bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taylor Microscale and Effective Reynolds Number near the Sun from PSP
Authors: Phillips C. , Bandyopadhyay R. , McComas D. J.
Published: June 2022

The Taylor microscale is a fundamental length scale in turbulent fluids, representing the end of fluid properties and onset of dissipative processes. The Taylor microscale can also be used to evaluate the Reynolds number in classical turbulence theory. Although the solar wind is weakly collisional, it approximately behaves as a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) fluid at scales larger than the kinetic scale. As a result, classical fluid turbulence theory and formalisms are often used to study turbulence in the MHD range. Therefore, a Taylor microscale can be used to estimate an effective Reynolds number in the solar wind. NASA’s Parker Solar Probe (PSP) has reached progressively closer to the Sun than any other spacecraft before. The collected data have revealed many new findings in the near-Sun solar wind. Here, we use the PSP data to estimate the Taylor microscale and effective Reynolds number near the Sun. We find that the Taylor microscale and Reynolds number are small compared to the corresponding near-Earth values, indicating a solar wind that has been less processed by turbulence, with very small-scale dissipative processes near the Sun.
Geometric morphometric analysis of gonopods in Bicoxidens flavicollis populations (Diplopoda, Spirostreptida, Spirostreptidae)
Authors: Mwabvu Tarombera , Adebowale Adekunle
Published: June 2022

Male gonopods are useful in taxonomic diagnoses and descriptions of millipedes, although they may vary intraspecifically in shape and size. To assess this intraspecific variation, we used geometric morphometric analysis to compare gonopod morphology among eight isolated populations of the colour-polymorphic southern African millipede Bicoxidens flavicollis. Our results showed that gonopod shapes vary significantly across the examined populations, and elucidated subtle variations. CVA cross-validation test indicates an average classification rate of 75% for the five populations for which we had more than one specimen. Although we had a small number of replicates for three populations, our results still illustrate the importance of applying quantitative approaches to what would otherwise be qualitative and subjective gonopod shape categories in millipedes. As such, the taxonomic assignment of the populations of B. flavicollis may require further investigation, and further revisions would be required with an integrative approach, including molecular data, in order to re-evaluate the taxonomic diversity and distribution data of this species. Finally, we highlight the conservation potential of divergent populations as evolutionary insurance against a dynamic and unpredictable climate, whether or not they undergo full speciation.
Two new species of Phronia Winnertz, 1864 (Diptera, Mycetophilidae) from Taita Hills, Kenya
Authors: Kurina Olavi , Pototski Aleksander
Published: June 2022

Two new Phronia Winnertz, 1864 species—P. hannarostiaesp. nov. and P. ristoisp. nov.—are described from Taita Hills in Kenya, representing the first named species of this genus in the African continent. The new species are morphologically similar to each other as well as to P. flobertae Matile – a species described from the Comoro Islands. These three species can be distinguished by details of the male terminalia, in particular by comparing the structures of the gonostyli. The new species are photographed and hand-drawn figures provided, and their taxonomy is discussed.
Robotic-assisted colorectal surgery – initial results
Authors: Kostov Gancho , Doykov Mladen , Dimov Rossen
Published: June 2022

Introduction: The mini invasive procedure in colorectal surgery is gaining ground as an alternative to conventional surgery. Colorectal surgery has significantly evolved since the advent of the automatic stapler devices and subsequently with the minimally invasive approach. The next logical step - the robotic assisted surgery was developed to satisfy surgeons’ needs to the area of colorectal surgery and to offer a new and safer method to patients. The evidence for benefits of its use in this area appears to be promising.

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyse and share our initial results in robotic colorectal surgery and compare them with literature data.

Materials and methods: A retrospective study was conducted in order to review seven patients with colorectal cancers operated by the robotic-assisted technique over three months in the initial phase of the learning curve. Gender, age, diagnosis, and surgical indication, type of surgery performed, surgical time, conversion, bleeding, post-operative complications, and hospital stay, were analysed and described. A literature review was performed on the role of robotic surgery in colorectal cancer.

Results: Seven patients were operated, 5 males and 2 females with a mean age of 68.2 years. The following procedures were performed: left hemicolectomy with primary anastomosis, low anterior resection, left hemicolectomy, sigmoid resection. The mean surgery time for the seven patients was 4 h 06 min, with a time on the console of 2 h and 50 min, and mean bleeding of 192 cc. None of the patients required conversion and the hospital stay was 7 days.

Conclusions: Despite the reduced case series, the initial results of our learning curve in colorectal robotic surgery are among the parameters imposed by the medical literature.
Morphology, phylogeny, and species delimitation of Micryletta (Anura: Microhylidae) reveals a new species from Singapore
Authors: Sankar Ananthanarayanan , Law Ingg Thong , Law Ing Sind , Shivaram Rasu , Abraham Robin K. , Chan Kin Onn
Published: June 2022

The genus Micryletta, also known as paddy frogs, ranges across much of south, east, and southeast Asia. Due to their relatively broad distribution and overall morphological similarities, many species have gone undetected until recently, largely owing to the use of molecular data. Consequently, the species diversity within this genus has quadrupled in just three years from three species prior to 2018, to 12 species in 2021, indicating that the systematics of this genus is still poorly understood. As such, we assembled the most comprehensive molecular phylogeny of Micryletta hitherto including novel sequences from a previously unsampled population from Singapore to assess the species diversity within this genus. In particular, we investigate the population from Singapore whose specific identity remains in question due to the lack of voucher specimens and genetic material. Our results show that the Singapore population represents a strongly supported and distinct lineage that is most closely related to M. inornata sensu stricto from Sumatra, Indonesia. Morphological and species delimitation analyses corroborate its distinction as a new species, which we describe herein as M. subaraji sp. nov. This and recent new taxon discoveries in Singapore demonstrate that the biodiversity of the highly urbanized island-state is still far from being fully realized and underscores the need for continued systematic surveys and protection of remaining habitats.
Post coïtum, homme triste
Authors: Ginestet-Delbreil Suzanne
Published: June 2022

De Galien à Freud, l’article s’attache à ce qui fait défaut à la sexualité masculine au-delà du pouvoir social dont on crédite l’homme. Amputé par l’organisation patriarcale phallocentrique d’une jouissance du corps, celle-ci peut se réduire chez lui à l’organe pénien, se faire locale et solitaire. Freud n’hésite pas à comparer ce manque à la frigidité féminine et il peut en arriver à parler du désir d’enfant, commun aux deux sexes, sans pour autant avoir le même sens pour l’un et pour l’autre. Chez un homme, le désir non refoulé de porter un enfant est pour l’auteur à l’origine de troubles, la pédophilie et le matricide en sont les conséquences les plus cruelles.
À quelques personnes malheur est bon
Authors: Fernandez Philippe
Published: June 2022

Le trauma psychique qui fait le quotidien des psychanalystes est repris ici dans sa version violente, celle qui a conduit Freud à donner le traumatisme en exemple de la pulsion de mort. À partir d’analyses cliniques, nous proposons de mettre en évidence un aspect plus discret mais qui n’apparaît pas moins important dans la compréhension du phénomène : sa dimension constructive. En effet, il semble venir non seulement réaliser les désirs inconscients mais, par ses manifestations répétitives, faire aussi pansement au(x) manque(s) de la castration, d’où la rémanence. Cette hypothèse s’inscrit dans une perspective psychopathologique qui la nourrit et rejoint les travaux de Sándor Ferenczi.
L’art de soigner de Francesc Tosquelles, psychiatre, psychanalyste, homme de son temps
Authors: Frey Nicole
Published: June 2022

François Tosquelles arrive en France en 1940, réfugié de la guerre d’Espagne. Malgré cette traversée traumatique, dès son arrivée à l’hôpital de Saint-Alban il va en promouvoir l’évolution. Sous l’occupation nazie, cet hôpital, lieu d’accueil, de résistance, de rencontres et d’innovation, serait-il aussi lieu de renaissance pour Tosquelles ? L’iconographie, des traductions de textes choisis par Joana Masó permettent « d’entendre » la voix de Tosquelles, son humour, sa « folie », ses idées cliniques sur la folie, sur le soin, et enfin son amour de l’art, de la poésie, du langage mis au service de l’art de soigner.
Le bâtiment à l’horizon 2050
Authors: Gaspard Albane , Visier Jean-Christophe
Published: June 2022

Face à l’urgence climatique et au renforcement des ambitions européennes en matière de neutralité carbone, plusieurs exercices de prospective ont été entrepris ces dernières années pour nourrir le débat relatif à la stratégie de transition écologique à mettre en œuvre pour décarboner la France. Parmi eux, rappelons celui de l’ADEME (Agence de la transition écologique), Transition(s) 2050 , présenté dans notre précédent numéro 2 et sur lequel s’appuie notamment le travail prospectif sur le bâtiment présenté ici par Albane Gaspard et Jean-Christophe Visier. Le secteur résidentiel et tertiaire est à l’origine d’un peu plus de 20 % des émissions de gaz à effet de serre de la France (en 2019) ; sa part baisse depuis une trentaine d’années grâce aux efforts d’efficacité énergétique et de rénovation, mais ce secteur demeure stratégique pour la transition écologique. Dans ce contexte, quelles sont les perspectives d’avenir du bâtiment à l’horizon 2050 ? C’est à cette question qu’entend répondre le travail prospectif « Imaginons ensemble les bâtiments de demain », dont cet article présente la méthodologie, les principaux enseignements et les quatre scénarios élaborés (« Difficile de tout faire », « Rééquilibrage[s] », « Bâtiment comme service » et « Pénuries »). Mêlant prospective exploratoire et normative, qualitative et quantitative, ces travaux explorent les multiples facettes de la transition pour le bâtiment et l’immobilier, et montrent combien la part que pourrait prendre le secteur du bâtiment dans la transition dépendra de la capacité des acteurs (depuis les professionnels de la filière jusqu’aux occupants des logements) à évoluer.  S.D.
Mental Health Treatment for College Students on Campus: Evolving to Meet the Growing Need
Authors: Skehan Brian , Chan Vivien
Published: June 2022

Higher education has traditionally promoted increased opportunities for young people to gain technical and occupational skills for personal advancement. Matriculation to postsecondary education often coincides with a developmental period associated with increased rates of behavioral health conditions, including major mental illness and substance use disorders. Studies have shown that rates during the past decade of both mental illness and treatment use are increasing in this group. Ideally, colleges and universities need to address the unique mental health needs of this growing population using evidenced-based approaches. Various evidence-informed models and novel interventions exist to help both students and schools prepare to meet these growing needs. Continued engagement and outreach to transition-age youth who may struggle with academic persistence for a multitude of reasons will be important to maintain diversity and equity in institutions of higher learning.

[
Psychiatr Ann
. 2022;52(6):232–237.]
Systems of Care for Transitional-Age Youth With Severe Mental Illness
Authors: Wilson Cynthia , Parke Susan , VanDeusen Timothy C. , Millard Hun , Qayyum Zheala , Kim Hyun Jung
Published: June 2022

Transitional-age youth, ages 15 to 25 years, represent a distinct developmental entity with unique psychosocial needs and brain development. Transitional-age youth with severe mental illness are particularly susceptible to the challenges of this developmental period. Unfortunately, not all systems of care are suited to address the needs of this population. Psychiatrists are well positioned to advocate and educate about the uniqueness of this developmental period and developmentally informed treatment planning. Doing so promotes the best possible outcomes for these youth. This work cannot be done by the mental health system alone and requires collaboration between mental health, substance abuse, medical, educational, and recreational services; social and government agencies; and the legal system. All components of the system of care need to work together toward a common goal of developing healthy young adults.

[
Psychiatr Ann
. 2022;52(6):238–242.]
Customized Ablation Area PTK as a Treatment for Limewater-induced Calcium Carbonate Corneal Deposits
Authors: Kozhaya Karim , Chacra Lily M. , Arba-Mosquera Samuel , Assaf Jad F. , Awwad Shady T.
Published: June 2022

PURPOSE:

To describe a customized ablation area photo-therapeutic keratectomy (CAA-PTK) technique to accurately match and ablate an area of calcific deposits using a laser ablation profile matching the slit-lamp findings.

METHODS:

A chronic non-healing epithelial defect was induced by limewater injury from a stalactite. The calcific deposits eroding the corneal anterior stromal layer were refractory to medical therapy and ulcer bed debridement. CAA-PTK tailored to exactly match the pathology dimensions was performed.

RESULTS:

Complete epithelial healing was observed the next day with unaltered visual acuity (corrected distance visual acuity 20/20
-
). One month postoperatively, corneal optical coherence tomography showed a healed epithelial defect with epithelial thickening over the ablated area. The patient was followed up for 2 years with no signs or symptoms of corneal erosions.

CONCLUSIONS:

CAA-PTK application in treating potential corneal denaturation with overlying non-healing epithelial defects refractory to stromal bed debridement is promising. Unlike conventional PTK, CAA-PTK avoids unnecessary epithelial and stromal ablation, leading to faster visual recovery.

[
Journal of Refractive Surgery Case Reports.
2022;2(2):e38–e42.]
A novel defined risk signature of interferon response genes predicts the prognosis and correlates with immune infiltration in glioblastoma
Authors: Xiao Yong , Wang Zhen , Zhao Mengjie , Ji Wei , Xiang Chong , Li Taiping , Wang Ran , Yang Kun , Qian Chunfa , Tang Xianglong , Xiao Hong , Zou Yuanjie , Liu Hongyi
Published: June 2022

Background

Interferons (IFNs) have been implemented as anti-tumor immunity agents in clinical trials of glioma, but only a subset of glioblastoma (GBM) patients profits from it. The predictive role of IFNs stimulated genes in GBM needs further exploration to investigate the clinical role of IFNs.

Methods

This study screened 526 GBM patients from three independent cohorts. The transcriptome data with matching clinical information were analyzed using R. Immunohistochemical staining data from the Human Protein Atlas and DNA methylation data from MethSurv were used for validation in protein and methylation level respectively.

Results

We checked the survival effect of all 491 IFNs response genes, and found 54 genes characterized with significant hazard ratio in overall survival (OS). By protein-protein interaction analysis, 10 hub genes were selected out for subsequent study. And based on the expression of these 10 genes, GBM patients could be divided into two subgroups with significant difference in OS. Furthermore, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator cox regression model was utilized to construct a multigene risk signature, including STAT3, STAT2 and SOCS3, which could serve as an independent prognostic predictor for GBM. The risk model was validated in two independent GBM cohorts. The GBM patients with high risk scores mainly concentrated in the GBM Mesenchymal subtype. The higher risk group was enriched in hypoxia, angiogenesis, EMT, glycolysis and immune pathways, and had increased Macrophage M2 infiltration and high expression of immune checkpoint CD274 (namely PD-L1).

Conclusions

Our findings revealed the three-gene risk model could be an independent prognostic predictor for GBM, and they were crucial participants in immunosuppressive microenvironment of GBM.
Évolution de l’urbanisme et exposition au risque cyclonique à Saint-Martin de 1954 à 2017
Authors: Pasquon Kelly , Jouannic Gwenaël , Gargani Julien , Minh Chloé Tran Duc , Crozier Denis
Published: June 2022

Les ouragans sont relativement courants dans les Antilles et sur l’île de Saint-Martin en particulier. L’incapacité des sociétés à faire face à ce genre d’évènement et à s’en relever interroge. Dans cette étude, nous montrons que l’île de Saint-Martin a dû s’adapter entre 1954 et 2017 (avant l’ouragan Irma) à de nombreuses contraintes, dont certaines d’une ampleur bien plus importante que les ouragans. Ainsi en l’espace de presque 70 ans, la densité de population de la partie française de Saint-Martin est passée de 75 habitants par kilomètre carré à 668 habitants par kilomètre carré. La majeure partie de cette augmentation s’est produite en l’espace de 5 ans, suite à une loi de défiscalisation qui a favorisé l’investissement immobilier à partir de 1986 : la loi Pons. Plus de 12 000 bâtiments ont été construits à Saint-Martin pour accueillir les nouveaux habitants de l’île, mais aussi les touristes. De nombreux quartiers ont connu une croissance importante qui a débuté à la fin des années 1980. Cependant, on observe des spécificités dans l’urbanisme qui résultent de la très forte ségrégation sociale et territoriale qui règne sur l’île entre, d’un côté, les résidences privées des quartiers aisés et de l’autre les quartiers populaires, avec des habitations plus vulnérables. Les ouragans ont eu pour effet de renforcer les inégalités datant des années 1960-1980 en affectant plus particulièrement les habitats fragiles des populations les plus pauvres. Ces inégalités sont également accentuées par les sociétés qui accordent plus d'aides à la reconstruction aux personnes mieux insérées socialement.
NEURAL NETWORKS TO UNDERSTAND THE PHYSICS OF ONCOLOGICAL MEDICAL IMAGING
Authors: Al-Utaibi Khaled A. , Sohail Ayesha , Arif Fatima , Celik S. , Sait Sadiq M. , Keskin Derya Bako
Published: June 2022

The evolving field of computational image analysis has its applications in the industry, manufacturing and biological sciences, especially in the field of medical imaging. Medical imaging and computational physics have evolved together during the past decades with the advancement in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Deep learning is the sub-domain of AI that mostly deals with imaging data for classification, segmentation and reconstruction. The time series of medical images of different patients, with different staging are categorized based on the physical and biological consequences. The hypothesis of the current research is that the deep learning tool, if trained on several patients, can identify the stage of cancer swiftly for fresh data sets. During this research, an advance Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) strategy is adopted to classify the cancer stage for a group of patients of gastric cancer. The CNN model makes use of skipping connections for better prediction. CNNs have been quite popular in medical imaging for their ability of feature detection. CNNs are used in the recent literature for the analysis of images. During this research, we have used the state-of-the-art Matlab ResNet CNN toolbox for the analysis of the images obtained from esophageal and gastric cancer patients. It was concluded that RESNET50 is a reliable algorithm for the determination of tumor mass on CT Scans. Moreover, the performance of the model can be improved by giving a comparatively larger data set as an input to the model. Inspired from Caltech101, a logic related to RESNET50 was adopted. The data was processed and an algorithm was designed to develop a mapping, based on the mass of tumor. The algorithm designed successfully identified the images, randomly picked from different patients, based on the image features.
The Role Addiction Plays in America
Authors: Farmanara Kneidel Lilia
Published: June 2022

The purpose of this chapter is to address the impact addiction has throughout the United States among various aspects of society. This specifically includes a focus on individuals incarcerated because of the role addiction has had in their life and the role incarceration has on addiction. This chapter will also dive into the research behind who is more likely to end up with an addiction, how children and adolescents are affected by addiction, the effects of parental incarceration on children and adolescents, various treatment methods for addiction, and how addiction is portrayed in the media.
Mitigating Juvenile Incarceration in Nigeria Through the Lens of Counseling
Authors: Enokela Abel Ebiega
Published: June 2022

This chapter critically examines juvenile incarceration in Nigeria with emphasis on pupils and students of basic and post basic education schools that are not up to the age of 18. Juvenile incarceration has a lot of implications for children and young persons like trauma reaction and behavioral and emotional challenges. Cases of prison congestion with children and young persons staying with adults and hardened criminals in hazardous and dehumanizing conditions imposed on them by ‘endless' incarceration continue to thrive in our society, particularly in Nigeria. This chapter, in proffering solutions to juvenile incarceration considered the roles of school counselors as pivotal to mitigating behaviors that could be precursors to incarceration. Sutherland's differential association theory and Bandura's social learning theory provided the theoretical direction for this effort.
Evaluation of a UAV-Aided WSN for Military Operations
Authors: Djukanovic Goran , Kanellopoulos Dimitris N. , Popovic Goran
Published: June 2022

A Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) assisted with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is flexible and its lifetime becomes longer due to reduced energy consumption in the static sensor nodes. This paper analyses the capabilities of using UAVs in WSNs for enhancing various military and surveillance capabilities. It presents three architectures of UAV-aided WSNs and it uses a realistic simulation environment to evaluate the energy consumption and network lifetime of a UAV-assisted WSN under two different use cases: (1) the UAV is used as relay node; and (2) the UAV is used as mobile sink. In Use Case 1, the network lifetime is more than five times longer than in Use Case 2. Using a UAV as a relay node preserves the network energy for a longer period, regardless of the flying distance of the UAV. In our experiment, three different percentages of distance from the remote Base-Station to the Cluster-Head were involved. If a UAV is flying on 50% distance, the average energy per node expires very quickly. If the distance percentage is at 10%, the average energy per node drops at a much slower rate.
Do lifestyle factors influence risk of breast cancer recurrence in Korean women?: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Park So-Jung , Yeom Hye-Ah
Published: June 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the influencing factors of breast cancer recurrence by comparing the risk factors and lifestyle patterns related to breast cancer in Korean women with and without recurrence.Methods: This cross-sectional survey comprised 241 Korean women diagnosed with breast cancer who had received follow-up treatment. Participants were recruited from a university hospital in Seoul and an online social media platform for breast cancer patients. Data were collected either via online or a paper survey, using a structured questionnaire that included general and disease-related characteristics and lifestyle behaviors. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, univariate analysis, and logistic regression.Results: Recurrence of breast cancer was influenced by four factors; childbirth experience, consumption of green/yellow vegetables, drinking behavior, and recovery from fatigue after sleep. Prevalence of recurrent breast cancer was associated with no childbirth experience (OR=2.29, p=.010), fewer green/yellow vegetables (OR=0.71, p=.008), drinking behavior (OR=0.24, p=.001), and a lower level of recovery from fatigue after sleep (OR=0.51, p<.001).Conclusion: Aside from having experienced childbirth, this study identified several modifiable factors that influence breast cancer recurrence. Increasing green/ yellow vegetable intake, alleviating fatigue, and reducing alcohol intake are important. Intervention strategies in clinical research and practice can be applied to address risk factors and reduce the prevalence of recurrent breast cancer.
Propofol versus lidocaine on prevention of laryngospasm in tonsillectomy: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Manouchehrian Nahid , Jiryaee Nasrin , Moheb Faezeh Akbari
Published: June 2022

Laryngospasm is an important complication of tonsillectomies. This study aimed to compare the effects of propofol versus lidocaine on prevention of laryngospasm in tonsillectomy. This randomized clinical trial included 102 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Patients were randomly divided into two groups treated with 0.5 mg/kg propofol (group P) or 1 mg/kg lidocaine 2% (group L). The frequencies of laryngospasm (within 10 min after extubation), agitation, nausea, vomiting, mean heart rate and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were assessed in both groups. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16 at a 95% confidence level. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of sex, age or weight. In the P group, the frequency of laryngospasm was significantly lower than L within10 minutes after extubation (4.1% versus 16.3%). Furthermore, the frequencies of agitation (p = 0.003), nausea and vomiting (p = 0.002) and mean heart rate (p = 0.026) were significantly higher in the L group than the P group. However, there were no differences between the two groups in terms of mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure, MAP, SPO2, awakening time, length of stay in recovery and frequency of shivering. Propofol can reduce the incidence of laryngospasm, agitation, nausea and vomiting but it has no effect on the patient's awakening time and length of stay in recovery.
CIRCCTNNA1 IS UPREGULATED IN MANTLE CELL LYMPHOMA AND PREDICTS POOR SURVIVAL BY SPONGING MIR-34A TO INCREASE CELL PROLIFERATION.
Authors: Jing Xuebing , Lu Cong , Song Chao , Han Qingkun
Published: June 2022

Background:It was reported that circular RNA (circRNA) circCTNNA1 plays an oncogenic role in colorectal cancer, while its rfole in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is unknown. This study aimed to explore the role of circCTNNA1 in MCL.

Methods:Samples of B lymphocytes were collected from 56 MCL patients and 56 healthy controls. The expression of circCTNNA1 and miR-34a in these samples were determined by RT-qPCRs. The direct interaction between circCTNNA1 and miR-34a in MCL cells was detected using RNA-RNA pulldown assay. Overexpression assays were performed to study the interactions between circCTNNA1 and miR-34a. Cell proliferation was assessed with BrdU assay.

Results:The results showed that circCTNNA1 was upregulated in MCL and high expression levels of circCTNNA1 predicted the poor survival of MCL patients. MiR-34a was downregulated in MCL and inversely correlated with circCTNNA1. CircCTNNA1 was predicted to interact with miR-34a, and the interaction between them was confirmed by RNA pull-down assay. Interestingly, overexpression of circCTNNA1 and miR-34a did not affect the expression of each other. Cell proliferation analysis showed that overexpression of circCTNNA1 reversed the inhibitory effects of overexpression of miR-34a on cell proliferation.

Conclusion:Upregulation of circCTNNA1 in MCL predicts poor survival of patients and it may sponge miR-34a to promote cancer cell proliferation.
Radiological versus Traditional Parameters for Airway Assessment
Authors: Rana Vandana , Mehrotra Shreesh , Asthana Veena , Raghuvanshi Shailendra
Published: June 2022

Background:

The incidence of difficult tracheal intubation includes not only difficult and failed intubation but also difficult laryngoscopy (DL) and difficult mask ventilation.

Aim:

The study was done to compare the sonographic assessment of tongue thickness (TT) and condylar mobility with traditional airway assessment scores for prediction of difficult intubation (DI).

Settings and Design:

This experimental, randomized prospective study was conducted in the Department of Anaesthesia, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun.

Materials and Methods:

After obtaining approval from the Institutional Ethical and Research Committee, this study was conducted in the Department of Anaesthesiology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Swami Ram Nagar, Dehradun. After obtaining written and informed consent, 385 subjects of either sex between 18 and 60 years of age, undergoing various elective surgeries under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation, were selected. The number of attempts at intubation, the need for alternative DI approaches, and invasive airway access or cancellation of the procedure due to inability to secure the airway were noted.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Data analysis was done using SPSS 20.0. Categorical data were assessed by Chi-square test, while independent t-test/Mann–Whitney test was used to determine the association between continuous data.

Results:

Age, inter-incisor distance (IID), body mass index (BMI), and Mallampati score were positively correlated with TT. BMI (kg.m−2) >26.0, modified Mallampati scoring >2, IID ≤5 cm, TT >6 cm, and condylar mobility >10 mm were significantly more among subjects with DL and difficult tracheal intubation.

Conclusion:

Ultrasonography can be used in elective settings to rule out any possibility of difficult airway and to prevent airway-related complications.
Laryngoscopic View after Application of Manual In-Line Stabilization – A Comparison with Early Morning Sniffing Position in the Same Patient
Authors: Karki Sauharda Bikram , Kale Suniti , Saigal Deepti
Published: June 2022

Background:

The application of manual in-line stabilization (MILS) for minimizing spinal cord injury is known to increase difficulty in airway management.

Aim:

The study aims to assess the change in Modified Cormack–Lehane (CL) laryngoscopic view with the application of MILS from the early morning sniffing position (EMSP) in adult patients.

Setting and Design:

This was a prospective, interventional, self-controlled study conducted on 220 patients aged 18–65 years, belonging to the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Class I or II, having a normal airway, and scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia.

Materials and Methods:

After inducing general anesthesia, MILS was applied to the patient's neck, and a Modified CL view of the vocal cords was recorded under direct laryngoscopy. The view was again noted after applying backward-upward-rightward pressure (BURP). MILS and BURP were released. The view was obtained again with and without BURP in EMSP.

Statistical Analysis:

Normality of data was tested by Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Wilcoxon ranked-sum test for quantitative variables and Chi-square test for qualitative variables were used.

Results:

On application of MILS, the majority of patients had Modified CL Grade 3a (121 patients) and 3b (53 patients) views. The majority of patients had Modified CL Grade 1 (114 patients) and 2a (71 patients) views on placing in EMSP. These findings were statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Consequent to the placement of BURP upon MILS, patients with lower CL Grade views (2b: 101 patients) were significantly higher (P < 0.0001) in comparison with MILS alone.

Conclusion:

In patients with a normal airway, MILS leads to a significantly greater incidence of higher grades of laryngoscopic views in comparison to EMSP. Use of BURP after MILS causes significantly less incidence of higher grades of laryngoscopic view when compared with MILS alone. All patients requiring MILS should be considered to be a difficult airway, and hence, preparation should be done accordingly.
Involvement of Husbands in Birth Preparedness of Their Partner
Authors: Mohandas Sreelakshmi , Francis Paul T. , Paul Nimitha
Published: June 2022

Background:

In India, a country driven by a patriarchal society, the involvement of men in their wife’s pregnancy and childbirth has been considerably low. This remained static until the International Conference on Population and Development held in Cairo in 1994 which prompted the equal responsibility of men and women in reproductive health.

Objective:

The aim of this article is to assess the involvement of husbands in birth preparedness and to determine factors associated with their involvement in the birth preparedness of their partner.

Materials and Methods:

A community-based cross-sectional study was done in the rural field practice area of Amrita Community Health Training Center at Njarackal, Ernakulam. The minimum calculated sample size was 103; three wards from the panchayath were selected and women who were currently pregnant or had a child less than 2 years of age were interviewed using a semi-structured pre-tested questionnaire. Data were tabulated using Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS version 20.

Results:

Of the 102 respondents, good involvement of husbands in birth preparedness was found to be 50%. A significant association was seen between husbands’ involvement and age of respondent (>27 years) as well as with the presence of an older child in the couple.

Conclusion:

As 50% of husbands had only poor involvement, sessions need to be planned under MCH for sensitizing husbands to their role in ensuring a healthy pregnancy, especially in primigravida, as it is seen that there is an association between higher-order births and involvement.
Effect of fungicides and spray regimes against Phytophthora leaf blight disease of taro cultivars in Nsukka, Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Omeje T.E. , Awere S.U. , Ugwuoke K.I.
Published: June 2022

Effects of fungicide types and spray regimes were assessed on Phytophthora leaf blight disease during the early and late cropping seasons in Nsukka, southeastern Nigeria. The field  experiment was laid out in 3 × 3 × 5 factorial in randomized complete block design with three replications in early and late cropping seasons of taro, respectively. The factors consisted of three Colocasia esculenta cultivars (Nachi (purple taro/Nce003), Odogolo (green taro/Nce002) and Ugwuta (Coco-India/Nce001); two fungicides (Ridomil Gold 66 WP plus, Ridomil Gold + Champ Drill Prill 50.00%:50.00% mixture and control); and five spray regimes (no spray, 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks spray). Results showed that there were significant variations in disease incidence among the fungicides, spray regimes, cultivars and between seasons at 90, 120 and 150 days after planting. Disease incidences and severity varied among the fungicides, spray regimes, cultivars and between the seasons. The results on establishment percentage significantly differed among the cultivars and cropping seasons. Ugwuta cultivar significant had the highest establishment percentage in both cropping seasons at 15 and 30 days after planting. The growth attributes on plant height (cm) and number of leaves significantly varied among the fungicides, spray regimes, cultivars and between cropping seasons. Ridomil Gold 66 WP at weekly spray regime performed best compared to other fungicides and spray regimes. There were significant variations among the cultivars and cropping seasons at the sampling periods. Tuber yield significantly differed among the fungicides, spray regimes, cultivars and cropping seasons at harvest. Ridomil Gold 66 WP at weekly spray regimes, Odogolo cultivar and early cropping season performed best in all yield traits at harvest.
Semen characteristics of Nigerian roosters fed diets containing Curcuma longa powder
Authors: Dim C.E. , Ekere S.O. , Pius H.O.
Published: June 2022

Semen quality is critical to avian reproduction and chiefly influenced by feeding. Improving the seminal features of local poultry with dietary technologies is significant to fortifying man’s deficient dietary resource. Hence, this study evaluated the semen quality indices of Nigerian roosters fed grower diets containing different levels of Curcuma longa powder (CLP) in a 70-day feeding trial. The experiment randomly placed test roosters (n = 36) into four distinct groups (T1-T4), having replications of 3 birds per replicate in a completely randomized design. The birds were fed ad libitum on grower feeds containing CLP inclusions according to groups, i.e., T1, T2, T3, and T4 respectively had 0, 20, 35, and 50 g of CLP kg–1 feed. Routine vaccinations and prophylaxis was duly administered during experimentation. Semen collection and sampling for physical seminal features were conducted and analyzed. The results showed significant (p < 0.05) effects of dietary CLP on sperm concentration (SC), live spermatozoa (LS), and dead spermatozoa (DS) of the test roosters. High SC and LS of roosters fed on CLP diets were significantly different (p < 0.05) from control, just as DS of T1 was higher (p < 0.05) than CLP groups. Thus, placing Nigerian roosters on diets scented with up to 50 g of Curcuma longa powder per kilogram of feed improved their seminal characteristics.
Influence of organic nutrient sources on fruit yield and antioxidant properties of Nigerian pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) morphotypes
Authors: Oloyede F.M. , Oyelade A.D.
Published: June 2022

A field experiment was carried out during the early cropping season of 2015 at the Teaching and Research Farm, Osun State University, Ejigbo campus, Nigeria. The study evaluated the effects of organic manures on fruit yield and antioxidant properties of green and orange morphotypes of Nigerian pumpkin. Pumpkin, locally called Elegede in the South-West Nigeria is used as an indigenous vegetable. Cattle and poultry manures were applied as treatments at the rates of 10 t ha–1 each, there was a control (plants that were treated with neither cattle nor poultry manure). The experiment was a factorial experiment, set out in a randomized complete block design with three replicates. At maturity, the fruits were harvested, yield data were taken and selected fruits across treatments were analyzed for antioxidant activities, phenol, flavonoids, anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin. Results showed that the orange morphotype out-yielded the green morphotype. Also, the yields of the plants that received cattle and poultry manures did not differ statistically. The antioxidant activities and parameters studied across the morphotypes were highest in the control and cattle manure but lowest in plants treated with poultry manure. For optimal yield and bioaccumulation of antioxidants in pumpkin fruits, cattle manure is preferred in the study area.
Effect of slope curvature and gradient on soil properties affecting erodibility of coastal plain sands in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogban P.I. , Ibotto M.I. , Utin U.E. , Essien O.A. , Arthur G.J.
Published: June 2022

A study was conducted to assess the effect of slope curvature and gradient on soil properties affecting erodibility of coastal plain sands in Akwa Ibom State. Twelve locations comprising six each of concave (CC) and convex (CV) slopes, and three slope gradients, namely, gentle (GS), moderate (MS) and steep slopes (SS) in CC and CV were identified for the study. Bulk and core soil samples were collected from the top 30 cm soil depth at three slope positions of slope curvature and gradient categories for physical and chemical characterization, and derivation of microaggregate stability indices and erodibility factor, K. Results showed that coarse sand (CS), fine sand (FS), bulk density (Bd), total porosity (TP) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher on CC than CV, and among the slope gradients, GS > MS > SS. The interaction of slope curvature and gradients was significantly higher on CC than CV. A similar pattern of differences was also observed inorganic matter (SOM), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and other exchangeable cations, but the effect of slope curvature and gradients interaction was not significant. The microaggregate stability indices, water dispersible clay (WDC), water dispersible silt (WDS), dispersion ratio (DR), clay dispersion ratio (CDR), modified clay ratio (MCR), clay flocculation index (CFI), aggregated silt + clay (ASC) and aggregated clay (AC) were significantly higher on CV than CC, and differences among slope gradients and interaction of slope curvature and gradients were not significant. The erodibility factor, K, was significantly higher on CV than CC, while the slope gradients were similar in their effects on K. Linear regression analysis showed that K-factor was highly significantly related to CS, FS, Si, Cl, Bd, TP and Ksat, as well as WDC, WDS, CDR, DR, CR, MCR, CFI, ASC and AC. However, CS, Si, Ksat, Cl, ASC and WDS which explained > 40% of the variability in Kfactor could be relied upon as indices of soil erodibility in the coastal plain sands in Akwa Ibom State.
Chemical composition of biscuits supplemented with orange peel and pulp flours
Authors: Nwosu A.N. , Nweze B.C. , Onwuchekwa A.I.
Published: June 2022

Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) fruits were washed, peeled manually, the juice was extracted using kitchen juice extractor and the seeds were removed. The peels were separated from the pulps and sliced into thin slices of about 2 cm thick, sun dried separately till constant weight was achieved. They were milled and sieved to obtain orange peel and orange pulp flours, respectively. The orange peel and pulp flours were used to substitute 10% wheat flour. Biscuits were produced from the flour blends and 100% wheat biscuit was produced and evaluated for chemical composition (proximate analysis, mineral and phytochemical compositions). The results showed that the orange pulp biscuit was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in moisture and fibre, while orange peel biscuit was higher in ash. The pulp and peel biscuits had lower levels in fat, protein, carbohydrate and energy content. There were no differences (p > 0.05) in mineral content of the orange peel and pulp biscuits, though higher values were recorded for calcium and sodium when compared to 100% wheat biscuit. The orange peel biscuit had higher (p < 0.05) levels of all the phytochemicals (saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, anthocyanins and carotenoids) assessed. Edible biscuits can be produced from blends of wheat and sweetorange peel and pulp flours which are sources of bioactive compounds that possess nutraceutical properties.
Characterization, classification, and suitability evaluation of some soils in the floodplains of River Niger, Kogi East, Nigeria for rice, maize, cassava, and oil palm production
Authors: Ukabiala M.E.
Published: June 2022

This study was conducted to characterize, classify and evaluate four soils along River Niger in Kogi East for rice, maize, cassava and oil palm production. The soils developed predominantly from alluvium. The soils were located in four communities namely Ejule-Ojebe, Shintaku, Bagana and Kpata all in the floodplains of River Niger in Kogi East. The soils were investigated using a free survey technique. Four pedons representing four soils located at different sites in the floodplain were studied. The environs and the profiles of the soils were described according to standard field procedures. Soil samples were then taken from genetic horizons for laboratory analysis. The soils were also characterized and classified according to Soil Taxonomy and the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB). The colour of the soils ranged from shades of brown to grey generally due to poor drainage. The soils also varied in depth and horizonation due to differences in profile development. Due to the relatively higher sand content of the soils, especially in the surface and subsurface horizons, the texture of the soils generally ranged from sand to clay loam. The pH (H2O) of the soils ranged from 4.8 to 7.3, strongly acidic to slightly alkaline, and tended to increase with depth. The soils containedmoderate amounts of organic carbon in the surface soils but lower levels in the lower horizons. Based on their properties, the soils were classified according to Soil Taxonomy as Alfisols (Ejule-Ojebe), Entisols (Shintaku), Inceptisols (Bagana) and Alfisols (Kpata) and according to WRB as Planosols, Arenosols, Gleysols and Planosols, respectively. The soils were found to be highly suitable for rice production but moderately suitable for maize, cassava and oil palm. Apart from rice cultivation, wetness of soil was found to be the major limiting factor for optimum rainfed cultivation of maize, cassava and oil palm.
Nodulation, dry matter accumulation and yields of soybean (glycine max L.) cultivars at varying plant spacing in a rainforest agro-ecology
Authors: Ewansiha S.U. , Oghenebrume K.E. , Aigbe U.D , Osaigbovo A.U.
Published: June 2022

Field trials were conducted during 2017 and 2018 late cropping seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, in the rainforest zone of Nigeria to evaluate soybean (Glycine max L. Merrill) cultivars for nodulation, dry matter accumulation and seed and fodder yields at varying plant spacings. The trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design with split-plot arrangement replicated four times. Four plant spacings (50 × 30 cm, 60 × 25 cm, 75 × 20 cm, and 100 × 15 cm) were evaluated on six soybean cultivars: TGX1835-10E and TGX1987-62F (early maturing), TGX1951-3F and TGX1955-4F (medium maturing) and TGX1448-2E and TGX1904-6F (late maturing). Results showed that varietal performance depended on plant spacing. TGX1904-6F nodulated best at plant spacing of 50 × 30 cm, TGX1835-10E at 60 × 25 cm, TGX1987-62F at 75 × 20 cm, TGX1448-2E at 75 × 20 cm, and TGX1951-3 at 100 × 15 cm. TGX1835-10E accumulated dry matter most at plant spacing of 60 × 25 cm and 75 × 20 cm, TGX1987-62 at 75 × 20 cm, TGX1951-3F at 60 × 25 cm, TGX1955-4F at 60 × 25 cm and 75 × 20 cm, TGX1904-6F at 50 × 30 cm, and TGX1448-2E at 60 × 25 cm and 75 × 20 cm. TGX1448-2E and TGX1904-6F had higher seed and fodder yields at plant spacing of 50 × 30 cm, TGX1951-3F and TGX1955-4F at 60 × 25 cm, and TGX1835-10E and TGX1987-62F at 75 × 20 cm, relative to other plant spacing. Therefore, for higher yields in rainforest agro-ecology, farmers should adopt the right cultivar-plant spacing combination for soybean.