bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Empirical Analysis of Psychological Factors Based on EEG Characteristics of Online Shopping Addiction in E-Commerce
Authors: Yang Jinke
Published: August 2021

With the popularity of the Internet and the in-depth development of e-commerce, online shopping has broken through the time, space and geographical restrictions, and has attracted extensive attention from various social groups. Moderate online shopping can not only save time and expenses, but also play a role of entertainment to a certain extent. However, excessive online shopping will lead to online shopping addiction, resulting in extreme waste of time and money, and even disharmony of social functions. Internet shopping addiction is a psychological dependence on online shopping.
Autonomous Motivation and Self-Disclosure Intention
Authors: Wang Wei-Tsong , Ou Wei-Ming , Chiu Wei-Chi
Published: August 2021

Studies that specifically discuss the formation of autonomous motivations of users of social networking services (SNSs) and how such motivation influences SNS user intention to disclose personal location-related information (PLRI) are absent from the literature. Consequently, this study, based on the self-determination theory and the information system success (ISS) model, investigates the relationships among key system-related quality factors, SNS users’ autonomous motivations and user satisfaction regarding an SNS, and their intentions to disclose PLRI. Survey data collected from 514 students at six universities were analyzed to validate our research model. Research results show that three system-related quality factors have different influences on user satisfaction and autonomous motivation, while both autonomous motivation and user satisfaction are significant antecedents of user intention to disclose PLRI. The research results have extended the application and advanced the understanding of ISS model and self-determination theory in the context of SNS.
Carnitine Orotate Complex Ameliorates Insulin Resistance and Hepatic Steatosis Through Carnitine Acetyltransferase Pathway
Authors: Hong Jung-Hee , Lee Moon-Kyu
Published: August 2021

Background: Carnitine orotate complex (Godex) has been shown to decrease glycated hemoglobin levels and improve steatosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, the mechanisms of Godex in glucose metabolism remain unclear.Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups: normal-fat diet, high-fat diet, a high-fat diet supplemented with intraperitoneal injection of (500 mg or 2,000 mg/kg/day) Godex for 8 weeks. Computed tomography, indirect calorimetry, and histological analyses including electron microscopy of the liver were performed, and biochemical profiles and oral glucose tolerance test and insulin tolerance test were undertaken. Expressions of genes in the lipid and glucose metabolism, activities of oxidative phosphorylation enzymes, carnitine acetyltransferase, pyruvate dehydrogenase, and acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA)/CoA ratio were evaluated.Results: Godex improved insulin sensitivity and significantly decreased fasting plasma glucose, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, steatosis, and gluconeogenesis, with a marked increase in fatty acid oxidation as well as better use of glucose in high-fat diet-fed mice. It preserved mitochondrial function and ultrastructure, restored oxidative phosphorylation enzyme activities, decreased acetyl-CoA/CoA ratio, and increased carnitine acetyltransferase content and pyruvate dehydrogenase activity. Carnitine acetyltransferase knockdown partially reversed the effects of Godex in liver and in vitro.Conclusion: Godex improved insulin resistance and steatosis by regulating carnitine acetyltransferase in liver in high-fat diet-fed mice.
Health and safety research in the Mining Research Laboratories of CANMET
Authors: Udd J E
Published: August 2021

The Mining Research Laboratories Division of CANMET is the principal federal government vehicle for the delivery of mining research. With a staff of nearly 100, its laboratories are located at Bells Corners, Elliot Lake, and Sudbury, in Ontario; Val d'Or, Quebec;
and, Sydney, Nova Scotia. Almost half of its work is in the area of mining health and safety research.
In this paper, the author summarizes the work of the Division, and places particular emphasis on work which will be performed at its new Mine-Laboratoire near Val d'Or.
Chimeric antigen receptor-T cells immunotherapy for targeting breast cancer
Authors: Rahimmanesh Ilnaz , Khanahmad Hossein
Published: August 2021

Redirected chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells can recognize and eradicate cancer cells in a major histocompatibility complex independent manner. Genetic engineering of T cells through CAR expression has yielded great results in the treatment of hematological malignancies compared with solid tumors. There has been a constant effort to enhance the effectiveness of these living drugs, due to their limited success in targeting solid tumors. Poor T cell trafficking, tumor-specific antigen selection, and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment are considered as the main barriers in targeting solid tumors by CAR T-cells. Here, we reviewed the current state of CAR T-cell therapy in breast cancer, as the second cancer-related death in women worldwide, as well as some strategies adopted to keep the main limitations of CAR T-cells under control. Also, we summarized various approaches that have been developed to enhance the therapeutic outcomes of this treatment in solid tumors targeting.
Synthesis and cytotoxic evaluation of some novel 3-[2-(2-phenyl-thiazol-4-yl)-ethyl]-3H-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-one derivatives
Authors: Rahmani Khajouei Marzieh , Khodarahmi Ghadamali , Ghaderi Aram
Published: August 2021

Background and purpose:

Pyridopyrimidine and its derivatives have a variety of chemical and biological significances. Thiazole-containing compounds have also been reported to have a wide range of biological activities. Due to the valuable cytotoxic effects of both thiazole and pyridopyrimidinone derivatives, a series of pyridopyrimidinone-thiazole hybrids were synthesized in the present study.

Experimental approach:

Briefly, different acyl chlorides were reacted with 2-amino nicotinic acid followed by anhydride acetic to give the corresponding pyridobenzoxazinones. The aminothiazole derivative G was also prepared via a multistep procedure and incorporated into the benzoxazinones to furnish the target pyridopyrimidinone, K1-K5. Furthermore, the cytotoxic activity of the final compounds was determined against MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines using MTT assay.

Findings/Results:

The results indicated that aromatic substitution on C2 of pyridopyrimidine nucleus was in favor of cytotoxic activity on both cell lines, of which, compound K5 bearing a chlorophenyl group showed the highest cytotoxicity.

Conclusion and implications:

The results of the present study are valuable in terms of synthesis of hybrid molecules and also cytotoxic evaluations which can be useful for future investigations about the design of novel pyridopyrimidinone-thiazole hybrids possessing better cytotoxic activities.
Quinazoline analogues as cytotoxic agents; QSAR, docking, and in silico studies
Authors: Emami Leila , Sabet Razieh , Khabnadideh Soghra , Faghih Zeinab , Thayori Parvin
Published: August 2021

Background and purpose:

Synthesis and investigation of pharmacological activity of novel compounds are time and money-consuming. However, computational techniques, docking, and in silico studies have facilitated drug discovery research to design pharmacologically effective compounds.

Experimental approach:

In this study, a series of quinazoline derivatives were applied to quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis. A collection of chemometric methods were conducted to provide relations between structural features and cytotoxic activity of a variety of quinazoline derivatives against breast cancer cell line. An in silico-screening was accomplished and new impressive lead compounds were designed to target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-active site based on a new structural pattern. Molecular docking was performed to delve into the interactions, free binding energy, and molecular binding mode of the compounds against the EGFR target.

Findings/Results:

A comparison between different methods significantly indicated that genetic algorithm-partial least-squares were selected as the best model for quinazoline derivatives. In the current study, constitutional, functional, chemical, resource description framework, 2D autocorrelation, and charge descriptors were considered as significant parameters for the prediction of anticancer activity of quinazoline derivatives. In silico screening was employed to discover new compounds with good potential as anticancer agents and suggested to be synthesized. Also, the binding energy of docking simulation showed desired correlation with QSAR and experimental data.

Conclusion and implications:

The results showed good accordance between binding energy and QSAR results. Compounds Q1-Q30 are desired to be synthesized and applied to in vitro evaluation.
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Goyal Manisha , Gupta Ashok , Agarwal Kamlesh , Kapoor Seema , Kumar Somesh
Published: August 2021

Background:

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive muscular dystrophy that affects young boys and is caused by mutation of the dystrophin gene located over X chromosome.

Materials and Methods:

In this prospective study, 120 clinically diagnosed DMD patients were tested for exon deletions, duplication or point mutation.

Results:

Of the 120 clinically suspected DMD patients, the diagnosis of DMD was confirmed by the genetic study or muscle biopsy in 116 patients. The mean age of onset was 3.2 years and the mean age at presentation was 7.2 years. 110/120 cases were confirmed by genetic testing and six were by absence of staining for dystrophin on muscle biopsy. DMD gene deletion was present in 78.5%, duplication in 5.3% and point mutation in 11.2% cases. 70.3% of patients had deletion located at a distal hot spot region. Single exon deletion was found in 16.5%. Distal hotspot exons 47, 48 and 50 were the commonly deleted exons.

Conclusions:

In our study, 94.8% cases showed genetic change in the DMD gene. Muscle biopsy was the choice of investigation in earlier days. Detection of DMD by DNA based method eliminates the need to do an invasive procedure for diagnosis. Hence the genetic testing should be the investigation of choice in suspected cases of DMD. The pattern of deletion, obtained in the population of Rajasthan was similar when compared with other ethnic groups of the Indian population. It would be helpful for researchers to develop drugs specific to exons or for ongoing mutation-specific therapies.
Factors Affecting Adherence to Pharmacotherapy in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Aggarwal Shivaansh , Paul Gunchan , Paul Birinder S. , Mahendru Diksha , Goyal Shriya
Published: August 2021

Background:

The goal of dopaminergic replacement therapy to achieve good clinical outcome in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients largely depends on the pattern of adherence to the pharmacological treatment. This study aims to find the factors affecting medication adherence in patients with PD keeping in mind the cultural, economic, and social diversities so that preventive steps can be taken to fill these gaps.

Methods:

Demographic data, disease parameters, treatment-related factors, family characteristics, educational, and employment status were assessed for relationship with the medication adherence pattern in a cohort of non-demented PD patients. Medication adherence was measured by MMAS-8; depression, and socioeconomic status were assessed by GDS-SF and Kuppuswamy scales respectively.

Results:

From 134 PD subjects, high adherence was observed in 43.2%, 18.2% had moderate, and 38.6% reported low adherence level to their pharmacotherapy. The sub-optimal level of adherence was significantly correlated to compliance of follow up with the physician (p 0.03), presence of adverse events related to drugs (p 0.03), and depressive symptoms (p < 0.0001). Also, there was significant negative co-relationship between poor adherence and depression on Spearman's rank coefficient (0.702). There was no effect of demographic factors, living conditions, family type, educational qualification, associated comorbid conditions, and socioeconomic status on adherence to dopaminergic treatment in patients with PD.

Conclusion:

Poor adherence to prescribed medication is a menace that is more than just oversimplification of forgetfulness which should be evaluated at each visit to improve efficacy of the prescribed regimen to achieve better treatment result and thus quality of life of PD patients.
Steroid-Resistant Immune Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Basavarajegowda Abhishekh , Vishwanath Vinod K. , Jaikumar Ramamoorthy G. , Subbaiah Murali
Published: August 2021

Immune Thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by a platelet count of <100 × 109/L in the absence of other underlying causes of thrombocytopenia and increased risk of bleeding. Glucocorticoids are the mainstay drugs of treatment for ITP. The response rate to steroids is around 60%–70% in adults, but only 10%–15% of these patients will have a durable response. If patients do not respond to steroids by 4 weeks, they are considered to have steroid-resistant ITP. Some patients though they respond, need frequent courses of steroids to maintain a platelet count above 30 × 109/L or to avoid bleeding and are considered nonresponders to steroids. A number of potential mechanisms for this resistance to steroids have been suggested, including receptor downregulation by glucocorticoid exposure and negative inhibition by the beta-isoform of the glucocorticoid receptor. The available treatment options for these patients include various drugs including rituximab, thrombopoietin receptor agonists, fostamatinib, danazol, immunosuppressive drugs, and biological therapies including intravenous immunoglobulin, Rh immunoglobulins, and immunoadsorption. Splenectomy has been performed surgically, by radiation, or chemoembolization. Supportive treatment includes screening for osteoporosis and management, vaccination, and platelet therapy. Newer therapies such as veltuzumab, belimumab, and toralizumab which deplete B-cells have been tried. Nearly 70% of adult chronic ITP patients failing to respond to splenectomy still achieve stable remission with additional therapies.
Conflict Management Styles of Nurses at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
Authors: Sharma Tarika , Bhatia Manisha , Andrews Gaddam Rachel , Mahesh R.
Published: August 2021

Background:

Conflict is an inevitable and integral part of any work environment including nursing. Unresolved conflicts among nurses may lead to increased errors in patient care, affect their morale, and even increase turnover.

Objective:

The objective of the study is to determine the conflict-handling styles practiced by newly joined nursing staff working in a tertiary care hospital.

Materials and Methods:

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on newly joined 297 nurses. Standardized Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument was used to collect the data. Nurses were asked to give answers that characterized their dominant response in a conflict situation.

Results:

A total of 34.7% nurses used accommodating style for conflict management whereas 30.3% used collaborating style. It was followed by compromising, competing, and avoiding styles of conflict management.

Conclusion:

There is a need to enhance nurses' conflict management skills which in long run may lead to improvement in the quality of work as well as job satisfaction among nurses.
Practice Algorithm of Rotational Thromboelastometry-Guided Bleeding Management in Trauma and Orthopedic Surgery
Authors: Zheng Zhi-Hong , Yeh Tsu-Te , Yeh Chun-Chang , Lu Chueng-He
Published: August 2021

Severe traumatic injury continues to present challenges to health-care systems worldwide, and posttraumatic bleeding remains a leading cause of potentially preventable death among injured patients. Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) is a point-of-care viscoelastic method and enables to assess viscoelastic profiles of whole blood in various clinical settings. ROTEM-guided patient blood management has been shown to be effective in reducing bleeding, transfusion requirements, complication rates, and health-care costs. Accordingly, several randomized-controlled trials, meta-analyses, and health technology assessments provided evidence that using ROTEM-guided algorithms in bleeding patients resulted in improved patient's safety and outcomes including perioperative morbidity and mortality. This document aims to provide practice algorithm on the management of major bleeding and coagulopathy following traumatic injury and encourages adaptation of the guiding principles described here to individual institutional circumstances and resources.
Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis Masquerading as Tumor Bleed in a Patient of Carcinoma Cervix
Authors: Mangal Vishal , Srinath Rajagopal , Lekshmi V. K. , Pandey Shweta
Published: August 2021

Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVT) is an uncommon subtype of stroke. In general, patients with CVT have one or more risk factors for venous thrombosis. Malignancy is an established risk factor for venous thromboembolism, and is seen in 8.9% of the patients. However, the occurrence of CVT in the case of solid organ malignancy is a rare phenomenon. Cervical cancer is a malignancy that has rarely been associated with CVT, with only one case reported in the literature, and in that also diagnosis of CVT was incidental. We present a case of a young lady with recently diagnosed locally advanced cervical cancer who presented with headache, monoparesis, and focal onset motor seizures with preserved awareness. The initial neuroimaging showed intracerebral hemorrhage. However, subsequently, she was diagnosed with CVT with hemorrhagic infarction, which was initially masqueraded as a tumor bleed.
Idiopathic Gingival Fibromatosis with Periodontitis
Authors: Sachdeva Shivani , Saluja Harish , Mani Amit
Published: August 2021

Idiopathic gingival fibromatosis (IGF) is a hereditary condition with esthetic, functional, and periodontal impairment in patients. It is slowly progressive in nature. The enlargement might be nodular or localized and symmetrical in nature all along the dentition in both the arches and similar gender prediction uniformly. The present case report of IGF in a 21-year-old female patient covering three-fourths of crowns in posterior areas. The gingival enlargement was excised by external bevel gingivectomy along with the use of electrocautery. The gingival fibromatosis can be genetic, hereditary, or drug-influenced covering marginal, papillary or in severe, long-standing cases, it might cover crown of teeth, thus hampering mastication henceforth, functional impairment. The prognosis is uncertain, and the recurrence of risk is high.
Rare Metastatic Prostate Cancer Mimicking Lymphoma with Malignant Pleural Effusion
Authors: Liu Tung , Meng En , Lin Yu-Chun , Chao Tai-Kuang , Chang Yi-Ming
Published: August 2021

Prostate cancers commonly metastasize to the pelvic lymph nodes and bones, but malignant pleural effusion rarely occurs. Prostate cancer lesions rarely cytologically mimic lymphomas. We present the case of a 70-year-old man with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and prostate cancer after hormone therapy, as well as a rare manifestation of pleural effusion. Chest radiography revealed a large amount of left pleural effusion. The cytological analysis of the pleural fluid purely consisted of single tumor cells, which were not immunoreactive to Nkx3.1 or prostate-specific antigen. This was initially misinterpreted as a lymphoma. However, a further pleural biopsy revealed immunoreactivity to Nkx3.1, suggesting metastatic prostate cancer. This study showed that cytology and further biopsy effectively distinguished between Gleason 5 prostate cancer and lymphoma in a patient with pleural effusion.
Hook Plate Fixation with and Without Coracoclavicular Ligament Augmentation with Suture Anchors for Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation
Authors: Shih Jen-Ta , Yeh Tsu-Te , Wu Chia-Chun , Shen Pei-Hung , Wang Chih-Chien , Chien Wu-Chien , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Wang Sheng-Hao
Published: August 2021

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of hook plate fixation with and without coracoclavicular (CC) ligament augmentation with suture anchors for acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation.

Methods:

The study included 67 patients (48 males and 19 females; average age: 45.5 years) with acute AC joint dislocation (Rockwood types III and V) treated with hook plate fixation. The patients were divided into two groups: those treated with hook plate fixation with or without CC ligament augmentation with suture anchors. We used the CC distance and ratio as radiographic outcomes. We evaluated the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and the Constant Shoulder Score as functional outcomes. The following were considered major complications: symptomatic acromial osteolysis, peri-implant fracture, acromial cut-out, and hook plate disengagement.

Results:

Among the Rockwood type III patients, there was no significant difference between the two subgroups in terms of the functional outcome after adjusting for sex and age. However, among the type V patients, treatment with CC ligament augmentation with suture anchors revealed a superior outcome in terms of the ASES score (P = 0.01). There was no difference in the risk of developing major complications between the two subgroups among type III and type V patients. The risk of residual subluxation of the AC joint was significantly lower in the CC augmentation subgroup among the type III patients (P = 0.04), and a similar result was obtained among the type V patients with borderline significance (P = 0.06).

Conclusions:

Hook plate fixation with CC suture anchor augmentation provided radiographic benefits in both type III and type V patients and yielded better functional outcomes in type V patients after implant removal but had no significant influence on the complication rate. Additional CC suture anchor augmentation may prevent residual subluxation and yield better functional outcomes.
Outcomes of Intramedullary Steinmann Pin Fixation for Concurrent Fibula Fracture in Comminuted Tibia Shaft or Distal Metaphyseal Tibia Fractures
Authors: Lee Po-Yu , Chen Chiu-Ming , Tseng Hui-Sen , Yang Jui-Jung
Published: August 2021

Background:

Fracture of the tibia shaft accounts for 17% of lower extremity fractures, with concurrent fibula fracture in about 78% of these cases. Intramedullary fixation for fibula fractures can restore fibula alignment and thus facilitate fracture reduction, especially in cases with comminuted shaft or distal metaphyseal tibia fractures.

Methods:

Patients who had internal fixation of comminuted tibia shaft or distal metaphyseal tibia fracture and a concurrent fibular fracture treated with intramedullary Steinman pin fixation were included in this study. Patients' demographic data and fracture patterns were analyzed retrospectively. Postoperative X-rays were used for fracture union evaluation and alignment analysis.

Results:

Nine males and one female were included in the present study. Tibia fractures were classified as four OTA42 and as six OTA43, including one type I, two type II, one type IIIA, and three type IIIB open fractures. Intramedullary nail and locking plate were used as definitive fixation in four and six cases, respectively. Complications required additional surgeries including wound debridement for one patient, bone graft for three patients, and revision surgery from a broken plate to an intramedullary nail for one patient. A total of 14 fibula fractures were identified in ten patients due to four segmental fractures. Eight were Weber type C, one was Weber type B, and five were midshaft fractures. The mean duration of fibula fracture healing according to radiographs was 6.9 months.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that intramedullary Steinmann pin fixation for concurrent fibula fracture is a critical procedure when dealing with comminuted shaft or distal metaphyseal tibia fractures.
Relationship between Maternal and Infants’ Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D, Calcium, and Phosphates in an Exclusively Breastfeeding Population
Authors: Adebiyi Lateefat Oluwakemi , Kuti Bankole Peter , Adegbola Adebanjo Jonathan , Odekunle Jelil , Onuchukwu Chuma , Oyelami Oyeku Akibu
Published: August 2021

Background:

Maternal nutrition is linked to nutrient supply to breastfeeding infants.

Aim:

This study aimed to determine how maternal serum Vitamin D relates to serum calcium, phosphate, and Vitamin D of exclusively breastfeeding young infants.

Methods:

Mother–infant pairs practicing exclusive breastfeeding at a Nigerian tertiary hospital were recruited and characterized. Their serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), calcium, and phosphate were analyzed and compared.

Results:

A total of 110 mother–infant pairs were recruited. Mean (standard deviation) ages for mothers and infants were 27.4 (5.0) years and 3.0 (1.4) months, respectively. Thirty-four (30.9%) mothers and 26 (23.6%) infants were Vitamin D deficient. Serum 25-OHD (39.5 [25.0] vs. 33.4 [19.5] ng/ml; P = 0.045) and phosphate (4.9 [1.6] vs. 4.4 [1.8] mg/dl; P = 0.031) were lower in mothers than infants. Maternal 25-OHD correlated positively with infants’ 25-OHD but not with infants’ serum calcium and phosphate.

Conclusion:

Unlike serum calcium and phosphate, optimal maternal serum Vitamin D is necessary to maintain appropriate amount of serum Vitamin D in exclusively breastfeeding infants.
Peroneal Nerve Injury after Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Shih Hui-Wen , Tseng Hui-Sen , Hsu Chun-Liang , Lien Shiu-Bii
Published: August 2021

We report the case of a 60-year-old woman with left knee pain for 6 years, and left knee osteoarthritis was diagnosed by physical examination and radiography. She had a prior history of the right knee osteoarthritis and underwent total knee arthroplasty (TKA). After we performed TKA on her left knee, drop foot and sensory impairment were observed in the ward postsurgery, complicated with common peroneal nerve injury.
Clinical Characteristics, Etiology, and Outcome of Patients with Adrenal Crisis
Authors: Nabi Tauseef , Rafiq Nadeema , Ur Rahman Mohammad Hifz , Bhat Nikhil
Published: August 2021

Background:

Adrenal crisis is a life-threatening medical emergency associated with high mortality unless it is recognized early and treated.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics, etiology, and outcomes of patients with adrenal crisis.

Methods:

This was a hospital-based, prospective study of 35 adult patients, age >18 years diagnosed with the adrenal crisis. Patients were studied for clinical, etiological, laboratory parameters, comorbidities, and outcome.

Results:

The mean age of patients with the adrenal crisis was 47.2 ± 16.8 years, and there was female (68.6%) preponderance. The most common mode of presentation was hypotension (100%), shock (94.3%), altered sensorium (28.6%), hyponatremia (45.7%), hypoglycemia (17.1%), and sepsis (37.1%). Hypoglycemia and hyperlactatemia were predominantly found in patients without known adrenal insufficiency before the presentation. Secondary adrenal failure (57.1%) followed by sepsis-related adrenal failure (34.3%) and primary adrenal failure (8.1%) was the most common cause of admission. Secondary adrenal failure comprised of withdrawal of exogenous glucocorticoid therapy (25%), Sheehan syndrome (30%), pituitary surgery (15%), and pituitary tumor (15%). Overall mortality was 17.1%, with the highest mortality for sepsis-related adrenal failure (33.3%). Elderly (age >60 years), altered sensorium, serum sodium <120 mEq/L, hypoglycemia, multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and lactic acidosis significantly increase the mortality in adrenal crisis.

Conclusions:

Patients with adrenal crisis carry significant morbidity and mortality with particular emphasis on sepsis-related adrenal failure. The factors predicting mortality in adrenal crisis are elderly, altered sensorium at presentation, severe hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, MODS, and lactic acidosis.
A Rare Cause of Hemoptysis in a Young Female
Authors: Bajpai Jyoti , Bajaj Darshan Kumar , S Kushwaha R. A. , Kant Surya , Pradhan Akshyaya , Verma Ajay Kumar , Verma Shiv Kumar
Published: August 2021

Takayasu's arteritis (TA) is also termed pulseless disease owing to the frequent occlusion of large arteries originating from the aorta and its major branches. It is an uncommon chronic inflammatory progressive idiopathic large vessel vasculitis with a predilection for young women of childbearing age group. Fatigue, malaise, and fever are the frequently encountered early symptoms of TA. Hemoptysis is not commonly seen as an initial presentation of TA. The subclavian artery is most commonly involved, and the disease is usually discovered accidentally owing to pulse asymmetry. In addition, pulmonary artery involvement is not common in TA. Here, we present a case of a young female presented to us with hemoptysis with pulmonary artery involvement with a de novo diagnosis of TA.
Vaginal Delivery with Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura-Induced Severe Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Chen Yu-Hsuan , Chen Yeu-Chin , Chang Cheng-Chang , Su Kuo-Min
Published: August 2021

Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is the most common immune-related thrombocytopenia during pregnancy. Here, we present a case of ITP with acute flare-up during pregnancy. Worsening thrombocytopenia dropped the platelet count to 11,000/dL. Steroid treatment, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) infusion, and anti-CD20 antibody therapy were all unsuccessful. Fortunately, no further critical maternal or fetal complications developed. Transient neonatal thrombocytosis was noted after delivery but was corrected with IVIG.
Myoepithelial Carcinoma of Mandible
Authors: Biswas Rituparna , Halder Anirban , Gangopadhyay Mimi , Bhutia Tshering Doma , Biswas Dipanwita
Published: August 2021

Primary salivary gland carcinomas of intraosseous origin of the mandible are uncommon neoplasms. Myoepithelial carcinoma (MC) happens to be the rarest. Detailed descriptions of its clinical course are hence not available. Herein, we report a case of MC affecting the mandibular central arch in a bizarre way in a 15-year-old adolescent girl who was treated effectively with definitive radiotherapy (RT) along with concurrent chemotherapy in view of unresectability. To the author's best knowledge, this is the fifth reported case of MC affecting the mandible and the first case to be treated by radical RT. Our study sheds light on the fact that RT can be an effective alternative to surgery where it is not feasible.
Inertial Measurement Unit-Based Functional Evaluation for Adhesive Capsulitis Assessment
Authors: Chang Chih-Ya , Wu Yung-Tsan , Lin Ching-Yueh , Liu Te-Jung , Ho Tsung-Yen , Shen Yu-Ping , Liu Kai-Chun , Lu Ting-Yang , Chou Li-Wei
Published: August 2021

Aims:

The inertial measurement unit (IMU), as a sensor-based assessment tool, could provide objective and quantitative data for evaluating a patient with adhesive capsulitis (AC). The IMUs have advantages in simplification of implementation, cost, and computation complexity. We aimed to propose an IMU-based approach to extract statistical features for the assessment of AC in daily activity.

Methods:

Nine healthy subjects and nine AC patients participate in this experiment. The accelerometers are placed on the wrist and arm to measure the movement performance. Each subject is asked to perform three basic shoulder motions, including flexion, extension, and abduction. Eight types of features are extracted from the norm of accelerometer signals, including mean, standard deviation (SD), variation, maximum, minimum, range, kurtosis, and skewness. These features are explored to distinguish the differences in the movement performance between healthy subjects and AC patients.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Student's t-test and effect size (Cohen's d) are calculated to assess the reliability of the proposed evaluation approach.

Results:

The results show that the feature of SD extracted from the wrist can achieve significant differences and large effect sizes between healthy subjects and AC patients.

Conclusion:

We demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed IMU-based functional evaluation for the AC assessment using statistical features.
Ethnobotanical Survey of Plants used for Cancer Treatment in Akinyele Local Government of Ibadan, Nigeria and Preliminary Cytotoxic Activity of Selected Plants
Authors: Ambali O.A. , Ajaiyeoba E.O. , Ogbole O.O. , Adeniji J.A.
Published: August 2021

Background: In Nigerian ethnomedicine, a few anticancer constituents of medicinal plant of natural products have been reported in the literature. Although several traditional medical practitioners (TMPs) have claimed to have managed this disease with plants that have been in existence from ancient times.Objective: This study aimed at the documentation and validation of plants that are commonly used in the treatment of cancer in Akinyele Local Government of Oyo State, Nigeria.Materials and methods: Focus-Group discussion and administration of semi-structured questionnaires were used to discover the practice of traditional medicine using plants. The methanol extracts of the commonly cited plants were then screened for cytotoxicity using the Brine shrimp lethality (BSL) and in vitro [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Two cancer (Rhabdomyosarcoma; RD and cervical; Hep-2C) and normal (Vero) cell lines were used for the screening of the extracts.Results: A total number of 45 Traditional Medical Practitioners and herb sellers were recruited for this study, 26 different plants were recorded with their local names and parts used for therapeutic preparation. Two plant extracts; Aframomum melegueta and Strophanthus hispidus were found to be active against the cancer cell lines and selective to normal cell line used.Conclusion: Some of the plants had cytotoxic properties on the cancer cell lines which supports the claims of the Traditional Medicinal Practitioners. However, the non-selectivity of some plants to normal cells could be a great threat to the cancer patients being treated.
Long Term Effects of Streptozotocin Induced Diabetes Mellitus on Hepatic, Nephrotic and Cardiac Physiology of Female Wistar Rats
Authors: Olawale F.G. , Ajaja U.I. , Aninye I.I. , Nwozo S.O. , Adaramoye O.A.
Published: August 2021

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder which leads to complications that affect the heart, kidney, liver and other vital organs. Most reports on diabetes have focused on diabetes induction using male rat models in short term studies.Objective: Here, we described the induction of diabetes in female rat and the complications of diabetes following long term hyperglycemia in female Wistar rats.Method: Rats were assigned into two groups: control (n=10) and diabetic (n=10). The latter was administered a single (50mg/Kg body weight) intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. Bodyweight and blood glucose were assessed for 14 weeks, after which the animals were sacrificed and biochemical and morphology parameters of the liver, kidney and heart were determined.Results: Diabetic rats showed continuous emaciation post STZ induction. The glycated haemoglobin, protein level, lipid profile, liver and kidney function markers were significantly different (p<0.05) from the control. Catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione-s-transferase activities were also significantly reduced in the heart, liver and kidney, and a concomitant increase in malondialdehyde concentration was observed. Focal tubular necrosis, pulmonary congestion and mild hyperplasia of kupffer cells were observed in the tissues and all tissues showed negative CD79a expression.Conclusion: This study provides data that could be useful for modelling long-term diabetes mellitus studies in female experimental rat models.
A Review of Some Agricultural Wastes in Nigeria for Sustainability in the Production of Structural Concrete
Authors: Fapohunda C. , Kilani A. , Adigo B. , Ajayi L. , Famodimu B. , Oladipupo O. , Jeje A.
Published: August 2021

A review of agricultural wastes available in Nigeria that is suitable for use in concrete industry, in order to attain sustainability in structural concrete production and practice, is presented in this paper. The wastes reviewed are: Cassava Peel Ash (CPA), Empty Palm Oil Fruit Brunch Ash (EPO-FBA), Rice Husk Ash (RHA), and Saw Dust Ash (SDA). Others were Palm Kernel Shell Ash (PKSA), Groundnut Husk Ash (GHA), Corncob Ash (CA), and Egg Shell Powder (ESP). The study revealed that some agricultural wastes that have potential for use as supplementary cementing material (SCM) for cement in the production of structural concrete abounds in Nigeria. It was also revealed that the necessity of standardization of procedures for testing of such wastes so that structural performance index can be compared. In addition, there is also the need for the development of classification methods similar to that of fly ash, so that their use can be enhanced. Using these waste materials in concrete will lead to sustainability in concrete production, reduction in the use of natural non-renewable resources, innovativeness in the use of wastes, and the development of small-scale industries.
Epidemiological features of lumpy skin disease outbreaks amongst herds of cattle in Bokkos, north-central Nigeria
Authors: Atai R.B. , Olaolu O.S. , Olaolu O.S. , Adole J.A. , Haruna I. , Ijoma S.I. , Maurice N.A. , Omoniwa D.O. , Dogonyaro B.B. , Adedeji A.J.
Published: August 2021

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a severe viral transboundary disease of mostly cattle caused by LSD Virus (LSDV). This epidemiological survey of LSD amongst herds of cattle in Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) of North Central Nigeria was carried out in 2019 as a response to farmers’ reports of repeated outbreaks of LSD in their herds of cattle. A focused group discussion with cattle farmers purposefully selected was used for the disease investigation and data collection. Twelve skin scab samples were collected from suspected cases within the study area. The viral attachment protein gene of the LSDV was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Analysis of the focus group discussion revealed that all farmers interviewed practiced extensive farm management system and claimed that their animals shared same communal water points and grazing area. Furthermore, 47% (7/15) of the farmers have experienced LSD twice in their herds, while 27% (4/15) have had the outbreak thrice on their farms. The morbidity rates of LSD were 3% – 49% and mortality rates were 1% – 6%. Sixty percent of farmers claimed that incidence of LSD is related to season of the year. All farmers sell off their sick animals in the livestock market and confirmed LSD affects market price of their animals. PCR results revealed that in 91.6% (11/12) samples analysed, LSDV was detected. This study confirms LSD outbreaks based on PCR result and clinical signs and symptoms in Butura, Daffo and Kunduk of Bokkos LGA, North Central Nigeria.
Antimicrobial-resistant in Escherichia coli isolated from different effluent locations within Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf M.S. , Aliyu M.B. , Babashani M. , Yangora Y.M. , Salisu U.S. , Bawa A.J.
Published: August 2021

The safety of municipal water is increasingly becoming of concern globally. Agricultural activities, industrial and residential effluents and community waste are ways through which water sources are contaminated and resistant bacteria can be spread via effluents to municipal water. The study aimed to isolate and determine the distribution of antimicrobial drug-resistant Escherichia coli from different points of the University sewer system in April 2018. A total of 48 samples were collected twice weekly from the six randomly selected inspection chamber sites out of the 14 identified sites. The selected sites of the sewer were located in some hostels, markets and health service areas within the ABU. main campus. The samples were processed by culturing on an EMB agar plate followed by biochemical characterization using conventional biochemical tests and Microbact 12E. An antimicrobial sensitivity test was also carried out using 13 different antibiotic discs. The results obtained revealed that the Community market had an isolation rate of 4(50%), while Sickbay had 3(37.5%) and Danfodiyo hostel with 2(25%). Multiple antimicrobial resistance index (MARI) was found to be 0.31 from four isolates (36%) of E. coli of which 3(75%) were sampled from Sickbay and 1(25%) from ABU Dam. Also, five isolates (45%) had MARI of 0.23, of which 2(40%) were sampled from Danfodiyo hostel, 1(20%) from Ribadu hostel and 2(40%) from Community market. The E. coli isolates were more resistant to Ampicillin, tetracycline and cephalothin. Other bacteria isolated were Klebsiella ozaenae, Hapnea alvei and Morganella morganii all with MARI of 0.31. There is a need for public health awareness on the effect of discharging antibiotic-resistant E. coli contaminated effluent into the environment and water bodies. Hence, the public health significance of recycling such water for domestic usage and agricultural purpose.
Diverse non-typhoidal Salmonella serovars with multi-drug resistance potentials isolated from chicken faeces in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Agbaje M. , Awosile B. , Kehinde O.O. , Omoshaba E.O. , Dipeolu M.A. , Bankole N.O.
Published: August 2021

This study was carried out in selected poultry farms to determine the prevalence, distribution and antimicrobial resistance patterns in Salmonella serovars in Ogun State, South-western Nigeria. A total of 200 faecal samples were aseptically collected from the four geographical zones of Ogun State, Nigeria. Seventy-eight Salmonella isolates spread across 39 serovars and representing a prevalence of 39% was recovered. Salmonella Urbana (n=7), Salmonella Kingston (n=6) and Salmonella Agama (n=5) serovars were more commonly isolated. Resistance was most common to ciprofloxacin (29.5%; n=23/78). Multi-drug resistance (MDR) was observed in 15.4% (n=12/78) of the isolates spread across 7 serovars: S. Kentucky, S. Telelkebir, S. Virchow, S. Blockley, S. Chomedey, S. Haifa, and S. Isangi. The study showed the diversity of Salmonella serovars and the increasing trend of antimicrobial resistance in poultry farms in Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria.
Russian–Japanese Relations at the Turn of the Century: Patterns, Routes, Leaders
Authors: Paramonov O. G.
Published: August 2021

This article analyzes why, during the post-Cold War period, Tokyo became aware of the need to reconsider its hard-line relations with Moscow, which had been developed in previous decades. Even in the period preceding the collapse of the USSR, Tokyo did not conceal its intentions to use the diﬃcult socio-economic situation in the USSR and then in Russia to obtain territorial concessions. Even then, however, the Russian side mostly determined the agenda of the Russian-Japanese dialogue, which was largely due to serious mistakes made by Japanese politicians. After Russia emerged from the economic and political turbulence that began unexpectedly for the West and Japan in the 2000s, Tokyo’s new hopes were connected with concessions on the “territorial case” because of Russia’s interest in Japanese investments and technological cooperation, especially for the development of the Far East and adjacent areas. Nevertheless, even here Tokyo faced a ﬁasco. Before the arrival of the Abe era in late 2012, Japan’s foreign policy toward Russia became increasingly “reactive,” and even later Tokyo’s high-proﬁle initiatives related to the Russian-Japanese agenda often turned out to be old proposals from Moscow that had been made during the time of Michael Gorbachev, and favorable moments for their implementation were largely missed.
Turkey’s Foreign Policy in the Post-Bipolar System of Coordinate
Authors: Shlykov P. V.
Published: August 2021

Turkey's foreign policy in the ﬁrst decade after the collapse of the bipolar system retained features of its continuity in comparison with the Cold War: the Kemalist principles of laicism and the choice in favor of further Westernization, with its orientation towards cooperation with the EU and Euro-Atlantic structures remained ﬁrmly in place. However, the post-bipolar period demonstrated a signiﬁcant change in Turkey's foreign policy. The existing explanations for this phenomenon often start either from the appeal to the Islamic identity of the Justice and Development Party as the main reason for the changes, or from the approaches that prioritize Turkey's economic interests and emphasize Turkey's attempts to strengthen economic interdependence with neighbors in the region. Given the increasing complexity of the domestic and foreign policy nexus and the increasingly ﬂuid characteristics of the international environment, it seems that an analysis of Turkish foreign policy in the post-bipolar period requires an alternative conceptual and methodological approach that allows the changes in Turkey's foreign policy to be viewed along three dimensions. In this article, the author resorts to just such an approach. It includes the study of domestic policy, the international context and the transformation of the ideological and institutional support of foreign policy. This approach makes it possible to explain the logic of Turkey's «sudden» reorientation from cooperation with the EU and Western countries in general to attempts to consolidate its leading role in the Middle East and establish itself as a regional hegemon in relation to situational alliances with various state and non-state actors in the broader international context.
Prototype of New Reliable Airport Luggage Tracker System
Authors:   Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST), Kuwait, Khattab Omar , Almetlaqem Aljazi , Almutairi Danah , Alnaser Maryam , Almutairi Maryam
Published: August 2021

Nowadays, the complaints of air passengers about mishandling of luggage are highly noticeable, where the number of passengers are on the increased. In this respect, several research works have been conducted using different technologies, such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Global Positioning System (GPS), Global System for Mobile Communication (GPS), mobile applications, smart watches and QR code. However, none of them safely and effectively considers reclaiming passengers' belongings from the airport baggage handling carousel without the need for human intervention, which in turn increases the number of mishandled bags. Therefore, in this paper we propose a new Airport Luggage Tracker System (ALTS) in order to provide a reliable solution compared with the research works found in the literature. A prototype system based on the proposed design is successfully implemented and tested using Arduino UNO, RFID technology and website application (check-in and check-out at departure lounge and arrival lounge, respectively). Keywords— radio frequency identification (RFID), tracking system (TS), airport luggage tracker system (ALTS).