bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF INTRASTROMAL INJECTION OF VORICONAZOLE IN RESISTANT CASES OF FUNGAL CORNEAL ULCER
Authors: Kumari Rashmi , Kumar Amresh , Sharma Ashish Kumar
Published: October 2022

Purpose:

To evaluate the efficacy of intrastromal injection of voriconazole in resistant cases of fungal corneal ulcer.

Methods:

25 cases of fungal corneal ulcer were diagnosed on the basis of clinical findings and KOH staining between July 2019 to July 2020 in NMCH, Sasaram, Bihar. They were treated with topical natamycin (5%) and voriconazole (1%). 6 cases that did not improve; judged clinically by increasing size of ulcer and clinical signs; were subjected to intrastromal voriconazole (50mcg/0.1ml) around ulcer in 4 meridians.

Observation and result:

3 cases improved clinically and rest 3 cases which did not improve were referred for therapeutic keratoplasty.

Conclusion:

In resistant cases of fungal corneal ulcer intrastromal injection of voriconazole can be tried.
DRAMATIC IMPROVEMENT FOLLOWING DF NdYAG HYALOIDOTOMY FOR VALSALVA RETINOPATHY- A CASE REPORT
Authors: Agrawal Deepak , Kumar Sachin
Published: October 2022

Valsalva maneuver is performed by forceful attempted exhalation against a closed glottis. Valsalva retinopathy develops when a rise in intrathoracic or intra-abdominal pressure is transmitted to the eye. This results in a sudden and large increase in the intraocular venous pressure and ruptures the superficial retinal capillaries in one or both eyes. The patient often gives a history of a recent strenuous physical act such as coughing, straining, heavy lifting or vigorous sexual activity which is followed by sudden painless visual loss in one or both eyes1.
Effect of an Intervention on Self-Esteem, Body Image Satisfaction, and Eating Disorders in Adolescents
Authors: Adusumilli Devika , Syed Saba , Pattnaik Snigdha
Published: October 2022

Background:

In the area of adolescent health, there is growing evidence that effective health promotion interventions among adolescents, providing skills and knowledge, may have direct effects on a range of health outcomes. Thus, the study aimed to assess the effect of mixed-method intervention on self-esteem, body image satisfaction, eating disorders among adolescent school students.

Materials and Methods:

The cross-sectional study was conducted among high school students in a metropolitan city. At baseline, self-esteem, perception of body image, and pressure by media of participants were assessed using validated self-reported measures. The mixed-method intervention was a body image enhancement program conducted over 6 weeks through six 45–60 min sessions. Postintervention, participants' scores in the above-mentioned domains were assessed using the same self-reported measures. Data analysis was done using SPSS 23.0, and Fisher's exact test, paired t-test, etc., were applied as appropriate.

Results:

Out of 60 participants, 47% were girls and 53% were boys. Baseline self-esteem scores of girls were lower as compared to boys and were significantly higher in both postintervention. Body image satisfaction among girls improved from 53.57% to 78.57% after intervention. At baseline, higher proportion of girls had likelihood of developing an eating disorder which reduced postintervention.

Conclusions:

The school-based mixed-method intervention was effective in improving self-esteem, body image satisfaction, and reducing the influence of sociocultural attitudes on appearance in adolescent students.
A Cross-Sectional Study on Quality of Life and Comorbidities Among Geriatric Population Living in Urban Field Practicing Area of a Medical College in Kolkata, West Bengal
Authors: Mallik Sarmila , Paria Baishakhi , Dwivedi Malvika
Published: October 2022

Introduction:

Aging is irreversible process accompanied by an increased risk of disease, disability, decreased functional capacity, and eventually death. It affects every individual, family, community, and society.

Objectives:

The study was to assess the sociodemographic profile, morbidity pattern, and quality of life (QOL) among the geriatric population living in the urban field practice of a Medical College in Kolkata.

Methodology:

A community-based study was designed to study the morbidity pattern and QOL of elderly residing in the urban field practice of Medical College in Kolkata. As per availability and feasibility, a total of 247 geriatric people were interviewed by visiting house to house. To assess the QOL of elderly people, the World Health Organization BREF questionnaire was used for the study. It consists of physical, psychological, environmental, and social relationship domains.

Results:

The mean QOL score varied significantly with religion in psychological, social, and environmental health domains, with age in physical, social, and environmental health domains with the type of family in physical and psychological health domains and with marital status in the social relationship domain.

Conclusion:

The present study revealed that hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the most common morbidities among the elderly study participants, occurring more commonly in females than in males. Among the four domains, the mean QOL score was maximum in the social relationship domain.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Substance Use in Nigeria among Secondary School Students
Authors: Ogochukwu Adibe Maxwell , Gloria Anene-Okeke Chigozie , Uchenna Igboeli Nneka , Chibueze Anosike
Published: October 2022

Background:

The use of drugs by teenagers is a major health concern globally. At this transitional point, secondary school students are the most vulnerable and are susceptible to risks associated with lack of knowledge of substance use.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of substance use among Nsukka secondary school students.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study using a validated, self-administered questionnaire, comprising seven sections: demographic characteristics, knowledge of substance use, attitude toward substance use, practice of substance use, contributing factors, effects of substance use, and commonly used substance. Using IBM SPSS Statistics 20, the data were analyzed. To summarize the data, descriptive analysis (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviations) was used.

Results:

Over half of the respondents were female (57.5%) and were junior secondary school students (62.2%). Most of the respondents (80%) were conscious of substance abuse. More than half (52.5%) of the respondents had good knowledge of substance usage and only 9.6% of the respondents had a negative attitude toward drug use. It was deduced from the collected data that most students never carried out substance use activities. The respondents agreed that alcohol was the commonly used substance (52.4%) and curiosity (51.7%) was the major contributing factor among school students to substance use.

Conclusion:

The study found that students in secondary schools had sufficient awareness and a constructive outlook toward drug use, and that the majority did not use substance. Among high school students, alcohol was the most commonly used substance.
Evaluation and Management of Tuberculosis in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
Authors: Varughese Santosh , Sahay Manisha , Shah Dibya Singh , Nagvekar Vasant , Jha Vivekanand
Published: October 2022

Both tubercular and non-tubercular mycobacterial infections are common in South Asia. These are important pathogens in solid organ transplant recipients and hence prevention (when possible), prompt diagnosis, and early and optimum treatment is critical to reduce morbidity and prevent mortality. This article reviews available data to portray a possible approach to evaluation and management of mycobacterial infections in South Asian solid organ transplant recipients.
Cryptosporidium Infection in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients in South Asia - Expert Group Opinion for Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Prasad Narayan , Bansal Shyam Bihari , Akhtar Syed Fazal
Published: October 2022

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan ubiquitous in natural water sources worldwide. It is a common intestinal pathogen that frequently causes gastroenteritis syndrome. It is mainly transmitted from person to person via the fecal-oral route, sexual transmission, and possibly through respiratory secretions. After an incubation period of a few days to 2 weeks, it presents as an asymptomatic oocyst passer to clinically evident profuse and prolonged diarrhea, associated with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. The extraintestinal manifestations may occur in the form of respiratory tract disease, pancreatitis, cholangitis, rarely sclerosing cholangitis, and urinary tract infection. Stool microscopy examination for identifying oocysts is the mainstay diagnostic tool. The association with cancer is new evolving paradigm with cryptosporidium infection. Nitazoxanide is the treatment of choice. However, paromomycin in combination with other antiparasitic agents, such as macrolides (azithromycin, spiramycin), and nitazoxanide may be a more effective option in case of no response.
Role of Interleukin-6 Polymorphism in Acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease Risk Prediction in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Noor Afshan , Akhtar Fahim , Khan Saleem Ahmed , Khan Mehreen Ali , Akram Zaineb , Shamshad Ghassan Umair , Satti Humayoon Shaique , Chaudhry Qamar-Un-Nisa , Fatima Fozia
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND:

This study aimed to determine the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene with the survival and disease status of patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

It was a prospective cohort study of total 102 participants, 51 patients along with their donors who had human leukocyte antigen-identical-matched allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT). Their pretransplant and posttransplant blood samples were collected for extraction of DNA for genotyping by sequence-specific primers polymerase chain reaction and gel electrophoresis followed by sequencing. The pre- and posttransplant levels of IL-6 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique.

RESULTS:

The mean age of our patients was 19.83 ± 12.5 years having males 65 (63.7%) and females 37 (36.3%). The frequency of −174G/C SNP among acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) group was GG = 53.8%, GC = 34.6%, and CC = 11.5%, and for −597G/A SNP, it was GG = 69.2%, GA = 15.4%, and AA = 15.4%. Our results showed that the presence of G allele in both homozygous and heterozygous forms was associated with increased aGVHD incidence, while the homozygous CC and AA mutant genotypes correlated with the lowest number of cases of aGVHD. The polymorphism −597G/A was significantly associated with the incidence of aGVHD with P = 0.04. The GG genotype in −174G/C and −597G/A was found to be significantly associated with aGVHD with P < 0.0001. High serum levels of IL-6 pre- and posttransplant were found to be significantly associated with the incidence of aGVHD with P < 0.0001.

CONCLUSION:

We concluded that the two SNPs − 174G/C and − 597G/A in the promoter region of IL-6 gene present either in donors or recipients predisposed to increase the risk of development of aGVHD following aHSCT. Their evaluation in our transplant setting may help in the risk stratification of transplant recipients early in time and predict the onset of aGVHD and mortality.
Quality of Systematic Reviews/Meta-Analyses in Coronavirus Disease 2019 and Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Alkhamesi Sultan , Almohammadi Abdullah , Alahwal Hatem , Barefah Ahmed , Bahashwan Salem , Radhwi Osman
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND:

Many systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) have been published regarding the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, which is acknowledged as high. Therefore, we aimed to assess the methodological quality of any SR/MA involving VTE and COVID-19.

METHODS:

This is a meta-epidemiological study evaluating the methodological quality of SR/MA. A structured search in PubMed and Web of Science was done for all SRs/MAs in VTE and COVID-19 from inception till April 29, 2021. We evaluated the methodological quality using A Measurement Tool to Assess SRs-2 (AMSTAR-2) checklist.

RESULTS:

We included 29 SRs/MAs where only one SR/MA was rated as high (3.44%), 12 (41.37%) were rated as moderate, and the rest were rated as low/critically low (55.17%). No statistical significance was observed in Spearman's correlation analysis between the rate of methodological quality and the number of authors, searching period, publication month, and publishing journal's impact factor.

CONCLUSIONS:

The number of published SRs/MAs in the VTE and COVID-19 subject is rising rapidly. The readers should pay attention to the low methodological quality of most published SRs/MAs.
Twisted algebras of geometric algebras
Authors: Matsuno Masaki
Published: October 2022

A twisting system is one of the major tools to study graded algebras; however, it is often difficult to construct a (nonalgebraic) twisting system if a graded algebra is given by generators and relations. In this paper, we show that a twisted algebra of a geometric algebra is determined by a certain automorphism of its point variety. As an application, we classify twisted algebras of three-dimensional geometric Artin–Schelter regular algebras up to graded algebra isomorphism.
Outpatients’ satisfaction with healthcare services received at a district hospital in Botswana
Authors: K. Khuwa Zibo , F. Matlala Sogo , S. Ntuli Thembelihle
Published: October 2022

Objectives: To investigate patient satisfaction regarding healthcare services at a district hospital. The research ques-tion was: what is the level of patient satisfaction regarding service delivery?Design: An observational cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in September 2019.Settings: A district hospital in Botswana serving a population of 90 000. Outpatients from the Eye clinic, Casualty and Outpatient Department, Sexual Reproductive Health clinic and Infectious Diseases Control Centre were selected for the studyParticipants: 240 stable outpatients over 17 years selected through consecutive sampling participated voluntarily after giving informed consent.Main outcome measures: The level of satisfaction was measured using 19 questions on five-point Likert scales rang-ing from strongly disagree 1, disagree 2, unsure 3, agree 4 to strongly agree 5. A binary outcome was created into satisfied and unsatisfied using the mean score as the cut-off point. Age, gender, employment, education and depart-ments were independent variables.Results: 65% (95% CI: 58-71%) were satisfied but unsatisfied with: doctor’s politeness (66.9%; 95% CI: 60-73%), explaining (67.8%; 95% CI: 61-73%), privacy (65.6%; 95% CI: 59-72%), skills (67.4%; 95% CI: 61-73%), confidence (67.4% 95% CI: 61-73%), compassion (66.5%; 95% CI: 60-72%) and waiting time (49.2%; 95% CI: 42-57%). De-partment visited predicted satisfaction (p=0.002); those from the Eye clinic and Sexual Reproductive Health clinic were satisfied compared to others.Conclusion: Satisfaction was generally high but lower regarding specified services and departments visited. There is a need for targeted interventions. Studies are needed to explore reasons for lower satisfaction in Casualty, Outpatient Department and Infectious Diseases Control Centre.
Application of the hub and spokes model in improving access to cervical cancer screening in Ghana.
Authors: Effah Kofi , K. Attivor Evans , H. Atuguba Bernard , D. Adaletey Donatus , A. Ofori Delali , Diame Philip , Tekpor Ethel , M. Wormenor Comfort , Gedzah Isaac , Agyiri Dominic , E. Amuah Joseph , K. Akakpo Patrick , M. Gmanyami Jonathan , Adjuik Martin , Amu Hubert , Kweku Margaret
Published: October 2022

Objective: To examine the contribution of lower-level health facilities in increasing access to cervical cancer screen-ing in the North Tongu District.Design: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used. The Cervical Cancer Prevention and Training Centre (CCPTC) of the Catholic Hospital, Battor, served as the hub, and six health facilities (3 health centres and 3 CHPS compounds) served as the spokes. From April 2018 to September 2019, the well-resourced CCPTC trained 6 nurses at selected Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) / Health Centres (HCs) (spokes) to provide cer-vical cancer screening services. The nurses, after training, started screening with VIA and HPV DNA testing.Participants: A total of 3,451women were screened by the trained nurses. This comprised 1,935 (56.1%) from the hub and 1,516 (43.9%) from the spokes.Main outcome measure: The detection of screen positives.Results: The screen positives were 19.4% (375/1935) at the hub and 4.9% (74/1516) at the spokes.Conclusion: We have demonstrated that a hub and spokes model for cervical cancer screening is possible in limited resource settings. Designating and resourcing a 'hub' that supports a network of ‘spokes’ could increase women's access to cervical cancer screening. This approach could create awareness about cervical cancer screening services and how they can be accessed.
Mobile colposcopy by trained nurses in a cervical cancer screening programme at Battor, Ghana
Authors: N. O. Mensah Essel , S. Badzi Ewoenam , Effah Kofi , C. Wormenor Mawusi , Tekpor Ethel , E. Amuah Joseph , B. Atuguba Hayford , Danyo Stephen , Agyiri Dominic , B. Klutsey Gifty , K. Akakpo Patrick
Published: October 2022

Objectives: Cervical precancer screening programs are difficult to establish in low resource settings partly because of a lack of human resource. Our aiming was to overcome this challenge. We hypothesized that this could be done through task shifting to trained nurses.Design: Descriptive retrospective cross-sectional review.Setting: Training was at the Cervical Cancer Prevention and Training Center (CCPTC) and screening was carried out at the clinic and at outreaches / peripheral facilities.Participants: All women who reported to the clinic for screening or were recruited during outreachesInterventions: All 4 nurses were trained for at least 2weeks (module 1). A total of 904 women were screened by the trained nurses using the EVA system. Quality assurance was ensured.Main outcome measures: Primary screening and follow-up were carried out by the trained nurses with quality assured through image sharing and meetings with peers and experienced gynaecologists.Results: 828 women had primary screening and 76 had follow-up screening. 739 (89.3%) were screened at the clinic and 89 (10.7%) at outreaches/peripheral facilities. Of all screened, 130 (14.5%) had cervical lesions, and 25 (2.8%) were treated, 12 (48.0%) by Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure (LEEP) performed by a gynaecologist, 11 (44.0%) with thermal coagulation by trained nurses except one, and 2 (8.0%) with cryotherapy by trained nurses.Conclusion: We demonstrate the utility of a model where nurses trained in basic colposcopy can be used to success-fully implement a cervical precancer screening and treatment program in low-resource settings.
Contemporary prevalence and predictors of anxiety among patients living with HIV/AIDS in Ghana
Authors: Omuojine John-Paul , B. Nguah Samuel , K. Ayisi-Boateng Nana , S. Sarfo Fred , Ovbiagele Bruce
Published: October 2022

Objectives: To identify the prevalence and associated factors of anxiety in people living with HIV/AIDS in a tertiary centre in Ghana.Design: The study employed a cross-sectional design.Setting: The study was conducted in the outpatient HIV clinic of a tertiary hospital.Participants: Participants were adult PLWHA receiving OPD care, including those established on combined an-tiretroviral therapy (cART) and newer patients who were not on cART. Four hundred ninety-five participants aged ≥30 years were consecutively enrolled on the study.Interventions: Demographic and clinical data were collected using standard questionnaires and patient files. Anxiety was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to identify associated factors.Main outcome measure: Proportion of PLWHA who had HADS score of ≥8Results: Overall prevalence of anxiety was 61.0% (95%CI: 56.6 – 65.3), with no significant difference between re-cently diagnosed (≤ 6 months, 64.3%) and those with established diagnoses (>6 months, 59.1%). Urban residence (aOR: 1.67, 95%CI: 1.12 – 2.51), alcohol use (aOR: 1.64, 95%CI: 1.13 – 2.38) and depression (aOR: 13.62, 95%CI: 7.91 – 23.45) were independently associated with anxiety.Conclusion: In this sample, 6 in 10 Ghanaian PLWHA had evidence of anxiety. Liaison with the national mental health service for more comprehensive and integrated care and further research into the mental health of PLWHA is recommended to reduce this high burden of anxiety.
The Regulation and Supervision of Micro Finance Institutions in Ethiopia: The Need to Balance Social Objectives with Financial Sustainability
Authors: Yimer Gebreysus Abegaz
Published: October 2022

Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) play an important role in providing access to finance in developing countries. However, how to effectively regulate MFIs remains one of the challenges that needs attention. The need for legal and financial innovation to enable MFIs to continue to provide the much-needed financial service to society is apparent. One of the proposals is to use regulatory frameworks that are closely related or similar to those we use in banks. Ethiopia is currently using laws that are in many ways similar to its banking laws to regulate Microfinance Institutions. However, this approach is not without its limitations. Complex and burdensome regulations greatly affect the efficiency of Microfinance Institutions. We need MFIs not to be just commercial banks. We need them to fill the gap that is created by the existing banking system. We need them to be more open to small-scale borrowers, to use flexible credit packages and to give priority to women and vulnerable groups in society. Therefore, we need a legal regime that considers these special traits of MFIs and provides the required support to these institutions to be sustainable and viable in the market. This article examines the legal regime in Ethiopia, outlines its limitations and provides suggestions to make it more efficient.
Acute toxicity and effects of methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera flower on haematological parameters of Wistar rats
Authors: Daniel N. , Malgwi K.D. , Omeh I.J. , Mkpokporo E.N. , Mshelia P.A. , Mailabari Y.H. , Ojo N.A.
Published: October 2022

Methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera flowers was investigated for its acute toxicity and effects on haematological parameters of Wistar rats. The acute toxicity study to determine the LD50 was evaluated using Lorke’s method. It involves first and second phases with six rats each phase. The rats were divided into three groups of two rats each of the phase. In the first, they were administered 10, 100 and 1000 mg/kg of the extract intraperitonially while in the second phase, they were administered 1600, 2900 and 5000 mg/kg and then observed for 24 hours. The haematological study was carried out according to standard procedures. Twenty (20) rats were divided into 4 groups with five rats in each group. The rats in groups B, C and D were treated orally with the methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera flowers using 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 800 mg/kg respectively for 21 days while group A that served as control were administered sterile water for injection at 0.5 ml/kg. Blood sample was taken from all the rats and used to establish the baseline values prior to treatments with the extract. Blood samples were collected at the end of every week and analyzed for haematological values. The administration of the extract at the dose of 5000 mg/kg intraperitoneally to the rats resulted in death but was safe at the dose of 2900 mg/kg. This indicated that the LD50 is below 5000 mg/kg. There were significant increases (p<0.05) in red blood cells, haemoglobin concentration and the packed cell volume values in all treated groups when compared to the baseline values (control group). There were also significant (p<0.05) decrease and variation in the neutrophilic values and an increase in the lymphocytic values of the differential leukocytes counts. This research has revealed that the methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera flowers increased significantly the red blood cells, packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and lymphocytosis in Wistar rats.
Seroprevalence of Newcastle disease in indigenous chickens in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Authors: Olorunshola I.D. , Daodu O.B. , Ogunyemi M. , Folahan F. , Omoregie S. , Ogah J.I.
Published: October 2022

Newcastle disease (ND) is a disease of high economic importance to poultry farmers in Nigeria. Its impact on poultry include illness of poultry, reduction in egg production, immunosuppression, and death. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Newcastle disease in indigenous (local) chickens from 2 poultry abattoirs in the Ilorin metropolis. A total of 400 blood samples were aseptically collected in plain bottles from the jugular veins of local chickens at slaughter using exsanguination and transported to the laboratory in batches. Sera samples were harvested from the blood by centrifugation at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes, after which they were stored at -20oC before serological assay. The sera were subjected to Haemagglutination Inhibition (HI) test to check for the presence of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) antibody following a standard procedure with titer values for each sample recorded. The geometric mean of the HI antibody titer (GMT) and the percentages of detectable NDV HI antibody titer were calculated using descriptive statistics. Of the 400 serum samples examined, 53 (13.25%) were positive for ND antibodies, with titre value ≥ 1:16. The location from which the birds were selected had no significant relationship with the prevalence of ND antibodies as both Oja tuntun (11.9%), and Ipata market (14.6%) had a closely similar prevalence of antibodies (p > 0.05). The feather arrangement of birds did not also have any significant impact on the prevalence of antibodies (p > 0.05). However, in this study, we observed a higher prevalence of antibodies among hens (14.7%) than in cocks (12.5%) or growers (8.9%). The high prevalence of ND antibodies in indigenous chickens in the study area showed the endemicity of the disease in the study areas. With most of the chickens are not vaccinated amid non-compliance to vaccine administration for local chickens. There is a need for poultry farmers in the study location to be educated on the importance of vaccinating poultry birds against ND.
Serological and molecular investigation of canine influenza virus in Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Omoniwa D.O. , Chinyere C.N. , Agusi E.R. , Mkpuma2 N. , Oyetunde J.S. , Igah O.E. , Adole J. , Adidu-Omoniwa A.M. , Meseko C.A.
Published: October 2022

Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection of dogs caused by the Influenza A Virus (IAV), characterized by cough, sneeze, nasal secretions, and inappetence. Infections can be mild, severe or fatal. Aquatic birds constitute a natural reservoir for IAV, which is transmitted to terrestrial birds, including poultry. IAV has also emerged in other mammalian species, including humans, swine, horses, and dogs. IAV epidemics in dogs are a recent development. Commonly detected Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) strains are A/H3N2 and A/H3N8 from avian and equine influenza, respectively. Nigeria’s agro-ecology witnessed widespread circulation of avian influenza since 2006, and recent outbreaks of equine influenza in 2018/2019 raise the possibility of inter-species transmission to dogs. To investigate canine Influenza in Plateau State, we collected 113 nasal swabs and 270 sera samples from dogs in clinics, live dog markets, and during dog vaccination campaigns. After extracting nucleic acid with the Qiagen kit, RT-PCR analysed swabs for the Influenza A matrix gene. Sera samples were screened by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay before subtyping a cross-section for H3 antibody by Hemagglutination Inhibition. No matrix gene was amplified from extracted nucleic acid from the nasal swabs. Though few sera were reactive to influenza A nucleoprotein, none was positive for influenza A/H3. The H3N8 strain of equine influenza virus first caused an epidemic in dogs in 1999 in the United States. Subsequently, avian-origin H3N2 CIV emerged in dogs in China and South Korea in 2005. Past CIV epidemics arose from a single cross-species transmission of H3N8 subtype from a mammalian intermediate host and the H3N2 subtype from an avian reservoir. Even though this limited investigation did not detect CIV in Plateau State, the potential remains because of the persistent circulation of avian, swine, and equine Influenza in Nigeria, which requires more extensive virological and serological surveillance.
Preparation and optimization of glyceryl monooleate-low molecular weight chitosan nanoparticles for delivery of morpholinopyrrolizine derivative
Authors: Elsayed Amani , Belal Amany , Al-Sou’od Khaldoun
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To develop and optimize glyceryl monooleate–low-molecular-weight chitosan (GMO-LMWC) nanoparticles loaded with morpholinopyrrolizine derivative (NPM).

Methods: Molecular mechanics was used to determine the main driving force for the complexation between glyceryl monooleate (GMO) and chitosan. Nanoparticles were fabricated using a modified film-rehydration method. Optimization was carried out using a statistical design approach. The effects of formulation factors (concentrations of GMO, LMWC and Tween 80) on zeta potential and particle size were investigated using a 23 factorial design.

Results: A steady increase in binding energy was observed when chitosan length was increased from 22 to 142 Å, and thereafter it remained almost constant. The examined independent variables had significant effects on particle size and zeta potential. The particle size of the nanoparticles varied from 265 to 1270 nm while zeta potential was in the range of 3 – 12 mV. The optimized preparation showed a significantly low half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) when compared to a free anticancer agent in the hepatocellular carcinoma (HePG-2) cell line.

Conclusion: A nanoparticulate system composed of GMO and LMWC is a potential nanocarrier for delivery of morpholinopyrrolizine derivative.
Abietic acid attenuates LPS-induced acute lung injury by restoring Th17/Treg balance
Authors: Li Xiang , Liao Bo , Liu Rongming , Ma Yanli
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To investigate the mechanism of action and effects of abietic acid (AA) in a mouse acute lung injury (ALI) model.

Methods: A mouse ALI model was established by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induction. Lung tissues were examined for histological alterations and scored based on the degree of injury. Myeloperoxidase (MPO), IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) while the numbers of Th17 and Treg cells were assessed by immunofluorescence. Protein expression levels of p-STAT3, p-STAT5, RORrt, and FOXP3 were analyzed by immunoblot assay. Expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) was assessed by immunoblot.

Results: AA ameliorated LPS-induced lung injury in mice. Furthermore, AA ameliorated LPS-induced pneumonia in mice (p < 0.05) and restored Th17/Treg balance and Th17/Treg transcription factor expression that was altered by LPS induction. AA also activated PPARγ expression to restore Th17/Treg balance (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The results indicate that AA attenuates LPS-induced ALI in mice by restoring Th17/Treg balance. Thus, AA is a potential drug for the management of ALI; however, AA must first be evaluated in clinical studies.
Abietic acid ameliorates neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier disruption in traumatic brain injury by inhibiting MAPK pathway
Authors: Xing Kongxue , Jiang Wenrong
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To investigate the effects of abietic acid (AA) on traumatic brain injury (TBI) in a rat model, and the underlying mechanisms of action.

Methods: Twenty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups of 5 animals each: Sham, TBI, TBI + AA (14 mg/kg), and TBI + AA (28 mg/kg). Controlled cortical impact (CCI) model was used to induce TBI in rats. Western blot was used to determine the protein levels of Claudin 3, Occludin, ZO-1, Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved-caspase3, p65 NF-κB, p-p65 NF-κB, ERK, p-ERK, JNK, p-JNK, p38 and p-p38, while the expressions of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β were determined using the applicable assay kits. Neurological deficit was assessed based on mNSS and brain water content.

Results: Treatment with AA significantly reduced TBI-induced blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage, as well as apoptosis and neuroinflammation in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.001). The neuroprotective effect of AA was associated with the inhibition of the MAPK signaling pathways and subsequent suppression of NF-κB (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Abietic acid serves as a potential novel candidate for the treatment of TBI, and its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects are related to the suppression of MAPK signaling pathways. Therefore, abietic acid may serve as a novel candidate for the treatment of TBI in humans.
Annexin A1 mimetic peptide Ac2-26 alleviates renal inflammatory injury in a diabetic mice model through the suppression of p38MAPK/NF-κB
Authors: Zhang Kangyi , Teng Xiaochun
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To examine the protective effect of mimetic peptide Ac2-26 of Annexin A1 (ANXA1) against renal inflammatory injury in a diabetic mice model.

Methods: Twenty-four mice were randomized into three groups with eight mice per group. These included control group (CG), model group (MG) given intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg), and AC2-26 group (AG) given AC2-26, 72 h after the induction of diabetes. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood lipids, and renal function in the mice were determined by Sysmex-180 Biochemistry Analyzer, while serum inflammatory factors in renal tissue were also determined.

Results: Compared with the model group, there was a significant decrease in the levels of FBG, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), oxidized LDL (ox-LDL), as well as in 24 h urinary protein, creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), but a significant increase in body weight in AC2-26 group (p < 0.001). There was a significant decrease in TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-18 levels, as well as in mRNA levels and protein expressions of p38MAPK, NF-κBP6, ANXA1 in AC2-26 group when compared with the model group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Annexin A1 is the target gene of p38MAPK. Annexin A1 mimetic peptide Ac2-26 alleviates renal inflammation by suppressing p38MAPK/NF-κB pathway, thus improving renal function in the diabetic mice model. Hence, the findings of this study provide a potential avenue for the development of an effective treatment for renal disease in diabetics.
Effects of the combination of loxoprofen sodium and sodium hyaluronate on osteoarthritis and knee function
Authors: Zou Yi , Hu Song , Yang Xiaozhong , Wang Weilin , You Honglin , Hu Bo , Zhang Dagang
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To determine the treatment efficacy of the combination of loxoprofen sodium and sodium hyaluronate in osteoarthritis (OA), and its role in knee joint function.

Methods: 98 patients with OA admitted to Guang'an People's Hospital, Sichuan, China were allocated into control group (CNG, given loxoprofen sodium n, = 51) and study group (SG, given loxoprofen sodium and sodium hyaluronate, n = 47). Both groups were compared in terms of the levels of inflammatory factor, Lysholm, VAS, WOMAC scores, treatment effects, serum MDA, NO, SOD levels, adverse effects, and blood rheology indices.

Results: The study group had higher SOD levels, and higher BALP and BGP than CNG (p < 0.05). SG had lower TRACP-5b and blood rheological indices than CNG (p < 0.05). The difference in the incidence of adverse reactions was not statistically significant between the two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: The combination of loxoprofen sodium and sodium hyaluronate effectively improves the function and blood rheological indices of knee joints. It reduces the occurrence of adverse reactions and the level of pain in patients with OA, and improves OA prognosis. However further clinical trials are required prior to application in clinical practice.
Targeted silencing of CDX2 gene with siRNA enhanced vincristine-induced inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis of leukemia K562 cells
Authors: Li Hong , Han Zhongjing , Jiang Xue , Ma Lanzhi , Li Yun
Published: October 2022

Purpose: To determine the effect of targeted silencing of CDX2 with siRNA on vincristine-induced inhibition of proliferation and apoptosis induction in leukemia K562 cells.

Methods: K562 cells were divided into untreated group, vincristine group, blank group, and CDX2-siRNA group. The expression of CDX2 gene after CDX2-siRNA transfection was determined by reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunoblotting, while MTT and flow cytometric procedures were used to evaluate the effect of vincristine on proliferation and apoptotic changes in K562 cells.

Results: Protein expression of CDX2 did not change significantly in non-treated cells, vincristine group and blank group, while the expression of CDX2 protein in cells of CDX2-siRNA group was decreased significantly (p < 0.05) while MTT assay results showed that the absorbance of CDX2-siRNA cells was significantly lower than those of the other three groups at 12, 24 and 48 h after CDX2 gene silencing. Flow cytometry showed markedly higher percentage apoptosis of CDX2-siRNA group than in other groups at 12, 24 and 48 h after CDX2 gene silencing. There was no difference in apoptosis level between vincristine group and blank group, but apoptosis was higher in these groups than in untreated group (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Silencing CDX2 gene via targeting with siRNA enhances vincristine-induced suppression of growth and apoptotic changes in leukemia K562 cells, thereby enhancing the anti-tumor effect of vincristine.
Phytochemical Investigation, Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Activities of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Pride of Barbados Pod (Caesalpinia pulcherrima)
Authors: Ogbeide Osahon K. , Omono Efosa D. , Ehizojie Precious O. , Aiwonegbe Anthony E. , Uadia Jeremiah O.
Published: October 2022

Pride of Barbados is a therapeutic herb which has wide traditional applications in the treatments and management of diverse ailments. Diseases pose great threats to human race. This research was aimed at evaluating the phytochemicals, proximate composition, acute toxicity, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities of the pod extract of Pride of Barbados in order to provide a scientific validation for its use as a therapeutic herb. All analyses were carried out using already established methods; the antioxidant potential was examined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, while the formalin-induced inflammation and acetic acid-induced writhing techniques were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, respectively. Phytochemicals detected were alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The moisture content, crude fibre, acid insoluble ash, water soluble ash and total ash were 9.02 ± 0.02%, 9.04 ± 0.01%, 2.78 ± 0.02%, 1.20 ± 0.00% and 4.35 ± 0.13%, respectively. The IC50 values for the DPPH radical scavenging capacity of the pod extract and ascorbic acid (standard) were 50.05 ± 0.50 and 5.20 ± 0.85 µg/mL, respectively. The oral administration of crude ethyl acetate pod extract of Pride of Barbados to Swiss mice was not toxic even up to a dose of 5,000 mg/kg. The pod extract showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the formation of formalin-induced oedema and the number of writhes in the acetic acid-induced writhing test in a concentration (dose) dependent manner. This study confirms the phytomedicinal use of the pod extract of Pride of Barbados with rich pharmacological and antioxidant properties.

Keywords:  Pride of Barbados; Caesalpinia pulcherrima; Anti-inflammatory; Analgesic; Phytochemicals
Characterisation and Antimicrobial Potential of Actinobacteria Isolated from Momela Soda Lakes, Tanzania
Authors: Lema Witness S. , Mahadhy Ally , Damas Modester , Munissi Joan J.E. , Lyimo Thomas J.
Published: October 2022

Extreme environments such as soda lakes are potential sources of microbes with biotechnological applications in different sectors. This study aimed at isolation, characterization and investigation of antibacterial potential of actinobacteria from Momela Soda Lakes, at Arusha National Park in Tanzania. One hundred and twenty (120) isolates were recovered from soil and water samples using the dilution plate technique. The isolates were morphologically and biochemically characterized, and further, screened for antimicrobial activity by disc diffusion method as well as the micro dilution technique. Cytotoxic effects were determined using the brine shrimp lethality test. Results showed that, all 120 isolates were Gram-positive rod-coccus shaped. Forty-four out of them showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The Streptomyces (101TI) and Dietzia (56BI) strains exhibited exceptionally higher antibacterial activity compared to the rest with inhibition zones of 16.25 and 21.00 mm, respectively. These two strains were toxic against brine shrimp-larvae. Microbacterium (5LI), Hoyosella (113BI), Streptomyces (62BI), Dietzia (117SI), Hoyosella (37SI) and Microbacterium (3BI) strains had low antibacterial and cytotoxic activities. This study therefore revealed that Momela Soda Lakes harbour actinobacteria with antimicrobial potential.

Keywords: Actinobacteria; antimicrobial activity; extremophiles; Momela soda lakes
Quality of life in patients with cerebral palsy: literature review
Authors: Nezhelskaya Aleksandra A. , Kurenkov Alexey L. , Kuzenkova Lyudmila M. , Bursagova Bella I.
Published: October 2022

Currently, much attention is paid to the study of the quality of life of patients suffering from chronic pathology. The quality of life is closely related to the patient’s awareness of confidence and well-being in many areas, not only with the perception of their physical condition, but also in many other aspects of life including social interactions, emotional experiences, spiritual values and in other areas. Cerebral palsy is a severe chronic disabling disease with the presence of not only motor disorders, but also speech, cognitive, mental health problems that lead to social maladaptation. There are special tools for quality of life assessment, which include various questionnaires. Some of them, for example, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) has a special module “Cerebral palsy”, the following problems are covered: daily activities, movement and balance, pain, fatigue, eating. From the age of 5 years, the block «speech and communication», «school classes» is added. Such questionnaires allow assessing quality of life disturbances by cerebral palsy and use these data for dynamic observation during the treatment. The article presents the most objective studies of the quality of life with cerebral palsy. Pain in patients with cerebral palsy is a serious problem and has a significant negative impact on the quality of life. It has been shown that injections of botulinum toxin type A can not only lead to pain reduction, but significantly improve the functioning of patients with cerebral palsy and improve their quality of life. It is equally important to assess the quality of life of parents and relatives of sick children. There is evidence that severe motor disorders by cerebral palsy have a significant negative impact on the quality of life and the development of depression by mothers who take care of a child.
Subcortical band heterotopia: analysis of 5 cases
Authors: Kulikova Sviatlana L. , Likhachev Sergey A. , Zmachynskaya Olga L. , Siz Marina A.
Published: October 2022

Subcortical band heterotopia (SBH) is a diffuse deterioration of cortical development, which is characterized by the location of heterotopic neurons in deep and subcortical regions of the brain parallel to the cortex, which creates the illusion of duplication of the cortex, from what this variant was named the «double cortex» syndrome. Data of five patients including three girls and 2 boys were analyzed. The average age was 12.6 years (from 5 to 15). In all cases, heterotopia was bilaterally symmetrical: in 2 cases - diffuse, in 1 it was fronto-parietal, in 1 - temporal-occipital, and in 1 it was fronto-parietal-occipital. Concomitant cerebral malformations were presented in all patients: ventriculomegaly in 5 cases (100%), frontal pachygyria in 1 case (20.0%), diffuse pachygyria in 1 case (20.0%), and dysgyria in 1 case (20.0%). All 5 (100%) patients had epilepsy. The age of onset of epileptic seizures was 6.1 [5.6; 7.5] years. In 3 (60.0%) people epilepsy was focal, in 2 (40.0%) - generalized. There were the following types of epileptic seizures: infantile spasms - 1 (20.0%), focal - 3 (60.0%), tonic-clonic - 4 (80.0%), myoclonic - 2 (40.0%), attacks of cessation of motor activity - 1 (20.0%), atonic - 1 (20.0%). Status epilepticus and febrile-provoked seizures were no observed in any case. Interictal epileptiform activity was presented in all cases: regional in 3 (60.0%), diffuse in 1 (20.0%), and multiregional + diffuse in 1 (20.0%). Drug resistant course was in 3 (60.0%) people. Intellectual impairments were detected in 3 (60.0%) patients: mild - in 1 (20.0%), moderate - in 1 (20.0%), severe - in 1 (20.0%). In 2 (40.0%) observations, intelligence was intact, and in both cases these were patients without drug-resistant epilepsy and without concomitant pachygyria. Speech disorder was detected in 3 (60.0%) people, mild movement disorders - in 1 (20.0%), microcephaly - in 1 (20.0%). Thus, the leading clinical manifestation of SBH is epilepsy with a predominantly drug resistant course. More data are needed on the possibility of using alternative drug treatments.
Breakdown of Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Meena Munesh , Sehrawat Ruchi
Published: October 2022

Machine Learning (ML) is a technology that can revolutionize the world. It is a technology based on AI (Artificial Intelligence) and can predict the outcomes using the previous algorithms without programming it. A subset of artificial intelligence is called machine learning (AI). A machine may automatically learn from data and get better at what it does thanks to machine learning. “If additional data can be gathered to help a machine perform better, it can learn. A developing technology called machine learning allows computers to learn from historical data. Machines can predict the outcomes by machine learning. For Nowadays machine learning is very important for us because it makes our work easy. to many companies are using machine learning in their products, like google is using google its google assistant, which takes our voice command and gives what do we want from it, and google is also using its goggle lens form which we can find anything just by clicking a picture, and Netflix is using machine learning for recommendation of any movies or series, Machine learning has a very deep effect on our life, like nowadays we are using selfdriving car’s.
The State of Nationally Determined Contributions: 2022
Authors: Fransen Taryn , Henderson Christopher , O’Connor Ryan , Alayza Natalia , Caldwell Molly , Chakrabarty Subrata , Dixit Aarjan , Finch Mario , Kustar Anna , Langer Paige , Stolle Fred , Walls Ginette , Welle Benjamin
Published: October 2022

This report takes stock of countries’ latest NDCs and examines how these commitments have evolved since the Paris Agreement entered into force, identifying overall trends and pinpointing the elements where further action is needed. It finds that countries are making incremental progress on strengthening their NDCs, but what we really need to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement is urgent transformational change.