bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Congruence of Nurse Staffing and Activities with Patient Needs
Authors: Peršolja Melita
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to discover the correlation between patient satisfaction with nursing care activities and staffing patterns. The research was conducted at the medical ward of a secondary care regional hospital in Slovenia over one month. Data was collected with regard to the following: (1) patients cared for daily and number of hours/patients day at the ward level, (2) patient needs (using a classification system), (3) nurse activities as observed at 10-minute intervals, and (4) the Patient Perception of Hospital Experience with Nursing tool. A total of 218 patients were involved, and their satisfaction with nursing care was found to be high. Patient satisfaction was negatively correlated with the number of patients cared for at the unit daily, but positively with the number of care hours per patient day, the proportion of registered nurses in the nursing team, the realized percentage of the registered nurse personnel requirements, and with some direct care activities. The correlation also revealed three process items (undivided attention, explanation, and things are done without asking) being the special strengths of nursing care activities. The results show that nurse-staffing and process patterns affect patient experience. It is thus recommended to increase the amount of nursing care offered by registered nurses, while nurses’ competences can affect the process of care, and thus patient satisfaction.
Digital Culture: Control and Domination of Technical Images in the Era of Psychocapitalism
Authors: Augusto Melo Ward de Oliveira Rodolfo
Published: March 2021

This Chapter aims to conduct a theoretical study in order to understand the transmutation of modern culture into digital culture, which is intrinsically linked to technological, political, economic, artistic and cultural advances. Our goal is to unite components of the visual culture and the culture of convergence to explain how new realities and new forms of control and domination are created through images and used on a large scale by the neoliberalist system in the network society, inaugurating the new phase of capitalism, i.e., psychocapitalism. Until recently, mobile phone devices were used solely for calls (oral language), being then followed by the era of text messaging (written language). Today, everyone has cameras (image language) and Internet connectivity. The Internet is part of people’s daily lives, and the trend is for us to increasingly connect to devices connected thereto and to connect electronic devices of daily use to the Internet. This ensures connectivity as a common space in the social construction and identity of the social being in such a way that there is no longer a distinction between “online,” “offline,” “real,” and “virtual.” The disciplines of arts, sociology, philosophy, anthropology and social communication are used as a basis.
The role of island-arc oceanic, collisional and intraplate magmatism in the formation of continental crust in the Mongolia-Trasnbaikalia region: geostructural, geochronological and Sm-Nd isotope data
Authors: Gordienko I. V.
Published: March 2021

The formation of continental crust in the Mongolia-Transbaikalia region is researched to identify the mechanisms of interactions between the crust and the mantle in the development of the Neoarchean, Proterozoic and Paleozoic magmatic and sedimentary complexes in the study area. Using the results of his own studies conducted for many years and other published data on this vast region of Central Asia, the author have analysed compositions, ages and conditions for the formation of Karelian, Baikalian, Caledonian and Hercynian structure-formational complexes in a variety of geodynamic settings. Based on the geostructural, petrological, geochemical, geochronological and Sm-Nd isotope data, he determines the crustal and mantle sources of magmatism, conducts the identification and mapping of isotopic provinces, and reveals the role of island-arc oceanic, accretion-collision and intraplate magmatism in the formation of continental crust. Considering the formation of the bulk continental crust, three main stages are distinguished: (1) Neoarchean and Paleoproterozoic (Karelian) (almost 30% of the crust volume), (2) Meso-Neoproterozoic (Baikalian) (50%), and (3) Paleozoic (Caledonian and Hercynian) (over 20%). This sequence of the evolution stages shows the predominance of the ancient crustal material in igneous rocks sources at the early stage. During the subsequent stages, tectonic structures created earlier were repeatedly reworked, and mixed crustal-mantle and juvenile sources were widely involved in the formation of the bulk continental crust in the study area.
The structure of deformation autosoliton fronts in rocks and geomedia
Authors: Makarov P. V. , Smolin I. Yu. , Zimina V. A.
Published: March 2021

The paper describes numerical modeling of the generation and propagation of the fronts of moving deformation autosolitons in a loaded nonlinear strong medium. It presents solving a system of dynamic equations for solid mechanics, using an equation of state written in a relaxation form that takes into account both an overload of the solid medium and subsequent stress relaxation. The structure of a deformation autosoliton front is investigated in detail. It is shown that the front of a deformation autosoliton that is moving in an elastoplastic medium is a shear band (i.e. a narrow zone of intense shearing strain), which is oriented in the direction of maximum shear stress. Consecutive formation of such shear bands can be viewed as deformation autosoliton perturbations propagating along the axis of loading (compression or extension). A fine structure of a deformation autosoliton front is revealed. It is shown that slow autosoliton dynamics is an integral component of any deformation process, including the seismic process, in any solid medium. In contrast to fast autosoliton dynamics (when the velocities of stress waves are equal to the speed of sound), slow deformation autosoliton perturbations propagate at velocities 5–7 orders of magnitude lower than the velocities of sound. Considering the geomedium, it should be noted that slow dynamics plays a significant role in creating deformation patterns of the crust elements.
The effect of temperature on some engineering and consolidation properties of soft soil
Authors: Rusdiansyah R , Markawie M
Published: March 2021

This article defines the effect of temperature on some engineering and consolidation properties of soft soil. The purpose of this research, therefore, was to determine the technical characteristics of soft clay consolidation behavior, specifically in terms of temperature influence on varying values of soil established mechanical parameters, including soft soil compression index (Cc), swelling index (Cs), volume change coefficient (mv), consolidation coefficient (Cv), and the permeability coefficient (k). In this analysis, the use of soft clay in an undisturbed condition was sourced from a swampy location in South Kalimantan Province, Indonesia. Also, the temperatures applied to the specimens were 22o C, 40o C, 60o C, and 70o C. The results showed the influence of temperature modifications on soil compressibility, where extensive heat was responsible for abundant soil compressibility. In addition, the associated parameters, termed soil compression index value (Cc), consolidation coefficient (Cv), and the swelling index (Cs), observed an increase by 3%, 33%, and 22%, respectively. Furthermore, existence of high temperatures limited the unstable soil volume, where the volume change coefficient (mV) tends to decrease by 3%. Also, varying temperatures essentially altered soil permeability, where the seepage properties of soft clay showed the tendency to increase by 32%, with rising soil temperature.
Manufacturing USA :
Authors: Brunner Zahraha , Valdez Zachary , Ufford Donald
Published: March 2021

The report highlights the manufacturing innovation projects developed by the institutes and their partners across the country to combat COVID-19. Manufacturing USA network, comprised of federal agencies and their sponsored manufacturing innovation institutes, assembled and utilized the flexibility, skills and knowledge of their nationwide membership to address issues around domestic PPE, enhanced production of vaccines and treatments, rapid testing, and more in order to begin developing solutions. These public-private-partnerships convened members from industry, academia, and government enabling a rapid response to the developing needs across America based on their access to information and ability to deploy resources. Their relevant and efficient plans, along with
Robust, coherent, and synchronized circadian clock-controlled oscillations along Anabaena filaments
Authors: Arbel-Goren Rinat , Buonfiglio Valentina , Di Patti Francesca , Camargo Sergio , Zhitnitsky Anna , Valladares Ana , Flores Enrique , Herrero Antonia , Fanelli Duccio , Stavans Joel
Published: March 2021

Circadian clocks display remarkable reliability despite significant stochasticity in biomolecular reactions. We study the dynamics of a circadian clock-controlled gene at the individual cell level in Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, a multicellular filamentous cyanobacterium. We found significant synchronization and spatial coherence along filaments, clock coupling due to cell-cell communication, and gating of the cell cycle. Furthermore, we observed low-amplitude circadian oscillatory transcription of kai genes encoding the post-transcriptional core oscillatory circuit and high-amplitude oscillations of rpaA coding for the master regulator transducing the core clock output. Transcriptional oscillations of rpaA suggest an additional level of regulation. A stochastic one-dimensional toy model of coupled clock cores and their phosphorylation states shows that demographic noise can seed stochastic oscillations outside the region where deterministic limit cycles with circadian periods occur. The model reproduces the observed spatio-temporal coherence along filaments and provides a robust description of coupled circadian clocks in a multicellular organism.
Objective pupillometry shows that perceptual styles covary with autistic-like personality traits
Authors: Tortelli Chiara , Turi Marco , Burr David Charles , Binda Paola
Published: March 2021

We measured the modulation of pupil size (in constant lighting) elicited by observing transparent surfaces of black and white moving dots, perceived as a cylinder rotating about its vertical axis. The direction of rotation was swapped periodically by flipping stereo-depth of the two surfaces. Pupil size modulated in synchrony with the changes in front-surface color (dilating when black). The magnitude of pupillary modulation was larger for human participants with higher Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), consistent with a local perceptual style, with attention focused on the front surface. The modulation with surface color, and its correlation with AQ, was equally strong when participants passively viewed the stimulus. No other indicator, including involuntary pursuit eye movements, covaried with AQ. These results reinforce our previous report with a similar bistable stimulus (Turi, Burr, & Binda, 2018), and go on to show that bistable illusory motion is not necessary for the effect, or its dependence on AQ.
Structure and comparative analysis of the mitochondrial genomes of Liolaemus lizards with different modes of reproduction and ploidy levels
Authors: Valdes Julian , Samoluk Sergio Sebastian , Abdala Cristian Simón , Baldo Diego , Seijo Guillermo
Published: March 2021

Liolaemus is the most specious genus of the Squamata lizards in South America, presenting exceptional evolutionary radiation and speciation patterns. This recent diversification complicates the formal taxonomic treatment and the phylogenetic analyses of this group, causing relationships among species to remain controversial. Here we used Next-Generation Sequencing to do a comparative analysis of the structure and organization of the complete mitochondrial genomes of three differently related species of Liolaemus and with different reproductive strategies and ploidy levels. The annotated mitochondrial genomes of ca. 17 kb are the first for the Liolaemidae family. Despite the high levels of sequence similarity among the three mitochondrial genomes over most of their lengths, the comparative analyses revealed variations at the stop codons of the protein coding genes and the structure of the tRNAs among species. The presence of a non-canonical dihydrouridine loop is a novelty for the pleurodonts iguanians. But the highest level of variability was observed in two repetitive sequences of the control region, which were responsible for most of the length heterogeneity of the mitochondrial genomes. These tandem repeats may be useful markers to analyze relationships of closely related species of Liolaemus and related genera and to conduct population and phylogenetic studies.
COVID-19 Pandemic: Mental Health and Coping Strategies
Authors: Pal Sajjan , Kalra Sheetal , Jain Shilpa
Published: March 2021

The world has been facing a global threat from the past few months from Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). There has been a significant increase in morbidity and mortality due to this ongoing pandemic which is creating a global challenge. This pandemic is having a profound effect on all aspects of society especially the physical and mental health of the people. There has been a rising concern about the mental health of normal population, COVID-19 patients, Healthcare Workers (HCW) or doctors, children and the elderly population. Recent research has reported symptoms of anxiety, depression and other symptoms of psychological distress among these populations. The main purpose of this review was to focus on various mental health issues and the coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
Contribution of Farmer’s Profile Characteristics to the Perception of Collective Farming in Tirunelveli District, India
Authors: Jothika V. , Rajasekaran R.
Published: March 2021

Collective Farming Scheme was implemented in the year 2017-2018 by the Government of Tamil Nadu, India to empower the farmers and their access to modern technologies. This study aimed to ascertain the contribution of the profile characteristics to the perception of collective farming. The study was conducted in Alangulam block of Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu.  Data were collected through a well structured interview schedule with 120 farmers selected from four villages (Vadiyoor, Melamaruthappapuram, Ayyanarkulam and Sivalarulam). Regression analysis was carried out to determine the contribution of 12 selected farmer’s profile characteristics to the perception of collective farming. Social participation, training and innovativeness were the major factors that positively and significantly contributed to the perception of collective farming.  For the better perception and practice of collective farming awareness from the state department or extension officials can be provided to the farmers along with the advantages of collective farming.
Case Study on Successful Dairy Farmer of Virudhunagar District
Authors: Jothika V. , Rajasekaran R.
Published: March 2021

Food security means that all people must have access to adequate, healthy, reliable and nutritious food both physically and economically in order to meet the nutritional needs and food priorities that are necessary for an active and healthy life at all times. Dairy farming in today’s world is an essential system of agriculture to meet out the growing nutritional needs of the country. India is the largest milk producer and the second largest milk products producer in the world. This paper deals with the case study of a dairy farmer Mr. Perumal who had experience of thirty years in dairy farming and hence runs a dairy farm successfully which is located at the Alagiyanallur village of Virudhunagar district. Case study method of research was adopted. The data was collected through the semi-structured personal interview schedule and the results were documented. He owned about 1.5 acres of land in which the Cumbu Napier Co 4 for feeding the livestock were grown. His dairy firm comprises of 20 milch animals, 10 goats and 50 chickens. He runs his firm in terms of low investment since the seeds were distributed to him at free of cost as he was a member of SEEDS company which is located at Mallaginar village and the chickens were fed with the ration rice. It was found that the success factors of his firm were the selection of HF breed which is the high milk yielding breed followed by the proper maintenance of the livestock from diseases and the feeding of Krishi Bypass cattle feed. He initially had five animals left over by his father and later he developed his firm by availing loan from the bank. He mainly concentrates on the dairy farming. The expenses and the returns of the firm were recorded and documented. He had helped his villagers for the start up of the dairy farming as he came to know the importance of dairy production and he also provided the advices on the management practices of the livestock.He had further planned to develop his success path by starting up a dairy enterprise. SWOC analysis was conducted and the findings were documented. The factors that contributed for his success include Selection of HF breed, Maintenance of the livestock from diseases, Feeding provided along with the Krishi Bypass cattle feed.
Spontaneous Negative Seroconversion of Both Hepatitis B and C in an Egyptian HD Patient
Authors: Megahed Abir Farouk , Eltwab Abeer Mohammed Abd , Youssef Amany R. , Saleh Reem Mohamed Farouk , Sayed-Ahmed Nagy
Published: March 2021

Background: Hepatitis b virus infection (HBV) was recognized as an important hazard for patients and staff in Hemodialysis Units (HDU), and this issue was first recognized in the 1960s with a set of guidelines for the control of HBV in HDU. HCV is a blood-borne infection and is the most significant cause of viral hepatitis which is mainly transmitted by blood transfusion. Thus, it is reasonable to perform initial screening for HCV in HD patients. Patients admitted or re-admitted to an HD unit are recommended to be tested for HBsAg, HCV, and HIV antibodies and to be followed up monthly or at least every three months after admission to HDU.

We aim to present this case of spontaneous clearance of HBV and HCV positive after being positive for more than twelve years on HD.

Case Presentation: A 66 years old Egyptian male patient with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) from Alexandria had started HD 14 years ago while he tested positive for HCV-Ab and HBs Ag positive, although fared well with normal liver function, while the source of infection was not known. HCV-Ab turned into seronegativity after twelve years on HD. Astonishingly, after 13 years on HD; the test of HBs Ag became negative and hepatitis B surface antibody appears by Elisa testing. This was noticed or observed following the implementation of quality enhancement of the HD parameters in most of the HD services provided units according to the regulations of Ministry of Health (MOH), and this was accompanied by better anemia and more frequent utilization of high flux dialysis with a consequent reduction to the need for blood transfusion in the last four years. Previous publications advocated hypothetical mechanisms of HCV clearance during the process of HD: namely, filtration of the virus particles through the pores of the dialysis membrane and or their adsorption to the HD membrane. These welcome spontaneous clearances of the HBV and HCV in this patient could be attributable to the improvement of anemia state and use of high flux dialysis that might have improved the immunity of this patient.

Conclusion: Spontaneous clearance of HBV and HCV could potentially possible and could benefit from the improvement of both patients and HD states that could enhance the immune system or mechanical entrapment of the virus particles. Suggestions need further studies for confirmation.
Prevalence and Types of Skin Diseases Seen among Children Attending the Children’s Outpatient Clinic in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Southern Nigeria- A Descriptive Study
Authors: Azubogu Uju S. , Ojule Inumanye
Published: March 2021

Aims: To determine the prevalence and types of skin diseases seen among children attending the Children’s Outpatient Clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH).

Study Design:  A descriptive Cross sectional study design was used.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Children’s Outpatient Clinic of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital from June to August 2020 (3 months).

Method: It involved 370 children aged less than 18 years.  A semi structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain all relevant data. This was followed by dermatological examination of the children to make diagnosis of skin diseases. Laboratory confirmation was carried out where necessary.

Results: The study participants consisted of 370 children aged 1 month to 17 years with a mean age of 8.4±5.9 years. The male to female ratio was 0.9:1 and the overall prevalence of skin diseases among the children studied was 23.7%. The three most common aetiologic categories of skin diseases seen were:  Infective (13.5%), Inflammatory (5.7%) and infestations (3.5%). The five most common skin diseases identified included: Impetigo (4.1%), Scabies (3.5%), Atopic dermatitis (3.0%), Tinea capitis (2.7%) and Pityriasis versicolor (2.4%).

Conclusion: Skin diseases are common among children attending the children’s outpatient clinic in our hospital with Infective skin diseases predominating. Greater efforts need to be put into the treatment, prevention and control of these skin diseases in order to limit morbidity and mortality.
Appropriate Use Criteria for Paediatric Echocardiography – Applicability in a Resource Poor Setting in the Niger Delta Region of Nigeria
Authors: Tabansi P. N. , Onubogu U. C.
Published: March 2021

Aims: To make comparative analysis of the indications and outcome of paediatric echocardiography in tertiary centers in Rivers State, Nigeria using the Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) guidelines [11].   

Methodology: A retrospective analysis of 645 echocardiography requests done between July 2019 to June 2020. Patients’ biodata and indications for echocardiography and echocardiography diagnosis were retrieved. Using the AUC guidelines, each indication was scored from 1 to 9, after which they were categorized into Appropriate, May be appropriate and Rarely appropriate to determine the respective percentages accordingly. Cochran-Armitage test for trend was done to assess degree of yield of cardiac anomaly for each level of AUC classification while bivariate associations were assessed using persons chi squared tests.

Results: There were 645 echocardiography requests within the study period. The median age was 5months, with interquartile range of 2months to 24months. There were 355(55%) males and 290(45%) females. The clinical indication for echocardiography was appropriate in 490(76.0%), May be appropriate in 32(5.0%) and Rarely appropriate in 104(16.1%). Nineteen (2.9%) clinical indications were “Unclassified” under the AUC. Echocardiography showed abnormality in 544(84.3%) reports, among which children with “Appropriate indications” had the highest yield 457(93.3%), while “unclassified indications” had the lowest yield 8(42.1%). The yield for cardiac anomalies significantly decreased with decreasing appropriateness (p=0.00001).

Conclusion: Most indications for paediatric echocardiography in our centers were appropriate according to the AUC guidelines. The AUC guidelines are applicable in resource poor settings.
Serological Profile of Convalescent COVID-19 Patients at an Infectious Diseases Hospital in Nigeria
Authors: Fowotade Adeola , Fasuyi Temitayo Oluwaseun , Omoruyi Ewean Chukwuma , Alonge Temitope Oluwagbenga
Published: March 2021

Background: IgG antibodies may serve as promising targets to detect and evaluate immune responses against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Both IgA and IgM antibodies target the spike protein’s receptor binding domain and are rapidly decayed, while IgG antibodies remain relatively stable for longer periods in COVID-19 patients.

Objectives: The current study was designed to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among convalescent COVID-19 patients and to evaluate the relationship between these antibodies, the symptom grade and their baseline Cycle Threshold (CT) by RT-PCR.

Methods: Eighty-nine convalescent COVID-19 patients on admission were recruited and tested until negative by RT-PCR. Sera obtained from participants were screened for SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies using rapid lateral flow assays.

Results: It was observed that 93,3% and 77,5% respectively had IgM and IgG antibodies against the S1 protein of SARS-CoV-2.  Majority (74,0%) presented with mild COVID-19 symptoms with a mean RT-PCR Ct value of 31,4.

Conclusion: Convalescent COVID-19 patients develop a fairly good level of IgG antibodies. The antibody status is not dependent on CT value or symptom grade. However, there was a significant correlation between baseline CT and time taken to test negative by RT-PCR.
Association of Helicobacter pylori Infection with Respiratory Diseases in Cameroon Patients, Using GastroPanel® Serological Biomarkers (Pepsinogen I; Pepsinogen II; Gastrin-17; Helicobacter pylori IgG)
Authors: Ebule Alonge Ivo , Ndze Valentine Ngum , Thierry Ngouana Kammalac , Etienne Guenou , Vanella Ndja Heu Ines , Nibeline Bouorewo Tchinda Naquine , Dominique Noah Noah , Maki Minna , Syrjanen Kari
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a microaerophilic gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the gastric mucosa and provokes inflammation and immune responses throughout life with liberation of diversecytotoxique substances dependent on host. Infection to H. pylori has been associated to a number of respiratory complications, including chronic obstructive pulmonary dieases, bronchectasis, asthma, tuberculosis and lung cancer. Epidemiological data on the association of H. pylori infection respiratory diseases are rare in Cameroon. We sought to evaluate the prevalence H. pylori infection among patient with respiratory diseases.

Methodology: Blood samples were aseptically collected for the measurements Helicobacter pylori IgG antibodies, pepsinogene I et II levels, gastrine-17. The blood samples required for the study were collected prospectively. Ethical clairance was obtained from the Centre Regional Ethics Committee for Human Sciences. An authorization of research was obtained from the authorities of Jamot Hospital of Yaounde. All participants signed an informed consent form.

Results: The GastroPanel® results showed that the prevalence of H. pylori infection was 42(46.67%). We observed an H. pylori  seroprevalence of 75%, 41.9%, 50.0% and 33,33% amongst sujects with bronchitis, Tuberculosis, Asthma and pneumonia respectively.
High Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori Infection, Atrophic Gastritis and Hypochlorhydria in HIV-Positive Cameroonians Tested by Serological Stomach-Specific Biomarkers (GastroPanel®)
Authors: Ebule Alonge Ivo , Ndze Valentine Ngum , Thierry Ngouana Kammalac , Marie Lebongo Belayang , Ismaila Mbopiwou Nforen , Aurelli Sonkwe Phalone , Njunda Longdoh Anna , Dominique Noah Noah , Assoumou Marie Claire Okomo , Lea Paloheimo , Syrjänen Kari
Published: March 2021

Background: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are associated with significant chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa. Gastric inflammation is a precursor to many gastrointestinal disorders including, peptic ulcer disease, atrophic gastritis (AG) and gastric cancer (GC). AG is usually accompanied by low hydrochloric acid (hypochlorhydria), low pepsinogens (PG) and high gastrin (G) levels and is the most significant risk condition for GC. Acid-free stomach is a risk factor for impaired drug absorption including anti-retroviral therapy and antibiotics. The role of H. pylori infection in HIV-infected subjects has been conflicting.

Objectives: We assessed the prevalence of H. pylori infection, AG and acid-free stomach (hypochlorhydria) amongst HIV/AIDS subjects in Yaounde Cameroon.

Methods: HIV/AIDS subjects were recruited during January-May 2018. Clinical and socio-demographic data of the subjects were recorded. An aliquot of 5 ml of blood was aseptically collected for analysis by GastroPanel® biomarker test for PGI, PGII, G-17 and H.pylori IgG antibodies. GastroPanel results were interpreted using the software application GastroSoft®. Statistical analyses were run by Epiinfo7.0. Ethical clearance was obtained from the National Ethics Committee.

Results: A total of 84 subjects were recruited, aged between 17-63 years (mean 37.6 ± 8.9 years). H. pylori seropositivity (IgG ≥30 EIU) was detected in 68(81.0%) of the subjects. H. pylori seropositivity was closely associated with low CD4 counts (p=0.01). Altogether, 26(31.0%) of the subjects presented with AG of the corpus while, hypochlorhydria was detected in 32(38.1%) of the patients. AG and hypochlorhydria were associated with low CD4 counts<200μl/l (p=0.01) and (p=0.005), respectively.

Conclusion: H. pylori infection, AG and acid-free stomach were common among HIV/AIDS patients, associated with an increased risk for GC and impaired absorption of micronutrients and some medicines.
Viral Hepatitis Training for Laboratory Workers: Addressing the Unaddressed
Authors: Keshan Pranav , Chauhan Sapna , Syed Sabin , Rastogi Aayushi , Bansal Akanksha
Published: March 2021

Aims: The aim of the study was to assess the current Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of laboratory technicians about viral hepatitis and to assess the effect of one day training on knowledge levels of the participants.

Study Design: Pre-post design.

Place and Duration of Study: Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences New Delhi and October 2018 to September 2019.

Methodology: A one-day training program titled “Hepatitis Induction Program” on viral hepatitis for laboratory technicians was conducted. The participants were provided theoretical as well as demonstrative and hands-on training about diagnostic management and prevention of viral hepatitis among laboratory technicians. An online link for KAP and Pre-post knowledge assessment questionnaire consisting 49 (KAP) questions was shared with all registered participants. Same knowledge questionnaire consisting 25 questions was shared with the participants after training. One mark was allotted for each correct response. The data was analysed using IBM-SPSS version-21. Independent samples t-test was used to assess the mean knowledge score across various demographic factors and the paired t-test was used to assess the improvement in knowledge post training. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to establish relationship between KAP score. The statistical significance was considered at 0.05.

Results: A total of 151 laboratory technicians were trained in 5 one day trainings and data for KAP and pre-post assessment data was available for all 151 participants. Correlation coefficient between knowledge, attitude and practice score stated a positive correlation between knowledge and attitude (r=0.36 P<0.001), knowledge and practice (r=0.192, P<0.001), attitude and practice (r=0.425, P<0.001). Also, Mean difference between pre and post knowledge score was 3.12 which was statistically significant (P<0.001).There was no significant association observed between pre-post knowledge score and demographic characteristics.

Conclusion: The study was able to reflect the significant effect of one-day training regarding diagnostic management and prevention of viral hepatitis on knowledge level of the laboratory workers. The present training program can also be up scaled and help in educating the lab technicians on various health-related topics across the country as authors have found lack of studies or training programs of this kind for the laboratory workers.
Statistical Analysis on Shear Strength Parameter from Index Properties of Fine-grained Soils
Authors: Bakala Tariku Tafari , Quezon Emer Tucay , Yasin Mohammed
Published: March 2021

Shear strength is the essential engineering property of soil required to analyze and design foundations, retaining walls, bridges, embankment, and related infrastructure. The laboratory equipment and field instruments are not sufficient in developing countries to obtain soil engineering properties, especially strength properties. Thus, Geotechnical engineers usually endeavor to develop statistical models that best fit a particular area and soil type, especially for analysis and design purposes. In this research, a Statistical Analysis on the Shear Strength parameter from the Index Properties of Fine-Grained Soils was studied. For predicting the undrained shear strength parameter, single linear regression (SLR) and multiple linear regressions (MLR) analyses were developed. To develop the intended statistical models for a study, SAS JMP Pro 13, SPSS v22, and Microsoft Excel-2013 software were introduced. The results of a  study indicated that undrained shear strength(Cu) was significantly correlated with liquid limit(LL), plastic limit(PL), bulk density (ρbulk), dry density(ρdry), natural moisture content(NMC), and plasticity index(PI). While it was not significantly correlated with a specific gravity (Gs) and liquidity index (LI) of study area soil. Finally, a strong Model of Cu with a coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.806), good significance level, and less Std. error was obtained from multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis. The developed model can figure undrained shear strength parameter and wide application in the construction industry to minimize the cost, effort, and time for laboratory tests of shear strength parameter of a study area.
Isolation and Identification of Staphylococci and Pseudomonas from Diabetic Foot Ulcer in Perambalur District Hospitals in Tamil Nadu
Authors: Venkatesan Ramasamy , Raja Suresh SS , Vijayakumar R. , Panneerselvam K.
Published: March 2021

Diabetic foot ulcers are still a problem for the health care system and are majorly influencing quality of life. Infected foot ulcer is one of the most feared complications of diabetes mellitus, leading to gangrene and it needs to be amputed. Diabetic foot lesions are major medical, social and economic problem and leading cause of hospitalization for patients with diabetes worldwide. The risk of a diabetic patient for developing a foot ulcer was estimated to be ~25%. Samples were collected from 65 infected patients of diabetic foot ulcer male and female. The mean age group was found to be 40-80 years with the clinical history such as age, sex, types of diabetes duration of diabetes, size of ulcer and duration of ulcer were observed and recorded. The Specific mediums were used for the isolation and identification using classical methods based on their morphology, Grams stain reaction, oxidase and catalase tests were performed to confirm the isolates were both gram-negative and gram-positive organisms Bergey’s manual of Determinative Bacteriology. Further, MALDI- TOF (Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization) was used to confirm the isolates identified in classical methods were Staphylococci (79%) and Pseudomonas (21%) In this study Among 68 isolates, identified in out of 41 isolates Pseudomonasaeruginosa (21%) Staphylococcus aureus (54%) Staphylococcus hominis (20%)and Staphylococcous hemolytic(5%). Although in gram positive organism Staphylococcus aureus (54%) was the most predominant isolate found in diabetic foot ulcer.
Serosurvey of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) in Cattle in Livestock Areas of Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa
Authors: Valery Adjogoua Edgard , Aimée Diaha-Kouame Claude , Maxime Diane Kouao , Clémence Kouassi Konan Adjoua Rose Marie , Mireille Dosso
Published: March 2021

Background: Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is an arbovirus transmitted by Ixodid ticks and causes a highly pathogenic disease called Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever with a mortality rate of up to 50% in humans.

Methods: From January to December 2019, tick and blood samples were taken from seven cattle farms located in the towns of Korhogo, Bondoukou, Man and Bouaflé. In each of the farms, samples were taken from twenty cattle. These tick and blood samples were sent to the national reference laboratory of the Department of Epidemic Viruses of the Pasteur Institute of Côte d'Ivoire for diagnosis of CCHFV as part of the surveillance of haemorrhagic fever viruses in Côte d'Ivoire. Molecular detection of the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fevervirus in ticks was performed by real-time PCR. For the serological analysis, the ELISA was used for the detection of antibodies to CCHFV (IgM and IgG).

Results: The study allowed the identification of 411 ticks divided into three genera Amblyomma, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus. The predominant species were Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus with (47.4%) and Amblyomma variegatum with (42.8%). No ticks gave positive results for the research of the CCHFV.Serological analysis showed that all 140 blood samples were IgM negative and 53.57% were IgG positive. Cattle from Bouaflé (90%) and Korhogo (70%) showed a higher seroprevalence than cattle from other regions. There was no significant difference in seropositivity between female bovines (54.1%) and male bovines (52.5%) (P>0.05). There is an association between age and anti-CCHF IgG positivity (P≤0.05), as cattle less than 3 years old (59.3%) showed a higher seroprevalence.

Conclusion: CCHFV serological tests have been detected in cattle, one of the livestock known to play a role in the amplification of CCHFV. Our results demonstrate that the prevalence of CCHFV is high in livestock areas of Côte d'Ivoire and suggest that surveillance for CCHFV should be established.
Calcium transfer between endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria in liver diseases
Authors: Jin Chaonan , Kumar Pavitra , Gracia‐Sancho Jordi , Dufour Jean‐François
Published: March 2021

Calcium (Ca2+) is a second messenger essential for cellular homeostasis. Inside the cell, Ca2+ is compartmentalized and exchanged among organelles in response to both external and internal stimuli. Mitochondria‐associated membranes (MAMs) provide a platform for proteins and channels involved in Ca2+ transfer between the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria. Deregulated Ca2+ signaling and proteins regulating ER–mitochondria interactions have been linked to liver diseases and intensively investigated in recent years. In this review, we summarize the role of MAM‐resident proteins in Ca2+ transfer and their association with different liver diseases.
Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis in mainland China: a unicentric retrospective study
Authors: Du Kang , Li Fan , Wang Hui , Miao Yuanfeng , Lv He , Zhang Wei , Wang Zhaoxia , Yuan Yun , Meng Lingchao
Published: March 2021

Objective

This study aims to report the genotypes and phenotypes of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) in a large Chinese cohort, yet the clinical and genetic profiles of ATTR remain elusive in mainland China.

Methods

Fifty‐four patients with molecularly confirmed ATTR from 39 unrelated families were identified by sequencing the TTR gene. Sural nerve biopsies were performed in 40 of these cases. The clinical and electrophysiological data were retrospectively collected and analyzed.

Results

The male/female ratio was 42:12. The average age of patients at the onset of the disease was 47.8 ± 13.0 years. The late‐onset type occurred in 29 cases (53.7%). Twenty‐two probands (56.4%) had a family history with ATTR. The initial symptoms were limb paresthesia in 33 cases (61.1%), autonomic dysfunction in 15 cases (27.8%), and blurred vision in 6 cases (11.1%). A total of 22 different TTR mutations were identified, including Val30Met (25.6%) in 10 families in North China and Ala97Ser in 4 families (10.3%) in South China. Electrophysiological studies revealed general sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathy in 33/44 cases (75.0%), mixed neuropathy with axonal and demyelinating impairment features in 9/44 cases (20.5%) and isolated carpal tunnel syndrome in two cases. Sural nerve biopsies revealed positive Congo red staining in 16/40 cases (40.0%).

Conclusion

Chinese patients with ATTR exhibited heterogeneous TTR genotypes and clinical phenotypes. Val30Met remains the most common mutation type in mainland China.
Multifunctional Ionic Skin with Sensing, UV‐Filtering, Water‐Retaining, and Anti‐Freezing Capabilities
Authors: Wen Jie , Tang Jia , Ning Huiming , Hu Ning , Zhu Yuanyuan , Gong Youkun , Xu Chaohe , Zhao Qiannan , Jiang Xiaoping , Hu Xiaolin , Lei Ling , Wu Dan , Huang Tao
Published: March 2021

Conductive polymer hydrogels are receiving considerable attention in applications such as soft robots and human‐machine interfaces. Herein, a transparent and highly ionically conductive hydrogel that integrates sensing, UV‐filtering, water‐retaining, and anti‐freezing performances is achieved by the organic combination of tannic acid‐coated hydroxyapatite nanowires (TA@HAP NWs), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) chains, ethylene glycol (EG), and metal ions. The highly ionic conductivity of the hydrogel enables tensile strain, pressure, and temperature sensing capabilities. In particular, in terms of the hydrogel strain sensors based on ionic conduction, it has high sensitivity (GF = 2.84) within a wide strain range (350%), high linearity (R2 = 0.99003), fast response (≈50 ms) and excellent cycle stability. In addition, the incorporated TA@HAP NWs act as a nano‐reinforced filler to improve the mechanical properties and confer a UV‐shielding ability upon the hydrogel due to its size effect and the characteristics of absorbing ultraviolet light waves, which can reflect and absorb short ultraviolet rays and transmit visible light. Meanwhile, owing to the water‐locking effect between EG and water molecules, the hydrogel exhibits freezing resistance at low temperatures and moisture retention at high temperatures. This biocompatible and multifunctional conductive hydrogel provides new ideas for the design of novel ionic skin devices.
Mechanobiological Interactions between Dynamic Compressive Loading and Viscoelasticity on Chondrocytes in Hydrazone Covalent Adaptable Networks for Cartilage Tissue Engineering
Authors: Richardson Benjamin M. , Walker Cierra J. , Maples Mollie M. , Randolph Mark A. , Bryant Stephanie J. , Anseth Kristi S.
Published: March 2021

Mechanobiological cues influence chondrocyte biosynthesis and are often used in tissue engineering applications to improve the repair of articular cartilage in load‐bearing joints. In this work, the biophysical effects of an applied dynamic compression on chondrocytes encapsulated in viscoelastic hydrazone covalent adaptable networks (CANs) is explored. Here, hydrazone CANs exhibit viscoelastic loss tangents ranging from (9.03 ± 0.01) 10–4 to (1.67 ± 0.09) 10–3 based on the molar percentages of alkyl‐hydrazone and benzyl‐hydrazone crosslinks. Notably, viscoelastic alkyl‐hydrazone crosslinks improve articular cartilage specific gene expression showing higher SOX9 expression in free swelling hydrogels and dynamic compression reduces hypertrophic chondrocyte markers (COL10A1, MMP13) in hydrazone CANs. Interestingly, dynamic compression also improves matrix biosynthesis in elastic benzyl‐hydrazone controls but reduces biosynthesis in viscoelastic alkyl‐hydrazone CANs. Additionally, intermediate levels of viscoelastic adaptability demonstrate the highest levels of matrix biosynthesis in hydrazone CANs, demonstrating on average 70 ± 4 µg of sulfated glycosaminoglycans per day and 31 ± 3 µg of collagen per day over one month in dynamic compression bioreactors. Collectively, the results herein demonstrate the role of matrix adaptability and viscoelasticity on chondrocytes in hydrazone CANs during dynamic compression, which may prove useful for tissue engineering applications in load‐bearing joints.
Recent Progress in Advanced Electrocatalyst Design for Acidic Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Li Leigang , Wang Pengtang , Shao Qi , Huang Xiaoqing
Published: March 2021

Proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolyzers hold great significance for renewable energy storage and conversion. The acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is one of the main roadblocks that hinder the practical application of PEM water electrolyzers. Highly active, cost‐effective, and durable electrocatalysts are indispensable for lowering the high kinetic barrier of OER to achieve boosted reaction kinetics. To date, a wide spectrum of advanced electrocatalysts has been designed and synthesized for enhanced acidic OER performance, though Ir and Ru based nanostructures still represent the state‐of‐the‐art catalysts. In this Progress Report, recent research progress in advanced electrocatalysts for improved acidic OER performance is summarized. First, fundamental understanding about acidic OER including reaction mechanisms and atomic understanding to acidic OER for rational design of efficient electrocatalysts are discussed. Thereafter, an overview of the progress in the design and synthesis of advanced acidic OER electrocatalysts is provided in terms of catalyst category, i.e., metallic nanostructures (Ir and Ru based), precious metal oxides, nonprecious metal oxides, and carbon based nanomaterials. Finally, perspectives to the future development of acidic OER are provided from the aspects of reaction mechanism investigation and more efficient electrocatalyst design.
Synthesis and Application of Naphthalene Diimide as an Organic Molecular Electrode for Asymmetric Supercapacitors with High Energy Storage
Authors: Ma Fuquan , Hu Zhongai , Jiao Long , Wang Xiaotong , Yang Yuying , Li Zhimin , He Yuanyuan
Published: March 2021

A new redox‐active organic molecule, naphthalene diimide derivative (NDI), is synthesized through the condensation reaction for electrochemical energy storage, in which 1,4,5,8‐naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride and 4‐aminophenol are used as skeleton and substituent, respectively. The NDI is acted as a guest molecule to non‐covalently modify reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and to form an organic molecular electrode (OMEs). The resultant electrode exhibits outstanding performance under the three‐electrode configuration, including specific capacitance (354 F g−1at 5 mV s−1) and cycling performance (87.2% after 8000 cycles). Furthermore, the electrochemical behaviors of the OMEs are mainly controlled by surface reactions and pseudocapacitance contribution is up to 93% of the total capacity at 100 mV s−1. In addition, a positive electrode (graphene hydrogel‐2,6‐dihydroxynaphthalene (GH‐DN)) is formed by hydrothermal method. At last, an asymmetric device (GH‐DN//rGO‐NDI, ASC) is assembled and a specific capacitance of 111.3 F g−1is reached. The ASC can deliver a high energy density of 26.3 Wh kg−1at power density of 0.6 kW kg−1. Moreover, two ASC devices in series may light 81 light‐emitting diodes. It is believed that organic molecule electrodes are candidates for new green energy storage materials.