bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bacillus velezensis: Biocontrol activity of cells and extracellular compounds against Xanthomonas spp
Authors: Pajčin Ivana , Vlajkov Vanja , Dodić Jelena , Loc Marta , Grahovac Mila , Grahovac Jovana
Published: April 2022

Bacillus velezensis is a novel biocontrol species exhibiting several mechanisms in biological control of plant pathogens, including antibiosis, production of other types of antimicrobials, such as volatile organic compounds, direct competition for nutrients and growth space, and induction of plant immunity towards pathogens. The aim of this study was to assess the potential of Bacillus velezensis IP22, cultivated on the optimized medium with glycerol as carbon source, for in vitro suppression of phytopathogenic bacteria - Xanthomonas campestris and Xanthomonas euvesicatoria. Different potential biocontrol agents were investigated: the overall cultivation broth, containing cells of Bacillus velezensis IP22 and produced extracellular metabolites, and cell-free supernatant obtained by centrifugation of the cultivation broth (10000 rpm, 10 min), which contained only the produced extracellular compounds. Furthermore, supernatant samples were subjected to heat treatment to assess whether there were thermosensitive extracellular compounds present in the supernatant. Vacuum evaporation was performed to concentrate supernatant samples in order to compare the effect of higher concentration of extracellular compounds to pathogens' growth. The results have indicated average inhibition zone diameters of 66.00 mm for the cultivation broth samples, 25.67 mm for the supernatants, 10.00 mm for the heat treated supernatants and 43.50 mm for the concentrated supernatants. Further research should include optimization of the production processes aimed at maximization of Bacillus velezensis IP22 growth and/or biosynthesis of the antimicrobial metabolites, as well as their precise identification and characterization to better understand the mechanism(s) of biocontrol activity against phytopathogenic Xanthomonas spp.
José Fernando Mota, "¡Viva Cataluña Española! Historia de la extrema derecha en la Barcelona republicana (1931-1936)". València: Publicacions de la Universitat de València, 2020. [Ressenya]
Authors: Vallejo Bosch Gerard
Published: April 2022

A través de les quatre-centes i escaig pàgines de ¡Viva Cataluña española!, José Fernando Mota dissecciona el complex i coral món de l’extrema dreta barcelonina entre 1931 i 1936, integrat per una galàxia heterogènia i dividida de grupuscles que no aconseguirien sortir de la marginalitat a què els relegava l’hegemonia del catalanisme i de l’obrerisme a la Barcelona de la primera meitat dels anys trenta del segle XX. Indubtablement, la monografia ressenyada està cridada a convertir-se, d’ara endavant, en una obra de consulta obligatòria per tothom qui vulgui aproximar-se a la història d’un «microcosmos» fins ara no historiografiat a fons en el seu conjunt.
Where functional MRI stops, metabolism starts
Authors: Frangou Polytimi , Clarke William T
Published: April 2022

Combining techniques that track blood oxygenation and biochemicals during neuronal activity reveals how the brain computes perceived and unperceived stimuli.
The Changing Landscape of Human Resource Management in a Qatarization Environment: A Literature Review
Authors: Arugay Richelle
Published: April 2022

Qatarization is Qatar’s long-term human development strategy. From this agenda, the research covers public policies and reports to review how Qatarization is derived as a development strategy. The study attempts to answer the research question: “what is the role of Qatarization in facilitating human development?” The author posits that understanding the concept of Qatarization at an organizational level is significant in the implementation to support Qatar’s human development strategies. Following an integrative literature review, the paper scans literature on Qatarization practices in the country with a relatively high proportion of migrant workers due to its small native population. Although the current practices of workforce localization vary in general and the implementation is relatively inadequate, it is asserted that Qatarization has immense potential in facilitating the human capital development of the country. Therefore, Qatar needs to strategize upon institutionalization of Qatarization to realize the goals of building a knowledgeable and motivated workforce through HRD. Conceding that research on Qatarization in the context of HRM is less explored. This study is a significant contribution to the existing literature pertaining to the roll-out of workforce localization in developing countries.
An Empirical Study on Metropolitan Cebu Residents’ Online Buying Behavior during the Community Quarantine Period
Authors: Abella Joemariz , Rabe Rodney , Almaden Antoniette
Published: April 2022

Online Shopping platforms have prompted vital changes in several aspects of the digital market, yet the reasons why consumers buy online are still not clear. Driven by technological advancements and evolving consumer demand, online shopping has been remodeled through various e-commerce platforms that were progressing even before the coronavirus pandemic began. The study examined the consumers’ behavior whether there were significant changes in the Metropolitan Cebu residents’ online shopping behavior within the context of the community quarantine period. Descriptive method and convenience sampling technique were used to determine the determinants of the 543 randomly selected participants’ consumer behavior, online shopping perception, and online purchasing challenges experienced during the quarantine. The selected factors to be explored are personal, social, psychological, cultural, and how they affect consumer behavior towards online shopping. Based on the aforementioned examines, it has been found out that almost 20.1 percent of the respondents had not changed their online shopping habits since the quarantine began. Around 59.5 percent increased their spending online, and 20.4 percent of the respondents have decreased their online spending during the quarantine. As Metropolitan Cebu has already transitioned to the MGCQ phase, 71.3% of the respondents were expected to continue their online shopping activity to a more sustainable and conscious online product spending after the coronavirus pandemic.
iReserve: An Online Event Reservation for Lipa City Cultural with SMS Notification
Authors: Capuno Mayling , Benigno Jerome , Reyes Russel , Tojino Kielly Chrizza Mae
Published: April 2022

The study proposed a web-based research iReserve: An Online Event Reservation for Lipa City Cultural, to integrate SMS Notification. In the existing manual system of reservation, the major challenge on the administration was conflicts of schedule with the event reservation. Thus, iReserve: An Online Event Reservation for Lipa City Cultural was proposed to serve as a useful tool for booking events and send updated notifications about the status of the request event details by integrating SMS technology. iReserve is designed to process the booking request and search for clients’ available target event schedules from the system database. The study used the software development life cycle in developing the proposed application. The web application structure was designed using workflow, entity-relationship, context, and use case diagrams. The web application was developed using different open sources such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and MySQL. iReserve was evaluated using ISO 9126 software evaluation tool assessing the web applications’ functionality, reliability, usability, efficiency, portability, and maintainability. The study concluded that using several diagrams and a combination of open source technologies, the web application designed and developed would meet the specified functionalities.
Assessment of gDNA extracted from Staphylococcus aureus isolate by polymerase chain reaction, agarose gel electrophoresis, and spectrophotometric assay
Authors: Acanto Ricky , Castor Jasmin , Langcoy Mary Grace
Published: April 2022

DNA sequencing is crucial in molecular biology techniques to identify Staphylococcus aureus isolates' genotype to advance diagnoses, prevent, and control infections. DNA isolation can be influenced by several factors which can affect the quality of the output. The experiment was conducted to assess the quality and quantity of genomic DNA isolated from S. aureus. The gDNA's purity and concentration were determined using the spectrophotometric assay, and the quality was analyzed using PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis. The purity of DNA and RNA was determined using the absorbance ratio at A260 and A280, and the percent coefficient of variation was used for the three replicates. The result showed that the extracted gDNA from S. aureus was obtained in large quantities, with good quality, R1=93.67 µg/ml, R2=59.85 µg/ml, and R3=67.50 µg/ml. The concentration was within a 1.8 – 2.0 absorbance ratio and was considered high quantity output. The extracted and amplified pure gDNA fragment from the sample can now be used for other molecular techniques.
Occupational Needs of Adolescents with Disabilities: A Case of Rural Community in the Philippines
Authors: Lim Karl Jerick , Nuñez Deborah , Sarza Jr. Sergio
Published: April 2022

Occupational needs refer to an individual’s need to engage in meaningful occupations throughout his/her day-to-day life. Certain external factors may influence an adolescent’s occupational need, including socio-economic factors, current health status, cultural beliefs or institutional environment, health education, and medical resources. In third-world countries, occupational needs are apparent and have reduced opportunities to acquire work or participate in leisure participation/exploration for clients who have a physical impairment in the community leading to unsatisfied well-being. In addition, adolescents with disabilities may find it challenging to perform their daily occupations. The researchers aimed to identify the occupational needs of adolescents with disabilities currently attending therapy services in the Argao Community-Based Project. The study utilized a convenience sampling technique and was conducted in a rural community in Argao Cebu with eight participants. The researcher collected data through one-on-one semi-structured interviews. The narratives were then transcribed and analyzed to come up with the top occupational needs of the adolescents. Several themes emerged based on the adolescents’ narratives on their occupational needs.  The themes included: Sustaining Role, Values, Priorities, Essential Occupational Performance, and Belonging to a Group. The researchers found an interdependence between the themes. An occupational therapy program was then proposed to meet the said needs.
Mga Bayaning Walang Kapa: Struggles and Coping of Ivatan Primary Caregivers of Children with Special Needs in the Province of Batanes
Authors: Billote William Jo Se , Ponce Kyle , Taghap Leonard , Arca Samantha Jaslyn Nicole , Villa Christine Mae
Published: April 2022

Primary caregivers of children with special needs encounter a host of new challenges and face reality and shock of diagnosing the disability itself. This study employed a descriptive research method to identify and describe the struggles of 18 Ivatan primary caregivers and their coping strategies in terms of gender in the Province of Batanes. Inventory questionnaires were used to gather data. Using Mean Analysis and ANOVA One-Way Repeated Measures, the Ivatan primary caregivers' prevalent struggles are Financial, Health, Social, Family, and Emotional. In terms of gender, both males and females experienced all the areas of struggle. Ivatan primary caregivers’ struggles experienced, the more prevalent coping strategies used by Ivatan primary caregivers are Problem Solving, Cognitive Restructuring, and Social Support. Male and female primary caregivers used all the coping strategies except Social Withdrawal and Self-Criticism. Males utilized problem-solving the more while females utilized Cognitive Restructuring. Despite the various struggles that the Ivatan primary caregivers experienced, they find ways to cope with them.
The Satisfaction Level of Undergraduate Engineering Students on Distance Learning Amidst COVID-19
Authors: Agapito Jereco Jims , Japos Genaro
Published: April 2022

Distance learning is the primary solution of the educational system in the entire world. Online mode also led the undergraduate engineering students. This study was a prospective, cross-sectional, and observational study. There were 20 questions, each of which was scored using the Likert scale. The data collection was done on an electronic platform. The data are presented in frequencies and percentages using Jamovi to analyze the data and the outcomes of the hypotheses. A total of 170 engineering students participated in the study and 2 of them disagreed with consent and were excluded. A total of 64 (37.76%) participants gave students positive responses (Very satisfied and Satisfied). A total of 71 (42%) participants gave a negative response to online learning (Very dissatisfied and Dissatisfied). A t-test provided evidence of no statistically significant difference in the student’s satisfaction regarding distance learning between male and female students. ANOVA test shows no statistically significant difference in the student’s satisfaction relating to distance learning between BSCE, BSEE, and BSME. Large engineering students were dissatisfied with the online mode of teaching due to various reasons. They are generally satisfied with the support and response from the teaching faculties and dissatisfied with the communication/technology issues and lack of practical or clinical learning.
Strengthened Resilience: Impact of Pandemic in a Gawad Kalinga Community
Authors: Gallespen Ervie Emelda , Villanueva Marie Bernadette , Larido Mariz , Deramas Inna Isabel
Published: April 2022

An educational institution that offers mostly paramedical courses has a significant role in strengthening community resilience as a recovery response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This study utilized a mixed-methods research design to describe the impact of the pandemic on the lives of 126 Gawad Kalinga community residents in Bacolod City, Philippines. The greatest impact of Covid-19 was the decrease in family income, but the resiliency of the residents was strengthened through each other’s support and that of partner institutions. There was difficulty in procuring food, medicine, and health care, but respondents declared their willingness to participate in livelihood initiatives. The following themes emerged from the interview with eight participants to validate the survey responses: Perseverance, Protection for Oneself and Others, Isolation, Better Safe than Sorry, Fear and Uncertainty, Weathering the Storm, Vaccines are Priority and Resiliency.  Determining the impact of the pandemic was successful in incorporating the inputs of the residents into the community engagement programs of the partner educational institution. It is recommended that constant communication with the community and a regular assessment of their evolving needs must be monitored even beyond the pandemic. This can yield better recovery responses and health outcomes that may be adopted by other Gawad Kalinga communities all over the country.
Leadership Style of Senior Manager of Medical Device Industry in Germany: A Case Study
Authors: Kousihan Suriyakumaran , Elsaman Hosam Azat , Maricar Mohamed Ali
Published: April 2022

Leadership allows organizations to focus on employee development and sustain efforts for well-being. It argued that the medical device industry is complex and leadership requires support to meet the demands. Moreover, increasing globalization and politicization of social welfare institutes have increased challenges. Regulatory compliance must be followed. The study aimed to explore the leadership style of senior leaders in the context of regulatory compliance in the medical device industry after the Covid-19 outbreak. The research objective is to get insight, thoughts, and shared experiences from the medical device industry leaders as they face regulatory challenges. The research used a qualitative approach and the data was collected through conducting interviews with medical device industry leaders and later performing a thematic analysis of the interview transcripts. The sample population taken in the research comprised 14 senior leaders from South Germany, particularly in Baden-Württemberg Region, where they shared their responses based on design questions. The questions were designed within the context of regulatory compliance.  Ethical considerations maintain the anonymity of the participant. It was observed that regulatory compliance in the medical device industry has uncertain and dynamic situations where an authoritarian style of leadership becomes necessary. However, most of the leaders disagreed with this style of leadership and some resort to a democratic way of listening through effective communication or collaboration. Communication skill was found to be the most effective for leaders in the medical device industry. Leaders build personal relationships with their subordinates and try to cater to their needs.
Determinants of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention and Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Bhaskaran Premjithlal , Sanal TS , Bhaskaran India Premjithlal , Anastasiou Nikolaos
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery has potential benefits for patients with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). The consensus associated with Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) and CABG was in terms of clinical outcomes, type of vessel disease, repeat revascularization, stroke, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. Hence, a comparison of PCI versus CABG is becoming important to identify patients who would benefit from PCI and CABG. Aim: This review was conducted to identify the pathophysiological determinants of PCI and CABG. Materials and Methods: In the present systematic review, Medline (PubMed), EMBASE, ProQuest, and the Cochrane database were searched, by using the key words “PCI” OR “percutaneous coronary intervention” AND “CABG” OR “coronary artery bypass grafting”. The searches were restricted from January 2009 to June 2021, with studies published in the English language. Comparative studies of CABG versus PCI with stent placement were the inclusion criteria. For meta-analysis Mantel–Haenszel Odds Ratio (MHOR) with its 95% Confidence Interval (CI), Mean Difference (MD) with its 95 % CI were computed. Results: Overall, 408 titles or abstracts were identified from the initial search, of which full manuscripts of 93 studies were retrieved, in the first phase. Later, 71 studies were excluded. Of the remaining 22 studies, 19 were subjected to meta-analysis. This review contributes a sample size of 17,053. Mean age of the study population of PCI group was 66.15±10.71 years and in CABG group it was 66.16±9.43 years. PCI was performed among patients with higher ejection fraction (MD=2.13; 95% CI=1.75 to 2.52) or higher Synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with Taxus and coronary artery bypass surgery (SYNTAX) score score (MD=-3.43; 95% CI=-3.98 to -2.87). CABG was considered for the patients with a higher Euro score (MD=0.28; 95% CI=0.2 to 0.35). Conclusion: The ejection fraction, SYNTAX score, euro score, type of vessel disease, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes are the determinants of PCI and CABG.
Photobiomodulation and its Effect on Stability of Orthodontic Mini-implants: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomised Controlled Trials
Authors: Mohan Reshma , Jain Ravindra Kumar , Balasubramaniam Arthi
Published: April 2022

Introduction: The influence of Photobiomodulation (PBM) in the field of orthodontics has been of recent interest. PBM has a promising effect on acceleration of tooth movement, alleviation of pain during orthodontic treatment and Mini-Implant (MI) stability. Aim: The aim of this review was to systematically report on the effectiveness of PBM on the stability of orthodontic MI. Materials and Methods: Literature search was conducted in five electronic databases for human trials published between January 2000 to February 2021 on the effectiveness of PBM therapy for stability of orthodontic MI. This systematic review was conducted during January 2021 and February 2021. Cochrane review manager software (Revman version 5.4) and Cochrane Risk Of Bias (ROB) 2 tool were used for bias assessment. The primary outcome measured was the stability of MI using Resonance Frequency Analysis (RFA) or Periotest Value (PTV). The secondary outcomes measured were pain and inflammation around the peri-implant area. Also, Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) was also measured in gingival crevicular fluid. Results: A total of six Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) were included in the review. Out of the 6 studies, 2 showed low Risk Of Bias (ROB) whereas 3 showed some concerns and 1 showed high ROB. Quantitative analysis was done for 4 studies with a random effects model to assess the MI stability measured by periotest at 30 days and 60 days. A significant mean difference of -3.31 (95% CI-5.15,-1.47) between PBM and controls for mini-implant stability at 30 days and a significant mean difference of -3.47 (95% CI-4.58, -2.36) between PBM and controls at 60 days with low heterogeneity was obtained. Three studies reported on the pain response after PBM and both groups showed no significant difference. A decrease in gingival inflammation was reported in one study whereas other study showed no significant change in IL-1ß in gingival crevicular fluid. Conclusion: Majority of the studies included in this review reported improved secondary stability with PBM. The low heterogeneous nature of the quantitative studies also supports the data obtained. However, the results should be concluded with caution.
Role of Palliative Duodenojejunostomy in Advanced Pancreatic CarcinomaA Case Series
Authors: Indumathi N , Murugan A , Rajan KV
Published: April 2022

Pancreatic cancer is a common gastrointestinal malignancies associated with poor prognosis. Most of the patients present only in late stage with metastasis or locally advanced disease during the time of diagnosis, requiring palliative surgery. At the time of diagnosis, patients usually have a few months of survival. The surgical palliation for such patients is a less explored area; so, here authors present a series of three patients, who presented with symptoms suggestive of Gastric Outlet Obstruction (GOO) or duodenal obstruction. On further work-up, they found to have pancreatic growth infiltrating the duodenum or Duodenojejunal Flexure (DJF). All three patients underwent palliative duodenojejunal bypass with relief of symptoms and improvement in quality of life in postoperative period. Hence, duodenojejunal bypass is an effective surgical procedure for palliation of obstructive symptom for advanced pancreatic cancer involving duodenum to improve the quality of life of the patient.
Performance of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Hybrids on Growth, and Yield under Agro-climatic Conditions of Prayagraj, U. P.
Authors: Mohammad Shadab , Singh Vikram , George Shruti Grace , Vivek . , Kumar Katravath Ajay
Published: April 2022

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season of 2021 at the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P.) India. The soil of experimental field was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.2), low in organic carbon (0.35%), available N (108.0 kg/ha), available P2O5 (22.15 kg/ha) and available K2O (280.0 kg/ha). The experiment was carried out to find the performance of 10 hybrids, which laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. To find the performance of 10 Rice hybrids.  The result of experimentation revealed that the Rice hybrid UR-35 recorded significantly higher growth attributes viz. plant height (120.58 cm), number of tillers/hill (15 no.), plant dry weight/plant (55.91 g), CGR (40.50 g/m2/day), yield attributes viz., effective tillers/m2 (387 no.), panicle length (28.41 cm), test weight (26.45 g), and yields viz., grain yield per hill (28.37 g), grain yield (6.90 t/ha), straw yield (12.77 t/ha).
Implications of Adaptation Strategies to Climate Variability on Small-Scale Coffee Production in Kirinyaga County, Kenya
Authors: Murimi Edwin K. , Mburu Benson K.
Published: April 2022

Coffee farming constitutes a substantial source of income to a significant fraction of ménages across the globe, Kenya being one. The impact of climate variability on coffee farming is negative. Small-scale coffee farmers in Mukure ward, Kirinyaga have not adequately assumed appropriate adaptation strategies to enhance resilience against this challenge. The   purpose of the research was to evaluate climate variability, how it relates with coffee farming and to determine the effects of adaptation strategies for resilience against climate variability by small-scale coffee farmers in Mukure ward.  The study area was Mukure ward within Kirinyaga County with a total population of 30,534. Primary data was collected using questionnaires, conducting interviews among selected respondents and field observations. Data on temperature and precipitation trends was accessed from the local Kenya Meteorological Department offices while data on coffee farming was provided by Kirinyaga County Government. The raw data from the field was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and spreadsheets that then generated tables, comparative graphs and frequencies. The findings from this study indicated that small-scale coffee farmers in Mukure Ward experienced climate variability in the period 1987-2017. The study concluded that small-scale coffee farmers in Mukure ward were facing climate variability, and had devised different adaptation mechanisms which were on the other hand faced by myriad of challenges. Going by the findings of the study, with the fluctuations in temperature and rainfall patterns, there is an absolute need to create awareness among small scale-coffee farmers on climate variability, weather forecast and appropriate adaptation strategies.
Effect of Establishment Methods and Nutrient Levels on Growth and Yield of Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.)
Authors: Vanukuri Bhavani Reddy , Singh Vikram , George Shruti Grace , Vivek .
Published: April 2022

A field experiment was conducted during kharif season at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Allahabad (U.P.). The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture. The treatment consisted of T1-Transplanting+75% RDF, T2-Transplanting+100% RDF, T3-Transplanting+125 % RDF, T4- Broadcasting+75% RDF, T5-Broadcasting+100% RDF, T6- Broadcasting+125% RDF, T7-Line sowing +75%RDF, T8-Line sowing +100%RDF, T9- Line sowing +125%RDF.The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design, with 9 treatments replicated thrice. Results revealed that maximum plant height (94.7 cm), numbers of tillers per plant (7.5), plant dry weight (22.97 g/plant), Effective tillers per m2 (172.3), test weight (3.8 g), number of grains per finger (2240), finger weight (11.4 g), grain yield (3.2 t/ha), straw yield (4.48 t/ha) It can be concluded, that the treatment Transplanting + 125 % RDF was more productive.
Growth, Yield and Economics of Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids under Agro-Climatic Conditions of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Mrudula Dwaram , Singh Vikram , George Shruti Grace , Vivek . , Neena Bandi
Published: April 2022

A field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2021 at experimental field of the Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Naini Agricultural Institute, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences, Prayagraj, and Uttar Pradesh, India to determine the Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) Hybrids Under Agro-Climatic Conditions of Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The experiment was done on 15 Maize Hybrids. It was carried out through a statistical design of Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. The soil of the experimental plot was sandy loam in texture and contain pH 7.8, organic carbon (0.35%), available nitrogen (243kg/ha), available phosphorus (20.10kg/ha) and available potassium (105 kg/ha).Report of study indicate that, among different Hybrids UM-14 produced significantly higher plant height (218.48 cm), number of leaves per plant (13.07), dry weight/plant (166.11 g), cob length (17.12 cm), number of cobs per plant (2.07), number of rows per cob (15.60), number of grains per row (31.10), Seed yield (7.99 t/ha), stover yield (18.95 t/ha) and harvest index (29.67%). Hybrid UM-14 also fetched highest gross returns (Rs.2,00,631/ha), net returns (Rs.1,43,736/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.53) when compared to other Hybrids in both growth and yield attributes.
Lymphedema as Consequence of Loxosceles Brown Spider Bite: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Montoya Luis E. L. , Zarate-Sánchez Maria T. , Saenz-Ramirez K. Gabriela , Lopez-Cabanillas Yucari , Sandoval-Aguirre Joceline , L. Montoya Angel
Published: April 2022

Introduction: Secondary lymphedema is defined as a chronic-progressive disease that causes rich protein edema of the limbs, this may be caused due to the damage or obstruction of lymphatic structures; complications associated with loxosceles spider bite may cause damage to the lymphatic system.

Objective: To describe the clinical case of a patient with lower extremity lymphedema secondary to loxosceles' spider bite complications and to present a literature review on the topic.

Case Presentation: A 24-year-old man received previous medical attention between 2020-and 2021 due to complications of a loxosceles brown spider bite. He arrived at our facilities in January 2022 to assess his case related to progressive volume leg increase and a chronic wound in the bitten site. After the clinical history analysis, physical examination, and a near-infrared lymphography study of the leg, damage to lymphatic structures was identified; secondary lymphedema was confirmed. It was possible to reverse and control the lymphedema volume and the wound evolved to complete closure. The case is presented along with a literature review on the topic.

Conclusion: It is presented a case of lymphedema associated with a loxosceles brown spider bite, and successfully treated. Lymphedema related to a loxosceles spider bite and its complications is a clinical reality that might be underrecognized by scientific literature and clinicians; this condition should be properly studied and considered with adequate assessment strategies in patients after suffering the spider bite in extremities, especially in the mid and long-term.
Prevalence of Bovine Cysticercosis in Jigjiga City Municipal Abattoir and Treatment Costs of Human Taeniasis
Authors: Abdulahi Abdiaziz , Hussein Abdi , Niguse Ayalew
Published: April 2022

Combination of Cross-sectional and retrospective study was conducted from Jan 2021 up to Jun 2021 in Jigjiga city Municipal abattoir and inventory of pharmaceutical drug shops, with the objectives of determining the prevalence of bovine cysticercosis and treatment costs of human taeniasis. Systematic random sampling technique was employed for selecting the study animals, while the Sampling methodology was based on Active abattoir survey and Inventory of pharmaceutical drug shops. From the 520 animals examined at abattoir, the overall prevalence of cysticercus bovis was 2.69% (14/520) with 95% CI of (1.43, 4.29). There was no statistically significant difference in sex, age, body condition score and origin of the animal with the occurrence of C. bovis (P>0.05); From 14 infected cattle with cysticercus bovis, 7 (50%) of cysticercus bovis were in the triceps muscle, 5 (35.71%) in tongue, 1 (7.14%) in biceps muscle and 1 (7.14%) in masseter muscle. Descriptive statistics revealed that a total of 23,063 doses of taenicidal drugs concern a 4-year period (2017-2020) were used for the treatment of human taeniasis which worth 56,933 Ethiopian Birr in the town. Albendazole was employed at a rather high dose, followed by Mebendazole, Praziquantel, and Niclosomide, in that order. The most commonly prescribed medicines for the treatment of taeniasis were albendazole and mebendazole. The discovery highlights the importance of cysticercosis and taeniasis in terms of both economics and public health. To reduce the impact of this parasite, special focus should be paid to raising public awareness and conducting thorough routine meat inspections.
Impact of Agricultural Insecticides in the Vertical Transmission of the Tolerance among Anopheles gambiae s.s over Several Generations in Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Tsila Henri Gabriel , Elono Alvine Larissa Meyabeme , Ntonga Patrick Akono , Tchuinkam Timoleon , Mbida Mpoame
Published: April 2022

Background: The present work aimed to highlight process of transmission of tolerance to insecticides in An. gambiae population over several generations.

Methodology: The experiment was carried out at the laboratory with the strain of An. gambiae that was continuously raised under laboratory conditions for more than five years. The insecticides used during this study belong to three families: methyl-parathion (carbamates), dimethoate (organophosphate), and cypermethrin (pyrethroids). For each insecticide we chose the concentration of insecticide able to exert a selective pressure on An. gambiae without inducing a total mortality. The experiment was done through 12 consecutive generations of An. gambiae s.s. the Endpoints measured: the duration of larval development, larval mortality, and the size of adults.

Results: For cypermethrin (pyrethroid) and methyl-parathion (carbamates), the development duration of the larval phase as well as larval mortality decreases significantly from the 7th generation onwards. In the other hand, the size of the adults increases significantly as early as the 5th generation for females especially for cypermethrin and the 7th generation for males. However, with dimethoate, the duration of the larval phase did not vary significantly over the generations. A decrease in larval mortality was noted from the 8th generation but it remained too high. Adult size also increased significantly from the 8th generation onward in both the two genera. This work showed the improvement over generations of certain biological indicators of the resistance. Thus,

Conclusion: we can state that resistance appears fairly early in An. gambiae s.s., especially for insecticides that are effective at low doses, such as cypermethrin and methyl-parathion
Screening of Selected Soil Environments of Jos North Local Government Area for Lipase-Producing Fungi
Authors: Onyimba I. A. , Egbere O. J. , Odu C. E. , Ogbonna A. I. , Ndzembuin J. J. , Ngene A. C. , Isaac D. C. , Isaac I. C.
Published: April 2022

Aim: Consequent from increased demands for lipase enzymes for various purposes, the soil environment of Jos North LGA of Plateau State, Nigeria was surveyed for lipase-producing fungi.

Materials and Methods: Soil samples (300 g each) were collected randomly in triplicates from five locations (Terminus, Agwan Rukuba, Gada Biu, Farin Gada and Katako) in Jos North metropolis. Physicochemical properties (soil type, pH, temperature) and fungal counts of the soils were determined. Fungal isolates from the soil samples were preliminarily screened on phenol red agar for lipase production. Lipase activities of isolates with higher lipolytic potentials were determined using the spectrophotometric method with p-nitrophenyl dodecanoate serving as lipid substrate.

Results: The soil samples were mostly of sandy and loamy types. Mean pH and temperature ranges of the soils were 6.7-7.5 and 23.5ºC - 26.8ºC respectively. Total fungal counts of the soil samples ranged between 2.0 x 103 cfu/g and 3.9 x 104 cfu/g with Angwan Rukuba having the highest count. Fungal isolates from the study included Aspergillus niger (100%), Aspergillus ochraceus (60%), Fusarium sp. (20%), Penicillium sp. (40%), Rhizopus stolonifer (60%) and Rhizopus sp (60%). R. stolonifer produced the highest lipolysis zone diameter (3.69 mm) on phenol red agar. A lipase activity of 0.183µmol/min/ml was recorded for R. stolonifer while A. niger, Fusarium sp. and Rhizopus sp. had equal lipase activities of 0.184µmol/min/ml.

Conclusion: The findings show that the soil environment of Jos North LGA contain lipase-producing fungi which could be harnessed for industrial and environmental purposes after optimising the lipase production process.
Assessment of Sleep Quality among Consumers of Selected Medications and Substances
Authors: Ramanath K. V. , Shameer Suhana , Suresh Sourabh , Chukwuka Mbahaotu Faith , Shetty Akshith S. , Bhavana .
Published: April 2022

Background: Sleep is a naturally recurring state of mind and body, characterized by altered consciousness, relatively inhibited sensory activity, reduced muscle activity and inhibition of nearly all voluntary muscles during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and reduced interactions with surroundings. It is distinguished from wakefulness by a decreased ability to react to stimuli, but more reactive than a coma or disorders of consciousness, with sleep displaying different, active brain patterns. Some of the most serious potential problems associated with chronic sleep deprivation are high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, heart failure, or stroke. Other potential issues include obesity, depression, impairment in immunity, and lower sex drive.

Method: This was a cross-sectional, survey-based study. The data was collected by one-on-one telephonic and in-person interviews with the respondents. They were informed about the study and recorded their consent in the same data collection form. The consented subjects were administered with a self-assessed questionnaires Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI); the obtained data will be subjected to descriptive statistical methods.

Results: A total number of 502 patients/subjects are included in this study. The age below 30 years showed that the sleep quality was very mildly disturbed(6.65±3.77), in the age category between 30-60 years showed that the sleep quality is little worse or disturbed(11.51±3.60) and in the age category above 60 years showed that the sleep quality is worse(13.31±2.67) than the other two age groups.

Conclusion: Based on the PSQI global score assessment, the age category below 30 years represented that the sleep quality disturbance is very mild, whereas in the middle-aged group between 30-60 years, the sleep quality disturbance is moderate, and in the age category above 60 years the sleep quality disturbance is more than the age as mentioned earlier groups.
The Role of Interleukin-6 in Anemia of Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease, in Pre-dialysis Stage
Authors: Mohamed Esmail Eman Ahmed , A. Safa Mohamed , Esheba Noha E. , Abd-Elnaby Amira Y. , Mohamed Hegazy Hegazy
Published: April 2022

Background: Anemia is common in chronic kidney patients. Interleukin-6 plays an important role in anemia. No studies were performed on the role of Interleukin-6 in anemia of pre-dialysis adult chronic kidney disease, so we performed this study to highlight this point.

Methods: A case control study conducted on 50 patients with CKD and 30 apparently healthy volunteers as a control group. They were further subdivided into: 1a: 12 CKD patients with 12 > Hb >10 and 1b: 38 CKD patients with moderate or severe anemia. Hb <10 gm/dl. Group 2: 30 healthy volunteers. All participants were subjected to full history taking, complete clinical examination, routine laboratory investigations including CBC, KFTs, LFTs and serum IL6 assay by ELIZA.

Results: Hb, HCT and MCV were significantly lower among group Ia and group Ib patients in comparison to group II, but CKD patients’ groups had significantly higher IL-6 level than control group with no significant difference between patients’ groups (group Ia and group Ib). Significant negative correlation was detected between IL6 and both Hb and HCT among patients and control group.

Conclusions: IL6 is significantly higher in chronic kidney patients in comparison to controls. It also correlates negatively with hemoglobin level and hematocrit. IL6 has a good sensitivity of 83.3% at a cutoff value of 74.7ng/l. So, it can be used as a prognostic marker of anemia in chronic kidney patients.
Competency Based Medical Education: An Overview and Application in Pathology
Authors: Vimal Shruti
Published: April 2022

Introduction: The Competency-based curriculum is the turning point in medical education and holds much potential in the current trends of medical transformation in India. It provides an outcome-based approach with the integration of knowledge, skills, attitude, values, and ethics. In comparison to the older curriculum, it differs in clarity, cohesion and has a comprehensive approach.

Methods: The study aims to discuss and evaluate in detail the process and establishment of a competency-based medical curriculum in the pathology department and highlights the ups and downs of the experience. It was set up following the guidelines provided by NMC under competency-based undergraduate curriculum for the Indian medical graduate, state university guidelines references from the internet, and peer review from other institutions.

Results: The new curriculum has bought many positive changes and requires a radical change in the approach of faculty, institution, and students.

Discussion: General preparedness, outgoing and flexible attitude, consistency, and long-term commitment to a transformation from being a facilitator will be the prime needs to make the new “Indian medical graduate.”
Antibacterial and In vitro Antioxidant Effect of Dodonaea Viscosa Leaves
Authors: Ramkumar R. , Periyasamy S. K.
Published: April 2022

Free extremists are highly responsive substances linked to the pathophysiology of various infections, such as threatening development and disruption. As a result, there is a need to investigate compounds having anti-free radical properties or cell-supporting properties. The assessment's main goal is to look into the in vitro malignant growth avoidance expert development of Dodonaeaviscosa's hydro alcoholic focus point on various invitro models. The D.viscosa hydroalcoholic concentrate was coordinated and exposed to a targeted phytochemical evaluation. DPPH rummaging, decreasing power, and nitric oxide enthusiast gazing investigation were used to examine D.viscosa's invitro cell support activity. Furthermore, the antibacterial progress of plant extract was evaluated on various microorganisms using agar plate dispersing and agar very much spread techniques. Using measures with IC50 values of 68.42, 36.88, and 100 g/ml independently, hydroalcoholic concentrate of D.viscosa exhibited productive restriction of free moderates in DPPH rummaging, lowering power, and nitric oxide gazing. The whole antibacterial activity against the bacterium was genuinely checked out at various concentrate points. D.viscosa hydroalcoholic concentrate is a probable source of commonplace cell fortifications and serves as an effective free outrageous scrounger.
Scalable Platform for Nanocrystal‐Based Quantum Electronics
Authors: Sestoft Joachim E. , Gejl Aske N. , Kanne Thomas , Schlosser Rasmus D. , Ross Daniel , Kjær Daniel , Grove‐Rasmussen Kasper , Nygård Jesper
Published: April 2022

Unlocking the full potential of nanocrystals in electronic devices requires scalable and deterministic manufacturing techniques. A platform offering compelling paths to scalable production is microtomy, the technique of cutting thin lamellas with large areas containing embedded nanostructures. So far, this platform has not been used for the fabrication of electronic quantum devices. Here, microtomy is combined with vapor–liquid–solid growth of III/V nanowires to create a scalable platform that can deterministically transfer large arrays of single and fused nanocrystals—offering single unit control and free choice of the target substrate. Electronic devices are fabricated on cross‐sectioned InAs nanowires with good yield, and their ability to exhibit quantum phenomena such as conductance quantization, single‐electron charging, and wave interference are demonstrated. Finally, it is devised how the platform can host rationally designed semiconductor/superconductor networks relevant to emerging quantum technologies.
Versatile Biogenic Electrolytes for Highly Performing and Self‐Stable Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells
Authors: Cavinato Luca M. , Millán Gonzalo , Fernández‐Cestau Julio , Fresta Elisa , Lalinde Elena , Berenguer Jesús R. , Costa Rubén D.
Published: April 2022

Light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs) are the simplest and cheapest solid‐state lighting technology for soft and/or single‐use purposes. However, a major concern is a transition toward eco‐friendly devices (emitters/electrolytes/electrodes) to meet green optoelectronic requirements without jeopardizing device performance. In this context, this study shows the first biogenic electrolyte applied to LECs, realizing self‐stable and highly performing devices with cellulose‐based electrolytes combined with archetypical emitters (conjugated polymers or CPs and ionic transition‐metal complexes or iTMCs). In contrast to reference devices with traditional electrolytes, self‐stability tests (ambient storage/thermal‐stress) show that devices with this bio‐electrolyte hold film roughness and photoluminescence quantum yields over time. In addition, charge injection is enhanced due to the high dielectric constant, leading to high efficacies of 15 cd A−1@3750 cd m−2 and 2.5 cd A−1@600 cd m−2 associated with stabilities of 3000/7.5 h and 153/0.7 J for CPs/iTMCs‐LECs, respectively. They represent four‐/twofold enhancement compared to reference devices. Hence, this novel biogenic electrolyte approach does not reduce device performance as in the prior‐art bio‐degradable polymer and DNA‐hybrid electrolytes, while the easiness of chemical modification provides plenty of room for future developments. All‐in‐all, this study reinforces the relevance of carbohydrate‐based electrolytes not only for energy‐related applications, but also for a new field in lighting.
A New Class of Solution Processable Pyrazino[2,3‐g]quinoxaline Carbazole Derivative Based on D–A–D Architecture for Achieving High EQE in Yellow and White OLEDs
Authors: Vishwakarma Vinod Kumar , Nagar Mangey Ram , Lhouvum Neichoihoi , Jou Jwo‐Huei , Ammathnadu Sudhakar Achalkumar
Published: April 2022

A new pyrazino[2,3‐g]quinoxaline carbazole derivative with branched alkyl peripheral chains PQC‐12b with a donor–acceptor–donor nonplanar architecture is reported. PQC‐12b exhibits high molar extinction coefficients, low bandgap, bright emission behavior in solution and solid‐state, along with positive solvatochromism. PQC‐12b is used in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) either as sole emissive material or as a guest in different host materials. Amongst these different host–guest OLEDs, CBP‐based device with the optimized concentration of PQC‐12b shows maximum values for power efficacy (PEmax) of 14.1 lm W−1, current efficacy of 26.8 cd A−1, external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) of 8.0%, and lifetime of 5.1 h at an initial luminance of 5000 cd m−2 with a low power efficacy roll‐off and roll‐up character in current efficacy and EQE. A triplet exciton harvesting approach is employed by incorporating thermally activated delayed fluorescent emitter 4CzIPN to obtain a PEmax of 33.4 lm W−1, a CEmax of 56.3 cd A−1, an EQEmax of 15.3%, and a maximum luminance (Lmax) of 29 400 cd m−2. Utility of the compound in solution‐processable white OLED is explored and interestingly showed a PEmax of 42.2 lm W−1, a CEmax of 40.3 cd A−1, an EQEmax of 12.0%, and Lmax of 24 667 cd m−2.