bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Competency Framework for Managing Manpower Post-Pandemic
Authors: Sudha Shwati , Singh Ankita
Published: January 2021

Since the initial days of 2020, an array of radical transformations in every domain of business have been seen. This led to the efficient and effective management of manpower to welcome a novel normal era post-pandemic. It requires an updated set of competencies post-COVID-19. The objective of the study is to identify the upcoming challenges and changes to manage manpower post-pandemic, explore the strategic modifications in the competency framework and HR policy, and recognize the changes in the leadership style post-pandemic. The exploratory study uses a systematic review technique to analyze qualitatively the secondary data extracted from the different directory of journals. The study summarizes the findings under two different areas. The first deals with the challenges of the post-pandemic era which include maintenance of business continuity, management of remote work, mental health and emotional stability, employee engagement, etc. Along with these, changes in the roles, activities, skills, competencies, policies, and leadership style occur in the organizations.
Contemporary Perspectives on Entrepreneurial Challenges and Innovation in Education
Authors: Huque Sheikh Mohammed Rafiul , Aziza Tasnima , Farzana Tahira
Published: January 2021

COVID-19 has changed the way the whole world used to operate, and education is no exception. Worldwide, a massive transition has been observed in the education sector. During the pandemic situation, the world has experienced the mode of education shifting to a digital platform. This chapter investigates the impact of COVID-19 on entrepreneurs, their challenges, and adoption strategies that have created a pathway for innovation in the private education sector in Bangladesh. A qualitative investigation on 57 observations along with 18 detailed case studies was included in this study. The study sheds focus on primary, secondary, and tertiary levels of education in Bangladesh. The outcome of the study emphasized the strategies taken by the entrepreneurs that focus on the bright and dark sides of the educational sector. Private institutions face technological, financial, and operational challenges during the pandemic time. Urgent initiatives need to be taken by the government or other agencies for addressing these issues for the sustainability of this sector.
COVID-19's Impact on Tanzania's Economy and Key Sector Prospects
Authors: Mayala Nyanjige Mbembela
Published: January 2021

Many governments in developing countries cannot respond to COVID-19 as solely a health crisis given the economic and political crises that also emerge. Tanzania's unconventional approach to COVID-19 may be slow in response and may lack direction, but its uniqueness illustrates the need for governments to form context-specific smart containment strategies and recovery plans. The government can increase public health funding to local health centers to implement mass testing, enforce social distancing and sanitation measures, and invest in agriculture and other key sectors to produce for the domestic economy. These initiatives enable the government to maintain multiple competing priorities: managing the transmission rate while ensuring food security and protecting jobs.
Sustaining SMEs Through Supply Chain Innovation in the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Ramakrishna Yanamandra
Published: January 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in a significant manner. It has thrown some SMEs into a financial crunch, forced them to reduce/remove their workforce, hampered production due to prolonged lockdowns, halted their logistics and supply chain activities, and delayed their delivery schedules enormously. The revival of the SME sector is very important for the survival of the economy. One of the most important aspects of this revival strategy would be to innovate their existing supply chains for more visibility, transparency, and robustness through the adoption of affordable digital technologies. In spite of advanced studies in SC innovation, the in-depth studies related to this area of SMEs towards sustainability are still very scanty and inadequate. Therefore, this chapter proposes to develop a framework of SC Innovation for the sustainability of SMEs through a systematic literature review. This framework will be very useful to the owners and employees of SMEs and various researchers.
SOCIAL NORMS AND THE RULE OF LAW: AN APPLICATION TO FAILED STATES
Authors: Jakee Keith , Jones-Young Stephen
Published: January 2021

Nell’intento di costruiremodelli di “Stati falliti” molti studiosi di relazioniinternazionali e di sviluppo concentranol’attenzione sulle istituzioni formaliche, ad avviso degli autori, possono essereconsiderate sinonimi di “rule of law”. Gli autoriritengono invece che gli Stati falliti – ein modo particolare la loro durata – non possonoessere compresi se non si prendono inconsiderazione le regole sociali informalisulle quali la “rule of law” si basa. Nel saggiotali regole, quando si tratti di Stati falliti,vengono trattate ipotizzando che non esistaalcuna norma che imponga di conformarsialla legge: in particolare si ritiene che i leaderpolitici, i ministri, i funzionari e i cittadinidegli Stati falliti siano privi di normesociali generali che li sollecitino a conformarsialla legge. In assenza di tali norme, ledinamiche socio-politiche producono inettitudine,autocrazie, burocrazie inefficienti epredatorie, abitudine diffusa alla violenza, einfine povertà. Il saggio si propone di spiegareil motivo per cui, nonostante i tanti interventi,il fenomeno degli Stati falliti siatanto persistente: all’origine di esso, infatti,stanno fenomeni sociali profondi, che nesono la causa e non la conseguenza.
FAILED STATES AND TILLY’S THEORY: A HISTORICAL REVISION OF FUNCTIONAL FAILURE IN THE AFGHAN CASE
Authors: Benazzo Michele
Published: January 2021

Con il declinare delle necessitàdi sicurezza internazionale, il concetto di‘Stato Fallito’ è lentamente uscito dall’interessegenerale della politica internazionale e della ricercaaccademica. Ciònonostante, questa nozionepuò essere ancora rilevante se intesa comeespressione delle difficoltà nell’applicare la categoriadello stato occidentale in contesti non-Europei. A tal proposito, l’approccio storico hagiocato un ruolo chiave nel integrare un’analisilocale ad un’ idea generale quale è lo ‘Stato Fallito’.Questo articolo cerca di riunire in un’ analisistorica la dimensione generale e quellalocale di tale nozione ed in particolare della cosiddetta‘functional failure’- l’incapacità di unostato di soddisfare le funzioni di Sicurezza,Rappresentanza e Welfare. L’articolo romperàil termine functional failure nelle sue tre componentiprincipali e si concentrerà sulla funzionedi Welfare la quale verra integrata con lateoria del ‘warmaking-statemaking’ di Tilly.Quest’ultima verrà rielaborata in modo alternativoe successivamente paragonata con il processodi formazione dello stato afghano. Glielementi emersi verrano infine reintegrati nellateoria di Tilly per verificarne l’applicabilità generalein un contesto non Occidentale. Il lavorocercherà di dimostrare come e perchè in Afghanistanla funzione economica dello stato, al contrariodel percorso occidentale, si sia declinatain un realizzazione ibrida del modello di ‘rentierstate’. In secondo luogo, verrà consideratocome e perchè il modello economico europeosia concettualmente inadatto a diventare terminedi paragone generale per determinare ilfallimento o il successo di uno stato. Infine verrannoespresse alcune conclusioni sulla ricostruzionedell’economia afghana.
MISURE DI AUSTERITÀ E DISCRIMINAZIONE SULLA BASE DELLA DISABILITÀ: UNA RECENTE DECISIONE DELLA CORTE DI STRASBURGO
Authors: Favalli Silvia
Published: January 2021

Le misure di austerità messe in campo da molti paesi europei a seguitodella ben nota crisi economica del 2008 sono state, negli ultimianni, non solo oggetto di critica politica, ma anche sottoposte allo scrutiniodella Corte europea dei diritti dell’uomo (Corte EDU) per violazionedei diritti fondamentali dell’individuo. In particolare, in più diun’occasione, i giudici di Strasburgo sono stati chiamati a giudicare lacompatibilità di tali restrizioni con i diritti sanciti all’interno della Convenzioneeuropea dei diritti dell’uomo (CEDU)1.
Pensare la democrazia ora. Tra innovazione e regressione
Authors: Nadia Urbinati
Published: January 2021

A dieci anni dalla pubblicazione dell’annale La democrazia di fronte allo Stato acura di Alessandro Pizzorno, eventi e tensioni recenti, a livello nazionale e internazionale,hanno riproposto all’attenzione degli studiosi e dell’opinione pubblica il tema dellesfide che le democrazie contemporanee devono affrontare oggi. Questo cinquantatreesimoannale della Fondazione Feltrinelli propone ora una riflessione articolata delle trasformazioniche le democrazie stanno sperimentando, e lo fa attraverso una ricca analisicritica e con contributi significativi, esplorando paradossi e processi democratici nei diversipaesi.
La forza del capitalismo. Un viaggio nella storia recente dei cinque continenti
Authors: Rainer Zitelman
Published: January 2021

il volume qui in considerazione è una traduzione dall’ originale tedesco Kapitalismus is nicht das Problem, sondern die Lösung. In esso, Rainer Zitelmann, dottore di ricerca in storia e sociologia, affronta il tema del capitalismo e dell’anticapitalismo a partire dall’osservazione storico-empirica. in altre parole, si prefigge di esaminare cosa ha funzionato e cosa non ha funzionato nell’adozione di misure favorevoli all’economia di mercato o, per contro, di pianificazione economica in un medesimo paese (Cina, Regno Unito, USA, Svezia), in paesi diversi ma caratterizzati dalla medesima storia e cultura (Cile e Venezuela, Repubblica Federale tedesca e Repubblica Democratica tedesca, Corea del Sud e Corea del Nord) e nel continente africano.
Molecular basis of drug resistance to bedaquiline and delamanid in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Perdigão João
Published: January 2021

Aims & objectives:

Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the etiological agent of tuberculosis (TB), is amongst the most successful pathogens worldwide with a yearly incidence of approximately 10.0 million new cases and a death toll that is well above million people. Even though this is an ancient pathogen affecting humankind since its dawn, as a bacterial species it displays a very low mutation rate and shows a strictly clonal population structure owing to the lack of lateral gene transfer. This latter aspect imposes a limitation on the pathways by which drug resistance can emerge in this species: emergence of resistance must occur through de novo mutations affecting genes that are associated with the action mechanism of a given drug.

Methods:

The mutations and mechanisms leading to resistance to the drugs that are part of the frontline armamentarium have been extensively studied and the extent of its spectrum is relatively well understood. However, newer drugs such as bedaquiline and delamanid have been introduced to TB treatment in a very recent past. These were the first two drugs to become available in approximately 40 years and, as such, the toxicity and side effects associated with these drugs still pose several challenges.

Results:

Delamanid, a nitroimidazooxazole, is a pro-drug that requires metabolization to an intermediate metabolite that inhibits the synthesis of methoxy-mycolic acids and keto-mycolic acids. This activation step is mediated by the deazaflavin(F420)-dependent nitroreductase (Ddn) and it is the loss a function of this enzyme that constitutes the main mechanism of resistance acquisition to delamanid. Other gene products susceptible to mutagenesis and part of the F420 metabolism have been implicated in delamanid resistance (fbiABC and fgd1).

Conclusions:

Several genomic variants occurring in these genes have been reported yielding different resistant levels however, owing to the restricted usage of these drugs, many of these are reported from in vitro studies. The scenario portrayed by clinical strains is somewhat different and the mutational spectrum associated with resistance more limited. Besides covering the mechanisms of action and drug resistance this talk will discern between clinically relevant mutations vs those generated in vitro and the phylogenetic distribution of different polymorphisms in genes associated with resistance.
Screening of compounds containing aminobutanol and camphane moieties against mycobacterium tuberculosis clinical isolates of different genotypes
Authors: Vyazovaya Anna , Slavchev Ivaylo , Dogonadze Marine , Valcheva Violeta , Zaharieva Maya , Solovieva Natalia , Starkova Daria , Vasilieva Neliya , Narvskaya Olga , Mokrousov Igor , Zhuravlev Viacheslav , Dobrikov Georgi
Published: January 2021

Aim and objectives:

Despite the availability of sufficiently effective treatment regimens, prevention and control, the widespread transmission and prevalence of resistant variants of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which do not respond to any of the commercial drugs, remains a serious health problem for both developed and developing countries. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains present new threat to health security. This situation is of global concern due to increased human mobility, partly illegal and spontaneous. Patients infected with drug resistant strains are hard or impossible to be cured, and their treatment is more toxic and expensive. The urgent need of new antimycobacterial agents and development pathways is becoming more and more apparent.

Methods:

In this study, we synthesized new compounds containing 2-aminobutanol and camphane moieties and evaluated them with the reference strain and clinical M. tuberculosis isolates from a high-burden country, Russian Federation.

Results:

The isolates represented different clusters within clinically/epidemiologically important Beijing genotype (B0/W148, 94-32, Central Asian Outbreak, ancestral sublineage) and differed in phenotypic drug resistance (one extensively drug resistant, six multidrug resistant, two polyresistant, and two susceptible to all tested drugs). The most efficient compound showed a wide range of MIC that varied from 3.1 μg/ml (H37Rv, ancestral Beijing, most of B0/W148 isolates) to 100 μg/ml (other isolates).

Conclusions:

To conclude, this study highlighted a key importance of testing new anti-TB compounds not only with reference laboratory strain H37Rv that belongs to the phylogenetically marginal branch of M. tuberculosis, but on the clinical drug-resistant isolates circulating in the countries with high burden of MDR-TB.

Acknowledgements.

This study was supported by the Russian Science Foundation (grant 19-15-00028). Partial support was received from the Bulgarian National Science Fund (grant KP-06-H39-7).
Selective pressure diversity and phenotype-genotype correlation in clinical isolates of mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Ushtanit Anastasia , Kulagina Elena , Lyubimova Alexandra , Borodulina Polina , Zimenkov Danila
Published: January 2021

Aims and objectives:

Selection pressure, such as drug treatment or host microenvironment, drives the evolution of M. tuberculosis in vivo. The emergence of drug resistance by the accumulation of mutations leading to drug target modifications, drug transport or activation pathways inactivation, is the leading cause of treatment failure. Besides that, secondary mutations involved in bacterial adaptation, fitness-compensation, and resistance level were identified in the genome by microevolution studies.

Methods:

Whole-genome sequencing data of 2212 clinical isolates of M. tuberculosis with resistance data were downloaded from SRA. Identification of single nucleotide variations (SNVs) was performed using BWA-MEM and C-Sibelia scripts using AL123456.3 as reference. The SNVs database handling and calculations were performed with custom Python scripts. Fisher test analysis was performed as for individual mutations, also for mutation combinations. Pairs of mutations were joined using logical AND function. Thus, n^2/2 records were analyzed for correlation with resistance, where n – total number of mutations in the database. Resistance to the rifampicin, isoniazid, and ethionamide was analyzed.

Results:

A novel approach for GWAS was developed: we studied the correlation of simultaneous occurrence of mutations pairs and phenotypic resistance for all possible pairs. We identified several SNVs associated with resistance in combinations with other mutations, and its statistical significance was below the threshold when analyzed separately.

Conclusions:

Fisher exact test for mutation combinations allows for the identification of genetic determinants missed by conventional GWAS approach. Further evaluation of novel resistance determinants using other sets of clinical isolates data from various world regions is needed.

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (project 20-015-00463).
Deadly bedfellows – Challenges of dual TB – COVID 19 infections in vulnerable settings in india
Authors: Mistry Nerges
Published: January 2021

Aims and objectives:

Like a mistral, the SARS COVID2 virus has devastated the world in a span of 6 months infecting 29 million and leaving behalf a trail of one million dead. In its trajectory it has joined forces with another old but far more side-tracked airborne disease, tuberculosis. The synergy so far does not have a clear face even in vulnerable countries like India which face a “double whammy” of TB and COVID-19. One out of 3 TB patients in the world is Indian whereas India may outstrip the USA soon in the COVID affected count.

Methods:

Vulnerable settings in India do not have the luxury of social distancing. The strict lockdowns in vulnerable settings may paint different pictures depending on community behaviour. Ten people huddled for days in a 100 sq. ft room may perpetrate transmission of TB disease. Juxtaposed is the finding of a 60% drop in TB notification. The implications of this paradox will be discussed in the light of overcrowded living conditions, pollution and highly prevalent comorbidities like T2DM and HT.

Results:

T-cell exhaustion in COVID-19 patients may increase susceptibility to TB and promote development of active TB in LTBI. Scarred lungs and pulmonary fibroses are sequalae of both diseases and could result in devastating disabilities. Modelling studies suggest a 6% increase in TB deaths overt extension of care pathways and treatment completion rates dropping to an abysmal 25%.

Conclusions:

Socio-financial and nutritional support to communities is an essential arm of mitigation. The COVID-19 pandemic at its best has also highlighted the importance of non-medical approaches of prevention especially in the realm of urban planning. The role of BCG, however ecological the evidence, is also a road worth exploring.
Are there any differences between genomic composition of clinical strains of mycobacterium tuberculosis with H37Rv?
Authors: Ahmadi Azam , Moghadasi Mona , Sadrnia Maryam , Arjomandzadegan Mohammad
Published: January 2021

Aims & objectives:

The basis of antibiotic resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), unlike Enterobacteriaceae, is the mutation in its chromosomal genes such as katG (Gene ID: 885638, causes isoniazid resistance) and rpoB (Gene ID: 888164, rifampin resistance). Evaluation of whole genome sequence of the standard strains of H37Rv in gene bank revealed the absence of integrons, plasmids and transposons. There are few reports on these genetic elements in clinical strains of MTB isolated from the patients. In this study, as a hypothesis based on the genetic composition differences between H37Rv and clinical isolates, and probably geographic differences between clinical strains genomic, we designed a study on a probably presence of a few genes in Iranian clinical strains.

Methods:

Previous studies of our research group showed that there is a new fragment in our clinical strains of MTB that was first recorded in the GenBank (Accession: MF279142.1). During extensive bioinformatics and gene bank (insilico) studies, it was found that this fragment might be a part of an integrase, belonging to a probably integron, plasmid, phage or transposon inside or outside the chromosome. Existence of its complete gene in different coding sequences was carefully investigated. A few genes including kleE, pmaB, sul, and suf, surrounding this fragment were amplified by using Mycobacterium abscessus plasmid and other non-tuberculosis mycobacteria as templets by PCR. Specific primers based on the aforementioned strains were designed. PCR reactions were optimized with various amplification programs. Bands were purified and were sequenced by ABI system apparatus. Sequencing results were analyzed by Mega, Chromas, and Basic Local Alignment Search Tool programs.

Results:

Bioinformatics analysis of sequencing results of purified 463bp amplicon revealed that the studied fragment was belonging to gene encoding dihydropterate synthase of Mycobacterium fortuitum but not in H37Rv and the other MTB strains in Gene Bank. It was confirmed that this new fragment there are in 30% of our clinical MTB strains.

Conclusion:

As the results, presence of a part of suf gene was reported for the first time in clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Further experiences are under investigation to find the complete gene, and to examine whether it belongs to a larger genetic structure.
Phenotypic and genotypic resistance of drug-resistant mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates to first and second-line anti-TB drugs in iran
Authors: Kardan-Yamchi Jalil , Kazemian Hossein , Ghodousi Arash , Cirillo Daniela Maria , Douraghi Masoumeh , Abtahi Hamid Reza , Hamzelou Gholam-Reza , Amini Sirus , Feizabadi Mohammad Mehdi
Published: January 2021

Aims and objectives:

Treatment of patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis is time-consuming and requires expensive drugs with more toxicity. Proper and timely identification of drug-resistant genotypes and determining the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) alongside with the molecular basis of resistance can minimize the risk of further resistance development.

Methods:

Multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-MTB) strains from different provinces were identified at Tehran Regional Reference Laboratory for Tuberculosis. Drug susceptibility testing for the first and second-line anti-TB drugs were performed and compared to the whole genome sequencing (WGS) results.

Results:

Simultaneous resistance to antibiotics included in each of the fluoroquinolones and second-line injectable drug families was observed in most of the MDR isolates. Sequencing was able to detect resistance to anti-TB drugs with a proper sensitivity. The most prevalent lineage among the Iranian MDR strains was Beijing.

Conclusions:

Mutations in drug resistance-related genes were mostly in accordance with the phenotypic drug susceptibility testing results. Drug-resistant tuberculosis can be identified quickly using molecular techniques. However, genetic background of resistance for some antibiotics were remained for more investigation.
Detection of Mycobacterium bovis in goat milk samples by loop-mediated isothermal amplification
Authors: Rocha Rosana Valeria , Macias Analía , Magnano Gabriel , Sticotti Erika , Mació Mauro , Schneider Manuel , Bigi Fabiana , Trangoni Marcos , Sioya Bernardo , Eirin María Emilia , Zumárraga Martín José
Published: January 2021

Aims &Objective:

Mycobacterium bovis is the causative agent of bovine tuberculosis. It is also a pathogen for other animals such as goats and humans. Molecular methods are applied to detect members of the M. tuberculosis complex in different clinical samples as milk. The Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (LAMP) proceeds at a constant temperature using a strand displacement reaction. LAMP does not require a thermal cycler. It is characterized by its efficiency, rapidity, high yield of final product, robustness, sensitivity and specificity. The primers are specifically designed to recognize 6 distinct regions on the target gene. The amplified product can be detected by naked eye as a white precipitate or a color change of the reaction solution.: To detect species of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in goat milk samples by IS6110-LAMP

Methods:

Twenty goat milk samples from animals reacting to the tuberculin test were studied by IS6110-LAMP, Touch-Down (TD) IS6110 and Rv2807 PCR. These goats had been slaughtered, their organs and milk cultured. The isolates obtained were typed by spoligotyping. DNA extraction was performed using 500uL of milk sample. It was incubated with sodium dodecyl sulfate / proteinase K and treated twice with phenol:chloroform:isoamylic alcohol and once with chloroform:isoamylic alcohol. Then NaCl was added and DNA was precipitated with isopropanol and washed with ethanol. The remaining ethanol was evaporated and the pellet resuspended in water. IS6110-LAMP reaction was performed in a 25uL volume containing Bst DNA polymerase, betaine, magnesium sulfate, dNTPs, and primers (F3, B3, FIP, BIP, LF, LR). SYBR Gold solution was added inside of the cup of the tubes that were incubated at 63°C during one hour. After that the tubes were shacked and a yellowish color indicated a positive reaction.

Results:

While 17/20 goats were confirmed by bacteriology, no isolates were obtained from milk culture. The 17 isolates were further confirmed as M. bovis by spoligotyping. Neither NTM nor Nocordia sp. templates amplified by IS6110-LAMP. The 40 % (8/20) of the samples were IS6110-LAMP positive. There was only one discordant result between IS6110-LAMP, TD-Rv2807 and TD-IS6110.

Conclusion:

IS6110-LAMP is a useful tool to detect species of the M. tuberculosis complex in goat milk samples that could be implemented in laboratories with low technological complexity.
Alarming rates of attrition among tuberculosis patients in public-private facilities in Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Basharat J. , Kumar Ajay MV , Stewart Alex , Selvaraj Kalaiselvi , Khan Nasir , Fatima Razia , Samad Zia
Published: January 2021

Aims and objectives:

All public-private mix (PPM) facilities caring for tuberculosis (TB) patients in Lahore city, Pakistan, under four models: PPM1 (general practitioners), PPM2 (non-governmental organizations), PPM3 (private hospitals) and PPM4 (others).

Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort study reviewing existing program records. Poisson regression was used to identify factors associated with outcomes. Data collection, variables and sources: The data were extracted from the TB laboratory registers and TB treatment registers maintained in the PPM facilities. The variables included type of PPM model, laboratory serial number, patient's name, age, sex, date of diagnosis and treatment start, smear grade, type of TB and treatment outcome. The data were collected using a structured proforma. Two electronic databases were created.

Results:

The two databases were then electronically matched for Results: Of 2473 patients diagnosed, 1590 (64%) were lost to follow-up before treatment. This was higher among males (68%) and the elderly (79%), and lower among 'high positives' (smear grading 2+ or 3+, 53%) and in the PPM1 model (34%). Of 883 patients started on treatment, 165 (19%) had unfavorable outcomes: 8% LTFU, 5% treatment failure, 3% died and 3% not evaluated. Previously treated patients (34%) and children (44%) had the worst outcomes.

Conclusion:

Pre-treatment LTFU was alarmingly high and requires urgent attention, including the development and institution of mechanisms for patient tracking using information and mobile phone technology, and making TB notification mandatory in the private sector.
Non-tuberculosis Mycobacteria (NTM) and the issue of false-reactors in tuberculination of cattle, an iranian observation
Authors: Nader Mosavari , Keyvan Tadayon , Rouhollah Keshavarz , Reza Arefpajohi , Mehdi Dehghanpour , Shojaat Dashtipour
Published: January 2021

The genus Mycobacterium comprises a broad spectrum of obligate microorganisms most notably the M. tuberculosis complex bacteria; potentially-pathogenic or opportunistic species gathered under the common name of M. avium-intracellulare complex, and finally saprophytic mycobacteria. In cattle farming, Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) is considered as the principle cause for bovine tuberculosis (bTB). Nevertheless, non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM) are potential pathogens that are increasingly reported to interfere with contemporary intradermal tuberculin tests in veterinary medicine.

Therefore, these neglected mycobacteria are capable to make hurdles for bTB diagnosis. In the Iranian environment, the extent and importance of this phenomenon in regard with the public health and economical aspects is just underestimated.

This work was therefore intended to isolate and characterize the mycobacterial organisms potentially involved in causing positive reactions in tuberculination of Iranian cattle.

Abattoir meat inspection and laboratory microbiological investigation of slaughtered heifers from a 2,000-head Simental cattle farm with 10% of the herd positive tuberculin reactors, failed to provide any evidence of M. bovis infection. No mycobacteria was detected in bacterial culture of specimens from feedstuff, water or even the visiting feral rodents of the farm. When the farm workers were included in assessments, 22 individuals were found tuberculin-positive with 5 of them also smear-positive in their sputa assessment.

Molecular identification of the five isolates from workers through sequencing of the 16SrRNA proved their identity as Mycobacterium thermoresistibile (Mth). Removing of the carrier workers from the farm vicinity, successfully ended the issue of the constantly-positive tuberculin test in the herd with no return of the problem until now.

We are convinced further investigations are essential in search for interference extent and importance of NTM species in cattle tuberculination scheme in Iran.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain diversity and non Tuberculous Mycobacteria isolates in the West and Central Africa
Authors: Thumamo Pokam Benjamin D. , Yeboah-Manu D. , Lawson L. , Guemdjom P. W. , Teyim P. M. , Okonu R. E. , Asuquo Anne E.
Published: January 2021

Aims and objectives:

The prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis as well as Non Tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM), has been on the increase worldwide. In order to improve the control of the disease, genotyping and drug susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) are important. This study sought to determine drug susceptibility and genetic diversity of MTBC as well as NTM in three West/Central African countries.

Methods:

A collection of 503 isolates (158 from Cameroon, 202 from Nigeria and 143 from Ghana) obtained from culture using either Lowenstein–Jensen medium, Middlebrook 7H9 Broth and/or Xpert MTB/RIF were included in the study and some isolates tested for drug susceptibility using the proportion method, BACTEC MGIT 960 or Line Probe Assay (LPA). Isolates were further subjected to IS6110 typing, large sequence polymorphisms, and spoligotyping. All IS6110-negative strains suspected as NTM were tested using hsp65 gene amplification, DNA sequencing and blast analysis.

Results:

The Cameroon family was the most prevalent genetic strain [128/202 (63.4%) in Nigeria, 54/150 (36%) in Cameroon and 27/119 (22.7%) in Ghana] and SIT 61 the largest cluster with 111/202 (55%) and 43/150 (27%) isolates in Nigeria and Cameroon respectively. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was observed in 29/202 (14.4%) cases in Nigeria, and HIV positivity [37/202 (18.3%) patients] was associated with rifampicin 9/37 (24.3%) resistance (p=0.012), as well as gender (p=0.009). In Cameroon, 13/147 (8.8 %) were resistant to rifampicin (RIF), with 6 (46.2%) of the 13 RIF resistant isolates associated with UgandaI sublineage (p=0.0007). Other sublineages such as Haarlem, Ghana, West African 1 were recorded in the three countries. NTMs isolates included M. colombiense, M. engbaekii, M. intracellulare strain, M. gordonae, M. fortuitum, M. paraense and Nocardia veteran.

Conclusion:

Neglected NTM timely diagnosis should be reinforced in the study area. Drug resistance in TB/HIV co-infected patients and its association with a sublineage calls for a surveillance strategy to curb its expansion in the west/central Africa.
A career in cardiac anaesthesia in India
Authors: Misra Satyajeet , Parida Satyen , Chakravarthy Murali , Mehta Yatin , Puri Goverdhan Dutt
Published: January 2021

Cardiac anaesthesia is a demanding, but fulfilling speciality which challenges the skills, knowledge, professional and personal competence of cardiac anaesthesiologists on a daily basis. This article outlines the brief history of the subspecialty of cardiac anaesthesia in India, its growth and progress over the decades, reasons for choosing it as a career option, variations in practice standards and how the speciality has been affected by the coronavirus 2019 pan?demic.
Critical care as a career for anaesthesiologists
Authors: Bhattacharya Pradip Kumar , Nair Suresh G. , Kumar Nishant , Natarajan Pratheeba , Chhanwal Heena
Published: January 2021

Anaesthesiologists by virtue of their understanding of physiology, pharmacology and resuscitation skills are best suited to manage critical care units. Armed with this varied knowledge, the anaesthesiologist is 'physician to the surgeon and a surgeon to the physician'. Specialised training helps them to provide extended postoperative and critical care. During the past few months in the battle with coronavirus disease (COVID)-19, anaesthesiologists have stood up to the challenge of caring for critically ill patients, compromising on their operating room responsibilities. The fact from a growing body of literature suggests that an anaesthesiologist as a critical care specialist provides efficient care and better outcomes. With an increasing awareness and need for critical care, government support is going to increase with an increase in avenues for training and research leading to better professional development and earning potential.
Effect of Decorin and Bevacizumab on oxygen-induced retinopathy in rat models
Authors: Duran Güler Seda , Balbaba Mehmet , Çolakoğlu Neriman , Bulmuş Özgür , Ulaş Fatih , Eröksüz Yesari
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of decorin (DCN) in rat oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model and to compare the results with those of bevacizumab.

Methods:

Twenty-eight newborn Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group I (control): normoxia plus intraperitoneal (ip) normal saline (NS), Group II (sham): OIR plus ip NS, Group III (DCN): OIR plus ip 0.1 mg/kg DCN, and Group IV (bevacizumab): OIR plus ip 2.5 mg/kg bevacizumab. The OIR model was induced by cycling the oxygen concentration between 50% and 10% every 24 h for 14 days following their birth. In all groups, injections were administered on postnatal day (PD) 15. All animals were sacrificed and their right eyes were enucleated on PD 18. The nuclei of neovascular endothelial cells on the vitreal side of the inner limiting membrane were counted, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF)-α immunoreactivity were detected in histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. One-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey tests were used for statistical analyses of the data.

Results:

In Groups II, III, and IV, the mean neovascular cell nuclei counts were 13.14 ± 1.34, 6.57 ± 1.51, and 6.71 ± 1.49, respectively. The mean neovascular cell nuclei count was significantly reduced in treatment groups compared with sham group (P < 0.001). In immunohistochemical staining, the immunoreactivity of VEGF was 0.07 ± 0.02, 0.97 ± 0.21, 0.37 ± 0.12, and 0.23 ± 0.17, respectively. Likewise, immunoreactivity of TNF-α was 0.02 ± 0.02, 1.11 ± 0.36, 0.37 ± 0.13, and 0.62 ± 0.21, respectively. VEGF and TNF-α immunoreactivity increased markedly in the sham group compared with those in the control group (P < 0.001). VEGF and TNF-α immunoreactivity of treatment groups decreased significantly compared to sham group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The beneficial effects obtained by DCN administration in OIR model were comparable to the effects of bevacizumab.
Allograft rejection after living-related simple limbal epithelial transplantation
Authors: Vazirani Jayesh , Basu Sayan , Sangwan Virender S
Published: January 2021

A 23-year-old man presented with congestion, peripheral corneal vascularization, an elevated ridge-like epithelial line and cellular infiltration around limbal transplants, 15 months after undergoing living-related simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) for total limbal stem cell deficiency. A diagnosis of acute allograft rejection was made and he was treated with intravenous methylprednisolone, topical and oral prednisolone as well as systemic cyclosporine and azathioprine, leading to reversal of the signs. Similar findings were noted during a later rejection episode. An epithelial rejection line and cellular infiltration of limbal transplants are easily identifiable clinical signs of allograft rejection post SLET.
Developing a disability inclusive model for low vision service
Authors: Senjam Suraj S
Published: January 2021

The current practice for low vision management in India exclusively focuses on clinical aspects without much of the rehabilitation components. While making all efforts to improve independent living skills, daily living activities, and quality of life as a whole for people living visual disabilities, vision rehabilitation is an indispensable component. There is no single appropriate low vision and rehabilitation model implementable at health care institutions in the country to cover these fundamental aspects of a visually impaired individual. We did a literature review to know the existing practices of low vision and various disability models. The purpose of the review is to discern any pitfalls and shortcomings in managing visually disabled in India and to underpin the credibility and feasibility as well as suitability of the developed model. The review was done using search key terms low vision, current practices, visual disability, disability models, vision rehabilitation, and service delivery. Therefore, the article discusses the development of an inclusive low vision management model name as “Clinico-Social Model”, which we consider the most appropriate for the best management of people with vision loss. The primary aim of this model is to provide both clinical and vision rehabilitation components of management for people with visual disabilities. Such an approach is likely to have the potential to improve the quality of life of people with vision loss and can provide practical guide to eye care managers across India. Given the specific context in the current practices of low vision in India, it is desirable to design a similar model to care for the visually disabled.
Factors affecting the early and mid-term success of needling for early failure of filtering bleb
Authors: Demirok Gülizar , Kaderli Ahmet , Kaderli Sema T , Üney Güner , Yakin Mehmet , Ekşioğlu Ümit
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the factors affecting the success of needling surgery for early filtering bleb failure after trabeculectomy.

Methods:

Patients who underwent a single needling surgery within 3 months after trabeculectomy were retrospectively evaluated. Glaucoma type, intraocular pressure (IOP), and medical treatments before trabeculectomy; the presence of hypotony after trabeculectomy; bleb type; IOP before needling; lens status; complications; IOP after 1, 6, and 12 months; and medical treatments after needling were recorded. Risk factors were evaluated for complete success at 1, 6, and 12 months after needling.

Results:

Thirty-three eyes of 33 patients were analyzed. The mean IOP after needling at 1, 6, and 12 months was 16.09 ± 3.70, 15.64 ± 2.68, and 15.79 ± 2.61 mmHg, respectively. The mean age of the patients was 53.97 (25–79) years. The mean IOP after needling at 1, 6, and 12 months was 16.09 ± 3.70, 15.64 ± 2.68, and 15.79 ± 2.61 mmHg, respectively. The pre-needling IOP and IOP decrease on the first day affected the complete and qualified success at 1, 6, and 12 months, but the glaucoma type, presence of hypotony after trabeculectomy, lens status, interval between trabeculectomy and needling, and bleb type were not found to affect success. In the receiver operating curve analysis, the pre-needling IOP value was found to be significant in determining complete success. Complete success at 1 month was more likely when the pre-needling IOP cutoff value was <24.5 mmHg.

Conclusion:

According to the results of single needling surgery performed within 3 months after trabeculectomy, the pre-needling IOP and IOP decrease with needling were found to be factors affecting success. Regardless of the time between the primary trabeculectomy and needling, effective needling will be successful before the IOP rises to high levels. Keeping the IOP at low values with medical treatment until the needling process is performed will have a positive effect on success.
Ocular spectrum of kite injury
Authors: Goyal Karishma , Goyal RB , Lunia Gautam , Parwal Sandeep , Khilnani Kamlesh , Gaur Ritika , Jewariya Pinky , Pareek Neha
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

To assess ocular morbidity attributable to kites (patang) with emphasis on the cause, type and severity of the injury, complications, and final visual outcome.

Methods:

All the patients with a history of kite injury during months of Makar Sankranti for consecutive 6 years (2014–2019) were included in this study. A B-scan, orbital X-ray, and CT scan were performed for extensive ocular evaluation.

Results:

Out of 68 patients with kite-related injury, 58 were male and 10 were female. Globe rupture (20), lid laceration (18), penetrating injury (9), wooden foreign body in the anterior or posterior chamber (7), superficial foreign body (4), hyphema (7), and vitreous hemorrhage (3) due to falling from height were noted. Factors associated with a poor final visual outcome in our study were poor initial visual acuity, globe rupture, intraocular foreign body, and development of endophthalmitis.

Conclusion:

Kites can cause serious preventable injuries mostly among pediatric males. The use of protective eyewear and public awareness can decrease ocular injury significantly.
Optic nerve head melanocytoma
Authors: Raval Vishal , Reddy Rajeev , Kaliki Swathi , Das Taraprasad , Singh Arun D
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

The objective of this study was to identify the diagnostic features of optic nerve head melanocytoma (ONH-MCT) on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT) and OCT angiography (OCT-A).

Methods:

Retrospective study of 11 patients for their demographic, clinical features and imaging including SD OCT (tumour location, extent and interface) and OCT-A (surface and intrinsic vascularity) were reviewed. Flow rate percentage (FR %) was calculated over the lesion and compared to fellow eye and similar pigmented lesions.

Results:

The average age was 52.8 ± 10.9 years. ONH-MCT tumors occupied 3-tissue spaces- optic disc (n = 2), retinal layer (n = 5) and retina-choroidal layers (n = 4). SD OCT (11 eyes) showed elevated hyper reflective disorganized retinal layers with posterior shadowing (9 eyes) and hyper reflective dots within the tumor (all eyes). Microvascular features on OCT-A (8 eyes) in radial peripapillary capillary slab showed surface vascularization (7 eyes) and intrinsic vascularity in choroidal slab (8 eyes) with surrounding hypo reflective boundary. The mean FR % was higher at 65.1 ± 3.77% (CI: 61.9-68.2) compared to mean FR at 60.4 ± 1.06% (CI: 59.5-61.2) in the fellow eye (p = 0.01). Comparison with nevus and melanoma SD OCT showed a high reflective choroidal layer with normal or irregular outer retinal layers respectively; OCT-A showed hypo reflective area at the center with hyper reflective boundary and iso reflective area at center with hyper reflective boundary respectively.

Conclusion:

SD OCT and OCT-A features may help to differentiate ONH-MCT from clinically similar looking pigmented lesions like nevus and melanoma.
Impression materials and techniques used in fixed prosthodontics
Authors: Ansari Abdul S. , Alsaidan Musab A. , Algadhi Saleh K. , Alrasheed Mishary A. , Al Talib Ibrahim G. , Alsaaid Abdullah K. , Ansari Shahzeb H.
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

Among the several materials and techniques being used in fixed prosthodontics, impression materials and techniques were the major focus of this study. These materials are available in the market to be used by dental practitioners. However, their choice depends on certain factors, which include their properties, advantages, disadvantages, and cost.

Materials and Methods:

A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted among dental students using online survey. 2Dental students from Riyadh city willing to take part in this study were requested to fill up and submit the survey questionnaire.

Results:

Six hundred and sixteen out of 800 dental students from Riyadh city took part in this study. It was noted from the findings that 88% male students used alginate for diagnostic impressions, which was statistically significant and lower than females (94%). Ninety-one percent of the interns reported that they used retraction cord for gingival retraction as compared to 81% fourth-year students, with the difference being statistically significant (P value: 0.016).

Conclusion:

Dental students in Riyadh city have a strong inclination toward a particular material, either for primary or secondary impressions or gingival retraction options.
Kernels of conditional determinantal measures and the Lyons–Peres completeness conjecture
Authors: Bufetov Alexander I. , Qiu Yanqi , Shamov Alexander
Published: January 2021

The main result of this paper, Theorem 1.4, establishes a conjecture of Lyons and Peres: for a determinantal point process governed by a self-adjoint reproducing kernel, the system of kernels sampled at the points of a random configuration is complete in the range of the kernel. A key step in the proof, Lemma 1.9, states that conditioning on the configuration in a subset preserves the determinantal property, and the main Lemma 1.10 is a new local property for kernels of conditional point processes. In Theorem 1.6 we prove the triviality of the tail

\sigma

-algebra for determinantal point processes governed by self-adjoint kernels.