 88 full texts were evaluated before final critique based on study power, sample contamination avoidance, storage, purification process, DNA extraction/analysis, and consideration of maternal health and other potential confounders. Risk of skin contamination was reduced mainly by breast cleaning and rejecting the first milk drops. Sample storage, DNA extraction and bioinformatics varied. Several studies stored samples under conditions that may selectively impact bacterial DNA preservation, others used preculture reducing reliability. Only 15 studies, with acceptable sample size, handling, extraction, and bacterial analysis, considered transfer of bacteria to the infant. Three reported bacterial transfer from infant to breastmilk. Despite consistent evidence for the breastmilk microbiota, and recent studies using improved methods to investigate factors affecting its composition, few studies adequately considered transfer to the infant gut providing very little evidence for effective impact on gut colonisation.
Safety assessment and characterisation of Ligilactobacillus salivarius PS21603 as potential feed additive for swine
Authors: Cuevas-Gómez I. , de Andrés J. , Cardenas N. , Espinosa-Martos I. , Jiménez E.
Published: November 2022

The present study aimed to characterise in vitro properties of the strain Ligilactobacillus salivarius PS21603 and evaluate in vivo piglets’ tolerance for its use as feed additive in swine. The ability of L. salivarius PS21603 of inhibiting enteropathogens’ growth in vitro was evaluated using a co-culture assay. Low pH tolerance, bile tolerance, and resistance to osmotic changes were evaluated. The antibiotic susceptibility profile of L. salivarius PS21603 was assessed through broth microdilution method. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed to exclude the presence of antibiotic resistance genes. L. salivarius PS21603 showed a high antimicrobial activity in vitro, reducing in a mean of 6.16 log cfu/ml eight different enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strains. Moreover, L. salivarius PS21603 showed resistance to osmotic changes and was able to survive to a pH above 3.5 during 24 h and up to pH 2 at least during 2 h. In addition, WGS revealed that L. salivarius PS21603 did not harbour any resistance genes and thus there was no risk of transmissibility. Finally, an in vivo 28-days safety and tolerance study was performed. For that, 384 healthy piglets (28±2 days old and 7.5±1.5 kg, at weaning) were divided into three treatment groups receiving a different dose of L. salivarius PS21603: T1, 109 cfu/day; T2, 107 cfu/day; T3, control. Piglet’s health status was daily controlled. Individual bodyweight and feed intake per pen were weekly recorded to determine performance parameters. Blood samples were collected in 16 piglets from each treatment group on days 0 and 28 for determination of cytokine profiles. L. salivarius PS21603 was safe and well tolerated by piglets, there were no differences in performance nor cytokine profile between treatment groups. In conclusion, L. salivarius PS21603 is a potential candidate for a probiotic prevention strategy against pig diarrhoea.
Effect of virtual reality training on standing balance in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury
Authors: Walia S. , Kumar P. , Kataria C.
Published: November 2022

Recovery of balance ability during standing is one of the primary and essential aims of rehabilitative programs in individuals with incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI). A sample of ten participants (mean age: 35.7 years, range: 25-63 years) with traumatic or non-traumatic iSCI (AIS grade C or D) and were able to stand with or without the support of an assistive device for a minimum of 2 min were recruited from the rehabilitation department of the Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi, India. The participants received Virtual Reality (VR) based balance training for one hour, three times a week for four weeks on the Nintendo Wii gaming console. Participants were assessed three times: pre-intervention, post-intervention and follow-up assessment for the total ellipse area (TEA), total sway perimeter (TSP), sway range (anterior-posterior/medio-lateral (AP/ML)) and limits of stability (LOS). At post-intervention assessment, significant increases in comparison with pre-intervention scores was found in LOS (P=0.00), TEA with eyes open (EO) (P=0.00) and eyes closed (EC) (P=0.00), TSP with EO (P=0.00) and EC (P=0.00), sway range in AP direction (SD-AP) with EO (P=0.01) and EC (P=0.02) and sway range in ML direction (SD-ML) with EO (P=0.02) and EC (P=0.01). At follow-up assessment, a significant improvement in comparison to post intervention scores was found in TEA measured both in EO (P=0.01) and EC conditions (P=0.02), TSP measured with EO (P=0.01) and SD-ML both with EO (P=0.04) and EC (P=0.01). No significant changes were found in LOS (P=0.89), TSP measured with EC (P=0.38) and SD-AP both with EO (P=0.50) and EC (P=1). However, significant improvement was seen on comparing follow-up assessment scores with pre-intervention scores for all variables, such as LOS (P=0.00), TEA in EO (P=0.00) and EC (P=0.00), TSP with EO (P=0.00) and EC (P=0.00), SD-AP with EO (P=0.01) and EC (P=0.02) and SD-ML with EO (P=0.01) and EC (P=0.00). VR-based balance training intervention was able to elicit improvements in balance ability and maintain it during follow-up despite a small training dosage suggesting that it is a promising intervention for standing balance rehabilitation among individuals with iSCI. The VR-based balance training challenges elements of balance, which physical therapists may want to consider when designing a comprehensive rehabilitation program.

Clinical Trials Registry-India: CTRI/2018/12/016814.
Giant Retinal Tears: Long-Term Outcomes of Fellow Eyes
Authors: Sengillo Jesse D. , Smiddy William E. , Yannuzzi Nicolas A. , Flynn Harry W. ,   the Giant Retinal Tear Study Group
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Determine clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of fellow eyes for patients with prior repair of rhegmatogenous retinal detachments due to a giant retinal tear (GRT).

STUDY DESIGN:

Retrospective case series of patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery between January 2005 and August 2017 for GRT at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute with a minimum of one year of follow-up information. Patients with a traumatic or post-vitrectomy GRT were excluded. Main outcome measures: Visual acuity and rate of retinal events in fellow eyes.

RESULTS:

The study group included 51 patients; 40 others were excluded due to having less than one year of follow-up (
n
= 27), a history of inciting trauma (
n
= 11), or a GRT occurring post-vitrectomy (
n
= 2). The mean age was 49.9 years (range 14 to 81) and mean follow-up duration was 6.9 years (range 1 to 16). During the follow-up interval, prophylactic laser retinopexy was performed in 5 fellow eyes for retinal breaks (9.8%) and in one fellow eye with a progressing retinoschisis cavity (2.0%). One patient had a previous history of a retinal break in the fellow eye. Vitreoretinal surgery was performed in 6 (11.8%) fellow eyes for rhegmatogenous retinal detachments, of which one was caused by a GRT. Three patients (5.9%) already had a retinal detachment repair in the fellow eye prior to presentation and one patient presented with bilateral giant retinal tear associated retinal detachments (GRT-RDs) at the initial visit. Overall, there was a retinal event in 33.3% of fellow eyes. Myopia was the most commonly documented associated factor (31%), followed by lattice degeneration (22%), and known or suspected inherited vitreoretinopathy (4%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Retinal tears and/or detachments were encountered relatively frequently in the fellow eye of patients with a history of GRT-RD during follow-up, but the rate of GRTs in the fellow eye (4%) was below what has been generally reported in the literature. Regular dilated fundus exams are warranted for patients with a history of GRT.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
2022;53:619–625.]
Iatrogenic Paracentral Visual Field Defect After Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Macula-On Retinal Detachment Repair
Authors: Young Kelly Z. , Pan Warren W. , Young Benjamin K. , Wubben Thomas J.
Published: November 2022

Perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) is an important adjunct in pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for complex retinal detachment (RD). Complete removal of PFCL is critical to prevent retinal inflammation and cellular toxicity, but removal is not risk-free. We report a case of a new postoperative onset paracentral visual field defect after PPV with PFCL use for treatment of a macula-on RD. We present pre- and postoperative imaging that suggests a likely perioperative iatrogenic cause.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
2022;53:644–646.]
Direct connection between Navier and spherical harmonic kernels in elasticity
Authors: Labropoulou Dimitra , Vafeas Panayiotis , Dassios George
Published: November 2022

Linear isotropic elasticity is an interesting branch of continuum mechanics, described by the fundamental laws of Hooke and Newton, which are combined in order to construct the governing generalized Navier equation of the displacement within any material. Implying time-independence and in the absence of external body forces, the latter is reduced to the corresponding form of a homogeneous second-order partial differential equation, whose solution is given via the Papkovich differential representation, which expresses the displacement field in terms of harmonic functions. On the other hand, spherical geometry provides the most widely used framework in real-life applications, concerning interior and exterior problems in elasticity. The present work aims to provide a little progress, by producing ready-to-use basic functions for linear isotropic elasticity in spherical coordinates. Hence, we calculate the Papkovich eigensolutions, generated by the spherical harmonic eigenfunctions, obtaining connections between Navier and spherical harmonic kernels. A set of useful results are provided at the end of the paper in the form of examples, regarding the evaluation of displacement field inside and outside a sphere.
Improving Academic Writing with a Method for Text Revision Supported by Text Mining
Authors: De Oliveira Simone , Reategui Eliseo , da Silva Campelo Costa Barcellos Patricia , Bigolin Marcio , Carniato do Amaral Michel
Published: November 2022

In spite of the undisputed importance of writing, especially in the learning context of higher education, we still find many students with difficulties to write, present arguments, and keep their writing coherent. Therefore, this research aims to investigate how a learning tool with text mining functions can support students in the process of academic writing, based on certain criteria for text analysis. A quasi-experimental study with control and experimental groups was carried out in order to evaluate the tool's capacity to help students revise and improve their texts. The experimental group had access to the mining tool, which guided them in the revision of global features of their texts according to four principles: continuity, congruency, progression and non-contradiction. A group of lecturers corrected the students’ tasks using the same correction grid. Results showed that the students who used the mining tool achieved higher grades when compared to the students who did not use it. Providing one-to-one support for the revision of certain text facets at the global level has been one of the main contributions of this research.
IoT-Based Intelligent Gas Leakage Detection and Fire Protection System
Authors: Islam Gazi Zahirul , Hossain Md. Mobarak , Faruk Md. , Nur Fernaz Narin , Hasan Nayeem , Khan Md. Khalid Mahbub , Tumpa Zerin Nasrin
Published: November 2022

Gas Leakage and its fatal effects are a great concern throughout the world, especially in developing countries like Bangladesh. Every year lots of people died and countless damages to assets occur due to the fire caused by the gas leakage. Not only that but gas leakage and explosion are also very harmful to the climate. Thus, a system to detect gas leakage and preventive measures is of utmost importance. In this project, we design and implement an intelligent IoT prototype to detect gas leakage, and the fire caught by gas leakage. Our goal is to minimize the effect of gas leakage by taking some protective measures. When the gas sensor, detects the gas leakage, the solenoid valve shuts off the gas line, and the exhaust fan starts to run. Again, when the flame sensor detects a fire, the sucker throws the fire extinguisher balls to the fire. The GSM SIM module notifies the user by sending a message to his smartphone. The buzzer sounds when a mishap occurs and the LCD monitor always shows the status of the system. In this way, we have efficiently designed and implemented a low-cost and intelligent gas leak detection and fire suppression system.
Developing an Android-Based Mobile App to Solve Transportation Issues
Authors: Salama Ramiz , Jabbar Azhar Abdul
Published: November 2022

Transportation is extremely important in society's day-to-day operations. A major portion of the working class in most cities go to work and school regularly. Commuting can be used for a variety of reasons, including relaxation, dining out, and other activities. Land transportation, which includes the use of both individual and commercial cars, is the most frequent mode of transportation in North Cyprus, particularly in emerging cities... Commercial transportation, on the other hand, has a significant cost benefit over having a personal vehicle. Taxis are becoming increasingly popular, particularly in the cities of Nicosia, Famagusta, and Karenina. Before, the institutions providing such services were unable to reach as many people as they would have liked, particularly in rural areas. Given the widespread use of smartphones in this area, there is an urgency to reach more customers while taking care of the existing ones. Some businesses in North Cyprus have implemented mobile applications to be used by their consumers, but North Cab Taxi is still a work in progress. Instead, the company uses a Web-based cab reservation system. North Cab has realized the necessity for a smartphone version of its cab booking service for it to keep a competitive step above its competition.
Protocole de préparation et de republication des données du BRGM sur les formations à silicites
Authors: Tufféry Christophe , Delvigne Vincent , Fernandes Paul , Garniaux Jérémy
Published: November 2022

Les données sont issues des travaux de quatre PCR : « Réseau de lithothèques en Centre-Val-de-Loire », « Réseau de lithothèques en Nouvelle Aquitaine » « Réseau de lithothèques en Auvergne Rhône-Alpes » « Les Silicites Cénozoïques d’Ile de France » et du GDR « SILEX ». Ces travaux s’appuient sur une méthode commune de production et de validation. Elles permettent une description harmonisée des formations à silicites par départements à partir des données de la Bd Charm-50 du BRGM (source : site Infoterre1). Les données sont également consultables depuis un logiciel de SIG sous la forme de webservices de type WFS (ArcGis Feature Service).
Leadership Competencies for Digital Transformation
Authors: Megahed Nada
Published: November 2022

Leadership competencies are the knowledge, skills, and abilities that leaders must possess to perform their jobs proficiently. The current existing literature on leadership competencies is mainly focusing on “generic” competencies, such as: accountability, managing diversity, delegation, and decision making. Such competencies are no doubt important, yet, in the era of the digital transformation (DT), organizations require revolutionary changes to sustain themselves and remain competitive. The key drivers behind those changes might be surging customer expectations, engaging people with digital transformation, facing unprecedented competition, or even coping with exponential technological development. Those changes call for strong leadership at the helm to lead this digital transformation impactfully, however, leadership competencies required to lead DT are still unclear. Does classical leadership competencies holds true for those leaders who are leading digital transformation? Are those competencies enough to lead DT initiatives in organizations? This chapter seeks to answer those questions.
Sustainability of the School Leadership in the Digital Era Under the Shadow of Crisis
Authors: Atasoy Ramazan
Published: November 2022

Today, ‘innovative era' paradigm waves of 4th Industrial Revolution (4thIR) have deeply changed and prominently affected many lifestyles, organizational structures, and job profiles, including educational setting which cannot be considered independent from the environment, institutions, and their school leaders. In this digital era where the lifestyle has been reshaped, school systems and leadership should be redesigned expediently. This chapter aims to shed light on school leadership's unpredictability and uncertainty under the shadow of the Covid-19 crisis that will possibly overtake all parameters that were known before on the topic. In this paradigmatic change, school leaders' behaviors have been playing a pivotal role in school improvement, revealing the vision and mission of the school. However, Covid-19 pandemic has turned all the known facts about school and face-to-face education upside down. In this context, school leaders have had to take precautions setting directions and improving teaching and learning environment for sustainable educational development.
Entrepreneurial Opportunities in Metaverse
Authors: Inder Shivani
Published: November 2022

The Metaverse offers an evolving landscape for extending the virtual, augmented, and extended reality on one hand, and overlapping such technologies with the real world on the other hand. Metaverse brings an immersive internet space at the tipping point of transforming the internet and influences the interaction of virtual and real worlds. This transformative impact will be exhibited across different dimensions of business and offer a wide range of entrepreneurial opportunities for entrepreneurs. This chapter discusses the entrepreneurial opportunities offered by metaverse across different sectors like digital marketing, advertisements, games, education, tourism, etc., which would reduce social inequalities and transform business.
Religion and Consumer Attitude
Authors: Bhalla Pretty , Goyal Shikha , Zafar Sayeed
Published: November 2022

This chapter revolves around conceptual discussion on religion, culture, and consumer attitude already existing in literature and then how it has evolved and changed over time. This chapter further unfolds the cohesiveness of these three dimensions towards purchase intention of diversified range of products. It explains how business exploits the mind set of consumers by inculcating religious/cultural aspect to its product and promotion and how religious preaching set a boundary in the thought process of consumers for not adopting certain categories of products. Also, the role of religious beliefs in the decline of business or in increasing the market value of products or brands will be discussed with real illustrations. Overall, this chapter is about how religion impacts consumer attitude in adopting and consuming products along with the impact of innovation adoption on diminishing boundaries of religious practices.
Understanding the Power of Sensory Marketing in Wine Culture Promotion
Authors: Yu Poshan , Bobik Melanie , Zhou Yujie , Wang Heyun
Published: November 2022

This chapter aims to study whether and how sensory marketing helps promote wine culture in China. Firstly, we will look into the nature of the alcohol industry in China, give an updated portrait of the main players and typical consumers, and investigate the possibilities of local liquor and international wine brands to apply sensory marketing in order to increase the consumption of alcoholic beverages. Secondly, the relevance of sensory marketing to the wine industry in scientific literature will be analyzed by a citation analysis. Thirdly, case studies will be considered and qualitative analysis performed to evaluate the impacts of sensory marketing strategies in wine promotion. An online survey was conducted in order to determine the market potential for imported wines among young consumers and their interest in sensory marketing activities.
Reconstructive, Systematic, and Evolutionary Profiles of the Right to Health
Authors: Carrozzino Paolo
Published: November 2022

The paper aims to analyze the right to health, as enshrined in Article 32 of the Italian Constitution, by examining the rulings of the Constitutional Court; in particular, the jurisprudential data, investigated in parallel with the doctrinal one, will allow to reconstruct historically (starting from the discussion that took place in the Constituent Assembly) and systematically the evolution of the social law in question. Specific analysis will be reserved for the exegesis of Article 32 of the Constitution, the problem relating to the costs of the social right to health, the primacy of medical science with respect to the intervention of the legislator in the therapeutic field, and the relationship between the right to health and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Application of a modified Poisson model in identifying factors associated with prevalence of pregnancy termination among women aged 15 – 49 years in Uganda
Authors: Mwebesa Edson , Nakafeero Mary , Guwatudde David , Mbona Tumwesigye Nazarius
Published: November 2022

Background: Abortion in Uganda is illegal, only permitted when it places the pregnant mother at risk. This study aimed to apply the modified Poisson model in identifying factors associated with the prevalence of pregnancy termination among women of reproductive age in Uganda.

Methods: The 2016 Uganda Demographic Health Survey (UDHS) data were used in this study. More than 18,000 women of the age of 15 – 49 years participated in this study. A modified Poisson model that incorporated sampling weights was used to establish the factors associated with pregnancy termination.

Results: In Uganda, 18,506 (18.1%) had ever had a pregnancy terminated. The results revealed that, the woman’s age [APR = 3.15, 95% CI: 2.72-3.63], being married [APR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.40-1.71], mass media exposure [APR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.08-1.29], working status [APR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.09-1.35], and having visited a health facility [APR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.10-1.31] were positively significantly associated with likelihood of pregnancy termination.

Conclusion: There exists a significant proportion of women who have had their pregnancies terminated in Uganda. It is observed that woman’s age, marital status, mass media exposure, having visited a health facility in the last 12 months and working status were main predictors. Based on these results, researchers concluded that the emphasis should be put on improving access to post-abortion care, contraceptive use and media exposure.

Keywords: Abortion; Pregnancy termination; maternal mortality; Poisson; Contraceptive; Radio.
An examination of variables associated with breast cancer early detection behaviors of women
Authors: Kayan Sultan , Ozen Cinar Ilgun
Published: November 2022

Background: Breast cancer is a worldwide common public health problem, and it is quite important to know the factors preventing the early detection behaviors to fight against it.

Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the effect of some sociodemographic variables associated with women's breast cancer detection behaviors and their breast cancer knowledge and fear levels.

Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted with 363 women aged 40-69 who had presented to Cancer Early Diagnosis and Education Centers (CEDEC).

Results: The average age of women is 54.8±7.1. The mean score of breast cancer knowledge (CBCKT) was found as 10.72±2.34, and the breast cancer fear score was found as 27.6±6.5. The percentage of women who regularly breast self-examination (BSE) was 17.4%, clinical breast examination (CBE) was 13.5% and mammography was 42.7%. BSE and having a higher education correlated 6.25-fold. A 6.5-fold correlation was found between BSE and having a family history of breast cancer, and a 6.24-fold correlation between BSE and having information about breast cancer. In CBE, the related variables that affected women receiving information 4.42 times and going to CEDEC 5.3 times. It was found that employment (4.58) of women affected the mammography detection behavior mostly. While women's CBCKT score affected BSE behavior 1.16 times, fear of breast cancer was a variable that affected mammography behavior 2.1 times. It was determined that high CBCKT scores of women increased BSE behaviors 1.16 times, and high breast cancer fear scores increased mammography behavior 2.1 times.

Conclusions: Early detection practices of women are not sufficient in our study. An increase in the knowledge level of women and consideration of the variables determined to be effective in early detection behaviors will allow increasing detection behavior.

Keywords: Breast cancer fear; breast cancer knowledge; early detection; mammography.
Comorbid anxiety and depression among women receiving care for breast cancer: analysis of prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Kugbey Nuworza
Published: November 2022

Background: Living with breast cancer has been associated with increased risk for common mental health problems including depression and anxiety. However, the prevalence of comorbid anxiety and depression (CAD) and their associated factors havereceived little attention especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) including Ghana.

Objectives: This study examined the prevalence of CAD and its correlates in the context of breast cancer.

Methods: Participants were 205 women receiving care for breast cancer at a Tertiary Hospital in Ghana. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and socio-demographic questionnaires were administered to the participants.

Results: Findings from the study showed that the prevalence of CAD, anxiety and depression was 29.4%, 48.5% and 37.3% respectively. CAD was significantly predicted by patients’ English language reading ability, shared decision making and good doctor-patient relationship. Anxiety was significantly predicted by shared decision making and good doctor-patient relationship whereas depression was significantly predicted educational status, patients’ English language reading ability, shared decision making and good doctor-patient relationship.

Conclusion: The findings suggest relatively high prevalence of comorbid anxiety and depression which could negatively impact breast cancer treatment outcomes and therefore, improved interpersonal relationships between doctors and their patients as well as literacy skills are warranted.

Keywords: Breast cancer; depression; anxiety; doctor-patient relationship; shared decision making; Ghana.
The Knowledge of Palliative Care among Geriatric Home Staff in Jordan
Authors: M Saleh Ahmad , M Alrawaili Saud , A El-Sakhawy Mohamed , Kamal Abdelbasset Walid
Published: November 2022

Background: Palliative care in nursing homes (NHS) is a major challenge, because it gives the demands of the knowledge and skills of nursing staff to provide high-quality care.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of palliative care among nursing home staff.

Methods: A descriptive study design was used, 124 nurses, aged over 30 years and most of them were male working in the nursing home in Jordan. Around 109 participants were responded to the questionnaire. All licensed nurses were included in the study, except of that will be excluded. The knowledge of palliative care was measured via the palliative care survey. knowledge scores were ranged 0–1, with higher scores indicate greater knowledge.

Results: Descriptive statistics was used. The Knowledge of palliative care issues is 0.21 in Jordan (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.19-0.24). Knowledge of physical aspects that can contribute to pain is 0.22 (95% CI 0.2-0.25), and knowledge of psychological aspects that can contribute to pain is 0.21 (95% CI 0.2-0.22).

Conclusion: Education for nursing staff needs to be enhanced to address the specific knowledge gaps. Additional studies with large sample size recommended to explore the effect of educational programs in regard of palliative care in nursing homes.

Keywords: Knowledge; Palliative Care; Palliative Medicine; Nursing Staff; Cross-Sectional Study; Life Support Care.
The delay in the diagnosis and treatment of newly diagnosed bladder cancer patients during COVID 19 pandemic
Authors: Dogan Cagri , Murat Yazici Cenk , Murat Akgül Haci , Cinar Onder , Ateş Hüseyin , Yaz İlyas
Published: November 2022

Background: To evaluate the newly diagnosed bladder cancer(BC) patients during the pandemic period and compare them with the corresponding last4 years.

Objectives: To document the time schedules of BC patient evaluation and define the possible delays and investigate the reasons.

Methods: Newly diagnosed BC patients who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumour in the last5 years were retrospectively included to study.The patients were divided into 5 groups.Group-1 was composed of patients diagnosed betweenMarch, 1,2016 -March-1,2017. The patients who were diagnosed in the further corresponding years formed group 2,3 and 4. The last group(Group-5) was composed of patients who were diagnosed during the pandemic period which was between March,1,2020 and March,1,2021. The clinicodemographic properties and diagnostic time schedules of the patients were compared between the groups.

Results: There were56 patients in Group-1,60 patients in Group-2,61 patients in Group-3,68 patients in Group-4,and58 patients inGroup-5. The mean hospital admission period was 102.5±179.0days during the pandemic period which ranged between24.5±32.0 and38.3±69.1days before thepandemic.(p=0.002)The diagnosis-anesthesia period was significantly higher during the pandemic pandemic period.(p=0.034)

Conclusions: The pandemic period has caused some delays in the diagnosis and treatment of BC patients. Telemonitoring systems may be useful to prevent the possible diagnostic and treatment delays for newly diagnosed BC patients.

Keywords: COVİD-19; bladder cancer; pandemic; treatment.
Examination of exercise benefit/barrier perceptions of individuals with diabetes and affecting factors
Authors: Ersin Fatma , Tülüce Derya , Enzin Fatih
Published: November 2022

Background: Exercise, which is one of the health promotion behaviors, is extremely important in healthy life. This study was conducted to examine exercise benefit/barrier perceptions of individuals with diabetes and influencing factors.

Method: This descriptive study was conducted in the Endocrine Polyclinics of a University Hospital with 285 individuals with Type 2 Diabetes between January and June 2020.

Results: In this study, the average score of the exercise benefits subscale was 61.69 +14.79, the barriers subscale was 35.83 + 5.99, and the total score of the exercise benefits/barriers scale was 99.79 + 12.58. The total self-efficacy scale score was reported to be 59.74 + 9.46. A significant relationship was reported between the total mean score of the exercise benefits/barriers scale and having the opportunity to exercise, exercising regularly, and having a disease that prevents exercising. A significant difference was reported between the total mean score of the self-efficacy scale and the regular exercise status.

Conclusion: Because of this study, the number of individuals who regularly exercised is insufficient, the mean exercise benefits/barriers scale score is not at the desired level, and exercise benefit/barrier perceptions are positively affected by the self-efficacy level.

Keywords: Individuals with diabetes; exercise benefit/barrier.
Effect of atrial septal dilation tumor and patent foramen rotundus on cryptogenic ischemic stroke in young and middle-aged patients
Authors: Ling Tengtao , Xie Dongxing
Published: November 2022

Objective: To investigate the effect of atrial septal aneurysm (ASA) and patent foramen ovale (PFO) on cryptogenic ischemic stroke in young and middle-aged patients.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted to select 96 young and middle-aged patients with cryptogenic ischemic stroke in the Department of Neurology of our hospital from January 2015 to January 2020 (observation group). A total of 192 patients with non-ischemic stroke were selected as the control group. The clinicadata and transthoracic echocardiography (cTTE) results were compared between the two groups.

Results: The ASA depth and tumor wall thickness in the observation group were 15.50 (12.40, 19.80) mm and 3.90 (2.80,4.50) mm, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group ( P < 0.05 ). Logistic regression analysis showed that PFO, and PFO combined with ASA were the influencing factors of cryptogenic ischemic stroke in middle-aged and young people OR = 1.923 and 1.384, P < 0.05 ).

Conclusion: Atrial septal aneurysm combined with PFO and PFO are independent influencing factors factor for the occurrence of cryptogenic ischemic stroke in young and middle-aged people, which is worthy of further study.

Keywords: Atrial septal aneurysm; Cryptogenic ischemic stroke; Influencing factors; Patent foramen ovale; Young and middle-aged.
Influence and significance of bilateral upper-extremity training on recovery of upper-extremity motor function for hemiplegic patients with mild-moderate cerebral apoplexy: a randomised controlled study
Authors: Li Hongmei , Han Yuanyuan , Sheng Feng , Kong Fanliang , Dong Jing
Published: November 2022

Background: The recovery of coordination ability of both hands is conductive to improving the activity of daily living for hemiplegic patients.

Objective: To explore the influence and significance of bilateral upper-extremity training on recovery of upper-extremity motor function for hemiplegic patients with mild-moderate cerebral apoplexy.

Methods: Patients were divided into control group and experimental group. The patients in the control group only exercised the upper limbs on the affected side, while the patients in the experimental group exercised the upper limbs on both sides. The Fugl Mayer Assessment Upper Extremity Scale (FMA-UE), Upper Extermities Functional Test (UEFT), modified Barthel index (MBI) and Brunnstrom scores were evaluated in the two groups before and after treatment.

Results: After four weeks, six weeks and eight weeks of treatment, scores of FMA-UE, UEFT, MBI and Brunnstrom for patients increased with the extension of training time, and FMA-UE, UEFT, MBI and Brunnstrom scores for patients of the two groups after four weeks six weeks and eight weeks of treatment showed a significant difference (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The improvement of upper-extremity motor function can be facilitated via relatively conventional training of bilateral upper-extremity training adopted by hemiplegic patients with mild-moderate cerebral apoplexy.

Keywords: Mild-Moderate Cerebral Apoplexy; Bilateral Upper-Extremity Training; Upper-Extremity Motor Function.
Empagliflozin for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Tang Xue , Zhang Huaping , Wang Xin , Yang Dan
Published: November 2022

The efficacy of empagliflozin for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease remains controversial. This meta-analysis aims to explore the influence of empagliflozin versus placebo on the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and we have searched PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through July 2021 for related randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Three RCTs involving 212 patients are included in the meta-analysis. Compared with control group for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, empagliﬂozin treatment has no improvement in controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) score, hepatic steatosis and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) score, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), low density lipoprotein (LDL) or triglyceride (TG). These indicate that empagliflozin treatment may be not effective for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Keywords: Empagliflozin; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; randomized controlled trials; meta-analysis.
Physiotherapy management of a rare variant of Guillain Barre Syndrome, acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) along with COVID-19 in a 35-year-old male –a case report
Authors: Vishnuram Surya , Abathsagayam Kumaresan , Suganthirababu Prathap
Published: November 2022

Introduction: COVID-19 emerged as a novel pandemic with serious illness. Acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy, a Guillain-Barré syndrome variant also results in ventilator support, and bed-ridden state. Presence of COVID-19 along with GBS will cause serious complications if left untreated.

Objective: To report the effect of physiotherapy in acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy along with COVID-19 in Intensive care unit.

Case description: A 35-year-old-male with AMSAN, alcoholic hepatitis, and hyponatremia, came with paraparesis, ventilated due to poor oxygen saturation, diagnosed to have COVID-19, reduced muscle power in right wrist extensors, hand grip and diaphragm.

Method: 30 minutes physiotherapy session, thrice a day for a period of 4 weeks. The vital signs were taken as a primary outcome measure. Medical Research Council muscle power grading and Hughes functional grading scale were taken as secondary outcomes. All the outcome measures were assessed for 4 weeks.

Results: The 4 weeks of physiotherapy program show significant improvements on health status, muscle power, and functional status of an AMSAN patient with COVID 19.

Conclusion: From the results, it can be concluded that physiotherapy will be beneficial in AMSAN patients with COVID-19 in Intensive care units and further studies have to declare evidence-based practice.

Keywords: Acute motor-sensory axonal neuropathy; Intensive care unit; COVID-19; Gullian Barre syndrome.
Impact of COVID-19 on non-communicable disease management services at selected government health centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen Abiyu , Destaw Zelalem , Derseh Dejene , Gadissa Eshetu , Ali Solomon
Published: November 2022

Background: The global pandemic of COVID-19 forced the world to divert resources and asked the public to shelter-in-place, so the diagnosis surveillance system and management of non-communicable diseases has become more challenging.

Objective: To identify the impact of COVID-19 on non-communicable diseases management services at government health centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods: Health facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from August to September, 2020. A total of 30 health centers were included in this study. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression models were used to assess association between the outcome and independent variables

Results: The majority, 24 (80%), of the study participants perceived that the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted the non-communicable disease management services. There was a statistically significant association between a decrease in outpatient volume at non communicable disease (NCD) management services (25 (83.3%), P-value: 0.006), closure of population level screening programs of NCDs (22 (73.3%), P-value: 0.007), and closure of disease specific NCD clinics and the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic (23 (76.7%), P-value: 0.013).

Conclusion: The most critical health-care services for non-communicable diseases management were severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, during public health emergencies, policymakers should ensure continuation of critical clinical services and inform the public about proper service utilization.

Keywords: COVID-19; non-communicable diseases; Ethiopia.
Knowledge, risk-perception, and uptake of COVID-19 prevention measures in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review
Authors: KB Matovu Joseph , Mulyowa Alex , Akorimo Rogers , Kirumira Daniel
Published: November 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has almost affected the entire globe and is currently in a resurgent phase within the sub-Saharan African region.

Objective: This paper presents results from a scoping review of literature on knowledge, risk-perception, conspiracy theories and uptake of COVID-19 prevention measures in sub-Saharan Africa.

Methods: We used the following search terms: ‘COVID-19’, ‘knowledge’, ‘perceptions’, ‘perspectives’, ‘misconceptions’, ‘conspiracy theories’, ‘practices’ and ‘sub-Saharan Africa’. Basing on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines, we identified 466 articles for review; 36 articles met the inclusion criteria. We extracted data on knowledge, risk-perception, conspiracy theories and uptake of COVID-19 primary prevention measures.

Results: Knowledge of COVID-19 was high (91.3-100%) and associated with age and education; risk-perception was equally high (73.3-86.9%) but varied across studies. Uptake of hand-washing with water and soap or hand-sanitizing ranged between 63-96.4%, but wearing of face masks and social distancing fared poorly (face masks: 2.7%-37%; social distancing: 19-43%).

Conclusion: While knowledge of COVID-19 is nearly universal, uptake of COVID-19 prevention measures remains sub-optimal to defeat the pandemic. These findings suggest a need for continued health promotion to increase uptake of the recommended COVID-19 prevention measures in sub-Saharan Africa.

Keywords: COVID-19; prevention; sub-Saharan Africa.
Ivermectin treatment response in two rural villages with a high prevalence of onchocerciasis and epilepsy, Mahenge Tanzania
Authors: Bhwana Dan , P Mmbando Bruno , Dusabimana Alfred , Mhina Athanas , P Challe Daniel , N Siewe Fodjo Joseph , H Makunde Williams , Colebunders Robert
Published: November 2022

Background: Despite 20 years of ivermectin mass distribution in the Mahenge area, Tanzania, the prevalence of onchocerciasis and epilepsy has remained high in rural villages.

Objectives: We investigated the efficacy of ivermectin in reducing Onchocerca volvulus microfilariae and predictors for parasitic load following ivermectin treatment in persons with (PWE) and without epilepsy (PWOE).

Methods: Between April and September 2019, 50 PWE and 160 randomly selected PWOE from Msogezi and Mdindo villages participated in a follow-up study. Skin snips were obtained pre (baseline) and three months post-ivermectin treatment.

Results: The overall prevalence of O. volvulus positive skin snips at baseline was 49% (103/210), with no significant difference between PWE (58.0%) and PWOE (46.3%); p=0.197. The overall mean microfilarial density was significantly higher at baseline 1.45(95%CI:0.98-2.04)) than three-month post-ivermectin treatment (0.23(95%CI:0.11-0.37), p<0.001. Three months after ivermectin, the microfilarial density had decreased by ≥80% in 54 (81.8%, 95%CI: 72.3-91.4) of the 66 individuals with positive skin snips at baseline. High microfilarial density at baseline was the only significant predictor associated with higher microfilarialdensity in the post-ivermectin skin snips.

Conclusion: Our study reports a decrease in microfilarial density following ivermectin treatment in most individuals. Optimizing ivermectin coverage will address the ongoing onchocerciasis transmission in Mahenge.

Keywords: Onchocerciasis, ivermectin; treatment response, epilepsy; Tanzania.