bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound processing of amyloglucosidase: impact on enzyme activity, stability and possible industrial applications
Authors: Soares Ariana de Souza , Leite Júnior Bruno Ricardo de Castro , Augusto Pedro Esteves Duarte , Nogueira Camila Archette , Ramos Afonso Mota
Published: October 2020

This study evaluated the effect of ultrasound processing as a pre-treatment of amyloglucosidase on the enzymatic activity and stability. The activity was evaluated under optimal (65°C/ pH = 4.5) and non-optimal conditions of temperature and pH and its stability was evaluated during storage at 8°C. The enzyme solution was processed at 9.5 W L-1, 40 kHz, 23°C and at pH 3.5, 4.5, and 5.5, for up to 120 min. The activity was measured at 35, 65 and 80°C. The US process was able to increase, reduce or not alter the enzymatic activity, depending on the conditions applied. These modifications depended on the pH of the enzyme solution, the ultrasound processing time and the activity temperature. In different ultrasound conditions, mainly at 35 and 65°C, the enzyme activity did not change, demonstrating that this technology can be used for other purposes, such as microbial inactivation, without affecting the enzyme. The activity increase (up to 15%) occurred under non-optimal pH and temperature conditions (pH 3.5 or 5.5/ 80°C), suggesting that ultrasound promoted stabilization and enzymatic protection. This result is interesting in the starch saccharification, which requires the enzymatic reaction at high temperatures. Therefore, such results can increase the application range of this enzyme in different industrial applications.
Study of Mandacaru (Cereus jamacaru DC), in natura and modified by microemulsion, as a biosorbent for diesel oil
Authors: Anjos Raoni Batista dos , Anjos Aécia Seleide Dantas dos , Juviniano Henrique Borges de Morais , Silva Djalma Ribeiro da , Dantas Tereza Neuma Castro
Published: October 2020

Biosorbents have emerged as an alternative to remove organic contaminants because they are natural products with a high availability, low cost, biodegradability, and good sorption capacity. The Mandacaru (Cereus jamacaru DC) was investigated as sorbent of diesel, and compared with the Mandacaru modified with microemulsions. The sorbents were also submitted to a physycal-chemical characterization for FT-IR, TG/DTG, MEV and CHN-O. The granulometry range 500-150 µm of the Mandacaru particulate, this was the granulometry range chosen as the standard one, being used in the modification and sorption tests. The unclassified Mandacaru presented a medium sorption capacity of the diesel oil of 1.61 g g-1. Whereas the Mandacaru modified with a microemulsion comprised of direct micelles (oil/water) showed a remarkable increase in the sorption capacity of 80-111% (3,08 to 3,54 g g-1).
Conservation of Alstroemeria cut flowers stored under refrigeration
Authors: Galati Vanessa Cury , Muniz Ana Carolina Corrêa , Guimarães João Emmauel Ribeiro , Mattiuz Claudia Machado Fabrino , Mattiuz Ben Hur
Published: October 2020

Alstroemeria flowers have shown great importance in the world trade of cut flowers due mainly to its beauty and wide variety of colors. However, the durability of its inflorescences is usually hampered by the rapid yellowing of the leaves, which impairs their decorative quality. Cut flowers require the use of technologies to improve postharvest quality and floral longevity. This research aimed to study the postharvest conservation of inflorescences of Alstroemeria cv. Ajax at different storage temperatures. Floral stems were placed in containers with distilled water and stored at four temperatures (4, 8, 12, and 22ºC) for 12 days. The following analyses were performed: fresh mass variation, respiratory activity, relative water content, soluble and reducing carbohydrate contents, polyphenol-oxidase and peroxidase enzymes, pigments (anthocyanin and carotenoids), and longevity. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design, the results were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the effect of treatments submitted to F-test. Significant differences were compared using the least significant difference (LSD) at 95% confidence interval (p ≤ 0. 05). The temperatures of 8 and 12ºC were effective in maintaining the postharvest quality of inflorescences during storage period, as they remained turgid due to transpiration reduction caused by low temperatures, and longevity reaching 46 and 22 days, respectively.
Characterization of Nopalea cochenillifera clones using linear dimensions and multivariate analysis
Authors: Lucena Leandro Ricardo Rodrigues de , Leite Maurício  Luiz de Mello Vieira , Simões Vicente José  Laamon Pinto , Almeida Mirna Clarissa Rodrigues de , Costa Álefe Chagas de Lima , Oliveira Antonio Dennys Melo de
Published: October 2020

Forage cacti can contribute to increases in biomass yields in agricultural areas, improving the use efficiency of local natural resources. Forage cactus stands out as a forage alternative in semi-arid regions due to its high potential of phytomass production and energy value, large water reserve and easy propagation. The objective of this study was discriminate as morphometric characteristics of Nopalea cochenillifera cladodes in relation to Little and Giant Sweet clones. This research was conducted from March 2016 to July 2019. The design used was randomized blocks with five replicates using the forage cactus clones Little and Giant Sweet of Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm-Dyck. The experimental unit was an area of 126.0 m2 (12.6 x 10.0 m). Study sample is composed of 1018 cladodes (581 of Little Sweet clone) and (437 of Giant Sweet clone), randomly collected. Variables evaluated were the cladode length, width, thickness, area weight. T-tests, Pearson correlation coefficients, discriminant analysis and canonical variables analysis were used to evaluate, compare and discriminate the morphometric characteristics of forage cactus clones. The Giant Sweet clone presented the highest means for the variables length, width, area and weight. Fisher's discriminant function verified a 99.41% hit rate to differentiate groups of forage cactus clone. The hit rate for Little Sweet clone was of 98.97%, while for Giant Sweet clone was of 100.00%. With two canonical variables the explanation rate of the morphometric characteristics for the behavior of forage cactus clones is higher than 90%. Morphometric characteristics of cladodes can be used as parameters that help in the identification of Nopalea cochenillifera clones with high discriminatory power.
Adsorption of Cd (II), Pb (II) and Cr (III) on chemically modified Euterpe Oleracea biomass for the remediation of water pollution
Authors: Gonçalves Junior Affonso Celso , Schwantes Daniel , Conradi Junior Elio , Zimmermann Juliano , Coelho Gustavo Ferreira
Published: October 2020

This study evaluated the use of Euterpe oleracea endocarp after chemical modification with H2O2, H2SO4 and NaOH for the removal of Cd2+, Pb2+ and Cr3+ from water. Therefore, the adsorbent was characterized for its chemical composition, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images, and pH of point of zero charge (pHPZC), thermal stability and porosimetry. Adsorption tests were conducted by using a Central Composite Design (CCD). Pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, Elovich and intraparticle diffusion models evaluated the adsorption kinetics, and sorption isotherms were linearized according to Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich. The effect of initial concentration, temperature in the process and the desorption were also analyzed. SEM results showed that the açaí adsorbents (or CA) had irregular and heterogeneous structure, and IR analysis evidenced the presence of hydroxyl, aliphatic, phenolic and carboxylic surface groups; both analyses indicate favorable adsorption characteristics. The pHPZC of the adsorbent is 4.41, 4.02 and 7.10 for CA modified with H2O2, H2SO4 and NaOH, respectively. The optimum adsorption conditions were pH 5.0, within 40 min, with 4 g L-1 as the ideal adsorbent dose. The predominance of chemisorption occurs, in mono and multilayer. The adsorption is only spontaneous for Cd2+ at 15 and 25°C. The CA has the potential to increase the removal efficiency of Cd, Pb and Cr, when chemically modified, particularly with H2O2 and H2SO4.
Enhancing Community Resilience via Sustainable Management of Abandoned Paddy Lands in Bentota, Sri Lanka
Authors: Piyadasa Ranjana U.K. , Ranasinghe T.K.G.P. , Herath H.M.M.S.D.
Published: October 2020

Salt water intrusion (SWI) and coastal salinity are major causes for abandoning the paddy lands in Sri Lanka. More than 80% of paddy lands in left bank of Bentota River basin have been progressively abandoned due to contrasting degrees of saltwater intrusion by intimidating for agriculture, fishery, tourism and ground water in the area. This study was conducted applying the toolkit for the Indicators of Resilience in Socio-ecological Production Landscapes and Seascapes (SEPLS, 2014) through stakeholder perception based approach. Indictor scores and trend analysis indicate that there is a negative trend in resilience capacity of Bentota landscape in terms of abandoning the paddy lands. Several issues in contradiction of the utilization of abandoned paddy lands and the location specific land management strategies for utilizing abandoned paddy lands were identified by consulting prospective stakeholders of the area for enhancing community resilience without undermining their eco-social basis. New technological innovations as outcome of recent research and development initiatives can be introduced and promoted among the stakeholders in the area who would be the pillars for regaining the successive agriculture in Bentota area by enhancing the land productivity of abandoned paddy lands towards the sustainable land management.
Importance of Regional Integration for Economic Development; Comparative Study of ASEAN and SAARC
Authors: Wijesinghe K.M. Hashan Viraj
Published: October 2020

Today we are living in such a highly complicated and interdependent world where no country can remain isolated. Since the end of the Second World War, regional cooperation and integration has become a common phenomenon across the world. SAARC and ASEAN have been two such regional groupings which have been created with the prime objective of attaining greater economic cooperation and integration. However, in terms of achievements, SAARC and ASEAN remain at completely two different levels. On one hand there is Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), which has made great strides in terms of regional cooperation while there is also South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), whose own future is at doubt. Against this backdrop, the study looks into how well ASEAN has able to perform in terms of regional cooperation and integration, while it also looks into where SAARC has underperformed with special focus on economic cooperation. The main objective of this study is to understand the importance of economic cooperation and integration for economic development. A comparison would make it possible to better understand the dos and don’ts of becoming successful in regional economic integration. This is a desk research based on secondary data. As this study is based on economic aspect of regional integration, it shall take in to consideration aspects like trade volumes, investments and tourist arrivals etc. the study has underscored the importance of enhancing intra-regional trade, investments and tourism and the role of the leader within a regional entity as the main pillars of intra-regional economic success, while it also calls for the opportunities of initiating inter regional cooperation.
Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Participate in Signaling Triggered by Heme in Macrophages and upon Hemolysis
Authors: Prestes Elisa B. , Alves Letícia S. , Rodrigues Danielle A. S. , Dutra Fabianno F. , Fernandez Patricia L. , Paiva Claudia N. , Kagan Jonathan C. , Bozza Marcelo T.
Published: October 2020

Hemolysis causes an increase of intravascular heme, oxidative damage, and inflammation in which macrophages play a critical role. In these cells, heme can act as a prototypical damage-associated molecular pattern, inducing TLR4-dependent cytokine production through the MyD88 pathway, independently of TRIF. Heme promotes reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation independently of TLR4. ROS and TNF production contribute to heme-induced necroptosis and inflammasome activation; however, the role of ROS in proinflammatory signaling and cytokine production remains unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that heme activates at least three signaling pathways that contribute to a robust MAPK phosphorylation and cytokine expression in mouse macrophages. Although heme did not induce a detectable Myddosome formation, the TLR4/MyD88 axis was important for phosphorylation of p38 and secretion of cytokines. ROS generation and spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) activation induced by heme were critical for most proinflammatory signaling pathways, as the antioxidant N-acetyl-l-cysteine and a Syk inhibitor differentially blocked heme-induced ROS, MAPK phosphorylation, and cytokine production in macrophages. Early generated mitochondrial ROS induced by heme was Syk dependent, selectively promoted the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 without affecting JNK or p38, and contributed to CXCL1 and TNF production. Finally, lethality caused by sterile hemolysis in mice required TLR4, TNFR1, and mitochondrial ROS, supporting the rationale to target these pathways to mitigate tissue damage of hemolytic disorders.
Cutting Edge: Tissue Antigen Expression Levels Fine-Tune T Cell Differentiation Decisions In Vivo
Authors: Pinheiro Douglas F. , Szenes-Nagy Antal B. , Maurano Megan M. , Lietzenmayer Melanie , Klicznik Maria M. , Holly Raimund , Kirchmeier Daniel , Kitzmueller Sophie , Achatz-Straussberger Gertrude , Rosenblum Michael D. , Thalhamer Josef , Abbas Abul K. , Gratz Iris K.
Published: October 2020

Immune homeostasis in peripheral tissues is, to a large degree, maintained by the differentiation and action of regulatory T cells (Treg) specific for tissue Ags. Using a novel mouse model, we have studied the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into Foxp3+ Treg in response to a cutaneous Ag (OVA). We found that expression of OVA resulted in fatal autoimmunity and in prevention of peripheral Treg generation. Inhibiting mTOR activity with rapamycin rescued the generation of Foxp3+ T cells. When we varied the level of Ag expression to modulate TCR signaling, we found that low Ag concentrations promoted the generation of Foxp3+ T cells, whereas high levels expanded effector T cells and caused severe autoimmunity. Our findings indicate that the expression level of tissue Ag is a key determinant of the balance between tissue-reactive effector and peripheral Foxp3+ T cells, which determines the choice between tolerance and autoimmunity.
Risk perception, public health interventions, and Covid-19 pandemic control in sub-saharan Africa
Authors: Aduh Ufuoma , Folayan Morenike Oluwatoyin , Afe Abayomi , Onyeaghala Augustine Anayochukwu , Ajayi Ikeoluwapo Oyeneye , Coker Modupe , Tebeje Yenew Kebede , Ndembi Nicaise
Published: October 2020

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) has had serious social, economic, and health effects globally. The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV- 2), which was first announced in December 2019 has resulted in more than 24 million infections. There is paucity of knowledge on the role of risk perception in the adoption of public health interventions needed to control the spread of COVID 19 infections within communities. This was a scoping review and documents how risk perception may be a major challenge for populations to adopt and implement different behavioral changes recommended to curtail the spread COVID- 19 pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa; and seeks to proffer solutions on how the identified challenges can be addressed drawing from lessons learnt from previous epidemics within the region. Database search of Google Scholar, PubMed, Research Gate among others were performed using related keywords to identify relevant journals and lists of primary articles. Culture, religious beliefs and poverty may influence how populations respond to infectious disease outbreaks. Risk strategies that focus only on biomedical approaches to control the COVID-19 pandemic may not mobilize the needed behavioral change. Lessons learnt from HIV and Ebola epidemics showed that involvement of communities could help transform weak adoption of public health measures when measures were framed in the relevant cultural context. An understanding of the factors influencing risk perception is needed to design appropriate risk communication strategies. Community engagement and reliance on local communication networks could promote mutual trust and increase the uptake of public-health interventions.
Management and outcomes of patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 at a tertiary care center in midwestern United States
Authors: Gupta Sandeep , Kaushik Ashlesha , Gupta Jitendra
Published: October 2020

Knowledge of treatment regimens and outcomes for novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is evolving. Recent studies have reported mortality rates ranging from 39-50% among hospitalized patients with COVID-19. We report our experience ofmanagement and outcomes of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 at a large tertiary-care center in Midwestern United States. Of 658 patients presenting to our tertiary care center, 217 needed hospitalization, majority (77%) of whom were severely sick requiring admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). All received corticosteroids, and 78% of the patients received tocilizumab. More than two-thirds of the patients received anticoagulation and 80% of patients in the ICU had prone-positioning. The median duration of hospitalization was 12 days (interquartile range, 8 to16), median duration of intensive care unit stay was 7 days (interquartile range, 5 to 9) and requirement of mechanical ventilation was 6 days (interquartile range, 5 to 8) in our cohort. Of the 217 patients, 27 died (12% mortality). The majority of our patients received corticosteroids, tocilizumab, anticoagulation and prone positioning. While higher mortality rates of >30% have been reported in various studies among hospitalized patients with COVID-19, the majority of hospitalized patients in our cohort survived with a low mortality rate. The majority of our patients received corticosteroids, tocilizumab, anticoagulation and prone positioning. While higher mortality rates of >30% have been reported in various studies among hospitalized patients with COVID-19, the majority of hospitalized patients in our cohort survived with a low mortality rate.
Peritoneal dialysis catheters in pediatric patients: 10 years of experience in a single centre
Authors: Lima Mario , Di Salvo Niel , Marchi Giovanni , Catania Vincenzo Davide , Libri Michele , Gargano Tommaso
Published: October 2020

Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) is one of the numerous options for chronic dialysis and in many cases when access for acute dialysis is required early in a hospital course, at any age. PD catheter can be inserted with an open or laparoscopic approach. The complication rate after catheter insertion is still high, as reported in published literature. We present the experience matured at our Centre in the last 10 years on implantation of peritoneal dialysis catheters in children, emphasising surgical complications. We conducted a retrospective study on patients who underwent PD at our Centre in a range period of 10 years. We analysed patients ’demographic data, past and present medical, perioperative and post-operative data, permanence of the catheter, duration of dialysis, the gap between placement and use, outcomes and complications. We compared the data, dividing patients in 2 groups: patients operated with a traditional open technique and patients operated laparoscopically. We retrospectively reviewed 29 children with an average age of 3years and 6 months. Mean age was 42 months (1 month; 8 years) for the VLS group, 18 months (11 days, 4 years) for the OT group. Mean operative time was 106 min for the VLS group; 44 min for the OT group. The Catheter permanence period was 17 days (12h-64 days). Duration of dialysis was between 48 hours and 23 days (average 8 days). In the total population, we registered 8 complications (5 minor, 3 major), the overall complication rate being 33 % (minor complication rate 21%, major complication rate 12,5 %). 6 complications occurred in patients operated laparoscopically (6/14 = 36 %); 2 complications in the OT group (2/10 = 20 %). The complication rate after PD catheter insertion is still high. Advantages and disadvantages of the open and laparoscopic approach must be known. Both minor and major complications, such as bowel perforations and occlusions, must be understood and differentiated.
Acute allergic rhinitis
Authors: Green Robin J. , Van Niekerk Andre , McDonald Marinda , Friedman Raymond , Feldman Charles , Richards Guy , Mustafa Fatima
Published: October 2020

Allergic rhinitis is a common and troubling condition. Basic management of this condition has been well described. However, acute exacerbations of the chronic condition allergic rhinitis are a seldom discussed or described problem despite the fact that even well-controlled patients frequently have exacerbations. This consideration means that a new approach is necessary to define the management of these patients. There are three important events that illustrate the need for a new therapeutic approach:A person who gets a new diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, but has symptoms for many months or yearsA sufferer of allergic rhinitis who is exposed to an environment that triggers an exacerbationA person who has an exacerbation related to another trigger.Recognition of triggers and management strategies to correctly use ‘relief’ therapies such as topical nasal decongestants is the key to successful management. In addition, the use of an ‘action plan’, as for asthma, is useful.
Realizability of tropical canonical divisors
Authors: Möller Martin , Ulirsch Martin , Werner Annette
Published: October 2020

We use recent results by Bainbridge–Chen–Gendron–Grushevsky–Möller on compactifications of strata of abelian differentials to give a comprehensive solution to the realizability problem for effective tropical canonical divisors in equicharacteristic zero. Given a pair

(\Gamma, D)

consisting of a stable tropical curve

\Gamma

and a divisor

D

in the canonical linear system on

\Gamma

, we give a purely combinatorial condition to decide whether there is a smooth curve

X

over a non-Archimedean field whose stable reduction has

\Gamma

as its dual tropical curve together with an effective canonical divisor

K_X

that specializes to

D

.
Program Director Retention and Attrition Rates in International Graduate Medical Education
Authors: Stadler Dora J. , Ibrahim Halah , Dutta Debalina , Cofrancesco Joseph , Archuleta Sophia
Published: October 2020

Background

Program directors (PDs) are integral to the education of the next generation of physicians. Yet, administrative burdens, substantial patient care responsibilities, and lack of protected time for teaching may contribute to work-life imbalance and physician burnout, leading to high rates of attrition. Data on international residency program leadership turnover are lacking.

Objective

This study aimed to quantify PD turnover in Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-International (ACGME-I) accredited programs in Singapore, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Qatar, and to compare to US PD attrition rates.

Methods

Data on PD turnover in international programs was extracted from the ACGME-I Accreditation Data System for academic years 2010–2011 through 2018–2019 for Singapore and 2013–2014 through 2018–2019 for UAE and Qatar. Rates of PD turnover were calculated by country and by ACGME-I medical-, surgical-, and hospital-based specialty groupings and compared using χ2 test. Annual US PD turnover data was extracted from the ACGME's Data Resource Book.

Results

Seventy programs met inclusion criteria. International PD attrition was high, with 56 programs (80%) changing PDs since program inception, and 16 programs (29%) having 2 or more PD turnovers. There was no significant difference between PD turnover rates in hospital (83%), medical (79%), or surgical (78%) specialties. International PD attrition rates varied from 7% to 20% annually and were comparable to PD turnover in US programs (range 12%–15%).

Conclusions

High PD turnover rates in newly accredited international residency programs were noted, although annual attrition rates were comparable to US residency programs.
Evaluation of the effect of an educational intervention on knowledge and adherence to HIV guidelines among frontline health workers in Alex-Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki, Nigeria
Authors: Chizoba Akamike Ifeyinwa , Nkem Okedo-Alex Ijeoma , Jesse Uneke Chigozie , Chukwuemeka Uro-Chukwu Henry , Echefu Chukwu Onyedikachi , Immaculata Ugwu Ngozi , Nnenne Agbo Urudinachi , Ebeh Ezeoha Abel
Published: October 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to appraise the implementation of the National HIV guidelines and determine the effect of an educational intervention on health worker knowledge and practice of the guidelines.

Methods: A before and after study design without control was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire and key informant interviews. Data was also collected from client record cards. An educational intervention was carried out using pamphlets containing summarized information on the guideline. Data analysis was carried out using IBM-SPSS version 20.

Result: Results showed that 54.5% of the respondents were males and 76% were medical doctors. Baseline knowledge level of respondents was high with 97% of respondents having good knowledge with a mean score of 3.9. This increased to 4.1 out of 5 post-intervention. All respondents had good practice of the guidelines before and after intervention with a mean score of 4.5 out of 5. Client records also showed good practice. Barriers to guideline implementation include: poor knowl- edge, inadequate training, guideline unavailability, poor functioning of the laboratory equipment, poor funding.

Conclusion: HIV guidelines are being implemented in the clinic to a large extent; however, trainings, funding and provision of the guideline in the clinics are recommended.

Keywords: HIV; guideline implementation; health worker.
Remembering Dr. Elizabeth Hillman
Authors: M Staton Donna
Published: October 2020

Nil
Medication use among pregnant women at a secondary health institution: utilisation patterns and predictors of quantity
Authors: T Obadeji Stella , Obadeji Adetunji , O Bamidele Janet , T Ajayi Felix
Published: October 2020

Background: Despite the lack of adequate studies on the safety of drugs in pregnancy, surprisingly, available evidence shows that pregnant women still take large number of drugs.

Objectives: The study aim was to determine drug utilization pattern and predictors of number of medications used by pregnant women.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey of 369 pregnant women attending a secondary health facility. Data were collect- ed using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics using the Chi-Square test were carried out with level of significance set at p<0.05.

Results: Three hundred and sixty-nine women were interviewed. Their mean age was 27.7 years (SD± 4.78) and the mean number of pregnancies was 2.46 (SD± 1.34). On average, 2.62 medications were taken, with the lowest being 1 and the highest being 12 different medications during the course of pregnancy. Those who were on more than 2 medications were more likely to be older than 30 years, had lower education and with history of associated medical conditions. All participants were on one form of supplements or the other, nearly half had used antimalarials, 12.8%, 5.8% 2.4% were on antibiotics, anti-hypertensive and anti-retroviral medications respectively. All the medications prescribed were from category A, B, C, N, and none from category D and X.

Conclusion: Varieties of medications were used during the course of pregnancy among this population, however, most of these drugs were still within safety profile.

Keywords: Medications; pregnancy; pattern; predictors; co-morbidity.
Determination of expression profile of p53 gene in different grades of breast cancer tissues by real time PCR
Authors: Sadia Haleema , Ahmad Bhinder Munir , Irshad Asma , Zahid Beenish , Ahmed Rais , Ashiq Sana , Malik Kausar , Riaz Muhammad , Nadeem Tariq , Ashiq Kanwal , Akbar Ali
Published: October 2020

Background: Pakistan has a high incidence of breast cancer in Asia, where annually 16,232 deaths are reported. There are many exogenous and endogenous risk factors that affect the tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. The p53 gene is a tumor suppressor gene and it has a role to protect the whole genome from external and internal stresses, which causes damages to the genome.

Objective: The aim of the current study was to investigate the p53 gene expression by using the real-time PCR technique in different grades of breast cancer as compared to the normal tissue.

Methods: Fresh Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM) samples (grade1-grade3) were collected from different hospitals of the Lahore. The project was approved by an ethical review committee of Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. And before sampling an informed consent was obtained from patients and clinicians. RNA from fresh biopsies was extracted by Qiagen extraction kit and cDNA was formed. Real time PCR performed by using SYBR green master mix (ABI) and the data was evaluated by using Livak method. Statistical analysis was done by using Microsoft Excel.

Results: There was an abnormal gene expression of p53 in all grades of the breast tumors. Non-significant (p>0.05) differ- ence of down and up regulation of p53 in different grades of breast tumor was found. However, as a whole up-regulation was more than down-regulation with significant difference (p<0.0011).

Conclusion: The abnormal expression of p53 shows that there are some genetic and epigenetic factors which are the primal cause of an abnormal gene expression. It is recommended that perform next generation sequencing (NGS) of the gene to find out the mutations causing the abnormal behavior of p53 gene.

Keywords: Breast cancer; up-regulation; down-regulation; real-time PCR; Punjab; Pakistan; p53 gene.
Prevalence and associated factors of intestinal parasite infection by HIV infection status among asymptomatic adults in rural Gabon
Authors: Vanessa Koumba Lengongo Jeanne , Pongui Ngondza Bedrich , Moutombi Ditombi Bridy , Patrick M’Bondoukwé Noé , Mari Ndong Ngomo Jacques , Mongo Delis Arnaud , Bouyi Lekounga Princilia , Bouyou-Akotet Marielle , Patricia Mawili-Mboumba Denise
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Intestinal parasites infections are endemic in Gabon. Nevertheless, they are rarely described in people living with HIV (PLHIV).

Objective: The frequency of intestinal parasite infection was estimated and compared between HIV-positive and HIV un- infected individuals in Gabon; factors associated with intestinal parasites were also analysed.

Material and Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design sociodemographic data, life style habits, antiretroviral therapy, cotrimoxazole use and CD4 cell count were recorded.. Stool samples from participants living in Koulamoutou and Oyem were analysed using microscopy. Chi-squared or fisher’s exact tests and logistic regression were performed.

Results: Among participants (n=332), female gender was predominant (73.7%; n=135/183) and the median age was 45 [33-57] years old. Among 183 samples, 53.6% (n = 98/183) were infected by intestinal parasites. The proportion was higher (72.1%) in HIV negative participants compared to PLHIV (42.6%) (p <0.01). PLHIV were more frequently poly-infected. Infection was frequent in patients using external toilets and tap water (>70.0%).

Conclusion: Prevalence of intestinal parasites is higher in seronegative participants but polyparasitism is more frequent in PLHIV. Strategies are focused on HIV negative population, but this study shows the importance of sensitization for PLHIV to improve their quality of life.

Keywords: Intestinal parasites; Human immunodeficiency virus; cotrimoxazole; CD4 cell; Gabon.
Clinical predictors and outcome of bowel resection in paediatric intussusception
Authors: E Ajao Akinlabi , A Lawal Taiwo , O Ogundoyin Olakayode , I Olulana Dare
Published: October 2020

Introduction: Surgery remains the mainstay in treating intussusception in developing countries, with a correspondingly high bowel resection rate despite a shift to non-operative reduction in high-income countries.

Objective: To assess factors associated with bowel resection and the outcomes of resection in childhood intussusception.

Methods: A review of children with intussusception between January 2006 and December 2015 at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. The patients were categorized based on the need for bowel resection and analysis done using the SPSS version 23.

Results: 121 children were managed for intussusception during this period. 53 (43.8%) had bowel resection, 61 (50.4%) did not require resection and 7 (5.8%) were unknown. 40 (75.5%) of the resections were right hemi-colectomy. The presence of fever, abdominal pain, distension, rectal mass, age < 12 months, heart rate > 145/min and duration of symptoms > 2 days were associated with the need for bowel resection (p < 0.05). However, only age and abdominal pain independently predicted need for resection. Bowel resection was more associated with development of post-operative complications and prolonged hospital stay (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Infants presenting with abdominal pain and abdominal distension after two days of onset of symptoms were more likely to require bowel resection. Resection in intussusception significantly increased post-operative complications and length of hospital stay.

Keywords: Paediatric intussusception; bowel resection; developing countries.
Household and individual risk factors of anaemia among under-5 children in Lesotho
Authors: Letuka Teboho , Frade Sasha
Published: October 2020

Background: Anaemia among under-5 children is a major public health issue worldwide. Some countries with a high prev- alence of anaemia also have high prevalence of malaria. Even though Lesotho does not have a high prevalence of malaria, its prevalence rate of anaemia is as high. According to the 2014 Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), the prevalence of anaemia among children under-5 was 51%. Other factors could be influencing the prevalence of anaemia in Lesotho.

Objectives: This study examined the household and individual risk factors of anaemia among children under-5 in Lesotho.

Methods: Data from the 2014 Lesotho DHS which included 924 children under-5 years were analysed. Descriptive statistics, chi-square cross-tabulations and ordered logistic regression models were run using Stata v15.

Results: Twenty-one percent (21%) of children under-5 had mild anaemia while 7% had severe-moderate anaemia. Children residing in households cooking with biogas (aOR=4.88, CI: 1.28-18.58) and those living in households that cook with bio- mass (aOR=4.22, CI: 1.40-12.67) had higher odds of severe-moderate anaemia.

Conclusion: Using solid fuels for cooking increases the vulnerability of children under-5 developing anaemia. Therefore, knowledge of renewable energy resources should be increased. This will help reduce levels of anaemia among under-5 chil- dren in Lesotho.

Keywords: Household and individual risk factors; anaemia; under-5 children; Lesotho.
Ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia and reduction of distal radius fractures in an emergency department
Authors: Ammann Stefan , Schoell Eckehart , Ortega Ricardo Nieves , Bingisser Roland
Published: October 2020

OBJECTIVES
Distal radius fractures are among the most common fractures. Ultrasound is gaining importance in the treatment of and as a tool to diagnose distal radius fractures, guide regional anaesthesia and support reductions. Our aim was to demonstrate safety, feasibility and outcome in patients with a distal radius fractures undergoing ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia (UGRA) with ultrasound-guided reduction (UGR), as compared with procedural sedation for the reduction.

METHODS
This retrospective cohort study was carried out in the emergency department of the University Hospital Basel (Switzerland) between February 2014 and October 2017. Adults with an isolated forearm fracture were eligible. The intervention group was treated with UGRA of the brachial plexus and subsequent ultrasound-assisted fracture reduction. Patients in the control group received usual care, which is blind fracture reduction with extension and immobilisation under procedural sedation.

RESULTS
71 patients were enrolled in the intervention group and 142 were to the control group. There was one (1.4%) complication (pneumothorax) in the UGR group. Twenty-five patients (35%) in the intervention group and 67 patients (47%) in the control group underwent surgery. The association between surgery and study group was not significant (p = 0.08). The patient’s age was negatively associated with surgery (p <0.001). The association between surgery and study group was significant in patients ≥60 years (p = 0.035).

CONCLUSION
The combination of ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia and ultrasound-guided reduction of distal radius fractures is feasible. Safety was shown by 70 out of 71 cases of UGRA being without complication. Effectiveness regarding the necessity of subsequent operation was comparable to usual care; in patients over 60 it may be lower with UGR.
Factors affecting Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) of banks: The case of Vietnam
Authors: Long Vo Minh , Yen Nguyen Thi , Long Pham Dinh
Published: October 2020

This study aims to identify factors affecting Non-Performing Loans (NPLs) of commercial banks in Vietnam. To address the research problem, data of commercial banks in Vietnam from 2008 to 2017 were collected. This study applied a fixed-effects model in comparison with a random-effects model on a panel data of 200 observations. Results from the firmly fixed-effects model indicated that NPLs were positively affected by its lag of the previous year, capital structure, and interest rate. Additionally, returns on asset, inflation rate, and credit growth were found to have negative impacts on NPLs. However, impacts of firm size and gross domestic product were not found across the models. Based on the results, this research suggested several policy recommendations for the management of NPLs in the commercial banks.
Influences of employees’ perceptions of corporate social responsibility on job satisfaction – A study in Hochiminh City
Authors: Xuan Le Thi Thanh , Nhan Vo Thi Thanh , My Le Thi Diem
Published: October 2020

The present study aims to explore the influences of employees’ perceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on their satisfaction in different sectors. The results of the literature review show that there are three components in employees’ perceptions of CSR, including Philanthropic CSR, Ethical CSR, and Environmental CSR; and it is impacted by Perceived CSR capability, Ethical program, and Perceived fit between corporate culture and CSR activities. The research findings have confirmed the proposed hypotheses; and it is obvious that Employees’ perceptions of CSR have a significant impact on Employees’ satisfaction. From the research findings, there are some crucial points to note. Firstly, firms should design their own ethical programs. Secondly, firms should communicate their CSR practices to improve employees’ perceived CSR capabilities. These points are quite important to increase employee satisfaction.
Rational and emotional preferred appeals of television commercials for FMCG: Evidence from young adults in Ho Chi Minh city
Authors: Khang Nguyen The , Ngoc Pham Thi Bich
Published: October 2020

This article has objectives to figure out the young adults’ preferences in advertising appeals of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) in Ho Chi Minh City market. The differences in rational and emotional preferences are significant between gender, age group, price segment and occupation. The finding results reflect part of Vietnamese consuming culture therefore we can come up with implications to support marketers in finding out appropriate content for their marketing strategies. Data of this research was collected via a direct survey and analyzed by the SPSS software.
Reasons for migrating to Ho Chi Minh City
Authors: Ha Nguyen Minh , Tai Vo Phuoc , Thai Nguyen Quang
Published: October 2020

During the last 20 years, Vietnam has had a prompt economic development, the people have the trend for emigrating from the rural to urban areas, industrial zones and the trading-service centre where it is essential for labor needs to serve for the industrial and service development in order to look for the better jobs. The wave of emigrants have not only contributed to an increase in population in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and other urban centers in Vietnam but also augmented pressure in the infrastructure system and the issues of social life.

With the method of Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), this research had indicated the main factors impacting on making a decision for migration to the Ho Chi Minh City, by the collected data directly from 277 surveyed forms of immigrants to HCMC. There are 6 decisive factors including: (1) HCMC‟s politics and policies; (2) the family situation and the embroilment of the

friends and fellow-countrymen; (3) better quality needs of life and individual aspirations; (4) the job opportunities and occupational development conditions; (5) the job demands with stable incomes; and (6) the marriage and living with relatives.
The relationship between service quality, price perception, customer satisfaction and customer loyalty: a study in Nguoi Ban Vang – A pawn service company in Ho Chi Minh City
Authors: Quy Vo Thi , Huy Vo Duy
Published: October 2020

This study aims to investigate the relationship between service quality, price perception, customer satisfaction, and loyalty. The survey method was applied with a sample size of 350 conducted with Nguoi Ban Vang pawnshops located in Ho Chi Minh City. The study results showed that service quality, price perception, and a new factor identified through the exploratory factor analysis, named staff competency, have a significant impact on customer satisfaction at the significance 0.05 level. The research also found that customer satisfaction impacts positively significantly on customer loyalty at the 0.01 level. These results imply that pawnshops should focus on increasing service quality, improving pricing policies and staff competence in order to gain customer satisfaction and their loyalty.
Re-visiting the interrelatedness between spatiality and temporality in migration research
Authors: Chi Nguyen Hong
Published: October 2020

There have been a lot of debates over the relationality between spatiality and temporality in extant migration research. In terms of space, several strands of research have focused on exploring migrants’ strategies for migration and relocation, implicitly considering migration as a complete sojourn. However, migrants tend to establish and maintain transnational ties across spaces, making migration an on-going process. Others have examined how migrants sustain transnational activities and relationships over time. Migration, in the latter sense, becomes a complex process involving multiple times and spaces. Migrants’ mobilities are shaped and reshaped by their past memories, present relocation experiences, and aspirations for the future, as well as the influences of the immobilities of others and things across spaces. This raises theoretical questions about how time is embedded in space and what time and space mean to migrants. This paper argues that the core of the debates is grounded in the ways migrants experience subjectivities in defining what their mobilities mean to them. This argument is presented through a literature analysis of key research on the interrelated issues of temporality and spatiality, roots and routes, as well as assimilation and dissimilation that partly contribute to the meanings of mobilities. It offers an overview of current research on transnationalism and advances the current debates on temporality and spatiality. In this paper, temporality and spatiality in migration are conceptualized as dynamic and intertwined entities, rather than fixed or linear processes. This conceptualization is hoped to clarify the ways in which researchers often become divergent in their research strands, leaving gaps in understandings of current migration schemes.
Título en español.
Authors: Raúl Pérez Escolar
Published: October 2020

Se presentan los datos obtenidos del uso de mieles finales y mosto, conjuntamente con azufre elemental, en la reclamación de un suelo salino-sódico y otro suelo sódico de la Región Suroeste de Puerto Rico. Los resultados demuestran que los rendimientos de maíz fueron más altos en el suelo sódico Guánica arcilloso con el tratamiento de miel, en la primera siembra. Los tratamientos de azufre con miel y azufre con mosto produjeron los más altos rendimientos en la segunda siembra de maíz y en la subsiguiente siembra de habichuelas. Los valores de conductividad hidráulica aumentaron marcadamente con los tratamientos de azufre con mosto y azufre con miel, y la remoción del sodio intercambiable fue posible durante las tres cosechas. La remoción del sodio se debió probablemente a un mejor movimiento del agua y a una mayor circulación de iones de Ca para desplazar el sodio sustituible. Los experimentos efectuados en un suelo salino-sódico Fe arcilloso siguieron el mismo patrón de rendimiento de maíz y habichuelas, conductividad hidráulica y remoción del sodio intercambiable, que el suelo Guánica arcilloso. En el tratamiento testigo, sin embargo, la remoción del sodio intercambiable fue más marcada por varias razones. Las razones fueron como sigue: El suelo tenía un exceso de sales solubles que mantuvieron por algún tiempo los coloides floculados; la columna del suelo era más bien corta, de 6 pulgadas; y la hidrólisis de las sales de abono deben haber causado una circulación de iones de Ca, suficiente para desplazar una buena porción del sodio intercambiable. En vista de que T. thiooxidans deriva su energía de la oxidación del azufre, se cree que esta energía aumentó al crearse condiciones de aeración y acidez que favorecieron su actividad.
Título en español.
Authors: H. Irizarry  , J. Howard Ellison  , Portia Orton
Published: October 2020

El 11 de noviembre, cuando el follaje de las demás plantas era amarillo o pardo, se seleccionaron en un campo de New Jersey dos plantas de espárrago, cuyo follaje era de un color verde obscuro, el cual se designó como "verde-persistente". Para estudiar este carácter genético las dos plantas se cruzaron entre sí y luego también se cruzó cada una con otras plantas de color normal. El estudio tuvo como propósito secundario el determinar mediante el uso del espectrofotómetro, el efecto que el gene o genes responsables del color puedan tener sobre el sistema de pigmentación de las plantas de espárrago. También se trató de identificar en plántulas en el invernadero los imitantes de color verde-persistente. El estudio del fenotipo de 17 progenies F1, F2 y del retrocruce1, indicó que el color verde-persistente en el follaje de la planta de espárrago se hereda como un gene recesivo simple. Se observó una gran diferencia cuantitativa de clorofila y carotina entre las plantas de follaje verde-persistente y las de color normal en el mes de octubre, pero no en julio. Aparentemente, los mutantes retienen la clorofila y la carotina hasta más tarde en el otoño que las plantas de color normal. No se observaron diferencias cualitativas entre los pigmentos en ambos tipos de planta durante julio u octubre. Fue fácil diferenciar entre las plantas de espárrago de color verde-persistente (follaje verde) y las de color normal (follaje amarillo) en el invernadero cuando tenían 6 semanas de nacidas.