bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Open-access Mega-journals in Health and Life Sciences: What Every
Researcher needs to know about this Publishing Model
Authors: Dinis-Oliveira Ricardo Jorge
Published: February 2022

A mega-journal is a peer-reviewed scientific open-access journal designed to be much
larger than a traditional classical journal. The low selectivity review criteria largely focused on the
scientific soundness of the research methodology and ethical issues regardless of the importance
and application of the results, the fast peer review, and a very broad scope usually covering a
whole discipline, such as biomedicine or social science, are the major hallmarks. This publishing
model was pioneered by PLOS One and was soon followed by other publishers. A few years ago, it
was believed that the academic journal landscape would dominate by the mega-journals model, but
a decline has been registered in the last few years. This editorial aimed at presenting the current
state-of-the-art of the open-access mega-journals (OAMJs) in scientific publications.
Company performance analysis and tax aggressiveness
Authors: Taufik Ruhiyat , Hasanah Hani , Lestari Sri , Dharmayanti Nela , Sriharyanti Resty
Published: February 2022

This study aims to determine the effect of return on assets, firm size, leverage and intensity of fixed assets, both partially and simultaneously on tax aggressiveness in LQ 45 companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2015-2018. The analytical method used is panel data regression analysis. The sample selection technique used was purposive sampling and obtained 35 LQ 45 companies with a research period of four years, 2015-2018, so that 140 units of observation were obtained. The results showed that the variable return on assets and the variable intensity of fixed assets partially had a significant effect on tax aggressiveness. Meanwhile, company size and leverage partially have no effect on tax aggressiveness.
ANALISIS ASPEK LINGUAL MANTRA KESELAMETAN PANOLAK SANGKIL (Kajian Etnolinguistik)
Authors:   Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra Indonesia Fakultas Ilmu Budaya Universitas Brawijaya, Alwiyah Sayyidah Achmadah , Fauzi Nanang Bustanul ,   Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra Indonesia Fakultas Ilmu Budaya Universitas Brawijaya
Published: February 2022

This study examines the mantra used by the people of Dukuan Hamlet, Metatu Village, Benjeng District, Gresik Regency when doing a safar (trip). The Panolak Sangkil Safety Mantra is used by the surrounding community to fortify themselves from disturbance by supernatural beings, evil spirits and spirits during the trip. This study uses an ethnolinguistic approach and interviews and documentation. The research data is provided by the method of observing, recording, and recording and presenting the data with data reduction, translation, validation, analysis, and interpretation. The results of research on the lingual aspect of the mantra found (1) repetition consisting of grammatical, lexical and semantic repetition patterns, (2) semantic decomposition, (3) saroja words, (4) metaphors, (5) mention of mythological figures, and ( 6) mention of god. From the analysis, it is found that the language aspect of the mantra is related to the culture of the Gresik people.
WAYANG WALI SEBAGAI BENTUK AKULTURASI BUDAYA ISLAM JAWA DI KABUPATEN BLITAR
Authors:   Universitas Brawijaya, Wijayanti Jamila , Budiana Nia , Dewi Putri Kumala ,   Universitas Brawijaya,   Universitas Brawijaya
Published: February 2022

Wayang adalah suatu jenis pertunjukan teater yang khas di Indonesia. Wayang Wali merupakan salah satu wayang kreasi baru yang dikembangkan oleh Ki Sudrun yang berasal dari Blitar. Wayang ini tergolong khas karena memiliki beberapa karakteristik yang berbeda dengan wayang pada umumnya. Ciri khas tersebut meliputi: Pertama, Wayang Wali memiliki nama-nama tokoh yang berbeda dengan wayang jenis lain. Kedua, bahan baku dari kulit dan kayu. Ketiga, lakon ceritanya tidak pakem. Keempat, lagu yang dilantunkan dalam Wayang Wali tidak terbatas pada tembang-tembang Jawa. Kelima, alat musik yang digunakan untuk mengiringi Wayang Wali terdiri dari gamelan Jawa, alat musik modern (gitar, keyboard, drum), dan terbang. Penelitian ini merupakan jenis penelitian kualitatif dengan ancangan deskriptif. Teknik pengumpulan data diperoleh dengan perekaman cerita, pengamatan, wawancara mendalam, pentranskripan (pemindahan dari lisan ke tulis), dan penerjemahan. Teknik analisis data dalam penelitian ini dilakukan dengan melihat pagelaran Wayang Wali, menelaah, memahami karakteristik bentuk dan isi pementasannya, serta wujud akulturasi Islam Jawa dalam Wayang Wali. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, Wayang Wali ditinjau dari bentuknya memiliki karakteristik bahannya menggunakan kulit dan kayu. Ditinjau dari karakteristik isinya, Wayang Wali dengan cerita “Tanpa Lakon” ini bertemakan dan beramanatkan kepatuhan kepada Allah SWT. Akulturasi budaya Jawa dengan budaya Islam dalam pagelaran Wayang Wali dengan lakon “Tanpa Lakon” dapat dilihat dalam berbagai segi, yakni: (1) segi bentuk dan warna, penggunaan warna yang sesuai dengan pemaknaan Islam. Bentuk gunungan disesuaikan dengan filosofi Islam (2) segi tema, yaitu tema yang diangkat adalah peperangan manusia melawan hawa nafsunya sendiri, (3) segi tokoh dan penokohan, yaitu tokoh punokawan (Semar, Petruk, Gareng dan Bagong) dalam pewayangan Jawa yang disandingkan dengan tokoh Sunan Bonang (wali dalam Islam). (4) segibahasa, bahasa yang digunakan meliputi tiga bahasa yaitu (a) bahasa Jawa, (b) bahasa Indonesia, dan (c) bahasa Arab. (5) Akulturasi dari segi alat musik, yaitu alat musik yang digunakan adalah (a) alat musik tradisonal; seperangkat gamelan, (b) alat musik Islam; terbang jidor, (c) alat musik kontemporer; piano, drum, bass drum. (6) segi lagu pengiring, yaitu lagu yang digunakan adalah (a) Sholawat yang berisi sifat Allah, (b) Suluk Pangkur Kerinduan, (c) Doa Keselamatan, (d) Suluk Abdul Jalil, (e) Sholawat Asy Saydzili, (f) Lagu Lir Ilir, (g) Sholawat Badar, (h) Lagu Pengamen Cirebon, (i) Lagu Pengamen Tegal, dan ditutup dengan (j) Sholawat Badar.
PROMOSI KAMPUS BERBASIS AUGMENTED REALITY
Authors: Santoso Mugni , Sari Cipta Riang , Jalal Syarli
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACT:In line with Industry 4.0, the author makes an augmented reality application as a promotional medium to convey campus information to the public, especially prospective students and students from Al Asyariah Mandar University. By using augmented reality technology, users can interact in digital (virtual) form. So AR is the proper application to make campus promotions more interesting. Analytical techniques are applied to design and create augmented reality-based campus promotion applications using qualitative analysis methods that prioritize the user interface, user experience, animation and 3d menu design. This application is made using the marked base tracking method. This augmented reality-based campus promotion application can display an AR camera system and render 3D objects of hall buildings, computer laboratories, mosques, classrooms and rectorates well. This augmented reality-based campus promotion application works well on Android systems. We hope that this application can be further developed so that it can be used on several platforms, not only on Android.ABSTRAK:Sejalan dengan Industri 4.0, penulis membuat aplikasi augmented reality sebagai media promosi untuk menyampaikan informasi kampus kepada masyarakat khususnya calon peserta didik dan mahasiswa. dari Universitas Al Asyariah Mandar. Dengan menggunakan teknologi augmented reality, pengguna dapat melakukan interaksi dalam bentuk digital (virtual). Jadi AR adalah aplikasi yang tepat untuk membuat promosi kampus menjadi lebih menarik. Teknik analisis diterapkan untuk merancang dan membuat aplikasi promosi kampus berbasis augmented reality menggunakan metode analisis kualitatif yang mengutamakan antarmuka pengguna, pengalaman pengguna, animasi dan desain menu 3d. Pembuatan aplikasi ini menggunakan metode marked base tracking. Aplikasi promosi kampus berbasis augmented reality ini dapat menampilkan sistem kamera AR dan merender objek 3D bangunan aula, laboratorium komputer, masjid, Gedung kelas dan rektorat dengan baik. Aplikasi promosi kampus berbasis augmented reality ini bekerja dengan baik di sistem Android. Kami berharap aplikasi ini dapat dikembangkan lebih lanjut sehingga dapat digunakan di beberapa platform, tidak hanya pada Android.
Using a Patient Portal to Increase Enrollment in a Newborn Screening Research Study: Observational Study
Authors: Gehtland Lisa M , Paquin Ryan S , Andrews Sara M , Lee Adam M , Gwaltney Angela , Duparc Martin , Pfaff Emily R , Bailey Jr Donald B
Published: February 2022

Background

Many research studies fail to enroll enough research participants. Patient-facing electronic health record applications, known as patient portals, may be used to send research invitations to eligible patients.

Objective

The first aim was to determine if receipt of a patient portal research recruitment invitation was associated with enrollment in a large ongoing study of newborns (Early Check). The second aim was to determine if there were differences in opening the patient portal research recruitment invitation and study enrollment by race and ethnicity, age, or rural/urban home address.

Methods

We used a computable phenotype and queried the health care system’s clinical data warehouse to identify women whose newborns would likely be eligible. Research recruitment invitations were sent through the women’s patient portals. We conducted logistic regressions to test whether women enrolled their newborns after receipt of a patient portal invitation and whether there were differences by race and ethnicity, age, and rural/urban home address.

Results

Research recruitment invitations were sent to 4510 women not yet enrolled through their patient portals between November 22, 2019, through March 5, 2020. Among women who received a patient portal invitation, 3.6% (161/4510) enrolled their newborns within 27 days. The odds of enrolling among women who opened the invitation was nearly 9 times the odds of enrolling among women who did not open their invitation (SE 3.24, OR 8.86, 95% CI 4.33-18.13; P<.001). On average, it took 3.92 days for women to enroll their newborn in the study, with 64% (97/161) enrolling their newborn within 1 day of opening the invitation. There were disparities by race and urbanicity in enrollment in the study after receipt of a patient portal research invitation but not by age. Black women were less likely to enroll their newborns than White women (SE 0.09, OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.16-0.55; P<.001), and women in urban zip codes were more likely to enroll their newborns than women in rural zip codes (SE 0.97, OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.62-5.67; P=.001). Black women (SE 0.05, OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.57-0.78; P<.001) and Hispanic women (SE 0.07, OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.60-0.89; P=.002) were less likely to open the research invitation compared to White women.

Conclusions

Patient portals are an effective way to recruit participants for research studies, but there are substantial racial and ethnic disparities and disparities by urban/rural status in the use of patient portals, the opening of a patient portal invitation, and enrollment in the study.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03655223; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03655223
Accuracy and Precision of Energy Expenditure, Heart Rate, and Steps Measured by Combined-Sensing Fitbits Against Reference Measures: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Chevance Guillaume , Golaszewski Natalie M , Tipton Elizabeth , Hekler Eric B , Buman Matthew , Welk Gregory J , Patrick Kevin , Godino Job G
Published: February 2022

Background

Although it is widely recognized that physical activity is an important determinant of health, assessing this complex behavior is a considerable challenge.

Objective

The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to examine, quantify, and report the current state of evidence for the validity of energy expenditure, heart rate, and steps measured by recent combined-sensing Fitbits.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and Bland-Altman meta-analysis of validation studies of combined-sensing Fitbits against reference measures of energy expenditure, heart rate, and steps.

Results

A total of 52 studies were included in the systematic review. Among the 52 studies, 41 (79%) were included in the meta-analysis, representing 203 individual comparisons between Fitbit devices and a criterion measure (ie, n=117, 57.6% for heart rate; n=49, 24.1% for energy expenditure; and n=37, 18.2% for steps). Overall, most authors of the included studies concluded that recent Fitbit models underestimate heart rate, energy expenditure, and steps compared with criterion measures. These independent conclusions aligned with the results of the pooled meta-analyses showing an average underestimation of −2.99 beats per minute (k comparison=74), −2.77 kcal per minute (k comparison=29), and −3.11 steps per minute (k comparison=19), respectively, of the Fitbit compared with the criterion measure (results obtained after removing the high risk of bias studies; population limit of agreements for heart rate, energy expenditure, and steps: −23.99 to 18.01, −12.75 to 7.41, and −13.07 to 6.86, respectively).

Conclusions

Fitbit devices are likely to underestimate heart rate, energy expenditure, and steps. The estimation of these measurements varied by the quality of the study, age of the participants, type of activities, and the model of Fitbit. The qualitative conclusions of most studies aligned with the results of the meta-analysis. Although the expected level of accuracy might vary from one context to another, this underestimation can be acceptable, on average, for steps and heart rate. However, the measurement of energy expenditure may be inaccurate for some research purposes.
Mother and Daughter Obesity Intervention: A Case Study
Authors: Geller Karly S.
Published: February 2022

Healthy weight loss is a growing concern in an increasingly sedentary world. This study explored the effectiveness of the implementation of physical activity changes in the lives of three overweight mother daughter pairs from a rural area in Virginia. The intervention was over a six-week period. The physical activity intervention focused on the promotion of safe walking and fitness.
Valorization of Agro-industrial Discards in Fermentation for the Production of Cellulase Enzyme
Authors: Dinil Aparna , Jacob Anu
Published: February 2022

Cellulases are commercially important enzymes with application in various industries such as biofuel, detergent, food processing, brewery, pulp and paper. To make its production cost-effective, a preferred method is to use solid-state fermentation and with use of inexpensive substrates. Solid-state fermentation is an alternative culturing method and yields higher enzymes compared to submerged fermentation. In the current study, Aspergillus niger was isolated and further developed as inoculum for solid-state fermentation. Agroindustrial discards like banana pseudostem, jackfruit waste were used as the substrates. The substrates were pretreated by acid and were characterized by FTIR analysis to confirm the presence of cellulosic content. Different concentrations of the substrates were attempted for fermentation and the yield of the enzyme was compared. The solid-state fermentation was stable for enzyme production as well as microbial growth. The cellulase activity per gram of the substrate (U/g) was obtained maximum for jackfruit waste-based media (17±1.1 U/g). Both the lignocellulosic substrates were potential substrates for the production of cellulase enzyme. With further optimization and scale-up, this could be a cheap and sustainable process. This study has validated agro-industrial waste’s bioconversion into value-added products that have a remarkable environmental and economic advantage.
Is Online Education Leading to Technology Addiction?
Authors: Sawant Nisha , Naik Shubham
Published: February 2022

Abstract: The Coronavirus outbreak which began in December 2019 became a world-wide pandemic by March 2020.The education industry had to adapt to this new change in a speedy and most feasible way by shifting to virtual classes over the internet and other available resources. As a result of this several tools for video and audio conferencing, text messaging and networking became very popular. Platforms such as Google Classroom and LMS( Learning Management Systems) gained popularity. Lectures are conducted in two ways- either live interaction of faculty and students on platforms such as Google Meet, Zoom app, Microsoft Teams, GoToMeeting and other similar applications; or by sending pre-recorded videos to students using LMS, Whatsapp and other similar applications. Digital applications are being primarily used for conducting online teaching, learning and evaluation. We tried to survey the amount of time the students are spending on their smart devices and whether it is leading to or has already caused technology addiction. We prepared a questionnaire and grouped it into 3 categories namely, Usage of Technology, Impact of Online Education and the Time Spent on various categories of applications. Keywords: Pandemic, Online education, Technology addiction, Impact of online education, Time management
Paratiroidectomía selectiva radioguiada con verde de indocianina previa a la localización preoperatoria de PET/TC con 18f-colina: reporte de un caso
Authors:   Department of General and Digestive Surgery, IMDiM, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, Domínguez-Garijo Paula , Manyalich-Blasi Martí ,   Medical-Surgical Endocrinology Unit. Department of General and Digestive Surgery, IMDiM, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, Casanueva Sebastián ,   Department of Nuclear Medicine, CDIC, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, Vidal-Sicart Sergi ,   Department of Nuclear Medicine, CDIC, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, Vidal Óscar ,   Medical-Surgical Endocrinology Unit. Department of General and Digestive Surgery, IMDiM, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
Published: February 2022

Introducción: La causa más frecuente de hiperparatiroidismo primario (HPTP) es el adenoma paratiroideo, siendo la cirugía el único tratamiento curativo. Hoy en día se prefiere el abordaje mínimamente invasivo a la exploración cervical bilateral, ya que implica una recuperación temprana, menor tasa de complicaciones y resultados rentables. Este abordaje quirúrgico requiere conocer exactamente la ubicación preoperatoria de la paratiroides afectada, lo que justifica el desarrollo de técnicas de imagen más precisas capaces de precisar la ubicación incluso en adenomas pequeños o ectópicos, enfermedad multiglandular, HPTP persistente o recurrente. Presentación del caso En el siguiente caso clínico presentamos un varón de 83 años diagnosticado de HPTP durante el seguimiento nefrológico por empeoramiento de la función renal asociado a hipercalcemia 12 mg/dL y PTH 1218 pg/mL. Como la gammagrafía con 99m Tc-MIBI mostró dificultades para localizar con precisión el adenoma infracentimétrico, 18La resolución de la PET/TC con F-colina permitió definir su localización, sugiriendo la realización de una incisión inferior y exploración de planos profundos en la cirugía. Se realizó una paratiroidectomía selectiva radioguiada, guiando durante la cirugía hacia la glándula patológica y asegurando la correcta resección del adenoma explorando la radiactividad residual del campo quirúrgico. La angiografía con verde de indocianina intraoperatoria también permitió visualizar el pedículo vascular. El postoperatorio transcurrió sin incidentes y el seguimiento aseguró los resultados curativos de la cirugía. Conclusión Este reporte de caso describe las herramientas más novedosas disponibles para garantizar un abordaje quirúrgico mínimamente invasivo de las glándulas paratiroides, especialmente en aquellos casos como adenomas pequeños o ectópicos, enfermedad multiglandular, HPTP persistente o recurrente donde las pruebas convencionales son menos sensibles. Se necesitan más estudios para definir el lugar actual de estas herramientas en el algoritmo terapéutico de PHPT.
Vladimir Jankélévitch: o melos contraposto ao logos
Authors: Nachmanowicz Ricardo
Published: February 2022

O artigo busca uma exegese e classificação da ontologia musical presente no livro A música e o inefável de autoria de Vladimir Jankélévitch. Para tanto, é examinado o par conceitual melos e logos considerando-os o eixo fundamental da argumentação presente na referida obra. Concluímos ser a ontologia musical de Jankélévitch de tipo antirealista.
O que é isso: A ontologia da música?
Authors: Galé Pedro Fernandes
Published: February 2022

Esse artigo é uma réplica ao texto de Fernando Barros intitulado “Ontologia da música e o 'Clube poético-musical de Kreisler ”.
Ontologia da música e o “Clube poético-musical de Kreisler”
Authors: Barros Fernando R. de M.
Published: February 2022

O propósito geral do presente texto consiste em investigar os impasses teórico-especulativos ocasionados pela ontologia da música no que se refere ao reconhecimento das qualidades estéticas à luz da prática musical. Para tanto, conta-se explorar três horizontes hermêuticos distintos: o assim chamado "platonismo musical", a estética decorrente do criticismo e a edificação poética tributária do romantismo musical.
Prisioneiros da pandemia
Authors: Figueiredo Virginia
Published: February 2022

Este artigo é um comentário ao texto de Imaculada Kangussu, aqui também publicado, e intitulado “A dimensão estética em tempos de contágio”.
Los impresos y la transformación del orden en América Española
Authors: Ruiz Cortés Kevin Javier
Published: February 2022

El objetivo del libro es determinar las semejanzas y las diferencias de los elementos discursivos expuestos en los periódicos de las principales capitales de los virreinatos americanos, más tarde repúblicas, para de este modo recrear una visión de conjunto acerca de las condiciones de enunciación que permitieron crear un lenguaje político común en las nacientes repúblicas de letras.
Impact of IFN- β1a in treatment of a COVID-19 Patient with Beta Thalassemia and Diabetes Mellitus: A Case Report
Authors: jelodar mohsen gholinataj , mirzaei samaneh , dehghan haniyeh
Published: February 2022

The present study aimed to report a case with COVID-19 with a history of
chronic diseases, beta thalassemia intermedia, and DM. A 25-year-old man
visited with covid 19 and treatment with IFN-β1a. According to the
present report, the use of IFN-β1a was effective as a treatment option
for COVID-19.
Genomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal polygenic architecture for ecologically-important functional traits in aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.)
Authors: Lind-Riehl Jennifer , Cole Christopher , Morrow Clay , Barker Hilary , Bernhardsson Carolina , Rubert-Nason Kennedy , Ingvarsson Pär , Lindroth Richard
Published: February 2022

Intraspecific genetic variation in foundation species such as trembling
aspen shapes their impact on forest structure and function. Identifying
genes and genomic regions underlying ecologically relevant traits is key
to understanding that impact. Previous studies using genome-wide
association (GWA) analyses to identify candidate genes have identified
fewer genes than anticipated for highly heritable traits. Mounting
evidence suggests that polygenic control of quantitative traits is
largely responsible for this “missing heritability” phenomenon. Our
research characterized the genetic architecture of 40 functional traits
using genomic and transcriptomic analyses in an association mapping
population of aspen. A multi-marker association model revealed that most
traits displayed a polygenic architecture, with most variation explained
by loci with small effects (below the detection levels of single-marker
GWA methods). Consistent with a polygenic architecture, our
single-marker GWA analyses found only 35 significant SNPs in 22 genes
across 15 trait/trait combinations. Next, we used differential
expression analysis on a subset of aspen genets with divergent
concentrations of salicinoid phenolic glycosides (key defense traits).
This alternative method to traditional GWA discovered 1,243
differentially expressed genes for a polygenic trait. Soft clustering
analysis revealed three gene clusters (246 candidate genes) involved in
secondary metabolite biosynthesis and regulation. Our results support
the omnigenic model that complex traits are largely controlled by many
small effect loci, most of which may not have obvious connections to the
traits of interest. Our work reveals that functional traits governing
higher-order community- and ecosystem-level attributes of a foundation
forest tree species have complex underlying genetic structures and will
require methods beyond traditional GWA analyses to unravel.
Population Pharmacokinetics of Linezolid: A Systematic Review
Authors: Qin Yan , Zhang Li-li , Ye Yan-rong , Chen Yue-ting , Jiao Zheng
Published: February 2022

Background Linezolid is often used for the infections caused by
drug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria. Recent studies suggested that
large between-subject variability (BSV) and within-subject variability
could alter drug pharmacokinetics (PK) during linezolid therapy due to
pathophysiological changes. Objective The review synthesized information
on linezolid population PK studies and summarized the significant
covariates that influence the PKs of linezolid. Methods A literature
search was performed from PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase from their
inception to 30 September 2021. Published studies were included if they
contained data analyzing linezolid PK parameters in humans using a
population approach with a nonlinear mixed-effects model. Results
Twenty-five studies were included in adults and five studies in
pediatric patients. One- and two-compartment models were the commonly
used structural models for linezolid. Body size [weight, lean body
weight, and body surface area], creatinine clearance (CLcr), and age
significantly influenced linezolid PK. The median clearance (CL) values
(range) in infants [0.128 L/h/kg (0.121-0.135)] and children
[0.107 L/h/kg (0.088-0.151)] were higher than in adults [0.098
L/h/kg (0.044-0.237)]. For patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr
≤ 30 mL/min), the CL was 37.2% (15.2-55.3%) lower than in patients
with normal renal function. Conclusion Linezolid’s optimal dosage could
be adjusted based on the patient’s body size, renal function, and age.
More studies are needed to explore the exact mechanism of elimination of
linezolid and evaluate PK characteristics in pediatric patients.
Human Parainfluenza 2 & 4: clinical and genetic epidemiology in the UK, 2013-2017, reveals distinct disease features and co-circulating genomic subtypes
Authors: Chellapuri Akhil , Smitheman Matthew , Chappell Joseph , Clark Gemma , Howson-Wells Hannah , Berry Louise , Ball Jonathan , Irving William , Tarr Alexander , McClure Charles
Published: February 2022

Background Human Parainfluenza viruses (HPIV) comprise of four members
of the genetically distinct genera of Respirovirus (HPIV1&3) and
Orthorubulavirus (HPIV2&4), causing significant upper and lower
respiratory tract infections worldwide, particularly in children.
However, despite frequent molecular diagnosis, they are frequently
considered collectively or with HPIV4 overlooked entirely. We therefore
investigated clinical and viral epidemiological distinctions of the
relatively less prevalent Orthorubulaviruses HPIV2&4 at a regional UK
hospital across four autumn/winter epidemic seasons. Methods A
retrospective audit of clinical features of all HPIV2 or HPIV4
RT-PCR-positive patients, diagnosed between 1st September 2013 and 12th
April 2017 was undertaken, alongside sequencing of viral genome
fragments in a representative subset of samples. Results Infection was
observed across all age groups, but predominantly in children under nine
and adults over 40, with almost twice as many HPIV4 as HPIV2 cases.
Fever, abnormal haematology, elevated C-reactive protein and hospital
admission were more frequently seen in HPIV2 than HPIV4 infection. Each
of the four seasonal peaks of either HPIV2, HPIV4 or both, closely
matched that of RSV, occurring in November and December and preceding
that of Influenza A. A subset of viruses were partially sequenced,
indicating co-circulation of multiple subtypes of both HPIV2&4, but
with little variation between each epidemic season or from limited
global reference sequences. Conclusions Despite being closest known
genetic relatives, our data indicates a potential difference in
associated disease between HPIV2 and HPIV4, with more hospitalisation
seen in HPIV2 mono-infected individuals, but a greater overall number of
HPIV4 cases.
IDENTIFICATION COMMON CAUSE OF NEONATAL SEPSIS BY ANALYTICAL PROFILE INDEX SYSTEM (API)
Authors:   Dept.College of Medical and Health Technologies, Ahlulbait University, Karbala, Iraq, Al-Mossawi Hesnaa , Hassan Jabbar ,   Dept. of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq, Al-bashier Nada , AlOmrani Areej ,   Dept. of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq
Published: February 2022

Background: Neonatal Sepsis is a bacterial infection of the blood in a neonate and an infant younger than 4 weeks of age. The analytical profile index or API is a classification of bacteria based on experiments, allowing fast identification. This system is developed for quick identification of clinically relevant bacteria. Objective: To identify the pattern of organisms in neonatal sepsis using API system in Baghdad City hospital, Al-Imamein Al-Kadhimein Medical City and Central Pediatrics Teaching Hospital. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, blood samples from 100 neonatal patients were inoculated into a blood culture bottle and incubated at 37 °C under aerobic conditions, subculture was done after 24 h of incubation, the growth was identified by phenotypic characteristics, gram's stain, and API system. Results: Positive blood cultures were detected in 82 (82%), according to API system the most prominent bacterial isolates from blood culture in neonates with early-onset sepsis were non-coagulase Staphylococcus (20.4%) Staphylococcus aureus (18.1 %), Acinetobacter bumanii (13.6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (11.36 %), Streptococcus agalactiae (11.3 %), while in late-onset sepsis the most common bacteria were Staphylococcus aureus (21.0%), non-coagulase Staphylococcus (13.1%), Citrobacter freundii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.5 %) respectively. Conclusion: The API 20E may be useful for the identification of the bacterial species rarely described as pathogens in neonatal sepsis will help us to study the clinical burden resulting from the emergence of these species as causes for this neonatal infection. Keywords: Early-onset sepsis, late-onset sepsis, blood culture, API system Citation: Al-Mossawi HSM, Hassan JS, Al-bashier NM, Al-Omrani AAA. Identification common cause of neonatal sepsis by analytical profile index system (API). Iraqi JMS. 2018; 16(3): 327-334. doi: 10.22578/IJMS.16.3.12
ADENOVIRUS INFECTION IN A SAMPLE OF IRAQI KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS: MOLECULAR AND HEMATOLOGICAL STUDY
Authors: Ahmed Hind , Al-Obaidi Asmaa ,   Dept. of Medical Microbiology, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq, Hussein Mustafa ,   Dept.Center of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation, Medical City of Baghdad, Iraq, Kadhim Haider ,   Dept. of Medical Microbiology, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq, Ghazi Haider ,   Dept. of Medical Microbiology, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq
Published: February 2022

Background: Human Adenovirus (ADV) is one of highly prevalent viruses worldwide, after primary infection, it remains latent and then might reactivate in immunocompromised patients. High ADV viremia seen in renal transplant recipients (RTR) with clinical presentations range from asymptomatic viremia to respiratory and gastrointestinal disease hemorrhagic cystitis, graft dysfunction and severe disseminated disease. Objective: The objectives of this study are to determine the rate of occurrence of ADV viremia by quantitative Real time PCR (QRT-PCR) in RTR and correlate them with urine cytology results, renal function tests and patients' hematological parameters. Methods: Seventy-one renal transplant recipients (RTR) were enrolled in this study. Whole blood samples (3 ml) divided into two parts, one part for complete blood picture and differential count and other part from which plasma separated and subjected to viral DNA extraction and then ADV Taqman QRT-PCR analysis for viral load measurement. Five ml urine specimens were collected for Pap-stained urine cytology. Results: Out of 71 RTR, 15 (21.12%) had positive ADV viremia by QRT-PCR, with a mean viral load 4.0 x107± 1.9 x108 copies/ml, and 80% (12 out of the 15) of positive viremia patients aged more than 40 years (p=0.011). All of RTRs 15/15 (100%) had symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI) (p=0.039), and 5 out of 9 patients who had lymphopenia had positive viremia (p=0.007). Pap-stained urine cytology smears showed that 39/71 (55.71%) of the RTRs had positive decoy cells (DC), but there was no significant correlation between ADV viremia and the presence of DC (p=0.107). Conclusion: The present study showed the prevalence of ADV viremia in RTRs, with very high viral load, which is associated with lymphopenia and overt clinical features, this suggests that ADV might be an important cause of morbidity in RTRs. Keywords: Adenovirus, renal transplantation, real-time PCR, urine cytology Citation: Ahmed HM, Al-Obaidi AB, Hussein MR, Kadhim HS, Ghazi HF. Adenovirus infection in a sample of iraqi kidney transplant recipients: molecular and hematological study. Iraqi JMS. 2018; 16(3): 279-288. doi: 10.22578/IJMS.16.3.7
DETECTION OF SOME BIOFILM GENES RELATED WITH MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT IN ACINOBACTER BAUMANNII ISOLATED FROM CLINICAL ISOLATES
Authors: Talib Sura , Abdulrahman Thanaa ,   Dept. of Microbiology,College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq, Ali Shatha ,   Dept. of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq
Published: February 2022

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumanii) has recently emerged as a major pathogen causing nosocomial infections in patients admitted to intensive care units with a surprisingly rapid acquisition of antibiotic resistance. Objective: To study the rate of occurrence of A. baumanii in different clinical samples and to investigate the association between biofilm formation and presence of ompA and bap genes in multi-drug resistance isolates. Methods: A total of 150 clinical samples were collected from (blood, sputum, urine, wound swab) during a period from the first of October 2017 to the end of March 2018 from Al-Imamein Al-Kadhimein City, Central Teaching Hospital of Pediatrics, Welfare Children Protection in Medical City and Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital and tested against 14 antibiotics by disc diffusion method. Quantitative microtiter plate assay was done for detection of biofilm formation. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect ompA and bap genes. Results: There were 75 A. baumanii isolated from different clinical samples as follows: 41 from blood, 13 from wound, 12 from sputum and 9 from urine. The results of antimicrobial susceptibility test showed, high rate of resistance to Aztronem (94.7%) followed by Cefotaxime (89.3%), Cefepim (86.7%), Meropinem (86.7%), Ceftriaxone (86.7%), Ceftazidime (85%), Gentamicin (85%), and Piperacillin (82.7%) respectively. Moderate - to - low rate of resistance to Ciprofloxacin (78%), Impenim (46.7%), Levofloxacin (46%), Amikacin (44%), Tigacycline (42.3%) and Colistin (44%). The detection of biofilm formation showed that (52%) of isolate produce biofilm and the prevalence of ompA gene was 86.7% while the prevalence of Bap-gene was 34.7%. Conclusion: High frequency of A. baumannii infection was observed in different hospitals in Baghdad. More than half of the isolates were biofilm producer and there is highly significant association between the presence of bap gene and the biofilm formation but not with ompA gene. Keywords: Acinetobacter baumannii, ompA, Bap, MD Citation: Talib SS, Abdulrahman TR, Ali SH. Detection of some biofilm genes related with multidrug-resistant in Acinobacter baumannii isolated from clinical isolates. Iraqi JMS. 2018; 16(4): 430-438. doi: 10.22578/IJMS.16.4.11
PHAGE COCKTAILS AGAINST HIGHLY MULTI-DRUG RESISTANT ACINETOBACTER BAUMANII
Authors: Jasim Hayder , Abdul-Ameer Ahmad ,   Dept. of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq
Published: February 2022

Background:Phage therapy is a potential alternative treatment for infections caused by many bacterial species such as Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii), a significant nosocomial pathogen, has evolved resistance to almost all conventional antimicrobial drugs in poor hygiene and conflicts areas like Iraq. Objective:Isolate and apply bacteriophages as alternative therapeutic agents against extensively drug-resistant (XDR) and pan-drug-resistant A. baumannii and evaluation extracted native endolysin activity. Methods:Twenty-three bacterial samples were collected in Al-Imamein Al-kadhimein Medical City hospital. Phages were isolated from different regions in Baghdad city including (soil, sewage, irrigation channels). Native endolysin was extracted from highly lytic phage that produced halo-like appearance around inhibition zone. Results:Out of 50 isolates, 23 isolates (46%) of XDR, pan-drug resistant (PDR) A. baumanii have been isolated from patients with various infections. 136 lytic phages specific to A. baumanii were isolated. Each bacterial isolate was sensitive to at least one lytic phage. Phage cocktails were formulated and were shown remarkably minimize the bacterial resistance to individual lytic phages. In addition, the endolysin native activity of lytic phages specific to A. baumanii evaluated in this study revealed a potent antibacterial activity (> 1 log) reduction of bacterial density in just one hour of endolysin treatment. Conclusion: Phage therapy assessed in this study was shown ability to efficiently solve the problems of “superbug” bacteria by lysing effectively most XDR, PDR bacteria in vitro. And, phage cocktails were shown to be superior over single-phage preparations in treating A. baumanii with much less resistance rate to therapeutic phages. Furthermore, intrinsic activity of native endolysin revealed promising results to tackling superbug pathogens. Keywords: Phage, Phage cocktails, Acinetobacter, native endolysin, extensively drug-resistant (XDR), and pan-drug resistant (PDR) Citation: Jasim HN, Abdul-Ameer AS. Phage cocktails against highly multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumanii. Iraqi JMS. 2018; 16(4): 357-371. doi: 10.22578/IJMS.16.4.2
THE EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROLITHOTOMY IN CORRELATION WITH DIFFERENT RENAL STONE BURDENS
Authors:   Dep.t of Urology, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, Al-Azzawi Issam , Mohammed Zaki Ali ,   Dep.t of Urology, College of Medicine, Al-Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq, Jwaid Hader ,   Dep.t of Urology, Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, Salih Samir ,   Dep.t of Urology, Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, Al-Obaidi Ali ,   Dep.t of Urology, Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq
Published: February 2022

Background: The improvements in instruments and technique of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the last 3 decades have led to expansion in its indications to include even the large and complex renal stone cases. Objective: To determine the efficacy and safety of PCNL in relation to stone complexity. Methods: In this prospective, clinical, interventional study, 51 patients with symptomatic renal stones of different sizes and locations, were admitted in our Urology Unit, fully evaluated and treated by our team with PCNL. For all the patient’s data collected were: age, gender, body mass index (BMI), previous renal surgery, pre-operative stone number, stone size, stone position, stone opacity, surgical approach, operative time, stone clearance rate, postoperative residual stones and complications, hospital stay and adjuvant therapy. By using different statistical methods, correlations were made to elicit the impact of stone size, stone position, stone opacity, BMI and previous renal surgery, operative time, stone free rate, complication rate and the need for auxiliary procedures. Results: In this study, the 51 included patients were 31 males and 20 females with a mean age 40.3 year. All the stones treated were over 2 cm in their longest diameter, with 58.8% of them were ≥ 3 cm, and mean stone size was 4.2±0.99 cm. The most prevalent site of stone was the lower calyx (39.2%), followed by (37.3%) as partial staghorn, while complete staghorn calculi constituted (11.8%). The final success rate of treatment was 86.3%. (60.8%) of the cases found to be stone free at immediate postoperative period. Auxiliary procedures were used in (27.5%) patients, to improve the stone clearance. Residual stones were ultimately remained in only (7.8%). Complications occurred in 11 patients (21.6 %). Conclusion: PCNL though demanding, is an effective and reasonably safe procedure for the treatment of different renal stone burdens. Size and position of stones in the calyceal system and past renal surgery were the main determinants of operative time, stone clearance, complication rate and the need for auxiliary procedures. Keywords: Renal stone, PCNL, stone complexity, stone free rate, complications Citation: Al-Azzawi IS, Mohammed Zaki AW, Jwaid HI, Salih SL, Al-Obaidi AA. The efficacy and safety of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in correlation with different renal stone burdens. Iraqi JMS. 2018; 16(4): 385-392. doi: 10.22578/IJMS.16.4.5
EFFECTS OF N-ACETYL-CYSTEINE (NAC) ADMINISTRATION ON GLUCOSE HOMEOSTASIS PARAMETERS IN PREDIABETIC PATIENTS
Authors:   Dep.t of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq, Abu Raghif Ahmed , Yaseen Yaseen ,   Dept. Dean of College of Medicine, Misan University, Iraq, Dawood Muntadher ,   Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Misan University, Iraq
Published: February 2022

Background: Prediabetes is determined on the bases of glycemic parameters, which are above normal but below diabetic thresholds. Prediabetes is associated with the presence of insulin resistance and β-cells dysfunction. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), as a safe and inexpensive medication, is commercially accessible since long-time ago. This drug is not found in natural sources, although cysteine is present in some meals like chicken and turkey meats, garlic, yogurt, and eggs. NAC prevents apoptosis and oxygen related genotoxicity in endothelial cells by increasing intracellular levels of glutathione and decreasing mitochondrial membrane depolarization reaction. Objective: To evaluate the effects of NAC administration on glucose homeostasis parameters in prediabetic patients. Methods: This study included, 25 patients treated with dietary control and life style modifications for 12 weeks, 25 patients treated with NAC (600 mg) oral tablets twice daily plus dietary control and life style modifications for 12 weeks. Other 20 in addition to 50 patients to have an idea about the normal values of study parameters and in order to assess how much the drug used in the study were able to normalize the abnormal parameters. Results: NAC demonstrated a significant decrease in the fasting blood sugar, HbA1c, fasting Insulin and insulin resistance at the end of 12 weeks (P<0.05) compared with baseline measurements. Conclusion: The results of the study showed that N-acetyl cysteine has an effective effect on glycemic control. Keywords: Prediabetes , N-acetyl cysteine , glycemic control Citation: Abu Raghif AR, Yaseen YA, Dawood MH. Effects of N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) administration on glucose homeostasis parameters in prediabetic patients. Iraqi JMS. 2018; 16(4): 393-399. doi: 10.22578/IJMS.16.4.6
DEFICIENCY OF SERUM 25-HYDROXYVITAMIN D IN PATIENTS WITH BREAST CANCER IN IRAQ
Authors:   Dep.t of Surgery, Nineveh college of Medicine, University of Nineveh, Iraq, Al-Saigh Taha
Published: February 2022

Background: Many studies defined the association between vitamin D and breast cancer. The relation between human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2/nue), estrogen or progesterone receptors and vitamin D in breast cancer patients was not clear, since few studies was conducted. Objective: To find out the association of deficiency of vitamin D and breast cancer. The effect of Her2/neu, estrogen, and progesterone receptors on vitamin D in the breast cancer patients was also studied. Methods: Forty patients with benign breast lump as a control group and 40 patients with breast cancer early diagnosed were included in the study. Blood samples (5 mL) were taken from the control and patient groups and analyzed for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D by using chemiluminescent immunoassay technology. Serum cancer antigen (CA15-3) was measured by using monoclonal antibodies against CA15-3. HER2/neu, estrogen and progesterone receptors were determined in breast cancer patients by immunochemical method. Results: Serum vitamin D in the breast cancer patients before surgery was significantly lower (p ≤ 0.05) than that in the control group. Preoperatively, serum CA15-3 in Her2/neu positive patients was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than that in Her2/neu negative patients. Postoperatively, serum CA15-3 in Her2/neu positive patients was not significantly different from that in Her2/neu negative patients. Serum vitamin D, after surgery, in Her2/neu positive patients was not significantly different from that in Her2/neu negative patients. Serum vitamin D was not significantly different in estrogen and progesterone positive patients from that in estrogen and progesterone negative patients, respectively. Conclusion: Severe deficiency of vitamin D was noticed in breast cancer patients in Iraq, and mild deficiency in benign subjects. Serum CA15-3 was higher in positive Her2/neu than negative patients before operation. Her2/neu, estrogen and progesterone positive receptors have no effect on serum vitamin D level in breast cancer patients. Keywords: Vitamin D, breast cancer, CA15-3, Her2/neu Citation: Al-Saigh THT. Deficiency of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D in patients with breast cancer in Iraq. Iraqi JMS. 2018; 16(4): 400-404. doi: 10.22578/IJMS.16.4.7