bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological and clinical features, treatment status, and economic burden of traumatic spinal cord injury in China: a hospital-based retrospective study
Authors: Zhou Hengxing , Lou Yongfu , Chen Lingxiao , Kang Yi , Liu Lu , Cai Zhiwei , Anderson David B. , Wang Wei , Zhang Chi , Wang Jinghua , Ning Guangzhi , Gao Yanzheng , He Baorong , Ding Wenyuan , Wang Yisheng , Mei Wei , Song Yueming , Zhou Yue , Xia Maosheng , Wang Huan , Zhao Jie , Yin Guoyong , Zhang Tao , Jing Feng , Zhu Rusen , Meng Bin , Duan Li , Zhang Zhongmin , Wu Desheng , Cai Zhengdong , Huang Lin , Yin Zhanhai , Li Kainan , Lu Shibao , Feng Shiqing
Published: September 2023

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202405000-00044/inline-graphic1/v/2023-09-28T063346Z/r/image-tiff

Traumatic spinal cord injury is potentially catastrophic and can lead to permanent disability or even death. China has the largest population of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury. Previous studies of traumatic spinal cord injury in China have mostly been regional in scope; national-level studies have been rare. To the best of our knowledge, no national-level study of treatment status and economic burden has been performed. This retrospective study aimed to examine the epidemiological and clinical features, treatment status, and economic burden of traumatic spinal cord injury in China at the national level. We included 13,465 traumatic spinal cord injury patients who were injured between January 2013 and December 2018 and treated in 30 hospitals in 11 provinces/municipalities representing all geographical divisions of China. Patient epidemiological and clinical features, treatment status, and total and daily costs were recorded. Trends in the percentage of traumatic spinal cord injuries among all hospitalized patients and among patients hospitalized in the orthopedic department and cost of care were assessed by annual percentage change using the Joinpoint Regression Program. The percentage of traumatic spinal cord injuries among all hospitalized patients and among patients hospitalized in the orthopedic department did not significantly change overall (annual percentage change, –0.5% and 2.1%, respectively). A total of 10,053 (74.7%) patients underwent surgery. Only 2.8% of patients who underwent surgery did so within 24 hours of injury. A total of 2005 (14.9%) patients were treated with high-dose (≥ 500 mg) methylprednisolone sodium succinate/methylprednisolone (MPSS/MP); 615 (4.6%) received it within 8 hours. The total cost for acute traumatic spinal cord injury decreased over the study period (–4.7%), while daily cost did not significantly change (1.0% increase). Our findings indicate that public health initiatives should aim at improving hospitals’ ability to complete early surgery within 24 hours, which is associated with improved sensorimotor recovery, increasing the awareness rate of clinical guidelines related to high-dose MPSS/MP to reduce the use of the treatment with insufficient evidence.
The autophagy protein Atg9 functions in glia and contributes to parkinsonian symptoms in a Drosophila model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Yi Shuanglong , Wang Linfang , Ho Margaret S. , Zhang Shiping
Published: September 2023

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202405000-00047/inline-graphic1/v/2023-09-28T063346Z/r/image-tiff

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor deficits, dopaminergic neuron loss, and brain accumulation of α-synuclein aggregates called Lewy bodies. Dysfunction in protein degradation pathways, such as autophagy, has been demonstrated in neurons as a critical mechanism for eliminating protein aggregates in Parkinson’s disease. However, it is less well understood how protein aggregates are eliminated in glia, the other cell type in the brain. In the present study, we show that autophagy-related gene 9 (Atg9), the only transmembrane protein in the autophagy machinery, is highly expressed inDrosophilaglia from adult brain. Results from immunostaining and live cell imaging analysis reveal that a portion of Atg9 localizes to the trans-Golgi network, autophagosomes, and lysosomes in glia. Atg9 is persistently in contact with these organelles. Lacking glialatg9reduces the number of omegasomes and autophagosomes, and impairs autophagic substrate degradation. This suggests that glial Atg9 participates in the early steps of autophagy, and hence the control of autophagic degradation. Importantly, loss of glial atg9 induces parkinsonian symptoms inDrosophilaincluding progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons, locomotion deficits, and glial activation. Our findings identify a functional role of Atg9 in glial autophagy and establish a potential link between glial autophagy and Parkinson’s disease. These results may provide new insights on the underlying mechanism of Parkinson’s disease.
Pathological mechanisms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Hu Yushu , Chen Wenzhi , Wei Caihui , Jiang Shishi , Li Shu , Wang Xinxin , Xu Renshi
Published: September 2023

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis refers to a neurodegenerative disease involving the motor system, the cause of which remains unexplained despite several years of research. Thus, the journey to understanding or treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is still a long one. According to current research, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is likely not due to a single factor but rather to a combination of mechanisms mediated by complex interactions between molecular and genetic pathways. The progression of the disease involves multiple cellular processes and the interaction between different complex mechanisms makes it difficult to identify the causative factors of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Here, we review the most common amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated pathogenic genes and the pathways involved in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, as well as summarize currently proposed potential mechanisms responsible for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease and their evidence for involvement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In addition, we discuss current emerging strategies for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Studying the emergence of these new therapies may help to further our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of the disease.
Progress in the generation of spinal cord organoids over the past decade and future perspectives
Authors: Zhou Gang , Pang Siyuan , Li Yongning , Gao Jun
Published: September 2023

Spinal cord organoids are three-dimensional tissues derived from stem cells that recapitulate the primary morphological and functional characteristics of the spinal cord in vivo. As emerging bioengineering methods have led to the optimization of cell culture protocols, spinal cord organoids technology has made remarkable advancements in the past decade. Our literature search found that current spinal cord organoids do not only dynamically simulate neural tube formation but also exhibit diverse cytoarchitecture along the dorsal-ventral and rostral-caudal axes. Moreover, fused organoids that integrate motor neurons and other regionally specific organoids exhibit intricate neural circuits that allows for functional assessment. These qualities make spinal cord organoids valuable tools for disease modeling, drug screening, and tissue regeneration. By utilizing this emergent technology, researchers have made significant progress in investigating the pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets of spinal cord diseases. However, at present, spinal cord organoid technology remains in its infancy and has not been widely applied in translational medicine. Establishment of the next generation of spinal cord organoids will depend on good manufacturing practice standards and needs to focus on diverse cell phenotypes and electrophysiological functionality evaluation.
Astrocytic calcium waves: unveiling their roles in sleep and arousal modulation
Authors: Wu Erxi , Qi Dan , Nizamutdinov Damir , Huang Jason H.
Published: September 2023

Neuron-astrocyte interactions are vital for the brain’s connectome. Understanding astrocyte activities is crucial for comprehending the complex neural network, particularly the population-level functions of neurons in different cortical states and associated behaviors in mammals. Studies on animal sleep and wakefulness have revealed distinct cortical synchrony patterns between neurons. Astrocytes, outnumbering neurons by nearly fivefold, support and regulate neuronal and synaptic function. Recent research on astrocyte activation during cortical state transitions has emphasized the influence of norepinephrine as a neurotransmitter and calcium waves as key components of ion channel signaling. This summary focuses on a few recent studies investigating astrocyte-neuron interactions in mouse models during sleep, wakefulness, and arousal levels, exploring the involvement of noradrenaline signaling, ion channels, and glutamatergic signaling in different cortical states. These findings highlight the significant impact of astrocytes on large-scale neuronal networks, influencing brain activity and responsiveness. Targeting astrocytic signaling pathways shows promise for treating sleep disorders and arousal dysregulation. More research is needed to understand astrocytic calcium signaling in different brain regions and its implications for dysregulated brain states, requiring future human studies to comprehensively investigate neuron-astrocyte interactions and pave the way for therapeutic interventions in sleep- and arousal-related disorders.
Forebrain excitatory neuron-specific loss of Brpf1 attenuates excitatory synaptic transmission and impairs spatial and fear memory
Authors: Zhao Baicheng , Zhang Hang , Liu Ying , Zu Gaoyu , Zhang Yuxiao , Hu Jiayi , Liu Shuai , You Linya
Published: September 2023

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202405000-00045/inline-graphic1/v/2023-09-28T063346Z/r/image-tiff

Bromodomain and plant homeodomain (PHD) finger containing protein 1 (Brpf1) is an activator and scaffold protein of a multiunit complex that includes other components involving lysine acetyltransferase (KAT) 6A/6B/7. Brpf1, KAT6A, and KAT6B mutations were identified as the causal genes of neurodevelopmental disorders leading to intellectual disability. Our previous work revealed strong and specific expression of Brpf1 in both the postnatal and adult forebrain, especially the hippocampus, which has essential roles in learning and memory. Here, we hypothesized that Brpf1 plays critical roles in the function of forebrain excitatory neurons, and that its deficiency leads to learning and memory deficits. To test this, we knocked out Brpf1 in forebrain excitatory neurons using CaMKIIa-Cre. We found that Brpf1 deficiency reduced the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents and downregulated the expression of genes Pcdhgb1, Slc16a7, Robo3, and Rho, which are related to neural development, synapse function, and memory, thereby damaging spatial and fear memory in mice. These findings help explain the mechanisms of intellectual impairment in patients with BRPF1 mutation.
Conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells treats spinal cord injury by inhibiting microglial pyroptosis
Authors: Liu Tao , Ma Ziqian , Liu Liang , Pei Yilun , Wu Qichao , Xu Songjie , Liu Yadong , Ding Nan , Guan Yun , Zhang Yan , Chen Xueming
Published: September 2023

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202405000-00041/inline-graphic1/v/2023-09-28T063346Z/r/image-tiff

Human dental pulp stem cell transplantation has been shown to be an effective therapeutic strategy for spinal cord injury. However, whether the human dental pulp stem cell secretome can contribute to functional recovery after spinal cord injury remains unclear. In the present study, we established a rat model of spinal cord injury based on impact injury from a dropped weight and then intraperitoneally injected the rats with conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells. We found that the conditioned medium effectively promoted the recovery of sensory and motor functions in rats with spinal cord injury, decreased expression of the microglial pyroptosis markers NLRP3, GSDMD, caspase-1, and interleukin-1β, promoted axonal and myelin regeneration, and inhibited the formation of glial scars. In addition, in a lipopolysaccharide-induced BV2 microglia model, conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells protected cells from pyroptosis by inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase-1/interleukin-1β pathway. These results indicate that conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells can reduce microglial pyroptosis by inhibiting the NLRP3/caspase-1/interleukin-1β pathway, thereby promoting the recovery of neurological function after spinal cord injury. Therefore, conditioned medium from human dental pulp stem cells may become an alternative therapy for spinal cord injury.
Cortical activity in patients with high-functioning ischemic stroke during the Purdue Pegboard Test: insights into bimanual coordinated fine motor skills with functional near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Siyun , Mao Mengchai , Zhu Guangyue , Chen Yufeng , Qiu Yuqi , Ye Bin , Xu Dongsheng
Published: September 2023

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202405000-00040/inline-graphic1/v/2023-09-28T063346Z/r/image-tiff

After stroke, even high-functioning individuals may experience compromised bimanual coordination and fine motor dexterity, leading to reduced functional independence. Bilateral arm training has been proposed as a promising intervention to address these deficits. However, the neural basis of the impairment of functional fine motor skills and their relationship to bimanual coordination performance in stroke patients remains unclear, limiting the development of more targeted interventions. To address this gap, our study employed functional near-infrared spectroscopy to investigate cortical responses in patients after stroke as they perform functional tasks that engage fine motor control and coordination. Twenty-four high-functioning patients with ischemic stroke (7 women, 17 men; mean age 64.75 ± 10.84 years) participated in this cross-sectional observational study and completed four subtasks from the Purdue Pegboard Test, which measures unimanual and bimanual finger and hand dexterity. We found significant bilateral activation of the sensorimotor cortices during all Purdue Pegboard Test subtasks, with bimanual tasks inducing higher cortical activation than the assembly subtask. Importantly, patients with better bimanual coordination exhibited lower cortical activation during the other three Purdue Pegboard Test subtasks. Notably, the observed neural response patterns varied depending on the specific subtask. In the unaffected hand task, the differences were primarily observed in the ipsilesional hemisphere. In contrast, the bilateral sensorimotor cortices and the contralesional hemisphere played a more prominent role in the bimanual task and assembly task, respectively. While significant correlations were found between cortical activation and unimanual tasks, no significant correlations were observed with bimanual tasks. This study provides insights into the neural basis of bimanual coordination and fine motor skills in high-functioning patients after stroke, highlighting task-dependent neural responses. The findings also suggest that patients who exhibit better bimanual performance demonstrate more efficient cortical activation. Therefore, incorporating bilateral arm training in post-stroke rehabilitation is important for better outcomes. The combination of functional near-infrared spectroscopy with functional motor paradigms is valuable for assessing skills and developing targeted interventions in stroke rehabilitation.
Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich (HWW) syndrome: a case report
Authors: Singh Shalini , Sharmila Vijayan , Kamatham Vandana , Babu Thirunavukkarasu Arun
Published: September 2023

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich (HWW) syndrome OHVIRA syndrome (Obstructed HemiVagina Ipsilateral Renal Agenesis) is rare type of Mullerian duct anomaly, with uterine didelphys, obstructed hemivagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis. Usually presenting in post-pubertal adolescent girls presenting as pain abdomen or pelvic masses on the side of the obstructed Hemivagina. Here we represent a case report of a 14-year-old girl who presented to our outpatient department complaining lower abdominal pain for 2 months with previous normal menstrual cycles. On General Physical examination well-developed breasts and normal axillary and pubic hair distribution were noted. The Baseline laboratory analysis and hormonal profile were reported normal. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provided a fruitful help in correct diagnosis of this rare anomaly. The treatment modality being the surgery to relieve obstruction and its associated complications.
Drug-resistant Monoarticular Wrist Joint Tuberculosis in Renal Transplant Recipient with Literature Review
Authors: Sethi Jasmine , Subramani Vignesh , Kumar Rajender , Patil Shivakumar , Sharma Ashish
Published: September 2023

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is more frequently encountered among renal transplant recipients than in normal population. As per the published literature, this is the first case of a renal transplant recipient with multidrug-resistant (MDR) joint TB from our country. A patient in the seventh decade presented with swelling of the left wrist for 1 month. He underwent positron emission tomography–computed tomography-guided joint aspiration in which GeneXpert came out positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance was detected. The patient had twice received antituberculous therapy in the past for pulmonary and joint TB. He was started on five-drug MDR-TB drug combination, including bedaquiline, and he responded well with subsidence of joint swelling. Treatment of MDR-TB in a renal transplant recipient is a difficult task as the MDR-TB drugs are potentially toxic and some have drug interactions with immunosuppressive agents that can lead to difficulties in maintaining therapeutic trough levels.
Every Rash is Important – A Rare Case of Neurosyphilis in Renal Transplant Patient
Authors: Hande Madhav , Khan Mohammed Fahad , Jangamani Ravi , Siddini Vishwanath , Ballal H. Sudarshan
Published: September 2023

In immunocompromised conditions, latent syphilitic infection can lead to secondary syphilis. We present here a case of neurosyphilis (syphilitic meningomyelitis) in a kidney transplant recipient. Atypical presentation, the typical maculopapular rash, and a serological test all pointed to secondary syphilis. The scenario illustrates a crucial point: infections can go undetected, whereas a patient is on immunosuppressive therapy.
Is Lysate-based Human Leukocyte Antigen Crossmatch a Reliable Method to Contraindicate a Transplant?
Authors: Tapiawala Shruti , Jogale Suchita , Shah Bharat V. , Raman Anuradha
Published: September 2023

The presence of preformed cytotoxic donor-specific antibodies (DSAs) has been associated with inferior allograft outcomes in the immediate posttransplant period. Since the 1970s, the primary method for determining the presence of DSAs has been the complement-dependent cytotoxicity crossmatch. Solid phase assays on the Luminex platform were introduced in India in 2010 in the form of human leukocyte antigen antibody screening, single antigen bead (SAB) assay and lysate-based crossmatch (LumXM) to identify low titer antibodies, which are deleterious to allograft. Instead of SAB, LumXM has been popularly used in India to identify DSAs and also called DSA crossmatch, which is not recommended or validated in International literature for denying or accepting to transplant a patient due to its fallacies. We are reporting three cases which showcase the flawed nature of this test and the implications of this test on day to day practice in transplantation.
Coronavirus Disease 2019-induced Acute Exudative Polymorphous Vitelliform Maculopathy
Authors: Osman Mohamed , Mehana Omar , Eissa Mahmoud , Zeineldin Sara , Sinha Akatya
Published: September 2023

Acute exudative polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy (AEPVM) is a rare entity characterized by acute multifocal macular detachment with polymorphous subretinal vitelliform deposits. The disease is a presumed retinal pigment epithelial dysfunction and is reported to occur with malignancies. We report a case of a 32-year-old otherwise healthy woman who presented with an acute bilateral visual disturbance a few days after testing positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Her initial visual acuity was 6/6 in both eyes. Fundus examination revealed bilateral multifocal round yellowish subretinal deposits. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography showed bilateral foveal serous retinal detachment with subretinal hyperreflective materials consistent with vitelliform deposits. Systemic workup to exclude malignancies and genetic diseases was unremarkable. The patient was observed without treatment, and the vitelliform materials gradually resolved over 18 months of follow-up. In our era of the global pandemic, AEPVM may be associated with COVID-19 infection.
Small Renal Masses
Authors: Gholami Mandana , Kaouk Jihad , Zargar Homayoun
Published: September 2023

Small renal masses (SRM) are defined as contrast-enhancing solid masses detected on diagnostic imaging, with a size of less than or equal to 4cm, corresponding to renal cell carcinoma stage T1a. These tumours are mainly benign, with an indolent nature and rare metastatic potential. Given the size and nature of these tumours, there has been a significant evolution and in management modalities of these tumours. These range from conventional radical approaches such as radical nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy, to more conservative approaches such as active surveillance, and some novel emerging management strategies such as various thermal ablation techniques. The treatment decision depends on patient factors such as age and co-morbidity, and tumour factor on radiological imaging, such as tumour size, location, growth rate and biopsy result. In this review, we aim to provide the latest updates on approaching SRM and various management modalities.
Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Using Modified Urethral Stricture Surgery: Patient-Reported Outcome Measure for Direct Visual Internal Urethrotomy and Nontransecting Urethroplasty for Short Nontraumatic Bulbar Urethral Stricture – A Prospective Comparative Observational Study from a University Teaching Hospital
Authors: Sitaram Mummalaneni , Reddy Suraj Jayadeva , Chawla Arun , Rosette Jean J M C H de la , Laguna Pilar , Bhaskara Sunil Pillai , Reddy Bathi Sourabh , Pandit Shruti , Choudhary Anupam
Published: September 2023

Purpose:

To evaluate the patient-reported outcomes of primary direct visual internal urethrotomy (DVIU) and nontransecting bulbar urethroplasty techniques (NTBU) for the short segment (<2 cm) nontraumatic bulbar urethral stricture using the modified urethral stricture surgery patient-reported outcome measures (USS PROMs).

Materials and Methods:

The USS PROM questionnaire used to evaluate lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) was modified by adding a six-item International Index of Erectile Function and a four-item version of MSHQ-EjD to evaluate erectile and ejaculatory domains. All cases of short nontraumatic bulbar urethral stricture who underwent primary DVIU and NTBU who consented were asked to fill the modified PROM at initial evaluation, at 6 months, and at 1 year.

Results:

The LUTS score for NTBU at 12 months is significantly better (1.93 ± 2.13 vs. 8.76 ± 5.92, P = 0.000). The Peeling score of the NTBU is significantly better at 12 months (1.41 ± 0.68 vs. 2.67 ± 0.73, P = 0.000). The erectile function score at 12 months for NTBU is better than DVIU (24.37 ± 3.2 vs. 21.143 ± 2.86, P = 0.001). The Ejaculatory function score at 6 months and 12 months is significantly better for the NTBU. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) AND Odd's Ratio analysis for analyzing patient satisfaction showed erectile function (area under ROC [AUROC] - 0.889, P < 0.001), ejaculatory function (AUROC - 0.957, P < 0.001) at 1 year and maximum flow rate of urine on uroflometry (Qmax) (AUROC - 0.928, P < 0.001) at 6 months and (AUROC - 1.000, P < 0.001) at 1 year. The overall satisfaction rates in patients undergoing NTBU is 96.5%.

Conclusion:

NTBU shows superior outcomes in almost all domains of USS-PROM with better overall satisfaction rates. Improvement of sexual function domain, followed by the LUTS domain was the best predictor of overall patient satisfaction and improvement in the quality of life at 1 year.
Топологические фазы в теории твердого тела
Authors: Sergeev Armen Glebovich , Teplyakov Egor
Published: September 2023

Статья представляет собой обзор, посвященный топологическим фазам - одному из активно развивающихся направлений в теории твердого тела. Приводится интерпретация топологических фаз в терминах обобщенных теорий когомологий и $K$-теории.
Библиография: 13 наименований.
On the detailed structure of quantum control landscape for fast single qubit phase-shift gate generation
Authors: Volkov Boris Olegovich , Pechen Alexander Nikolaevich
Published: September 2023

In this work, we study the detailed structure of quantum control landscape for the problem of single-qubit phase shift gate generation on the fast time scale. In previous works, the absence of traps for this problem was proven on various time scales. A special critical point which was known to exist in quantum control landscapes was shown to be either a saddle or a global extremum, depending on the parameters of the control system. However, in the case of a saddle the numbers of negative and positive eigenvalues of the Hessian at this point and their magnitudes have not been studied. At the same time, these numbers and magnitudes determine the relative ease or difficulty for practical optimization in a vicinity of the critical point. In this work, we compute the numbers of negative and positive eigenvalues of the Hessian at this saddle point and, moreover, give estimates on magnitude of these eigenvalues. We also significantly simplify our previous proof of the theorem about this saddle point of the Hessian [Theorem 3 in B. O. Volkov, O. V. Morzhin, A. N. Pechen, J. Phys. A: Math. Theor. 54, 215303 (2021)].
Bibliography: 42 titles.
Synthesis of biologically active xanthene, chromene, thiazole, thiophene, pyrazole, and isoxazole derivatives from camphor
Authors: Alwan Ensaf Sultan , Mohareb Rafat Milad
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT. Xanthene, chromene, thiazole, thiophene, pyrazole, and isoxazole derivatives were synthesized from camphor-D monoterpene using multi-component reactions. Camphor has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used to mitigate pain, treat skin diseases, and improve respiratory functions. In this research, we focus on the effectiveness of the produced compounds from the biologically active camphor. The produced compounds were formed according to various reactions such as a Knoevenagel condensation, Michael adduct, Gewald reaction, a nucleophilic attack, substitution, addition, elimination and cyclization reactions. Furthermore, the novel produced compounds have been tested towards the six cancer cell lines namely A549, MKN-45, U87MG, HT-29, H460 and SMMC-772. Compounds 5, 11, 15b, 16, 25b and 27b displayed the highest inhibitions compounds toward the mentioned cancer cell lines. In addition, compounds 3, 13, 15a, 22a, 27a and 28 showed moderate inhibitory effects against the cancer cell lines.

KEY WORDS: Camphor, Xanthenes, Pyrimidine, Heterocyclic, Anti-cancer

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(6), 1539-1552. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i6.18
Synthesis, characterisation and structural elucidation of novel 4-tert-butylbenzohydrazone and its Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II) and Mn(II) complexes
Authors: Anarado Chigozie J. O. , Onyilogwu Ebuka H. , Ibeji Collins U. , Anarado Charity E.
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT. 4-Tert-butylbenzohydrazone ligand was synthesised by reacting 4-tert-butylbenzohydrazide with dehydroacetic acid. Afterward, the Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), and Mn(II) complexes of 4-tert-butylbenzohydrazone were synthesised. All the synthesised compounds were characterised using elemental analysis, ESI-MS, IR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopic methods. ESI-MS studies revealed ligand to metal stoichiometry of 1:1 for the Cu(II) complex, 2:1 for the Ni(II), Co(II), and Mn(II) complexes. IR studies showed that the ligand was coordinated to the metal ions through ONO donor atoms. The 1H NMR revealed that deprotonation did not occur in the ligand. Thus, the hydroxyl oxygen and the secondary amine nitrogen did not participate in the coordination. The proposed structures of the compounds conform with the analytical results.

KEY WORDS: 4-Tert-butylbenzohydrazone, Metal complexes, Structure, Elucidation

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(6), 1411-1422. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i6.9
Sugarcane Plantations and the Alienation of Land from Smallholder Farmers through Out-grower Schemes in Busoga Sub-Region in Eastern Uganda
Authors: Ojambo Robert
Published: September 2023

Despite wide research on land grabbing in Africa, much of the existing literature restricts the practice mainly to a situation where land is leased or sold to outside investors for the production of food and biofuel for export to the western world. This paper extends the debate further by examining how local sugarcane companies and individuals in Busoga Region in Eastern Uganda force smallholder farmers to surrender their land willingly through the out-grower schemes based on contract farming or private sugarcane production. Using a qualitative methodology that relied mainly on interviews of key informants and documentary reviews, the paper analyses the nature of the contemporary land alienations through contract farming between plantation agriculturalists and smallholder farmers, and how it has affected the livelihood of the peasants in the Busoga region especially when it comes to the production of sugarcane for sale at the expense of food for local consumption. The findings show that in the areas where sugarcane production through the out-grower schemes is the dominant economic activity, land alienation for sugarcane growing is rampant as the sugar companies and the agro-business farmers lure local peasants who mainly own land on customary tenure to grow sugarcane at the expense of producing food crops. The paper concludes that this is a new form of land grabbing in Uganda.
Changes in customary land administration and “plausible” development outcomes: A comparative study of Chamuka and Shimukunami chiefdoms
Authors: Mwanza Dinah , Kanungwe Kalaba Felix , Kabunda Munshifwa Ephraim
Published: September 2023

Literature is now cognizant of the fact that customary land governance structures are changing in most of sub-Saharan Africa. The relevance of land governance is largely dependent on the local institution, even without direct State intervention. In other words, customary areas are no longer sites for unrestrained, selfish and uncivilized competitions resulting in high tenure insecurity. However, a number of issues still remain debatable over these changes: for instance, what is their exact form and what are the “plausible” development outcomes related to these changes? This paper assets that, answers to these questions are often location specific in literature, hence the rationale for this study within the Zambian context. This study compares two customary areas, with different customary rights and administration, i.e. Shimukunami were residents are issued with traditional certificates and Chamuka where they are not. Data was collected through household questionnaires, key informants and focus group discussions. The paper tested a number of parameters which included number of conflict (e.g. on ownership, boundaries, encroachments), agricultural production (labour, crops, etc.) and generally livelihood strategies. We conclude that change in customary land governance has been a reaction to pressures and influences such as rapid population, high demand for customary land and introduction of monetary transactions. Further, institutions are not static but have evolved to meet changing societal demands. Therefore, approaches recommended for effective traditional land governance must be mainstreamed in local structure so as to provide a sustainable solution to tenure security and rural development. However, the appropriate approaches should be chosen taking into account the need of the local communities, traditional institutions and dynamics of land governance of a particular area.
Radiographic Evaluation of Impacted Third Mandibular Molar According to the Classification of Winter, Pell and Gregory in a Sample of Cameroonian Population
Authors: Jacques Edouma , Ebogo Messina , Eng Yann-Chris , Donald Ntenkeu , Odile Zeh
Published: September 2023

Background: The extraction of impacted third molars (M3) is a common surgical procedure in dentistry and oral surgery. Various  complications, including inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) damage, may occur during and after extraction of this tooth. Radiographic  examination should provide information about the M3 itself, but also about the surrounding bony structure and the relationship of the  roots to the IAN and the adjacent second molar, which is often traumatized during this extraction. The aim of our study was to evaluate  the depth and angulation of impacted mandibular third molars (M3) from panoramic radiographs, according to the classifications  proposed by Winter and Pell & Gregory.

Methods: Radiographic signs present on the orthopantomogram showing M3 depth, and retromandibular available space according to  the Pell & Gregory classification were evaluated. Evaluation of the M3 angulation relative to the M2 according to Winter's classification  was also done. Student's t test was used to determine the association between side or sex and different variables.

Results: The depth of  impaction of the M3 crown was level A accounting for 54.4% (n=260) of the PR while level B constituted 35.7% (n=171) of the images.  Regarding the availability of retromandibular space, Class I constituted 36.8% (n=176). The Class II accounted for 55.9% (n=267) of PR.  

Conclusion: Our study showed that 54.4% of M3 were located at the same level as the occlusal plane of the second molar, while in 56% of  PR the space between the second molar and the ramus of the mandible is less than the mesiodistal diameter of the third molar. This  research showed that 23.1% of M3 had a level of vertical angulation, a level that allows for less painful luxation of the impacted molars.  These results seem to show a relatively high level of difficulty in mobilizing and extracting M3 from Cameroonian patients
The Role of Probiotics in the Treatment of Vulvovaginal Candidiasis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zahedifard Tahere , Khadivzadeh Talat , Rakhshkhorshid Marzieh
Published: September 2023

Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is one of the most common vaginal infections worldwide. We conducted this systematic review  and meta-analysis to determine the effect of probiotics in the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.

Methods: A comprehensive search  of databases including PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Scientific Information Database (SID), IranMedex, and Google Scholar search engine  was performed. The search was conducted from inception to 1 October 2022, to identify published English or Persian language randomized control trials (RCTs) of women with vulvovaginal candidiasis who received probiotics as medical treatment. The quality of the  included studies was assessed using the Oxford Center for Evidence Based Medicine checklist. All statistical analyses were performed  using Comprehensive Meta-analysis (CMA) version 2.

Results: Six RCTs were included in this review. The results showed that treatment  with probiotic was not different from placebo regarding the rate of positive culture (OR: 1.12; 95% CI: 0.390 to 3.26, P=0.825); treatment  with probiotic was more effective compared to placebo regarding the rate of recurrence. (OR: 0.14; P= 0.01; 95 % CI: 0.028–0.7).  

Conclusion: Probiotics have a beneficial effect in the treatment of women with vulvovaginal candidiasis. Our results provide evidence for  an alternative treatment modality for vaginal candidiasis using probiotics.
Prevalence of Non-Tuberculosis Mycobacterium Pulmonary Disease in HIV-1 Patients with Presumptive Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Western Kenya
Authors: Ochayo Anne , Wamalwa Ronald , Barasa Erick , Zablon Jeremiah , Sowayi George , Were Tom , Gitonga Godfrey , Shaviya Nathan
Published: September 2023

Background: Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTMs) are ubiquitous, free-living, environmental saprophytic microorganisms. NTMs  belong to the genus Mycobacterium which includes Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). NTMs have lately been a major cause of  pulmonary disease (PD) in immuno-compromised individuals including HIV-1 patients. NTMs and MTB appear similar based on  microscopy, radiology, and clinical symptoms; consequently, this may lead to misdiagnosis. This study sought to establish the prevalence  of NTM pulmonary disease in HIV-1 patients presumed to have pulmonary tuberculosis.

Methods: A cross-sectional analytical laboratory study design was used targeting 617 adult HIV-1 infected patients presenting with  presumptive pulmonary TB at Bungoma County Hospital Comprehensive Care Clinic in Western Kenya between July 2021 to June 2022.

Results: A total of 75 (12.2%, 4.6 -9.8 CI) of the participants presented with presumptive MTB and had TB-like symptoms while 542  (87.8%, 12.5 -30.7 CI) were negative. Additionally, 56 (9.1%) were infected with NTMs. HIV-positive participants had a significantly higher  prevalence of NTMs 62 (11.8%, 5.6 -9.2 CI) compared to 2 (2.1%, 0.4 -1.8 CI). In HI 10 (13.3%) as  well as M. kansasii 8 (10.7%). V + study participants P<0.0001. M. avium was the most  prevalent NTM, 25(33.3%), followed by M. fortuitum 20 (26.7%). A significant number of the isolates were M. tuberculosis

Conclusion: There seems to be a high prevalence of NTMPD in HIV-1 patients which is assumed to be  pulmonary TB. Differential diagnosis of the mycobacterium species is necessary to help improve disease management and outcomes in  this group of patients.
Assessment of Liver Antioxidant Profile in Plasmodium Berghei Infected Mice Treated with Curative Ethanol Leaf extract of Musa paradisiaca
Authors: George-Opuda Maureen Ibitoroko , Adegoke Olugbenga Adebayo , Odeghe Bensandy Othuke , Awopeju Abimbola Temitayo , Okeahialam Ngozi Margret
Published: September 2023

Background: The increasing resistance to most antimalarial drugs suggests a need for better alternatives. This study evaluated in vivo  antimalarial and liver antioxidant profile of dry plantain leaf extract (Musa paradisiaca) on mice infected with Plasmodium berghei.

Methods: Six groups of ten mice each grouped as control, P. berghei, artesunate, and P. berghei infected mice were orally administered  250,500 and 1000mg/kg Musa paradisiaca leaf extract for 5 days. Blood smears were evaluated for parasitaemia on the 10th day and the  mice sacrificed. Catalase, Malondialdehyde, protein, Glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione was estimated using Colorimetric,  Biuret and spectrophotometric methods respectively with data analyzed using SPSS version 21.

Results: Catalase activity (umol/ml/mins)  was 24.62 ± 0.99, 10.04 ± 0.50, 19.35 ± 0.38, 22.13 ± 0.00, 22.79 ± 0.00 and 23.66 ± 0.20 while Glutathione Peroxidase(u/l) was 332.34± 0.64,  205.22± 4.61, 218.26± 0.63, 310.59± 0.00, 305.20± 0.00. and 295.97± 0.02 at Control, P.berghei, artesunate, 250mg, 500mg and1000mg  extracts. Glutathione (mM) was 1.60 ± 0.12, 0.64 ± 0.09, 1.06 ± 0.16, 0.72 ± 0.00, 0.92 ± 0.00 and 1.26 ± 0.08 while Malondialdehye (uM) was 16.93 ± 3.59, 61.65 ± 1.72, 27.80 ± 0.26, 36.90 ± 0.00, 34.30 ± 0.00 and 32.68 ± 0.27 and Protein(g/dl) was 22.37 ± 1.87, 7.91 ± 0.13, 11.78 ±  1.19, 11.79 ± 0.00, 13.20 ± 0.00 and 17.04 ±0.03 at control, P.berghei, artesunate, 250mg, 500mg and1000mg respectively.

Conclusion: The  study suggested that ethanolic extract of Musa paradisiaca reduced liver oxidative stress caused by P.berghei
How to use thematic analysis in qualitative research
Authors: Christou Prokopis A.
Published: September 2023

Thematic analysis has received increased attention from the research academic community, echoing Braun and Clarke’s (2006) influential argument of its theoretical accessibility and flexibility. Along with its current status, dilemmas have arisen in regard to its practice as a result of escalated demand for analytical software programs. Synchysis, the rhetorical practice of creating bewilderment by scattering words, endures in critical reviews and in the analysis of data derived from social media platforms. This paper departs from a simple replication of existing studies by addressing current issues as a result of the evolution of thematic analysis. Furthermore, it outlines specific implications (step-by-step guidance) while incorporating the somewhat overlooked phase of the creation of conceptual diagrams and theory-development during the stages of conducting a rigorous thematic analysis.
A 2D GaAs-Based Photonic Crystal Biosensor for Malaria Detection
Authors: Manjunatha N  , Sarika Raga  , Sanjay Kumar Gowre  , Hameed Miyan
Published: September 2023

Gallium arsenide (GaAs) composite semi-conductive rods with an air background lattice act as the building blocks for the photonic crystal structure used of a biosensor. The study presents a biosensor of a two-rod nano-cavity for identifying distinct stages of plasmodium falciparum in red blood cells (RBCs) in the early detection of malaria. The proposed biosensor enables the creation of a label-free biosensing environment in which optical and dispersion properties are investigated using plane wave expansion (PWE) and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) techniques. The biosensor, with a sensing region for an analyte, is utilized to detect a change in refractive index to differentiate between normal RBCs and plasmodium falciparum-infected cells. The results show that the biosensor has a high sensitivity of 798.143 nm/RIU, a high Q-factor of 9881.926, a low detection limit (δ) of 222.4 × 10-6 RIU, a high FOM of 4496.079 RIU-1, and a compact area of 46.14 µm2.
DISKRIMINACIJA ZAPOSLENIH U JAVNOM SEKTORU
Authors: Petrović Ivan , Ivanović Aleksandar R. ,   Faculty of Law in Lukavica, BEM University of Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Published: September 2023

In the paper, the authors deal with the legal framework for the protection of the rights of employees in the public sector, with a special focus on discrimination by law, more precisely the rights established by the legislator, which by their nature represent a form of discrimination or limitation in the exercise of the rights and duties of employees in the public sector sector. In this regard, the authors first point to the currently valid regulations that govern the working relationships of employees in the public sector. In addition to this, the paper deals with the manner in which employees in the public sector are discriminated against when establishing an employment relationship, when classifying them for the position of state employees, when exercising the right to earnings, and exercising the right to a hot meal and holiday pay. The aim of the paper is to address the issue, that is, the problem of institutional discrimination of employees in the public sector in the aforementioned segments.
A Measuring System for HTS Wires and Coils Properties at Low Temperatures
Authors:   Institutul Național de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Inginerie Electrică (INCDIE) ICPE-CA, Splaiul Unirii, Nr. 313, 030138 Bucharest, Romania, ENACHE Dan , DUMITRU George ,   Institutul Național de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Inginerie Electrică (INCDIE) ICPE-CA, Splaiul Unirii, Nr. 313, 030138 Bucharest, Romania, DOBRIN Ion ,   Institutul Național de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Inginerie Electrică (INCDIE) ICPE-CA, Splaiul Unirii, Nr. 313, 030138 Bucharest, Romania, GUȚU Mihai ,   Institutul Național de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Inginerie Electrică (INCDIE) ICPE-CA, Splaiul Unirii, Nr. 313, 030138 Bucharest, Romania
Published: September 2023

The use of high temperature superconducting materials (HTS) in various applications, requires knowledge of their critical parameters like critical current, critical magnetic field and critical temperature, in DC applications like high magnetic field generators, superconducting magnetic energy storage system (SMES), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnets for particle accelerators, SC Maglev trains and other applications. Also, these parameters are important for specific properties in alternating current applications like fault current limiters, transformers, generators, motors, and power transmission lines. An important characteristic that needs to be tucked into consideration for AC applications is the power losses that occur in the HTS superconducting materials, which limits the maximum performance that the superconducting materials can attain for these applications. In order to measure these characteristics, which depend on the type of material used, but also on the temperature and other parameters, it is necessary to use an appropriate setup device that allows both obtaining the working temperature range (4.2 K to 300 K and other necessary parameters like high vacuum 10-6 mbar, high current supply (500 A), high magnetic field measurement system (1-10 T), etc. For the cryogenic cooling of the entire system, a closed cycle Gifford-McMahon type cryocooler is used, with two cooling stages, stage I at 50 K and second stage at 4.2 K (liquid Helium temperature). The set-up system used for measurement of the parameters of HTS superconducting materials (YBCO, BSCCO or MgB2) and the various coils made with them, is described in this article together with its functional parameters and some experimental results obtained by testing an YBCO coils system. The maximum generated magnetic flux density was 5 T in the centre of the coils system.
Ontology and Nanotechnologies
Authors:   Prof. Eng., Doctor Honoris Causa of Military Technical Academy of Romania and of Technical  University of Republic of Moldova (Chișinău), BĂJENESCU Titu-Marius ,   Romanian Academy „Tudor Tănăsescu” Prize Laureat
Published: September 2023

Usually, ontology means the branch of metaphysics dealing with the nature of being, a set of concepts and categories in a subject area or domain that shows the properties and the relations between them (created automatically from large datasets), or a specification of a conceptualization. The article presents a brief discussion of the study undertaken to design an ontology for nanotechnology.
The Real Estate Market in Ghana: The Driving Factors and Housing Price.
Authors: ANEWUOH FIRMIN , Gyadu-Asiedu William , Appiadu-Boakye Kennedy
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The pricing of real estate houses in Ghana is a great concern to most Ghanaians. Numerous factors contribute to this. The purpose of this study was to discover the key variables influencing Ghanaian real estate pricing. Members of the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA) were given a total of 196 sets of structured questionnaires. The members comprised of contractors, consultants, the client’s team, and others. Out of these questionnaires distributed, 130 completed questionnaires were returned. The results of the analysis showed the following as the main factors driving real estate prices: construction cost, financial market, structural features, government policies, macroeconomic determinants, and shifting population demography to be the major factors driving the pricing of real estate residential houses in Ghana. The value of R (the correlation coefficient of the regression analysis) was 0.846, indicating a very high positive correlation existing between the dependent and independent variables. This suggests that the two variables are moving in the same direction. The study concludes that population demographics, construction cost, structural feature, macroeconomic variables, government policy, and financial market explain 62.9 percent of the variability in the pricing of real estate residential dwellings in Ghana.