bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estudio SERS de nanopartículas de Ag-SiO2 sintetizadas mediante fotodeposición y agitación
Authors: López-Guevara Yazmin , Hernández-Torres Julián , Báez-Rodríguez Adriana , Zamora-Peredo Luis
Published: October 2021

RESUMEN En este trabajo se presenta un estudio comparativo del decorado de nanopartículas de SiO2 (NPs SiO2) con NPs Ag mediante dos métodos diferentes: fotodeposición y agitación. NPs SiO2 fueron sintetizadas por el método de Stöber. En el proceso de fotodeposición de Ag se evaluaron tres tiempos de exposición (30, 60 y 90 min) a un láser con emisión en 532 nm y manteniendo la concentración del nitrato de plata (AgNO3) constante en 2.5 mM. En el método de agitación se estudiaron muestras sintetizadas con tres concentraciones de AgNO3 (5, 8 y 10 mM), además se estudió el efecto de utilizar hidróxido de amonio (NH4OH) como catalizador. Mediante espectroscopía UV-Vis se observaron bandas de absorción centrados entre 430 y 435 nm para los tres grupos de muestras (fotodeposición, agitación y agitación+catalizador), la intensidad de la banda de absorción fue mayor cuando se utilizó el catalizador evidenciando mayor concentración de NPs Ag. Mediante espectroscopía Raman se estudió el comportamiento del modo asociado al enlace Ag-O, se observó que las NPs SiO2 decoradas por fotodeposición presentaron mayor intensidad, evidenciando mejor distribución superficial que favorece los efectos plasmónicos. La evaluación final de NPs Ag-SiO2 se realizó con mediciones de espectroscopia Raman mejorada por la superficie (SERS del inglés: Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy), utilizando una solución de rodamina 6G (R6G) y considerando la intensidad del modo en 1365 cm-1 como parámetro de comparación, se observó que en muestras sintetizadas por fotodeposición la intensidad SERS creció conforme el tiempo de exposición aumentó y que presentan mayor intensidad que las nanopartículas decoradas por agitación, aun cuando la concentración del AgNO3 sea 4 veces menor. Con este estudio se demuestra que mediante la fotodeposición se obtienen NPs Ag con mejor distribución superficial, en tiempos cortos y con el uso de menos reactivos. Además, se identifica a la espectroscopía Raman (convencional y SERS) como una herramienta más barata, rápida y no destructiva, para estudiar sistemas coloidales de NPs Ag.
Pulmonary functions in kidney transplant recipients: Single centre observational study
Authors:   Senior lecturer of physiotherapy, IKDRC-ITS, PhD scholar, Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India., Shah Harda , Shah Nehal ,   Principal I/c, SBB College of physiotherapy, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India.
Published: October 2021

Background: Kidney transplantation in India is steadily increasing with advancement in medicines and surgical expertise. Subjects with kidney disease have spectrum of pulmonary pathologies but little is known regarding status on pulmonary function after kidney transplantation. Method: 149 kidney transplant recipients between 18 to 60 years of age, having stable graft function and more than 6months of post-transplant duration were included in the study. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), the ratio of FEV1/FVC and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were evaluated. Result: 11 (7.4%) had a restrictive ventilatory impairment, none had obstructive lung function. FEV1 and FVC were lower among subjects with high waist circumference, over weight and obese. FEV1/FVC ratio were lower in subjects with comorbidities or physical inactivity. Conclusion: Restrictive lung functions present in few kidney transplant recipients. High waist circumference, over weight, obesity, comorbidity and physical inactivity alters pulmonary functions in kidney transplant recipients. KEY WORDS: Kidney transplantation, pulmonary function test, anthropometry, physical activity, comorbidity.
Relationship between modified TUG and WeeFIM in children with cerebral palsy
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Little Flower Institute Of Medical Science And Research Centre, Angamaly, Kerala, India, Baby Praveen , Haripriya S  ,   Associate Professor, Laxmi Memorial College Of Physiotherapy, A.J Towers, Balmatta, Mangaluru, Karnatka, India, Remya N  ,   Professor & HOD, Little Flower Institute Of Medical Science And Research Centre, Angamaly, Kerala, India, Unnikrishnan Manju ,   Professor, Little Flower Institute Of Medical Science And Research Centre, Angamaly, Kerala, India
Published: October 2021

Background: Cerebral Palsy (CP) refers to permanent, mutable motor development disorders stemming from a primary brain lesion, leading to secondary musculoskeletal alterations, and limitation of activities of daily living. Motor impairment is the main manifestation in children with CP, and it has consequent effects on the biomechanics of the body. The WeeFIM is a short and quick to administer assessment of functional outcome in paediatric rehabilitation. The modified Timed Up and Go test (mTUG) was designed for children with Cerebral Palsy and assesses mobility and requires both static and dynamic balance. Context and Purpose: Determining if a relationship exists between functional mobility and level of functional independence in daily activities will help to design treatment programs which target improvement in functional mobility in order to improve functional independence in children with Cerebral Palsy. The studies done correlating functional balance and functional performance in children with CP have largely yielded inconclusive results. Hence this study was designed with the aim of finding if a relationship exists between functional mobility measured by mTUG and functional independence measured by WeeFIM in children with CP. Methods: It was a correlation study conducted on 20 children with spastic cerebral palsy from different CP centers in and around Mangalore. Participants were evaluated using modified TUG and WeeFIM scales and the scores tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis to determine if there is a relationship exists between mTUG and WeeFIM. Results: When the measured variables were correlated with each other using Pearson’s correlation it was found that the Pearson’s correlation coefficient was - .470, indicating a moderate negative correlation between the mTUG and WeeFIMscores. Conclusion: There exists a positive relationship between functional mobility and functional independence in children with CP. Improving mobility in children with CP can help them to attain better functional independence. KEY WORD: Cerebral Palsy, GMFC, mTUG, WeeFIM.
Co-relation of functional mobility with anxiety in traumatic below knee amputees
Authors:   Assistant Professor, LSFPEF College Of Physiotherapy, Nigdi, Pune, India, Ayyer Lavanya R , Moharkar Asmita C ,   Associate Professor & HOD of Electrotherapy Department, P.E.S. Modern College Of Physiotherapy, Shivaji Nagar, Pune, India
Published: October 2021

Background: Amputation is defined as the surgical removal of one or more parts of the body. It causes great stress to the physical and mental wellbeing of an individual. The incidence of lower limb amputation is greater as compared to upper limb amputation. Also lower limb amputees experience more restricted mobility than upper limb amputee patients. Rehabilitation is an important to the recovery of an amputee. In cases of planned amputation, rehabilitation starts before the surgery. It involves physiotherapy, occupational therapy and recreational training. There is little to no studies on the co-relation of anxiety with functional mobility in amputees. This study focusses on the same. Context and purpose: Amputation causes restricted mobility and decreased quality of life. A study on the relation between anxiety and mobility will indicate a different outlook of a holistic approach while treating mobility issues in below knee amputees. Materials and methods: This is a one group co-relational study design. Study was conducted after taking approval from the institutional ethics committee and all the subjects gave their written informed consent. The study was conducted at Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital, Pune. Result: Statistical analysis of the data was done using the Pearson’s co-relation co-efficient and a co-relation was found between anxiety and functional mobility in below knee amputee patients. Conclusion: There is a co-relation between functional mobility and anxiety. Patients with anxiety showed a reduced performance on the functional mobility scale than the patients without anxiety. KEY WORDS: Amputation, Anxiety, below knee amputation, functional mobility, rehabilitation.
Optimizing developmental outcomes by setting smart goals individualized home program for children with disabilities during COVID-19
Authors:   PhD Scholar, NIMS College of Physiotherapy and Occupational therapy, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, Nair Aarti , Nair Diya ,   Speech & Language Pathologist & Audiologist, Latika Roy Foundation, 113/1 Vasant Vihar. Dehradun, 248006. India, Girdhar Megha ,   Monitoring & Evaluation Head, Latika Roy Foundation, 113/1 Vasant Vihar. Dehradun, 248006. India, Gugnani Anchit ,   Associate Professor, NIMS College of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
Published: October 2021

Background: The recent flare-up of the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a huge danger to the lives and prosperity of millions of individuals around the world. The weakest segments of society are being missed in this largescale crisis. As the world opens up from lockdowns and enters an unprecedented condition of uncertainty, or what many have called "the new normal", it bodes well to ponder what are the lessons learnt. Understanding such risks and assessing the socioeconomic impact of the pandemic are key to shaping a response that considers the needs of all children. The Covid pandemic presents a phenomenal chance for the families of children with disabilities to act in fortitude and transform this emergency into a force to accomplish the objectives and enhance result for their children. Methods: Children and young adults in the age group 1-21 years were part of this program. A total of 261 participants have undertaken the services provided by LRF staff during the year long period from Jan -Dec 2020. Results: In this article, we feature the home management programs that were setup by the staff at Latika Roy Foundation (LRF) during the pandemic for families of children with disabilities. Families of children with disabilities worked hard during the lockdown and their children showed improved outcomes by the individualised home programs that were set for each child attending the online services Conclusion: The pandemic led to shift from regular services to online mode of service and displayed clearly that necessity is the mother of invention. When accessibility to essential services was difficult, children with disabilities and their parents were the high-risk group for various physical and mental health issues and needed appropriate guidance and support. As the world navigates the pandemic the LRF staff continued to work for the most vulnerable sections of society fostering the idea of practice and participation. KEY WORDS: Pandemic, the new normal, families of children with disabilities, online services.
Effects of feeding Ailanthus excelsa (Roxb.) leaves on desert lamb’s feed intake, nutrients digestibility and growth performance
Authors: Musa Ahmed Musa Tibin , Zahra Alfaki Alsharif , Yahia Ibrahim Mohammed Abutaba , Jumaa Barram Jadalla , Mohammed Alhadi Ebrahiem
Published: October 2021

This trial was designed to study the effect of intake of ailanto (Ailanthus excelsa) fodder on dry matter intake, nutrients digestibility and performance of Sudanese Desert lambs. Twelve heads of lambs, six months old and weighing (17+ 0.37) kg were divided into three groups with four heads each. They were vaccinated and dosed with broad-spectrum antihelmentics (ivermectin) for treatment against internal and external parasites and ear- tagged to facilitate identification during treatments. The Ailanthus excelsa, fodder, groundnut haulms and the natural grazing was fed to group I, II and III, respectively. Water was provided continuously and feed intake was monitored daily. The feed samples were analyzed and apparent nutrients digestibility was determined by total feces collection method. This complete randomized design data was analyzed via analysis of variance and differences among means were detected using Least Significant Difference test (LSD). Feed intake was significantly (P<0.05) higher for group 1 followed by the group on groundnut haulms and finally the group on the natural grazing where the amounts consumed was 865.90, 850 and 800 grams per day. Dry matter digestibility was the highest in the group on Ailanthus excelsa fodder, followed by groundnut haulms ​​and the lowest for those on natural grazing where DMD was 75.67, 67.45, and 56.45%, organic matter digestibility 78.61, 69.65 and 57.55%. Body weight changes indicated that they were higher in the Ailanthus excelsa fodder group and then in the groundnut haulms group and lower in the natural grazing group. The highest daily weight gain (60 grams) was obtained when animals fed on Ailanthus excelsa fodder compared to 45 grams and 40 grams a day for the group fed groundnut haulms and natural grazing, respectively.
Diagnosis of Sinus Histiocytosis with Massive Lymphadenopathy (Rosai-Dorfman Disease) by Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in a Paediatric patient
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, Baroda Medical College, Vadodara, Gujarat, India, Rana Dr. Neema Ankur , Patel Dr. Durva Vijaykumar ,   Third-year Resident, Department of Pathology, Baroda Medical College, Vadodara, Gujarat, India, Shah Dr. Hiral Samir ,   Tutor, Department of Pathology, Baroda Medical College, Vadodara, Gujarat, India, Daveshwar Dr. Meena Rajiv ,   Associate Professor, Department of Pathology, Baroda Medical College, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
Published: October 2021

Rosai-Dorfman Disease (RDD) is also known as Sinus Histiocytosis of Massive Lymphadenopathy(SHML). Clinically Rosai-Dorfman Disease is characterized by massive, painless, bilateral cervicallymph node enlargement, often mimics lymphoma. Microscopically, it shows dilatation of lymphaticsinuses occupied by numerous lymphocytes and proliferation of histiocytes with abundant paleeosinophilic cytoplasm containing engulfed lymphocytes or plasma cells- emperipolesis.
A method for estimating the probability distribution of the lifetime for new technical equipment based on expert judgement
Authors: Andrzejczak Karol , Bukowski Lech
Published: October 2021

Managing the exploitation of technical equipment under conditions of uncertainty requires the use of probabilistic prediction models in the form of probability distributions of the lifetime of these objects. The parameters of these distributions are estimated with the use of statistical methods based on historical data about actual realizations of the lifetime of examined objects. However, when completely new solutions are introduced into service, such data are not available and the only possible method for the initial assessment of the expected
lifetime of technical objects is expert methods. The aim of the study is to present a method for estimating the probability distribution of the lifetime for new technical facilities based on expert assessments of three parameters characterizing the expected lifetime of these objects. The method is based on a subjective Bayesian approach to the problem of randomness and integrated with models of classical probability theory. Due to its wide application in the field of maintenance of machinery and technical equipment, a Weibull model is proposed, and its possible practical applications are shown. A new method of expert elicitation of probabilities for any continuous random variable is developed. A general procedure for the application of this method is proposed and the individual steps of its implementation are discussed, as well
as the mathematical models necessary for the estimation of the parameters of the probability distribution are presented. A practical example of the application of the developed method on specific numerical values is also presented.
Way intramural recanalisation at tubal infertility at the women
Authors: Мгеладзе B. N. , Tatarova N. A. , Susloparov L. A.
Published: October 2021

Original method of operation recanalisation intramural of a parts fallopian tube, distinguished from used earlier by saving full lengths of a tube, its maximum bloodsupply and innervation, and also natural channel in it intramural a department is offered.

Outcomes 20 operations are represented. The efficiency of operations on a level of origin pregnancy at a rational selection ill reaches 70 %.
Cerebral vasculitis: clinical features and diagnostic principles
Authors: Salikhov I. G. , Bogdanov E. I. , Zabbarova A. T.
Published: October 2021

Cerebral vasculitis (CV) is a severe, potentially disabling disease that usually develops in the presence of rheumatic, infectious, medicinal, or malignant diseases. In rare cases, isolated (primary) vasculitis of the central nervous system (CNS) is observed [17, 33]. The complex pathogenesis, polymorphism of clinical manifestations, and the absence in most cases of reliable non-invasive diagnostic criteria for CV complicate early diagnosis and treatment. In this regard, it seems relevant to analyze the features of clinical manifestations and diagnostic capabilities in cerebrovascular pathology caused by vasculitis.
Characteristics of heart rate variability in patients with acute coronary syndrome without ST segment elevation in comparison with clinical and biochemical parameters
Authors: Nizov Aleksej A. , Girivenko Aleksej I. , Lapkin Mihail M. , Borozdin Aleksej V. , Belenikina Yana A. , Suchkova Ekaterina I. , Bikushova Irina V.
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND: The search for rational methods of primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention of coronary heart disease. To date, there are several publications on heart rate variability in ischemic heart disease.
AIM: To study the state of the regulatory systems in the organism of patients with acute coronary syndrome without ST segment elevation based on the heart rhythm, and their relationship with the clinical, biochemical and instrumental parameters of the disease.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The open comparative study included 76 patients (62 men, 14 women) of mean age, 61.0 0.9 years, who were admitted to the Emergency Cardiology Department diagnosed of acute coronary syndrome without ST segment elevation. On admission, cardiointervalometry was performed using Varicard 2.51 apparatus, and a number of clinical and biochemical parameters were evaluated
RESULTS: Multiple correlations of parameters of heart rate variability and clinical, biochemical and instrumental parameters were observed. From this, a cluster analysis of cardiointervalometry was performed, thereby stratifying patients into five clusters. Two extreme variants of dysregulation of the heart rhythm correlated with instrumental and laboratory parameters. A marked increase in the activity of the subcortical nerve centers (maximal increase of the spectral power in the very low frequency range with the underlying reduction of SDNN) in cluster 1 was associated with reduction of the left ventricular ejection fraction: cluster 147.0 [40.0; 49.0], cluster 260.0 [58.0; 64.0], cluster 360.0 [52.5; 64.5] % (the data are presented in the form of median and interquartile range; Me [Q25; Q75], p 0,05). Cluster 5 showed significant reduction in SDNN (monotonous rhythm), combined with increased level of creatine phosphokinase (CPC): cluster 5446,0 [186.0; 782.0], cluster 4141.0 [98.0; 204.0] IU/l; Me [Q25; Q75], p 0.05) and MВ-fraction of creatine phosphokinase; cluster 532.0 [15.0; 45.0], 4 cluster 412.0 [9.0; 18.0] IU/l; Me [Q25; Q75], p 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: In patients with acute coronary syndrome without ST segment elevation, cluster analysis of parameters of heart rate variability identified different peculiarities of regulation of the heart rhythm. Pronounced strain of the regulatory systems of the body was found to be associated with signs of severe pathology: the predominance of VLF (spectral power of the curve enveloping a dynamic range of cardiointervals in the very low frequency range) in spectral analysis with an underlying reduced SDNN is characteristic of patients with a reduced ejection fraction, and a monotonous rhythm is characteristic of patients with an increased level of creatine phosphokinase and MB-fraction of creatine phosphokinase.
Milk consumption and gastrointestinal symptoms in preschool girls with different lactase genotypes
Authors: Bezrukova Alina A. , Yarmolinskaya Mariya I. , Sazonova Olga V. , Komarova Marina V. , Spiridonova Natalia V Spiridonova Natalia V
Published: October 2021

AIM: To analyze the frequency of milk consumption and subjective symptoms of intolerance to dairy products in the population of three- to six-year-old girls (born and resident in Samara) based on the genotype of the lactase gene.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We included 103 preschool girls ranging three to six years of age. Parents were questioned about the frequency of milk consumption by the child (per week), as well as the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms in their children (abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence and diarrhea) and the suspected association of symptoms with milk consumption (according to the parents). Buccal samples were taken from all girls to determine the polymorphism of the lactase genes (determination of C/T-13910 variant of the MCM6 gene).
RESULTS: A significant relationship between the frequency of milk consumption and the variant of the polymorphic locus of the lactase gene, MCM6 [C 13910T; which affects the expression of the lactase gene (LCT)] has not been established. There is no correlation in the enlarged gradation of frequent milk consumption (47 times a week) and rare milk consumption (23 times a week or less): of 53 girls with the CC genotype 27 (51%) often drink milk, 26 (49%) rarely drink milk; of 39 girls with CT genotype 23 (59%) often consume milk, 16 (41%) rarely consume milk; of 11 girls with the TT genotype, 8 (73%) often consume milk, 3 (27%) rarely consume milk (c2 1.94, p = 0.379). There was no significant relationship between the frequency of milk consumption, subjective symptoms of lactose intolerance (abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence and diarrhea) and the genotype; these symptoms were found only in four girls carrying the C allele (CC and CT genotypes) though not detected in girls with TT genotype.
CONCLUSION: In girls of 36 years old, there is no relationship between the frequency of milk consumption, subjective symptoms of lactose intolerance and genotype of lactase gene.
The Energy Toolkit of Statecraft
Authors: Golunov S.
Published: October 2021

While employing their energy potentials for advancing their foreign policy interests, Russia and the USA apply various political tools and practices, that can be classified as “positive”, “negative”, regulating energy markets, and reinforcing one’s own potential. The author argues that in both cases the application of energy-related statecraft is largely related either to energy security or to advancing ideologically inspired political interests. These two kinds of incentives can both work together or conflict each other. To pursue their relevant interests, both Russia and the USA have distinctive potentials, resources, and instruments that to a large extent were developed under influence of geopolitical and economic shocks: dramatic growth of global oil prices in 1970s for the USA and centrifugal post-Soviet geopolitical processes in 1990s for Russia. As a negative tool, the USA most often uses various kinds of sanctions to target energy sectors of their opponents, while the strongest Russian weapon is energy supply restrictions. To safeguard one’s own energy security and solidify their political influences both states manage bilateral complementary “producer–consumer” relations, while to stabilize global oil price, both states participate in international energy alliances. For instrumental purposes, both states also take advantage of purposeful or spontaneous transformations of their energy sectors (e.g. consolidation of the Russian energy sector and the U.S. ‘shale revolution’) for foreign policy purposes. In most cases, the effectiveness of applying statecraft tools for advancing energy-related interests proved to be limited. Those sanctions and other ways of pressure that targeted opponents’ energy sectors (especially if applied unilaterally) themselves rarely led to desirable alterations in those opponents’ policies. The results of energy alliances building also have proved to be limited both for Russia and for the USA as those alliances do not secure full-fledged control over global oil prices and are not solid or representative enough.
Statecraft in U.S.-Russia Relations: Meaning, Dilemmas, and Significance
Authors: Jordan J. , Stulberg A. , Troitskiy M.
Published: October 2021

The article introduces the special issue of International Trends dedicated to the current tendencies in the evolution of statecraft. It sets the analytical agenda for other special issue contributions by discussing the meaning of the term “statecraft” and illustrating the concept through several dilemmas that policymakers commonly face when choosing foreign policy toolkits. The authors posit that, at base, a meaningful definition of statecraft subsumes the ends, means, and ways embraced by a government in its attempt to exert influence over another state short of the resort to brute military force, either directly or via pressures on key non-state stakeholders. The article goes on to highlight how a clear-cut formulation of a country’s “national interests” may, on one hand, serve as lodestars for the national bureaucracy and draw “red lines” for the country’s adversaries, but on the other hand, entail a difficult and politically costly choice between mutually exclusive priorities for the country’s foreign policy goals. The authors also discuss the impact of technological innovation on the evolution of great power statecraft. They describe a variant of the security dilemma arising from the choice between immediate weaponization of new technology, on one hand, and refraining from such move with the aim of avoiding an arms race or escalation of existing conflicts, on the other. In its turn, developing a strong identity as a means of statecraft for an international player may increase that player’s power of commitment, but at the same time, foreclose attractive policy options that cannot be implemented because they could compromise the chosen identity. Pioneering the use of big data in the study of statecraft, the authors find that, notwithstanding very different power positions, traditions, and interests, U.S. and Russian discourse surrounding great power competition resemble each other more than commonly acknowledged. Keywords:
Language and Statecraft: an Old Tool for New Goals?
Authors: Vigneau A. , Le Saux F.
Published: October 2021

This paper investigates how language as a tool of statecraft has changed over time and whether it remains relevant and legitimate in the current globalised context. Viewing the issue from an interdisciplinary perspective, it considers the role language policies have played at different stages in history, from enabling European nation-states to forcibly to carve out a new identity around a unified language, to fulfilling the imperialist mission of ‘educating’ colonised populations in an attempt to generate lasting economic and cultural benefits for colonial powers. Language policies survived the decolonization process and took new soft power forms in an attempt to address current day challenges. The authors argue, based on the analysis of expert interviews and data sources (both primary and secondary), that while the discourse and means of implementing language policies have changed under new conditions – particularly the rejection of force in language promotion, the domination of English, the protection of minority dialects, and the technological changes linked to globalization – the belief in the power of language to shape allegiances remains, on the political level, unchanged.
Effectiveness of CRISPR based tools as alternative methods for diagnosing COVID-19
Authors: Mehta Shefali , Mehta Aditi
Published: October 2021

The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-Cas (CRISPR – Associated Proteins) systems are prokaryotic adaptive immune mechanisms that are used for cleaving the invading nucleic acids in nature. Due to this reason, the CRISPR-based tools are used in numerous applications like genome and transcriptome engineering, gene therapy, epigenome editing and many others. In addition, the issue of errors in these tests is also increasing at a very rapid pace, due to which their reliability and efficiency and effectiveness are getting severely hampered. Therefore, it may not be wrong to say that there is a still a lot more room for improvement and development to enable, widespread, rapid, and scalable testing of the COVID-19 virus. In this regard, the RT-qPCR tests can be used as a routine molecular diagnostic method for detecting any COVID-19 symptoms. However, there are various limitations that mar the use and implementation of the RT-qPCR tests. But a few of these shortcomings can be overcome by using alternative molecular diagnostic methods like the CRISPR based tests.
Zing thing about zinc: A mini review
Authors: Silvia CR Wilma Delphine , Rashmi R N  , Venkatesha
Published: October 2021

Zinc is a micromineral present in the body tissues and fluids. Zinc is absorbed from the duodenum and stored in the form of metallothionine in the liver and excreted through sweat. Zinc plays a vital role in protein biosynthesis, gene expression; it also acts as an antioxidant and is used in the growth of the fungus. Due to the deficiency of zinc, a patient will be suffering from poor wound healing, lesions of skin, impaired spermatogenesis, hyperkeratosis, dermatitis and alopecia.

An unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic caused by a novel corona virus called SARS-CoV-2, produces severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Zinc is used to treat COVID 19 because it improves the immunity. As the COVID patients are susceptible to zinc deficiency, they are prescribed with zinc supplements. Intake of zinc more than1000mg/day causes Zinc toxicity. Fungus utilises zinc for its growth. Mucormycosis caused by fungus Rhizopus species seen in most of the post COVID patients. Since, Zinc has assumed importance in this COVID 19 pandemic, this review article unfathoms the explicit roles of Zinc in humans.
Air pollution: A major threats to sustainable development
Authors: Ravichandran S , Singh Riddima , Sri R M Madhumitha
Published: October 2021

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports on six major air pollutants, namely particulate matter, ground level ozone, carbon monoxide, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides and lead. Effects of these pollutants are seen in air, soil and water. This air pollutant possesses different impact on the human health, climate changes, green-house effects and global warming. Acid rain, global warming, greenhouse effect and climate changes have an important ecological impact on air pollution. Neurological effects have been observed in adults and children after exposure to air pollutants. Man is causing damage to air, water and soil. Our atmosphere on global scale is highly polluted. In this paper, our interest is mainly to focus on these pollutants, as they are related to more severe problems in human health and environmental impact.
Study of serum malondialdehyde and uric acid levels in patients with malaria
Authors: Nerurkar Alka V , Prabhu Shalaka S , Patharkar Sachin A , Patil Neelam J , Sanap Jalinder B , Shinde Kalpana U , Dalvi Rupa R
Published: October 2021

Malaria is parasitic disease of humans caused by parasitic protozoan and genus plasmodium, widely present in tropical region. In the blood, the parasite travel to the liver to mature and reproduce. Oxidative stress is generated through the invasion of malarial parasites in human system. Malondialdehyde is a highly reactive compound is assayed in vivo as a biomarker of oxidative stress. Uric acid contributes to the pathology of human malaria by stimulating the production of cytokines from immune system.

To estimate serum MDA & serum uric acid levels in patients with malarial infection and compare same with healthy individuals.

This is a cross-sectional observational study, cases and controls were selected using random sampling method, attending hospital OPD.

Study includes 50 laboratory diagnosed cases of malaria patients with equal age and sex matched controls. MDA was estimated using MDA - thiobarbituric acid method, uric acid was estimated by phosphotungstic acid method. Standardization of both the methods was carried out prior to experiment.

There is generalized increase in serum MDA and uric acid levels in cases as compared to the control group.

Shalaka S Prabhu, Dr. Sachin A Patharkar, Dr. Neelam J Patil, Jalinder B Sanap, Kalpana U Shinde, Rupa R Dalvi.
Analysis of tumor protein p53 (p53) mutations in eyelid malignancy
Authors: Maurya Rajendra Prakash , Kumar Bosak Sanjay , Singh Royana , Singh Virendra Pratap , Singh Samer , Lundmark Per O , Singh Shivangi , Kumar Anil , Srivastav Tanmay
Published: October 2021

The tumor protein p53 (or p53) gene plays a major role in the maintenance of normal cell growth and differentiation. Alteration in p53 gene is responsible for carcinogenesis. In this study, we evaluated the frequency of p53 mutation and clinicopathological findings in various eyelid malignancies.

We reviewed a cohort of 20 patients with various eyelid malignancies over one year. The expression of p53protein was analyzed by amplifying the exons 5-9 of p53 gene by conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) followed by sequencing to identify mutations.

The commonest eyelid malignancies was sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC;50%) followed by basal cell carcinoma (BCC;45%) and squamous cell carcinoma(SCC; 5%). Study population/patients were mostly elderly (60 %, > 50 years of age) and female (75%). A total of 14 mutations were identified in the p53 genes in 9/20 (45%) patients at different intron or exon. Amongst them 6 patients (66.7%) had SGC and 3 (33.3%) had BCC. Out of the total 14 mutations identified, 8 intronic variation and 6 exonic mutations were identified. Out of 6 exonic variations, 5 caused frame shift mutations due to insertion or deletion of bases and one case was of substitution mutation (D281Y).

Sebaceous gland carcinoma (SGC) was found to be most prevalent eyelid cancer in the present study and it most frequent displayed mutation inthe p53 genes among the all eyelid tumors investigated.
Efficacy of topical Interferon Alfa- 2b used as an adjunct in the management of primary OSSN
Authors: Kaur Gursimran , Pandey Prasoon , Shukla Nirpal , Shukla Ram , Kaur Jasjit
Published: October 2021

To assess the efficacy of topical interferon alfa-2b as an adjunct therapy in the management of primary ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN).

: Clinically visible OSSN on slit lamp examination in 21 patients (21 tumors) was managed with topical interferon alfa-2b, 1 million IU/mL, 4times daily for a period of one month, before subjecting the patients to definitive surgery. The patients were periodically observed, over a period of 6 months. Tumor control and complications were evaluated according to American Joint Committee on Cancer classification. A significant reduction in size, was noted in smaller tumors. Final diagnosis and staging was done after histopathological examination of the surgically excised tumour, which had been excised with a 4mm margin. Bigger extensive lesion did not show appreciable response in terms of appearance or reduction of size.

Tumor size was found to be reduced significantly in 19 out of 21 tumors (%) following topical interferon alfa-2b treatment for a period of 1 month, from the presentation. Of the 19 tumors, tumor surface area was reduced 44% (median). Two patients (8.3%) did not respond to the treatment.

Based on American Joint Committee on Cancer classification, significant reduction was achieved in 2 of 3 Tis (67%), 17 of 20 T3 (85%), 19 of 23 N0 (83%), and 19 of 23 M0 (83%) category tumors.

According to American Joint Committee on Cancer classification, significant reduction with topical interferon alfa-2b can be achieved in 67% of Tis, 85% of T3, and 83% of all OSSN.
Evaluation of outcome of primary pterygium excision combined with different techniques
Authors: V Raksha , BH Manjunath
Published: October 2021

To compare different techniques combined with excision in treatment of primary pterygium: Amniotic membrane transplant [AMG], Limbal-conjunctival autograft [CLAG], and mitomycin c with limbal-conjunctival autograft.[MMC+CLAG]

: A prospective comparative study was performed in tertiary hospital on 105 patients satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Combined with excision, 35 eyes each were treated with AMG transplantation [Group 1] and CLAG [Group 2] for closure of defect. In 35 eyes low-dose mitomycin -C [0.02%] was applied on bare sclera for 1 minute and a CLAG was applied thereafter [Group 3]. Patients were followed up for 9 months.

Study was conducted from June 2018 to April 2020 on patients of age 26 to 72 years with mean age of 46.3 ± 10 years with 42[40%] male and 63[60%] female. A statistically significant change [ paired t test, p<0.001] was noted in K-horizontal value pre- and post- pterygium surgery. Change in K-vertical pre- and post- surgery was not statistically significant [paired t test, p<0.58]. Pterygium recurred in 3 patients [8.6%] in group 1, 1 patient [2.9%] each in group 2 and 3. Other postoperative complications include graft displacement [5.7%], graft oedema [6.7%] and congestion [9.5%]. A minor case of scleral melting was noted in one patient [2.9%] in group 3.

Pterygium excision followed by CLAG and MMC+CLAG are an effective way of reducing recurrence. However close monitoring is required for use of adjuvant MMC.AMG can be reserved in patients with bilateral pterygium, severe limbal stem cell loss and in need of glaucoma surgery.
Etiology, management of ptosis in working age group and its surgical outcome – A prospective study
Authors: A Anuradha , Malarvizhi R , K Nikkitha , Karthik Niranjan
Published: October 2021

To study the etiology of ptosis among 20 - 50 years of age and analyse the management and surgical outcomes of various types of ptosis using different surgical modalities.

This prospective study was conducted at Tertiary Eye Care centre in Chennai from July 2018 - June 2019.It included all patients with ptosis between the age of 20 - 50 years after excluding vascular malformations and malignant tumours of the lid. Here all variables are described with frequency distribution and displayed using percentage.

Incidence of congenital ptosis was 11 cases (37%), aponeurotic ptosis 8 cases (26%), myogenic ptosis 4 cases (13%), neurogenic ptosis 3 cases (10%), mechanical ptosis. 2 cases (7%), post traumatic ptosis 2 cases (7%). 70% were males and the remaining 30% were females. Among 30 cases, 23 patients had unilateral and 7 patients had bilateral ptosis. Moderate ptosis (3-4mm) (46.7%) formed a major composition of our study shortly followed by severe ptosis (43.3%). Out of 30 cases, 9 cases were managed medically (30%) and surgical intervention was required in 21 cases (70%). Out of 7 bilateral ptosis, 2 cases were managed medically and 5 cases needed surgical intervention. Complications following frontalis sling were under correction (27.3%) in 3 cases followed by mild corneal exposure keratitis (9.1%) in one patient. Complications following levator advancement were under correction in one case (12.5%) and mild lid peaking in one case (12.5%). Among 2 cases of mechanical ptosis, one was squamous papilloma and other was a large chalazion. Out of 4 myogenic cases 3 cases were due to myasthenia and the other diagnosed to have CPEO. 2 cases of traumatic ptosis were due to traumatic 3rd nerve palsy and traumatic levator dehiscence.

The most common acquired ptosis was aponeurotic followed by myogenic, neurogenic, traumatic and mechanical ptosis. Frontalis sling surgery is the most common surgery done for congenital ptosis. Use of polypropylene as a suspensory material gives a good functional outcome. Aponeurotic advancement surgery is the most common surgery performed for acquired ptosis.
EVALUATION OF SOYBEAN VARIETIES FOR RESISTANCE OF AGROCENOSES TO COTTON BUDWORM (HELICOVERPA ARMIGERA) IN SAMARA REGION
Authors:   FSBEI HE Samara SAU, Pertseva E. V. , Vasin V. G. ,   FSBEI HE Samara SAU, Mayorov Yu. A. ,   OOO “SEV-07” of Privolzhsky district of Samara region
Published: October 2021

Samer-2 is an undoubted leader in terms of attractiveness as a feed plant both in particular years and on average during the study years. A lower pest population, even in a year with a high number of pests, was shown by Cordoba variety. The rest of the studied varieties can be attributed to medium level of feed preference for cotton budworm. The observed pattern can presumably be explained by the difference in chemical composition of different varieties of soybean, which should be confirmed by further research, as well as by density of soybean plants. The best varieties in terms of protein content in our studies were Prudence, Alaska and Protina; the latter variety does not consistently accumulate this protein, which depends on weather conditions and other factors. The lowest grain moisture was shown by Alaska soybean variety, the agrocenosis of which had a low plant density. And conversely, the wettest grain had Samer-2 variety with a high number of plants per 1 m2. On average, over three years of observation, the best and consistently high yield was shown by Cordoba variety, due to, for one of the reasons, high resistance to damage by the cotton budworm. An opposite situation was observed for Protina and Samer-2 variants, a significant number of caterpillars of the studied phytophage led to a substantial yield decrease of these varieties, especially in the year favorable for development of this pest. Prudence and Alaska variants can be classified as medium-suppressed varieties with medium yields. To obtain a stable phytosanitary situation and obtain high-quality soybean crop, it is more expedient to cultivate Cordoba (high-yield) and Prudence (high-protein) varieties, with application of Biosleep BV, Zh insecticide (4 l / ha) for effective protection against cotton budworm.
ADAPTIVE RESPONSE OF STOMACH TISSUES OF AFRICAN CATFISH TO MICROBIOTA WITH PROBIOTIC PROPERTIES
Authors:   FSBEI HE Ulyanovsk SAU, Romanova E.M. , Spirina E.V. ,   FSBEI HE Ulyanovsk SAU, Lyubomirova V.N. ,   FSBEI HE Ulyanovsk SAU
Published: October 2021

The article presents specific features of adaptive response of stomach tissues of African sharptooth catfish bred in artificial environment with application of “Sporothermin” probiotic. Probiotics influence metabolism of the host organism due to their participation in digestion processes, they also promote synthesis of proteins and increase the degree of absorption. The microorganisms that compose the probiotic contribute to better assimilation of incoming nutrients into the fish organism, they synthesize biologically active substances due to their fermentation activity. Histological slides were analyzed and documented applying a universal microscope Axio Imager.M2. Differences were found in structural features of the stomach of fish bred with application of “Sporothermin” probiotic and without it. Thus, fish that did not receive the probiotic had edema of the stomach inner muscular layer, epithelial layer detachment from the gastric mucosa and disorder of structural organization of the gastric fields. These changes were not observed in fish bred with application of “Sporothermine” probiotic. The conducted studies indicate the prospects of using the microbiota with probiotic properties when breeding Clarias gariepinus in an artificial environment. The spore forms of bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis), which are part of the probiotic “Sporothermin”, contribute to improvement of microbiocenosis of fish gastrointestinal tract, triggering a mechanism that stimulates a complex of adaptive reactions in stomach tissues of Clarias gariepinus. At the same time, conditionally pathogenic and pathogenic microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract is suppressed, ensuring effective digestion and increasing the degree of nutrient absorption. As a result, the productivity of the fish stock increases and the costs of breeding it in an artificial environment are reduced.
ADAPTIVE CHANGES IN THE BLOOD PICTURE OF SHARPTOOTH CATFISH IN CASE OF TRECRESAN APPLICATION WHEN BREEDING IN ARTIFICIAL ENVIRONMENT
Authors:   FSBEI HE Ulyanovsk SAU, Spirina E.V. , Romanova E.M. ,   FSBEI HE Ulyanovsk SAU, Petrova Yu.V. ,   FSBEI HE Ulyanovsk SAU
Published: October 2021

The work is devoted to the study of trecresan adaptogen effect on hematological parameters of sharptooth catfish bred in an artificial environment. In particular, the effect of trecresan on general hematological parameters and antioxidant system of African sharptooth catfish was assessed, since breeding in an artificial environment is accompanied by stress, in which oxidative processes increase, leading to damage of biological membranes and disruption of cell functioning. Blood samples were analyzed using an Axio Imager.M2 microscope (Carl Zeiss, Germany). The analysis of enzymatic activity (units / mg of protein) was carried out on a UV-1800 double-beam spectrophotometer (Shimadzu, Japan). The obtained results indicate that in case of trecresan adaptogen application, there was a tendency to a proportion increase of monocytes, platelets and stab neutrophils. There is an increase of the total amount of intracel- lular hemoglobin, superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in erythrocytes and in the blood of fish bred with application of trecresan adaptogen. Trecresan induces production of interferons, increases the body immune status, activating cellular and humoral immunity, leads to a decrease of toxic products formed during lipid peroxidation by increasing the activity of enzyme unit in the antioxidant system and ensures antioxidant defense improvement of sharptooth catfish bred in an artificial environment. It strengthens the body immune system and increases resistance to adverse environmental factors. In our studies, trecresan revealed itself as a mild, effective immunomodulator.