bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insecticide-treated net (ITN) use, factors associated with non-use of ITNs, and occurrence of sand flies in three communities with reported cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Ghana
Authors: Akuffo Richard , Wilson Michael , Sarfo Bismark , Dako-Gyeke Phyllis , Adanu Richard , Anto Francis
Published: December 2021

Background

The insecticide treated bed net (ITN) has been proven for malaria control. Evidence from systematic review also suggests benefits of ITN roll out in reducing the incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) and other vector borne diseases.

Methods

Using a community-based cross-sectional study design, ITN use, factors associated with non-use of ITNs, and occurrence of sand flies were investigated in three communities with reported cases of CL in the Oti region of Ghana.

Results

A total of 587 households comprising 189 (32.2%), 200 (34.1%), and 198 (33.7%) households from Ashiabre, Keri, and Sibi Hilltop communities with de facto population of 3639 participated in this study. The proportion of households that owned at least one ITN was 97.1%. The number of households having at least one ITN for every two members was 386 (65.8%) and 3159 (86.8%) household population had access to ITN. The household population that slept in ITN the night before this survey was 2370 (65.1%). Lack of household access to ITN (AOR = 1.80; CI: 1.31, 2.47), having a family size of more than 10 members (AOR = 2.53; CI: 1.20, 4.24), having more than 10 rooms for sleeping in a household (AOR = 10.18; CI: 1.28, 81.00), having 2–4 screened windows (AOR = 1.49; CI: 1.00, 2.20), and having 8–10 screened windows (AOR = 3.57; CI: 1.25, 10.17) were significantly associated with increased odds of not sleeping in ITN the night before the survey. A total of 193 female sand flies were trapped from various locations within the study communities.

Conclusions

Factors associated with ITN non-use such as lack of household access to ITN should be incorporated into future efforts to improve ITN use. Species of sand flies and their potential vectorial role in the study communities should also be investigated.
Resistance pattern of infected chronic wound isolates and factors associated with bacterial resistance to third generation cephalosporins at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda
Authors: Khalim Wangoye , Mwesigye James , Tungotyo Martin , Twinomujuni Silvano Samba
Published: December 2021

Background

The objectives of this study were; (I) to determine the proportion of pathogens isolated from patients with infected chronic wounds in the surgical ward of MRRH that are resistant to the third-generation cephalosporins and (II) to determine the factors associated with resistance to third-generation cephalosporins in the surgical ward of MRRH.

Method(s)

This study was a descriptive analytical survey of bacterial isolates from infected chronic wounds among patients admitted in the surgical ward of MRRH, Uganda. Seventy five (75) study participants were recruited in the study using convenient sampling technique. Bacterial culture and identification was performed using standard microbiology laboratory procedures whereas broth microdilution method was used to establish the susceptibility of the identified pathogens. Data for objective one (1) was summarized as proportions while the categorized variables were analyzed using logistic regression to determine whether they were associated with the resistance patterns. The level of significance was preset at 5% and p-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Generally, all isolates had complete susceptibility (100%) to Cefoperazone+Sulbactam 2g except 7.1% of proteus spp that were resistant. Of all the bacterial isolates studied, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter agglomerans, providencia spp and pseudomonas earuginosa had complete resistance (100%) to Cefopodoxime 200mg while providencia spp and pseudomomas earuginosa had complete resistance (100%) to Cefixime 400mg and cefotaxime 1g. Finally, higher odds of bacterial resistance to more 2 brands of the third generation cephalosporins were observed among participants who had prior exposure to the third generation cephalosporins (OR, 2.22, 95% CI, 0.80–6.14), comorbidities (OR, 1.76, 95% CI, 0.62–4.96) and those who had more than two hospitalizations in a year (OR, 1.39, 95% CI 0.46–4.25). However, multivariate logistic regression was not performed since no factor was significantly associated with resistance to more than two brands of third generation cephalosporins (p >0.05).

Conclusion

This study found that cefixime and cefpodoixme had high rates of resistance and should not be used in routine management of infected chronic wounds. In addition, the factors investigated in this study were not significantly associated with bacterial resistance to more than two brands of third generation cephalosporins.
An introductory biology research-rich laboratory course shows improvements in students’ research skills, confidence, and attitudes
Authors: Pavlova Iglika V. , Remington David L. , Horton Meg , Tomlin Elizabeth , Hens Mark D. , Chen David , Willse John , Schug Malcolm D.
Published: December 2021

As part of a wider reform to scaffold quantitative and research skills throughout the biology major, we introduced course-based undergraduate research experiences (CURE) in sections of a large-enrollment introductory biology laboratory course in a mid-level, public, minority-serving institution. This initiative was undertaken as part of the in the National Science Foundation / Council for Undergraduate Research Transformations Project. Student teams performed two or three experiments, depending on semester. They designed, implemented, analyzed, revised and iterated, wrote scientific paper-style reports, and gave oral presentations. We tested the impact of CURE on student proficiency in experimental design and statistical reasoning, and student research confidence and attitudes over two semesters. We found that students in the CURE sections met the reformed learning objectives for experimental design and statistical reasoning. CURE students also showed higher levels of experimental design proficiency, research self-efficacy, and more expert-like scientific mindsets compared to students in a matched cohort with the traditional design. While students in both groups described labs as a positive experience in end-of-semester reflections, the CURE group showed a high level of engagement with the research process. Students in CURE sections identified components of the research process that were difficult, while also reporting enjoying and valuing research. This study demonstrates improved learning, confidence, and attitudes toward research in a challenging CURE laboratory course where students had significant autonomy combined with appropriate support at a diverse public university.
Association of microbial dynamics with urinary estrogens and estrogen metabolites in patients with endometriosis
Authors: Le Nhung , Cregger Melissa , Brown Veronica , Loret de Mola Julio , Bremer Pamela , Nguyen Lyn , Groesch Kathleen , Wilson Teresa , Diaz-Sylvester Paula , Braundmeier-Fleming Andrea
Published: December 2021

Endometriosis is an estrogen dependent gynecological disease associated with altered microbial phenotypes. The association among endogenous estrogen, estrogen metabolites, and microbial dynamics on disease pathogenesis has not been fully investigated. Here, we identified estrogen metabolites as well as microbial phenotypes in non-diseased patients (n = 9) and those with pathologically confirmed endometriosis (P-EOSIS, n = 20), on day of surgery (DOS) and ~1–3 weeks post-surgical intervention (PSI). Then, we examined the effects of surgical intervention with or without hormonal therapy (OCPs) on estrogen and microbial profiles of both study groups. For estrogen metabolism analysis, liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify urinary estrogens. The microbiome data assessment was performed with Next generation sequencing to V4 region of 16S rRNA. Surgical intervention and hormonal therapy altered gastrointestinal (GI), urogenital (UG) microbiomes, urinary estrogen and estrogen metabolite levels in P-EOSIS. At DOS, 17β-estradiol was enhanced in P-EOSIS treated with OCPs. At PSI, 16-keto-17β-estradiol was increased in P-EOSIS not receiving OCPs while 2-hydroxyestradiol and 2-hydroxyestrone were decreased in P-EOSIS receiving OCPs. GI bacterial α-diversity was greater for controls and P-EOSIS that did not receive OCPs. P-EOSIS not utilizing OCPs exhibited a decrease in UG bacterial α-diversity and differences in dominant taxa, while P-EOSIS utilizing OCPs had an increase in UG bacterial α-diversity. P-EOSIS had a strong positive correlation between the GI/UG bacteria species and the concentrations of urinary estrogen and its metabolites. These results indicate an association between microbial dysbiosis and altered urinary estrogens in P-EOSIS, which may impact disease progression.
JNK signaling-dependent regulation of histone acetylation are involved in anacardic acid alleviates cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by phenylephrine
Authors: Peng Bohui , Peng Chang , Luo Xiaomei , Wu Shuqi , Mao Qian , Zhang Huanting , Han Xiao
Published: December 2021

Cardiac hypertrophy is a complex process induced by the activation of multiple signaling pathways. We previously reported that anacardic acid (AA), a histone acetyltransferase (HAT) inhibitor, attenuates phenylephrine (PE)-induced cardiac hypertrophy by downregulating histone H3 acetylation at lysine 9 (H3K9ac). Unfortunately, the related upstream signaling events remained unknown. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is an important regulator of cardiac hypertrophy. In this study, we explored the role of JNK/MAPK signaling pathway in cardiac hypertrophy induced by PE. The mice cardiomyocyte hypertrophy model was successfully established by treating cells with PEin vitro. This study showed that p-JNK directly interacts with HATs (P300 and P300/CBP-associated factor, PCAF) and alters H3K9ac. In addition, both the JNK inhibitor SP600125 and the HAT inhibitor AA attenuated p-JNK overexpression and H3K9ac hyperacetylation by inhibiting P300 and PCAF during PE-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Moreover, we demonstrated that both SP600125 and AA attenuate the overexpression of cardiac hypertrophy-related genes (MEF2A,ANP,BNP, andβ-MHC), preventing cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and dysfunction. These results revealed a novel mechanism through which AA might protect mice from PE-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. In particular, AA inhibits the effects of JNK signaling on HATs-mediated histone acetylation, and could therefore be used to prevent and treat pathological cardiac hypertrophy.
Bombyx mori miR-2845 represses the expression of fibroin light chain gene both in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Huang JingYi , Chen YanHua , Zhu Juan , Wang MeiXian , Tang ShunMing , Yi YongZhu , Shen XingJia
Published: December 2021

To study the regulatory function of Bombyx mori (B. mori) miRNAs (bmo-miR) on the expression of fibroin light chain gene (BmFib-L), the 3’UTR of BmFib-L mRNA was used as the target for online prediction of miRNAs from miRBase using RNAhybrid Software, and miR-2845 was screened out. First, the expression profiles of miR-2845 and BmFib-L in larvae of the 5th instar were analyzed by Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Then recombinant plasmids (pcDNA3.0-pre-miR-2845 and pGL3.0-BmFib-L) were constructed to use for the expression of miR-2845 and BmFib-L 3’UTR, respectively. Cellular-level functional verification of miR-2845 on BmFib-L was carried out using multiple experimental methods (including dual luciferase reporter vectors, artificially synthesized mimics and inhibitors, and target site mutations). Finally, in vivo functional verification was performed by injecting the recombinant vector in 5th instar larvae. BmFib-L expression levels were detected using RT-qPCR in the posterior silk glands (PSG) of the injected larvae. Results showed that the expression of miR-2845 increased between the 1st and 5th day in 5th instar larvae, but began to decline on the 5th day, while the expression of the target gene BmFib-L increased sharply. This suggests that miR-2845 and BmFib-L expression levels show opposing trends, implying a negative regulatory relationship. In BmN cells, miR-2845 significantly down-regulated the expression of BmFib-L; the inhibitory effect of miR-2845 on BmFib-L was disappeared after mutation of the targeting site on 3’UTR of BmFib-L; in individuals, miR-2845 significantly down-regulated BmFib-L expression levels. Our results provide new experimental data for clarifying the molecular regulation mechanism of silk protein expression.
Rules of incidental operation risk propagation in metro networks under fully automatic operations mode
Authors: Chen Wenying , Yang Jinyu , Khasawneh Mohammad T. , Fu Jiaping , Sun Baoping
Published: December 2021

The frequent interruptions of network operation due to any incident suggest the necessity to study the rules of operational risk propagation in metro networks, especially under fully automatic operations mode. In this study, risk indicator computation models were developed by analyzing risk propagation processes within transfer stations and metro networks. Moreover, indicator variance rules for a transfer station and different structural networks were discussed and verified through simulation. After reviewing the simulation results, it was concluded that under the impacts of both sudden incident and peak passenger flow, the more the passengers coming from platform inlets, the longer the non-incidental line platform total train operation delay and the higher the crowding degree. However, train headway has little influence on non-incidental line platform risk development. With respect to incident risk propagation in a metro network, the propagation speed varies with network structure, wherein an annular-radial network is the fastest, a radial is moderately fast, and a grid-type network is the slowest. The conclusions are supposed to be supports for metro operation safety planning and network design.
Genomic analysis of Elsinoë arachidis reveals its potential pathogenic mechanism and the biosynthesis pathway of elsinochrome toxin
Authors: Jiao Wenli , Xu Mengxue , Zhou Rujun , Fu Yiwei , Li Zibo , Xue Caiyun
Published: December 2021

Elsinochromes (ESCs) are virulence factors produced by Elsinoë arachidis which is the cause of peanut scab. However, the biosynthesis pathway of ESCs in E. arachidis has not been elucidated and the potential pathogenic mechanism of E. arachidis is poorly understood. In this study, we report a high-quality genome sequence of E. arachidis. The size of the E. arachidis genome is 33.18Mb, which is comparable to the Ascomycota genome (average 36.91 Mb), encoding 9174 predicted genes. The self-detoxification family including transporters and cytochrome P450 enzymes were analysis, candidate effectors and cell wall degrading enzymes were investigated as the pathogenicity genes by using PHI and CAZy databases. Additionally, the E. arachidis genome contains 24 secondary metabolism gene clusters, in which ESCB1 was identified as the core gene of ESC biosynthesis. Taken together, the genome sequence of E. arachidis provides a new route to explore its potential pathogenic mechanism and the biosynthesis pathway of ESCs.
Investigating host-virus interaction mechanism and phylogenetic analysis of viral proteins involved in the pathogenesis
Authors: Naqvi Ahmad Abu Turab , Anjum Farah , Shafie Alaa , Badar Sufian , Elasbali Abdelbaset Mohamed , Yadav Dharmendra Kumar , Hassan Md. Imtaiyaz
Published: December 2021

Since the emergence of yellow fever in the Americas and the devastating 1918 influenza pandemic, biologists and clinicians have been drawn to human infecting viruses to understand their mechanisms of infection better and develop effective therapeutics against them. However, the complex molecular and cellular processes that these viruses use to infect and multiply in human cells have been a source of great concern for the scientific community since the discovery of the first human infecting virus. Viral disease outbreaks, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic caused by a novel coronavirus, have claimed millions of lives and caused significant economic damage worldwide. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of host-virus interaction and the molecular machinery involved in the pathogenesis of some common human viruses. We also performed a phylogenetic analysis of viral proteins involved in host-virus interaction to understand the changes in the sequence organization of these proteins during evolution for various strains of viruses to gain insights into the viral origin’s evolutionary perspectives.
Short-term efficacy and safety of second generation bipolar transurethral vaporization of the prostate (B-TUVP) for large benign prostate enlargement: Results from a retrospective feasibility study
Authors: Fukazawa Takeshi , Ito Hiroki , Takanashi Masato , Shinoki Risa , Tabei Tadashi , Kawahara Takashi , Keeley Francis X. , Drake Marcus J. , Kobayashi Kazuki
Published: December 2021

Background

To investigate the efficacy and safety of a second-generation bipolar transurethral electro vaporization of the prostate (B-TUVP) with the new oval-shaped electrode for large benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) with prostate volume (PV) ≥100ml.

Materials and methods

100 patients who underwent second-generation B-TUVP with the oval-shaped electrode for male lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) or urinary retention between July 2018 and July 2020 were enrolled in this study. The patients’ characteristics and treatment outcome were retrospectively compared between patients with PV <100ml and ≥100ml.

Results

17/41 (41.5%) cases of PV ≥100ml and 24/59 cases (40.7%) of PV <100ml were catheterised due to urinary retention. The duration of post-operative catheter placement and hospital-stay of PV ≥100ml (3.1±1.3 and 5.6±2.3 days) were not different from PV <100ml (2.7±1.2 and 5.0±2.4 days). In uncatheterised patients (N = 59), post-void residual urine volume (PVR) significantly decreased after surgery in both groups, however, maximum uroflow rate (Qmax) significantly increased after surgery only in PV <100ml but not in PV ≥100ml. Voiding symptoms and patients’ QoL derived from International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS-QoL (IPSS Quality of Life Index) and BPH Impact Index (BII) scores, significantly improved after B-TUVP in both groups. Catheter free status after final B-TUVP among patients with preoperative urinary retention was achieved in 18/24 (75.0%) and 14/17 (82.1%) cases in patient with <100ml and ≥100ml, respectively. There was no significant difference in post-operative Hb after B-TUVP, which was 97.0±5.4% of baseline for PV <100ml and 96.9±6.1% for PV ≥100ml and no TUR syndrome was observed.

Conclusions

This is the first study investigating short-term efficacy and safety of second-generation B-TUVP with the oval-shaped electrode on large BPE. B-TUVP appears to be effective and safe for treating moderate-to-severe lower urinary tract symptoms and urinary retention in patients with large BPE.
How to guarantee food supply during pandemics? Rethinking local food systems from peri-urban strategic agents’ behaviour: The case study of the Barcelona Metropolitan Region
Authors: Callau-Berenguer Sònia , Roca-Torrent Anna , Montasell-Dorda Josep , Ricart Sandra
Published: December 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic has acted as a warning for the world’s current food system, especially in urban contexts with global food dependence. This article aims to analyse the food system behaviour of the Barcelona Metropolitan Region (in the northeast of Spain) during the first stage of the pandemic by deepening the behaviour of different peri-urban agricultural areas in which local food supply is promoted. Semi-structured interviews to 11 entities and institutions located in the peri-urban area of the BMR based on its productive and management profile have been carried out from March to May 2020. The results obtained highlight the socio-economic, environmental, and health perspective of food supply during the pandemic. Main results show 1) shortcomings in the operation and logistics of the metropolitan food system; 2) the complicity between the local producer and the urban consumer through new sales and distribution initiatives, 3) the role of peri-urban agricultural areas for ensuring food supply and land preservation, and 4) the need to initiate cooperation and mutual aid activities between the different agents involved in the food system. Furthermore, agents underlined the need for rethinking the agroeconomic model to strengthening the producer-consumer nexus and promoting local food policy based on food sustainability, sovereignty, and governance.
Improvements to stream extraction and soil wetness mapping within a forested catchment by increasing airborne LiDAR data density – a case study in Parkano, western Finland
Authors: Niemi Mikko
Published: December 2021

The pulse density of airborne Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) is increasing due to technical developments. The trade-offs between pulse density, inventory costs, and forest attribute measurement accuracy are extensively studied, but the possibilities of high-density airborne LiDAR in stream extraction and soil wetness mapping are unknown. This study aimed to refine the best practices for generating a hydrologically conditioned digital elevation model (DEM) from an airborne LiDAR -derived 3D point cloud. Depressionless DEMs were processed using a stepwise breaching-filling method, and the performance of overland flow routing was studied in relation to a pulse density, an interpolation method, and a raster cell size. The study area was situated on a densely ditched forestry site in Parkano municipality, for which LiDAR data with a pulse density of 5 m were available. Stream networks and a topographic wetness index (TWI) were derived from altogether 12 DEM versions. The topological database of Finland was used as a ground reference in comparison, in addition to 40 selected main flow routes within the catchment. The results show improved performance of overland flow modeling due to increased data density. In addition, commonly used triangulated irregular networks were clearly outperformed by universal kriging and inverse-distance weighting in DEM interpolation. However, the TWI proved to be more sensitive to pulse density than an interpolation method. Improved overland flow routing contributes to enhanced forest resource planning at detailed spatial scales.â2
Antioxidant and Catalytic Activity of Biosynthesized
NiO Nanoparticles using Terminalia chebula Fruit Extract
Authors: Kareem Md. Moulana , Lakshmi G. Vijaya
Published: December 2021

Nowadays, the biological synthesis of nanoparticles attains researchers’ interest in removing hazardous
pollutants from water. Due to eco-friendliness, cost effective, non-hazardous and avoids the usage of
catalyst and stabilizing agents. Herein, biosynthesized NiO nanoparticles were prepared at the ambient
conditions by using aqueous Terminalia chebula fruit extract. Terminalia chebula fruit extract contains
polyphenolic compounds, terpenoids, carbohydrates and flavonoids, which can be responsible for the
nucleation of metal nanoparticles in biological synthesis. The resulted biosynthesized NiO nanoparticles
was characterized via UV, FTIR, zeta potential, XRD, EDX, SEM and TEM. The UV and XRD
analysis confirmed the formation and cubic crystalline nature of biosynthesized NiO nanoparticles,
receptively. FTIR, EDX and zeta potential confirmed the functional groups, elemental composition
and surface charge. The phytochemicals present in Terminalia chebula were responsible for the reduction
and stabilization of biosynthesized NiO nanoparticles. The average size of biosynthesized NiO was
found to be 14.08 nm and spherical in shape with TEM. In addition, antioxidant and catalytic activities
performance of the NiO nanoparticles were also investigated. Biosynthesized NiO nanoparticles showed
antioxidant and catalytic activity against DPPH and Congo red dye, overall, the experimental results
suggested that the NiO nanoparticle could be helpful for the industrial applications.
Impact of Dengue Fever on Pregnancy and Its Outcome
Authors: Nimkar Suvarna Vishnu
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND Dengue fever is a vector-borne disease common in the tropics. It is known to have an adverse effect on pregnant women with unfavourable foetal outcomes. However, only a few studies are addressing this problem. Many of the studies had confounding factors such as the simultaneous occurrence of other vector-borne diseases and maternal health conditions. Therefore, the actual impact of dengue fever on pregnancy and pregnancy outcome is not clear. We wanted to study maternal and foetal outcomes in dengue positive pregnant females. METHODS This is a retrospective study done over 6 months in a tertiary care institute. Data regarding demography, obstetric history, biochemical parameters / blood investigation and pregnancy outcomes were collected and analysed. RESULTS Most of the dengue positive women presented with fever and thrombocytopenia in 44 % of cases. Obstetric complications such as preterm labour, abruption and postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) were common. Caesarean section rate was increased and the most common indication was foetal distress. The need for new-born intensive care unit (NICU) admission for new-born and foetal death was also increased. No evidence of congenital anomaly was found in the study. CONCLUSIONS Antenatal complications like preeclampsia, oligohydramnios; intrapartum complications like abruption, DIC, foetal distress and immediate postpartum complications like postpartum haemorrhage, need for blood, platelet transfusion were common in women with a history of dengue fever especially more in the low platelet group. The maternal and foetal outcomes were compromised and both required intensive care. A high index of clinical suspicion is essential in pregnant women presenting with fever and thrombocytopenia. Early diagnosis and management are essential. KEY WORDS Dengue Fever, Dengue in Pregnancy, Complications of Dengue Fever in Pregnancy
Post-Traumatic Testicular Torsion - A Delayed Presentation
Authors: Goyal Divakar , Kumar Ajay , Patil Vishal , Mukhopadhya Agniva
Published: December 2021

Testicular torsion is a common entity in adolescent males with trauma-induced testicular torsion reported incidence to be around 4-8 %. A 24-year-old boy presented to us with a history of trauma 10 days earlier with right-sided testicular pain. USG shows no flow in right testis though clinically does not look like. 1 Orchidectomy was done. The message is clear that testicular torsion can be due to trauma and the patient should approach the clinician as early as possible.
COVID - 19 Presenting with Fungal Infections - The Hidden Pandemic within Pandemic?
Authors: Hulkoti Vidyashree S. , Shukla Samarth , Acharya Sourya , Talwar Dhruv , Goyal Aditi
Published: December 2021

As the pandemic continues to spread vigorously, it is being noted that the COVID 19 virus is associated with various complications during the disease and also a great deal of post disease sequel.1 These gruelling complications are integrated with the overwhelming infection caused by the cytokine storm produced by the virus. While the treatment modalities are still under trial, glucocorticoids seem to have played a pivotal role in putting a check to the inflammation caused by the virus and have forbidden the organ damage caused thereafter. However, the aftermath of glucocorticoids usage has its own benefits and risks. Glucocorticoids cause cellular immunodeficiency and thus have immunosuppressive effects, additionally the use of immunomodulators such as tocilizumab alters the immune system and it subsequently predisposes the host to various secondary opportunistic infective agents. In the current state, as the pandemic abstains from fading away, an increasing trend of secondary fungal infections has been seen with COVID-19, resulting in an outbreak of fungal infections such as mucormycosis and candidiasis. Mucormycosis refers to any infection caused by the fungi of the Order Mucorales. Mucormycosis has been documented in the literature to be associated with a high rate of mortality due to its potential to spread drastically.2 Altered immunity is an important risk factor for mucormycosis. Additionally, diabetes has been noted to be critical for the development of mucormycosis in immunocompetent patients. Candidiasis is an infection caused by the candida species due to the immunosuppressed state developed by the use of glucocorticoids, which results in secondary fungal infection requiring urgent medical attention. The objective of this case report is to highlight the impending secondary fungal infection outbreak in COVID-19 and the need to contain this emerging spread of fungal infections under the blanket of this deadly pandemic.
Doses Delivered to Patients and Associated Risks from Conventional Radiological Scans in Yasuj City, Iran
Authors: Hassanvand Amin , Masjedi Hamid Reza , Vafapure Hassan , Zamani Hamed , Yazdi Shiva Rahbar , Zare Mohammad Hossein
Published: December 2021

The above article has been withdrawn on authors’ request. Hassanvand A, Masjedi HR, Zamani H, et al. Doses delivered to patients and associated risks from conventional radiological scans in Yasuj city, Iran. J Evolution Med Dent Sci 2020;9(40):2997-3003, DOI: 10.14260/jemds/2020/656
Radiation Model of a Housing of Cooled Infrared Detector Array
Authors: Sosnowski Tomasz , Bieszczad Grzegorz , Gogler Sławomir , Madura Henryk , Felczak Mariusz , Strąkowski Robert
Published: December 2021

The infrared camera detects infrared radiation from the observed objects, Its main element is the array of infrared detectors, which converts the received radiation into an electrical signal. The radiation sources recorded by the detector can be divided as useful, received from the observed scene, and useless received from such objects as the detector housing and lens elements. These unusable radiation sources have a significant impact on the design of the detector itself. The article presents a model of the detector housing and a quantitative analysis of the influence of various radiation sources on the effectiveness of radiation detection from the observed scene.
Vector Analysis of Electrical Networks for Temperature Measurement of MOS Power Transistors
Authors: Torzyk Błażej , Więcek Bogusław
Published: December 2021

The article presents the concept of using VNA (Vector Network Analyzer) to measure the temperature of the MOS transistor junction. The method assumes that the scattering parameters of the network consisting of the transistor depend on the temperature. The tests confirmed the influence of temperature on the S11 parameter and the input network capacity during ambient temperature changes in the range of 35–70 °C. Measurements were made for the gate-source (G-S) input of the system. The measurements were carried-out with the transistor in the ON/OFF states. In order to validate the measurements, the temperature of the tested element was recorded with the MWIR Cedip-Titanium thermal imaging camera.
Practical Modelling of Threats to ICT Systems Using the STRIDE Model
Authors: Kruk Tomasz
Published: December 2021

This article describes a practical approach to the issue which is currently an integral part of the development of modern advanced and complex information systems – ICT threat modelling. The article presents the practical validity and process of threat modelling and then describes one of the most popular methods of threat identification and analysis – the so-called STRIDE model.
Comparison of clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis in patients with moderate or high disease activity depending on the presence or absence of symptoms of neuropathic pain
Authors: Polishchuk E. Yu. , Filatova E. S. , Karateev A. E. , Amirdzhanova V. N. , Nesterenko V. A.
Published: December 2021

Objective: to study the effect of neuropathic pain symptoms (SNP) on the clinical manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in patients with moderate or high disease activity.

Patients and methods.The 1st (main) group included 58 RA patients (84.5% of women, age 53.0±11.9 years), in whom SNP were identified using the DN4 (≥4) and PainDETECT (≥13) questionnaires. The 2nd (control) group included 43 patients with RA (79.1% women, age 48.8±14.4 years) who did not have SNP (DN4 ≤4 and PainDETECT ≤13). All patients received disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (mainly methotrexate and leflunomide), 20% – biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. We compared groups 1 and 2 for RA activity (DAS28, CDAI, SDAI), pain intensity on a visual analogue scale (VAS, 0–100 mm), functional impairment (HAQ), patient global assessment (PGA, VAS), number of painful and swollen joints, quality of life (EQ-5D), signs of anxiety and depression (HADS), CRP level.

Results and discussion. The RA activity in patients of the 1st and 2nd groups did not differ statistically significantly. Patients of the 1st group showed significantly higher indicators of the severity of pain, PGA and anxiety than patients of the control group: 71.0±12.5 and 54.7±17.5 mm, respectively (p<0.001); 61.0±13.1 and 53.7±15.3 mm (p=0.045); 62.1 and 28.6% (HADS ≥7; p<0.001), respectively.

Conclusion.SNP are associated with higher rates of pain intensity, PGA, and anxiety in RA patients with moderate to high disease activity.
Sudden Onset of Vestibular Migraine Complicated with BPPV and Mal de Debarquement Syndrome – a Diagnostic Dilemma
Authors: Perkoviс R. , Maslovara S. , Kovaсeviс′ Stranski K. , Buljan K. , Tomiс′ S. , Juriс′ S.
Published: December 2021

Vestibular migraine is combination of migraine and vestibular symptoms. In clinical examination it can be replaced with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) cupulolithiasis, but also BPPV is common comorbidity in migraine patients. There is also high association between vestibular migraine and Mal de Debarquement syndrome. Patient came to hospital with vertigo that was diagnosed as left PC-BPPV canalolithiasis. After first Epley's maneuver symptoms didn't resolved. Week after, at second Epley's maneuver performed patient developed left PC-BPPV cupulolithiasis. Month after, at third Epley's maneuver BPPV resolved but patient developed Mal de Debarquement syndrome. Laboratory testing showed hyperhomocisteinemia and homozygous MTHFR C677T and PAI, with low vitamin D. After reviewing the vestibular symptoms in the first attack which was misdiagnosed as BPPV canalolithiasis, and history of migraine, patient was diagnosed with vestibular migraine. Patient well responded to migraine diet and supplementation with B complex. Vestibular disorders are similar to each other and they can overlap. More attention in taking detailed medical history should be given to patients with vertigo or dizziness.
GRNN Prediction Model for Temperature-Induced Deformation of CRTS II Unballasted Slab Track
Authors: Kanjanun Kitisak , Bin Yan , Shuang'ao Yao , Katawaethwarag Sakda
Published: December 2021

The General Regression Neural Network (GRNN) is one of the algorithms of artificial neural networks (ANN) that receives much attention in prediction applications. This research used the GRNN to predict the temperatureinduced deformation of unballasted track structures based on experimental data considering external weather conditions, such as sunshine duration, rain conditions, daily maximum temperature, daily minimum temperature, and daily average wind speed. The GRNN network predicts the average absolute error of the prediction results (0.0318 ℃), the maximum absolute error (1.7729 ℃), and the GRNN prediction sample mean squared error (0.070701). The average relative error is 0.32%. The finding of this study shows that the GRNN prediction method has good accuracy and robustness. Furthermore, it can promote the research of unballasted track temperature fields that are related to concrete structures.
La Gran Depresión y el COVID-19
Authors: Cortés Cenalmor Miguel
Published: December 2021

La finalidad principal de este artículo es establecer un análisis comparativo entre la Gran Depresión, que tuvo lugar después del Crack de la bolsa de 1929, y la recesión económica generada por la pandemia de COVID-19. En la primera parte del artículo, se examinan las causas y antecedentes que provocaron la depresión económica mundial en los años treinta, así como el impacto global de la crisis y las políticas adoptadas por los diferentes gobiernos del mundo, prestando especial atención al New Deal de los Estados Unidos. Además, se analizan las principales implicaciones políticas que la Gran Depresión acarreó, centrándonos en el rol de la depresión en el éxito internacional del keynesianismo y el auge del nazismo en Alemania.

En la segunda parte, se analiza el impacto socioeconómico de la pandemia y las medidas de contención del virus a nivel mundial, como el distanciamiento social o los confinamientos domiciliarios, así como la efectividad de las políticas sociales y los planes de retención de empleo empleados para salvaguardar el empleo y proteger la economía. De este modo, se argumenta la existencia de determinadas similitudes/diferencias entre ambas crisis. Por último, el artículo finaliza con una reflexión sobre las posibles consecuencias políticas que los acontecimientos vividos durante el 2020 podrían augurar para el futuro de la democracia liberal.
Surgical Treatment of Valvular Heart Disease in Nigeria: A 6-Year Experience
Authors: Nwafor Ikechukwu A. , Eze John C. , Nwafor Maureen N.
Published: December 2021

Surgical treatment of valvular heart disease in Nigeria, the most populous country in sub-Saharan Africa, is adversely affected by socioeconomic factors such as poverty and ignorance. To evaluate our experience in this context, we identified all patients who underwent surgery for acquired or congenital valvular heart disease at our Nigerian center from February 2013 through January 2019. We collected data from their medical records, including patient age and sex, pathophysiologic causes and types of valvular disease, surgical treatment, and outcomes. Ninety-three patients (43 males [46.2%]; mean age, 38.9 ± 10.0 yr [range, 11–80 yr]) underwent surgical treatment of a total of 122 diseased valves, including 72 (59.0%) mitral, 26 (21.3%) aortic, 21 (17.2%) tricuspid, and 3 (2.5%) pulmonary. The most prevalent pathophysiologic cause of disease was rheumatic (87 valves [71.3%]), followed by functional (20 [16.4%]), congenital (8 [6.6%]), degenerative (5 [4.1%]), and endocarditic (2 [1.6%]). All 3 diseased pulmonary valves had annular defects associated with congenital disease. Surgical treatment included mechanical prosthetic replacement of 92 valves (75.4%), surgical repair of 29 (23.8%), and bioprosthetic replacement of 1 (0.8%). We conclude that, in Nigeria, valvular disease is mainly rheumatic, affects mostly younger to middle-aged individuals, and is usually treated with prosthetic replacement
Antioxidant Total and HOMA-IR of Diabetic Rats Given Crocatum piper and Andrographis paniculata Leaf Extracts
Authors: Rahmawati Nesti , DK Kusmiyati , Afifah Diana Nur
Published: December 2021

Background: Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a silent killer which the prevalence continues to increase in every year. Increased oxidative stress occurs in T2DM. Red betel and bitter herb leaf extracts (RBBH) contain a lot of antioxidants. This combination is expected to provide better safety than if used singly because the content of andrographolid in bitter herb has effect such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and antifertility if consumed in high doses.Objective: The study aimed to prove the effect of red betel and bitter herb leaf extracts on antioxidant total and Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) in T2DM rats given high-fat diet and Streptozotocin (STZ) induction.Methods: Experimental randomized study with pre-post-test control group design using 25 Sprague Dawley male rats. T2DM model was conducted by providing high-fat feed for 14 days and induction of Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide, then given a combination of red betel and bitter herb leaf extracts at doses of 237.5 mg/kg BW, 225 mg/kg BW, and 212.5 mg/kg BW for 21 days. The measurement of antioxidant total used 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) method. HOMA-IR measured by ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) method using insulin level equation and fasting blood glucose level measured by glucose oxidase-peroxidase aminoantrypirin (GOD-PAP). Data analysis used paired t-test, wilcoxon test, and ANOVA test to analyze differences in antioxidant total and HOMA-IR value among groups and followed by Bonferroni post-hoc test.Results: All treatments could reduce HOMA-IR and significantly increase antioxidant total (p<0.05). The most decrease in HOMA-IR and increase in antioxidant total at dose 237.5 mg/kg BW of red betel and bitter herb leaf extracts.Conclusion: The combination of red betel and bitter herb leaf extracts with dose 237.5 mg/kg BW, 225 mg/kg BW, and 212.5 mg/kg BW can improve blood glucose, insulin, and HOMA-IR levels in type-2 diabetes mellitus rats.
Wątki religijne w twórczości i życiu Klemensa Janickiego (1516-1543)
Authors: Lewandowski Ignacy
Published: December 2021

Klemens Janicki (1516-1543), bodaj największy poeta łaciński w Polsce, dla ludzi naszych czasów jest postacią mało znaną. Wielkopolanin, urodził się w Januszkowie pod Żninem. W każdym gatunku jego twórczości, czy to będzie elegia, czy epigram, czy skarga i satyra, czy pieśń weselna, nie mówiąc o parafrazie psalmu Dawidowego, znajdziemy mniejsze lub większe nawiązania do religii. Co w nich autor przekazał? Przepiękne obrazy wiary w Boga Ojca i Syna Bożego, w człowieczeństwo Chrystusa, w potężne wstawiennictwo Najświętszej Bogarodzicy Dziewicy, namalował wzory świętych polskich męczenników, Wojciecha i Stanisława, nakreślił swój stosunek do historycznych i aktualnych przedstawicieli Kościoła. Obrazy te zdecydowanie świadczą o katolickim profilu wyznawanej wiary. Pojawiające się w nich niekiedy słowa krytyczne nie dotyczą samych prawd wiary, lecz przestrzegania ich w praktyce codziennego życia, i wskazują raczej na intelektualną i emocjonalną sympatię dla nich oraz na troskę poety o jednoznaczność ludzkich postaw niezależnie od społecznego statusu. Luterańskie wpływy na niego były niewielkie, chociaż widoczne w niektórych wypowiedziach. Z całą mocą natomiast występował przeciw islamowi szerzącemu się w Europie przez zbrojne najazdy. Znając na wylot filozofię i ducha starożytnego świata, nie identyfikował się z nim w kwestiach wiary i moralności. Wiara Janickiego bowiem – jak to wynika z przedstawionych wątków – była dojrzałą katolicką wiarą renesansowego intelektualisty, a nie cichego i pokornego syna chłopa z Januszkowa pod Żninem.
Wokół planów organizacji domu księży emerytów w pocysterskim klasztorze w Obrze (1836-1906)
Authors: Zając Paweł
Published: December 2021

Do obowiązków biskupów diecezjalnych należała zawsze opieka nad kapłanami starszymi i chorymi, którzy nie posiadali wystarczających środków do utrzymania się po zakończeniu czynnego duszpasterstwa. W diecezji poznańskiej instytucje opiekuńcze dla księży potwierdzone są od XV w. W bulli De salute animarum z 1821 r. ustalono, że to państwo pruskie przyjmuje na siebie utrzymanie domów księży emerytów. Po kasacie klasztoru cystersów w Obrze na przełomie 1835 i 1836 r. abp Marcin Dunin zaplanował wykorzystanie istniejących zabudowań dla potrzeb opieki nad starszymi kapłanami. Opracowane wówczas Ustawy oraz budżet (etat) nie zostały jednak wcielone w życie, a instytucja planowana w 1836 r. zaczęła funkcjonować dopiero siedemdziesiąt lat później. W artykule opisane są dyskusje wokół planów abpa Dunina oraz aspekty finansowe kościelnej instytucji opiekuńczej dla księży.
Kościół św. Franciszka z Asyżu i klasztor Franciszkanów w Poznaniu w latach 1947-1957
Authors: Tomczak Salezy Bogumił
Published: December 2021

IW 1947 r., po 111 latach nieobecności, powrócili do Poznania franciszkanie i objęli swój dawny klasztor i kościół pw. św. Franciszka z Asyżu, zniszczony w czasie II wojny światowej w 75%. Do 1957 r. zdołali odbudować kaplicę Matki Bożej Loretańskiej, kościół i  klasztor. Od samego początku prowadzili działalność duszpasterską w swoim kościele, ponadto głosili misje ludowe i rekolekcje w wielu parafiach. Na życzenie arcybiskupa poznańskiego Walentego Dymka w 1949 r. zaprowadzili stały dyżur spowiadania. Nawiązując do starej tradycji zapoczątkowanej przez św. Franciszka z Asyżu, od 1949 r. w okresie Bożego Narodzenia budują okazały żłóbek, który przyciąga wielkie rzesze wiernych. Znaczniejsze uroczystości kościelne uświetniali swoim śpiewem klerycy poznańskiego seminarium duchownego i chór pod dyrekcją Stefana Stuligrosza.
Effect of ascorbic acid supplementation on pulmonary functions in healthy adults: a randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Maharshi Vikas , Kumar Vijay L. , Sarangi Sudhir C. , Dutt Upadhyay Ashish , Kumar Arvind
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The fact that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of various pulmonary diseases is supported by the beneficial effect of antioxidants. It is also well known that an altered oxidant-antioxidant balance after the age of 35 years increases the susceptibility to develop obstructive lung diseases later in life. Given this, the present study was designed to evaluate the effect of antioxidant supplementation on lung functions in healthy adults after the age of 35 years.

Methods

Persons of age ≥35 years (n=45) were randomized into three arms (each comprising 15 participants) to receive either no intervention (NI arm), ascorbic acid 250 mg daily (AA250 arm), or ascorbic acid 500 mg daily (AA500 arm) for 6 weeks. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were measured at baseline and 6 weeks. Persons of age group (20–30 years) were also enrolled in the study to compare their lung functions and cardiovascular parameters at baseline with those ≥35 years of age. All the adverse events experienced by participants were recorded.

Results

Baseline pulmonary functions were found to be comparable among the three study arms and compared to ≥35 years age group, these parameters were found to be better in the younger age group (20–30 years). Most of the pulmonary functions were comparable among the three study arms at 6 weeks. A significant improvement in PEF and % predicted PEF was noted in AA250 arm when compared to baseline values (p=0.049 and 0.026, respectively) and in participants with normal pulmonary functions when compared to those with reduced functions at baseline (p=0.059 and p=0.037).

Conclusions

Although ascorbic acid did not affect most of the pulmonary functions in healthy adults, it improved PEF and % predicted PEF at a daily dose of 250 mg. In this regard, it was found effective in individuals with normal pulmonary indices at baseline.