bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Feasibility Testing of an Animated Cartoon-Based Self-Care Application for Low-Back Pain – a Pilot Study
Authors: Mbada Chidozie Emmanuel , Isatayo Tobiloba Samuel , Omole John Oluwatosin , Odole Adesola Christiana , Ayanniyi Olusola , Dada Olumide Olatunbosun , Gambo Ishaya Peni , Fatoye Clara Toyin , Ademoyegun Adekola , Sonuga Oluwatobi Ademola , Fatoye Francis
Published: September 2021

Objectives: Use of animated cartoon for pain management is an emerging area, however, no study have explored it as a digital platform for rehabilitation of low-back pain (LBP). This study was aimed to develop and evaluate the feasibility of an animated cartoon-based self-care (ACBSC) app for LBP, and to examine the correlation between the app rating parameters and patients’ pain.

Methods: This two-phase study comprised a development and feasibility testing components. Development of the ACBSC app was based on Mckenzie’s Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) extension protocolplus back hygiene following standard iteration and prototyping process. Twenty-eight consecutive patients with chronic non-specific LBP with 'direction Preference’ for extension based on the MDT screening algorithm participated in the feasibility phase. The participants utilized the cartoon-based app thrice weekly for two weeks. Outcomes were assessed in terms of usability, satisfaction and user’s experience using the system usability scale and mobile application rating scale. Quadruple visual analogue scale was used to assess pain intensity of the participants.

Results: On a unified scale of 20, functionality (15.4 ± 2.41) and aesthetics 14 ± 2.00 had highest and least objective quality rating on the app parameters. Total objective and subjective quality rating of the app was 16.9 ± 1.97 and 15.6 ± 2.42 respectively. Total impact and usability score was 24.1 ± 3.39 (out of 30) and 27.8 ± 3.09 (out of 50). Participants reported that back care cartoon app mostly affect mindfulness/meditation/relaxation (42.9%), increases happiness/well-being (46.4%), leads to behavioural change (60.7%) and targets physical health (100%). There was no significant correlation between participants’ pain characteristics and app rating parameters (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The animated cartoon-based self-care LBP app has moderate to high usability, functionality, aesthetics and quality rating, and may serve as an effective mobile-app for self-management of long-term LBP.
Viral Disease in Lagomorphs: A Molecular Perspective
Authors: P. Dalton Kevin , Podadera Ana , Manuel Martin Alonso José , Calonge Sanz Inés , Luis Álvarez Rodríguez Ángel , Casais Rosa , Parra Francisco
Published: September 2021

Our understanding of molecular biology of the viruses that infect lagomorphs is largely limited to the leporipoxvirus myxoma virus (MYXV) and the lagoviruses rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) and European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV) that infect the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and the European brown hare (Lepus europaeus) respectively. Thanks to the great effort of historic surveillance studies and careful sample archiving, the molecular evolution of these viruses is being resolved. Although historically considered viruses that cause species specific diseases recent reports show that several lagomorphs may now face the threat of these maladies. The driving factors behind these changes has not been determined and the effect of these species jumps on lagomorph populations has yet to be seen. Lagomorphs are also affected by several other lesser studied viral diseases. In addition, recent metagenomic studies have led to the identification of novel lagomorph viruses the importance of these to lagomorph health remains to be fully determined. In this chapter we summarize molecular aspects of viruses that infect lagomorphs, paying particular attention to recent interspecies infections.
Metformin: Pros and Cons
Authors: Sivadasan Shalini , Subramanian Muthukumar , Aiyalu Rajasekaran
Published: September 2021

Metformin was approved for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in 1958 for UK, in 1972 for Canada and in 1995 by FDA in USA. Metformin is the drug of choice for patients who are obese and have type 2 diabetes mellitus. Though metformin was at first proven to treat hyperglycemia, many other uses of metformin are proven to be effective. It is also used for gestational diabetes mellitus, obesity, hyper secretion of ovarian androgen, poly-cystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), anti-psychotic therapy induced weight gain, cancer treatment and anti-aging. Metformin causes a decrease in appetite thus known to act on obesity. The other action of metformin is reduction of circulating levels of insulin and insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) which is associated with anticancer action. There are ongoing researches about the effect of metformin on anti-aging properties and proved that metformin is linked with anti-aging factors. Three main factors that are related with aging are oxidation, glaciation and methylation. Metformin as all drugs, have unwanted effects as well. Many side effects of metformin are considered mild where lactic acidosis and vitamin B12 deficiency happens to be the major.
Treatment of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Aryan Mahmoud , Altshuler Ellery , Qian Xia , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2021

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and represents the fourth most common cause of cancer related death worldwide. Treatment of HCC is dictated based upon cancer stage, with the most universally accepted staging system being the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system. This system takes into account tumor burden, active liver function, and patient performance status. BCLC stage C HCC is deemed advanced disease, which is often characterized by preserved liver function (Child-Pugh A or B) with potential portal invasion, extrahepatic spread, cancer related symptoms, or decreased performance status. Sorafenib has been the standard treatment for advanced HCC over the past decade; however, its use is limited by low response rates, decreased tolerance, and limited survival benefit. Researchers and clinicians have been investigating effective treatment modalities for HCC over the past several years with a focus on systemic regimens, locoregional therapy, and invasive approaches. In this systemic review, we discuss the management of advanced HCC as well as the ongoing research on various treatment opportunities for these patients.
Gamma Radiation Effect on Agrobacterium tumefaciens-Mediated Gene Transfer in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Aycan Murat , Cagri Oguz Muhammet , Ozgen Yasin , Onol Burak , Yildiz Mustafa
Published: September 2021

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the major crops of the world. Significant improvements can be achieved in terms of yield and quality by the determination of efficient transformation methods. On the other hand, low transformation frequency seriously limits the application of molecular techniques in obtaining transgenic crops. In the present study, the effect of gamma radiation on Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation to the potato was firstly investigated. Sterile seedlings of potato cv. ‘Marabel’, which was grown on Gamborg’s B5 medium in Magenta vessels, were irradiated with different gamma radiation doses (0-control, 40, 80, 120 Gy 60Co). Stem parts having axillary meristems were excised from irradiated seedlings and inoculated by A. tumefaciens (GV2260), which harbors the binary plasmid p35S GUS-INT contains and GUS (β-glucuronidase) gene controlled by 35S promoter (CaMV) and nptII (neomycin phosphotransferase II) gene driven by NOS (nopaline synthase) promoter). Inoculated stem parts having axillary meristems explants were then directly transported to a selection medium containing duocid (500 mg l−1), and kanamycin (100 mg l−1), 4 mg l−1 gibberellic acid, 1 mg l−1 BAP and 0.1 mg l−1 NAA. The adult transgenic plants were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. According to the number of transgenic plants determined by PCR analysis, results obtained from explants treated with 40 Gy gamma gave the best results compared to the control (0 Gy) application. The doses over 40 Gy were also found statistically significant compared to the control (0 Gy). It is expected that the protocol described in this study make the transformation studies easier by skipping the stages of ‘co-cultivation’, ‘culturing explants on selection medium’ and ‘recovery of transgenic shoots on selection medium’ not only for potato but also for other crop plants. This study was supported by a grant from the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBİTAK) (Grant number 113O280 to Prof. Dr. Mustafa YILDIZ).
2008-2019, plus d’une décennie d’échanges et de débats autour de la restauration écologique en France
Authors: DUTOIT Thierry , GALLET Sébastien , HECKENROTH Alma , BUISSON Élise
Published: September 2021

Le colloque REVER 10 « Restaurer ou reconquérir » organisé en mars 2019 par le MNHN et l’association REVER, a été l’occasion de faire un point d’étape sur le développement de l’écologie de la restauration et de la restauration écologique, au moment où débute la « décennie de la restauration des écosystèmes » décrétée par l’ONU. En France, le développement de la restauration écologique a été accompagnée par le réseau REVER créé en 2008 sur le modèle de la SER (Society for Ecological Restoration) qui favorise, notamment par l’organisation de colloques annuels, les échanges entre acteurs techniques et scientifiques ainsi que la circulation des connaissances, des concepts et des pratiques. Ces échanges ont été particulièrement importants au moment où, sur la même période, la recherche et les retours d’expériences ont conduit à une évolution et à un confortement des concepts par de nombreux débats scientifiques autour notamment des notions d’écosystèmes de référence, de nouveaux écosystèmes et de restauration passive. Aujourd’hui plus que jamais, même si la préservation doit rester une priorité, les enjeux de la restauration rendent indispensable le renforcement tant de l’acquisition de connaissances que de l’action. Ainsi la diffusion scientifique, la construction d’outils d’évaluation et d’aide à la décision et les échanges autour de retours d’expériences restent primordiaux et le réseau REVER, en lien avec les structures internationales, a un rôle indéniable à jouer.
The dependence of the coefficient of efficiency (CE) of the heating installation "EFI" upon the initial temperature of the heat-carrying agent
Authors: Akmatov Baatyr , Aldasheva Nurzhamal , Childebaev Baktybek , Kuluev Zhalil , Elchieva Malika
Published: September 2021

The purpose of the study is to determine the increase in the efficiency of the electrophysical ionization device on a scientific basis, which produces thermal energy based on the regularity of the electrophysical ionization process. This research article discusses the dependence of the amount of thermal energy obtained in the device of electrophysical ionization on temperature. It is noted that if in the case of the traditional method of heating the substance used in the heating industry, the relative heat capacity of the substance is important, then when heated by an unconventional method, in other words, the temperature of the substance is important in the electrophysical ionization device. This indicator, determined on the basis of the experiment, emphasizes the need to apply depending on the correct choice of the physical parameters of the substance the electrophysical ionization method for the efficient production of thermal energy in the heating industry from the heat-carrying substance. Although the heating of water is mainly carried out using various well-known traditional and non-traditional methods, the natural law of heating water is unique. This law notes the dependence of the magnitude of changes in the internal energy of water in a certain volume of heated water and on the speed of movement of this mass. Considering from the point of view of the regularity of the above direction, it is noted that in order to compare the water heated by the traditional method, appropriate calculations have been made.
Melanoma: 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting Highlights for the Advanced Practitioner
Authors: Kottschade, APRN, MSN, CNP Lisa
Published: September 2021

With coverage from The ASCO Post, Lisa Kottschade, APRN, MSN, CNP, of Mayo Clinic, reviews data on immune therapy after surgery, the combination of the anti–LAG-3 antibody relatlimab and nivolumab, and a 6.5-year update of combination nivolumab and ipilimumab.
Genitourinary (Non-Prostate) Cancers: 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting Highlights for the Advanced Practitioner
Authors: Lemke, DNP, AGPCNP-BC, AOCNP Emily
Published: September 2021

Following coverage from The ASCO Post, Emily Lemke, DNP, AGPCNP-BC, AOCNP®, of Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center, comments on an adjuvant trial of a checkpoint inhibitor for clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC), real-world data comparing first-line platinum regimens for patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma, and combination regimens for RCC.
Gynecologic Cancers: 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting Highlights for the Advanced Practitioner
Authors: Doherty, FNP-BC, AOCNP Laura
Published: September 2021

Laura Doherty, FNP-BC, AOCNP®, of Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island/Brown University, interprets data on adjuvant chemotherapy for locally advanced cervical cancer, bevacizumab for advanced ovarian cancer, a new treatment option for platinum-resistant ovarian cancer patients, and side effects that long-term ovarian cancer survivors experience. Reporting by The ASCO Post.
The experience of holistic analysis of art
Authors: Rozin Vadim Markovich
Published: September 2021

This article compares two approaches: scientific, which is oriented towards the ideals of natural science; and holistic, which is oriented towards humanities. The author attributes the work of L. S. Vygotsky “Psychology of Art” to the first approach, however notices that the founder of Soviet psychology implements humanistic approach in addition to natural scientific. The object of this research is the aesthetic response; Vygotsky shows that art is the so-called machine of human development. In contrast to this, within the framework of holistic approach, the author outlines the two basic patterns that should encompass the wholeness and essence of art. On the one hand, this is artistic communication, while on the other – artistic reality. Artistic communication has ambivalent characteristics: as a special non-utilitarian environment of human life and communication, as well as historically formed semiosis of art. Both characteristics are explained using a brief genesis of establishment of art, simultaneously demonstrating the role of philosophical reflection, which is the key in determination and description of the artistic reality of artworks. The author aims to show that although artistic reality represents an artifact created with the use of expressive means, it is perceived by the audience as the world of natural events. The latter allow the audience to live to the fullest and fulfill their personality. The article discusses the alternative concepts of the purpose of art, as well as the role creativity, and realization of the writer's worldview.
The peculiarities of male fears during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Rozenova Marina Ivanovna , Ekimova Valentina Ivanovna , Kokurin Alexey Vladimirovich , Sorokova Marina Gennad'evna
Published: September 2021

The subject of this research is the peculiarities of male fears caused by proliferation of the COVID-19 pandemic. The object of this research is the people's fears during mass infectious disease of global nature. The goal lies in determination of the severity, intensity, priority and peculiarities of the “composition: of male fears in the situation of coronavirus pandemic, on the background of escalated uncertainty and rapid changes in lifestyle. The authors explore the experience of international research on the impact of pandemic upon people's well-being, underline the importance of the fear factor within the system of human response to an extremely challenging situation, generalize the research results on the occurrence of fears during the pandemic, as well as determine the specificity of male fears and experience of their interpretation. The acquired conclusions allow stating that despite the consistency of pandemic threats, male fears indicate the fears of criminal violence and social condemnation. Other priority fears include job loss as the basis of attractiveness; such irrational component as the idea of the Judgment of God alongside the fear of death. In penultimate group are the fears of illness and treatment; and in the last group – the fears of losing the rational principle in behavior and the tendency of substituting constructive fears with destructive. The novelty of this research is defined by revealing the entirety of male fears during the pandemic, which is semantically classified into five groups. The author clarifies the specificity of the mechanisms of male anxieties in psychologically traumatic situation, which allows making counseling-therapeutic practices for restoring the psychological health of men more targeted.
Identification of immune related cells and crucial genes in the peripheral blood of ankylosing spondylitis by integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Zheng Yang , Cai Bingbing , Ren Conglin , Xu Haipeng , Du Weibin , Wu Yijiang , Lin Fu , Zhang Helou , Quan Renfu
Published: September 2021

Background

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a progressive rheumatic disease and studies reveal that the immune system is critical for the pathogenesis of AS. In the present study, various bioinformatics analysis methods were comprehensively applied, designed to identify potential key genes and inflammation states of AS.

Methods

The transcriptome profiles of GSE25101 and GSE73754 obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were merged for subsequent analyses. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the Bioconductor package Limma and threshold values. Functional enrichment and pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the clusterProfiler package and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Next, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of the identified DEGs was constructed by the online database, the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING), visualization and analysis were performed through Cytoscape software. Subsequently, we applied CIBERSORT algorithm to identify subpopulation proportions of immune cells in peripheral blood samples. Finally, we validated the hub genes with the GSE18781 dataset. Samples were collected from patients to validate gene and protein expression using qRT-PCR and ELISA.

Results

A total of 334 DEGs were identified, including 182 upregulated and 152 downregulated DEGs, between AS patients and normal human controls, which were primarily involved in immune response, autophagy, and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity. The most prominent module and candidate biomarkers were identified from the PPI network. Biomarkers were selected for validation and their expressions were significantly decreased in peripheral blood samples which was consistent with transcriptome sequencing results. Nine genes with AUC > 0.70 were considered to be AS hub genes for ROC curve analysis, including GZMA, GZMK, PRF1, GNLY, NKG7, KLRB1, KLRD1, IL2RB and CD247. Furthermore, CIBERSORT results suggest that AS contained a higher proportion of CD8+ T cells, naive CD4+ T cells, neutrophils, and lower levels of gamma delta T cells compared with the normal controls.

Conclusion

In this study, we identified DEGs combined with their closely related biological functions and propose that granule-associated proteins and immune infiltration maybe involved in the progression of ankylosing spondylitis. These validated hub genes may provide new perspectives for understanding the molecular mechanisms of ankylosing spondylitis.
Cuerpos mirados, cuerpos que miran: Las series fotográficas de Carla Yovane
Authors:   Universidad de Playa Ancha (Chile), González González Daniuska
Published: September 2021

Con el presente artículo se buscará un acercamiento a la representación visual de algunas corporalidades que se problematizan a partir de su exclusión del sistema neoliberal, cuerpos que se utilizan o se desechan, como los marcados por el signo de la vejez o la prostitución, los cuales, sin embargo, la fotógrafa chilena Carla Yovane (Santiago de Chile, 1979) agrupa, en un gesto político de resistencia, bajo el signo de cuerpo sensible (término de David Le Breton) en sus series “¿A qué distancia miramos la diferencia?” (2017), “Bar Clave 424 B” (2017) y “Cuba” (2016). Diamela Eltit, Sayak Valencia, Joan Fontcuberta, Georges Didi-Huberman y, obviamente, Le Breton, serán los autores teóricos que se ocuparán para el análisis de la propuesta
Notas al Pie de Gaza (Joe Sacco): pensando la identificación como posibilidad ética
Authors:   Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez (Chile), Mac-Millan Mary
Published: September 2021

Notas al pie de Gaza (2009) es una novela gráfica del artista Joe Sacco en la que se retoma el conflicto palestino-israelí ya tratado en Palestina: En la Franja de Gaza (2004). En esta obra se abocará a la investigación de dos matanzas cometidas el año 1956 en territorio palestino. (Khan Younis y Rafah). En este trabajo nos centraremos en el controvertido final de la novela, en la que Sacco, mediante una notable técnica gráfica, obliga al lector a convertirse en una de las víctimas de la matanza de Rafah. ¿Es esta técnica válida o éticamente cuestionable? Para contestar a esta pregunta buscaremos orientación mediante conceptos descriptivos de Dominick LaCapra y de Judith Butler. Este ejercicio teórico previo nos permitirá retomar una evaluación crítica más serena y exacta
Hacia un nuevo modelo de experiencia en Infancia en Berlín hacia 1900
Authors:   Universidad de los Andes (Chile), Andrade María Mercedes
Published: September 2021

Históricamente se ha leído Infancia en Berlín hacia 1900 de Walter Benjamin como un texto autobiográfico y subjetivo, debido tanto a la interpretación de Theodor Adorno como a las versiones que circulaban de la obra, en cuya edición Adorno tuvo parte. Sin embargo, argumento que la versión del texto encontrada en 1981 permite leer el libro en una clave distinta, pues a la luz del “Prólogo” de esta “versión definitiva” del libro, el aspecto subjetivo pasa a un segundo plano. En cambio el ejercicio de escritura fragmentaria y despersonalizada encaja con nociones no-subjetivistas y con la propuesta de un nuevo modelo de experiencia, preocupación de Benjamin a lo largo de su obra tardía, en la cual lo individual y lo colectivo se integran
Alberto Kurapel. Teatro-performance, alteridad y memoria
Authors: Masud Astrid
Published: September 2021

Fernando de Toro y Alfonso de Toro / "Alberto Kurapel. Teatro-Performance, Alteridad y Memoria"./ Editorial Cuarto Propio/2018/ 245 páginas/ ISBN 978-956-396-023-5
La experiencia religiosa en la modernidad avanzada: análisis comparado de dos películas chilenas
Authors:   KU Leuven et Université Catholique de Louvain (Belgique), Dufays Sophie
Published: September 2021

Este artículo indaga en la naturaleza de la experiencia religiosa tal y como está plasmada en la cultura latinoamericana contemporánea. En esta perspectiva, presenta el estudio de dos películas chilenas recientes (La pasión de Michelangelo, 2012, y El Cristo ciego, 2016) protagonizadas por dos personajes dotados de características crísticas. Ambas películas son ambivalentes frente al fenómeno religioso: por un lado invalidan la posibilidad del milagro y por ende de la fe; por otro lado, mantienen abierta la posibilidad de una irrupción de lo “divino” (según la concepción de Meschonnic) en la vida de personajes que se han vuelto incrédulos. La tensión entre visión y palabra es clave para articular esta ambivalencia en el lenguaje fílmico. Se interpreta el resultado del análisis a la luz de la evolución religiosa de Chile y América Latina tal como está descrita en varios estudios de sociología de la religión.
De los usos de la muerte en La expropiación de Raúl Ruiz
Authors:   Universidad de Paris 1, Panthéon-Sorbonne, Lema Habash Nicolas
Published: September 2021

Se propone una interpretación del filme La expropiación de Raúl Ruiz, realizado en 1971-1973. Se analizan los distintos dispositivos que hacen alusión al tema de la “muerte” en la cinta y, desde una perspectiva cinematográfica comparada, se proponen las principales intervenciones que Ruiz hace con esta película al género del “muerto viviente”. Se argumenta que la muerte se constituye en un aspecto que permite movilizar una serie de ideas respecto del proceso político chileno. Los muertos vivientes se constituyen en expresiones acerca de la manera en que el peso de la tradición se establece como una esfera relevante que va incluso más allá de la voluntad de los actores sociales vivos. La representación no-realista de la muerte de Vidal ubica al filme, no como una obra contra el Gobierno, sino como una crítica desde el interior del proyecto de la Unidad Popular.
Mirada, memoria e imagen en El otro día, de Ignacio Agüero
Authors:   Universidad Alberto Hurtado, Pérez Villalón Fernando
Published: September 2021

Este ensayo aborda la película El otro día (2014), de Ignacio Agüero, centrándose en las estrategias mediante las cuales el documental construye un espacio fílmico y un modo de mirar a partir de la exploración de la casa de su director y los lugares de residencia de quienes tocan su puerta, como punto de partida para una meditación sobre la vita cotidiana y la memoria personal y colectiva. Se analiza la presencia en el documental de diversos tipos de imágenes (fotografías, pinturas, dibujos, grabados, afiches, citas fílmicas) y la construcción por medio de diversas estrategias de una mirada respetuosa y reflexiva hacia los sujetos que protagonizan el filme.
Market Integration and Price Leadership among Major Mulberry Cocoon Markets in South India
Authors: Halagundegowda G. R. , Kumaresan P. , Muttanna . , Satish Y.
Published: September 2021

Market integration is a good proxy for measuring market efficiency and the emerging price signals from the markets can be utilized to benefit both farmers and reelers alike. The present study empirically examines the dynamic interrelationships among the prices of major cocoons markets viz. Ramanagaram (Karnataka), Sidlaghatta (Karnataka), Hindupur (Andra Pradesh) and Dharmapuri (Tamil Nadu) in terms of market integration. The monthly average prices of cross breed mulberry cocoons for a period between April 2002 and March 2021 were considered for the present study. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) (tau) testindicated that all the price series were non-stationary at level, but were stationary after first difference. The Johansen's multivariate cointegration procedure revealed existence of cointegration among the prices of cocoon markets. The Vector Error Correction Models (VECM) revealed a long run price causality running from Ramanagaram and Sidlaghatta markets to all other markets considered under study. The Granger causality test indicated a unidirectional causality running from Ramanagaram and Sidlaghatta markets to all markets and not vice versa. The prices prevailed in Ramanagaram and Sidlaghatta markets controlled and decided the current prices of cross breed cocoons both in long run and short run in all other markets considered for the study.
Green Synthesis, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Silver Nanoparticles Using Gnetum africanum Extracts
Authors: Uneze I. M. , Otonko J. O. , Adigun A. K. , Adebayo S. J.
Published: September 2021

The synthesis and application of nanoparticles is an important area of research that is gaining attention recently. In this recent project, we report the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, AgNP using aqueous solution of silver nitrate and Gnetum africanum leaf extract (reducing agent). The synthesis of AgNP was achieved by mixing aqueous solution of silver nitrate (70ml, 15.75mM) with a solution of Gnetum africanum leaf extract 100 ml) in a reaction flask and allowed to stand for 24 hours in a dark cupboard. A color change from light brown to yellowish brown was observed which indicated that synthesis of silver nanoparticles took place. The presence of AgNP was ascertained using UV-vis spectra analysis and absorption at 442 nm showed the presence of AgNP. The antioxidant assay of both the synthesized AgNP and the leaf extract was determined using DPPH. Antimicrobial activity was conducted using three different organisms which were Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas respectively. The antioxidant results using DPPH scavenging ability of AgNp showed that at concentrations of 2mg/ml,1mg/ml and 0.1mg/ml, the percentage inhibition  of  DPPH  by AgNp was 61.69, 53.06 and 38.31 respectively and that of Gnetum africanum leaf extract was 81.32, 78.49, and 58.29 respectively at the same concentrations using Ascorbic acid as a standard. The antimicrobial activity of both the synthesized AgNps and Gnetum Africanum Leaf extract using one gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and two gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas) revealed that the synthesized AgNps showed lesser activity than Gnetumafricanum leaf extract for both the gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas) and (Escherichia coli). From the above findings, it can be observed that Gnetum Africanum Leaf extract reduced Ag+ to Ag0 and also both the synthesized AgNps and the Gnetum Africanum Leaf extract showed reasonable antioxidant activity against DPPH and antimicrobial activity against the tested microorganisms. This implied that both samples have medicinal values.
Securing Logins in Electronic Examination Systems for Tertiary Institutions Using Quick Response Code (QR) Technology and Multiple Hashing Algorithms
Authors: Amusan Elizabeth A. , Popoola Akinbami O. , Ogirima Sanni A. O.
Published: September 2021

This work is aimed at adding an extra layer of security to the login process of an electronic examination system as security has been identified as one of the critical success factors in the management of such exams. It proposes to secure the login process of an e-exam system through authentication and encryption to control access and avoid impersonation. A model of the e-exam system with Quick Response (QR) code generation capability was designed where a student’s matriculation number is accepted as input which is then converted into a two-dimensional bar code using a QR generator. Outputs from the QR code generator are then secured by encryption using MD5 and SHA-224 encryption algorithms. MD5 algorithm produces a 32-bit hash value which is further encrypted using SHA-224 that produces a resulting 56-bit hash value that is then saved in the password column of the user table in the database. This research resulted in a secure and web-based electronic examination authentication system implemented and tested on a client-server architecture. Performance evaluation of the developed system revealed that it is fast and effective, capable of  authenticating students in an average of 0.624 seconds when the smartphone flashlight is off, and 0.318 seconds with flashlight turned on and consequently, resistant to brute force attacks. This paper fulfils an identified need to develop an electronic exam system that not only secures the question bank but equally ensures the security of the login process as well as the login details using a combination of two security techniques.
Retracted Article
Authors: He Jiman
Published: September 2021

This paper has been retracted
Physicochemical and Microbiological Characteristics from “Wagashi” Production Whey in Abomey-Calavi (Benin)
Authors: Djobo Oumarou , Soule Abdou Hamidou , Sina Haziz , Tagba Souriatou B. , Baba-Moussa Farid , Adjanohoun Adolphe , Baba-Moussa Lamine
Published: September 2021

Aims: The production of “wagashi”, induce the production of whey which is often directly drop in the environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological and physicochemical qualities of wagashi’s whey samples collected in Abomey-Calavi (Benin).

Methodology: Whey samples were collected from Abomey-Calavi (Parana and Akassato) in Southern Benin. The physicochemical analyses targeted the pH, titratable acidity, dry matter contents, protein and lactose. The microbiological analyzes carried out consisted in enumeration of total mesophilic flora (TMF), fecal coliforms, lactic acid bacteria, staphylococci, yeasts and molds, Pseudomonas, Escherichia coli and salmonella by cultures on specific synthetic nutrient media.

Results: This study revealed characteristics such as dry matter (5.30-5.66 g / l), pH (3.91-5.21), titratable acidity, protein (5.94-0.128 g / l), lactose; and microbial quality of the whey. Parana’s whey was more acidic (pH = 3.91 ± 0.014) than Akassato’s whey analyzed with higher titratable acidity (pH = 0.92 ± 0.01). The presence of total mesophilic aerobic flora, Escherichia coli, staphylococci, lactic acid bacteria, yeasts and molds reveals fecal, human and environmental contamination during cheese production or during whey storage. Thus, Parana's whey was more contaminated with TMF (3.45.108 CFU/ml), lactic acid bacteria (4.82.108 CFU/ml) and fecal coliforms (> 3.108 CFU/ml) while Akassato's whey was more contaminated by staphylococci (4.70.108 CFU/ml) and Escherichia coli (> 3.108 CFU/ml). Salmonella was not identified.

Conclusion: It thus important raising the awareness of cow's milk processors and / or whey producers in Benin. We therefore project to use this whey as a substrate for bioproduction.
Diagnostic Performance of Faecal Calprotectin among People with Chronic Inflammatory Diseases of the Bowel in Cameroon: A Pilot Study in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Nitcheu Irina Lydia Sudeu , Tadongfack Thomas Djifack , Amazia Falmata , Choundong Melissa Guechoun , Alogo Marthe Pelagie , Talla Paul , Agoons Batakeh B. , Moor Vicky Jocelyne Ama
Published: September 2021

Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are relatively common in African countries. The use of faecal markers, Calprotectin in particular, is presently of considerable interest to IBD patients. The high faecal calprotectin level has a good diagnostic accuracy in discriminating intestinal organic and functional diseases and enables the selection of patients in need of other invasive diagnosis such as endoscopy.

Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of faecal calprotectin as a useful diagnostic tool for IBD patients in Cameroon.

Study design: This was a case control cross-sectional multicentre study conducted in major gastroenterology units of the towns of Yaoundé and Douala involving 64 participants grouped as 32 IBD positive subjects and 32 IBD negative subjects.

Methods: Stool sample collected from participants at various recruitment sites were collected, conditioned and transported to the CIAB laboratory for analysis using a direct ELISA method. The R software was used for data analysis.

Results: The calprotectin levels of IBD patients were significantly higher than those of the control subjects (P < .001.) The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.96 [95%CI: 0.92 – 1.00; P < .001]. A threshold value of 2.51µg/g was chosen to exclude the diagnosis of IBD with an 87.5% sensitivity and 100% specificity.  The CRP levels correlated with those of calprotectin (r꞊0.579, P ꞊ .005). Calprotectin concentrations became abnormally elevated in all UC patients with an Endoscopy Score greater than or equal to 6 (P = .001). Correlation between the endoscopy score for Crohn's disease and calprotectin concentration did not retain significance (ρ꞊0.800; P > .05).

Conclusion: Calprotectin dosage is a sensitive test for IBD, excludes unnecessary investigations and accurately predicts disease recurrence and response to treatment.
Development of Improved Mutants for Grain Yield and Related Traits in Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L Gaertn.) Through Gamma Mutagenesis
Authors: Ganapathy K. N. , Patro T. S. S. K. , Palanna K. B. , Das I. K. , Elangovan M. , Prashant B. , Venkatesha S. C. , Anuradha N. , Nagaraja T. E. , Tonapi V. A.
Published: September 2021

Recombination breeding is limited in finger millet due to tiny florets and irregular anthesis. Induced mutagenesis using gamma irradiation was attempted to improve grain yield and related traits in three elite cultivars (GPU28, GPU 67 and MR 6). Mean performance and estimates of BLUP and BLUE of 61 mutants showed variability among the mutants for grain yield in comparison to parental genotypes. Grain yield being a complex trait and influenced by high G × E interaction recorded low heritability estimate sand therefore BLUP provided more reliable estimates for grain yield. Stability analysis was conducted using GGE biplot techniques and also by plotting the trait means with their respective coefficient of variation values(CVs). From mean performance and stability analysis, the mutants GPU28-2212, GPU28-2086, GPU28-2082 derived from GPU 28 variety, GPU67-3358, GPU67-3359, GPU67-2094 from GPU67 variety and MR6-3393 from MR6 variety were superior for grain yield and related traits. Combined association analysis revealed tillers per plant as highly correlated trait with grain yield indicating key trait for grain yield improvement in finger millet. Mutants with improved finger traits and blast resistance are also discussed.
Quality of Life of Primary Healthcare Centres Physicians in BURAIDAH City 2020, a Study Using WHOQOL-BREF Questionnaire
Authors: Alreshoudi Mohamad Fahad , Kalevaru Chandra Sekhar
Published: September 2021

Background: Life of doctors puts them at a high level of challenges and stress which can affect their quality of life. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the Quality Of Life of Primary health care providers by applying a brief version of the World Health Organization questionnaire for assessing Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF). To find the factors which affect the QOL of PHC physicians and know the aspects where it was affecting the health and performance of the Doctors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 186 physicians working in primary health care centers in BURAIDAH city under Ministry Of Health. WHOQOL BREF validated questionnaire was used in both English and Arabic versions. Data was entered and cleaned in SPSS 21.0 version and necessary statistical tests were applied.

Results: In the present study, about 29.6% were females and 70.4% were males. About 66.6% of the study population were in 30-49 years age group and half (48.4%) of them were general practitioners. Mean QOL score in psychological domain (domain 2) was 63.66. In the other three domains of physical health, social relationships and environmental domain (domain 1, 3 & 4) was scoring more than 65. There was a statistically significant association observed between age and physical ,psychological health domains. This association was also seen between marital status and psychological, social domains.

Conclusions: Based on the results, on the whole, the majority of primary health care doctors had a moderate quality of life score to a high quality of life score ranging from 63.66-68.06. Still, there is a scope of improvement in domain 2 (psychological domain).
The Mangement of Splenic Cysts in Children
Authors: Boughdir M. , Nechi S. , Bellila S. , Maamatou W. , Jarray L. , Hellal Y. , Sebai M. A.
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Tumors of the spleen are rare in children, but they present a wide range of diagnostic, histological and radiological appearance. Splenic cysts are far more common than solid lesions. Cysts may be congenital (epidermoid cysts), infectious (abscess or hydatid cyst), or neoplastic (lymphangioma or angioma with tumor necrosis). They are most often asymptomatic. Diagnosis can usually be established with the clinical context and radiology (ultrasound, CT, MRI). Different options for the management of splenic cysts are available to the pediatric surgeon, ranging from simple monitoring to surgical excision. Minimally invasive surgical techniques and spleen conservative surgery have made splenic surgery less aggressive.

The aim of the study was to describe the clinical and paraclinical characteristics of splenic cysts in children, and to assess their management.

Patients and Methods: In a retrospective study within the pediatric surgery department in tunis, Tunisia, we have collected five children with a diagnosis of splenic cyst during the last decade. We specified for each patient the functional signs and physical examination data, ultrasound and CT were done for the patients, specifying the location and the size of the cysts. Hydatic serology was done when the parasitological origin was suggested. After surgical management and histological confirmation, the follow–up was based on clinical examination and abdominal ultrasound.

Results: They were three girls and two boys. The average age is ten and a half years. All patients were symptomatic with abdominal pain. The size of the cysts was significantly increased in all patients with an average of 11 cm. Surgery was indicated for all cases. Three patients had cystic resection and two had partial splenectomy. The histology objectified epithelial cyst for three patients and hydatid cyst of the spleen for the other two cases. The subsequent outcome was favorable for all patients with a current mean follow-up of three years.  

Conclusion: Splenic cysts are rare in children and their management is still controversial. In splenic cysts, imaging can give clues to the diagnosis, but it often requires pathological examination of the part. Resection should be as limited as possible in order to avoid the risk of total splenectomy.
Awareness on Risk Factors of Oropharyngeal Cancer and Practice of Oral Sex among Students in Kinshasa City: A Pilot Study
Authors: Fidele Nyimi Bushabu , Patrick Sekele Maboro , Haruna Ramazani , Kazadi Kalala , Paul Sekele Isourady Bourley Jean , Augustin Mantshumba Milolo
Published: September 2021

Aims: The present study aimed to estimate the occurrence of oral sex to prevent HPV-associated or opharyngeal cancer.

Study design:  A prospective cohort study was conducted among the students in the Institut de Technique Medical de Kinshasa (ISTM-KIN), Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Place and Duration of Study: Participants were enrolled from March 2019 through April of the same year in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kinshasa City.

Methodology: Eligibility criteria included both men and women aged 15 to 45 years, enrolled in an educational program, and accepted voluntarily to respondent the survey.  Demographic data, history of sexual behavior, initiation times, and knowledge about risk factors of oropharyngeal cancer were evaluated. Differences between groups of sexual behavior were tested by chi-square tests and ANOVA test at signiﬁcant level of 5%.

Results:  Out of 1,196 participants, 412 (34.4%) were males and 784 (65.6%) females with an average (±SD) age of 20±2.4 years. A total of 964 respondents reported a history of sexually behavior (81%), of that, 53.1% had performed oral sex, 35.4% had vaginal sex and11.5% had practiced sodomy. Oral sex was the first sexual activity practiced with a significant difference among sexual behavior (P= .003). The respondents knew that oral sex is a risk factor for OPC (51.5%; n=616).     

Conclusion: Oral sex is the first sexual activity performed by students of Kinshasa Nursing School. Therefore, the education program to avoid the risk of HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancers may be necessary.
Epidemiological and Clinical Profile of Patients in the Medical Emergency Department at Amissa Bongo Regional Hospital in Franceville (ABRH), Gabon; Retrospective Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Mba Thiery Ndong , Obiang Cedric Sima , Moundounga Hilaire Kenguele , N’Nang Elvis Othogo , Meye Bourdettes , Mba Iris Kévin Ivala Zogo , Pambo -Pambo Arnaud Brice , Mombo Landry Eric , Bisseye Cyrille , Ondo Joseph Privat , Engonga Louis-Clément Obame , Mickala Patrick
Published: September 2021

Objective: To evaluate the different non-surgical predominant pathologies in the emergency department of the Amissa Bongo regional hospital in Franceville, Haut-Ogooué.

Materials and Methods: Using consultation registers and some medical records, we retrospectively studied the epidemiological and clinical profile of patients who consulted for a medical and non-surgical or gynaeco-obstetrical emergency, from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018.

Results: During this period, 19597 patients consulted for a medical emergency at the Amissa Bongo regional hospital in Franceville in Haut-Ogooué (Gabon). This high score indicated that the majority of patients came from the different districts of the commune of Franceville and other departments of the province. Three periods of high attendance were distinguished: the long dry season (37.3%), the short rainy season (28.4%) and the long rainy season (24%), compared to the short dry season (10.3%). Infectious diseases were recurrent with 63.16%, and with 67% of cases, malaria (severe and simple) was more frequent. Non-infectious emergencies were also noted, such as diseases of the respiratory system (1791 cases = 24.81%), diseases of the digestive system (1028 cases = 14.24%), skin diseases (809 cases = 24.81%), cardiovascular diseases (800 cases = 11.21%), blood diseases (686 cases = 9. 5%), diseases of the urogenital system (588 cases = 8.14%), diseases of the locomotor system (510 cases = 7.06%), ENT diseases (451 cases = 6.24%), diseases of the glands and metabolism (296 cases = 4.10%), diseases of the nervous system and the senses (260 cases = 3.60%)                                                     

Conclusion: Compared to non-infectious diseases, infectious and parasitic diseases are recurrent at CHRAB. They therefore require special attention from the health authorities of this hospital, and even of Gabon.