bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Routine deworming during antenatal care decreases risk of neonatal mortality and low birthweight: A retrospective cohort of survey data
Authors: Walia Bhavneet , Kmush Brittany L. , Lane Sandra D. , Endy Timothy , Montresor Antonio , Larsen David A.
Published: April 2021

Background

Soil transmitted helminths (STH) are a common infection among pregnant women in areas with poor access to sanitation. Deworming medications are cheap and safe; however, the health benefit of deworming during pregnancy is not clear.

Methods / Principal findings

We created a retrospective cohort of more than 800,000 births from 95 Demographic and Health Survey datasets to estimate the impact of deworming medicine during routine antenatal care (ANC) on neonatal mortality and low birthweight. We first matched births on the probability of receiving deworming during ANC. We then modeled the birth outcomes with the matched group as a random intercept to estimate the effect of deworming during antenatal care after accounting for various risk factors. We also tested for effect modification of soil transmitted helminth prevalence on the impact of deworming during ANC. Receipt of deworming medication during ANC was associated with a 14% reduction in the risk of neonatal mortality (95% confidence interval = 10–17%, n = 797,772 births), with no difference between high and low transmission countries. In low transmission countries, we found an 11% reduction in the odds of low birth weight (95% confidence interval = 8–13%) for women receiving deworming medicine, and in high transmission countries, we found a 2% reduction in the odds of low birthweight (95% confidence interval = 0–5%).

Conclusions / Significance

These results suggest a substantial health benefit for deworming during ANC that may be even greater in countries with low STH transmission.
Immunization by exposure to live virus (SIVmne/HIV-2287) during antiretroviral drug prophylaxis may reduce risk of subsequent viral challenge
Authors: Frenkel Lisa M. , Kuller LaRene , Beck Ingrid A. , Tsai Che-Chung , Joy Jaimy P. , Mulvania Thera M. , Hu Shiu-Lok , Montefiori David C. , Anderson David M.
Published: April 2021

Rationale/Study design

A major challenge in the development of HIV vaccines is finding immunogens that elicit protection against a broad range of viral strains. Immunity to a narrow range of viral strains may protect infants of HIV-infected women or partners discordant for HIV. We hypothesized that immunization to the relevant viral variants could be achieved by exposure to infectious virus during prophylaxis with antiretroviral drugs. To explore this approach in an animal model, macaques were exposed to live virus (SIVmneor HIV-2287) during prophylaxis with parenteral tenofovir and humoral and cellular immune responses were quantified. Subsequently, experimental animals were challenged with homologous virus to evaluate protection from infection, and if infection occurred, the course of disease was compared to control animals. Experimental animals uninfected with SIVmnewere challenged with heterologous HIV-2287to assess resistance to retroviral infection.

Methodology/Principal findings

Juvenile femaleMacaca nemestrina(N = 8) were given ten weekly intravaginal exposures with either moderately (SIVmne) or highly (HIV-2287) pathogenic virus during tenofovir prophylaxis. Tenofovir protected all 8 experimental animals from infection, while all untreated control animals became infected. Specific non-neutralizing antibodies were elicited in blood and vaginal secretions of experimental animals, but no ELISPOT responses were detected. Six weeks following the cessation of tenofovir, intravaginal challenge with homologous virus infected 2/4 (50%) of the SIVmne-immunized animals and 4/4 (100%) of the HIV-2287-immunized animals. The two SIVmne-infected and 3 (75%) HIV-2287-infected had attenuated disease, suggesting partial protection.

Conclusions/Significance

Repeated exposure to SIVmneor HIV-2287, during antiretroviral prophylaxis that blocked infection, induced binding antibodies in the blood and mucosa, but not neutralizing antibodies or specific cellular immune responses. Studies to determine whether antibodies are similarly induced in breastfeeding infants and sexual partners discordant for HIV infection and receiving pre-exposure antiretroviral prophylaxis are warranted, including whether these antibodies appear to confer partial or complete protection from infection.
Comprehensive analysis of male-free reproduction in Monomorium triviale (Formicidae: Myrmicinae)
Authors: Idogawa Naoto , Sasaki Tomonori , Tsuji Kazuki , Dobata Shigeto
Published: April 2021

We report comprehensive evidence for obligatory thelytokous parthenogenesis in an ant Monomorium triviale. This species is characterized by distinct queen–worker dimorphism with strict reproductive division of labor: queens produce both workers and new queens without mating, whereas workers are completely sterile. We collected 333 nests of this species from 14 localities and three laboratory-reared populations in Japan. All wild queens dissected had no sperm in their spermathecae. Laboratory observation confirmed that virgin queens produced workers without mating. Furthermore, microsatellite genotyping showed identical heterozygous genotypes between mothers and their respective daughters, suggesting an extremely low probability of sexual reproduction. Microbial analysis detected no bacterial genera that are known to induce thelytokous parthenogenesis in Hymenoptera. Finally, the lack of variation in partial sequences of mitochondrial DNA among individuals sampled from across Japan suggests recent rapid spread or selective sweep. M. triviale would be a promising model system of superorganism-like adaptation through comparative analysis with well-studied sexual congeners, including the pharaoh ant M. pharaonis.
Genome-wide association study of antipsychotic-induced sinus bradycardia in Chinese schizophrenia patients
Authors: Weng Saizheng , Wang Bo , Li Mo , Chao Shan , Lin Ruiqian , Zheng Rongyan , Yu Yinliang , Guo Shaonan , Lin Xianhao
Published: April 2021

Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) play a critical role in current treatment of schizophrenia (SCZ). It has been observed that sinus bradycardia, rare but in certain situations life threatening adverse drug reaction, can be induced by SGAs across different schizophrenia populations. However, the roles of genetic factors in this phenomenon have not been studied yet. In the present study, a genome-wide association study of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was performed on Chinese Han SCZ patients to identify susceptibility loci that were associated with sinus bradycardia induced by SGAs. This study applied microarray to obtain genotype profiles of 88 Han Chinese SCZ patients. Our results found that there were no SNPs had genome-wide significant association with sinus bradycardia induced by SGAs. The top GWAS hit located in gene KIAA0247, which mainly regulated by the tumor suppressor P53 and thus plays a role in carcinogenesis based on resent research and it should not be a susceptibility locus to sinus bradycardia induced by SGAs. Using gene-set functional analysis, we tested that if top 500 SNPs mapped genes were relevant to sinus bradycardia. The result of gene prioritization analysis showed CTNNA3 was strongly correlated with sinus bradycardia, hinting it was a susceptibility gene of this ADR. Our study provides a preliminary study of genetic variants associated with sinus bradycardia induced by SGAs in Han Chinese SCZ patients. The discovery of a possible susceptibility gene shed light on further study of this adverse drug reaction in Han Chinese SCZ patients.
Two centuries of forest succession, and 30 years of vegetation changes in permanent plots in an inland sand dune area, The Netherlands
Authors: Prach Karel , Ujházy Karol , Knopp Vlastimil , Fanta Josef
Published: April 2021

There are not many sites in densely populated temperate Europe where primary forest succession has a chance to run without direct human intervention for a long time and over a relatively large area. The extensive drift sand area of the Veluwe, central Netherlands, provided an opportunity to study succession in a formerly open and dynamic inland sand dune system combining chronosequence and permanent plot approaches. Different successional stages, aged up to 205 years since the first tree individuals established, were identified and vegetation studied using 1200 permanent plots established in 1988 in three adjacent sand dune complexes of different successional age, and resampled during the past three decades. After two centuries, forest succession has proceeded to a pine forest with gradually increasing participation of native deciduous trees. However, their expansion has been arrested by browsing of wild ungulates. Species diversity peaked after about 40 years of forest succession, then declined, and increased again after 100 years. During the past three decades, the herb layer has differentiated in the oldest plots, and the spontaneous forest succession is still in progress. Besides open drift sand with early successional stages, also the spontaneously established late successional forests are valuable from the conservation point of view.
High burden of tuberculosis infection and disease among people receiving medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorder in Tanzania
Authors: Minja Lilian Tina , Hella Jerry , Mbwambo Jessie , Nyandindi Cassian , Omary Ubuguyu Said , Levira Francis , Mpagama Stellah , Shimwela Meshack , Okuma James , Gagneux Sebastien , Bruce R. Douglas , Reither Klaus
Published: April 2021

Objective

To determine the prevalence of tuberculosis (TB) disease and infection as well as incident TB disease among people who use drugs (PWUD) attending Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) clinics in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, a total of 901 consenting participants were enrolled from November 2016 to February 2017 and a structured questionnaire administered to them through the open data kit application on android tablets. Twenty-two months later, we revisited the MAT clinics and reviewed 823 of the 901 enrolled participant’s medical records in search for documentation on TB disease diagnosis and treatment. Medical records reviewed included those of participants whom at enrolment were asymptomatic, not on TB disease treatment, not on TB preventive therapy and those who had a documented tuberculin skin test (TST) result.

Results

Of the 823 medical records reviewed 22 months after enrolment, 42 had documentation of being diagnosed with TB disease and initiated on TB treatment. This is equivalent to a TB disease incidence rate of 2,925.2 patients per 100,000 person years with a total follow up time of 1,440 person-years. At enrolment the prevalence of TB disease and TB infection was 2.6% and 54% respectively and the HIV prevalence was 44% and 16% among females and males respectively.

Conclusion

PWUD attending MAT clinics bear an extremely high burden of TB and HIV and are known to have driven TB epidemics in a number of countries. Our reported TB disease incidence is 12 times that of the general Tanzanian incidence of 237 per 100,000 further emphasizing that this group should be prioritized for TB screening, testing and treatment. Gender specific approaches should also be developed as female PWUDs are markedly more affected with HIV and TB disease than male PWUDs.
The robust estimation of examinee ability based on the four-parameter logistic model when guessing and carelessness responses exist
Authors: Jian Xiaozhu , Buyun Dai , Yuanping Deng
Published: April 2021

The three-parameter Logistic model (3PLM) and the four-parameter Logistic model (4PLM) have been proposed to reduce biases in cases of response disturbances, including random guessing and carelessness. However, they could also influence the examinees who do not guess or make careless errors. This paper proposes a new approach to solve this problem, which is a robust estimation based on the 4PLM (4PLM-Robust), involving a critical-probability guessing parameter and a carelessness parameter. This approach is compared with the 2PLM-MLE(two-parameter Logistic model and a maximum likelihood estimator), the 3PLM-MLE, the 4PLM-MLE, the Biweight estimation and the Huber estimation in terms of bias using an example and three simulation studies. The results show that the 4PLM-Robust is an effective method for robust estimation, and its calculation is simpler than the Biweight estimation and the Huber estimation.
Base-excess chloride; the best approach to evaluate the effect of chloride on the acid-base status: A retrospective study
Authors: Gucyetmez Bulent , Tuzuner Filiz , Atalan Hakan Korkut , Sezerman Uğur , Gucyetmez Kaan , Telci Lutfi
Published: April 2021

To practically determine the effect of chloride (Cl) on the acid-base status, four approaches are currently used: accepted ranges of serum Cl values; Cl corrections; the serum Cl/Na ratio; and the serum Na-Cl difference. However, these approaches are governed by different concepts. Our aim is to investigate which approach to the evaluation of the effect of Cl is the best. In this retrospective cohort study, 2529 critically ill patients who were admitted to the tertiary care unit between 2011 and 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. The effects of Cl on the acid-base status according to each evaluative approach were validated by the standard base excess (SBE) and apparent strong ion difference (SIDa). To clearly demonstrate only the effects of Cl on the acid-base status, a subgroup that included patients with normal lactate, albumin and SIG values was created. To compare approaches, kappa and a linear regression model for all patients and Bland-Altman test for a subgroup were used. In both the entire cohort and the subgroup, correlations among BECl, SIDa and SBE were stronger than those for other approaches (r = 0.94 r = 0.98 and r = 0.96 respectively). Only BECl had acceptable limits of agreement with SBE in the subgroup (bias: 0.5 mmol L-1) In the linear regression model, only BECl in all the Cl evaluation approaches was significantly related to the SBE. For the evaluation of the effect of chloride on the acid-base status, BECl is a better approach than accepted ranges of serum Cl values, Cl corrections and the Cl/Na ratio.
Facilitated transition in HIV drug trial closure: A conceptual model for HIV post-trial care
Authors: Nalubega Sylivia , Cox Karen , Mugerwa Henry , Evans Catrin
Published: April 2021

Within the HIV clinical trial field, there are gaps in existing ethical regulations in relation to post-trial care. There is need to develop post-trial care guidelines that are flexible and sensitive to local contexts and to the specific needs of different groups of participants, particularly in low income contexts. Evidence regarding HIV trial closure and post-trial care is required to underpin the development of appropriate policies in this area. This article reports research from Uganda that develops a new model of ‘Facilitated Transition’ to conceptualize the transition process of HIV positive trial participants from ‘research’ to ‘usual care’ health facilities after trial conclusion. This was a qualitative grounded theory study that included 21 adult HIV positive post-trial participants and 22 research staff, undertaken between October 2014 and August 2015. The findings showed that trial closure is a complex process for HIV positive participants which includes three phases: the pre-closure, trial-closure, and post-trial phases. The model highlights a range of different needs of research participants and suggests specific and person-centred interventions that can be delivered at different phases with the aim of improving health outcomes and experiences for trial participants in low income settings during trial closure. Further research needs to be done to verify the model in other contexts and for other conditions.
Risk factors for unfavorable outcome and impact of early post-transplant infection in solid organ recipients with COVID-19: A prospective multicenter cohort study
Authors: Salto-Alejandre Sonsoles , Jiménez-Jorge Silvia , Sabé Nuria , Ramos-Martínez Antonio , Linares Laura , Valerio Maricela , Martín-Dávila Pilar , Fernández-Ruiz Mario , Fariñas María Carmen , Blanes-Juliá Marino , Vidal Elisa , Palacios-Baena Zaira R. , Hernández-Gallego Román , Carratalá Jordi , Calderón-Parra Jorge , Ángeles Marcos María , Muñoz Patricia , Fortún-Abete Jesús , Aguado José María , Arnaiz-Revillas Francisco , Blanes-Hernández Rosa , de la Torre-Cisneros Julián , López-Cortés Luis E. , García de Vinuesa-Calvo Elena , Rosso Clara M. , Pachón Jerónimo , Sánchez-Céspedes Javier , Cordero Elisa ,   on behalf of The COVIDSOT Working Team
Published: April 2021

The aim was to analyze the characteristics and predictors of unfavorable outcomes in solid organ transplant recipients (SOTRs) with COVID-19. We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of 210 consecutive SOTRs hospitalized with COVID-19 in 12 Spanish centers from 21 February to 6 May 2020. Data pertaining to demographics, chronic underlying diseases, transplantation features, clinical, therapeutics, and complications were collected. The primary endpoint was a composite of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and/or death. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with these unfavorable outcomes. Males accounted for 148 (70.5%) patients, the median age was 63 years, and 189 (90.0%) patients had pneumonia. Common symptoms were fever, cough, gastrointestinal disturbances, and dyspnea. The most used antiviral or host-targeted therapies included hydroxychloroquine 193/200 (96.5%), lopinavir/ritonavir 91/200 (45.5%), and tocilizumab 49/200 (24.5%). Thirty-seven (17.6%) patients required ICU admission, 12 (5.7%) suffered graft dysfunction, and 45 (21.4%) died. A shorter interval between transplantation and COVID-19 diagnosis had a negative impact on clinical prognosis. Four baseline features were identified as independent predictors of intensive care need or death: advanced age, high respiratory rate, lymphopenia, and elevated level of lactate dehydrogenase. In summary, this study presents comprehensive information on characteristics and complications of COVID-19 in hospitalized SOTRs and provides indicators available upon hospital admission for the identification of SOTRs at risk of critical disease or death, underlining the need for stringent preventative measures in the early post-transplant period.
Influence of maternal use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate or zidovudine in Vietnamese pregnant women with HIV on infant growth, renal function, and bone health
Authors: Kinai Ei , Nguyen Hoai Dung Thi , Do Ha Quan , Matsumoto Shoko , Nagai Moeko , Tanuma Junko , Nguyen Kinh Van , Pham Thach Ngoc , Oka Shinichi
Published: April 2021

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is still widely prescribed for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected pregnant women, despite its renal and bone toxicity. Although TDF-exposed infants often show transient growth impairment, it is not clear whether maternal TDF causes infantile rickets via maternal/fetal renal dysfunction in Asian populations. This prospective observational study was conducted in Vietnam and involved pregnant HIV-infected women treated with TDF-based regimen (TDF group) or zidovudine-based regimen (AZT-group). At birth, 3, 12, and 18 months of age, and included body length, weight, head circumference, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, calcium, phosphorus, urine-β2-microglobulin (U-BMG), percentage of tubular reabsorption of phosphate (%TRP), and radiographic wrist score for rickets. Age-adjusted multivariate linear regression analysis evaluated the association of TDF/AZT use during pregnancy with fetal renal function and bone health. The study included 63 mother-infant pairs (TDF group = 53, AZT group = 10). In the mothers, detectable U-BMG (>252 μg/L) was observed more frequently in the TDF- than AZT group (89 vs 50%, p<0.001), but other renal/bone parameters were similar. In infants, maternal TDF use was not associated with growth impairment, renal dysfunction, or abnormal bone findings, but with a slightly higher ALP levels (p = 0.019). However, shorter length was associated with maternal AZT (p = 0.021), and worse radiographic scores were associated with LPV/r (p = 0.024). In Vietnamese population, TDF usage during pregnancy was not associated with infant transient rickets, growth impairment, or renal dysfunction, despite mild maternal tubular impairment. Maternal AZT and LPV/r influenced infant growth and bone health, though further studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Multidrug resistance pattern of Acinetobacter species isolated from clinical specimens referred to the Ethiopian Public Health Institute: 2014 to 2018 trend anaylsis
Authors: Ayenew Zeleke , Tigabu Eyasu , Syoum Elias , Ebrahim Semira , Assefa Dawit , Tsige Estifanos
Published: April 2021

Background

Acinetobacterspecies have been a leading cause of nosocomial infections, causing significant morbidity and mortality over the entire world including Ethiopia. The most important features ofA.baumanniiare its ability to persist in the hospital environment and rapidly develop resistance to a wide variety of antibiotics. This study aimed to determine trend of antimicrobial resistance inAcinetobacterspecies over a five years period.

Method

A retrospective data regarding occurrence and antimicrobial resistance ofAcinetobacterspecies recovered from clinical specimens referred to the national reference laboratory was extracted from microbiology laboratory data source covering a time range from 2014 to 2018. Socio-demographic characteristics and laboratory record data was analyzed using SPSS 20.

Results

A total of 102 strains ofAcinetobacterspecies were analyzed from various clinical specimens. Majority of them were from pus (33.3%) followed by blood (23.5%), urine (15.6%) and body fluid (11.7%). Significant ascending trends of antimicrobial resistance was shown for meropenem (12.5% to 60.7%), ceftazidime (82.1% to 100%), ciprofloxacin (59.4% to 74.4%), ceftriaxone (87.1% to 98.6%), cefepime (80.0% to 93.3%) and pipracillin- tazobactam (67.8% to 96.3%). However, there was descending trend of antimicrobial resistance for tobramycin (56.5% to 42.8%), amikacin (42.1% to 31.4%) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (79.0 to 68.2%). The overall rate of carbapenem non-susceptible and multidrug resistance rates inAcinetobacterspecies were 56.7% and 71.6%.respectively.

Conclusion

A five year antimicrobial resistance trend analysis ofAcinetobacterspecies showed increasing MDR and resistance to high potent antimicrobial agents posing therapeutic challenge in our Hospitals and health care settings. Continuous surveillance and appropriate infection prevention and control strategies need to be strengthened to circumvent the spread of multidrug resistant pathogens in health care facilities.
Effects of exogenous ascorbic acid on seed germination and seedling salt-tolerance of alfalfa
Authors: Chen Zhao , Cao Xin-long , Niu Jun-peng
Published: April 2021

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is an important legume crop for forage, agriculture, and environment in the world. Ascorbic acid (AsA) plays positive roles in plants. However, its effects on germination and salt-tolerance of alfalfa are unknown. The effects of AsA applications on seed germination and seedling salt-tolerance of alfalfa were investigated. The results revealed that 0.1 and 1 mmol L-1 of exogenous AsA increased germination, amylase, and protease, as well as seedling length, fresh weight (FW), dry weight (DW), and endogenous AsA both in the shoots and roots, except that 1 mmol L-1 AsA reduced the activities of α-amylase, β-amylase and protease on day 3. However, 10 and 100 mmol L-1 AsA inhibited these parameters and even caused serious rot. It indicates that 0.1 mmol L-1 AsA has the optimal effects, whereas 100 mmol L-1 AsA has the worst impacts. Another part of the results showed that 0.1 mmol L-1 AsA not only enhanced stem elongation, FW and DW, but also increased chlorophyll and carotenoids both under non-stress and 150 mmol L-1 NaCl stress. Furthermore, 0.1 mmol L-1 AsA mitigated the damages of membrane permeability, malondialdehyde, and excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ions both in the shoots and roots under 150 mmol L-1 NaCl stress. Hence, 0.1 mmol L-1 AsA improves growth and induces salt-tolerance by inhibiting excessive ROS, down-regulating the ion toxicity and up-regulating the antioxidant system. The principal component analysis included two main components both in the shoots and roots, and it explained the results well. In summary, the optimum concentration of 0.1 mmol L-1 AsA can be implemented to improve the seed germination and seedling growth of alfalfa under salt stress.
Rights based approaches to sexual and reproductive health in low and middle-income countries: A systematic review
Authors: McGranahan Majel , Nakyeyune Joselyn , Baguma Christopher , Musisi Nakibuuka Noor , Nsibirwa Derrick , Sekalala Sharifah , Oyebode Oyinlola
Published: April 2021

Introduction

The Sustainable Development Goals, which are grounded in human rights, involve empowering women and girls and ensuring that everyone can access sexual and reproductive health and rights (Goal 5). This is the first systematic review reporting interventions involving rights-based approaches for sexual and reproductive health issues including gender-based violence, maternity, HIV and sexually transmitted infections in low and middle-income countries.

Aims

To describe the evidence on rights-based approaches to sexual and reproductive health in low and middle-income countries.

Methods

EMBASE, MEDLINE and Web of Science were searched until 9/1/2020. Inclusion criteria were:

Study design: any interventional study.

Population: females aged over 15 living in low and middle-income countries.

Intervention: a “rights-based approach” (defined by the author) and/or interventions that the author explicitly stated related to "rights".

Comparator: clusters in which no intervention or fewer components of an intervention were in place, or individuals not exposed to interventions, or exposed to fewer intervention components.

Outcome: Sexual and reproductive health related outcomes.

A narrative synthesis of included studies was undertaken, and outcomes mapped to identify evidence gaps.

The systematic review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42019158950).

Results

Database searching identified 17,212 records, and 13,404 studies remained after de-duplication. Twenty-four studies were included after title and abstract, full-text and reference-list screening by two authors independently.

Rights-based interventions were effective for some included outcomes, but evidence was of poor quality. Testing uptake for HIV and/or other sexually transmitted infections, condom use, and awareness of rights improved with intervention, but all relevant studies were at high, critical or serious risk of bias. No study included gender-based violence outcomes.

Conclusion

Considerable risk of bias in all studies means results must be interpreted with caution. High-quality controlled studies are needed urgently in this area.
Feasibility of investigating the association between bacterial pathogens and oral leukoplakia in low and middle income countries: A population-based pilot study in India
Authors: Shridhar Krithiga , Aggarwal Aastha , Rawal Ishita , Gupta Ruby , Masih Shet , Mehrotra Ravi , Gillespie Theresa W. , Dhillon Preet K. , Michaud Dominique S. , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Goodman Michael
Published: April 2021

Background

Certain oral bacterial pathogens may play a role in oral carcinogenesis. We assessed the feasibility of conducting a population-based study in India to examine the distributions and levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella intermedia in relation to oral leukoplakia (a potentially malignant disorder) and other participant characteristics.

Methods

This exploratory case-control study was nested within a large urban Indian cohort and the data included 22 men and women with oral leukoplakia (cases) and 69 leukoplakia-free controls. Each participant provided a salivary rinse sample, and a subset of 34 participants (9 cases; 25 controls) also provided a gingival swab sample from keratinized gingival surface for quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).

Results

Neither the distribution nor the levels of pathogens were associated with oral leukoplakia; however, individual pathogen levels were more strongly correlated with each other in cases compared to controls. Among controls, the median level of total pathogens was the highest (7.55×104 copies/ng DNA) among persons of low socioeconomic status. Salivary rinse provided better DNA concentration than gingival swab for qPCR analysis (mean concentration: 1.8 ng/μl vs. 0.2 ng/μl).

Conclusions

This study confirms the feasibility of population studies evaluating oral microbiome in low-resource settings and identifies promising leads for future research.
Online Child Sexual Exploitation in the Philippines: Moving beyond the current discourse and approach
Authors: Gill Melinda
Published: April 2021

Online child sexual exploitation (OCSE) is an issue of increasing concern in the Philippines. The current local discourse concerning OCSE is that it primarily involves children being sexually exploited by adults within their household or in ‘dens’, with ‘raid and rescue’ operations and public awareness campaigns as the most publicised strategies employed to address the issue. Whilst the true prevalence of OCSE is unknown, ongoing research and the experience of many stakeholders suggest that self-generated sexual content involving children is common. However, this is not being widely discussed or addressed. This article argues that more holistic, long-term, and community-based interventions targeted at vulnerable families and children are needed that address the deeper determinants of OCSE in the Philippines.
First report of canine parvovirus molecular detection in Bangladesh
Authors: Hasib F. M. Yasir , Akter Sharmin , Chowdhury Sharmin
Published: April 2021

Background and Aim: Canine parvovirus (CPV) is the most important cause of mortality in dogs in many parts of the world. Clinical cases exhibit characteristic signs, including foul-smelling bloody diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and dehydration. This study assessed field and vaccine variants of parvovirus in the Chattogram metropolitan area, Bangladesh. The investigation also aimed to identify risk factors for this disease. This research is the first to identify the presence of CPV in Bangladesh through molecular examination. Materials and Methods: From October to December 2019, a total of 100 dogs were included in the study. Rectal swabs were taken from all dogs. Twenty dogs showed clinical signs of parvovirus. All clinically affected animals along with 20 randomly selected healthy dogs were tested using amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify variants from the samples. Logistic regression model analysis was performed to determine the possible risk factors for CPV. Results: ARMS-PCR showed the presence of all three variants, CPV2a, CPV2b, and CPV2c, in clinically ill dogs, and vaccines available in the study area showed either CPV2a or CPV2b strain. The CPV2c variants showed a higher incidence than the other variants. All apparently healthy animals tested were molecularly negative. Multivariable logistic regression model (generalized linear mixed model) indicated that exotic breeds were 3.83 times more likely to be infected by CPV than local breeds. Furthermore, dogs reared in semi-intensive and extensive management systems were 3.64 and 3.79 times more likely to be infected, respectively, than those reared in an intensive management system. Conclusion: These findings provide practitioners and pet owners information on the occurrence of different variants and help design effective prevention strategies for CPV infection.
Application of Technology Acceptance Model to Explain Repurchase Intention in Online Shopping Consumers
Authors: Miandari Gusti Ayu Kade Dwinda Deskastya , Yasa Ni Nyoman Kerti , Wardana Made , Giantari I Gusti Ayu Ketut , Setini Made
Published: April 2021

Technological advances, especially during the Pademi19 era, demand the use of technology in all fields. The company is engaged in online retailing because consumers worldwide in developed and developing markets shop online to buy products. It also changes the behavior patterns of the world community in general and the Indonesian people in particular in carrying out their daily activities. In this literature, it becomes increasingly important to understand the factors that influence online shopping repurchase intention. This study aims to explain the integration of TAM in influencing online repurchase intentions. The sample used as many as 182 respondents using purposive sampling techniques, namely men or women aged between 18 to 36 years, have a minimum of high school education or equivalent and live in Denpasar. Data were analyzed PLS (Partial Least Square) analysis technique using SEM. The results of the research variable perceptions of reliability, perceived privacy and perceptions of web design have a positive and significant effect on repurchase intention. The role of customer service perception mediates the effect of web design on repurchase intention.
Reason to Expatriation of Construction Company Workers in UAE
Authors: Lija P. , Radhika Dr.R.
Published: April 2021

During this circumstance, the expatriation is not an easy task, but the most important reason of expatriation is to earn money. This study aims to understand the intention of the expatriation, what is the anticipation of the expatriates about the host country as well as their life and to find out the experience of expatriation. The study is conducted with the mode of questionnaire and interview method. The questionnaire prepared is based on the review of literature, which include 60 questionnaires to analyze. The questionnaires are collected from the construction company workers of the UAE and from the analysis we can find out the reason of the expatriation.
Design and Implementation of Online Examination System based on MSVS and SQL for University Students in Iraq
Authors: Al-aqbi Ali Talib Qasim , K. Al-Taie Rana Riad , Ibrahim Sarmad K.
Published: April 2021

The transfer of knowledge and skills is a process that is closely linked to the measurement of its usefulness. It's hard to imagine teaching without considering the results and evaluation of students. At the same time, the current education system is based on a longstanding traditional paradigm. The aim of this article is to propose a new digital review system based on Microsoft visual studio (MSVS); it is the only one of its kind in terms of application versatility and also features professional interfaces for the interactive display of questions and answers. In our school, we have systematically assessed this program to determine the system performance of teaching staff and students, the findings of this study demonstrate the assumption that students were prepared for this type of knowledge; the evaluation result of the propose exam system outperforms conventional system about approximately 80%.
Sentence Generation for Indian Sign Language Using NLP
Authors: Jeyasheeli Dr.P. Golda , Indumathi N.
Published: April 2021

Nowadays the interaction among deaf and mute people and normal people is difficult, because normal people scuffle to understand the sense of the gestures. The deaf and dumb people find problem in sentence formation and grammatical correction. To alleviate the issues faced by these people, an automatic sign language sentence generation approach is propounded. In this project, Natural Language Processing (NLP) based methods are used. NLP is a powerful tool for translation in the human language and also responsible for the formation of meaningful sentences from sign language symbols which is also understood by the normal person. In this system, both conventional NLP methods and Deep learning NLP methods are used for sentence generation. The efficiency of both the methods are compared. The generated sentence is displayed in the android application as an output. This system aims to connect the gap in the interaction among the deaf and dumb people and the normal people.
Accounting Information Security and IT Governance Under COBIT 5 Framework: A Case Study
Authors: Al-Fatlawi Qayssar Ali , Al Farttoosi Dawood Salman , Almagtome Akeel Hamza
Published: April 2021

This paper aims to explore the role of applying information technology governance using the COBIT 5 framework in improving the security of accounting information systems. The paper also aims to assess the level of governance of information technology in the Trade Bank of Iraq TBI through COBIT 5 processes, including 4 dimensions of planning and organization, acquisition and implementation, support and delivery, and monitoring. The study uses a qualitative approach through a case study conducted at the Iraqi Bank of Commerce. The results show that applying the COBIT 5 governance mechanisms of information technology reduces data processing risks and improves automated accounting information systems' security. The results also show that the Trade Bank of Iraq can implement the COBIT 5 Framework. Also, the accounting system used in the Bank has all the features of information technology governance that, on the one hand, ensure confidentiality of customer information and, on the other hand, prevent the system from penetrating. The results of the current study provide a better understanding of stakeholders on the nature of IT governance in the light of the COBIT 5 framework and its role in enhancing accounting information security.
A Theoretical Framework on Market Orientation-firm Performance Linkage in Textile Processing Industry: Mediating Effect of Entrepreneurial Orientation
Authors: Pal Dibyendu , Shalender Kumar
Published: April 2021

The objective of this theoretical paper is to explore the relationship of market orientation (MO) and organizational performance in the context of Indian textile processing industry. The study also aims to construct a conceptual model which can hypothesize the relationship between market orientation, firm performance, and entrepreneurial orientation (EO). The conceptual model is drawn with the help of extant literature review of studies conducted by various authors in the area of market orientation and entrepreneurial orientation. The study presents a model depicting the inter-relationship among MO, EO and firm performance. The proposed model also propounds that the relationship between market orientation and firm performance is mediated by entrepreneurial orientation. This work will be helpful for different stakeholders of textile processing industry to understand the importance of MO and EO and their impact on the performance of the organization. Also, the proposed conceptual model showing inter-relationship among MO, EO and firm performance is an addition to the existing pool of knowledge.
Evaluasi Potensi Keragaman Hijauan Penutup Tanah di Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit Rakyat Kabupaten Aceh Timur Provinsi Aceh
Authors: Akbar Fachrul , Kumalasari Nur Rochmah , Abdullah Luki
Published: April 2021

Kabupaten Aceh Timur memiliki area perkebunan kelapa sawit rakyat mencapai 25,997 ha. Namun, analisis terhadap keragaman dan potensi produksi hijauan yang di area perkebunan kelapa sawit belum pernah dilakukan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis potensi keragaman hijauan yang tumbuh di area perkebunan kelapa sawit rakyat Kabupaten Aceh Timur. Penentuan titik plot pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode purposive sampling, berdasarkan kriteria umur tanaman sawit yaitu TBM (0-3 Tahun), Muda (4-8 tahun), Remaja (9-14 tahun), Dewasa (15-20 tahun) dan Tua (20-25 tahun). Parameter yang diamati meliputi keragaman, produksi hijauan segar, produksi bahan kering dan kandungan nutrisi hijauan. Spesies yang mendominasi pada area TBM yaitu Asystasia gangetica L, Imperata cylindrica, Oplismenus compositus, Panicum repens dan Paspalum conjugatum dengan INP 14,29. Spesies yang mendominasi pada area tanaman muda yaitu Axonopus compressus, Clidemia hirta dan Drymaria cordata dengan INP 19,64. Spesies yang mendominasi pada area tanaman remaja yaitu Panicum repens, Paspalum conjugatum dan Urochloa reptans L dengan INP 20,41. Spesies yang mendominasi pada area tanaman dewasa yaitu Adiantum hispidulum Sw dan Nephrolepis biserrata dengan INP 20,00. Spesies yang mendominasi pada area tanaman tua yaitu Imperata cylindrica dan Clidemia hirta L dengan INP 33,33. Potensi produksi hijauan mencapai mencapai 13,37 ton ha-1 hijauan segar dan 3,19 ton ha-1 bahan kering. Kandungan protein kasar yang berasal dari hijauan di bawah naungan kelapa sawit berkisar antara 8,55% - 12,84%, sedangkan kandungan serat kasar berkisar antara 17,65% - 24,70%. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian disimpulkan bahwa keragaman hijauan di bawah naungan kelapa sawit di Kabupaten Aceh Timur dikategorikan sedang.
Emergency responses to teaching, assessment and student support during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Reedy Alison , Carmichae Kalie , Kelly Oriel
Published: April 2021

Under COVID-19 conditions higher education institutions responded rapidly with technological solutions to maintain teaching and assessment for students and to adjust support mechanisms to compensate for the lack of face-to-face interaction with students. Using critical reflection as a research method, this paper captures the experiences of three education developers from different institutions to business as usual in the context of emergency remote teaching. The authors utilise the Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition (SAMR) model of technology integration as a conceptual frame to compare their institutions’ approaches to educational delivery during the pandemic. Additionally, the authors reflect on student diversity, inclusion and equity during the period of emergency remote teaching.
More than ‘pour-and-mix’ – Extending Content Knowledge at the college level through an analysis of coumarin in cinnamon
Authors: Emden Markus , Scholz Matthias
Published: April 2021

The article introduces the layout of a college course on analytical chemistry for pre-service teachers. The course aims at fostering teacher students’ professional knowledge by recapitulating Core Content Knowledge, introducing Specialized Content Knowledge, and complementing it with discipline-overarching Linked Content Knowledge. Synthesizing these types of knowledge is expected to support students in their processes of meaning making. As they realize an every-day relevance of analytical chemistry they will see opportunities to relate chemical knowledge to their later school students. Regarding Linked Content Knowledge, suggestions are given to address aspects related to the Nature of Science. An exemplary lab activity to analyze the coumarin content in cinnamon is provided. Coumarin has shown adverse health effects in a non-neglectable proportion of humans. Regarding cinnamon there are two varieties of cinnamon with significantly different coumarin content: cassia is very rich in coumarin while Ceylon cinnamon is nearly void of it. The more popular cassia has been shown to be so high in coumarin that a potential risk for light weight consumers cannot be ruled out. Regarding school science, the lab activity can raise an awareness with students for the tentative, creative and socio-cultural Natures of Science – right from the students’ kitchen cabinets.
The effect of cognitive behavior therapy on body image and self-esteem in female adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zamiri-Miandoab Nasrin , Hassanzadeh Robab , Kamalifard Mahin , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: April 2021

Low self-esteem and negative body image expose girls to many risks and damages. Cognitive-behavior counseling is one of the ways of improving body image and self-esteem. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the effects of cognitive-behavior therapy on body image and self-esteem of adolescent girls. The English (Cochrane library, Web of sciences, EBSCO, PubMed, Google Scholar) and Persian (SID, MagIran) databases were searched without any time limit. The quality of included studies in terms of risk of bias was assessed using Cochran handbook and the quality of evidence was evaluated through Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan software. Heterogeneity of studies was analyzed by indexI2. Subgroup analysis was performed on the basis of outcome evaluation intervals (after intervention, one month and two months later). A total of 2,664 articles were accessed in different databases of which 2,655 articles were excluded and finally nine studies were systematically reviewed. Meta-analysis results on seven studies (228 participants) showed that the group receiving cognitive-behavior counseling was significantly better than the control group regarding body image (Standardized Mean Difference [SMD]: 13.01; 95% CI: 10.68 to 15.34;I²=26.1%). Likewise, meta-analysis results on two studies (50 participants) showed that self-esteem was not significantly different between the group receiving cognitive-behavior counseling and the control group (SMD: 1.13; 95% CI: −0.7 to 2.32,I²=73%). Meta-analysis results of this study represent effectiveness of cognitive-behavior therapy on body image of adolescent girls; however, since the number of studies in the field of self-esteem is low, more trials in this field with stronger designs are suggested.
Graphical structure of extended b-metric spaces: an application to the transverse oscillations of a homogeneous bar
Authors: Younis Mudasir , Singh Deepak , Altun Ishak , Chauhan Varsha
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this article is to present the notion of graphical extended b-metric spaces, blending the concepts of graph theory and metric fixed point theory. We discuss the structure of an open ball of the new proposed space and elaborate on the newly introduced ideas in a novel way by portraying suitably directed graphs. We also provide some examples in graph structure to show that our results are sharp as compared to the results in the existing state-of-art. Furthermore, an application to the transverse oscillations of a homogeneous bar is entrusted to affirm the applicability of the established results. Additionally, we evoke some open problems for enthusiastic readers for the future aspects of the study.
Public Libraries and Development across Sub-Saharan Africa: Overcoming a Problem of Perception
Authors: Young Jason C. , Lynch Renee , Boakye-Achampong Stanley , Jowaisas Chris , Sam Joel
Published: April 2021

Public libraries and development organizations share many common goals that make them strong potential partners in the Global South. In spite of these commonalities, libraries are often overlooked as development partners. This is unfortunate because these partnerships could allow librarians to more fully and effectively participate in the development of their communities. This paper explores strategies that libraries might employ to make themselves more visible to development organizations. It does so through analysis of interviews with practitioners who have funded or implemented development projects across countries in Africa. We find that these practitioners are open to working more with libraries, but that it will take a lot of work on the part of public libraries to accomplish broad shifts in perception amongst development agencies. Collecting and openly sharing data on the output and impact of public libraries is a first step in this work, but these efforts must also be augmented through increased marketing and networking by libraries. Libraries need to build internal capacity to use data to drive advocacy efforts and attract funding from development donors.