bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
BIOAKTYVIŲJŲ SKYSTŲJŲ AZOTO-KALCIO-MAGNIO TRĄŠŲ GAVIMAS IR SAVYBĖS
Authors: Didžiulytė Eglė , Šlinkšienė Rasa , Jakimavičiūtė Danguolė
Published: October 2021

Skystosios trąšos – tai įvairūs tirpalai, gaunami mineralinių trąšų gavybos proceso metu arba specialiai sumaišius vandeninius tirpalus, kurie neturi neištirpusių medžiagų. Šiose trąšose maisto medžiagų santykis parenkamas konkrečiai pagal augalų mitybos biologines savybes ir fiziologinius poreikius. Didelę įtaką augalo augimui ir vystymuisi turi hormoninė sistema, veikianti ląstelėje, audinyje ir visame augale. Norint pakeisti augalo augimą ir vystymąsi tam tikra linkme, naudojami augimo reguliatoriai, kurie pakeičia augalo hormonus bei jų kiekį skirtingose augalo dalyse. Tai biologiškai aktyvios medžiagos, kurių net labai nedideli kiekiai sukelia gana didelius pokyčius augalų augimo ir vystymosi procesuose. Šios medžiagos didina augalų atsparumą ligoms, kenkėjams ir nepalankioms klimato sąlygoms, skatina geresnį maisto medžiagų pasisavinimą, todėl sumažinamas reikalingas trąšų kiekis ir taip bent iš dalies sprendžiamos ekosistemos tvarumo problemos. Vienos iš tokių bioaktyviųjų medžiagų – aminorūgštys, jos gali būti įterptos į dirvožemį arba užpurkštos ant augalų lapų. Aminorūgštys lengvai absorbuojamos ir tiesiogiai naudojamos baltymų sintezėje, todėl augale greitai pašalinamas maisto medžiagų trūkumas. Skystųjų trąšų gamybos technologijoje parenkant jų cheminę sudėtį, labai svarbus rodiklis yra druskų tarpusavio suderinamumas ir tirpumas, o viena iš pagrindinių skystąsias trąšas apibūdinančių savybių – kristalizacijos temperatūra. Atliekant įvairių druskų sistemų tirpumo tyrimus, pagal sočiųjų tirpalų, besikristalizuojančių 0 ℃ temperatūroje, koncentraciją, galima nustatyti galimą skystųjų trąšų sudėtį. Šiame darbe dolomitą skaidant azoto rūgštimi, gautą tirpalą neutralizuojant amoniakiniu vandeniu ir pridedant azoto turinčių komponentų, buvo pagamintos skystosios azoto-kalcio-magnio trąšos, kurių efektyvumui padidinti naudotas aminorūgščių koncentratas „Naturamin-WSP“. Laboratorinėmis sąlygomis pagaminti trąšų bandiniai su skirtinga aminorūgščių koncentracija ir nustatytos svarbiausios bioaktyviųjų skystųjų trąšų savybės: cheminė sudėtis, kristalizacijos tem peratūra, pH, klampa ir kt.
MELSVABAKTERIŲ BIOMASĖS KAIP BIOTRĄŠOS NAUDOJIMO GALIMYBĖS ŽEMĖS ŪKIO AUGALŲ AUGIMO IR VYSTYMOSI PROCESAMS VALDYTI
Authors: Jankauskienė Jurga , Buzytė Kornelija , Paškauskas Ričardas
Published: October 2021

Žemės ūkio sektoriui tenka svarbus vaidmuo įgyvendinant Europos Sąjungos žaliojo kurso tikslus. Gausiai naudojant sintetines ir organines trąšas, gamtiniuose vandenyse pastebimas nitratų koncentracijos didėjimas. Dideli kie-\kiai trąšų išplaunama į vandenis, o tai visų pirma skatina spartų ir perteklinį vandens dumblių ir melsvabakterių žydėjimą upėse, ežeruose ir galiausiai jūrose. Todėl, dirbant nuosekliai ir deramai kontroliuojant miesto valymo įrenginius, buiti- nes, pramonines bei žemės ūkio nuotekas, taip pat siekiant kiek įmanoma atsisakyti sintetinių trąšų naudojimo žemės ūkyje, galima tikėtis šį nepageidautiną procesą suvaldyti. Fitoplanktono biomasės, kaip žaliosios trąšos, naudojimo galimybės mažai tyrinėtos. Eksperimentiniams tyrimams atlikti buvo pasirinkti trys dažniausiai Lietuvoje sėjamų žemės ūkio augalų – paprastasis kvietys (Triticum aestivum L.), sėjamasis žirnis (Pisum sativum L.) ir sėjamasis rapsas (Brassica na- pus L.). Į augalų augimo substratą buvo įterpti skirtingi liofilizuotos fitoplanktono biomasės, surinktos iš Kuršių marių, kiekiai. Norint įvertinti fitoplanktono, kaip sintetinių trąšų alternatyvos, poveikį analizuotų augalų augimo ir vystymosi procesams, buvo atlikta biometrinių parametrų – antžeminės augalo dalies aukščio, žaliosios ir sausosios masės pokyčių analizė, taip pat fotosintetinių pigmentų – chl a, chl b kiekio ir chl a ir b santykio ir karotinoidų kiekio analizė. Tyrimai parodė, kad, sprendžiant vandens kokybės problemos gerinimo klausimus, surinktoji perteklinė fitoplanktono biomasė, kaip biostimuliatorius, gali būti naudojama augalininkystėje, taip pat skatinant alternatyvius tręšimo būdus ir mažinant sintetinių trąšų naudojimo mastą žemės ūkyje.
A new species of Cheironitis van Lansberge, 1875 from Jordan (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Onitini)
Authors: Coppo Paul , Montreuil Olivier
Published: October 2021

The genus Cheironitis van Lansberge, 1875, currently contains 23 species from the Old World. During a survey for dung beetles in Jordan, specimens of an undescribed species were collected at the historical site of Petra.

A new species of Cheironitis (C. petraensis sp. n.) is described from the historical site of Petra, Jordan, illustrated and compared with its most closely related species. This new species is reminiscent of the African species of Cheironitis living in savannahs and could represent a relictual species of the mid-Holocene climatic optimum.
A Fuzzy Logic Supported Multi-Agent System For Urban Traffic And Priority Link Control
Authors: Ikidid Abdelouafi , El Fazziki Abdelaziz , Sadgal Mohammed
Published: October 2021

Artificial technologies are rapidly becoming one of the most powerful and popular technologies for solving complicated problems involving distributed systems. Nevertheless, their potential for application to advanced artificial transportation systems has not been sufficiently explored. This paper presents a traffic optimization system based on agent technology and fuzzy logic that aims to manage road traffic, prioritize emergency vehicles, and promote collective modes of transport in smart cities. This approach aims to optimize traffic light control at a signalized intersection by acting on the length and order of traffic light phases in order to favor priority flows and fluidize traffic at an isolated intersection and for the whole multi-intersection network, through both inter- and intra-intersection collaboration and coordination. Regulation and prioritization decisions are made on real-time monitoring through cooperation, communication, and coordination between decentralized agents. The performance of the proposed system is investigated by implementing it in the AnyLogic simulator, using a section of the road network that contains priority links. The results indicate that our system can significantly increase the efficiency of the traffic regulation system.
Editorial
Authors: Gütl Christian
Published: October 2021

It gives me great pleasure to announce the sixth regular issue of 2021. All this is only possible thanks to the great support of the J.UCS community. Therefore, I would like to thank all the authors for their sound research and the editorial board for the highly valuable reviews and suggestions for improvement. These contributions together with the generous support of the consortium members sustain the quality of our journal.

We are always interested in receiving high quality proposals for special issues on new topics and emerging trends. Please consider yourself and encourage your colleagues to submit high quality articles to our journal. I am also still looking to expand our editorial board: If you are a tenured associate professor or higher and have a good publication record, please feel free to apply to join our editorial board.

In this regular issue, I am very pleased to introduce six accepted papers contributed by 17 authors from six different countries.

Rochdi Boudjehem and Yacine Lafifi from Algeria outline their research on how to identify and assist struggling learners by monitoring and analyzing their behavior within the e-learning environment. Abdelouafi Ikidid, Abdelaziz El Fazziki and Mohammed Sadgal from Morocco introduce a fuzzy logic-based multi-agent system for traffic light control at a signalized intersection by acting on the length and sequence of traffic light phases to favor priority flows and make traffic flow more smoothly at an isolated intersection and for the entire network with multiple intersections. Andrea Lezcano Airaldi, Jorge Andrés Diaz-Pace and Emanuel Irrazábal from Argentina conducted a case study to evaluate the benefits of incorporating data-driven storytelling into the development of a software system to support decision-making in crisis settings. José Monteiro, Maria Bernardo, Mafalda Ferreira, and Tânia Rocha from Portugal discuss their study of quality aspects of e-government information with the goal of better understanding which of these attributes are most valued from the users’ perspective when evaluating content provided by government websites. Ricardo Pérez- Castillo and Mario Piattini from Spain outline their study on how the evolution of the development effort influences the code quality, which was analyzed on 13 open source projects. Hamda Slimi, Ibrahim Bounhas and Yahya Slimani from Tunisia discuss their approach, which aims to detect emerging and unseen rumors on Twitter by adapting a pre-trained language model, namely RoBERTa, to the task of rumor detection.
Healthy Eating for Healthy Nurses: Nutrition Basics to Promote Health for Nurses and Patients
Authors: Reed Denise
Published: October 2021

Nurses care for people each day in many settings such as hospitals, physician offices, schools, and public health facilities. Such positions often require nurses to work variable and long hours, exposing them to the stressors of caring for people who are ill. These stressors can support poor food choices that adversely affect the health and well-being of the nurse. Nurses are also an integral part of providing nutrition related information to patients. As such, patients may be very cognizant of the health habits of their nurses. Eating for good health is one way that nurses can reduce the impact of stressors on the body and positively influence their health, allowing them to better care for patients and themselves. This article reviews two common nutrition related areas of concern to nurses, stressors, inflammation, and nutrition and sleep and eating patterns, that can lead to obesity. Knowledge and attitudes about nutrition education are also discussed briefly. Finally, the article offers a review of nutrition basics for nurses and suggestions to avoid potential food pitfalls common for nurses.
Facteurs associés à la résilience des étudiants de Licence en sciences infirmières au Liban : une étude exploratoire descriptive
Authors: Narchi Séoud Joëlle
Published: October 2021

Introduction : la pression des études et des stages effectués durant la formation pourrait affecter la santé et les résultats académiques des étudiants en sciences infirmières. Cependant, certains étudiants réagissent positivement au stress et sont considérés comme des personnes résilientes puisqu’ils ne font pas seulement face au stress mais rebondissent pour atteindre les défis qu’ils ont fixés. Les études ont identifié des facteurs académiques, cliniques, personnels et sociaux en lien avec la résilience des étudiants en sciences infirmières. Méthode : cette étude a pour but d’explorer les facteurs associés à la résilience des étudiants de Licence en sciences infirmières d’une université à Beyrouth. La collecte des données s’est déroulée à partir d’un questionnaire structuré, qui regroupe quatre instruments de mesure, et le profil démographique et académique des étudiants. Résultats : plus de la moitié des étudiants sont résilients, et parmi tous les facteurs, seul le sentiment d’auto-efficacité est associé significativement à la résilience. Discussion : cette étude a permis une meilleure compréhension du phénomène de la résilience des étudiants en sciences infirmières au Liban. Elle offre des pistes concrètes pour l’intervention infirmière favorisant la rétention des étudiants dans la formation infirmière.
Prévention des chutes chez les personnes âgées fragiles hospitalisées en court séjour : utilisation des chaussettes antidérapantes. Une revue systématique de littérature
Authors: Pelliard Thomas , Brika Marine , Rulleau Thomas
Published: October 2021

Introduction : les chutes chez les personnes âgées fragiles hospitalisées sont un phénomène majeur et préoccupant au quotidien. Contexte : les chaussages inadéquats, fréquemment observés au sein de cette population, constituent l’un des principaux facteurs de risques. Plusieurs hôpitaux utilisent des chaussettes antidérapantes comme moyen préventif. Dans le contexte de la médecine basée sur les preuves, il semble nécessaire de vérifier l’existence de données probantes concernant leur efficacité. Objectif : cet article vise à statuer sur l’efficacité préventive des chaussettes antidérapantes. Méthode : cinq bases de données ont été investiguées (PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane, ScienceDirect et Google Scholar). Les critères d’éligibilité (PICO) incluent les patients âgés hospitalisés. Résultats : sept études ont été incluses. Les chaussettes antidérapantes montrent un effet préventif pour diminuer les récidives de chutes ( p = 0.009) ou la prévalence des chutes en lien avec l’incontinence urinaire. Discussion : plusieurs études concluent sur la plus-value des chaussettes antidérapantes comparativement aux chaussettes classiques ou aux pantoufles. Les limites inhérentes aux études sélectionnées sont considérées dans l’élaboration des conclusions. Conclusion : un chaussage considéré comme sécuritaire par les thérapeutes et sécurisant par le patient constitue l’option la plus recommandée actuellement. Des études cliniques complémentaires sont nécessaires pour étayer notre conclusion.
Optimal control for the coupled chemotaxis-fluid models in two space dimensions
Authors: Yuan Yunfei , Liu Changchun
Published: October 2021

This paper deals with a distributed optimal control problem to the coupled chemotaxis-fluid models. We first explore the global-in-time existence and uniqueness of a strong solution. Then, we define the cost functional and establish the existence of Lagrange multipliers. Finally, we derive some extra regularity for the Lagrange multiplier.
A comparison of the beginnings of exonym standardization in Croatian and Slovenian
Authors: Crljenko Ivana , Geršič Matjaž
Published: October 2021

This paper compares the beginnings of exonym standardization and some characteristics of the oldest exonyms in two similar Slavic languages, Croatian and Slovenian. It uses the comparative and exemplar methods. It is found that these processes were influenced by the sociopolitical environment of the time, especially language policies. It is shown that the nineteenth century was favorably inclined toward exonyms. They were often written inconsistently and unsystematically because there were no spelling norms for their writing and use. For some, the influences of foreign languages (German, Italian, etc.) are obvious. Numerous transitional forms also appeared, which did not become established.
La clemenza d’Augusto (Roma, 1697)
Authors: Pelliccia Chiara
Published: October 2021

La clemenza d’Augusto, rappresentata a Roma al Tordinona nel 1697, è tra le opere secentesche romane più documentate e studiate. Basandosi sull’idea di performance come spazio di relazione, questo capitolo analizza le relazioni tra tutti gli attori coinvolti inquadrando l’opera nella stagione teatrale e quest’ultima nel contesto romano, ed evidenziando tensioni sociopolitiche e dinamiche culturali oltre il fatto spettacolare. Il contributo segue i differenti percorsi operativi convergenti intenzionalmente intorno all’evento-spettacolo, e rilegge in tale prospettiva anche le istanze “personalizzate” del patronage e la dimensione drammaturgico-musicale. Emerge uno spaccato di quella dimensione di Roma come “gran teatro del mondo”, performative society integrale, fortemente caratterizzante il modello spettacolare romano.
“Strategie parasinestetiche” nella Tessalonica di Nicolò Minato (Vienna 1673 / Roma 1683)
Authors: Stangalino Sara Elisa
Published: October 2021

Nel 1683 a Palazzo Colonna in Roma va in scena La Tessalonica, dramma per musica di Nicolò Minato e Bernardo Pasquini, dedicato alla giovanissima Lorenza de la Cerda Colonna; nei fatti si tratta della ripresa dell’omonimo dramma inscenato a Vienna nel 1673 con musica di Antonio Draghi. Le operazioni di taglia-cuci svolte in vista del riallestimento romano muovono riflessioni circa una nuova concezione della spazialità, intesa sia come spazio scenico sia come luogo complessivo dell’evento. Si fa focus sulle strategie messe in atto dal drammaturgo nella gestione dell’“ambiente sonoro”, donde emerge un peculiare impiego della convenzione della “musica di scena” che nella Tessalonica non si configura tanto come mero agente ricreativo quanto come vero e proprio elemento fondante, sia per la gestione dell’intrigo sia come principale regolatore delle dinamiche in fieri tra attori e spettatori.
Aderência e Competência de Terapeutas a um Programa para Redução de Estresse Baseado na Terapia de Aceitação e Compromisso
Authors: Dillenburg Mariana Sanseverino , Ludwig Martha Wallig Brusius , Garicochêa Pedro Radies , Boff Natália , Zancan Renata Klein , Oliveira Margareth da Silva
Published: October 2021

A Integridade do Tratamento (IT) é um conceito que se refere à avaliação da competência e aderência a um tratamento ou intervenção. Aderência e competência podem ser definidas respectivamente como o quanto o terapeuta seguiu o protocolo ou abordagem teórica proposta e o quanto ele foi habilidoso no seu desempenho. Apesar da importância deste dado, a avaliação da IT ainda é frequentemente omitida nas publicações científicas. O objetivo deste artigo foi avaliar aderência e competência de terapeutas em uma intervenção de oito encontros para redução de estresse em universitários baseada na Terapia de Aceitação e Compromisso. Os encontros da intervenção foram gravados e os encontros selecionados para o estudo foram avaliados por três juízes experts em ACT. Para análise dos dados, foi utilizado o coeficiente Fleiss kappa e o teste de Friedman. Os resultados indicaram boa concordância entre os juízes. Os terapeutas mostraram uma ótima aderência ao programa (mínimo 77,8%) e bons níveis de competência (2,7 a 3 numa escala de 0 a 3). Em relação aos processos de flexibilidade psicológica, os níveis de aderência foram maiores para os processos enfocados em cada encontro. Sugere-se estudos futuros com amostras maiores que possibilitem diferentes análises para entender o fenômeno da IT.
Recursos Tecnológicos e Engajamento Parental: estratégias comportamentais para realização de atividades de estimulação com filhos com Transtorno do Espectro do Autismo
Authors: Da Silva Scarlett Cristina Mendes , Benitez Priscila , Zaine Isabela , Domeniconi Camila , Pimentel Maria da Graça Campos , Rodrigues Kamila Rios da Hora , Pontes Luciana Barbalho
Published: October 2021

Intervenções comportamentais têm documentado resultados promissores de ensino para pessoas com autismo. A partir do envolvimento da família cria-se condições de ensino para garantir a generalização da aprendizagem. O objetivo geral foi avaliar o comportamento dos pais como aplicadores das atividades de ensino (condição A), delineadas na Análise do Comportamento, assim como o progresso de seus filhos (condição B) em suas residências e; o objetivo específico foi avaliar o uso de recursos digitais como mediadores da intervenção comportamental. Foram selecionadas três famílias (F1, F2, F3) que aplicaram as atividades com registro manual e informatizado. O registro informatizado foi realizado no sistema ESPIM (Experience Sampling and Programmed Intervention Method), que permite realizar intervenções à distância em ambientes naturais. Os pais apresentaram diferentes níveis de engajamento: Família 1 aplicou as tarefas 164 vezes em 21 dias, Família 2, 100 vezes e Família 3 aplicou 175. O desempenho das crianças também foi diversificado: para a criança da Família 1, de 164 oportunidades, teve 89 acertos, criança da Família 2, de 100 obteve 49 e criança da Família 3, de 175 oportunidades dadas pela família, obteve 142 acertos. As famílias aplicaram e registraram mais atividades (n=387) no manuscrito, em relação ao registro informatizado (n=52). Contudo, as três famílias preferiram o aplicativo para registro informatizado, em relação ao manuscrito, além de relatarem sobre a possibilidade de realizar as atividades em casa, desde que tenham o auxílio de um profissional especialista, na condução da intervenção comportamental.
Eye Tracking Technique in the Diagnosis of Depressive Disorder: a systematic review
Authors: Silva Holanda Lima Eveline , Oliveira de Andrade Michael Jackson , De Sousa Bonifácio Thiago Augusto , Rodrigues Stephanye Jullyane , Leandro de Almeida Natália , Case de Oliveira Milena Edite , Martins Gonçalves Letícia , Dos Santos Natanael Antonio
Published: October 2021

This systematic review aimed to verify the empirical evidence of the application of the eye tracking technique in depressive disorder. The PubMed, PsyInfo and Web of Science databases were used, using the following descriptors: ((Depression OR "Affective Disorders") AND ("Eye Tracking" OR Eye-Tracking OR "Eye Movements" OR "Eye Tracker" OR "Eye Gaze")). According to the eligibility criteria, sixteen relevant studies were identified and its methods, results and their main limitations were verified. The results suggest an increase in latency and reaction time to detect complex stimuli, e.g. the recognition of emotional facial expressions. In addition, greater numbers of fixations in stimuli of negative emotional content were observed. The findings demonstrate that changes in eye movement measurements in depressive disorder are associated with an attentional bias mechanism. It is concluded that Eye Tracking is a useful tool for psychophysiological assessment of depressive disorder.
Características e Desfechos da Educação em Saúde e Psicoeducação para Dor Crônica: uma revisão sistemática da literatura
Authors: Ferreira Stephane Mossmann , Schneider Juliana Thais , Schwade Emily , Rodrigues Bruna Fragoso , Vedoin Carolina Bevilacqua , Oliveira Clarissa Tochetto de
Published: October 2021

O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar a produção científica referente à psicoeducação da dor crônica de forma a identificar quais modalidades de educação em saúde e psicoeducação estão sendo conduzidas, qual seu foco, para qual público-alvo e com que resultados. Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da literatura em oito bases de dados nacionais e internacionais, de artigos publicados entre 1989 e 2020, em língua portuguesa e inglesa. Foram encontrados 1457 estudos, sendo 36 selecionados para análise. As informações foram organizadas nas categorias: conceito utilizado, foco do estudo, e características das intervenções. Verificou-se que a maior parte dos artigos não esclareceu o significado dos termos “psicoeducação” e “educação em saúde” embora seu uso tenha sido consistente e de acordo com a literatura. Constatou-se que as intervenções educativas são amplamente utilizadas no tratamento da dor crônica de adolescentes, adultos e idosos, apresentadas em diversos formatos e oferecidas, em geral, em conjunto com outras modalidades de tratamento. Psicoeducação e educação em saúde foram consideradas de fácil realização, com boa aceitação dos profissionais de saúde e entre pacientes adultos e idosos.
Knowledge Transfer and Use as Predictors of Law Firm Performance
Authors: Adeyemi Ismail Olatunji , Uzamot Waliyah Omotayo , Temim Fatima Modupe
Published: October 2021

There has been observed low practice of conscious knowledge management among Nigerian law firms and there is no evidence on how knowledge transfer and use predict their performance. Hence, this study examined knowledge transfer and use as predictors of Nigerian law firm performance. The study adopts descriptive survey research design and web-based questionnaire as instrument for data collection. There was total response of 205 from the survey. It was found that Nigerian lawyers transfer knowledge through platforms such as meetings, training, workshops/seminars and collaboration. Results show that Nigerian lawyers use knowledge to improve innovative thinking, enhance performance, maximize financial performance and improve client’s satisfaction. Results show that there is statistically significant relationship between knowledge transfer and law firm’s performance. Results show that knowledge transfer and use will significantly predict law firm’s performance. This study provides fresh insights that knowledge transfer and use are veritable mechanisms to improve law firms’ performance.
Assessing the Success of the Perceived Usefulness for Knowledge Management Systems
Authors: Mohammed Atheer Abdullah
Published: October 2021

Recently, Knowledge Management Systems (KMS) consider one of the major fields of study in educational institutions, caused by the necessity to identify their knowledge value and success. Hence, based on the updated DeLone and McLean’s Information Systems Success Model (DMISSM), this study set out to assess the success of the Perceived Usefulness of Knowledge Management Systems (PUKMS) in Iraqi universities. To achieve this objective, the quantitative method is selected as the research design. In total, 421 university administration staff members from 13 Iraqi private universities were conducted. This study highlights a number of significant results depending on structural equation modeling which confirms that system, information, and service quality play a fulfilling role in ensuring user satisfaction and the PUKMS.
The Leprosy Problem in South Africa
Authors: Wilson H. , Dommisse G. F.
Published: October 2021

No abstract available.
Breathing exercises - Please!
Authors: Storey Gladys M.
Published: October 2021

No abstract available.
An Alternative to an Artificial Hand
Authors: McGuire J.
Published: October 2021

No abstrat available.
Salmonella paratyphi-induced splenic vein thrombosis
Authors: Saini Ruchika , Jesrani Gautam , Gupta Monica , Gupta Samiksha , Chhabra Ankit
Published: October 2021

Splenic vein thrombosis and splenic infarction are complications beyond the usual clinical spectrum of paratyphoid fever, and the presentation is rarely described. We report the case of a young female, who presented with high-grade fever and severe left upper quadrant pain. Her blood culture was positive for Salmonella paratyphi A, with Widal test suggesting 4-fold rise in titers. Computed tomography revealed splenic vein thrombosis and multiple splenic infarcts, for which antibiotic and anticoagulation were instituted simultaneously. She had a complete resolution with this management, and anticoagulation was tapered off on subsequent visits.
The relationship of serum growth differentiating factor 15 with hepcidin in posttransplant adult Egyptian patients and its prognostic significance
Authors: ElRazzaz Mostafa K.H. , Azzazi Mohamed O. , AlAfifi Amal M. , Hegab Hany M. , El-Ghammaz Amro M.S. , Shazly Mohammad Abd-Allah
Published: October 2021

Background

Hepcidin is a small peptide that is produced in the liver that is most likely the major regulator of iron. Based upon the importance of iron, multiple mechanisms exist for the regulation of hepcidin. Iron levels, inflammation, erythropoiesis, and the combined effects of several proteins expressed on hepatocyte membranes are involved. Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a member of the transforming growth factor-b. GDF15 expression level is usually low in resting cells but may be substantially increased following response to diverse cellular stress signals, such as hypoxia, inflammation, acute tissue injury, and during cancer progression.

Aim

The aim was to assess the relationship of serum GDF15 with hepcidin in posttransplant adult Egyptian patients as an assessment for iron overload and their relationship with posttransplantation complications.

Patients and methods

Serum GDF15 and hepcidin were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 45 postallogenic (23 patients) and autologous (22 patients) bone marrow transplanted patients 1 year after transplantation in comparison with 15 healthy controls recruited from the bone marrow transplantation unit, Ain Shams University Hospitals.

Results

Serum level of GDF15 and hepcidin level were elevated 1 year after allogenic and autologous transplantation patients in comparison with control group, with a statistically significant difference between patients and controls (P<0.001). GDF15 and hepcidin were positively correlated with ferritin level (P<0.001). GDF15 and ferritin were positively correlated with acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and chronic GVHD (P=0.004 and 0.002, respectively), but hepcidin did not show any significant correlation with acute GVHD (P=0.110). Moreover, GDF15, hepcidin and ferritin were positively correlated with serum levels of alanine transferase and aspartate transferase in both autologous and allogenic transplanted patients. However, GDF15, hepcidin, and ferritin were not correlated with bacterial or viral infections in both allogenic and autologous groups of patients.

Conclusion

Both GDF15 and hepcidin are useful biomarkers for iron overload in late postallogenic and autologous bone marrow transplantation, and both can be used as a predictor for posttransplantation complications.
Role of circulating myeloid-derived suppressor cells in pathogenesis of immune thrombocytopenia in children and adolescents
Authors: Andrawes Nevine G. , Hamza Mohamed T. , Bayomi Fatma A. , Abd Elraheem Ali Heba G.
Published: October 2021

Context

Regulatory T cells have an immunosuppressive function on T-cell activation. They are involved in pathophysiology and treatment of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Circulating myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are involved in immune dysregulation in ITP.

Aim

To determine the mean level of MDSCs in acute, persistent, and chronic ITP and its effect on treatment modalities and prognosis.

Patients and methods

A total of 41 patients with ITP were recruited from the pediatric hematology clinic of Ain Shams University. They were classified into acute, persistent, and chronic and were compared with 20 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls. All patients were subjected to history taking with emphasis on age of presentation, disease duration, and treatment modalities, as well as thorough clinical examination. Mean values of C-reactive protein, alanine aminotransferase, and serum creatinine were collected from the patients’ files. All study participants underwent complete blood count (Coulter) and MDSCs by flow cytometry. Secondary thrombocytopenia was excluded.

Results

Acute ITP was detected in 29%, 24% had persistent, and 46% had chronic ITP. Their age ranged from 1 to 16 years at the study entry, and 51.2% were male. Active disease was found in 58.5%, whereas 41.4% in remission. No treatment was offered to 53%, whereas 24% of patients were on steroids. MDSCs decreased significantly in patients with ITP compared with the control group (P<0.001), whereas there was no significant difference among the patient groups regarding MDSCs level (P=0.325) or with different treatment modalities.

Conclusion

Reduced numbers of MDSCs play a role in pathogenesis of ITP. Yet, MDSCs did not differ according to disease duration or treatment modalities.
Comparative study between different alloadsorption techniques in warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Authors: Emam Noha A.M. , Ezzelarab Soha , Hassan Noha B. , El Saeyed Heba N. , Nabih Nermeen A. , Hamed Gehan M.
Published: October 2021

Background

Autoantibodies in patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) are encountered with difficulties in ABO grouping and cross-matching; moreover, they may mask the presence of alloantibodies, leading to hemolytic transfusion reaction. Therefore, an efficient and time-saving method is required to detect alloantibodies underlying autoantibodies for safe transfusion in AIHA.

Aim

To compare the efficiency of different alloadsorption techniques in detection of alloantibodies after complete removal of autoantibodies.

Patients and methods

A total of 70 patients with warm AIHA were enrolled in this study; antibody screening was done by using screening cells (I+II+III cells). Allogenic adsorption was performed using conventional, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and low ionic strength solution (LISS)/papain methods followed by rescreening to ensure the adsorption of the autoantibodies, and whenever screening test revealed the presence of alloantibodies, antibody identification was done. Antibody identification and cross-matching with phenotyped red cells were done by the plasma obtained with this method. The best adsorption method was chosen depending on its ability to preserve the alloantibody.

Results

A significant difference was found among the three alloadsorption methods regarding number of alloadsorptions and time for complete autoantibodies removal. PEG showed the lowest mean number of alloadsorptions (2.6±1.2) followed by LISS/papain (3.1±1.5) compared with the conventional method (3.7±1.4) (P<0.001). Regarding the time, PEG was the most rapid method (38.6±17.6 min) followed by LISS/papain (45.9±22.8 min) and then the conventional method (110.1±14.4 min) (P<0.001). However, no significant difference was found between PEG and LISS/papain (P=0.014). Alloantibodies were detected in 35% of cases, with predominance of anti-Rh system (61%), mainly anti-c and anti-E. Alloantibodies belonging to Rh and Kidd were best identified in adsorbed plasma by LISS/papain in comparison with PEG and the conventional techniques.

Conclusion

Among the evaluated methods, LISS/papain displayed the highest diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of alloantibody detection. Compared with the conventional method, LISS/papain and PEG minimized the time and number of alloadsorptions, enhancing turnaround time and reducing the labor of pretransfusion testing in AIHA.
Seropositive coronavirus disease 2019 detection among apparently healthy voluntary blood donors
Authors: Abdelmaksoud Sahar S. , Youssef Mariam K. , Aboulmagd Mahmoud M. , Abdelmaksoud Mariam F.
Published: October 2021

Background

Despite the prevailing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019, there are no recommendations available yet for serological screening of apparently healthy asymptomatic blood donors for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies.

Objective

To explore the seropositivity for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in serum samples of a group of randomly selected Egyptian voluntary blood donors who met the eligibility criteria for blood donation as a preliminary step to catch apparently healthy asymptomatic participants who constitute an important source of viral spread in the community.

Patients and methods

The first phase of our study design plan included 100 anonymous serum samples of a group of voluntary blood donors who donated blood at Ain-Shams University Hospitals’ blood bank during the period from the second week of September to the end of October 2020. After completion of the steps of donation, donors’ stored serum samples were screened for SARS-CoV-2-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)M and IgG antibodies. The next phase of our study design plan is intended to include larger samples of known apparently healthy asymptomatic blood donors in an attempt to reach seropositive patients to confirm the results by PCR and validate the testing.

Results

A total of 100 anonymous serum samples were included in the study. Eleven (11%) samples were reactive for viral specific IgM antibodies, and 38 (38%) samples were reactive for viral specific IgG antibodies.

Conclusion

As the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 is continuing to demand urgent attention, screening of all asymptomatic apparently healthy voluntary blood donors for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies followed by viral RNA detection by PCR in seropositive donors could abort viral spread to others in blood centers and eventually to the rest of the community.
Severity and Prevalence of Sperm DNA Damage among Infertile Males at a Tertiary Hospital, North Central, Nigeria
Authors: Oladosu Waliu Olatunbosun , Biliaminu Sikiru Abayomi , Abdulazeez Musbau Ishola , Jimoh Saheed Olanrewaju , Ajose Olabamiji Abiodun , Okesina Adekunle Bashiru
Published: October 2021

Context:

Seminal fluid analysis (SFA) is the most important investigative tool for evaluation of male infertility. However, it is limited in detecting causes of sperm abnormalities while some individuals with normal SFA are still considered infertile. Evaluating sperm deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) integrity as an ancillary investigative tool to SFA will enhance the investigation of infertility.

Aims:

The aim is to assess the prevalence and severity of sperm DNA damage based on semen level of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in males with and without abnormal SFA.

Settings and Design:

This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 120 males with at least one SFA parameter abnormalities as test controls and 120 normal controls.

Subjects and Methods:

Seminal 8-OHDG was assayed as a marker of sperm DNA damage using ELISA method.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Normally distributed data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation otherwise expressed as median and interquartile range.

Results:

The mean ages of subjects and controls were 35.84 ± 6.0 vs. 36.22 ± 7.56 years. The mean seminal 8-OHDG was significantly higher among subjects than among controls (15.21 ± 3.80 ng/ml vs. 12.45 ± 4.0 ng/ml, P = 0.015). The reference value of seminal 8-OHDG obtained in this study was 4.45–20.45 ng/ml and the prevalence of sperm DNA damage among subjects compared to controls was 10.8% versus 3.3%, P = 0.024. Severe DNA damage corresponding to sperm DNA fragmentation index of >30% was 3.3% in subjects and was not present in any male partner in the control group. Significant sperm DNA damage was also associated with reduced sperm count (P = 0.043), while its association with reduced sperm motility was not statistically significant in this study.

Conclusions:

The prevalence and severity of sperm DNA damage were more significant among males with, than those without, abnormal SFA parameters.
A pilot study on effect of adjunctive transcranial direct current stimulation on symptom domains of depression in patients with depressive disorder
Authors: Singh Shipra , Meena Amit K. , Sharma Gautam , Deshpande Smita N.
Published: October 2021

Background:

Depression is a highly prevalent condition and includes clusters of symptoms, namely, depressive cognition, anxiety, and visceral symptoms. Depressive symptoms often respond sub-optimally to pharmacotherapy. Adjunctive transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a noninvasive brain stimulation modality, may improve depressive symptomatology.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to study the effect of tDCS as an augmentation strategy in depression and its various symptom domains.

Materials and Methods:

It is a prospective interventional study. Patients diagnosed with depressive disorder (based on International Classification of Disease- 10 criteria, diagnosed by treating psychiatrist), aged 18-70 years, who showed inadequate improvement on antidepressant selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, were recruited after informed consent. Each participant was administered 20 sessions of tDCS over 2 weeks, each session of 20 min, with anode placement at left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and cathode at right supraorbital region. Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) was administered pre- and post-intervention to assess the change in symptoms.

Results:

Of a total of 35 participants, the mean score on HAM-D prior to and postintervention was 19.97 (standard deviation [SD] = 3.519) and 13.17 (SD = 3.365), respectively. The difference was statistically highly significant (P = 0.000) on paired t-test. All symptom domains of HAM-D, identified using the Cole and Motivala model (Cole et al., 2004), also showed significant reduction from pre-tDCS to post-tDCS scores (P = 0.000).

Conclusion:

Positive effect of tDCS on depressive symptoms, its tolerability and safety profile, and affordability makes it an effective therapeutic strategy in augmenting antidepressants in patients with depression. However, longer period studies with larger sample size may yield more generalizable results.
Cervical Sarcomatoid Carcinoma – A Rare Case Report
Authors: Patel Monik , Shah Isha , Shah Aastha , Suryanarayana U.
Published: October 2021

Sarcomatoid carcinoma is a very rare morphologic entity of the female genital tract and even more rare in the cervix. Sarcomatoid carcinoma is a rare form of cancer in which the cells exhibit properties characteristic of both epithelial and mesenchymal tumors and looks like a mixture of carcinoma and sarcoma. It differs from squamous cell carcinomas of the cervix in terms of having a poorer prognosis and a short disease-free survival. The tumor is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage of presentation and is characterized by early recurrence following treatment. Surgery or radiotherapy remains the mainstay of treatment. A rare case of sarcomatoid carcinoma of the cervix in a 42-year-old female patient is reported here. The patient was examined, and biopsy from the polypoidal mass of the cervix was performed. Immunohistochemistry examination was done which favored the diagnosis as sarcomatoid carcinoma of the cervix with positivity for vimentin and P63 markers and diffuse staining of actin and negativity for CK7, CEA, ER, desmin, HMB45, MYOD1, EMA, CD10, and CK5/6. The patient was clinically defined as having International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IIIB disease. The patient was treated by radiotherapy with a palliative approach according to clinical disease. The pathologic diagnosis of sarcomatoid carcinoma is based on histologic and immunohistochemical findings. As this entity of cervical cancer is very rare, it is difficult to draw a firm decision on disease behavior, diagnostic methods, best treatment option, and outcome. Reporting such cases might help oncologists to understand this entity of cervical cancer.
Apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio as a potential marker of cardiovascular risk in women
Authors: Ayoade Olufisayo Gabriel , Essien Sarah Ifreke , Sonuga Oyebola
Published: October 2021

Background:

There has been a significant steady rise in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among Nigerian women within the last decade. The balance between pro-atherogenic particles and antiatherogenic particles has been markedly reflected in the apolipoprotein B/A1 ratio (Apo B/A1), and this ratio has been shown to be the strongest single lipoprotein-related cardiovascular risk factor. The cutoff value for the apo B/A1 ratio that defines high cardiovascular risk has been proposed to be 0.8 for women. This study is to determine the apo B/A1 ratio in apparently healthy Nigerian women and to evaluate the relationship of this ratio with other lipid indices.

Methods:

A total of 161 apparently healthy female adults between the ages of 30 and 66 years were selected for this study over a period of 6 months. Plasma total cholesterols (TC), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured using the enzymatic methods, whereas low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated using the Friedewald formula. Apolipoprotein A1 and B were determined using immunoturbidimetry methods.

Results:

The mean of plasma apo B/A-I ratio in the studied participants was 0.68, with values ranging from 0.27 to 1.46. The percentage of participants with the apoB/apoA-I ratio exceeding 0.8 (the cutoff value for CVD risk) was 24.2%. The participants with apoB/apoA-I >0.8 were characterized by higher mean TC (216 mg/dl vs. 171 mg/dl; P < 0.001), TG (80 mg/dl vs. 66 mg/dl; P = 0.007), LDL-C (163 mg/dl vs. 120 mg/dl; P < 0.001), and lower HDL-C (36 mg/dl vs. 43 mg/dl; P < 0.001) compared with women with apoB/apoA-I < 0.8.

Conclusion:

This study has demonstrated that the women with apo B/A1 >0.8 have worse atherogenic lipid profile (high plasma TC, TG, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low high-density cholesterol). It has also shown that only the apoB/A-I ratio correlates with other lipid markers; it should be considered as a potential useful tool in cardiovascular risk assessment in women. Its potential use in the national guideline for assessment and management of dyslipidemia will be invaluable.
Study on concordance of specific cytological diagnosis with histology in a teaching hospital
Authors: Atanda Akinfenwa Taoheed , Faro-Tella Ramat Olayinka
Published: October 2021

Background:

Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), a cheap screening technique, has helped reduce the diagnostic turnaround time of palpable swellings from different anatomical sites. In light of the technique increasingly being used as a definitive diagnostic tool, it is thus important to evaluate its accuracy in making specific diagnosis beyond just being a screening tool.

Objective:

To determine the concordance rate between cytological and histological diagnosis

Materials and Methods:

Cytology and corresponding histology reports for lesions from patients with maxillofacial, lymph node, and abdominal swellings, where both were available, were compared for the concordance of specific cytological diagnosis with final histological diagnosis.

Results:

In the 10-year (2006–2015) studied, there were 177 complete cases in which specific diagnoses were made on cytology; of these, 135 (75.3%) were in concordance with histological diagnoses. Concordance for intra-abdominal, maxillofacial, and lymph node aspirates was 90.2%, 85.5%, and 62.9%, respectively. Cytological concordance of specific diagnosis for benign and malignant lesions was 70.7% and 79.5%, respectively. Concordances for lymphomas, carcinomas, and sarcomas were 84.1%, 68.2%, and 66.7%, respectively. The specific cytologic diagnosis was enhanced by preaspirate ultrasound scan while the absence of immunocytochemistry hampered accuracy in specific diagnosis of nodal non-Hodgkin's and Hodgkin's lymphoma (66.7% and 42.9%), respectively.

Conclusion:

This study concludes that FNAC is a simple technique with fairly reliable utility in proffering specific diagnosis on suitable lesions. However, in developing countries where repertoire of antibodies for immunocytochemistry may be limited, the accuracy will be improved by good clinical history and preaspirate ultrasound where necessary.
Patterns for cost-sharing of agricultural technology transfer in Nigeria
Authors: Ozor N. , Madukwe M.C. , Garforth C. , Agwu A.E. , Chukwuone N.A.
Published: October 2021

With recent changes in the financing and delivery of agricultural technology transfer worldwide due to inability of many governments to cope with varied needs of clients, most reforms currently being initiated by governments tend towards a pluralistic approach and financial participation of all stakeholders. One of such reforms is through cost-sharing. The authors examined stakeholders’ (extension professionals and farmers) opinions on the appropriate patterns for cost-sharing of agricultural technology transfer in Nigeria. The study was carried out in six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Multistage random sampling technique was applied in the selection of 268 farmers and 272 extension professionals. Mean scores and t-test statistics were utilized in realizing the objectives of the study. Results show that the stakeholders’ overall opinion on the appropriate pattern for cost-sharing was for beneficiaries of service to pay specified amounts of money to extension organizations every farming season through their cooperative societies. Results further showed that farmers proved to have more ideas on the best patterns of sharing the cost of technology transfer than the extension professionals. It was concluded that for cost-sharing to be effective, all the stakeholders have to participate in decision-making and implementation processes of agricultural technology transfer in the country.

Key words: cost-sharing, agricultural technology transfer, farmers, extension professionals, Nigeria