bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of the Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) in Finland: Conservation versus Hunting
Authors: Mikkola Heimo
Published: March 2021

The Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis) has had recent uncontrolled population increase in all of its northern distribution areas and is now one of the three most abundant goose species in the world. Not many birds, other than this have had such a naming mystery and a long time it was not known if the Barnacle Goose was a bird or a fish. So no wonder that also its conservation or possible hunting divides the opinions of people and authorities. This chapter is suggesting well regulated, sustainable, springtime hunting of these geese in such agriculture fields they will cause most serious crop losses. To be effective and meet public social approval, management actions must have a strong scientific basis and include an efficient monitoring programme. Necessary decisions to reach a consensus among stakeholders are discussed.
On the Determination of Molar Heat Capacity of Transition Elements: From the Absolute Zero to the Melting Point
Authors: Leão Ferreira Ivaldo , Adilson de Castro José , Garcia Amauri
Published: March 2021

Molar specific heat is one of the most important thermophysical properties to determine the sensible heat, heat of transformation, enthalpy, entropy, thermal conductivity, and many other physical properties present in several fields of physics, chemistry, materials science, metallurgy, and engineering. Recently, a model was proposed to calculate the Density of State by limiting the total number of modes by solid–liquid and solid–solid phase nucleation and by the entropy associated with phase transition. In this model, the new formulation of Debye’s equation encompasses the phonic, electronic, and rotational energies contributions to the molar heat capacity of the solids. Anomalies observed in the molar specific heat capacity, such as thermal, magnetic, configurational transitions, and electronic, can be treated by their transitional entropies. Model predictions are compared with experimental scatter for transitional elements.
Cellular Therapy as Promising Choice of Treatment for COVID-19
Authors: Koyuncu Irmak Duygu , Karaoz Erdal
Published: March 2021

In the pandemic of COVID-19, while living normals have been changing, there have been a huge effort globally to find out effective and safe treatment agents and vaccines. As of now, the advances show the progress in vaccine development, however the treatment of the COVID-19 is yet not fully specified. The drugs, i.e. antibiotics, antivirals, antimalarians, even anti-HIV agents which have been known already were taken out of the shelves and brought into use in different combinations. On the other hand, the cellular treatment, more specifically the mesenchymal stem cell therapy has been encouraged, resulting in various evidence published all over the world. This chapter aims to compile the published information, in means of methods, disease manifestations, results and limitations, about the stem cell treatment of the COVID-19 and to provide a source of harmonized reference for scientific society.
Bone Metastases in Lung Cancer
Authors: C. Belzarena Ana
Published: March 2021

Lung cancer patients frequently present with to bone metastases. Such lesions are responsible for increased morbidity, low quality of life, and increased costs to patients and the health care system. Pain is the most common symptom; however, these lesions also present as skeletal related events (SRE) which include pathological fractures, hypercalcemia, spinal cord and nerve compressions and cause the need for surgery and/or radiotherapy. Even though bone metastases are associated with poor prognosis, current treatment multimodalities continue to improve survival. Awareness and effective treatment of these lesions is paramount to maintain a good quality of life and function in lung cancer patients.
Therapeutic Applications of Monoclonal Antibodies in Urologic-Oncology Management - An Update
Authors: Kulshekar Maya , C. Ghagane Shridhar , I. Puranik Sridevi , B. Nerli Rajendra , B. Hiremath Murigendra
Published: March 2021

The idea of utilizing immunotherapy for the treatment of cancers has been appealing to scientists and clinicians for over a several decades. Immunotherapy for cancers encompasses knowledge gained from a wide range of disciplines and has the potential to procure the ‘magic bullet’ for the treatment of cancer. Monoclonal antibody-based treatment of cancer has been recognized as one of the most successful therapeutic strategies for both hematologic malignancies and solid tumours in the last 20 years. The discovery of hybridoma technology in late 1975 and the development of chimeric, humanized, and human antibodies have increased the availability and utility of immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer. Metastatic or recurrent cancer continues to be the bane of the urological oncologist. Despite recent improvements in therapeutic management and outcomes for clinically localized disease overall survival rate in patients with the majority of metastatic and recurrent genitourinary malignancies remains relatively unchanged. By targeting tumours through specific or associated antigens, it is possible to selectively eliminate tumour cells and maintain an acceptable toxicity profile. Therapeutic antibodies that target immune cells are also being developed with the goal of breaking local tolerance and stimulating the patient’s anti-tumor immune response. As with other treatment modalities, immunotherapy is far from perfect and requires additional study to optimize clinical response and overcome therapeutic resistance. Modern advances in the field of immunotherapy hold the promise of providing the clinical urologist/oncologist with new tools to fight urological cancer. However, the literature on monoclonal antibody-based immunotherapy with a particular emphasis on target antigens, monoclonal antibody design and potential applications in the field of urology is limited. Hence, the present chapter focuses on the applications of Immunotherapy using monoclonal antibodies for urologic oncology settings such as prostate, bladder, renal, testicular and penile with a hope to highlight its clinical efficacy and also its mechanisms of action in each of these cancer types.
Evolutionary Conservation of the Role of CD4 as a Receptor for Interleukin-16
Authors: D. Maniero Gregory
Published: March 2021

The interaction of CD4 with MHC class II during helper T-cell activation and effector function is required for the initiation of an adaptive immune response in all gnathostomes. CD4 is comprised of four immunoglobulin domains but most likely arose from an ancestral two-domain homolog. The distal, D1 domain of CD4 binds to non-polymorphic regions of the MHC molecule, but despite the absolute requirement for this interaction, the sequence and structure of this domain are not well conserved through phylogeny. Conversely, the proximal, D4 domain of CD4 contains the binding site of the cytokine IL-16 and is highly conserved in its amino acid structure. IL-16 is a cytokine that has been described in a wide variety of invertebrate and vertebrate species. The CD4-binding residues on IL-16 are highly conserved throughout phylogeny, allowing for promiscuous binding of IL-16 to CD4 between members of unrelated taxa. This chapter aims to present structural, and functional support for the hypothesis that the CD4 co-receptor of the TCR arose from a primordial receptor for IL-16.
A Potential Innovative Therapy for Parkinson’s Disease: Selective Destruction of the Pathological Assemblies of Alpha-Synuclein
Authors: Oláh Judit , Lehotzky Attila , Szénási Tibor , Ovádi Judit
Published: March 2021

With the aging of the population, Parkinson’s disease poses a serious socio-economic problem; there is no effective therapy that can arrest/revert the progression of the disease. The hallmarks of Parkinson’s disease and other synucleinopathies are the disordered alpha-synuclein and TPPP/p25. These proteins have neomorphic moonlighting characteristics by displaying both physiological and pathological functions. Physiologically TPPP/p25 regulates the dynamics/stability of the microtubules and is crucial for oligodendrocyte differentiation; while alpha-synuclein is involved in neuronal plasticity modulation and synaptic vesicle pool maintenance. In healthy brain, alpha-synuclein and TPPP/p25 occur predominantly in neurons and oligodendrocytes, respectively; however, they are co-enriched and co-localized in both cell types in brain inclusions in the cases of Parkinson’s disease and multiple system atrophy, respectively. The pathomechanisms of these diseases are largely unknown; the fatal species are the small, soluble homo- and hetero-associations of alpha-synuclein. These proteins with their high conformational plasticity and chameleon feature are challenging drug targets. Nevertheless, the contact surface of TPPP/p25-alpha-synuclein assemblies has been validated as a specific drug target. This new strategy with innovative impact, namely targeting the interface of the TPPP/p25-alpha-synuclein complex, could contribute to the development of anti-Parkinson drugs with unique specificity.
Modeling solar potential in Semarang, Indonesia using artificial neural networks
Authors: Widodo Djoko , Purwanto Purwanto , Hermawan Hermawan
Published: March 2021

Artificial neural network shows a good performance in predicting renewable energy. Many versions of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models have been implemented to predict solar potential. This study aims to determine the monthly solar radiation in Semarang, Indonesia using ANN, and to visualize monthly solar irradiance as a map of the solar system of Semarang. This research applied the perceptron multi-layer ANN model, with 7 variables as input data of network learning, which were maximum temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, rainfall, longitude, latitude, and elevation. The input data set was obtained from a NASA normalized geo-satellite database website with a 5-year average daily score. Network training used backpropagation with one of the input layers, two of hidden layers, and one of the output layer. The performance of the model during the analysis of mean absolute percentage error was highly accurate (6.6%) when 12 and 10 neurons were respectively installed in the first and second hidden layers. The result was presented in a monthly map of solar potential within the geographical information system (GIS) environment. The result showed that ANN was able to be one of the alternatives to estimate solar irradiance data. The sun irradiance map can be used by the government of Semarang City to provide information about the solar energy profile for the implementation of the solar energy system.
Herbst Appliance palatally anchored in the treatment of dental class II malocclusion
Authors: Di Leonardo Bruno , Contardo Luca , Riatti Riccardo
Published: March 2021

In this case report, Authors describe the correction of a class II malocclusion using only an Herbst appliance palatally anchored with miniscrews. Before sagittal correction in the same appliance we applied a palatal screw to obtain maxillary expansion. The device were removed after 12 months of treatment. The final result included the correction of Class II malocclusion by lower dentoalveolar compensation mainly. The lip function favorite the spontaneous correction of upper frontal torque with consequent improvement of facial esthetics. After a follow up of 12 months the clinical result is satisfactory in terms of occlusion and esthetics. This clinical case showed a simple orthopedic and dentoalveolar approach to correct transversal discrepancy, dental class II malocclusion and also frontal proclination only with one appliance in a very short treatment time.
Assessment of facial landmarks for bone asymmetry in geometric morphometric studies: A review
Authors: Rupic Ivana , Čuković-Bagić Ivana , Ivković Vladimir , Lauc Tomislav
Published: March 2021

Background

Anthropometrical points or landmarks are key for facial shape analysis using geometric morphometrics. In the early 1990s Fred Bookstein created a classification system with landmarks type 1., type 2., type 3. based on anatomical landmark homology. However, thirty years later, a uniform referece index of landmarks that can be used for assessing facial asymmetry still does not exist. The criteria for selecting landmark points are not fully defined, which makes classification of homology and and landmarks prone to arbitrary interpretations. A systematic review of literature indicates that authors of studies do not provide explanation for choosing exact points. Most of them also do not provide a clear definition of landmarks and landmarks classification according to homology.

Objective

The objective of this systematic review was to assess, in an evidence based manner, which landmarks inside the Bookstein groups of on facial hard tissues can be reccomended for facial asymmetry assessment using geometric mophometrics.

Search methods

An electronic search of 9 databases up to March 2020 by two reviewers was conducted to identify relevant articles.

Selection criteria

Prospective randomized, non-randomized controlled trials and cross sectional studies reporting on facial asymmetry using three-dimensional images and geometric morphometric methods. The reasons for assessing facial asymmetry were not considered.

Data collection and analysis

The 23 selected studies were categorized according to the number and specification of the research subjects, types of three-dimensional images, number of landmarks, and the craniofacial region of interest. All landmarks were extracted with the following data: name, abbreviation, and the author’s definition of the location.

Results

The craniofacial region is divided into neurobasic cranial part, ethmomaxillar part and the mandible. Assessment of neurobasic cranial asymmetry was conducted in 6 studies and 45 different landmarks were recorded, of which 11 were medial and 34 bilateral. Bregma and Lambda occur most frequently and according to homology both belong to type 1 landmarks.

Assessment of ethmomaxillary asymmetry was conducted in 21 studies and 68 different landmarks were recorded, of which 16 were medial and 52 bilateral. Nasion and Jugale occur most frequently and according to homology Nasion belongs to type 1 landmarks and Jugale to type 2 landmarks.

 Conclusion

The selection and definition of craniofacial hard tissue landmarks is one of the most important tasks in the design of morphometric studies, and thus for the purpose of assessing facial asymmetry. The review provides an extensive cross-section of possible landmarks with the definition of the location as well as the possible location variation. The list of these landmarks should be observed through the classification of landmarks according to their homology, as well as possible variations of the classification.
Early Shiʿi Kufan Traditionists’ Perspective on the Rightly Guided Caliphs
Authors: Su I-Wen
Published: March 2021

This article revisits a widely accepted yet unsubstantiated trajectory of early Kufan Zaydi history, namely, that with ʿAlī recognized as the fourth rightly guided caliph by the proto-Sunni traditionists, represented by Aḥmad b. Ḥanbal (d. 241/855), the Batri traditionists were Sunnified. Analysis of Safīna’s hadith transmission and the transmitters of the first four caliphs’ virtues suggests that the four-caliphs thesis was likely circulated in Kufa by the late eighth century and that Kufan traditionists of various sectarian persuasions played an important role in its formation . This paper argues that the Kufan Shiʿi traditionists came to identify with their tradition- ist townspeople as a result of shared qualities and mutual enemies. By revisiting a narrative that is often taken for granted, this study proffers new insights into the formation of a defining Sunni doctrine—the four-caliphs thesis—as well as the transformation of the Kufan Shiʿis .
What Difference Does the Harivaṃśa Make to the Mahābhārata?
Authors: Brodbeck Simon
Published: March 2021

The Harivaṃśa has usually been seen as a later addition appended to the Mahābhārata, and so the Mahābhārata has usually been understood without it . This article first introduces an alternative approach, whereby these two texts are viewed as a single whole, and justifies that approach on the basis of the details presented in Mbh 1 .2 . Then the Harivaṃśa’s narrative mechanics are summarized, to contextualize what follows . The main body of the article offers three kinds of answer to the title question of what difference the Harivaṃśa makes to the Mahābhārata . The first answer is theological: the Harivaṃśa emphasizes the divine level of the Mahābhārata story as the story of the gods descending to help the earth . The second answer is narratological: the Harivaṃśa continues and completes the story of Janamejaya begun in Mbh 1, thus emphasizing his role for the text as a whole . The third answer is structural: if the Mahābhārata includes the Harivaṃśa then the whole text (Mbh 1–18 plus the Harivaṃśa) can be studied and analyzed as a macrocompositional unit . The “Mahābhārata as a whole” has been the subject of collaborative study in recent years, and this article continues that study, with regard to a fuller whole . The article, unlike that whole, is short, sketchy, and provisional . It looks forward to further and corrective studies in all the sketched areas, and more .
Aesthetic of Brightness in Han Mirror Inscriptions
Authors: Guo Yanlong
Published: March 2021

This article analyzes inscriptions cast on bronze mirrors of the Han dynasty (202 BCE–220 CE) to trace how the material property of brightness became emphatically aestheticized through an expressive rhetoric of radiance and brilliance, illumination and reflection. It argues that specular brightness as a defining feature of Han mirrors was exploited by artisans to attract potential buyers . In contrast to erudite philosophers who exclusively used the logograph ming 明 to modify the literary mirror in classical texts, artisans promoted their products by featuring terms such as guang 光, zhao 昭, hui 輝, yao 耀, qing 清, and jiao 皎 in rhythmic proses of various lengths . Examining how artisans advertised their high-tin bronzes as embodiments of solar and lunar light, the study shows that specular brilliance was linked to a range of cosmetic, moral, and religious powers, from illuminating the individual and the physical world to revealing the invisible world, whether of human emotions or demons . The article further argues that the inscribed verses, while often formulaic and clichéd, were neither mere decorations nor generic blessings . In fact, they meaningfully structured and communicated a particular aesthetic appreciation shared by both Han artisans and users . This well-developed semantic fascination with specular brightness thus marks these metal discs as a distinctive genre of the decorative arts in early imperial China .
Mandaic and the Palestinian Question
Authors: Häberl Charles
Published: March 2021

In his 1875 description of the language, Theodor Nöldeke describes Mandaic as among the purest of the Aramaic languages and the furthest from Western Aramaic, particularly with respect to its lexicon. As Mandæans identify their faith with that of John the Baptist and his community of followers, this observation is not without relevance for assessing the veracity of their accounts and reconstructing their history prior to the advent of Islam. Departing from the assumption that these accounts are either inaccurate or willfully dishonest, all recent descriptions of the Mandaic language maintain that it is completely free from any western influences whatsoever, employing a considerably stronger form of Nöldeke’s original claim. This article subjects the strong form of this claim to a critical analysis, surveying the evidence for western influence upon the lexicon of the Mandæan scriptural canon, principally the Canonical Prayerbook, the Great Treasure, and the Mandæan Book of John. It finds that these works contain numerous lexemes of Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and Western Aramaic origin that are otherwise unparalleled within Eastern Aramaic, and concludes that the scholarly consensus must either be revised to account for this evidence or abandoned .
Chronotope of the Threshold in Gilgamesh
Authors: Helle Sophus
Published: March 2021

The Epic of Gilgamesh is a story full of thresholds, liminal spaces, and times of transition . This essay investigates the representation of time and space in Gilgamesh, employing Mikhail Bakhtin’s concept of the “chronotope.” The chronotope is a methodological tool that Bakhtin developed to compare changing depictions of time and space across the history of literature, and I argue that the Epic of Gilgamesh employs what Bakhtin terms “the chronotope of the threshold.” I examine four aspects of this chronotope: the depiction of space, the depiction of time, the human characteristics associated with the chronotope, and its relation to the textuality of the epic . I argue that space in Gilgamesh is structured as a mosaic sequence of externally different but internally homogenous spaces, separated by highly symbolic thresholds . Likewise, the passage of time is repeatedly depicted as transformative, through such temporal markers as the “six days and seven nights,” or “the very first glimmer of dawn.” Further, it is shown that this particular arrangement of space and time, both in Gilgamesh and in Ishtar’s Descent, is associated with characters who are driven by powerful but obscure forces within themselves, crossing thresholds that lead to their undoing . The essay closes with a consideration of how the epic’s depiction of thresholds is related to the threshold of textuality itself, that is, the line that separates reality from representation .
Inquisition outside Baghdad
Authors: Melchert Christopher
Published: March 2021

The Inquisition (miḥna) of al-Maʾmūn (d. 218/833) was a serious attempt to establish the caliph as arbiter of Islamic orthodoxy . It was actively prosecuted by the succeeding two caliphs, and finally abolished by his nephew, the caliph al-Mutawakkil, in 237/852 . The most information we have about it by far is how it was carried out in Baghdad . Various sources, mostly biographical, also tell us something of its prosecution in Basra, Kufa, Damascus, Isfahan, Old Cairo (Fustat), and Qayrawan, surveyed here. These scattered data confirm that it was largely about bringing the emerging scholarly class under control . They may also indicate that the Inquisition was instituted not in 218 but already in 217/832-3.
Pattern and Outcome of Childhood Cancer in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital
Authors: Okari Tamunoiyowuna G. , West Boma A. , Wonodi Woroma
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Childhood cancer is on the increase globally with a heterogenous distribution in the type seen in different localities, age groups, and gender. So also, is the outcome of treatment variable in different countries and is dependent on the availability of funds, drugs, medical equipment among others.

Aim: To determine the pattern and outcome of childhood cancer in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH).

Methods: A 5-year retrospective study was carried out in RSUTH from January 2015 to December 2019. The case notes of all children aged 1-16years with diagnosis of childhood malignancy were retrieved and only those with histopathologic diagnosis of cancer and complete data were included in the study.

Results: Thirty-two children aged 1-16years, with a median age of 6years, 24 (75%) males and 8 (25%) females were recruited for the study. The median duration of symptoms was 3 months. Majority of the care givers (75%) were of low socio-economic class. Leukaemia 8 (25%) and lymphomas 5 (18.8%) were the common malignancies seen and 50% had metastatic disease at presentation. Fever (62.5%), weight loss (56.3%) and pallor (46.9%) were common complaints given, while chemotherapy alone 5 (15.6%) or in combination with surgery 5 (15.6%) was the most given treatment. Three (9.4%) children completed treatment and are alive, 28.1% requested for discharge against medical advice and 28.1% died.

Conclusion: Leukemia and lymphomas are common forms of childhood malignancy in our facility. Majority of the caregivers were poor and unable to complete the required treatment of their children.
A Case Report on Neonatal Giant Hepatic Hemangioma
Authors: Mebrouk Nadia , Barkat Amina
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Hepatic hemangioma is the third most common pediatric tumor, and it is rare in the neonatal period.  Because of its rarity, a treatment strategy for this disease is still being established.

Patient and Methods: A neonate girl was referred to our unit for hepatomegaly. She had a very high Alpha-fetoproteins, and the abdominal scan showed a large mass with no vascular invasion nor deep lymphadenopathy.  She was diagnosed with hepatic hemangioma and treated successfully with propranolol and cortisone. After 17 months of treatment, the patient’s hepatomegaly was reduced by 97.3%.

Results: Report on successful treatment, with no side effects, for hepatic hemangioma with propranolol and cortisone associated with calcium, potassium, and vitamin D.

Conclusion: The patient’s large focal hepatic hemangioma was treated successfully with propranolol.  The treatment included cortisone for one month, associated with calcium, potassium, and vitamin D.
Leaf Physiological and Water Soluble Carbohydrate Content Responses to Trinexapac-ethyl Application of Sports Turf Grasses Exposed to Water Stress
Authors: Agwa Mbah H. , Reade J. P. H , Hare M.
Published: March 2021

Water stress causes alterations in physiological and metabolic processes in plants and is considered the primary environmental factor affecting the management of sports turf grass species.This glasshouse experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of trinexapac-ethyl (TE) on canopy net photosynthesis (Pn), cell membrane stability (CMS), turf quality (TQ) and water soluble carbohydrate (WSC) accumulation responses of sports turf cultivars [Cv] (100% fescue, Rootzone and Arena sports) subjected to water stress. Commercially obtained sods of turf plants were treated with 2 L/ ha TE and then exposed 7 days after to water stress. The treatments were: (i) water untreated, (ii) water TE-treated, (iii) water stress untreated; and (iv) water stress TE-treated and the experiment was a randomized complete block design with four replicates. Results showed that specifically in Cv. Rootzone, Pn was 50% higher for well water TE treated plants compared to the other treatments during the second and third week of the study. Similarly, at 14 days after application, the effect TE resulted to 35% and 50% reduction in cell membrane leakages respectively in well water and water stressed TE-treated Cv. Rootzone plants and  this was statistically significant (P=0.05) different from the untreated plants. On a scale of 1-9, all turf types recorded TQ rating of ≥8 at the start of the experiment. By the fourth week of the study, it was observed that all water stress untreated plants had mean TQ (5.75) ratings lower than the minimum acceptable TQ (6). WSC content of well-watered TE-untreated plants was maintained below 60 mg/g DW throughout the study regardless of turf type. After 28 day of water stress duration, the WSC contents obtained in water stress TE-treated plants were 41%, 43% and 50% higher for Cv. Rootzone, 100% fescue and Cv. Arena sports, respectively , than in well water untreated plants. Summer preconditioning of plants with TE can be a possible management tool in alleviating the detrimental impacts of water stress in sport turf species.
Minor Cereal Crops Production and their Future Prospects in Bangladesh
Authors: Biswas Jatish C. , Islam M. R. , Haque M. M. , Hamid A.
Published: March 2021

Different kinds of cereals are the dominant carbohydrate source for the global population of which minor cereals, a group of neglected crops, play an important role in proving substitute of rice or wheat in the harsh environment of the globe. These crops have been replaced in many areas with the advent of irrigation facilities, availability of modern crop varieties and improvement of fertilizer management systems. In the present investigation, we have delineated production zones and established relationships of minor cereal cultivation with selected social character and future climatic conditions based on existing literature and survey data. In most cases, six minor cereals are cultivated in Bangladesh. Panicum miliaceum and Setaria italic cover larger areas and are mainly grown in north, north-west, central parts and hilly regions of the country and provide 400-1500 kg ha-1 grain yield. Although low grain yields, farmers having 0.2-0.8 ha land holdings mostly cultivate minor cereals because of its high profit within a short period of time, can be grown in poor soil and does not require special care. Besides, the product can be utilized in different ways, such as food and feed with social aristocracy. Because of climate change impacts, the optimum temperature windows for studying minor cereals will be narrowed down to 15 November through 15 February by 2050 although the critical maximum temperature range might not be a problem for growing minor cereals in Bangladesh. If high-yielding varieties of minor cereals are available, it would be a climate-smart technology in the future.
Molecular Detection and Typing of Cervical Human Papillomavirus in a Selected Population in Bayelsa State: Comparison with the National and International Trend and Clinical Significance
Authors: Oboma Y. I. , Ngokere A. A. , Tatfeng Y. M. , Musa S. I. , Ibrahim I. A. , Itodo S. E. , Abdu A. B.
Published: March 2021

Background: The link between cervical lesions and human Papillomavirus (HPV) 16 and 18 is well established, but the magnitude of the risk of association and the importance of other high-risk hpv types is uncertain in Bayelsa state.

Aims: The study was aimed at detecting and typing of cervical hpv among selected subjects, establish the relationship between cervical dysplasia and hpv and also asses the level of knowledge of hpv, perception and attitude of women in Bayelsa State.

Materials and Methods: Questionnaires were used to assess the level of knowledge of hpv and cervical cancer. Papanicolaou stain for cervical cytology and Haematoxylin and Eosin stain used to study general tissue structure. Nested PCR was used to detect and multiplex PCR for typing. Results: The prevalence of hpv spectrum among participants was 52% while high risk hpv was 24%. Five (5) subtypes were identified. The subtypes identified were hpv 52(40.4%) most predominant, followed by 51(1.9%), 45(1.9%), 31(1.9%) and hpv 30 (9.6%). The age-specific prevalence showed a peak prevalence of 44.2% in the ages of 25-34 years and lowest in the age group (15-24years). Sequence alignment showed a single point mutation for hpv 45 and several points' mutation for hpv 52 at certain points of the sequenced nucleotides with Sequence no: 53CN12 and SeqH2011055303 and accession no: MG195999 and MG196000. HPV 52 was highest compared to previous studies, national and international. The level of knowledge on hpv infection and cancer of the cervix was low among subjects with a percentage score of 38.9%. Among other variables studied, life time sexual partners showed a statistically significant relationship in the prevalence of hpv (OR=0.02, P˂0.01). Perceived seriousness on hpv infection was high among hpv positive subjects compared with hpv negative participants ( =16.39, p ˂0.01).

Conclusion: The emergence of hpv 52 in the study area requires public health attention and thus urgent need for local hpv vaccines production.
Impact Assessment on Adoption of Soil Health Cards for Fertilizer Management in Tiruvallur District
Authors: Manimekalai R. , Vijayashanthi V. A. , Yogameenakshi P. , Santhi P. , Sathish G.
Published: March 2021

Soil Health plays a vital role to ensure agricultural production in a sustainable manner. The basic objective of the soil testing is to provide recommendations to the farmers for the optimum and economic use of fertilizers and better soil management practices to increase agricultural production in their farm. The present study was conducted to analyze the adoption of soil testing and Soil Health Cards for fertilizer management conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Tirur, Tiruvallur district. The data revealed that the number of conduct of awareness and training programmes on soil health management and soil samples analysed (30 nos. to 240 nos.) at KVK Tirur increased from 2012 to 2018. Results indicated that highest percentage of beneficiaries belonged to the middle age group of 36-55 years (48.75%) followed old age (37%).  Most of the farmers were practicing agriculture in Semi Medium (28%) followed by medium land holdings (24%) among the SHC beneficiaries and small (35%) and Marginal land holdings (30%) among non-SHC beneficiaries. It was observed that medium level of knowledge was obtained (48%) by SHC beneficiaries followed by high level (20%) whereas 60% of non-beneficiary was having low level of knowledge on SHC. On an average majority of the SHC beneficiary were lying in the medium adoption level (43%) followed by high adoption category (21%). Reason behind the partial adoption and no adoption might be due to their unawareness on the benefits of optimum fertilizer application. Comparative analysis between adopted beneficiaries and SHC non-beneficiaries on crop productivity in paddy, Greengram Blackgram and groundnut indicated 11.66%, 16.12%, 8.67 and 15.10% increase in productivity over non-beneficiaries.
Use of GIS and Remote Sensing as Risk Reduction Techniques in Disasters with Special Reference of India
Authors: Mohammad Sohel , Bishnoi Praveen
Published: March 2021

Management in Disaster may be a dynamic method. It includes the classical management functions of turning out with, organizing staffing, leading and dominant. A hazard involves several organizations, that should work along to prevent mitigate, inure, answer, and recover from the results of disaster. Disaster management would so embrace immediate response, recovery, prevention, mitigation, state, the cycle goes on. Asian country is that the country wherever varied varieties of natural disasters overrun once a year, eg. Floods, drought, earthquakes, cyclones and landslides etc. In Asian country uncountable folks are affected every year and additionally the economic losses caused by varied disasters quantity to a big share of the Gross National Product. Natural Disasters are large economic burdens particularly on economically developing countries as Asian country. Every year, large quantities of resources are mobilized for rescue, relief and rehabilitation works following natural disaster occurrences. In India, a far better analysis of what transforms an event into somebody's and economic disaster reveals that the essential issues of development that the country faces are the precise same issues that contribute to its vulnerability to the harmful effects of natural hazards. This text aims to focus on the importance of GIS and remote sensing that how to boost the presently practiced disaster management programs victimization these techniques.
An Analytical Investigation Study of Potential Human Health Risks Caused by Petroleum-contaminated Surface Water Containing Various Toxic Heavy Metals at the Okpoka Creek, Niger-Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Charles Fawole , Salami S. J. , Dashak D. A. , Chimezie-Nwosu H. A.
Published: March 2021

Surface water samples were collected from the Okpoka Creek, Niger-Delta using the grab samples method and were analytically investigated for petroleum contamination. The liquid-liquid extraction of petroleum hydrocarbons was carried out following standard procedures of U.S EPA 3510; 1664 method and ASTM D3695 -95(2013). The US EPA 3005A method was adopted for acid wet digestion (Aqua regia mixture of concentrated HNO3 and HCl  in ratio 1:3) for toxic heavy metal (HMs) determination. Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) was analytically identified and quantified with the representative extract (sample) using Gas chromatography mass spectrometry detection (GC-MSD) Agilent Technologies 7890A in adherence to the standard analytical method of U.S EPA 8270;625. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) Buck Scientific 210VGP in adherence in to the manufacturer’s specifications was employed for HMs. The recorded elevated levels of the TPHs were significantly above the permissible limit of DPR/EGASPIN and HMs were also overwhelmingly above permissible limits of relevant regulatory agencies. The elevated concentrations of these contaminants of concern provided evidences of severe contamination in the study site and severe threats to environment and human health.
Study on the Impact of Lead Sidewall Solder Coverage and Corner Lead Size on Joint Reliability
Authors: Talledo Jefferson
Published: March 2021

Solder joint reliability is very important to ensure that an integrated circuit (IC) semiconductor package is functional within its intended life span as the solder joint establishes electrical connection between the IC and the printed circuit board (PCB). Solder fatigue failure or crack under thermal cycling is one of the common problems with board-mounted packages. There are several factors or package characteristics that have impact on solder fatigue life like package size and material properties of the package components. This paper presents a thermo-mechanical modeling of a leadframe-based semiconductor package to study the impact of lead sidewall solder coverage and corner lead size on the solder joint reliability. Finite element analysis (FEA) technique was used to calculate the solder life considering 50% and 100% package lead sidewall solder coverage as well as smaller and larger critical corner leads of the package. The results of the analysis showed that higher lead sidewall solder coverage and larger lead could significantly increase solder life. Therefore, ensuring lead sidewall solder wettability to have higher solder coverage is beneficial. The study also reveals that packages with side wettable flanks are not only enabling high speed automated optical inspection required for the automotive industry, but they are also providing improved solder joint reliability.
Clinical Pattern and Frequency of Co-morbidities among Patients Presented with Cholelithiasis’ at Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Memon Juwereya , Jarwar Muhammad , Soomro Sohail Ahmed , Memon Abdul Sattar , Memon Riffat Jabeen
Published: March 2021

Background: Gallstone disease (cholelithiasis) remains the commonest medical issue leading to surgical intervention. Causes of the Gall stone has been not properly understood, but it is thought to have several factors. Untreated gall stones can cause the various complications like inflammation of gall bladder, tissue damage, gallbladder tears and infection.

Objective: To determine the clinical pattern and frequency of comorbidities among patients presented with cholelithiasis at Isra University Hospital Hyderabad, Pakistan.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at general Surgery department, Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad. All the patients having diagnosis of gall stone disease, age>18 years and either of gender were included in the study. Patients were selected on outpatient department (OPD) basis. Complete clinical examination was done including abdominal ultrasound and required laboratory investigations. Data regarding demographic information including clinical presentational and comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension and obesity was recorded and also smoking status was assessed. All the data was recorded via study proforma and was analyzed by SPSS version 20.

Results: A total of 149 patients were studied, their mean age was 49.23+7.33 years. Females were commonest as 57(38.3%) and males were 92(61.7%). As per clinical presentation pain was found to be most common, particularly as epigastrium pain was found in (93.95%) cases, right Hypochondrium pain (73.82%), pain radiation was more towards scapula (50.33%), dyspepsia was noted in (49.66%), nausea was observed in 44 patients, flatulence in 45 patients and vomiting was least common (21.47%). Diabetes mellitus was 76(51.0%), hypertension was 67(45.0%), overweight were 63(42.3%), obese were 25(16.8%), HCV positive cases were 34(22.8%) and HBV positive cases were 09(59.7%). However smokers were 48(32.2%) and 06(4.0%) were alcohol consumers. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension and obesity were significantly more prevalent in females as compared to males (p=<0.05). Smoking habits and alcohol consumption were mostly found in males (p=<0.05). However HCV and HBV infections were statically insignificant according to gender.

Conclusion: It was concluded that gallstone is a common problem and most of the patients who were diagnosed with gallstones were females, obese (BMI>27kg/m2), diabetes mellitus and belonged to fourth decade (40 to 50 years) of their life. Commonest clinical presentations were epigastrium pain, right Hypochondrium pain, pain radiation towards scapula and dyspepsia.
Phytochemical Study and Anthelmintic Activity of Nine Congolese Medicinal Plants
Authors: Merveille Mikala Grâce Raycélia , Célestine Nkounkou Loumpangou , Brice Kadja Amani , Akhanovna Mamyrbekova-Békro Janat , Yves-Alain Békro , Jean-Maurille Ouamba
Published: March 2021

Background: Despite advances in hygiene and preventive medicine, parasitic diseases, particularly digestive parasitosis, remain a public health problem in tropical countries. Elaborate the ethnobotanical survey carried out in Brazzaville - Congo, 21 plants (divided into 20 families, 20 genera) were identified, among them 9 were selected for this study. These were: Ageratum conyzoides (L.) L., Rauvolfia mannii Stapf, Aloe buettneri A. Berger, Garcinia kola Heckel, Piper guineense Schumach & Thonn., Aframomum alboviolaceum (Ridl.) K. Schum., Plagiostyles africana (Müll .Arg.) Prain, Morinda lucida Benth, Cogniauxia podoleana Baill.

Materials and Methods: The in vitro evaluation of the anthelmintic activity of the aqueous extracts of these 9 plants was determined at concentrations of 10, 25 and 50 mg/mL against Lumbricus terrestris used as animal support in comparison to the Mebendazole (20 mg/mL). The phytochemical screening realized by TLC to detect phytochemical families in plant, also, the antioxidant potential with DPPH radical was determined by UV-Visible spectrophometry in comparison to the Vitamin C.

Results: Thus, P. guineense, A. conyzoides and A. alboviolaceum are those which presented significant vermicidal effect, after Mebendazole. Phytochemical screening into TLC revealed the co-presence of alkaloids, coumarins, flavonoids, tannins, sterols and terpenes.The antioxidant potential of the aqueous extracts of these different plants in comparison to vitamin C, has shown that the species A. Buettineri and A. alboviolaceum presented the best potential compared to 7 other species studied, with the  concentration  needed to  reduce 50% of the DPPH radical (CR50)  respectively 0.096 mg/mL for A. Buettineri, 0.098 mg/mL for A. alboviolaceum Berger and 0.015 mg/mL for vitamin C.

Conclusion: There is modern drugs against intestinal worms, it is necessary to identify the plants with anthelmintic activity, to determine phytochemical compounds that would be responsible for their use by traditional healers to treat the intestinal parasitosis.
Effect of Stretching Exercises Plus Caflam on Flexibility of Female Athletes
Authors: Gill Sajjad Ali , Noor Samaviya , Naseer Abida , Javed Saeed , Rajab Sumeria , Ayoob Fehmida , Adil Rana , Shahid Hira , Ahmad Shahbaz , Ali Qurban
Published: March 2021

The present study investigated how stretching exercises (Static, Dynamic and Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)) along with Caflam (diclofenac potassium) affect the flexibility of female athletes at Punjab University Level. It is a controlled experiment with (n=40) female athletes, aged 18-24 years, divided into two groups intervention (N=30) and control group (N=10) randomly. Stretching exercises were conducted through 6 weeks divided into two sessions that consisted of both static and dynamic exercises in each session. Flexibility was measured with sit and reach test in pre and post evaluation sessions. The study purpose was to identify the effect of stretching exercises on flexibility of female athletes (N=40) by using different stretching exercises techniques (static and dynamic stretching exercises) on female athletes. Paired sample t-test used and found that it showed highly significant results using “Statistical Package for Social Sciences” (SPSS) V.22 utilized. The effect size was also calculated through Cohans’D which was 1.41. The subjects were followed for 4 months to check the recurrence rate of the control & intervention groups and found that 19% having injuries of lower extremity (control group) and 11% having after post-exercise evaluation (intervention group).
Role of Pharmacological Therapy and Surgical Intervention in Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Laghari Ahsan Ali , Hameed Faiza , Abro Shah Nawaz , Muneer Ambreen , Jamali Anwar Ali , Pathan Nusrat Fozia , Ahmer Arslan
Published: March 2021

Objective: To determine the Role of medical therapy and surgical intervention in carcinoma of breast.

Study Design: Prospective observational study.

Place and Duration: Two years study from January 2018 to December 2020 was conducted at Liaquat university of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro.

Methods: The study comprises 50 patients. Data was collected from all who were admitted at OPD. The patients were evaluated fully after history & Clinical examinations and Specific investigations of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC), Tru cut biopsy  for Histology ERPR Receptor and Herceptin receptor, ultra sound of breast, and Abdomen, Mammography, C T scan, M R I, Tumor marker CA15.3. CA 125 for ovary and breast, X ray chest and Bone scan. Sentinel lymph node biopsy for lymphatic involvement, Liver Function Test, serum calcium, Complete Blood Picture (CBP), blood sugar, blood urea. HBSAG, HCV, HIV and COVID-19   Evaluated patients were evaluated fully after history, clinical examinations & specific investigations.

Results: In this study 50 patients of Carcinoma of breast. The maximum numbers of patients were in age group 20 to 80 years. 15 patients were in age group 20 to 39 year, 24 patients were in age group 40 to 59 years, 11 patients were in age group 60 to 80 year.  Out of 50 patients 29 patients were presented with breast lump, 8 patients were presented with bloody discharge, 7 patients were presented with nipple destruction and 6 Patients were presented with pricking sensation Out of 50 patients 21 patients were presented with stage I, 13 Patients presented with stage II, 9 patients were presented with stage III and 7 patients were presented with stage IV.  Out of 50 patients 22 Patients  were diagnosed duct cell carcinoma, 11 patients were diagnosed Phyllodes tumor, 9 patients were diagnosed lobular cell carcinoma, 5 patient were diagnosed tubular cell carcinoma and 3 patients were diagnosed Paget’s type of carcinoma .Out of 50 patients 25 patients were  ERPR positive treated by Nolvadex (tamoxifeen) 16 Patients were ERPR negative  treated by chemotherapy drugs and Aromatase inhibitors, 9 Patients were Her2neu receptor  positive treated by Herceptin (Trastuzumab) Out of 50 patients 34 patients were treated by  Modified  radical mastectomy, 16 patients were initially were treated neo adjuvant therapy. Then Modified Radical Mastectomy, Out of 50 patients 25 patients were treated with Nolvadex (tamoxifeen) after Modified Radical Mastectomy better outcome seen in those patients.

Conclusion: Carcinoma of breast is a common problem all over the word, patient can present with lump over the breast, bloody discharge, destruction  of nipple or areola   if not diagnosed and treat early stage, patient can die within a year without Medical and surgical treatment.