bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
L’IDENTIFICATION DES SYMPTÔMES ET DES TROUBLES INTÉRIORISÉS CHEZ LES JEUNES CONTREVENANTS12
Authors: Morin Claudia , Laurier3 Catherine
Published: April 2021

Cet article présente les résultats d’une étude descriptive portant sur l’identification des symptômes et des troubles intériorisés chez les jeunes contrevenants. Cette recherche a été réalisée auprès de 22 jeunes contrevenants masculins âgés entre 14 et 18 ans pris en charge par un centre jeunesse. Dans un premier temps, les symptômes et les troubles intériorisés mentionnés au rapport prédécisionnel (RPD) des participants sont explorés. Ensuite, la concordance entre les symptômes et les troubles intériorisés inscrits dans leur RPD et ceux qui sont rapportés par les jeunes eux-mêmes est évaluée. Des pistes de recherche et d’intervention sont proposées en conclusion.
L’aide au développement en Haïti : des réponses paradoxales aux déséquilibres territoriaux
Authors: Providence Christophe
Published: April 2021

Cette étude cherche à expliquer les externalités locales générées par le système d’aide au développement territorial en Haïti. En prenant en compte les échelons territoriaux dans lesquels les projets sont réalisés, elle s’interroge sur les modes de répartition des flux financiers et humains par rapport aux besoins de développement exprimés par les populations locales. Deux phénomènes attirent alors l’attention : les acteurs locaux en interaction avec d’autres acteurs externes (1) et les externalités locales à partir de l’introduction des projets locaux dans les territoires (2). Nous proposons dans ce papier une analyse exploratoire des données géo-référencées qui consiste en un ensemble de techniques permettant de décrire et de visualiser les distributions spatiales des projets locaux. La prise en compte des externalités socioéconomiques dégagées par le système d’aide au développement renvoie au phénomène d’hétérogénéité spatiale qui caractérise les projets locaux. Les résultats de l’analyse montrent la réponse paradoxale de l’aide au développement qui ne fait qu’accroître la dépendance des acteurs locaux vis-à-vis des experts importés et renforcer les disparités territoriales.
What happens when forests fall?
Authors: Pascual Mercedes , Baeza Andres
Published: April 2021

Combining spatial and temporal data is helping researchers to understand how deforestation influences the risk of malaria.
A structural analysis of the hypoxia response network
Authors: Li Jianjie , Gao Yuqi , Yu Xuan
Published: April 2021

Background

The hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway is an important topic in high-altitude medicine. Network analysis is a novel method for integrating information on different aspects and levels of biological networks. However, this method has not been used in research on the HIF-1 signaling pathway network. To introduce this method into HIF-1-related research fields and verify its feasibility and effectiveness, we used a network analytical method to explore the structural attributes of the HIF-1 signaling pathway network.

Methods

First, we analyzed the overall network of the HIF-1 signaling pathway using information retrieved from the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). We performed topology analysis, centrality analysis, and subgroup analysis of the network. Then, we analyzed the core network based on the overall network analysis. We analyzed the properties of the topology, the bow-tie structure, and the structural complexity of the core network.

Results

We obtained topological structure diagrams and quantitative indicators of the overall and core networks of the HIF-1 signaling pathway. For the structure diagrams, we generated topology diagrams of the network and the bow-tie structure of the core network. As quantitative indicators, we identified topology, centrality, subgroups, the bow-tie structure, and structural complexity. The topology indicators were the number of nodes, the number of lines, the network diameter, and the network density. The centrality indicators were the degree, closeness, and betweenness. The cohesive subgroup indicator was the components of the network. The bow-tie structure indicators included the core, input, and tendril-like structures. The structural complexity indicators included a power-law fitting model and its scale parameter.

Conclusions

The core network could be extracted based on the subgroup analysis of the overall network of the HIF-1 signaling pathway. The critical elements of the network could be identified in the centrality analysis. The results of the study show the feasibility and effectiveness of the network analytical method used to explore the network properties of the HIF-1 signaling pathway and provide support for further research.
A Review of Methods and Techniques used to perform investigation cases of Source Code Forensics
Authors: Vishwakarma Pramatma , Suryal Akarshan , Maurya Priyanka , Sahu N. Jyotishmaan , Mani Datta Darla Vijaya
Published: April 2021

Digital Forensics is that special branch of forensic science that deals with electronic evidence. Evidence that is electronic in nature could be in several states. When the evidence in contention is a source code with its origin and authorship in question, such evidence comes under the sub-branch of Source Code or Software Forensics. This field has been found to be up and coming as frequent cases pertaining to IPR are being reported in India off late. This paper is a review of this discipline and talks about various tools and techniques that may be employed to process a case in this sub-branch. It discusses the various practical problems that are faced by an investigator in conducting such investigations along with the various shortcomings of the existent techniques. A few relevant and recent case studies along with their various considerations have also been discussed in this work.
Study of Prevalence of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms in Elderly Dementia Patients
Authors: Mahale Mohan , Behal Pradeep , Bewal Nitul M , Aggarwal Vivek , Singhal Anuj , Yadav Arun Kumar , Vasdev Vivek
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Prevalence of dementia is increasing with rapidly ageing population. Neuropsychiatric Symptoms (NPS) are common in certain types of dementia and increases with duration of dementia in Alzheimer’s disease and are causes significant psychosocial and management issues. Aim: To study the prevalence and type of NPS in patients of dementia presenting to a Tertiary Care Hospital and to find out the association between NPS and the type of dementia and to assess the association of the caregiver stress in this setting. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional observational study was conducted at Tertiary Care Government Hospital of Western Maharashtra. All patients with suspected dementia were initially screened by a Mini-Cog questionnaire and patients with a score of three or less were assessed with Hindi Mental Status Examination (HMSE). The inclusion criteria were patients with HMSE of less than or equal to 23. All the diagnosed patients with dementia were screened for common psychiatric symptoms using Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). The presence of NPS was noted based on either presenting complaint of the patient or as per the history given by the primary caregiver for these symptoms in last one month. These questions were administered in focused group discussion form to the primary caregiver by the physician. The data was collected and analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test with SSPS 20. Results: The most common neuropsychiatric manifestation was sleep and night-time behavioural disorder (51.5%). It was followed by depression (44%). Neuropsychiatric manifestations were much more common in demented patients of probable Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB) and dementia with B12 deficiency. More than 50% of the patients had two or more psychiatric symptoms. The most common psychiatric symptom in patients with probable Alzheimer’s disease was sleep and night-time disturbance in 54.9%. Common neuropsychiatric manifestations seen in DLB were visual hallucinations (100%), followed by irritability (88%). More than 90% of the caregivers were not aware of the psychiatric manifestations of dementia and did not know how to cope up with these symptoms. Conclusion: NPS were more common in patients with DLB dementia and dementia with B12 deficiency, with depression been more common symptom in patients with Parkinson’s related dementia. It is therefore, very important to look for NPS in all elderly patients which can help us to diagnose dementia earlier.
Diagnostic Efficacy of DNA Ploidy in Liquid Based Cervical Cytology using DNA Cytometry
Authors: Awasthi Namrata P , Mishra Sridhar , Anand Akanksha , Saxena Sarita , Husain Nuzhat
Published: April 2021

Worldwide cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women and high incidence is reported from India. Liquid Based Cytology (LBC) provides good morphology for detection of cellular abnormalities. We, therefore, reviewed diagnostic efficacy of conventional Pap staining, flow cytometry and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) testing in cervical pre cancer and cancer. Narrative review of cervical pre cancer and cancer candidate biomarkers including Pap staining, HPV and flow cytometry from cervical cytology fluids, is based on a detailed review of the literature. Based on the so far conducted studies, a promising conclusion can be drawn, that cytometry when coupled with HPV DNA typing or the conventional cytology gives better results as compared to that of conventional cytology or DNA cytometry alone. Liquid cytology provides a good and stable source of cervical cells to carry out ploidy studies using DNA cytometry. The procedure should be used in conjunction with LBC and HPV detection.
Does N-Carboxymethyl Lysine Serve as a Prognostic Biomarker of Diabetic Nephropathy?
Authors: Kondapi Kishore , Silambanan Santhi , Kumar Lakshmana , Moorthy Swathy
Published: April 2021

Introduction: The occurrence and progression of diabetic nephropathy to end stage disease mandates an early detection of kidney damage. Glycation and oxidation injury form an essential element in the evolution of diabetic complications both microvascular and macrovascular. Aim: To study the trends in the N-Carboxymethyl lysine levels in various stages of diabetic nephropathy and assess its efficacy as a prognostic marker for diabetic nephropathy. Materials and Methods: The study included 125 Type 2 diabetic individuals- 45 patients with normoalbuminuria, 40 patients having microalbuminuria and 40 with macroalbuminuria {based on the Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (ACR)}. Forty five non-diabetic healthy individuals were included as a control group. Serum N-carboxymethyl lysine quantification was done for all the study participants and compared and correlated with other parameters across various groups. Results: The fasting and postprandial sugar, glycosylated haemoglobin, triglycerides, duration of diabetes, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, Body Mass Index (BMI), all were strong risk factors for Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) progression which significantly correlated positively with microalbumin and urine ACR (uACR) and negatively with Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR). The serum N-carboxymethyl lysine was observed to be significantly increased as the ACR increased and in comparison to the controls, respectively (p-value <0.001). The GFR showed significant negative correlation with levels of serum N-carboxymethyl lysine whereas positively correlated with fasting and postprandial sugar, glycosylated haemoglobin, triglyceride levels, duration of diabetes, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, BMI, microalbumin and uACR. Conclusion: N-carboxymethyl lysine in serum can serve as an early marker for diabetic nephropathy and its progression and severity.
Role of Repeat Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumours after Primary Resection: A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Nazir Syed Sajjad , Akhtar Omar Salim , Baqal Faud Sadiq , Iqbal Tanveer , Rasool Shahnawaz , Mir Shabir Ahmed
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Bladder Cancer (BC) is the second most common cancer of the urinary tract. Initial treatment by Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour (TURBT) helps guide treatment. In High Grade (HG) and invasive cancers, improved staging is achieved by performing a repeat (rTURBT). Aim: To examine the outcome, residual disease, complications, outcomes and quality of procedure of repeat TURBTs at the study tertiary center. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted at the Department of Urology in Government Medical College, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India between October 2018 and December 2019. A total of 123 TURBT’s were performed during the study period, of which 34 were repeat TURBT’s. Case records were examined for each of these patients. Student t-test and Chi-square tests were used to compare data sets. Results: Data was complete for 30 out of 34 patients. There was residual disease in 12 (40%) patients. Upstaging was seen in 2/12 (17%) of patients, down-staging in 0/12, and same stage in 10/12 patients (83%). No disease was seen in 18/30 (60%) of patients. No major surgical complications occurred. In 12 patients of non-invasive, High Grade (HG) tumours, who underwent rTURBTs, 6 (50%) were found to have residual disease. Conclusion: rTURBTs should be performed in all patients with high-grade or T1 tumours. Further studies are required to analyse risk-factors for residual disease which may narrow the indications of rTURBT, thus saving time and costs, and reducing need for an additional procedure.
A Study of Correlation between Asthma Control Test and Lung Function Parameters
Authors: Yanamadala Rowhit , Suriyan N Subramanian , Nagesh Nalini Jayanthi , Manimohan Rathish
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Asthma control is the extent of observed asthma symptoms in patients and reduction in symptoms after treatment. Simple screening tools are available to assess asthma control. Asthma control test is a simple numerical scoring system that can be easily used on a routine basis. Latest Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) guidelines stress that asthma control is the main objective of asthma treatment. In this COVID-19 pandemic situation, there is an hesitancy in performing and undergoing pulmonary function tests among physicians and the patients. Hence, in this study it was planned to correlate the asthma control test values with FEV1 and other parameters like Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR), Absolute Eosinophil Count (AEC) and serum magnesium. Aim: To study the correlation between asthma control test and FEV1; to study the correlation between asthma control test and other parameters like PEFR, AEC and Serum magnesium. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional observational study done from February 2019 to January 2020 conducted at Department of Pulmonary Medicine. A total of 55 patients of Bronchial asthma in line with GINA Guidelines were included in the study. Asthma control test questionnaire was administered to all the patients. Routine blood investigations like Total Leucocyte Count (TLC), Differential Leucocyte Count (DLC), Absolute Eosinophil Count (AEC), serum magnesium levels were done. Pulmonary function parameters like FEV1 and PEFR were measured. Results: Asthma control test had positive correlation with FEV1 with a spearman’s correlation of 0.2758 and p-value of 0.0414 which was statistically significant. The spearman’s correlation between asthma control test and AEC was -0.4583 with a p-value of <0.001, which was significant. The correlation of asthma control test with serum magnesium was 0.3414 with a p-value of 0.010. Conclusion: Asthma control test score had a significant positive correlation with FEV1 and serum magnesium levels. It also had significant negative correlation with AEC (inflammatory marker). Hence, asthma control test can be used as tool for treatment response in the current COVID-19 pandemic situation and also in resource limited settings.
Clinical and Microbiological Profile of Tracheal Aspirates in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Shashikala N , Shankar Mythri , Madhura NS , Mythri KM , Kowsalya R
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a chronic inflammatory state, which inturn suppresses the immune system. CKD patients are hence at more risk for nosocomial infections. Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) is one of the major nosocomial infections. If not treated early and appropriately, it increases hospital stay and expenses in turn increasing morbidity and mortality. In recent times, due to irrational and rampant use of antibiotics, there is an emergence of multidrug resistant strains of organisms which are difficult to treat. Aim: To study the clinical and microbiological profile of tracheal aspirate samples in CKD patients. Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective cross sectional study conducted in the renal Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Tertiary Care Centre, Institute of Nephrourology, Bengaluru over a period of two years from July 2018 to July 2020. Clinical and demographic data of patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria was recorded. Tracheal aspirates were obtained by convenient sampling technique. The samples were cultured on Blood Agar (BA), chocolate agar, MacConkey agar and Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar (SDA). Antibiotic sensitivity profiling was done by using Mueller Hinton agar. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package For The Social Sciences (SPSS) V23.0 software. Results: Sixty-nine samples were analysed over a period of two years. Males (66.66%) were in majority. Diabetes Mellitus (64%) was the most common associated risk factor. Among the total samples obtained, around 70% showed bacterial growth. Gram negative bacteria (92.4%) were the most commonly isolated microorganism. Among the Gram-negative bacteria, Acinetobacter baumanni (45.3%) was the most common followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae. Majority of the gram negative organisms were sensitive to Polymyxin B, colistin, tigecycline. Acinetobacter and Klebsiella showed resistance to 3rd generation cephalosporins, aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones. Conclusion: There is emergence of extremely drug resistant gram negative organisms as the cause for VAP. They are dangerous and difficult to treat. They thus increase the hospital expenses by prolonging the hospital stay. Hence, the need of the hour is to formulate an appropriate antibiotic policy based on the population being treated and to follow strict infection control practices in ICU setup.
An Association of Fasting C-Peptide Levels and Vascular Complications in Chronic Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Thippeswamy T , Nithin Nirmal , Chikkegowda Prathima
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Numerous biochemical markers are being used in clinical practice for the prediction and prognostication of vascular complications among non diabetic individuals. Of late, fasting C-peptide levels is being investigated for its possible role in the prediction and protection of vascular complications of diabetes. It is also being explored for its protective role in prevention of vascular complications among patients with diabetes mellitus. Aim: The present study was undertaken with an objective to assess the strength of association of fasting C-peptide levels in the development of microvascular and macrovascular complications. Materials and Methods: An observational cross-sectional study involving 100 subjects with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM) having an objective evidence of vascular complications were included into the study. The study period was 18 months from October 2017 to September 2019. After an overnight fasting of atleast 12 hours, C-peptide level estimation was done by Electro-Chemiluminescence Assay (ECLA) method. Results: The overall mean fasting C-peptide level among subjects with microvascular complications (0.73±0.55 ng/mL) was significantly decreased compared with subjects having macrovascular complications (2.44±0.72 ng/mL, with p-value being <0.001). Among microvascular complications, the mean fasting C-peptide level was least in subjects with diabetic retinopathy (0.64±0.35 ng/mL). Among patients with macrovascular complications, preserved C-peptide levels were observed in subjects with ischemic heart disease (2.35±0.75 ng/mL). Conclusion: Fasting serum C-peptide levels are significantly reduced among subjects with chronic T2DM having microvascular complications when compared to macrovascular complications. Also, with preserved serum levels, fasting C-peptide might have a protective role in the prevention of macrovascular complications among subjects with diabetes mellitus.
Sensitivity and Features of Computed Tomography in Diagnosis of COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Gareeballah Awadia , Gameraddin Moawia , Alshoabi Sultan Abdulwadoud , Bushara Lubna , Abdelaziz Ikhlas , Elnour Hanan
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Early diagnosis of COVID-19 is important for disease treatment and management. Computed Tomography (CT) is a fast and easy modality for diagnosis and management plan of patients with COVID-19. In the literature, several studies were done to assess the sensitivity of CT for diagnosis of COVID-19 infection in comparison to Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Some studies stated that CT was more sensitive diagnostic modality for COVID-19 than RT-PCR. However, the sensitivity of CT for COVID-19 varies in these studies. Aim: This literature review and meta-analysis was designed to determine the CT features of COVID-19 pneumonia, to verify the pooled sensitivity of CT for the diagnosis of COVID-19 and to review the different reasons (e.g., the disease stage or severity and the negative or positive RT-PCR results) for the variations in CT sensitivity. Materials and Methods: This review analysed 31 articles selected from the Europe BMC, PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus databases. Participant gender mean and median age, CT features of COVID-19 pneumonia were sought for and reviewed. The data was analysed using Microsoft excel version 10 and OpenMeta (Analyst) software (http://www.cebm.brown.edu/openmeta/) to verify the pooled sensitivity of CT in detection and diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia using meta-analyses forest plot, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve, cumulative meta-analyses forest plot and leave one forest plot. Results: The most common CT findings of COVID-19 pneumonia were bilateral lung involvement, Ground Glass Opacity (GGO), and consolidation, and Crazy-paving pattern. The CT finding is more prominent in symptomatic and severe cases than in a symptomatic and mild cases specifically the presence of consolidation and peripherals lesion distribution. The pooled sensitivity of CT is 90% in diagnosis and detection of COVID-19 pneumonia (ranged 60-100%). Conclusion: Combination of CT chest and laboratory tests along with clinical manifestation and epidemiological features should be considered to confirm the final diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia.
Short Term Outcome of Children with Antenatally Diagnosed Heart Disease: A Retrospective Single Centre Study
Authors: Bhatt Dheeraj Deo , Kumar Dinesh
Published: April 2021

Introduction: The aim of foetal echocardiography is to improve the outcome of foetuses with congenital heart diseases. Impact of foetal echocardiography on the foetuses with antenatally diagnosed heart disease is less studied in public sector hospitals in India. Aim: To evaluate the short term outcome of infants born with antenatally diagnosed heart disease. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted from April 2016 to June 2019 in a tertiary care public hospital in Northern India. Data was tabulated as mean, frequency and percentages, analysis were done in Microsoft excel 2013. Study included total of 1013 patients who underwent foetal echocardiography during the study period. Results: Heart disease was found in 59 patients after excluding five cases of ductal constriction. Referral for foetal echocardiography was frequently late. Among the group with abnormal foetal echocardiography, the mean gestational age at the time of diagnosis was 28.4 weeks. Follow-up data was available for 45 patients. A 24.4% (11/45) of those diagnosed with heart disease did not survive till term. 50% (17/34) of those born died before three months of age. Only two neonates underwent surgery before three months of age. Overall, 62.2% did not survive beyond three months of age. Conclusion: It was found that referrals for foetal echocardiography in setting were frequently late. Despite antenatal diagnosis the outcome for foetuses with heart disease was less than optimal. This reflects both the complexity of heart disease as well as lack of paediatric cardiac care to young infants in the setting. Access to high quality cardiac care for infants and neonates are essential for foetal echocardiography to have a meaningful impact on foetuses with heart disease.
Tear Film Changes in Type II Diabetes Mellitus with and without Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Sethia Rajni , Patel Jeet , Pothuri Nirathya Anisha , Shah Shail , Mehta Jay , Vora Jainam
Published: April 2021

Introduction: With the substantial progress in understanding of the ocular surface system in the past decade, Dry Eye Disease (DED) is the more commonly encountered condition in diabetes. Diabetes and DED have a common association. Aim: To estimate the prevalence of dry eye in diabetic patient and tear film changes with Diabetic Retinopathy (DR). Materials and Methods: It was an observational cross-sectional study, in which 103 type II diabetic patients attending the Department of Ophthalmology in a Tertiary Care Hospital were enrolled, out of which 43 patients had DR and 60 patients had no DR. Dry eye evaluation was done using Ocular Surface Disease Indexing (OSDI) questionnaire and was confirmed objectively using Schirmer’s I and II test and Tear film Break Up Time (TBUT). Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used for statistical analysis of this study data. All quantitative data were analysed by using parametric test whereas all qualitative data were analysed by using non-parametric test to find significance level and the p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: In present study, 68 among 103 diabetics patients had DED with the prevalence of 66% based on OSDI scoring. Out of the 43 patients with DR and 60 without DR, DED was encountered in 38 and 30 patients, respectively. DED status was not influenced by gender, age and duration of diabetes. An increase in DED was seen with higher HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin) values but was not significant. DED in DR group yielded a significant association with OSDI (p=0.002), Schirmer’s I and II (p=0.001) and TBUT (p=0.046). Conclusion: On the basis of present study, it can be stated that the prevalence of dry eye was more in DR patients in comparison to those without retinopathy. Therefore, all diabetic patients should be screened for dry eye, in order to diagnose and treat it at the earliest.
Patient and Family Caregiver Experience with a Collaborative Care Pilot Project to Support Seniors Managing Multi-Morbidity in a Primary Care Setting
Authors: Martel Sara , Dowedoff Penny , Marcinow Michelle , Arora Reenu , Kerr Jason , Shulman Richard , Mansfield Elizabeth
Published: April 2021

This study reports findings from an evaluation of a 3-year collaborative care pilot project implemented in a Canadian primary care setting to assess and treat seniors (age ≥ 65) living at home with a chronic physical illness and co-morbid depressed mood or anxiety. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with seniors and family caregivers who had participated in the project (n = 14). Descriptive qualitative analysis revealed the significance of the care manager’s role in offering social and emotional connection and non-stigmatizing support to seniors living at home and self-managing their physical and mental health.
Assessment of the Impact of Sawmill Waste on the Environment
Authors: Stanley H. O. , Nnamdi J. A. , Onwukwe C. D.
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of sawmill wastes from selected sawmills in Port Harcourt on the environment. The physicochemical and microbiological features of the air at the sawmill sites were determined using air quality analyzer and settling plate technique respectively. Soil samples were analyzed for their physicochemical and microbiological properties. The study showed that of all the parameters monitored in the air samples at all the sampling sites, only noise level, volatile organic compounds and sulphur (IV) oxide exceeded the Federal Ministry of Environment limits. Results for microbiological analysis of air samples revealed that Total Heterotrophic Bacterial Counts (THBC) ranged from 2.5 x 104 (CFU/m3) to 1.3 x 104 (CFU/m3) while Total Fungal Counts (TFC) ranged between 1.7 x 104 (CFU/m3) and 7.7 x 103 (CFU/m3). The bacteria present in the air samples were identified as species of Staphylococcus, Micrococcus, Klebsiella, Serratia, Pseudomonas, Providencia and Bacillus while the fungi were identified as species of Penicillium, Aspergillus, Geotrichum, Cryptococcus, Rhizopus and Mucor. Results for microbiological analysis of soil samples revealed that THBC ranged from 2.06 x 106 (CFU/g) to 1.1 x 106 (CFU/g) while TFC ranged between 35 (CFU/g) and 1.4 x 102 (CFU/g). The bacterial isolates from the soil were identified as species of Pseudomonas, Salmonella, Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Serratia and Aeromonas while the fungal isolates were identified as species of Penicillium, Aspergillus, Mucor and candida. The soil physicochemical properties monitored (pH, nitrate, lead, copper arsenic and mercury) where all within normal limits. The study showed that there are inhalable chemical and biological agents in the air at sawmills at the study locations. Measures should be put in place at sawmills to prevent occupational exposure and the waste should be properly managed.
Changing Patterns of Temperature in Yobe State, North-Eastern Nigeria: An Evidence of Climate Change
Authors: Kehinde O. Musa , Lawan Bulama , Umar A. Ahmad
Published: April 2021

Air temperature is one of the fundamental indicators of Climate Change in any place on earth. Understanding the changing patterns of air temperature in Yobe State is instrumental in establishing the manifestation of Climate Change in the area and to enables the policy makers to design the best mechanisms to cope with the vagaries of increasing temperature. This study examined the changing patterns of temperature in Yobe State as an evidence of Climate Change. The study used mean monthly minimum and maximum air temperature data collected from the archives of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) with respect to Nguru and Potiskum weather stations in the State for a period of 1956-2015. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, linear regression trend lines and coefficient of variation (C.V). The result showed that April is the hottest month with the highest mean maximum temperatures of 39.6°C and 38.6°C in Nguru and Potiskum respectively while January is the coldest month with mean temperatures of 30.5°C and 30.8°C for Nguru and Potiskum respectively. Further finding revealed that temperatures are highly variable in February in both Nguru and Potiskum with C.V of 8.7% and 5.7% and less variable in October with C.V of 2.0%. Finding showed that in general term, there were upward trends in monthly and annual positive temperature anomalies ranging from 0.2°C to as high as 4.0°C in some months and years in the state. The study concludes that temperatures in Yobe State have witnessed series of changes within the 60 years period. Therefore, it is suggested that stakeholders in the Yobe State Environmental Protection Agency should intensify efforts in reducing deforestation while encouraging people on afforestation with a view to reducing the impact of Greenhouse gases that are contributing to more warming than normal. There should be adequate electricity and water supply for immediate relieve from excessive heat emanating from high temperature.
Response of Rootstock Planting, Scion Type and Time of Grafting on Grafting Success and Subsequent Growth of Walnut Plants
Authors: Bhat Rifat , Kosser Saffina , Sharma M. K. , Hussain Sharbat , Malik Raouf
Published: April 2021

This was carried out in the Experimental Farm, of Division of Fruit Science, SKUAST-K- Shalimar during the years 2017 and 2018. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications having 15 plants per replication. In this study rootstock were planted at three different timings (2nd fortnight of November, 2nd fortnight of December, 2017 and 2nd fortnight of January, 2018) and were grafted with two different scion types (Middle portion of current season growth with 3-5 buds and Current season growth (3-5buds) with small piece of 2- year old-wood) on two different dates (3rd week of February and 1st week of March, 2018) under polyhouse conditions. The results obtained indicated that initial graft success (75%), leaf area (350 cm2), leaf number (11.4), scion girth (4.8 cm), shoot length (21.8 cm), final plant height (132.9 cm) and final graft success (69%) were significantly better when rootstocks were planted during 2nd fortnight of November as compared to other timings of rootstock planting. Among two different scions viz., (Middle portion of current season growth with 3-5buds) and (Current season growth (3-5buds) with small piece of 2-year old wood), initial graft success (63%), leaf area (309.9 cm2), leaf number (12.9), scion girth (4.3 cm) and shoot length (19.3 cm), final plant height (119.8 cm) and final graft success (58%) were observed better with scion type having middle portion of current season growth with 3-5 buds. Time of grafting significantly influenced all the recorded parameters and best results were obtained when grafting was performed during 3rd week of February as compared to 1st week of March.
Varietal Performance of Anthurium (Anthurium andreanum) on Growth and Flowering in the Subtropical Zone of West Bengal
Authors: Chowdhuri Tapas Kumar , Sadhukhan Raghunath , Ghosh Tushar
Published: April 2021

An investigation was conducted to evaluate genotypes of Anthurium by maintaining in the pot at Horticultural Research Station, Mondouri, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal during three consecutive years 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18. The experiment was laid out in Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with fourteen anthurium cultivars and replicated thrice. Significant differences were found between all the parameters studied. From the pooled data of three years, it was observed that Tropical Red, Agnihotri and Marina recorded better suckering ability. The highest plant height was recorded in Tropical (42.4 cm) closely followed by KalingPong Pink (41.2 cm) and Nitta (39.8 cm). A maximum number of flowers plant-1 year-1 was noticed in Tropical (8.3) and lowest in Alexis (2.1). Ozaki Red recorded the largest flower (9.5 x 7.6 sq. cm), which was followed by Tropical (9.02 x 8.6 sq. cm), Tinora (8.9 x 7.3 sq. cm), and Alexis (8.9 x 8.6 sq. cm). The longest flower spike length was observed in Agnihotri (38.2 cm) followed by Tropical. Spike extended maximum vase life in Pistache (10.1 days) closely followed by Tropical (9.9 days). Overall, among the fourteen cultivars, Tropical was the best cultivar regarding both yield and quality flower production for commercial cultivation in the sub-tropical conditions of West Bengal.
Analysis of Deaths Occurred in Households during the Pandemic by COVID-19 in a Brazilian Amazon Region: An Epidemiological Approach
Authors: Ferreira Ana Lúcia da Silva , Sardinha Daniele Melo , Rodrigues Phelipe da Silva , Veras Adriana Pimentel , Guimarães Ricardo José de Paula Souza e , Lima Luana Nepomuceno Gondim Costa , Conceição Emilyn Costa , Júnior Paulo Cerqueira dos Santos , Marques Glauber Tadaiesky , Lobato Diana da Costa , Lima Karla Valéria Batista
Published: April 2021

In the absence of an analysis of deaths at home from an epidemiological perspective, this study aims to analyze and describe the epidemiological profile of deaths at home assessed by the Death Ceremony Service (DCS) during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in the metropolitan region of the Brazilian Amazon, Belém do Pará. A descriptive, quantitative, secondary-based study based on the databases of the Mortality Information System (SIM), referring to the deaths that occurred from March 1 to March 27 June 2020. The variables worked were related to the profile and the causes in the death certificate. The causes of home deaths in 2019 were used to compare with 2020. In the indicated period, 1,203 deaths occurred, an increase of 454% in relation to 2019. The male gender (57.30%), the age group of 60+ (80.80%) and brown race (77.70%) were the most frequent. The main cause of death Acute myocardial infarction (15.05%) followed by COVID-19 (10.29%). During the pandemic, the majority of home deaths were not directly caused by COVID-19, however, they were influenced by it due to the need for social isolation, with the impossibility of obtaining the proper diagnosis or proper treatment, due to the impossibility of on-site care or lack of immediate response.
Ramadan Fasting and Intracerebral Hematoma: Incidence and Outcomes
Authors: Eltoukhy Khaled , Mustafa Wessam , Elgendy Nadia , Egila Hossam
Published: April 2021

Background and Objectives: Fasting over a prescribed period of time is a common religious tradition practiced by several prominent faiths in the world. It is also currently regaining interest as a medical practice, both as preventive and as therapy and/or simple choice of lifestyle. For the first time, we evaluate how Ramadan (an Islamic month) fasting can influence the incidence of intracerebral hematoma and its outcome.

Methods: 69 patients with primary intracerebral hemorrhage enrolled in this study, 32 patients were enrolled during Ramadan (18 patients were fasting, 14 patients were not fasting) and 37 patients were enrolled one month later (Shawal) which is not a mandatory fasting month among Muslims. All patients were admitted to Neurology department, Mansoura university hospital. The clinical characteristics and mortality during hospital admission were noticed. They were all assessed using routine lab, CT brain, “National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale” (NIHSS) and “Modified Rankin Scale” (mRS).

Results: About 22 percentage of fasting patients with intracerebral hematoma died, 28.6% non-fasting patients died and 20.5% of patients died in the month after Ramadan without significant difference among the three groups (ρ>0.05). Also regarding NIHSS, hematoma expansion and mRS, there was no statistically significant difference among the three groups (ρ>0.05).

Conclusion: Ramadan fasting showed neither protective effect nor worsening as regard incidence or bad impact on patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage.
Bio-fuel Production Potentials of Jatropha, Produced by Combined Application of Rice Husk Dust and NPK in Southeastern Nigeria
Authors: Donatus E. O. Azu , Essien B. A. , Ijearu S. I. , Nweke P. E.
Published: April 2021

In this study, we investigated the fruit, seed yield and biofuel production potentials of Jatropha curcas in soils fertilized with different rates of rice husk dust (RHD) and NPK 10:10:10. This study took place at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Technology, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana from April 2020 to March 2021. Treatments comprised of six rates (0, 1,2,3,4 and 5 ton ha-1) each of RHD and NPK, arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in a factorial pattern. Nursery Jatropha seedling of average heights of about 30 cm and 5-6 true leaves were transplanted to the field a month after treatment application. Our measurement between 10 to 12 months of Jatropha growth focused on the number of fruits, weight of fruits, number of seeds, weight of seeds and quantity of oil per plant. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Least Significant Difference (LSD) tools were used to analyze the obtained data and separated the significant means respectively. The relationship between yield parameters and selected soil chemical properties was determined using correlation analysis. Results indicated that relative to control, addition of RHD and NPK as lone and combined treatments increased the fruit, seed yield and oil quantity of Jatropha. Relative to control, fruit number increased by 72.80%, fruit weight by 79.81% and number of seeds by 80.73%. Similarly, the seed weight and oil content increased by 28.11% and 21.485 respectively. Organic matter, available phosphorus and total nitrogen had highly significant correlation with fruit, seed yield and oil quantity. Treatments combination of 5tonha-1 RHD and 5tonha-1 relatively gave the most appreciable result in fruit, seed yield and oil quantity and therefore recommended.
Experimental Determination and Modeling of Desorption Isotherms of the Tomato "Lycopersicum esculentum"
Authors: Lankouande Roland , Nana G. Gilbert , Ouedraogo Souleymane , Palm Kalifa , Ouattara Frédéric , Kam Sié
Published: April 2021

The aim of this work is to make a contribution to the drying of tomatoes. The purpose of this contribution is the experimental determination of the desorption isotherms of a variety of tomato (one of the most widespread on the Burkinabe market place) using the static gravimetric method at temperatures of 25°C, 40°C and 50°C. It is more specifically a question of validating a theoretical model based on these experimental studies.

Sorption isotherms allow us to have information to establish the stability of food products and their storage conditions.

These isotherms are curves which give valuable information on the hygroscopic balance of a product because they allow to know its range of stability after drying by determining the final water content.
Obesity Associated Hypertension in University Staff at SMBBMU Larkana, Pakistan
Authors: Shahani Muhammad Parial , Humayun Arsalan , Shaikh Zahid , Siddiqui Ilyas , Khoso Mir Hassan , Naz Saba , Siyal Fahad Jibran , Unar Khalida , Unar Ayaz Ali , Saleem Raheela , Advani Rahul Sagar , Shaikh Saeed Ahmed
Published: April 2021

Objectives: To determine the association of obesity and hypertension among the faculty members of ShaheedMohtarma Benazir Bhutto University Larkana.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 340 subjects from SMBB Medical University. A self-administered questionnaire, mercury sphygmomanometer, stethoscope, weighing and height  scales were the research instruments, data was entered and analyzed using the statistical program for social sciences SPSS version 19.

Results: A 340 subjects were included in the study. There were 123 (36.2%) female and 217    (63.8%) male participants, Prevalence of hypertension in the sample was 31.5% (27.6% in females and 33.6% in males) Hypertension was more comparatively more prevalent in overweight group (39.3%) and obese group (32.5%).

Conclusion: Obesity is an important public health challenge in the study setting and its highly associated with HTN. Prevalence of Obesity and hypertension among university teachers was observed significantly higher compared to the general population. Measures to prevent the obesity and hypertension are strongly recommended.
Clinicohematological Study of Different Patterns of Anemia in Infancy and Childhood
Authors: Nilofer F. K. K. Jasima , Lilly Rajalakshmi V. Mary
Published: April 2021

Objectives: Pediatric anemia is one of the major health problems in India and in many parts of the world, as it results in reduced exercise tolerance, slower rate of growth, impaired development and cognition, and delayed wound healing. Anemic children are also at a higher risk of death due to complications associated with malnutrition and infection.

Aim: To evaluate the clinical features and the basic hematological parameters of anemia in                infants and children, in the age group of 6 months to 14 years. To study the morphological        patterns of different types of anemia on peripheral smear & correlate the corresponding clinical presentation.

Methodology: The study was conducted on 100 patients between the age group of 6 months to 14 years in the pediatric ward of Sree Balaji Medical College & Hospital, Chennai. The hematological analysis was made by using automated analyser (Sysmex KX-21 autoanalyser). The complete haemogram was done from Peripheral smears for each participant. The reticulocyte count was done by the supravital staining technique using Brilliant crystal blue. The experiments were done in triplicates and statistical analysed were performed by using Graphpad Prism (Ver.5).

Results: The present study showed that anemia was more prevalent among male children than female counterparts and pre- school children were severely affected. The commonest presenting condition was acute gastroenteritis followed by respiratory symptoms. The most common morphological type was microcytic hypochronic anemia and iron deficiency anemia was the most common etiological type.

Conclusion: Pediatric anemia is quiet common due to the fact that children are the most vulnerable population for anemia to occur. This compels prompt screening and diagnosis at an early stage through necessary investigations & utilization of available advanced technical modalities in order to initiate timely treatment and management.
Microbiology and Heavy Metal Content of Wetlands Impacted by Crude Oil Pollution in Rivers State, Southern Nigeria
Authors: Chibuike Mebom Princess , Ogbonna N. David , Olufunmilayo Williams Janet
Published: April 2021

Wetland soils constitute vast, under-exploited and sometimes undiscovered ecologies in many countries of the World, including Nigeria. A total of 54 wetland soil samples including surface and subsurface soil at depths of 0-15 cm and 15-30 cm were collected using a sterile hand auger for a period of three months between August and October and subjected to standard and analytical microbiological procedures. The wetland soil samples were further subjected to atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) to check for presence and concentration of heavy metals. Results obtained showed that apart from heterotrophic bacterial and fungal counts, hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria (HUB) counts were higher in the surface soil ranging from 12.06±3.43bX107 cfu/g at Iwofe to 6.19±2.67aX107 cfu/g at Chokocho while subsurface soil had HUB ranging from 8.91±6.67aX103 cfu/g at Eagle Island to 4.93±3.95aX103cfu/g at Chokocho. Heavy metals such as Fe, Pb, Cd and Ni were recorded in concentrations above FEPA permissible limit in the surface and subsurface soil across the three wetlands. The heavy metal concentration in each wetland however, decreased with an increase in soil depth. According to literatures, elevated levels of heavy metals in soils decrease microbial population, diversity and activities. However, the microbial population in this study increased with increasing heavy metal concentration which indicates that the microbes can tolerate or utilize heavy metals in their systems; as such can be used for bioremediation of heavy metal polluted soils.