bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deviated nasal septum in children
Authors: Swain Santosh Kumar , Pani Somya Ranjan
Published: June 2022

Background:

Nasal obstruction is a common symptom among children with numerous causes. Congenital or acquired nasal septal deviation may cause nasal obstruction in children. Deviated nasal septum (DNS) may also result in sinusitis, headache, epistaxis and hyposmia which increase the morbidity of the child and hamper the quality of life. The present study investigated the clinical details of the DNS among children at a tertiary care teaching hospital.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital between November 2016 and December 2021. History of nasal obstruction, mouth breathing, nasal bleeding and sinusitis among children with DNS was noted. Anterior rhinoscopy, fiberoptic endoscopic examinations of both nostrils and imaging such as computed tomography were done in all participating children with DNS.

Results:

Out of 652 children who attended the outpatient department of otorhinolaryngology, 128 (19.6%) were diagnosed with DNS. Out of 128 children with DNS, 72 (56.3%) were male; male:female ratio was 1.28:1. Out of 128 children, 54 (42.2%) children showed C-shaped DNS, 27 (21.1%) showed anterior dislocation, 21 (16.4%) showed S-shaped DNS, 15 (11.8%) showed spur and 11 (8.6%) showed nasal septal thickening.

Conclusions:

DNS and its impact on nasal breathing impairment in children are often underestimated by clinicians. Clinicians often are unaware on the impact of DNS and its clinical manifestations in children and its appropriate management. Early intervention for DNS in children is helpful to prevent morbid symptoms and their complications.
The Characteristics of a Good Toothpaste from the Viewpoint of Laypeople
Authors: Keshavarz Hooman , Jamalzadeh Navid , Parisay Iman
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

Mechanical methods are known as the most effective methods of controlling and reducing the volume of dental plaque, and brushing teeth with toothpaste is the most common mechanical method. The objective of this study was to describe the characteristics of a good toothpaste from the viewpoint of the residents of Mashhad, Iran.

Methods:

In a qualitative study, a purposive sample of the residents of Mashhad (the second most populous city of Iran with almost three million residents) was interviewed. By attending different hypermarkets in the city, people were chosen among those who were going to buy toothpaste and invited to participate in this study. Participants were asked, “What do you think a good toothpaste should be?” All of the interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. After the first interview, the transcript was prepared, the thematic content analysis process began, and the interviews and the process continued until no new themes emerged and the data saturation was achieved.

Results:

In total, 13 people were interviewed during this study. The thematic content analysis process on the transcripts of the interviews finally resulted in seven categories including cosmetic properties, familiarity, therapeutic and preventive properties, economical, ease of use, attractive appearance, and multipurpose.

Conclusions:

It seems that in addition to the fluoride content of toothpaste, Iranians consider many other factors in choosing their toothpaste. Paying attention to what is important to them in the production of toothpaste can lead to their greater desire to use toothpaste and ultimately promote their oral health.
Students' Perceptions on Interprofessional Education
Authors: Bhavani Vasamsetti Divya , Talluri Devaki , Pachava Srinivas
Published: June 2022

Aim and Objective:

The aim of this study was to assess and evaluate medical and dental students' understanding and attitudes toward interprofessional education (IPE).

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional questionnaire research was conducted among final year and interns of randomly selected medical and dental institutions in Guntur, a district in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. A 14-item self-administered questionnaire was employed for gathering information from 240 randomly selected participants (120 medical and 120 dental). For statistical analysis, a Chi-square test and logistic regression were undertaken, with a significance level ofP< 0.05.

Results:

The research outcome showed that 49.7% of medical and 50.3% of dental students were not aware of IPE (P = 1.000). Among respondents, 45.3% of medical and 54.7% of dental participants agreed that patients would eventually benefit from health-care provision if students explored together (P = 0.001). Of the students replied, 43.5% of medical and 56.5% of dental students expressed that IPE in the curricula will increase work productivity (P = 0.000). Among respondents, 47.7% of medical and 52.3% of dental students agreed on IPE as an effective communication tool with the patients (P = 0.060). In terms of interest in acquiring clinical skills besides other health-care disciplines, a statistically significant difference between medical and dental students (P = 0.013) was observed.

Conclusion:

The study revealed that IPE was appreciated by both medicine and dentistry students, and that incorporating IPE into their curricula would enhance patient and health-care satisfaction.
The Impact of Lifestyles on the Periodontal Health Among 35–44 Years Old Adult Population in Lucknow District
Authors: Verma Ila , Reddy L. Vamsi Krishna , Verma Abhishek , Kashyap Panchali , Sanaullah Md , Adwani Jyoti
Published: June 2022

Background:

Periodontal disorder continues to be a major issue worldwide. It is closely related to lifestyles and strongly determined by behavioral factors.

Aim:

To assess the different lifestyle factors and overall lifestyle variables affecting the periodontal health among 35–44 years old adult population in Lucknow district.

Objectives:

(1) To determine the influence of various lifestyle factors on adult periodontal health among urban and rural population. (2) To measure the effect on periodontal adult health of the overall lifestyle variables measured by the health practice index (HPI).

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional research w as performed on 400 participants aged 35–44 years, consisting of a standardized questionnaire on HPI, oral health-related behavior, and personal behaviors, as well as sociodemographic variables. Clinical examination for periodontal status was done by recording the loss of attachment (LOA) scores using the community periodontal index (WHO-2013).

Statistical Analysis:

Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 21.0 was used for statistical analysis. Statistical analysis was done using the Chi-square test and multivariate regression analysis.

Results:

The variables that showed an independent association with periodontitis were location, smoking, sleeping hours, physical exercise, eating breakfast, nutritional balance, mental stress with LOA of periodontal tissues; the results of multivariate regression analysis are statistically significant (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

This study supports an overall management of chronic periodontitis using different lifestyles. Vital public health action is needed on factors that define unhealthy lifestyle habits across the community, which is achievable through promoting healthy lifestyles through patient engagement in self-care.
Association between Oral Hygiene Status and Dental Caries Among 13–14 Years Old Children of Kamrup District, Assam
Authors: Doley Sulekha , Srivastava Manvi , Gupta Roopali , Piplani Ankita
Published: June 2022

Background:

Dental caries and periodontal problems are mainly caused due to poor oral hygiene practices.

Aim:

This study aims to determine the relationship between oral hygiene status and dental caries in 13–14 years old school-going children of rural and urban locality in Kamrup Metropolitan District, Assam.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 1501 school children in the age group of 13–14 years were included in the study and dental caries was recorded from decayed missing filled teeth (DMFT) index as described by World Health Organization (1997) and Oral hygiene status was assessed using Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified (OHI-S) given by Greene and Vermilion 1964. The unpaired t-test, Chi-square test, and Pearson correlation test were used to assess the relation between oral hygiene status and dental caries among different age groups, and location of the school-going children using SPSS version 21 andP< 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results:

The results showed a significant positive correlation (P < 0.05) between mean OHI-S score and decayed component of DMFT score among rural school children whereas in urban children a significant positive correlation (P < 0.05) was found between mean OHI-S score and mean score of Decayed, Missing and Filled teeth component of DMFT.

Conclusion:

The overall prevalence of dental caries among school children of Kamrup (Metropolitan) District was 33.6%. The present study showed a significant positive correlation of mean OHI-S score with a mean of decayed teeth and DMFT score.
Assessment of Self-Perceived Oral Malodor, Oral Hygiene Practices, and Smoking Habits Among Dental and Engineering Students
Authors: Deokar Rahul Nivrutti , Dodamani Arun Suresh , Vishwakarma K. Prashanth , Hoshing Abhijit Ashok , Jain Vardhaman Mulchand , Mali Gaurao Vasant
Published: June 2022

Aim and Objectives:

This study aimed to assess the prevalence and knowledge of self-perceived oral malodor, oral hygiene practices, and smoking habits among dental and engineering students of Dhule district.

Materials and Methodology:

A structured self-administered, close-ended questionnaire was prepared and was given to 435 dental and engineering e students. This was to assess the self-reported perception of oral breath, awareness of bad breath, timing of bad breath, treatment received for bad breath, oral hygiene practices, caries and bleeding gums, dryness of the mouth, smoking and tea-drinking habits, and tongue coating. The students who responded to the questionnaire were included in the study. Informed consent was obtained from the subjects willing to participate in the study.

Results:

Toothbrushing was prevalent among 100% of dental students and 87% of engineering students. Self-perception of oral malodor was prevalent among 7% of dental students and 66% of engineering students. Smoking habit was prevalent in 26% of engineering students and 8% of dental students, for which self-treatment was sought for bad breath by 6% of dental students and 8% of engineering students.

Conclusion:

Dental students had increased awareness regarding self-perceived oral malodor, oral hygiene practices, and smoking habits compared to engineering students.
Effectiveness of Smoking Cessation Interventions in Dental Settings
Authors: Piplani Ankita , Manjunath BC , Kumar Adarsh , Srivastava Manvi , Kumar Krishan , Kundu Hansa
Published: June 2022

Background:

Smoking is associated with increased overall morbidity and mortality. Globally, more than 6 million deaths per year are related to smoking. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI), MI in combination with bupropion 150 mg (milligrams), and MI in combination with bupropion and nicotine chewing gums (2 mg) (nicotine replacement therapy [NRT]) in smoking cessation.

Materials and Methods:

A double-blind, 6-month, parallel, randomized controlled trial was conducted among healthy smokers who were motivated to quit smoking. Based on the sample size estimation, 132 heavy smokers with moderate-to-high dependence were randomized to one of the three intervention groups: A: MI + Placebo, B: MI + bupropion, and C: MI + NRT + bupropion. Interventions were delivered for 3 months. The main outcome was self-reported continuous abstinence rates at 6 months. The data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Pearson's Chi-square test withPvalue fixed at 0.05.

Results:

The study participants included predominantly males (98.5%) with a mean age of 35.1 ± 9.32 years. The overall continuous abstinence rate at 6 months was 18.9%. The continuous abstinence rates were 12.2%, 22.2%, and 23.4% in Group A, B, and C, respectively (P = 0.318). There was no significant difference in 7-day point prevalence abstinence from smoking at the end of 3 months in between the three groups (P = 0.06).

Conclusion:

MI plays a significant role in smoking cessation and offers benefits comparable to pharmacotherapies and hence can be used as an integral part of smoking cessation interventions.
Epidemiological Evaluation of Maternal Periodontal Status in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Seropositive Pregnant Women in India
Authors: Kiran Sunkavilli Ravi , Karnam Yudheera , Niharika Bammidi
Published: June 2022

Background:

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in pregnancy was the most common complication in some developing countries. This has major implications for the management of pregnancy and birth. Periodontal disease in HIV-infected pregnant women leads to a hyperinflammatory state which may have an impact on developing fetus.

Aim:

The evaluation of gingival and periodontal health in HIV seropositive pregnant women.

Methods:

A sample of 432 HIV seropositive pregnant women visiting the antiretroviral therapy center from January 2016–December 2016 were included in the present study. Information concerning demographic profile, medical history, and oral health information was recorded in a case sheet pro forma. Several measures of periodontal health such as bleeding on probing, plaque index, pocket depth (PD), and clinical attachment loss were obtained and analyzed by using Chi-square test of independence andPvalue (P < 0.05, statistically significant).

Results:

Three hundred and ninety-six participants (91.6%) had gum bleeding on >1 tooth. In gingivitis, the distributions of mild, moderate, and severe gingivitis were about 64 (14.81%), 192 (44.44%), and 140 (32.41%) participants, respectively. Participants without periodontitis (without a single PD ≥4 mm) were about 202 (46.76%). Two hundred and thirty participants (53.2%) had periodontal pockets (≥4 mm) on ≥1 tooth. In periodontitis, the distributions of mild, moderate, and severe periodontitis were 28.70%, 15.74%, and 8.80%, respectively.

Conclusion:

Ninety-two percent of HIV pregnant women have shown gingival inflammation. Periodontitis was observed in 51% of HIV pregnant women. This observation strengthens the importance of oral health care in HIV-positive pregnant women.
Implementation of Rehabilitation Innovations
Authors: Amatya Bhasker , Khan Fary
Published: June 2022

With improved global survival rates, there is an increased demand for health-care needs for persons with noncommunicable diseases, chronic illnesses, and disaster survivors (including pandemics). Many countries struggle to meet the existing demand for health care, including rehabilitation services. Further, many persons with disability still experience socioeconomic inequity/disparities in accessing rehabilitation services. Despite increased demand for rehabilitation, many countries globally struggle to meet existing demand due to economic, social, and other barriers. The World Health Organization (WHO) initiative “Rehabilitation 2030: A Call for Action” promotes universal access to rehabilitation and prioritizes the scaling-up and strengthening of rehabilitation services and strong governance of global health partnerships and coordination between the authorities and public. The WHO launched a conceptual framework “WHO Rehabilitation in Health Systems: Guide for Action” for the development and implementation of an effective rehabilitation program within the health-care system. This pivotal resource provides detailed steps to lead governments through rehabilitation system strengthening practice specifically in low- and middle-income countries, organized in four key phases: (i) assessment of the situation; (ii) development of a rehabilitation strategic plan; (iii) establishment of the monitoring, evaluation, and review processes; and (iv) implementation of the strategic plan. The goal is to shift health trajectories onto the rehabilitation-inclusive system in a sustainable and equitable path. The article aims to provide an overview of key global initiatives in disability and rehabilitation, exclusively highlighting the WHO framework and other innovative care models for consideration.
A Phase II Study of Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy with Capecitabine Plus Simvastatin in Patients with Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Authors: Jo Hyunji , Kim Seung Tae , Lee Jeeyun , Park Se Hoon , Park Joon Oh , Park Young Suk , Lim Ho Yeong , Yu Jeong Il , Park Hee Chul , Choi Doo Ho , Park Yoonah , Cho Yong Beom , Huh Jung Wook , Yun Seong Hyeon , Kim Hee Cheol , Lee Woo Yong , Kang Won Ki
Published: June 2022

Purpose The purpose of this phase II trial was to evaluate whether the addition of simvastatin, a synthetic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitor, to preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with capecitabine confers a clinical benefit to patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).Materials and Methods Patients with LARC (defined by clinical stage T3/4 and/or lymph node positivity) received preoperative radiation (45-50.4 Gy in 25-28 daily fractions) with concomitant capecitabine (825 mg/m2 twice per day) and simvastatin (80 mg, daily). Curative surgery was planned 4-8 weeks after completion of the CRT regimen. The primary endpoint was pathologic complete response (pCR). The secondary endpoints included sphincter-sparing surgery, R0 resection, disease-free survival, overall survival, the pattern of failure, and toxicity.Results Between October 2014 and July 2017, 61 patients were enrolled; 53 patients completed CRT regimen and underwent total mesorectal excision. The pCR rate was 18.9% (n=10) by per-protocol analysis. Sphincter-sparing surgery was performed in 51 patients (96.2%). R0 resection was achieved in 51 patients (96.2%). One patient experienced grade 3 liver enzyme elevation. No patient experienced additional toxicity caused by simvastatin.Conclusion The combination of 80 mg simvastatin with CRT and capecitabine did not improve pCR in patients with LARC, although it did not increase toxicity.
Genomic Signatures from Clinical Tumor Sequencing in Patients with Breast Cancer Having Germline BRCA1/2 Mutation
Authors: Kim Ju Won , Kang Hyo Eun , Choi Jimi , Yun Seung Gyu , Jung Seung Pil , Bae Soo Yeon , You Ji Young , Choi Yoon-Ji , Kim Yeul Hong , Park Kyong Hwa
Published: June 2022

PurposeBRCA1 and BRCA2 are among the most important genes involved in DNA repair via homologous recombination (HR). Germline BRCA1/2 (gBRCA1/2)-related cancers have specific characteristics and treatment options but conducting gBRCA1/2 testing and interpreting the genetic imprint are sometimes complicated. Here, we describe the concordance of gBRCA1/2 derived from a panel of clinical tumor tissues using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and genetic aspects of tumors harboring gBRCA1/2 pathogenic variants.Materials and MethodsTargeted sequencing was performed using available tumor tissue from patients who underwent gBRCA1/2 testing. Comparative genomic analysis was performed according to gBRCA1/2 pathogenicity.ResultsA total of 321 patients who underwent gBRCA1/2 testing were screened, and 26 patients with gBRCA1/2 pathogenic (gBRCA1/2p) variants, eight patients with gBRCA1/2 variants of uncertain significance (VUS; gBRCA1/2v), and 43 patients with gBRCA1/2 wild-type (gBRCA1/2w) were included in analysis. Mutations in TP53 (49.4%) and PIK3CA (23.4%) were frequently detected in all samples. The number of single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) per tumor tissue was higher in the gBRCA1/2w group than that in the gBRCA1/2p group (14.81 vs. 18.86, p=0.278). Tumor mutation burden (TMB) was significantly higher in the gBRCA1/2w group than in the gBRCA1/2p group (10.21 vs. 13.47, p=0.017). Except for BRCA1/2, other HR-related genes were frequently mutated in patients with gBRCA1/2w.ConclusionWe demonstrated high sensitivity of gBRCA1/2 in tumors analyzed by NGS using a panel of tumor tissues. TMB value and aberration of non-BRCA1/2 HR-related genes differed significantly according to gBRCA1/2 pathogenicity in patients with breast cancer.
Emergent complexity and political economy of the Houlouf polity in North Central Africa (1900 BCE-1800 CE)
Authors: Holl Augustin F.C.
Published: June 2022

Long-term socio-cultural change is a non-linear process involving demography, economy, culture, social organizations, symbols and ideas. It is generally marked by succession of social formations with different organizational requirements and “worldviews”. The concept of emergent complexity used in this paper thus refers to the punctuated shift that led to the formation of social ranking and socio-political centralization. Five successive social formations of varying duration have been reconstructed in the ca. 4000 years long development of the Houlouf polity located the Cameroonian portion of the Chadian plain:

 1) – small scattered pastoral-nomadic groups;

2) – autonomous mixed-farming communities;

3) – competing and rival peer-polities;

4) – ranked and centralized polity – Chiefdom in local political terms -; and finally,

5) – paramount chiefdom – Sultanate in local political lexicon-.

This paper, anchored on high resolution paleoclimatological data and changes in regional settlement location and distribution, outlines the main steps of that evolutionary process. The dimensions investigated include settlement dynamics, political economy, the production and use of material culture, as well as their connected patterns of exchange from 1900 BCE to 1800 CE. A short review of research on trade in West African archaeology shows that the study of long-distance exchange tends to focus on characterization and provenience analyses of in-coming raw materials and goods. Important as it is such an approach does not provide access to the internal dynamics of the receiving societies. This paper examines the concomitant changes in site-location, flows, distribution, and consumption of long-distance traded items, patterns of craft specialization and production intensification, showing that they were part of interlocked feed-back loops. Evidence of intensification of local production geared to export is systematically documented in their chrono-cultural contexts for the first time. These deviating/amplifying feed-back loops triggered a dynamic that resulted in the emergence of five successive social formations in the Houlouf region ca. 4000 years evolutionary sequence.
The Westernization of the African zombie in Nollywood Films
Authors: Endong Floribert Patrick C.
Published: June 2022

The Nigerian film industry (nicknamed Nollywood) has, over the years, embraced foreign influences as a form of newness and singularity. Many films produced in the industry have displayed the capacity to re-contextualize and indigenize specific forms and styles associated with the global mass culture, including Hollywood horror films and the zombie genre. Thus, there have been at least two ways of representing zombies in the Nollywood films. While most films have depicted zombies according to local African or Nigerian myths, a certain number of recently produced films have displayed representations of these undead creatures (zombies) which are visibly inspired by the Western imagination or fantasies. This thesis could well be illustrated through a critical study of two Nollywood films namely A.C. Enonchong‘s Witchdoctor of the Living Dead and Sam Perry‘s Outbreak 2020. Using the two above mentioned films as case studies, this paper specifically seeks answers to three research questions: how are Western myths about zombies different from those prevailing in the Nigerian socio-cultural space? How has the zombie filmic genre evolved in the Nigerian film industry and how are Western myths about zombies informing or reflected in selected Nollywood films?
Anti-cataleptic, skeletal muscle relaxant and cognitive properties of the ethanol extract of Lophira alata Banks ex C.F. Gaertn. (Ochnaceae) stem bark in mice
Authors: Iniaghe Loretta Oghenekome , Okpakpor Elohor Emma , Okonna Ifunanya Lydia , Ikhile Osatohamhen Favour , Ogbuehi Joy Ozioma , Idemudia Joshua Iluobe , Kaluaso Smart Chukwudi
Published: June 2022

Lophira alata is a perennial tree which grows in many parts of sub-Saharan and East Africa and is used in Ethnomedicine for a wide range of disorders including insomnia, algesia, psychosis and memory enhancement. Phytochemical screening was carried out and acute toxicity of ethanol stem bark extract of L. alata was determined. The central nervous system modulating activities of Lophira alata stem bark extract (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg, per oral) were evaluated via haloperidol and morphine induced catalepsy, rotarod performance test, diazepam induced sleep, the novel object recognition and Y-maze tests. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phytochemicals such as alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins and tannins; the LD50 of L. alata was estimated to be greater than 5000 mg/kg. L. alata significantly (p<0.05) attenuated catalepsy in a non-dose dependent manner, decreased latency time on the rotarod (all dose levels), did not reduce onset of sleeping time nor increase duration of sleep. L. alata also significantly (p<0.05) increased time spent with the novel object (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) and increased percentage spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze test (800 mg/kg). L. alata possess CNS activity which may account for its use in ethnomedicine for management of psychosis and cognitive enhancement.
Molecular Characterization of Basella alba L. and Basella rubra L. using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Profiling
Authors: Bolaji A.O. , Oladejo A.S. , Elegbeleye O.T. , Ilori A.C. , Dauda N.F.
Published: June 2022

The limitation of morphological characterization in revealing genetic variation in species has been the predisposition of most quantitative characters and some qualitative characters to environmental influences. This has necessitated the use of molecular methods in the characterization of species in the recent time. This study was designed to examine and characterize Basella alba and Basella rubra using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs) profiling in order to provide useful information that could enhance the elucidation of their taxonomic status. Genomic DNA of fresh leaf samples of the two species were isolated and subsequently subjected to RAPD analysis by scoring for presence (1) or absence (0) of bands. Monomorphic and polymorphic bands were identified, number of amplified alleles determined, percentage polymorphism established, genetic diversity and genetic distance were calculated. The study revealed 123 individual fragments obtained from the 11 primers used, with 112 (91.06%) of the fragments being monomorphic, with 11 being polymorphic. The genetic variation between the species studied was 8.94%, while the genetic distance was 0.21. The results obtained indicated that the Basella alba and Basella rubra studied were quite close genetically, thus suggesting that there could be a possibility of gene flow between them.
Optimization of petroleum production system using Nodal Analysis Program
Authors: Salaudeen Ibraheem , Bopbekov Daniyar , Abdulkarim Abdulsalam
Published: June 2022

This research attempted to optimize petroleum production system of well X in Field Y in Niger Delta region of Nigeria located in Gulf of Guinea by adopting Nodal analysis technique. A non-commercial software known as Nodal Analysis Program was used for the analysis. The dataset available from offset well were used as the input parameters to the software for the selection of the most economical production string for the new well. The production system has two adjustable components: vertical tubing and nearly horizontal flowline. The flowline inclination is -3.0 degree to the horizontal. The productivity index of the well was obtained in order to know the deliverability of the well. Several combinations of the tubing and flowline have been used in the analysis of the production system. The optimal configuration of the production system components is selected by the maximum operating flow rate of 1118 stb/day. The stable operational region is determined with the assumption that the system will be stable above the flow rate corresponding to the minimum on the outflow performance relation (OPR) curve. The introduction of the gas lift into the optimal system configuration increased the operating oil rate from 1118 stb/day to production rate of approximately 1287 stb/day, but the operating oil rate decreased with higher gas injection rate to 1115 stb/day. The optimal gas injection rate is selected by highest operating oil rate. The fluctuations in the oil price did not change the selection of the optimal configuration and gas injection rate. The investigation of the flow regime in the system before and after gas lift has revealed that the effect of gas injection on the flow regime is minor, probably due to low injection rate. Disperse flow was the flow regimes investigated and established for vertical flow (tubing) before and after gas injection. While on the other hand, elongated bubble was established to be the flow regime in flowline before gas injection and slug flow after gas injection in the flowline.
Performance assessment of mechanical and durability properties of cupola slag geopolymer concrete with fly and rice husk ashes
Authors: Alabi Stephen Adeyemi , Mahachi Jeffrey
Published: June 2022

Research into substituting recycled materials for cement and aggregates can yield beneficial natural resource conservation, waste management, cost savings, and reduced embodied energy in concrete. Hence, this research investigates the potential adoption of coal fly ash (CFA) and rice husk ash (RHA) as geopolymer binders to partially substitute cement in varying proportions up to 25%. However, cupola furnace slag (CFS) was also used as a partial substitute of crushed granite from 0% to 35% in steps of 5% in the production of geopolymer concrete (GPC). The selected geopolymer binders were synthesized using an alkaline solution. Workability, compressive strength, and rapid chloride penetration tests on fresh and hardened normal concrete (NC) as control and GPC containing CFS were evaluated at different water-binder ratios. The findings revealed that integrating 15%CFA, 20%RHA, and 30%CFS with w/b of 0.50 and 0.65 improved the workability by 180% and 105.7%, respectively, but compressive strength is significantly reduced. The findings further showed that combining 75%OPC, 20%CFA, 5%RHA, 100%RS, 20%CFS, and 80%CG results in optimal compressive strength of 19.68 N/mm2 and, 21.49 N/mm2 at 28 days and 56 days with w/b of 0.50, respectively, as contrasted to the lowest possible strength requirement. The Rapid Migration Test (RMT) was used to determine the chloride ions permeability in various concrete mixes. The results show that GPC produced with the combination of 15%CFA, 20%RHA 65%OPC, 30%CFS, and 70%CG with w/b of 0.65 is more durable and has higher chloride ion penetration resistance than most other mix proportions.
Impact of structural dimensions and poles on the torque performance of dual-stator permanent magnet machines
Authors: Awah C. C. , Okoro O.I. , Nkan I. E. , Okpo E.E.
Published: June 2022

The impact of structural dimensions and rotor pole numbers on the load and no-load torques of dual stator permanent magnet machine is investigated and presented in this work. Finite element analysis (FEA) is adopted in the prediction, since it exhibits higher computation accuracy compared to other methods such as analytical modelling and techniques, etc. Version 15.0 of MAXWELL/ANSYS-2D software is implemented in the entire computations. The considered structural dimensions include: rotor centrifugal size (Rth), aspect ratio (Sr), permanent magnet width (Mth), outer stator tooth width (Tth), rotor outer pole arc/pitch ratio (ϒ1) and rotor inner pole arc/pitch ratio (ϒ2). Also, model topologies having stator pole (S) and rotor pole (P) numbers i.e. 6S/10P, 6S/11P, 6S/13P and 6S/14P, are compared. The results show that the shaft torque and no-load torque would reasonably depend on the adopted machine’s structural dimensions; in addition to the impact of rotor pole number. More so, it is observed that the optimal output torque of a given machine may not necessarily occur at the same operating structural point with that of the required least no-load torque. Implementation of the optimum structural dimensions would result to largest average output electromagnetic torque from the machine. Moreover, practically all the most optimum results are obtained from the 6S/11P machine type. The useable average shaft torque from the simulated models is approximately: 2.33 Nm, 4.16 Nm, 3.75 Nm and 2.31 Nm, for the 6S/10P, 6S/11P, 6S/13P and 6S/14P categories, respectively. Similarly, least values of the no-load torque in the compared machine types are 1.2 Nm, 0.08 Nm, 0.04 Nm and 0.68 Nm i.e. for the 6S/10P, 6S/11P, 6S/13P and 6S/14P machine topologies.
Prenatal maternal prevalence and new-born vertical transmission of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Nigeria
Authors: Nyamngee A. , Onoriasakpobare F.O. , Agbede O.O , Akanbi II A.A , Sulaiman M.K.
Published: June 2022

Vertical transmission of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection can occur as demonstrated by the established association between a maternal history of genital warts and the development of laryngeal papillomas in children less than 2 years of age. Also there has been reported cases of infants who had genital warts present at the time of delivery. The prevalence and transmission rates of HPV at birth not known. 

This study determined the prevalence of HPV DNA in the cord blood of the baby at delivery and the maternal cervical sample, and the concordance between the prevalence in the cord blood and in the cervical sample using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

Cord blood samples were collected at from 113 participating pregnant women, from whom their cervical swab samples had been taken in antenatal clinic. The specimens were analysed for HPV DNA using the PCR with the consensus primers MY09/MY11.

HPV DNA was detected in 54 cord blood and 11 cervical samples. There were 9 positive concordances for both the cord blood and the cervical sample. The prevalence of HPV DNA in the cord blood was 47.92% and in the maternal cervical sample was 9.7% and the difference was statistically significant. The typing on the positive HPV DNA shows 50.77% positive for HPV 16 and 16.92% positive for HPV 18.

The detection of HPV DNA in the cord blood and the type specific genotypes concordance in the cervical suggests that the mother is the most probable source of HPV positive in the new born. Therefore, this should be a compulsory procedure at the point of delivery for early detection and treatment of HPV infections among the newborn babies.
Rehospitalization rate and predictors of rehospitalization in heart failure patients in North Central Nigeria
Authors: Ogunmodede J.A. , Kolo P.M. , Dele-Ojo B.F. , Yusuf I.A. , Salau I.L. , Katibi I.A. , Omotoso A.B.
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Heart failure (HF) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the advancement in its treatment the rate of rehospitalization of patients after treatment for HF is still high around the world. Studies assessing rehospitalization rates of HF patients are few in Nigeria. The objective of the study was to determine the 180-day rehospitalization rate and predictors of rehospitalization in acute HF patients managed in our Centre. The study was a retrospective cohort study of 148 patients with acute HF.

The 180-day rehospitalization rate in our patients was 16.2%. The median time to rehospitalization was 61days. Serum urea (p=0.016), serum creatinine (p=0.033), admission eGFR < 60mls/min/1.73m2 (p=0.007), LVEF (p=0.045) were associated with rehospitalization. eGFR < 60mls/min/1.73m2 was an independent predictor of 180-day rehospitalization OR 5.4, (CI 1.701-7.690), p=0.014 suggesting 5 times greater likelihood of rehospitalization than patients with higher eGFR. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve for 180-day rehospitalization was plotted.

In conclusion, the 180-day rehospitalization rate among our patients varies from other reported rates in our environment. Acute HF patients with renal dysfunction have a high likelihood of medium term rehospitalization and hence constitute an at-risk group for targeted intervention during admission.
Pulegone ameliorates inflammation and oxidative stress in L-arginine-induced acute pancreatitis in mice by regulating the activation of p38 MAPK pathway
Authors: Xiong Qinpan , Du Chao , Xia Wei , Tang Kang
Published: June 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of pulegone (PLG) on inflammation and oxidative stress in L-arginineinduced acute pancreatitis (AP), and determine its molecular mechanism.Methods: Hematoxylin-Eosin (H & E) staining assay were performed, and histopathological score, blood glucose concentration, and serum amylase level were evaluated in order to assess the effects of PLG on pancreatic injury in L-arginine-induced AP mice. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to assess the levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), malonaldehyde (MDA) and inflammatory factors (IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β) in L-arginine-induced AP mice. Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and relative levels of ROS generation in L-arginine-induced AP mice were determined using an LDH kit and immunofluorescence assay, respectively. The effect of pulegone (PLG) on the activation of p38 MAPK pathway in L-arginine-induced AP mice was evaluated by Western blot.Results: Significant pancreatic tissue injury occurred in L-arginine-induced AP mice was revealed. PLG alleviated the pathological injury of pancreatitis, and decreased the blood glucose concentration and serum amylase level in L-arginine-induced AP mice. In addition, PLG inhibited oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, and was enabled to inhibit the activation of p38 MAPK pathway in L-arginineinduced AP mice. Furthermore, PLG exhibited protective effect against the development of pancreatic injury in L-arginine-induced AP mice.Conclusion: PLG ameliorates L-arginine-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in AP mice in vivo by inhibiting p38 MAPK pathway, and therefore, is a potential therapeutic agent for the management of acute pancreatitis.
Hsc70 interacts with KCNA5 to promote the proliferation of granulosa cells in polycystic ovarian syndrome
Authors: Deng Lu , Wang Jiaoqin
Published: June 2022

Purpose: To investigate the function and interaction of heat-shock cognate protein 70 (Hsc70) and potassium voltage-gated channel subfamily A member 5 (KCNA5) in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Methods: Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot were used to measure Hsc70 and KCNA5 expression in PCOS. The effect of Hsc70 on granulosa cell apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assay were used to assess the impact of Hsc70 on cell proliferation, while the interaction of Hsc70 with KCNA5 were evaluated by Western blot, CCK-8, and colony formation assay, respectively.Results: Hsc70 expression was upregulated in PCOS compared to the control (p < 0.05). In granulosa cells, Hsc70 overexpression promoted cell proliferation but inhibited apoptosis (p < 0.05), whereas Hsc70 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis (p < 0.05). Furthermore, KCNA5 expression was downregulated in PCOS (p < 0.05) and was negatively correlated with Hsc70 expression. KCNA5 knockdown promoted granulosa cell proliferation and also attenuated the Hsc70 knockdown-mediated inhibition of granulosa cell proliferation (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Hsc70 promotes granulosa cell proliferation by interacting with KCNA5, further defining the molecular mechanism behind PCOS.
Relationship between the use of drugs and changes in body weight among patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mallhi Tauqeer Hussain , Ijaz Iram , Khan Yusra Habib , Javed Amna , Javed Amna , Saleem Umdatun- Nisa , Aftab Raja Ahsan , Alzarea Abdulaziz Ibrahim , Alotaibi Nasser Hadal , Alotaibi Nasser Hadal , Alanazi Abdullah Salah , Salman Muhammad , Butt Muhammad Hammad
Published: June 2022

Purpose: To investigate the impact of drugs on the body weight of patients.Methods: All the randomized controlled trials that evaluated the impact of medications on the body weight of patients were searched in various databases. Studies quantifying the impact of drugs on body weight when compared to placebo or any other treatment were considered for this review. Moreover, the quantitative synthesis of evidence was also performed by generating the forest plot.Results: A total of 20 studies involving 18,547 participants were included in the current review. Weight gains ranging from 0.5 to 2.6 kg were associated with the use of pioglitazone, espindolol, brexpiprazole, glimepiride and ezogabine while weight loss ranging from 1.1 to 12 kg was linked with the use of betahistine, naltrexone, bupropion, liraglutide, phentermine, topiramate, orlistat, zonisamide, duloxetine, semaglutide, metformin and linagliptin. The quantitative synthesis suggested that drugs can significantly reduce body weight by -0.53 kg (CI 95 % -1.01, -0.04, p < 0.04) when compared to standard treatment.Conclusion: The findings of this review suggest substantial association of drugs and weight change during pharmacotherapy. Pioglitzone, brexpiprazole, espindolol, ezogabine and glimepiride cause weight gain while naltrexone, bupropion, betahistine, topiramate, phentermine, zonisamide, semaglutide, linagliptin, liraglutide, orlistat, duloxetine and metformin were associated with weight loss. Drug-induced changes in body weight might cause serious consequences and should be addressed before initiating treatment.
Recommender system taking into account the availability forecast of product categories
Authors: NZEKON NZEKO’O Armel Jacques , Adamou Hamza , Tchuente Maurice
Published: June 2022

Recommending suitable products to users is crucial in e-commerce and streaming platforms. In some situations, a customer has a preference for a product based on the product features and the current temporal context. It is therefore wise to take these aspects into account in order to improve the quality of the recommendations. In this paper, we propose recommender systems based on the availability prediction of product categories according to the temporal context. Indeed, the classification of the Top-N recommendations proposed by the initial recommender system is updated in such a way as to favor products with categories predicted available. Furthermore, we propose an algorithm for the choice of the appropriate temporal context to consider for the availability prediction of categories. Experiments are carried out on four datasets and comparisons are made on the results of three basic recommender systems with and without integration of availability forecasts, according to the Hit-ratio, MAP and F1-score evaluation metrics. We note that in 75% of cases, to have the best performance, it is necessary to integrate the availabilities prediction of the categories. This gain can even go to more than 12% regardless of the dataset. All this confirms the relevance of our contribution.

Recommander des articles appropriés aux utilisateurs est crucial dans les plateformes de commerce électronique et de streaming. Dans certaines situations, un client a une préférence pour un produit en fonction des caractéristiques du produit et du contexte temporel courant. Il est donc judicieux de prendre en compte ces aspects afin d'améliorer la qualité des recommandations. Dans cet article, nous proposons des systèmes de recommandation basés sur la prédiction de disponibilité des catégories des produits en fonction du contexte temporel. En effet, le classement des recommandations Top-N proposées par le système de recommandation initial est mis à jour de manière à favoriser les produits aux catégories prédites disponibles. Par ailleurs, nous proposons un algorithme pour le choix du contexte temporel adéquat à la considération de la prédiction de disponibilité des catégories. Des expérimentations sont menées sur quatre jeux de données et des comparaisons sont effectuées sur les résultats de trois systèmes de recommandation de base avec et sans intégration des prédictions de disponibilité, suivant les métriques d'évaluation Hit-ratio, MAP et F1-score. On constate que dans 75% des cas, pour avoir la meilleure performance, il est nécessaire d'intégrer les prédictions de disponibilité des catégories. Ce gain peut même aller à plus de 12% quel que soit le jeu de données. Tout ceci confirme la pertinence de notre contribution.
Word Sense Induction with Attentive Context Clustering
Authors: Stekel Moshe , Azaria Amos , Gordin Shai
Published: June 2022

This paper presents ACCWSI (Attentive Context Clustering WSI), a method for Word Sense Induction, suitable for languages with limited resources. Pretrained on a small corpus and given an ambiguous word (a query word) and a set of excerpts that contain it, ACCWSI uses an attention mechanism for generating context-aware embeddings, distinguishing between the different senses assigned to the query word. These embeddings are then clustered to provide groups of main common uses of the query word. We show that ACCWSI performs well on the SemEval-2 2010 WSI task. ACCWSI also demonstrates practical applicability for shedding light on the meanings of ambiguous words in ancient languages, such as Classical Hebrew and Akkadian. In the near future, we intend to turn ACCWSI into a practical tool for linguists and historians.
Quotients, inductive types, and quotient inductive types
Authors: Fiore Marcelo P. , Pitts Andrew M. , Steenkamp S. C.
Published: June 2022

This paper introduces an expressive class of indexed quotient-inductive
types, called QWI types, within the framework of constructive type theory. They
are initial algebras for indexed families of equational theories with possibly
infinitary operators and equations. We prove that QWI types can be derived from
quotient types and inductive types in the type theory of toposes with natural
number object and universes, provided those universes satisfy the Weakly
Initial Set of Covers (WISC) axiom. We do so by constructing QWI types as
colimits of a family of approximations to them defined by well-founded
recursion over a suitable notion of size, whose definition involves the WISC
axiom. We developed the proof and checked it using the Agda theorem prover.
EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES AS A MECHANISM OF INTERCELLULAR COMMUNICATION IN TUMOR PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Authors:   International Sakharov Environmental Institute, Belarusian State University, Zhartun E. S. , Nizheharodava D. B. ,   International Sakharov Environmental Institute, Belarusian State University
Published: June 2022

In normal cells, mechanisms that prevent the development of cancer function, while in tumor cells there are defects in the regulatory chain that controls cell proliferation and its homeostasis. Intercellular communication is the exchange of information through various signaling mechanisms affecting many aspects of cell life and is crucial for morphogenesis, differentiation, interaction, homeostasis and cell growth. The study of the mechanisms of intercellular communication mediated by extracellular vesicles is important for understanding the sequential events in the cell that lead to the development of cancer. The key importance of intercellular communication of tumor cells is manifested in autocrine stimulation (increased proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis signals), suppression of immunity (tumor extracellular vesicles create an immunosuppressive environment), preparation of a metastatic niche.