bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uji Toksisitas Ekstrak Daun Piairawi (Haplolobus cf. monticola Husson.) Asal Teluk Wondama dalam Mengendalikan Hama Ulat Tritip (Plutella xylostella L.) Pada Tanaman Sawi (Brassica junceae L.)
Authors:   Universitas Papua, Sutiharni  , Torey Selpia Murarani ,   Universitas Papua, Lindongi Linda Enawati ,   Universitas Papua, Bodang Yacob ,   Universitas Papua
Published: September 2021

Sawi banyak digemari oleh masyarakat sebagai bahan pangan (sayuran) baik untuk konsumsi segar maupun diolah, memiliki kandungan vitamin dan zat gizi yang sangat penting bagi kesehatan. Salah satu penyebab terjadinya penurunan produksi sawi adalah akibat serangan hama ulat tritip (Plutella xylostella L.) yang mengganggu proses pembudidayaan tanaman sawi, dengan tingkat serangan mulai dari sedang hingga berat. Hama ini dapat menurunkan kualitas dan kuantitas tanaman sawi, sehingga berpengaruh terhadap produktivitas tanaman. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan tingkat konsentrasi ekstrak daun Piairawi (Haplolobus cf. monticola Husson) yang efektif untuk mengendalikan hama ulat tritip (P. xylostella L). Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di Laboratorium dan Screen House Hama dan Penyakit Tumbuhan Fakultas Pertanian Universitas Papua pada bulan Februari - April 2019. Penelitian menggunakan Rancangan Acak Kelompok dengan perlakuan 5 perlakuan dan 5 ulangan Perlakuan di Laboratorium terdiri dari konsentrasi 20 ml/l, 40 ml/l, 60 ml/l, 80 ml/l dan 100 ml/l, sedangkan untuk perlakuan di Screen House menggunakan konsentrasi 0 (kontrol), 45 ml/l, 50 ml/l, 55 ml/l dan 60 ml/l. Variabel pengamatan meliputi Mortalitas Larva, Persentase Efikasi dan Intensitas Kerusakan. Insektisida ekstrak daun Piairawi yang diberikan mempunyai pengaruh yang nyata terhadap mortalitas larva, efikasi dan intensitas kerusakan. Pemberian ekstrak pada perlakuan P1-P4 (45-60 ml/l) mampu membunuh lava P. xylostella sebesar 52%-68% dan mampu menekan serangan larva sebesar 31.67%-44,84%. Semakin besar tingkat konsentrasi yang diberikan maka akan meningkatkan mortalitas dan intensitas kerusakan dari larva P. xylostella terhadap tanaman sawi.
Model Peningkatan Pendapatan Agribisnis Tebu Rakyat
Authors:   Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati, Kurniawan Dede , Jaenudin Amran ,   Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati, Wachdijono  ,   Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati
Published: September 2021

Pendapatan yang layak sangat diharapkan oleh semua pelaku agribisnis tebu, dikarenakan sangat berkaitan dengan eksistensi budidaya dan kesejahteraannya, apa lagi pada era pandemic covid-19 ini. Namun dalam lima tahun terakhir, pendapatan petani tebu secara nasional menurun, sehingga diperlukan upaya agar pendapatannya meningkat. Penelitian ini bertujuan menyusun model kebijakan pemerintah untuk meningkatkan pendapatan agribisnis tebu di Kecamatan Karangsuwung Kabupaten Cirebon. Waktu penelitian pada bulan September–November 2020. Desain penelitian ini adalah kuantitatif dengan metode survey. Populasi penelitian adalah petani tebu di Wilayah Kerja Pabrik Gula Sindang Laut Rayon Pabrik Gula Karangsuwung yang berjumlah 129 orang dan besar sampel ditentukan sebesar 57 orang. Analisis data menggunakan analisis jalur (path analysis) dan untuk menguji hipotesis menggunakan sobel test. Hasil penelitian menyimpulkan terdapat pengaruh langsung dari variabel perbaikan pola pembiayaan (kredit) budidaya tebu (X1) dan perbaikan pola harga pokok produksi/harga patokan petani (HPP) dan tata niaga gula nasional (X4) terhadap peningkatan pendapatan agribisnis tebu (Y) dan terdapat pengaruh tidak langsung dari variabel perbaikan pola pembiayaan (kredit) budidaya tebu (X1) dan perbaikan produktivitas (X2) terhadap peningkatan pendapatan agribisnis tebu (Y) melalui perbaikan pola harga pokok produksi/harga patokan petani (HPP) dan tata niaga gula nasional (X4). Melalui penelitian ini diharapkan dapat menjadi referensi lokal dan nasional tentang model peningkatan pendapatan agribisnis tebu rakyat.
Response of morphological and biochemical traits of maize genotypes under waterlogging stress
Authors: Asha Shamima Nasrin , Sultana Naima , Hassan Lutful , Akhter Shirin , Robin Arif Hasan Khan
Published: September 2021

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important cereal crops cultivated around the world. Waterlogging stress is a major production constraint of maize production in rain-fed agricultural systems. The main objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of continuous waterlogging on morphological and biochemical traits of maize genotypes at the vegetative stage. Ten maize genotypes were treated under no waterlogging (control) and continuous waterlogging of five centimeters depth for 10 days. The treatments were applied to the plants at their 45 days of age. Visual leaf injury scores from Leaf 4 (youngest leaf is the reference point) to Leaf 7 separated tolerant and susceptible genotypes. Waterlogging stress significantly reduced the total number of live leaves and chlorophyll content in leaf tissues in susceptible genotypes. The anatomical study revealed that tolerant maize genotypes produce a large number of aerenchyma cells under waterlogging stress compared to susceptible genotypes. The enzymatic activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and peroxidase (POD) exhibited a greater increase in tolerant genotypes than susceptible genotypes whereas the contents of reactive oxygen species (H2O2) greatly increased in susceptible genotypes than tolerant genotypes under waterlogging stress compared to control. Principal component 2 (PC2) indicated that increasing plant height in the genotypes BHM-14, BHM-13 and BHM-9 was associated with waterlogging tolerance. The findings of this experiment will add value to maize breeding to screen out maize genotypes for waterlogging stress tolerance.
Soil fertility status of coconut and arecanut growing soils
Authors: Vasundhara R. , Prakash N. B. , Anil Kumar K. S. , Hegde Rajendra , Dharumarajan S.
Published: September 2021

The present study was undertaken to assess the soil fertility status of major coconut and arecanut growing soils in different agro-climatic conditions of Karnataka. Based on the agro-climate variability, thirty typical soil pedons representing five different agro-climatic zones (ACZs) of Karnataka, namely, eastern dry zone (EDZ), southern dry zone (SDZ), southern transitional zone (STZ), hilly zone (HZ), and coastal zone (CZ) were studied for their physicochemical properties. The study revealed that soils of semi-arid (EDZ and SDZ) and sub-humid (STZ) zones have near neutral to moderately alkaline reaction and humid region soils (coastal and hilly zones) have high acidity. The soils are non-saline with low cation exchange capacity. Greater soil organic carbon was recorded in arecanut soils than coconut under all ACZs except coastal zone. The major nutrients status of the soil samples indicated that the available nitrogen is low in all the pedons; the pooled data of available nitrogen content was higher in arecanut (166.3 kg ha-1) than coconut (152.6 kg ha-1), and hilly zone soils recorded higher available nitrogen. A wide range of available P2O5 was noticed in coconut and arecanut soils, ranging from 1.0 to 64.2 kg ha-1. The coconut soils (11.5 kg ha-1) recorded higher available P2O5 than arecanut soils (9.62 kg ha-1) when data were pooled. The soils were low to medium in available potassium, and a higher available K2O content was recorded in arecanut soils (151.7 kg ha-1) compared to coconut (110.1 kg ha-1). The available K2O ranged from 66.8 to 511.7 kg ha-1 in the surface and 37.6 to 461.2 kg ha-1 in sub-surface soils.
Characterization and classification of major coconut growing soils in South Eastern Ghats of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Srinivasan R. , Anil Kumar K. S. , Chandrakala M. , Niranjana K. V. , Maddileti N. , Hegde Rajendra
Published: September 2021

Six soil series representing major coconut growing soils of the Eastern Ghats in Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu State, India, were evolved from granite gneiss and alluvium parent materials. Characterization of different soil properties was done using a detailed soil survey at 1:10000 scale. The soils were neutral to moderately alkaline in reaction (7.31 to 9.19), non-saline, poor to moderately well-drained and moderately shallow (<75 cm) to very deep (>150 cm) in depth. The soils were sandy to clay in texture, sub-angular blocky to crumb in structure, dark reddish-brown to brown, very low to high in OC content (0.06 to 2.70%), low to medium in AWC (3.44 to 22.39%), low to high in CEC (4.70 to 54.0 cmol (p+) kg-1) and having high base saturation (77 to 100%). The soils also had sizable amounts of exchangeable sodium (4.29 to 33.46%), which was maximum in P5, P6 and P1, and high clay content in P5 and P2. The distribution of CaCO3 in different depths was found to be maximum in P4 and P1. The soil orders identified in the coconut area were Inceptisols, Entisols, Alfisols and Vertisols. Assessment of soil resources and identification of yield-limiting soils factors on coconut could be by way of better management and improved productivity.
Variability of exotic ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) accessions for quality parameters
Authors: Babu P. Anisha , Leela N. K. , Venkatesh J. , Prasath D.
Published: September 2021

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the important and widely used spices throughout the world in fresh and dried forms. The study on quality characterization and essential oil profiling of 13 ginger genotypes was conducted at ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala, during 2019-2020. The genotypes included eight promising exotic accessions (Acc. 393, Acc. 607, Acc. 736, Acc. 833, Acc. 869, Acc. 872, Acc. 873 and Acc. 874), four popular cultivars (Nadan, Himachal, Maran, Rio-de-Janeiro) and a released variety IISR Varada. Significant differences among the genotypes were recorded for various quality parameters such as oleoresin, essential oil and crude fibre content. Among the exotic genotypes, Acc. 869 recorded the highest essential oil content (2.44%), followed by Acc. 393 (2.42%), Acc. 833 and Acc. 873 (2.10%). The accessions, Acc. 869, Acc. 874, Acc. 873 and Acc. 393 recorded higher oleoresin content of 5.88 per cent, 5.63 per cent, 5.34 per cent and 5.28 per cent, respectively. Considering essential oil and oleoresin contents, the exotic accessions, Acc. 873, Acc. 393 and Acc. 869 were identified as promising genotypes. Among the other genotypes, Rio-de-Janeiro recorded the highest essential oil (2.76%) and oleoresin content (6.69%). The exotic genotypes, viz., Acc. 607, Acc. 736 and Acc. 393 recorded crude fibre content of less than 5 per cent whereas, Acc. 869 recorded the maximum of 7.85 per cent. Fifty compounds were identified through essential oil profiling, and the major classes were sesquiterpene hydrocarbons followed by monoterpene hydrocarbons. The major compound identified was α-zingiberene and was highest in Acc. 393 (30.49%), followed by Maran (30.32%).
Incorporation of coconut milk residue in pasta: Influence on cooking quality, sensory and physical properties
Authors: Shameena Beegum P. P. , Sharma Monika , Manikantan M. R. , Pandiselvam R. , Gupta R. K.
Published: September 2021

A study was conducted to explore the potentiality of coconut milk residue (CMR) for cold extrusion (pasta preparation). Proximate analysis revealed that coconut milk residue is a rich source of crude fibre (24.03%) in addition to crude fat (41.55%), crude protein (5%), total carbohydrates (26.24%) and ash content (0.97%) at 2.23 per cent moisture. The effect of coconut milk residue upon replacing durum wheat semolina on cooking qualities, colour parameters, textural property and overall sensory acceptability of pasta samples were evaluated. Incorporation of coconut milk residue significantly influenced the observed parameters (P<0.01). Cooking time was unaffected by incorporating milk residue up to 10 per cent (P<0.05). Though the addition of residue increased the gruel loss (0.84 to 1.34%), the per cent loss was below the technologically acceptable limit (<8%). A similar effect was visualized in water absorption. Conversely, the firmness gets reduced with an increased concentration of coconut milk residue beyond 10 per cent. Pasta with 5 per cent and 10 per cent coconut milk residue were accepted as that of control by the sensory panel. Free fatty acid content was not affected by the period of storage (P>0.05). Thus, the study recommends incorporating 10 per cent coconut milk residue in durum wheat semolina for pasta preparation. Moreover, the entrepreneurs engaged in the coconut milk/milk powder and virgin coconut oil industry would be benefitted by adopting this venture, wherein they would be able to fetch huge additional income by placing their residue product on an upgraded fast-moving consumer good (FMCG) value chain.
The Unknown Prevalence of Postrandomization Bias in 15 Physical Therapy Journals: A Methods Review
Authors: Riley Sean P. , Swanson Brian T. , Shaffer Stephen M. , Sawyer Steven F. , Cleland Joshua A.
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of prospective clinical trial registration and postrandomization bias in published musculoskeletal physical therapy randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

Design

A methods review.

Literature Search

Articles indexed in MEDLINE and published between January 2016 and July 2020 were included.

Study Selection Criteria

Two independent blinded reviewers identified the RCTs using Covidence. We included RCTs related to musculoskeletal interventions that were published in International Society of Physiotherapy Journal Editors member journals.

Data Synthesis

Data were extracted independently for the variables of interest from the identified RCTs by 2 blinded reviewers. The data were presented descriptively or in frequency tables.

Results

One hundred thirty-eight RCTs were identified. One third of RCTs were consistent with their prospectively registered intent (49/138); consistency with prospectively registered intent could not be determined for two thirds (89/138) of the RCTs. Four RCTs (8%)reported inconsistent results with the primary aims and 7 (14%) with the outcomes from the prospective clinical trial registry, despite high methodological quality (Physiotherapy Evidence Database [PEDro] scale score). Differences between prospectively registered and non-prospectively registered RCTs for PEDro scale scores had a medium effect size (r = 0.30). Two of 15 journals followed their clinical trial registration policy 100% of the time; in 1 journal, the published RCTs were consistent with the clinical trial registration.

Conclusion

Postrandomization bias in musculoskeletal physical therapy RCTs could not be ruled out, due to the lack of prospective clinical trial registration and detailed data analysis plans. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2021;51(11):542–550. Epub 21 Sep 2021. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.10491
Asymmetric Exchange Rate Pass-Through into Inflation in Turkey: A NARDL Approach
Authors: KARAOĞLU Nazlı , DEMİREL Baki
Published: September 2021

Inflation expectation resulting from the exchange rate increases is one of the widely discussed topics in the literature. The extent of the effect of exchange rate pass-through on inflation, and the duration of the impact are essential data that should be considered in determining disinflation policies. The literature findings show that the high level of rises in the exchange rate pass-through much faster on inflation, especially in dollarized economies with high inflation inertia. On the other hand, it has been revealed that the relationship between exchange rate inflation is asymmetrical. The Turkish economy, which struggles with chronicle higher inflation, has experienced a currency crisis in 2018. Therefore, to analyse the effect of exchange rate on inflation in Turkey is very important for the effectiveness of the fight against inflation and developing a policy proposal in this direction. This study examined the asymmetric relationships between exchange rate and inflation using a nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag model for 2004:Q1 – 2019:Q4. Findings indicate that the exchange rate pass-through into inflation is asymmetric in Turkey in the long-run. Besides, a decrease in the exchange rate has no statistically significant effect on inflation, but an increase also increases inflation in the short-run.
On exact solutions of quasi-hydrodynamic system that don't satisfy the Navier-Stokes and Euler systems
Authors: Григорьева Вера Владимировна , Шеретов Юрий Владимирович
Published: September 2021

Квазигидродинамическая система была предложена Шеретовым Ю.В. в 1993 году. Известные точные решения этой системы в подавляющем большинстве случаев удовлетворяют либо уравнениям Навье-Стокса, либо уравнениям Эйлера. В настоящей работе описан новый класс точных решений квазигидродинамической системы, которые не удовлетворяют ни уравнениям Навье-Стокса, ни уравнениям Эйлера.
Соответствующие точные решения системы Навье-Стокса получаются из построенных решений предельным переходом
при $c_s\to +\infty$, где $c_s$ - скорость звука в жидкости.

The quasi-hydrodynamic system was proposed by Sheretov Yu.V. in 1993. The known exact solutions of this system in the overwhelming majority of cases satisfy either the Navier-Stokes equations or the Euler equations. This paper describes a new class of exact solutions of quasi-hydrodynamic system that satisfy neither the Navier-Stokes equations, nor the Euler equations. The corresponding exact solutions of the Navier-Stokes system are obtained from the constructed solutions by passing to the limit at $c_s\to +\infty$, where $c_s$ is the sonic velocity in the fluid.
Оptimization of the chrome plating bath operation during the restoration of vehicle parts
Authors: Kotomchin A. N.
Published: September 2021

Introduction.In the process of chrome plating of car parts, there is a change in the composition of the chrome plating bath, which affects the stability of the ongoing processes – the performance and quality of the chrome coating. Therefore, it is necessary to constantly monitor the chrome plating bath for the presence of foreign elements that can be formed during the operation of the bath during the reaction of the solution with the anode or cathode.Materials and methods.During the research, the necessary equipment was used, which made it possible to determine with sufficient accuracy the content of trivalent chromium and its effect on the electrolysis process – the performance and quality of chrome coatings. A well-known technique was used to determine the quality and performance.Results.When conducting studies of the obtained cold self-regulating chromium plating electrolyte, it was found that trivalent chromium has a significant effect on the stability of the chromium plating bath. The content of which can vary within 2...25 g/l during operation. As a result, it was found that the optimal amount of trivalent chromium is its content in the chromium plating bath from 2 to 15 g/l. With a lower or higher content, the electrolysis performance and the quality of the chrome coating decrease. It was also found that in order to maintain the optimal amount of trivalent chromium and increase the time for stable operation of the chromium bath, it is necessary to observe the ratio of the area of the anode and cathode (the coated surface of the part), the value of which is within 3...4.Discussion and conclusion.As a result of the conducted research, it will make it possible, under certain conditions, to carry out the process of chromium deposition from a cold self-regulating electrolyte, which will allow for stable chromium deposition at high productivity and the necessary quality of the coatings obtained. The main condition is to control and maintain the amount of trivalent chromium in the chromium plating electrolyte in the bath.
Evaluation of the Reproductive Ability of Male Rats in Acute Toxoplasmosis
Authors:   Educational Establishment Vitebsk State Order of Peoples’ Friendship Medical University. 27, Frunze Ave., Vitebsk 210023, Republic of Belarus, Kosova M. S. , Pashinskaya E. S. ,   Educational Establishment Vitebsk State Order of Peoples’ Friendship Medical University. 27, Frunze Ave., Vitebsk 210023, Republic of Belarus
Published: September 2021

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease of humans and animals caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasma is an intracellular parasite that belongs to the simplest and has a complex development cycle. Infection with Toxoplasma is possible orally, transplacentally, percutaneously (if the integrity of the skin is damaged). This invasion is often the cause of problems with bearing pregnancy, as well as the development of congenital anomalies in children. The purpose of the study was to study the reproductive ability of male rats in acute toxoplasmosis. Materials and methods. The experiment was performed on 90 female and 45 male Wistar rats with a body weight of 180-200 g. The intact control males were orally injected with 2 ml of 0.2% starch gel. Experimental groups of males were infected with an invasive Toxoplasma gondii culture at a dose of 25 tachyzoites per 1 g of body weight (5000 tachyzoites per rat) and 50 tachyzoites per 1 g of body weight (10000 tachyzoites per rat). Then the males of all groups were coupled with the females for 3 days. The effect of toxoplasmas on the reproductive ability of male rats was assessed by the development of pregnancy and changes in the levels of pre- and post-implantation embryo death in female rats on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days after pregnancy. To account for changes in the pre- and post-implantation death of embryos in female rats after removal from the experiment, the uterus and ovaries were isolated, the uterine horns were opened, the number of implantation sites, the total number of embryos, the number of living and dead embryos, the number of resorption, and the number of yellow bodies in the ovaries were determined. Results and discussion. In the females of the 4th, 5th and 6th groups (coupling with males infected at the dose of 25 tachyzoites per 1 g of body weight), a decrease in the number of implantation sites in the uterus, the total number of embryos and the number of live embryos was recorded by 1.8-1.9 times compared to the control parameters. In female rats of the 7th, 8th and 9th groups (coupling with males infected at the dose of 50 tachyzoites per 1 g of body weight), there was a decrease in the number of implantation sites in the uterus, the total number of embryos and the number of live embryos by 5.6-6.8 times compared to the control. When compared to the results obtained from the females of the 4th, 5th and 6th groups, a decrease in these indicators was recorded by 3.1-3.5 times. Conclusion. Toxoplasma gondii has an effect on reproductive capacity in male rats expressed in changes of the levels of preimplantation mortality in female rats. The obtained effect depends on the dose of infection and the period of parasitosis development in males
Regularities of Change Concentrations of Interleukin-17A, Interleukin-2 and Interleukin-10 in the Blood of People with Alopecia Areata before and after Treatment with Platelet-Rich Plasma
Authors:   Sumy State Univercity. 2, Rymskogo-Korsakova St., Sumy 40007, Ukraine, Aljabali M. A.
Published: September 2021

Alopecia areata is a heterogeneous disease characterized by nonscarring hair loss. It affects 1-2% of the population of both genders and occurs in all age groups. According to the recent studies, helper T cells 1, helper T cells 2, helper T cells 17, and regulatory T cells may be the main possible initiators of alopecia areata. The purpose of the study was to determine the concentrations of serum interleukin-17A, interleukin-10 and interleukin-2 in patients with alopecia areata, and to study the relationship between their levels before and after treatment with platelet-rich plasma. Materials and methods. The study involved 37 patients with alopecia areata aged (35.7±8.9) years and 30 people of the control group aged (37.4±7.9) years. People with alopecia areata were injected with platelet-rich plasma. For this, immediately before administration, venous blood was taken from the patients from the cubital vein into a special tube for the preparation of platelet-rich plasma. Platelet-rich plasma was injected into the lesions at the rate of 0.2 ml/cm2 using an insulin syringe and a 30 G needle, once every 2 weeks for 16 weeks. The patients were examined before the treatment and in 3, 6 and 17 months. The concentrations of interleukin-17A, interleukin-2 and interleukin-10 were determined in blood serum before treatment and after 3, 6 and 17 months of observation by the Sandwich-ELISA method (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Interleukin-17A, interleukin-2 and interleukin-10 in the blood serum in the control group were also determined. The software program SPSS 22.0 was used for the statistical analysis. The normality distribution was tested by Shapiro-Wilk’s method. Independent Student’s t-test for unpaired samples was used to compare mean values between groups. The p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. Results and discussion. The results obtained in our study showed that the concentrations of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-17A and interleukin-2 were significantly higher in persons with alopecia areata before treatment. After 17 months of therapy with platelet-rich plasma, serum interleukin-17A and interleukin-2 levels approached the control level. Conclusion. There was no difference in the concentration of anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 between patients with alopecia areata and healthy people. In the course of treatment, the concentration of interleukin-10 increased after 3 and 17 months of therapy
Analysis of Ipsilateral Adrenal Pathology in Patients with Renal Cell Cancer
Authors:   Kharkiv National Medical University. 4, Nauki Ave, Kharkiv 61022, Ukraine, Balarabe U. , Lisova G. V.
Published: September 2021

The purpose of the study was the analysis of the structure of the pathology of the ipsilateral adrenal gland after radical nephrectomy or partial nephrectomy in patients with renal cell cancer. Materials and methods. To study the structure of adrenal pathology in a sample of 2,084 patients who were treated for renal cell cancer, a retrospective study of the pathological findings and case reports of 108 patients, in whom surgical treatment included adrenalectomy or adrenal resection, was performed. Results and discussion. In 10 (83.3%) of 12 patients with adrenal gland resection, mass lesions of this organ served as an indication for adrenal surgery, while in 2 (16.7%) patients intraoperative adrenal trauma was noted. In this group, there were no situations of preservation of the adrenal gland with a direct generalization of the renal tumor to it. Among 98 patients who underwent adrenalectomy, the main indications for removal of the adrenal gland were its mass lesions in 65 (66.3%) cases, while direct tumor generalization to the ipsilateral adrenal gland took place in 8 (8.2%) cases. In other 7 (7.1%) situations, a tumor thrombus penetrated through the lumen of the renal or inferior vena cava into the lumen of the adrenal vein. In 16 (16.7%) patients, adrenalectomy was performed due to massive trauma to the adrenal gland during the removal of massive renal tumors localized in the upper pole of the kidney. Among all 75 patients with mass ipsilateral lesions of the adrenal glands, metastases of renal cell cancer were detected in 12 (16%) cases. In 59 (78.7%) cases benign adrenal adenomas were found, in 2 (2.7%) cases – myelolipomas, in 1 (1.3%) – adrenal hyperplasia, in another 1 (1.3%) – pheochromocytoma. The proportion of synchronous malignant pathology of the ipsilateral adrenal gland in patients with renal cell cancer and with indications for adrenalectomy was 25% (27 out of 108 observations). In relation to all 2,084 operated patients, this indicator did not exceed 1.3%. In the group of organ-preserving surgery, it was significantly lower – 0.2% (2 out of 968 patients), while in the group of radical or cytoreductive nephrectomy it reached 2.2% (25 out of 1116 cases). The total amount of cases of the ipsilateral adrenal gland lesions with renal cell cancer was also studied: 12 (0.6%) – metastases, 8 (0.4%) – direct tumor generalization and 7 (0.3%) – tumor invasion into the adrenal vein, which was determined in 27 (1.3%) patients. Conclusion. The need for ipsilateral adrenalectomy or adrenal resection is extremely rare in the large modern cohort of patients. At the same time, a significant part of the synchronous formations of the ipsilateral adrenal glands is benign tumors. In this regard, further study of the feasibility and safety of adrenal organ-preserving surgeries is necessary
Topical Tacrolimus in Patients with Hands Eczema Taking into Account the Severity of Dermatoses, Some Cytokine Profile Indicators, Content of Vitamin D and Genetic Polymorphism of the Glucocorticoid Receptor Gene
Authors:   Sumy State University. 3, D. Korotchenko St., Sumy 40035, Ukraine, Methkal A. M.
Published: September 2021

The purpose of the study was to evaluate and compare the therapeutic capacity of 0.1% topical tacrolimus ointment in patients with hand eczema who were resistant to glucocorticoid treatment, taking into account the severity of dermatosis, interleukin-17A and interleukin-2 concentrations, vitamin D and genetic polymorphism of the glucocorticoid receptor gene. Materials and methods. The venous blood of 143 patients with hand eczema aged (42.2±11.1) years was used in the study. During the patients examination the data on age, sex, body mass index (kg/m2), body mass index ≥25 kg/m2 (%), smoking, IgE (iu/ml), interleukin-17A (pg/ml), interleukin-2 (pg/ml), and 1,25(OH)2D3 (ng/ml) were obtained. The Hand Eczema Severity Index was also assessed in each subject. According to the Hand Eczema Severity Index value all patients were divided into three subgroups: mild, moderate and severe eczema. Patients with mild and moderate eczema were appointed topical glucocorticoid 0.1% mometasone furoate cream twice a day for 2 weeks. Patients with severe hand eczema was appointed additionally systemic corticosteroid – a solution of dexamethasone by intramuscular injection at the dose of 8 mg/day No. 3, then another 4 mg/day for other 2 days. After 2 weeks, individuals who did not respond well to glucocorticoid treatment were prescribed tacrolimus 0.1% ointment twice a day for 2 weeks. BclI SNP (rs41423247) of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) was determined using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method (Fleury et al. 2003). The statistical analysis was performed using the program SPSS 22.0. The quantitative variables were tested for normal distribution by the Shapiro-Wilk method. The comparisons of the means between the two subgroups were performed using Student's t-test for independent samples. The comparison of the frequencies distribution in the subgroups was performed using the Pearson test. The P value <0.05 was considered as significant. Results and discussion. Findings in a previous study showed that not all people with hand eczema responded well to treatment with topical 0.1% mometasone furoate cream and systemic glucocorticoid. After 2 weeks of topical tacrolimus, of 51 patients who were not responsive to glucocorticoid treatment, 39 responded well to therapy. The concentration of interleukin-17A in the blood serum of such people was significantly lower than in people who did not respond to treatment. Conclusion. We did not find any differences in the content of immunoglobulin E, interleukin-2, 1α,25(OH)2D3 and BclI polymorphism of the glucocorticoid receptor gene in the subjects under study
Assumption of Jurisdiction by Pakistani Supreme Court in Reko Diq Case: Another Violation of International Investment Law
Authors: Khan Muhammad Mumtaz Ali , Ullah Ikram , Tariq Aisha
Published: September 2021

Purpose: This paper discusses that Pakistani judicial approach to separability, arbitrability and grounds to assume jurisdictions to decide these mattes does not sit well with the ICSID jurisprudence.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Qualitative approach has been used.

Findings: The Supreme Court’s judgment in Reko Diq is discussed in the light of awards rendered by ICSID to establish that the jurisdiction to decide the separability of arbitration agreement, arbitrability of a dispute or subject matter does not rest with a domestic court where parties have already conferred jurisdiction to determine these matters to ICSID and that Pakistani court cannot use any ground to assume jurisdiction over these matters.   

Implications/Originality/Value: The paper concludes that the judicial system of Pakistan needs reforms to formalize and ascertain the role of domestic arbitration councils in alignment with the ICSID. This will help Pakistani firms competing in international markets to get necessary legal support at home in line with international standards.
Knowledge and attitude about tobacco use among school personnel in Bangalore South-a Cross Sectional Study.
Authors: K Bhat Dr. Padma , S G Dr. Sushma , M Y Dr. Jayachandra
Published: September 2021

Background: Tobacco use is so addictive among youth and is one of the global epidemics which require constant monitoring and timely appropriate action to prevent usage. School personnel play one of the main roles in taking appropriate action. Aim: To assess knowledge and attitude of tobacco use pattern among school personnel in Bangalore city. Material and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out for a period of six months from May to October 2017. Stratified cluster sampling was done to include the government and English medium schools in Bangalore south. All the school personnel in the selected schools were eligible to participate. The data collection tool was GSPS questionnaire (WHO FCTC Tobacco Control). Chi-square test and Fisher’s Exact Test was used to demonstrate cross tabulation with confidence intervals. Significance level of 0.05 was considered for statistical analyses Results : Majority of both Kannada and English medium school personnel did not use any forms of tobacco. Both the English and Kannada medium school personnel were aware of the addictive effect of tobacco, but majority of the Kannada medium personnel said second hand smoke is not harmful as compared to their counterparts. Conclusion: Tobacco use among school personnel was low. Most of the school personnel were informed about the addictive nature of tobacco.
New biochemical markers in chronic heart failure
Authors: El Bindary E. M. , Darwish A. Z.
Published: September 2021

We investigated the plasma levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-alpha], leptin and insulin, and their relation to body mass index [BMI] in 80 male patients who presented with chronic heart failure [mean age: 47 +/- 4 years] at Tanta University Hospital. Plasma leptin, TNF-alpha and insulin were significantly increased and BMI significantly decreased in New York Heart Association classes III and IV patients. TNF-alpha, leptin and insulin were positively correlated, and TNF-alpha and BMI and leptin and BMI were negatively correlated in stages III and IV of heart failure. We conclude that cytokine neuroendocrine activation may form part of advanced stage heart failure. It may also be responsible for worsening cachexia, and can be used as a marker to determine disease severity.
Bone marrow transplantation in thalassaemia patients in Shiraz,Islamic Republic of Iran
Authors: Khojasteh H. N.
Published: September 2021

We report the results of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation in 26 female and 37 male patients with beta-thalassaemia major [age range: 2-17 years], performed at Namazi Hospital over the period 1992-99. In all cases, standard conditioning and immunosuppressive regimens were employed. Currently, 50 patients remain thalassaemia-free, 9 of whom have developed chronic graft-versus-host disease. There were 8 deaths among the 13 unsuccessful transplant cases: 4 due to acute uncontrollable graft-versus-host disease, and 4 to non-transplant-related causes such as hypoglycaemia, hypersensitivity reactions and advanced disease. We conclude that allogeneic bone marrow transplantation is an effective therapy for the treatment of beta-thalassaemia major, particularly for patients classified as classes I and II.
Epidemiology of hepatitis B virus infection in the Middle East
Authors: Qirbi N. , Hall A. J.
Published: September 2021

Inthis article, the epidemiology of hepatitis B [HBV] infection in the Middle East is reviewed. The prevalence of HBV carrier status in the region is considered and the modes of transmission of infection discussed. The risk factors associated with HBV infection are examined and preventive measures against HBV infection in countries of the region are presented. The review is based on information from two sources-publications in the international literature on the epidemiology of HBV infection in Middle East countries, identified by searching MEDLINE and POPLINE, and Middle East country and regional reports on viral hepatitis. It is evident that HBV infection is a serious public health problem in the region and many questions specific to the region remain unanswered. Community-based surveys are recommended as they provide more accurate information that can be generalized than hospital-based surveys.
Gram stain versus culture in the diagnosis of vulvovaginal candidiasis
Authors: Omar A. A.
Published: September 2021

We evaluated Gram stain as a rapid diagnostic method for vulvovaginal candidiasis [VVC]. Vaginal swabs were taken from 100 pregnant women and subjected to Gram stain and culture; 39% were diagnosed as having VVC [29% had symptomatic VVC and 10% had asymptomatic VVC]. Candida albicans was isolated from 94.9% of all cultures while other Candida species were isolated from 5.1% of cases. Multigravidae were significantly more affected than primigravidae. Gram stain is a valuable method in rapid accurate diagnosis of symptomatic VVC and even superior to culture as it demonstrates the invasive forms of the yeast. However, its low sensitivity could restrict its use in routine practice. A combination of culture and Gram stain is the ideal approach for the diagnosis of VVC.
Reproductive health of married adolescent women in squatter areas in Alexandria, Egypt
Authors: Sallam S. A. , Mahfouz A. A. , Dabbous N. I.
Published: September 2021

Through a house-to-house survey, 455 married adolescent women [< 20 years] and 455 married women aged 20-45 years from squatter areas in Alexandria were interviewed. Determinants of early marriage were consanguinity, illiteracy and unawareness of reproductive health. Of the currently pregnant adolescents, 22% were receiving antenatal care compared with 40% of the older women. Family planning methods were currently being used by 39% of the adolescents and 63% of the older wives. Determinants of non-use were: adolescence, illiteracy and previous miscarriage/stillbirth. There is a need to increase public awareness of reproductive health and change the behaviour of both groups of women in this under-privileged sector.
Incidence and determinants of low birth weight in Syrian government hospitals
Authors: Wannous S. , Arous S.
Published: September 2021

The incidence and determinants of low birth weight were studied in a stratified sample of 10, 585 deliveries at 18 Syrian government hospitals. For each low-birth-weight baby born, two normal-birth-weight babies were recruited as a comparison group. A questionnaire was given to mothers and clinical examinations were performed on the neonates. The incidence of low birth weight was 6.6%. It varied according to geographic region and hospital. The study confirmed that low birth weight could be the result of prematurity. Factors amenable to intervention, such as birth interval, maternal nutrition, maternal weight and smoking, appeared to have a role in low birth weight.
Evaluation of erythropoiesis in protein energy malnutrition
Authors: El Nawawy A. , Barakat S. , El Walily T. , Abdel Moneim Deghady A. , Hussein M.
Published: September 2021

This study evaluated erythropoiesis in 50 infants hospitalized with protein energy malnutrition and in 50 control infants. The red cell count, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and reticulocyte index were significantly lower, while the white blood cell count, median corpuscular fragility and red cell distribution width were significantly higher on admission than in controls. Total serum protein, albumin, fasting blood glucose, and serum folate were significantly lower on admission than in controls. Serum ferritin was significantly higher and total iron-binding capacity was significantly lower on discharge compared to controls. The serum erythropoietin was significantly higher on admission and discharge than in controls. The anaemia of protein energy malnutrition is due to mixed deficiencies resulting in ineffective erythropoiesis despite an increased level of erythropoietin.
Suitability of soluble transferrin receptor for the clinical diagnosis of different types of anaemia in children
Authors: Ragab L. , Ibrahim H. A. , Eid A. S. , Kotb T. , Konsowa M. F.
Published: September 2021

We evaluated the ability of serum transferrin receptor [sTFR] to identify different types of anaemia in children. Thus 150 Egyptian children suffering from anaemia [iron deficiency anaemia, anaemia of chronic disease and beta-thalassaemia] were enrolled, together with 50 controls. There was a significant increase in the mean levels of sTFR in the groups with iron deficiency anaemia and thalassaemia, and a significant decrease in mean sTFR levels in the group with anaemia of chronic disease. Serum ferritin levels were significantly higher in all patient groups except the group with iron deficiency anaemia. There were also significant correlations between the sTFR and sTFR/log ferritin ratio [sTFR-F index] and different indices of iron status and of erythropoiesis. The sTFR-F index could be used as a diagnostic or screening tool for iron deficiency anaemia, anaemia of chronic disease and thalassaemia.
Characterization of Leishmania parasites isolated from provinces of the Islamic Republic of Iran
Authors: Motazedian H. , Noamanpoor B. , Ardehali S.
Published: September 2021

Leishmania parasites isolated in the Islamic Republic of Iran were studied by a random amplified polymorphic DNA polymerase chain reaction [RAPD-PCR]. Of 82 isolates, 80 were from cutaneous lesions, 1 from a human throat lesion and 1 from a dog. Of these, 42 isolates were L. tropica, 36 were L. major and 2 were L. infantum. There were 2 unidentified isolates [from the throat lesion and a cutaneous lesion] and these demonstrated 52% and 48% similarity with L. tropica and L. infantum. Both L. tropica and L. major were isolated from four provinces indicating a recent change in the epidemiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis. L. tropica was isolated from three provinces; L. major from one province. L. infantum was isolated from a human cutaneous lesion and from a dog in Bushehr province.
Overweight and obesity among Saudi Arabian children and adolescents between 1994 and 2000
Authors: Abalkhail B.
Published: September 2021

Overweight and obesity trends were investigated for schoolchildren and adolescents in Jeddah using data from 1994 and 2000. Individuals aged 10-20 years were selected using multistage stratified random sampling and direct measurements were made of body weight and height. Percentiles were calculated for body mass index [BMI], body weight and height for specific age and sex strata. For both sexes, BMI increased between 1994 and 2000 at the 50th percentile but higher still at the 85th and 95th percentiles. The increase in body weight and BMI were marked for all age groups; however boys showed the largest increase aged 10-16 years, whereas girls showed the lowest at 14-16 years. Public health intervention is crucial to prevent or reduce overweight and obesity among youth.
Correlates of unintended pregnancy in Beheira governorate, Egypt
Authors: Youssef R. M. , Moubarak I. I. , Gaffar Y. A. , Atta H. Y.
Published: September 2021

This study looked at the frequency and determinants of unplanned births among women in Beheira governorate, Egypt, and the effects on antenatal and postnatal care sought by the mother for herself and her child. Unintended births comprised 23.6%; 13.8% were unwanted and 9.8% were mistimed. Contraceptive failure accounted for 28.8% of unintended pregnancies; 47.1% of women who reported unintended pregnancy were not using [corrected] contraception. Age, education and parity were predictors of unwanted pregnancy. Contraceptive use and maternal employment status predicted mistimed pregnancy. Unintended pregnancy was a barrier to antenatal care, but not to child care. Our findings suggest that family planning programmes should help women of reproductive age achieve spacing and fertility limits.
Knowledge and attitudes towards AIDS among Saudi and non-Saudi bus drivers
Authors: Abdelmoneim I. , Khan M. Y. , Daffalla A. , Al Ghamdi S. , Al Gamal M.
Published: September 2021

We explored the AIDS knowledge and attitudes of long-distance [non-Saudi] and in-city [Saudi] bus drivers in Saudi Arabia. The 69 non-Saudi drivers tended to score higher on knowledge than the 40 Saudi drivers although there were several gaps in their knowledge. As regards attitude, more Saudis knew that chastity could protect against AIDS and both groups tended to think that they were not the kind of people to get AIDS. Intensive health education and follow up is highly recommended for this sector of workers.
[Urethral discharge in Morocco: prevalence of microorganisms and susceptibility of gonococcos]
Authors: Alami K.
Published: September 2021

We studied 422 patients with urethral discharge recruited from 4 sentinel sites in Morocco to determine sociodemographic characteristics, history of STI infection, infecting organism and antibiotic susceptibility of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The mean age of the sample was 28 years [range 16-67 years], and most were single, had multiple sex partners without taking protective measures and came from all social backgrounds; 59.9% had a history of a previous STI. The majority [87%] of the infections were the acute form. By polymerase chain reaction of urine samples of 399 patients, 41.6% had N. gonorrhoeae infection, 6.3% Chlamidia trachomatis and 10.8% both organisms; in 41.4% no organism was identified. N. gonorrhoeae was strongly susceptible to ciprofloxacin.
Nosocomial blood stream infections in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Urmia, Islamic Republic of Iran, 1999-2001
Authors: Rahbar M.
Published: September 2021

Ina 2-year retrospective study, the database of the microbiology laboratory of the Imam Khomeini Hospital was reviewed to identify patients who had nosocomial bacteraemia between 1 May 1999 and 31 May 2001 and identify the pathogen responsible and its resisitance to antibiotics. Of 6492 patients in various wards, 593 [9.1%] had positive blood cultures; 85 of those [14.3%] had signs of potential skin contamination. Gram-positive cocci, including coagulase-negative staphylococci, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae and other Gram-positive cocci, accounted for 42.3% of isolates. Gram-negative bacilli were responsible for another 42.3% of isolates; Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the predominant isolate. Patterns of drug resistance varied according to species of bacteria but were generally quite high
Justification of operating modes of convective-infrared drying of technical hemp
Authors: Novikov Eduard Valerievich , Altukhova Irina Nikolaevna , Koroleva Evgeniya Nikolaevna , Schevaldin Dmitrii Michailovich , Bezbabchenko Aleksandr Vladislavovich
Published: September 2021

For the first time, the article presents studies of the promising process of drying the tangled mass of stems of incomplete length of technical hemp on an experimental setup under various modes. The parameters and modes of drying hemp by convective and convective-infrared methods are justified. The drying time of the hemp stem mass under different regimes is determined, the necessary graphs and regression dependencies are constructed, and practical recommendations are formulated.