bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“I don’t know if we’ll ever live in harmony”: a mixed-methods exploration of the unmet needs of Syrian adolescent girls in protracted displacement in Lebanon
Authors: Davison Colleen M. , Watt Hayley , Michael Saja , Bartels Susan A.
Published: October 2021

Background

The current crisis in Syria has led to unprecedented displacement, with neighbouring Lebanon now hosting more than 1.5 million conflict-affected migrants from Syria. In many situations of displacement, adolescent girls are a vulnerable sub-group. This study explores and describes the self-reported unmet needs of Syrian adolescent girls who migrated to Lebanon between 2011 and 2016.

Methods

This mixed-methods study focusing on the unmet needs of adolescent girls was part of a larger research project on child marriage among Syrian migrants in Lebanon. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling in three field locations in Lebanon by locally trained research assistants. One hundred eighty-eight Syrian adolescent girls chose to tell qualitative stories about their own experiences. Using handheld tablets and an application called “Sensemaker” stories were audio-recorded and later transcribed. Participants were asked to then self-interpret their stories by answering specific quantitative survey-type questions. Demographic information was also collected. NVivo was used to undertake deductive coding of the qualitative data using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as an analytic frame.

Results

Among the 188 self-reported stories from adolescent girls, more than half mentioned some form of unmet need. These needs ranged across the five levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy from physiological, safety, belonging, esteem and self-actualization. Nearly two thirds of girls mentioned more than one unmet need and the girls’ expressed needs varied by marital status and time since migration. Unmet esteem needs were expressed in 22% of married, and 72% of unmarried girls. Belongingness needs were expressed by 13% of girls who migrated in the last 1–3 years and 31% of those who migrated in the previous 4–5 years.

Conclusion

Many needs of displaced Syrian adolescent girls remain unmet in this situation of now protracted displacement. Girls most commonly expressed needs for love and belonging followed closely by needs for safety and basic resources. The level and type of unmet need differed by marital status and time since displacement. Unmet needs have been associated elsewhere with physical illness, life dissatisfaction, post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety and even death. These results can inform integrated interventions and services specifically targeting adolescent girls and their families in the protracted migration situation now facing Lebanon.
Association between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and proteinuria in relation to thyroid cyst in a euthyroid general population
Authors: Shimizu Yuji , Nabeshima-Kimura Yuko , Kawashiri Shin-Ya , Noguchi Yuko , Minami Shigeki , Nagata Yasuhiro , Maeda Takahiro , Hayashida Naomi
Published: October 2021

Background

High normal levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) have been reported to be associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) among euthyroid individuals. However, there has been only limited research on the association between TSH and proteinuria, a major risk factor for the progression of renal disease.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 1595 euthyroid individuals was conducted. All participants were within the normal range for free triiodothyronine (T3), free thyroxine (T4), and TSH. Analyses were stratified by thyroid cyst status to test the hypothesis that the absence of thyroid cysts, an indicator of latent thyroid damage, is associated with declining ability to synthesis thyroid hormone.

Results

For participants with thyroid cysts, a significant inverse association between TSH and proteinuria was observed (adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence intervals) of log-transformed TSH for proteinuria 0.40 (0.18, 0.89)). In participants without thyroid cysts, a significant positive association between those two factors was observed (2.06 (1.09, 3.90)).

Conclusions

Among euthyroid individuals in the general population, being in the normal range of TSH was found to have an ambivalent association with proteinuria. Thyroid cyst status could be an effect modifier for those associations.
A victim-centred cost–benefit analysis of a stalking prevention programme
Authors: Tompson Lisa , Belur Jyoti , Jerath Kritika
Published: October 2021

Research suggests that stalking inflicts great psychological and financial costs on victims. Yet costs of victimisation are notoriously difficult to estimate and include as intangible costs in cost–benefit analysis. This study reports an innovative cost–benefit analysis that used focus groups with multi-agency teams to collect detailed data on operational resources used to manage stalking cases. This method is illustrated through the presentation of one case study. Best- and worst-case counterfactual scenarios were generated using the risk assessment scores and practitioner expertise. The findings suggest that intervening in high-risk stalking cases was cost-beneficial to the state in all the case studies we analysed (even if it incurs some institutional costs borne by the criminal justice system or health) and was often cost-beneficial to the victims too. We believe that this method might be useful in other fields where a victim- or client-centred approach is fundamental.
A novel sensitivity-based method for feature selection
Authors: Naik Dayakar L. , kiran Ravi
Published: October 2021

Sensitivity analysis is a popular feature selection approach employed to identify the important features in a dataset. In sensitivity analysis, each input feature is perturbed one-at-a-time and the response of the machine learning model is examined to determine the feature's rank. Note that the existing perturbation techniques may lead to inaccurate feature ranking due to their sensitivity to perturbation parameters. This study proposes a novel approach that involves the perturbation of input features using a complex-step. The implementation of complex-step perturbation in the framework of deep neural networks as a feature selection method is provided in this paper, and its efficacy in determining important features for real-world datasets is demonstrated. Furthermore, the filter-based feature selection methods are employed, and the results obtained from the proposed method are compared. While the results obtained for the classification task indicated that the proposed method outperformed other feature ranking methods, in the case of the regression task, it was found to perform more or less similar to that of other feature ranking methods.
Quantitative Effect of Metal Artefact Reduction on CT-based attenuation correction in FDG PET/CT in patients with hip prosthesis
Authors: Haemels Maarten , Vandendriessche Delphine , De Geeter Jeroen , Velghe James , Vandekerckhove Maxence , De Geeter Frank
Published: October 2021

Background

Metal artefact reduction (MAR) techniques still are in limited use in positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). This study aimed to investigate the effect of Smart MAR on quantitative PET analysis in the vicinity of hip prostheses.

Materials and methods

Activities were measured on PET/CT images in 6 sources with tenfold activity concentration contrast to background, attached to the head, neck and the major trochanter of a human cadaveric femur, and in the same sources in similar locations after a hip prosthesis (titanium cup, ceramic head, chrome-cobalt stem) had been inserted into the femur. Measurements were compared between PET attenuation corrected using either conventional or MAR CT. In 38 patients harbouring 49 hip prostheses, standardized uptake values (SUV) in 6 periprosthetic regions and the bladder were compared between PET attenuation corrected with either conventional or MAR CT.

Results

Using conventional CT, measured activity decreased with 2 to 13% when the prosthesis was inserted. Use of MAR CT increased measured activity by up to 11% compared with conventional CT and reduced the relative difference with the reference values to under 5% in all sources. In all regions, to the exception of the prosthesis shaft, SUVmean increased significantly (p < 0.001) by use of MAR CT. Median (interquartile range) percentual increases of SUVmean were 1.4 (0.0–4.2), 4.0 (1.8–7.8), 7.8 (4.1–12.4), 1.5 (0.0–3.2), 1.4 (0.8–2.8) in acetabulum, lateral neck, medial neck, lateral diaphysis and medial diaphysis, respectively. Except for the shaft, the coefficient of variation did not increase significantly. Except for the erratic changes in the prosthesis shaft, decreases in SUVmean were rare and small. Bladder SUVmean increased by 0.9% in patients with unilateral prosthesis and by 4.1% in patients with bilateral prosthesis.

Conclusions

In a realistic hip prosthesis phantom, Smart MAR restores quantitative accuracy by recovering counts in underestimated sources. In patient studies, Smart MAR increases SUV in all areas surrounding the prosthesis, most markedly in the femoral neck region. This proves that underestimation of activity in the PET image is the most prevalent effect due to metal artefacts in the CT image in patients with hip prostheses. Smart MAR increases SUV in the urinary bladder, indicating effects at a distance from the prosthesis.
Performance evaluation of a PET insert for preclinical MRI in stand-alone PET and simultaneous PET–MRI modes
Authors: Emvalomenos Gaelle , Trajanovska Sofie , Pham Binh T. T. , Doughty Peter , Burnet Jerome , Smith Isabelle , Garipov Ruslan , Gregoire Marie-Claude , Sunn Nana , McGrath John , Meikle Steven R.
Published: October 2021

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the performance of a preclinical PET insert in three configurations: as a stand-alone unit outside the MRI bore, inside the bore of a cryogen-free 3T MRI and, finally, while performing simultaneous PET/MRI studies.

Methods

The PET insert consists of two rings of six detectors, each detector comprising 8 × 12 SiPMs reading out dual offset layers of pixelated LYSO crystals with a 1.4-mm pitch. The inner diameter is 60 mm, transaxial field of view (FoV) 40 mm and axial FoV 98 mm. Evaluation was based on NEMA NU 4-2008 guidelines with appropriate modifications. Spatial resolution and sensitivity were measured inside and outside the MR bore. Image quality, count rate and quantitative performance were measured in all three configurations. The effect of temperature stability on PET sensitivity during fast spin echo sequences was also evaluated. B0 field homogeneity and T1 and T2 relaxation times were measured using a water-filled phantom, with and without simultaneous PET operation. Finally, PET and MRI scans of a mouse injected with 10 MBq [18F]NaF and a mouse injected with 16 MBq [18F]FDG were performed in sequential and simultaneous modes.

Results

Peak absolute sensitivity was 10.15% with an energy window of 250–750 keV. Absolute sensitivity values outside and inside the MR bore with MR idle agreed to within 0.1%. Outside the MR bore, spatial resolution was 1.21/1.59 mm FWHM (radial/tangential) 5 mm from the centre of the FoV which compared well with 1.19/1.26 mm FWHM inside the MR bore. There were no substantial differences between all three scan configurations in terms of peak NEC rate (175 kcps at 17 MBq), scatter or random fractions. Uniformity and recovery coefficients were also consistent between scanning modes. B0 field homogeneity and T1 and T2 relaxation times were unaltered by the presence of the PET insert. No significant differences were observed between sequential and simultaneous scans of the animals.

Conclusions

We conclude that the performance of the PET insert and MRI system is not significantly affected by the scanning mode.
Clinical effectiveness of implant support for distal extension removable partial dentures: functional evaluation using occlusal force measurement and masticatory efficiency
Authors: Murakami Kei , Ayukawa Yasunori , Ogino Yoichiro , Nakagawa Akinari , Horikawa Tadashi , Yamaguchi Eishi , Takaki Kimiyasu , Koyano Kiyoshi
Published: October 2021

Background

Implant-supported removable partial dentures (ISRPD) are supported at the free-end region with implant retainers. As implant retainers prevent denture settlement and facilitate denture retention, this is intended to improve masticatory performance in comparison with that of conventional removable dentures. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of implant retainers at the free-end region of removable dentures on occlusal force and masticatory efficiency using a pressure-sensitive sheet, and measured glucose concentration in saliva after mastication with gummy candy.

Methods

In the present study, the occlusal force and masticatory efficiency of 13 subjects were measured in the following three conditions: without dentures (Condition 1), wearing dentures but not supported by implants (Condition 2), and wearing dentures supported by implants (ISRPD) (Condition 3). All data were statistically compared.

Results

Regarding the occlusal force, Condition 3 showed significantly higher scores than the other conditions; however, there were no significant differences between Conditions 1 and 2. Regarding the masticatory efficiency, Condition 3 showed significantly higher scores than Condition 2.

Conclusions

With ISRPD, the occlusal force and masticatory efficiency were increased in comparison with those with conventional removable dentures.
Diagnosis of inflammatory peri-implant diseases using an immunochromatographic assay for calprotectin in peri-implant crevicular fluid
Authors: Kido Rie , Kido Jun-ichi , Nishikawa Yasufumi , Sakamoto Eijiro , Tomotake Yoritoki , Yumoto Hiromichi
Published: October 2021

Background

The incidence rate of peri-implant diseases is increasing with implant placement. Early detection of peri-implant diseases is important to prevent and treat these diseases, and a simple and objective diagnostic method is expected. Immunochromatographic (IC) assays are used for rapid diagnostic methods for some diseases. The aim of this clinical study was to determine the amount of calprotectin, an inflammatory marker, in peri-implant crevicular fluid (PICF) using an IC chip, and estimate the possibility of this diagnostic system.

Methods

Forty-six individuals with dental implants participated in a pilot study. PICF samples were collected from the peri-implant sites with or without inflammation after clinical examinations including probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and gingival index (GI). Calprotectin in PICF was determined by an IC chip and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for calprotectin. The density of calprotectin line on the IC chip was measured using an IC reader (IC reader value). The relationship between IC reader value and ELISA value or clinical parameters was investigated. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of IC reader value of calprotectin was performed to predict inflammation in peri-implant diseases.

Results

IC reader value of calprotectin was significantly correlated with its ELISA value and PD. IC reader values of calprotectin in PICF samples from periodontal sites with GI-1 and GI-2, and with BOP-positive sites were significantly higher than those of PICF samples from GI-0 sites, and BOP-negative sites, respectively. The IC reader value for calprotectin in PICF samples from inflammatory diseased sites was significantly higher than that of non-diseased sites. ROC analysis suggested that the IC reader value of PICF calprotectin was useful for predicting inflammatory peri-implant diseases.

Conclusion

IC assay for PICF calprotectin may be a possible system for diagnosing the inflammatory peri-implant diseases.
Association between serum zinc levels and basic physical functioning: secondary data analysis of NHANES 2011–14
Authors: Gau Jen-Tzer , Chavan Bhakti , Li Yang , Clark Brian C. , Haile Zelalem T.
Published: October 2021

Background

Serum zinc (Zn) levels have been shown to be associated with functional status; however, it is not clear whether this association differs by other sociodemographic characteristics. We examined the association between serum Zn levels and physical functioning difficulty in a representative sample of older adults in the US.

Design and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on participants 50 years and older from the 2011–12 and 2013–14 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (n = 1136). Serum Zn levels were analyzed as tertiles. The main outcome of interest was physical functioning difficulty, defined as self-reported difficulty of basic physical functioning that included walking, transferring, dressing, and feeding.

Results

Mean Zn levels (SE) were 0.67(0.1), 0.81(0.1), and 0.98(0.1) μg/mL in the low, middle, and high Zn groups, respectively. Approximately 24.9% participants reported physical functioning difficulty. In the multivariable model, we found a significant multiplicative interaction between sex and serum Zn (P for interaction =0.028) and between education and serum Zn (P for interaction = 0.001) on basic physical functioning difficulty. The stratified analysis revealed that among men, compared to those with low serum Zn, the odds of having physical functioning difficulty were lower in men who had high serum Zn [aOR 0.43 (95% CI: 0.25–0.76)]. For women, compared to those with low serum Zn the odds of having physical functioning difficulty were higher in women who had middle serum Zn [aOR 2.67 (1.58–4.50)]. Among individuals with less than high school education, the odds of having physical functioning difficulty were lower in those who had middle serum Zn compared to those who had low serum Zn [aOR 0.48 (0.26–0.89)]. However, the odds of having physical functioning difficulty were higher in those who had middle serum Zn compared to those who had low serum Zn for individuals with high school [aOR 5.72 (1.92–17.00)] and beyond high school education [aOR 1.77 (1.05–2.97)], respectively.

Conclusion

Sex and educational attainment interact with serum Zn levels to influence basic physical functioning difficulty in older adults.
Evaluation of facial soft tissue thickness in asymmetric mandibular deformities after orthognathic surgery
Authors: Huang Luo , Li Zhicong , Yan Jing , Chen Lunqiu , Piao Zheng-guo
Published: October 2021

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to compare differences in facial soft tissue thickness in three-dimensional (3D) images before and after orthognathic surgery in patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion and to obtain a better understanding of the relationship between hard and soft tissue changes after surgery.

Materials and method

The present retrospective study included 31 patients with skeletal Class III malocclusion with mandibular chin deviation greater than 4 mm who had undergone cone-beam computed tomography before and 6 months after surgery. Seven bilateral points were established. Measurements were taken from software-generated multiplanar reconstructions. The predictor variables were timing (pre- and postoperatively) and side (deviated vs. nondedicated). A regression model and correlation analysis were conducted for statistical analysis.

Results

The difference of bilateral facial soft tissue thickness was statistically significantly different between deviated and nondeviated sides (P < 0.05), with lower values observed on the deviated side. The soft tissue thickness has become nearly symmetric at local regions of the lower thirds of the face after orthognathic surgery. However, most measurements showed a negative correlation between changes in soft tissue thickness and changes in bone tissues.

Conclusions

Skeletal Class III malocclusion with facial asymmetry is accompanied by differences in soft tissue thickness when comparing Dev and N-Dev sides of the posterior region of the mandible, where soft tissues are thinner on the Dev side. Soft tissue thickness can compensate for or camouflage the underlying asymmetric mandible. In addition, the asymmetric soft tissue thickness on the lower third of the face can be partially improved by orthognathic surgery, but the amount of soft tissue thickness change is not consistent with that of hard tissue positional change.
Patients’ health outcomes after an implementation intervention targeting the physiotherapists’ clinical behaviour
Authors: Fritz Johanna , Almqvist Lena , Söderlund Anne , Wallin Lars , Sandborgh Maria
Published: October 2021

Background

A behavioural medicine approach in physiotherapy has shown positive effects on increased and sustained activities and participation, including reduced sick leave for patients with persistent musculoskeletal pain. The aim of this study was to explore the health outcomes of patients with persistent musculoskeletal pain treated by physiotherapists who had received active compared with passive support when implementing a behavioural medicine approach.

Methods

An explorative and comparative pre−/post-test trial was conducted. A total of 155 patients with musculoskeletal pain ≥4 weeks were consecutively recruited by physiotherapists in primary healthcare who had received active or passive support when implementing a behavioural medicine approach. Data concerning health outcomes for patients were collected using questionnaires before and after the physiotherapy treatment and at half-, one- and two-year follow-ups. Descriptive, non-parametric and parametric bi- and multivariate statistics were used.

Results

There were no differences over time between the patients treated by physiotherapists who had received active compared to passive implementation support regarding pain-related disability, pain intensity, self-rated health, self-efficacy in performing daily activities, catastrophic thinking related to pain, and fear of movement. Significant improvements over time were identified in both groups regarding all variables and the effect sizes were large. The percentage of patients on sick leave significantly decreased in the patient group treated by physiotherapists who had received active implementation support.

Conclusion

It is very important to include patient outcomes when evaluating the implementation of multicomponent interventions. It seems that the implementation method did not play a major role for the patients’ outcomes in this study. Most of the patients’ health outcomes improved regardless of whether they were treated by physiotherapists who had received active or passive support when implementing a behavioural medicine approach. This was likely because the active implementation support was not extensive enough to enable the physiotherapists to sustain the behavioural medicine approach.

Trial registration

The study protocol was retrospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov. ID NCT03118453, March 20, 2017.
Clonazepam for pain due to muscle spasm in a patient with vertebral compression fractures caused by multiple myeloma: a case report
Authors: Akita Kazuki , Kumakura Yasutomo , Nakajima Emi , Ishiguro Hiroki , Iijima Tetsuya
Published: October 2021

Background

Vertebral compression fractures can cause severe back pain. Although many types of analgesics and interventional treatments are available, they are sometimes ineffective in mitigating the pain. We encountered a case where clonazepam was effective for the management of severe low back pain caused by lumbar vertebral compression fractures.

Case presentation

A 44-year-old male was diagnosed with multiple myeloma and had vertebral compression fractures of the first and second lumbar vertebrae. He had been suffering from severe low back pain on movement with muscle spasm and pain-associated anxiety. We considered this breakthrough low back pain to be caused by facet joint pain; thus, we prescribed clonazepam as a muscle relaxant and anxiolytic. Following this treatment, the intractable breakthrough pain was dramatically relieved.

Conclusion

Clonazepam, which has both muscle relaxant and anxiolytic effects, might be helpful in mitigating pain, associated anxiety, and muscle spasms due to vertebral compression fractures.
Effects of COVID-19 lockdown on university students’ anxiety disorder in Italy
Authors: Busetta Giovanni , Campolo Maria Gabriella , Fiorillo Fabio , Pagani Laura , Panarello Demetrio , Augello Valeria
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of specific population sections, with regards to economic and work conditions, mental and physical well-being, and context-based factors, emphasizing the need for timely policy measures aimed at counteracting the Italian economic framework’s fragility—which poorly adapts to unexpected circumstances. Identifying the most vulnerable groups is, therefore, essential with a view to carrying out targeted measures. Concerning University, the economic downturn caused by COVID-19 could likely result in a decrease in enrollments to both the first and further years of study, with significant consequences on the future of students and the system as a whole. The class of students is of great interest, as it is made up of individuals differing from each other in many ways. Our investigation is aimed at observing anxiety levels filtering the perception of one’s anxiety state in a highly stressful time such as the pandemic from the usual anxiety levels. This evaluation allows us to evaluate the similarity of individual behaviors during the lockdown period with those from the previous period.
Inflammatory arthritis complicating galactosialidosis: a case report
Authors: Verkuil F. , Bosch A. M. , Struijs P. A. A. , Hemke R. , van den Berg J. M.
Published: October 2021

Background

Galactosialidosis (GS) is a rare inherited lysosomal storage disorder (LSD) which is characterized by a defect in the lysosomal glycoprotein catabolism. We report, for the first time, the case of a child affected by GS presenting with recurrent episodes of extensive joint inflammation in both knee joints. The aim of this case-report is to describe the clinical presentation as well as the laboratory, radiologic and microscopic features of this unique presentation of GS. Furthermore, we explore inflammatory mechanisms potentially responsible for the origination of the arthritic joint pathology observed in our patient.

Case presentation

We describe the rare case of a 12-year-old boy diagnosed with GS (late infantile form) who presented with multiple episodes of inflammatory arthritis involving both knees; no other joints were suspected for joint inflammation. Laboratory results did not indicate an autoimmune disorder. Synovial fluid tested negative for any bacterial infection and ruled out a malignancy and crystal-induced arthritis. Microscopic examination of the synovial tissue revealed numerous foamy macrophages with extensive vacuolization, consistent with the previous diagnosis of GS. Treatment consisted of aspiration of excessive joint fluid and subsequent intra-articular injection of triamcinolonhexacetonide with excellent but transient result. Given the evidence of storage products within macrophages of the inflamed synovial tissue and the absence of other etiological clues, GS itself was considered as the primary cause for the relapsing inflammatory joint pathology. According to the restricted data on articular manifestations in GS, to date, GS cannot be linked directly to joint inflammation. Nevertheless, in several other LSDs, the accumulation of storage material has been associated with numerous osteoimmunological changes that might play a role in the pathophysiology of arthritic processes.

Conclusions

We hypothesize that the articular build-up of GS storage products triggered systemic as well as local inflammatory processes, resulting in the extensive inflammatory joint pathology as observed in our patient. Future identification of other patients with GS is required to corroborate the existence of an arthritic clinical phenotype of GS and to assess the underlying pathophysiology.
Gastrointestinal parasites of three peri-domestic animals in selected areas in Accra, Ghana
Authors: Bimi Langbong , Yeboah Joanita Asirifi , Adongo Lucas Awane , Ofori Benjamin Yeboah , Oduro Daniel , Tetteh Ato Kwamena , Owusu Erasmus Henaku
Published: October 2021

Background

The rapidly increasing rodent and lizard populations in human dwellings and markets could be attributed to the destruction of their natural habitats due to rapid urbanization and poor management of urban wastes that attracts these animals. The public health concern is the potential for these animals to influence the transmission of zoonotic diseases, including helminths. In this study, the occurrence of helminth parasites in the gastrointestinal tract of rodents and lizards was determined.

Results

Of the 34 rodents, 61.8% (21/34) were observed to be infected with one (1) or more of Toxascaris sp., Isospora sp., Hymenolepis sp., Trichuris sp., Ascaris sp., or Taenia sp. Out of these, 17.6% (6/34) had single parasite infections, while 44.1% (15/34) had multiple infections of Enterobius sp., Ascaris sp., and hookworm in various combinations. Of all the Agama lizards, 54.2% (26/48) had single parasite infections compared to 18.8%, which had multiple infections. The most common parasite infection in the Agama lizards was Enterobius sp. with a mean of 7.0 ova per lizard, followed by Ascaris sp., (mean ova = 2.7) and hookworm (mean ova = 0.3) at the Legon Campus. Similarly, for Adumanya, mean ova counts were 3.9, 0.4, and 0.8, respectively, for the three helminths detected. The common parasite found in both rodents and the Agama lizards was Ascaris sp. with adults having higher burdens compared to the juveniles.

Conclusions

This study identified helminth parasites, which share the same genus as those observed to infect humans. Since these animals are ubiquitous in human dwellings and markets in Ghana, there could be a potential risk of transmission of these helminths and other disease-causing agents. We are, however, uncertain whether these agents can survive in the human digestive system to cause disease.
Psychomotor function in children with epilepsy seen at a tertiary hospital in southern Nigeria: does treatment with anti-epileptic drugs have any effect?
Authors: Ikhurionan Paul Ehiabhi , Okunola Olusola Peter , Abhulimhen-Iyoha Blessing Imuetinyan , Ofovwe Gabriel Egberue
Published: October 2021

Background

Psychomotor slowing is more commonly reported in children with epilepsy (CWE) compared to healthy controls. The effect of anti-epileptic drug (AED) treatment on psychomotor abilities of CWE remains controversial. In Nigeria, psychomotor abilities of CWE are scarcely investigated and the impact of AEDs is not known. The present study sought to assess psychomotor performance of CWE compared to healthy controls and to determine any association with seizure characteristics and treatment.

Method

A comparative cross-sectional study involving 160 children with idiopathic epilepsy and 80 controls aged 6–16 years. Psychomotor function was assessed using reaction times and tapping task of the Iron psychology computerised test battery. The criterion for impairment was fixed at two standard deviations (SD) worse than the mean of age-matched controls. The relationship between seizure variables and psychomotor function was assess with the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Result

Fifty-nine (36.9%) CWE had impaired auditory reaction, 50 (31.3%) with impaired visual reaction and 11 (6.9%) had fine motor control impairment. There was no significant difference in psychomotor performance between CWE on AED and the newly diagnosed counterparts yet to start AED treatment (auditory reaction time—p = 0.226; visual reaction time—p = 0.349; tapping task—p = 0.818). AED treatment duration over 5 years was associated with better auditory reaction time (F = 4.631, p = 0.034) in CWE. Also, seizure onset before 5 years of age was associated with slower auditory reaction (F = 4.912, p = 0.028) and verbal reaction (F = 14.560, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Nigerian CWE perform less favourably on tests of psychomotor function than healthy controls. The performance of children on AED is not significantly different from those not on AED. Longer duration of AED treatment may result in psychomotor improvement in CWE. CWE should be closely monitored for psychomotor slowness so that deficits can be identified and appropriate interventions instituted.
Effect of submucosal injection of ketorolac versus dexamethasone on postoperative pain after third molar surgery: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Hasheminia Dariush , Faghihian Reyhaneh , Mardani Farhad
Published: October 2021

Background

One of the most common dentoalveolar surgeries is the removal of impacted third molars. Moderate to severe pain is predictable after these surgeries, usually leaving the patient in need of an effective analgesic for at least 24 h. Corticosteroids and NSAIDs are well-known medications used to reduce pain. This prospective, randomized clinical trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of two types of analgesics, ketorolac and dexamethasone, on pain experienced after unilateral impacted third molar surgery. The analgesics were injected sublingually after profound anesthesia was confirmed in 60 healthy adult patients. During this study, the patients were divided into three groups. The patients in group K received 1 mL of ketorolac (30 mg), while the patients in group D received 1 mL of dexamethasone (4 mg) sublingually. The patients in group C (the control group) received 1 mL of normal saline solution as a placebo.

Results

The mean pain scores reported by the patients in groups K and D were significantly lower than group C (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). However, the difference between groups D and K was not significant (P = 0.158). The mean number of analgesics taken by patients in groups K and D 24 h after surgery was significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.05). At 48 and 72 h postoperatively, however, the difference was not significant between the study groups (P > 0.05). The mean time of the first analgesic taken by the patients in groups K and D was 200.94 and 214.74 min after surgery, respectively. Exhibiting a significant difference, it was 132.65 min for the patients in group C (P = 0.003).

Conclusions

Under this study’s limitations, preoperative sublingual injection of ketorolac and dexamethasone were similarly effective in pain control after impacted third molar surgery.
Pulmonary edema in a pediatric patient undergoing ureteroscopy: a case report
Authors: Dusgun Irfan Tuna , Sahutoglu Cengiz , Balcioglu Taner
Published: October 2021

Background

This report demonstrates a case of pediatric pulmonary edema, detected due to the overuse of irrigation fluids during ureteroscopy.

Case presentation

A 7-year-old girl was hospitalized due to the large number of opaque stones in the right kidney. After extubation, the patient’s oxygen saturation dropped down to 85%, and respiratory distress was observed. It was determined that the surgical team used 5 Lt 0.9% NaCl solution as irrigation fluid. Positive pressure ventilation with mask continued, and intravenous bolus injection of furosemide was administered to the patient with a preliminary diagnosis of pulmonary edema.

Conclusions

In prolonged operations, patients should be checked for the presence of pulmonary edema with lung auscultation, and noninvasive mechanical ventilation and diuretic treatment should be instituted if necessary.
Quality evaluation and storage properties of traditional maize-based snacks: Ipekere Agbado enriched with Bambara groundnut
Authors: Oluwamukomi Matthew Olusola , Oluwajuyitan Timilehin David , Makinde Oluwatobiloba Tolulope
Published: October 2021

Background

Ipekere agbadois a traditional maize-based snack consumed in South Western part of Nigeria, but low in protein content and deteriorate within few days. Hence, this study aimed at evaluating the chemical compositions, functional properties, softness index and storage properties as influence by Bambara groundnut (BG) enrichment. Maize and Bambara groundnut flours were well mixed to generate the following blends: MB10 (Maize 90%, Bambara groundnut 10%), MB20 (Maize 80%, Bambara groundnut 20%), MB30 (Maize 70%, Bambara groundnut 30%) and CTRL (Maize 100%) which served as control.

Results

Protein value increased with increase in Bambara groundnut flour inclusion. The value obtained for Na/K and Ca/P ratio ofipekere agbadosamples including CTRL were all significantly (p < 0.05) lower than 1.00 and greater than 2.00 respectively. Low bulk density was observed in the enriched products compared with CTRL. Storage properties (TBA, PV and FFA) resulted in noticeable increase with increasing storage periods. The maize-snack stored at 37 °C had significantly (p < 0.05) shorter storage shelf life compared to those stored at 18 °C and 25 °C.

Conclusion

The overall result showed that 20% Bambara substitution was the most adequate to produce an acceptable and nutritious snack (“ipekere agbado”). Hence, consumption may improve nutrient intake and reduce protein energy malnutrition menace.
Identification of plant diseases and distinct approaches for their management
Authors: Kaur Lovepreet , Sharma Shiwani Guleria
Published: October 2021

Background

Globally in the agricultural industry the major loss faced by is due to plant diseases. Various pathogens are responsible for causing plant bacterial and viral diseases, the treatment of them is very important in order to bring out the best quality and quantity of the agricultural yield. Before Technology came into practice the plant disease were identified by visual examination, the main symptoms such as curling of leaves and change of colour were observed. With advancements in science the microscopic examination for more clarity regarding diseases came into existence.

Main body

The distinct methods involve use of nucleic acids and serological assays were implemented to study bacterial and viral characteristics of the infecting pathogen. Traditionally, seed coating and mulching techniques were more common among farmers to generate better quality of the crops and prevent plants from any disease but currently new innovative methods are used. Microbial bio control agents are now one of the widely used approach in which microbial species are used to eliminate or inhibit the growth of pathogens in order to reduce the severity of the infection. Similarly, like microbial agent’s different chemicals are present in order to kill the pathogens. These chemicals are classified as bactericides, fungicides and nematicides which suppress the plant infection caused by bacteria, fungal and nematodes, respectively.

Conclusions

In the forthcoming years, the development of more innovative agricultural-related techniques is prime that will help in increase of the yield and provides resistance to plants. Some of them are developed earlier but there is still need to develop more pathogen-resistant species for example in case of silencing of genes with insertion of a viral segment.
Effects of different soil amendments and age of transplant on the post-harvest quality and shelf life of sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) fruits
Authors: Addo Isaac , Santo Kwadwo Gyasi , Khalid Abdul Aziz , Ackah Emmanuel
Published: October 2021

Background

Two separate experiments were conducted in the minor season from September to November, 2019 and major season from March to May, 2020 to determining the type of soil amendment and transplanting age that can best improve the post-harvest quality and shelf life of sweet pepper fruits at Benso oil palm plantation of Adum Banso Estate in the Mpohor District of the Western Region of Ghana. The experiments were conducted as a 4 × 2 factorial, arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design. Four fertilizer treatments including no fertilizer (control), 10 tons/ha of poultry manure, 300 kg/ha of NPK 15-15-15 and 5 t/ha of poultry manure + 150 kg/ha of NPK 15-15-15 and two ages of transplants including 6-week-old seedlings and 7-week-old seedlings were applied during the cultivation periods and were later evaluated of their effects on the post-harvest quality and shelf life of harvested fruits after a two-weeks storage period. Data collected on weight loss, shrinkage, decayed fruits and shelf life of harvested fruits were subjected to analysis of variance using the Genstat Statistical package. The least significant difference criterion was used to separate treatment means at 5% probability.

Results

Post-harvest qualities of sweet pepper fruits were not significantly influenced by age of transplant throughout the study. Fertilizer application generally increased percentage fruit weight loss, fruit shrinkage, fruit decay and reduced shelf life of sweet pepper fruits in the major season. Sole application of poultry manure mostly enhanced post-harvest quality of sweet pepper fruits in the minor rainy season, but fruit shelf life was improved if no fertilizer was applied. Application of a combination of poultry manure and NPK 15-15-15 to 6-week-old transplants gave relatively low fruit weight loss and shrinkage values. Generally, fruit quality and shelf life were enhanced in 6-week-old transplants treated with no fertilizer.

Conclusions

The use of poultry manure alone should be encouraged to probably increase yield while improving the quality and shelf life of harvested sweet pepper fruits. Transplanting of 6-week-old seedlings is also encouraged for quality harvested fruits and extended shelf life.
Chemo-informatics activity prediction, ligand based drug design, Molecular docking and pharmacokinetics studies of some series of 4, 6-diaryl-2-pyrimidinamine derivatives as anti-cancer agents
Authors: Abdullahi Sagiru Hamza , Uzairu Adamu , Ibrahim Muhammad Tukur , Umar Abdullahi Bello
Published: October 2021

Background

The most well-known cause of cancer deaths identified in female is breast cancer. Several drugs approved by the food and drug administration (FDA) for the treatment of breast cancer may have adverse health effects. This research is aimed at developing a QSAR model and utilize it to predict the inhibitive activities of newly designed novel compounds, examine their ADMET and drug-likeness properties and carry out molecular docking studies between the designed compounds and the VEGFR-2 receptors in order to identify the essential amino acid residues involved in protein–ligand interactions and possible mechanism of action of the designed compounds.

Results

The first model was selected as the best because of its fitness statistically with the following assessment parameters:R2train = 0.832,R2adj = 0.79,R2ext = 0.62,Q2 = 0.68, and LOF = 0.14509. Compound 11 was selected as a template to design new powerful compounds based on its low residual and high pIC50values. Majority of the designed compounds has predicted pIC50greater than that of the lead compound and the standard drug (Sunitinib) used as reference. Molecular docking studies results of the designed compounds revealed that they have higher docking scores than the template and the reference drug (Sunitinib) and are found to bind to the VEGFR-2 receptor in a similar manner to the reference drug. Pharmacokinetics and ADMET properties revealed that the designed compounds passed drug-likeness criteria because they did not violate more than 1 Lipinski’s rule of Five, They are uniformly distributed to the brain and are assumed to penetrate the central nervous system and finally they are all found to non-toxic and orally bioavailable.

Conclusion

The developed model was therefore found to be efficient in predicting the pIC50of Anti breast cancer compounds that are yet to be synthesized and it also help in reducing the cost and synthetic duration the compounds. The result of this research confirmed that the designed compounds may be developed as novel VEGFR-2 inhibitors.
Chemotherapeutic drugs in Lebanese surface waters: estimation of population exposure and identification of high-risk drugs
Authors: Saab Yolande , Nakad Zahi , Rahme Rita
Published: October 2021

Environmental risks imposed by anti-cancer drugs and their degradation products are a major concern worldwide. The consumption of anticancer drugs is increasing throughout the years and conventional water treatment processes seem to be ineffective for their removal. The aim of this study is to analyze the consumption of anticancer drugs in Lebanon and assess their potential health hazard as contaminants of the Lebanese surface waters. Anticancer drugs consumption data between the years 2013 and 2018 were collected and the following parameters were calculated: yearly consumption of single active ingredients, yearly consumption of drug equivalents (for drugs belonging to the same pharmacologic class having the same active ingredient) and Predicted Environmental Concentrations (PECs). The obtained PEC values were used to stratify compounds into risk categories. The top five most commonly consumed drugs are Mycophenolate mofetil, Hydroxycarbamide, Capecitibine, Mycophenolic acid and Azathioprine. Based on the calculated PEC values of single active ingredients as well as their equivalents, six high-risk priority compounds were identified: Mycophenolate mofetil, Hydroxycarbamide, Capecitibine, Mycophenolic acid, Azathioprine and 5-Fluorouracil. The impact of these micropollutants on animals as well as humans was analyzed. This research stresses the importance of further analysis of chemotherapy micropollutants with major focus on high-risk drugs. Additionally, regulations should be set in place to ensure proper management of wastewater and the development of efficient wastewater treatment plants.
Graft tunnel integration occurs early in the tibial tunnel compared with the femoral tunnel after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with preserved insertion hamstring tendon graft
Authors: Gupta Ravi , Singh Sandeep , Kapoor Anil , soni Ashwani , Kaur Ravinder , Kaur Narinder
Published: October 2021

Background

Preservation of hamstring tendon insertion at the time of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a well-known technique; however, its effect on graft integration is not well studied. The present study was conducted to study the graft integration inside the tibial and femoral tunnels, respectively, after ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendon graft with preserved insertion.

Methods

Twenty-five professional athletes who underwent ACL reconstruction using hamstring tendon graft with preserved tibia insertion were enrolled in the study. Functional outcomes were checked at final follow-up using Lysholm score and Tegner activity scale. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done at 8 months and 14 months follow-up to study the graft tunnel integration of the ACL graft at both tibial and femoral tunnels.

Results

The mean Fibrous interzone (FI) score (tibial tunnel) decreased from 2.61 (1–5) at 8 months to 2.04 (1–4) at 14 months follow-up (p = 0.02). The mean FI score (femoral side) decreased from 3.04 (2–5) at 8 months to 2.57 (2–4) at 14 months (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Graft integration occurs early in the tibial tunnel as compared with the femur tunnel with preserved insertion hamstring tendon autograft.

Trial registration CTRI/2019/07/020320 [registered on 22/07/2019]; http://www.ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pdf_generate.php?trialid=33884&EncHid=&modid=&compid=%27,%2733884det%27