bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum levels of interleukin-33 in alopecia areata
Authors: Eid Amira A. , Issa Yasmine A. , Abdel Maksoud Eman M. , Badran Fairouz K.
Published: September 2021

Background

Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune disease of the hair follicles, in which both innate and adaptive immunity are involved. Several factors have been linked to its etiopathogenesis, including genetic predisposition, autoimmunity, proinflammatory cytokines, and other triggering factors.

Objective

To measure serum interleukin-33 (IL-33) in AA patients and study its relation to different disease-related and patient-related factors.

Patients and methods

In total, 40 AA patients and 40 controls were enrolled. Clinical disease severity was determined and severity of alopecia tool score was calculated. Disease activity was evaluated. Serum IL-33 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and investigated in relation to the different studied variables.

Results

Significantly higher levels of IL-33 were detected in sera of patients compared with controls (P<0.001). IL-33 showed a significant positive correlation with clinical disease severity (P=0.044), severity of alopecia tool score (P=0.004), and disease duration (P=0.023). IL-33 was significantly higher in patients with chronic disease compared with those with acute disease (P=0.037). No significant relation was detected between disease activity and IL-33 (P=0.963). Receiver-operating characteristic analysis revealed a cut-off value of 14.02 pg/ml for IL-33 to be diagnostic of AA.

Conclusion

The elevated IL-33 in patients, in addition to the relation of IL-33 with disease severity and chronicity, could point to its possible role in the pathogenesis of AA and to its potential value as a diagnostic biomarker and as a therapeutic target.
Il17A (rs2275913 G>A) and IL17F (rs2397084 T>C) gene polymorphisms
Authors: Hamza Ashraf , Elwafa Reham Abo , Ramadan Nasren , Omar Salma S.
Published: September 2021

Background

IL17F rs763780 polymorphism results in substitution of histidine to arginine at amino acid 161, leading to upregulation of IL17F and increased propensity to autoimmune diseases. The single nucleotide polymorphism rs2275913 (G197A) involves a substitution of the guanine by an adenine nucleotide base in IL17A gene promotor which plays a key role in regulation of cytokine transcription. The relation of IL17 polymorphisms however to psoriasis risk and response to methotrexate has not been previously studied in Egyptians.

Objective

To study the relation of IL17A (rs2275913 G>A) and IL17F (rs2397084 T>C) polymorphisms to psoriasis risk and assess their predictive role regarding response to methotrexate.

Patients and methods

The study was conducted in two phases. First, a case–control study including 100 patients with chronic plaque psoriasis and 100 healthy control patients was conducted for IL17A (rs2275913) and IL17F (rs2397084) polymorphisms by real-time PCR. Second, a cohort study was adopted where the patients with psoriasis were treated with methotrexate weekly intramuscularly (0.6 mg/kg) for 12 weeks and followed for clinical response.

Results

IL17F TT genotype was more frequent in patients (87%) than controls (68%), whereas TC genotype was more frequent in controls (32%) than patients (13%). TT genotype was associated with increased risk of psoriasis, whereas the TC allele was associated with a decreased risk. There was no significant difference regarding IL17A GG, GA, and AA genotype frequencies between patients and controls. Psoriasis area and severity index greater than or equal to 75% was achieved in 22 patients (73.3%) with the TT genotype and eight patients (26.7%) with TC genotype (P=0.019).

Conclusion

IL17F (rs2397084 T>C) TT genotype could be considered a susceptibility marker in Egyptian patients. Psoriatic patients with TT genotype and T allele of IL17F (rs2397084 T>C) are likely to show a better response to methotrexate.
Comparative evaluation of steroid sensitivity in various dermatoses with control group through histopathological examination and patch testing
Authors: Lodha Ayushi , Someshwar Shylaja
Published: September 2021

Background:

Topical corticosteroids are widely used for treating various dermatoses. People have been self-medicating them for fungal infections, pigmentary disorders, and for many other dermatoses. This overzealous and irrational use of corticosteroid makes individuals susceptible for its adverse effects.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate steroid sensitivity in various dermatoses.

Materials and Methods:

Patch testing with Indian standard series and corticosteroid series was performed in sixty subjects where thirty patients were cases and thirty were controls. Histopathological examination and As it is (ASIS) were done only for the case group. Patches were applied on the back for 48 h and reading was done on day 2, day 4, and day 7 according to the International Contact Dermatitis Research group grading.

Results:

The maximum cases were in the age group of 20–30 years (33.3%) while 31–40 years was the most common age range (50%) among controls. Among the case group, 60% were male and 40% were female. Maximum patients affected in the case group were homemakers (36.7%) followed by laborers (13.3%). The case group showed 16.7% positive patch test reactions while none were positive in the control group. Thiomersal was positive in 13.3% of cases and neomycin in 3.3% of cases. ASIS was negative in all cases. Thiomersal is commonly used as a preservative in topical medicaments, cosmetics, and vaccines.

Conclusions:

Steroid sensitivity is hard to diagnose clinically, thereby causing difficulty in managing such cases. Patch test is a noninvasive gold standard procedure without major adverse effects and helps in treating the dermatoses with appropriate class of corticosteroid by avoiding the suspected allergen.
Drug interactions of ivermectin with a focus on COVID-19 treatment
Authors: Udaykumar Padmaja , Shetty Bhavya , Kundapur Anurag
Published: September 2021

Treatment of COVID-19 largely depends on previously used drugs as there is no cure available coupled with shortage of effective vaccine with doubts about its long-term protection due to rapid viral mutations. Ivermectin, a derivative of avermectin, introduced as an antiparasitic agent, is effective against onchocerciasis, strongyloidiasis, ascariasis, filariasis, scabies, malaria, and has a good safety profile. Ivermectin is being promoted for the treatment of COVID-19, although US Food and Drug Administration has not approved its use for any viral infection. With increasing evidences indicating the efficacy of ivermectin in COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 syndrome, there is a need to focus on the drug interactions with the dose used for indication as most of the documented interactions are with the dose used for parasitic infections. As majority of the COVID-19 patients have comorbidities and on multiple drugs, it is necessary to understand the drug interactions of ivermectin.
Reference values of dorsal sural sensory nerve action potential
Authors: Acharya Manoranjan , Jena Sunil Kumar
Published: September 2021

Background:

Dorsal sural sensory nerve is the most distal nerve of the lower limb for which its sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) could be helpful for the diagnosis of early and subclinical peripheral neuropathy. The objective of this study was to estimate the age and sex reference data of amplitude (Amp), onset latency (OL), and conduction velocity (CV) of SNAP.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted among 50 healthy subjects (28 male and 22 female). Participants were stratified into Group A (≤50 years) and Group B (>50 years) according to their age. Student's t-test was used to compare the data between Group A and B, between male and female and Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between age and SNAP parameters.

Results:

OL of Group A and Group B was 2.80 ± 0.36 ms and 3.11 ± 0.55 ms, respectively (P = 0.037). CV of Group A and Group B was 45.6 ± 3.33 m/sec and 39.5 ± 1.17 m/sec, respectively (P = 0.000). Amp of Group A and Group B was 6.63 ± 0.73 μV 4.99 ± 0.47 μV, respectively (P = 0.000). OL of male and female was 2.59 ± 0.28 ms 3.34 ± 0.25 ms, respectively (P = 0.000). Pearson correlation coefficient “r” between “age– OL,” “age– CV,” and “age– Amp” was 0.135 (P = 0.351), −0.759 (P = 0.000), 0.953 (P = 0.000), respectively.

Conclusion:

This study provides age and sex reference values of dorsal sural SNAP in the eastern part of the Indian population.
Comparing adverse effects, short term outcomes, and cost implications of hyperthermic intravesical chemotherapy with Mitomycin-C and intravesical bacillus Calmette–Guerin instillation (Moscow-I strain) in the management of intermediate and high-risk nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Thyavihally Yuvaraja B. , Waigankar Santosh S. , Dev Preetham , Asari Ashish , Pednekar Abhinav P. , Athikari Nevitha , Raut Abhijit , Khandekar Archan , Badlani Naresh
Published: September 2021

Introduction:

The recommended treatment for intermediate and high-risk nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is adjuvant intravesical bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG) instillation. However, up to 50% experience tumor recurrences even after adjuvant BCG, and many patients develop local or systemic adverse effects. Our study compared adverse effects, short-term recurrence rates, and cost-implications of BCG therapy to Hyperthermic Intra-VEsical Chemotherapy (HIVEC) with Mitomycin-C (MMC) in these patients.

Materials and Methods:

Retrospective analysis of intermediate and high-risk NMIBC patients who received either intravesical BCG or HIVEC® after transurethral resection of bladder tumor in our institute (January 2017 to March 2020) was done. Twenty-two patients who received HIVEC and 29 who received BCG were analyzed. We used SPSS Statistics v20.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) software for the statistical analysis.

Results:

Nineteen (86.4%) patients in the HIVEC group had no adverse effects. Two (9.1%) patients had Grade I lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) treated symptomatically. One patient developed UTI after HIVEC, and further cycles were stopped (Grade II). BCG group had a higher rate of Grade III adverse effects in six (20.7%) patients. Median follow-up was 10.5 and 22 months. The tumor recurred in one (4.5%) and six (20.7%) patients in HIVEC and BCG groups, respectively. There was no difference in recurrence-free survival at 18 months and the cost for the HIVEC therapy was more.

Conclusions:

HIVEC with MMC is a reasonable adjuvant treatment option in NMIBC, which is well tolerated, albeit increased cost of the treatment. Randomized trials with more follow-up are required for further conclusion.
Myiasis (maggots) around nephrostomy tube
Authors: Mulawkar Prashant Motiram , Agrawal Sumit Gopal , Mulawkar Utpala Prashant , Panpaliya Girdhar Shivnarayan
Published: September 2021

Myiasis is caused by the presence of dipterous larvae in humans and animals. It is usually associated with poor hygienic conditions. A urologist rarely comes across myiasis. We report a case of myiasis around a recently placed nephrostomy tube. A 55-year-old male farmer from a rural area underwent right percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The procedure was terminated because of bradycardia and arrhythmia. There were residual calculi. A nephrostomy was kept. His relook nephroscopy was planned, but he was not willing. Hence, he was discharged with an indwelling nephrostomy tube. Two weeks later, he presented with severe pain around the right nephrostomy tube with surrounding pruritus. The wound hygiene was poor. He was found to have maggots around the nephrostomy tube. These were treated by local instillation of turpentine oil and oral and topical ivermectin, followed by manual removal of the maggots.
The creation of unilateral intermittent and unintermittent renal ischemia-reperfusion models in rats
Authors: Soytas Mustafa , Gursoy Duygu , Boz Mustafa Yucel , Cakici Cagri , Keskin Ilknur , Yigitbasi Turkan , Guven Selcuk , Horuz Rahim , Albayrak Selami
Published: September 2021

Background and Aim:

This study aims to establish unilateral intermittent and unintermittent partial nephrectomy-like renal ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) model in rats and to compare the results with biochemical findings.

Material and Methods:

The study was conducted on 24 adult 8-week-old male Wistar-Albino rats, each weighing s200–250 g. The rats were divided into three groups. In the Sham group (n = 8), the kidney was surgically exposed and closed. We designed experimental I-R models in the second group (n = 8, a total of 30-min ischemia model in the manner of 3 intermittent sets 8 minutes clamping and 2 min unclamping) and in the third group (n = 8, one session of 30-min unintermittent ischemia). In postoperative day 1, the rats were sacrificed, and the effects of I-R models on the renal tissue were comparatively assessed by evaluating serum Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL), serum kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), urinary NGAL, urinary KIM-1, and serum creatinine levels.

Results:

Urinary NGAL and KIM-1 levels were significantly higher in the continuous ischemia group when compared to those in the sham and intermittent ischemia groups (P < 0.05). In the intermittent ischemia group, urinary NGAL and urinary KIM-1 levels were significantly higher than those in the sham group (P < 0.05). Although the results of serum NGAL, serum KIM-1, and serum creatinine levels seemed to be in parallel to the results of urinary markers, no statistically significant difference was found.

Conclusion:

Renal injury was significantly less in the intermittent I-R model when compared to that in the unintermittent I-R model in our experimental rat study.
Factors Influencing Electronic Medical Record Systems Success in Selected Tertiary Healthcare Facilities in South-West, Nigeria
Authors: Adegbore Adebayo Muritala , Omowumi Akinyosoye Tolulope
Published: September 2021

Survey research design of the correlational type was employed for this study using stratified random sampling to select two hundred and forty-five (245) respondents. The research instrument which was a structured questionnaire was tagged Adoption Factors and Usage Evaluation of Electronic medical record systems System Success. A total of 222 copies research questionnaire were filled and returned. A statistical package for social science application was used in analysing the results of the research using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient for hypotheses one and two, and multiple regression analysis for the hypotheses three and four. The result from the study revealed that there was a positive significant correlation between adoption factors and EMRS systems’ success (r= 0.440) and there was a strong positive correlation between usage evaluation and system success of EMRS in the two healthcare facilities (r= 0.618). More so, findings showed that adoption factors jointly and significantly affect EMRS system success with coefficient of 0.648, and a multiple R square of 0.420. And there was also a relative contribution of adoption factors (β = 0.215) and usage evaluation (0.526) on EMRS success. The study concludes that electronic medical record systems have become a standard for every healthcare facility for improvement in the efficiency and profitability of the organisations. The study therefore recommends that, all healthcare facilities in Nigeria should adopt the electronic medical record systems, and all healthcare providers should be given thorough training on the use of EMRS.
The Effect of Tourism Growth on Job Creation and its Determinants in Tigray Region
Authors: Tefere Mulu , Hadush Dambush , Abrha Leake
Published: September 2021

The objective of this study is to examine the effect of tourism growth on job creation and its determinants in Tigray. Descriptive research design was used in the study. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaire from purposively selected 102 hotels, tour guides, handicraft producers and sellers, and tourism offices. The data was analyzed using descriptive analysis, correlation and regression. The results of the study showed, limited infrastructure hinders stimulation of tourism and employment. Tourism growth has great contribution to employment creation in Tigray. The result indicates more effort is required to improve the factors that can affect tourism growth. Significant positive correlation exists between tourism growth and employment creation. Moreover, the proportion of the variation in tourism growth is explained by expanding infrastructure, accommodations, and education and training. The number of employees under star hotels, tour guides, handicraft producers and sellers, and tourism offices were growing in the last four years. Implications from this study indicate that Tigray Culture and Tourism Bureau should work in collaboration with private and governmental local stake holders and international development organizations to improve the infrastructural facilities of tourism and tourism promotional capability.
Kültürel Bellek ve Mekan İmgesi Bağlamında Çankırı Askerağa Konağı
Authors: AKSOY ARIKAN Rabia
Published: September 2021

Kültürel bellek, uzun yıllara dayalı kalıp imgelerin oluşturduğu bir unsurdur. Kültürel belleğin nesilden nesile aktarımı ve gelişmesi, birey ve toplum için olduğu kadar kültür için de gereklidir. Kültürel belleğin imgeler ve aracılığıyla aktarımı toplumsal yapının işleyişine devamlılık ve hareketlilik kazandırır. İmgelerin arka planında derin anlamlar ve yaşanmışlıklar yer almaktadır. Dolayısıyla kültürel bellek ve mekân imgelerinin ortaya çıkışları, kabullenişleri ve kayboluşları konularında detaylı bir araştırma yapılmasını gerekmektedir. Bu tür araştırmalar, imgeleri ait olduğu toplumun genel yapısına göre değerlendirmektedir. Kültürün mekânsal imgesi olan tarihi konaklar, yeniden yapılandırılarak hizmete sunulan önemli somut kültürel unsurlardır. Konakların düzenlenmeleri, hem kültürün nesilden nesile aktarılmasına hem de şehrin kültürel mirasına katkı sağlamak açısından son derece önem arz etmektedir. Konaklar kültürel belleğin ve yaşadığı dönemin ruhunu tüm yönleriyle yansıtan mekânlardır. Bu makalenin amacı; Çankırı Askerağa Konağının yeniden yapılandırılmasıyla oluşan kültürel belleğin, mekân imgesi bağlamında incelenmesidir. Çalışmanın değerlendirilmesinde literatür taraması ve kaynak kişi görüşmelerinden faydalanılmış, değerlendirmenin sonucunda kültürel belleğin ve mekân imgesi bağlamında “Çankırı Askerağa Konağı” üzerinde etkileri maddi kültür ve manevi kültür unsurları bir araya getirilerek gözlemlenmiştir. Bu aktarımlar daha çok kaynak kişilerin verdiği bilgilere dayandırılarak oluşturulmuş ve çalışmanın sonunda konağın mevcut haline yansıtan görsellerle somut olarak gösterilmiştir.
The Interdisciplinary Research Team not the Interdisciplinarist
Authors: Shanker Shanti , Wasti Sharada Prasad , Ireland Jillian , Regmi Pramod R , Simkhada Padam Prasad , Van Teijlingen Edwin
Published: September 2021

Worldwide there is a growing interest in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research.  This overview paper addresses some of the pitfalls and barriers to being an interdisciplinary researcher. Being involved in interdisciplinary research is not an easy option for an individual discipline expert. It requires individual skills, ability to see beyond one’s discipline and perhaps personality characteristics such as a great team player. Interdisciplinary research may involve a mixed-methods approach underpinned by conflicting, and according to some incommensurable, research philosophies. The paper uses some examples from our own experiences of working in interdisciplinary teams to illustrate its potential.
Reutilizar colecciones digitales: GLAM Labs
Authors: Candela Gustavo , Sáez María Dolores , Escobar María Pilar , Such Manuel Marco
Published: September 2021

Esta lección muestra cómo reutilizar colecciones digitales publicadas por instituciones de patrimonio cultural.
The Current Use and Management of Single-Use Items (SUIs) in the Fast Food Industry in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: Chi Do Thi-Kim , Herat Sunil , Khoa Le Van , Kaparaju Prasad
Published: September 2021

This study aims to determine the composition and the weight of individual single-use items (SUIs) generated in the selected fast-food restaurants (FFRs) in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data of SUIs consumed per day from 126 FFRs covering six popular fast food companies (FFCs). At the same time, waste from 30 FFRs was collected, and its composition and weight were determined. Consequently, the amount and composition of the waste varied among the studied FFCs and is dependent on the food menu, the number of franchises for each FFC, customer number, size, and the type of SUIs used at these restaurants. Total waste collected across the six FFCs was 6 t.d-1 and was equivalent to 1560 t.yr-1 in HCMC. Of which, single-use plastic items (SUPIs) waste and single-use paper items (SUPaIs) waste accounted for 39% and 28%, respectively. The total weight of unnecessary SUPIs (condiment containers, straws, and forks) generated was about 44 t.yr-1. The results suggest that the necessity of standardizing the type and size of the SUIs used at the FFRs, phasing out the use of unnecessary SUPIs, improving the local waste management practices through material recovery and recycling.
Spatial and Temporal Characteristics of PM2.5 Sources and Pollution Events in a Low Industrialized City
Authors: Xu R. , Tian Q. , Wan H. , Wen J. Wen , Zhang Q. , Zhang Y.
Published: September 2021

In recent years, cities in southern China have experienced severe air pollution, despite having few sources of pollutants. To study the pollution characteristics of PM2.5 in these “low industrialized” cities, a numerical method based on the HYSPLIT4 Model and Kriging Spatial Interpolation Technology was established. Simulation results showed that the PM2.5 pollution in Guilin was affected by both internal and external sources. The backward air mass trajectory from July 2017 to June 2018 was simulated using the HYSPLIT model. The cluster analysis results indicated that the direction of trajectory ? accounted for 63.09% of the air pollution in the city. The average concentration of PM2.5 pollution was 45.94 ?g.m-3. The pollutant originated from the “Xiang-Gui Corridor.” The location of the sources was collocated with high industry regions. The spatial characteristics of the four pollution processes in the winter of 2017 were analyzed using a spatial interpolation method. The results showed that the transport of air masses in the direction of trajectory ? was obstructed by a mountain system in the northeast. Therefore, two air pollution accumulation centers and a topographic weakening zone dominated by internal and external sources were formed. It can be inferred that the air pollution in Guilin is affected by both internal and external factors. These results provide important theoretical and technical support for regional air pollution control and environmental protection.
The Physicochemical Characteristic of Activated Carbon Based on Sludge and Preparation Method
Authors: Lu H. , Luo F. , Zhang Q. , Li J. , Cai L.
Published: September 2021

To understand the features and best preparation of sludge activated carbon (SAC), and the pore structure, component, adsorption characteristics, and the yield rate of SAC, many tests have been carried out. The study illustrated that the pore structure was mostly mesopore and amorphous pore such as the ink bottle hole. In terms of different preparations to obtain SAC, the yield of SAC in sample No.1 achieved 88.09%. Using the preparation of ZnCl2 as an activator, the iodine adsorption value was significantly higher than other preparations. However, the content of quartz in sample No.1 achieved a maximum of 52.51%. Charcoal was detected in all samples except sample nos 9-12. The adsorption capacity of Cu(II) and Cd(II) reached a maximum of 600.02 mg.kg-1 and 383.2 mg.kg-1. The results showed an optimum preparation condition, which was by using the ZnCl2 as an activator, 2:1 as the impregnated ratio, 40% concentration in activator and at 400ºC reaction temperature could create rich pore structure and charcoal inside.
Study on Catalytic Oxidation, Flocculation and Sedimentation of Acidizing and Fracturing Wastewater
Authors: Yu T. , Wang F. , Hu H. , Qu C. , Zhang Le
Published: September 2021

The acidizing and fracturing waste fluid in a wellsite in northern Shaanxi was treated by catalytic oxidation and flocculation precipitation. It investigated the effect of different coagulants and their dosage and the wastewater pH on coagulation precipitation. As for chemical oxidation experiment, it investigated the effect of oxidant dosage and reaction time on its treatment effect. The results showed that when 30% hydrogen peroxide (volume percentage) was added at the dosage of 0.3% and oxidized for 50 min, the pH was adjusted to 7.5 and 350 mg/L polyaluminum chloride (PAC) and 4 mg/L polyacrylamide were added (PAM); after processing the waste liquid, total iron, chemical oxygen demand (COD), chromaticity, and average corrosion rate were reduced from 252.75 mg/L, 3427.50 mg/L, 624.15°, and 0.1226 mm/a to 0.12 mg/L, 275.18 mg/L, 125° and 0.0217 mm/a, respectively; effective removal of iron and color, reduced COD, and controlled corrosion was achieved.
Time Series Analysis of Decadal Precipitation Pattern at Selected Cities of Southern India
Authors: Subbiah T. S. , Parthiban P. , Mahesh R. , Das A.
Published: September 2021

To characterize and explore the short-term climatic patterns over the last decade (Jan. 2009 to Dec. 2018), the present research has been carried out, involving time series analysis of precipitation pattern in three cities of Tamil Nadu, namely, Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, and Chennai, referring to deltaic, coastal and highly urbanized cities of Tamil Nadu, respectively. The study involves time series empirical analysis, decomposition, exponential smoothing, and various stochastic modeling. Herein, the location-specific suitable models are obtained and specific predictions are being carried out, as well.
Influence of Evaporation on the Hydrogen and Oxygen Stable Isotopes in an Enclosed Water Body: A Case Study
Authors: Zhao X. , Sun L. H. , Qiu X. Y.
Published: September 2021

It is of great significance to study the influence of evaporation on the protection and management of regional water resources. In this study, water samples have been collected from a typical enclosed water body, Liuxi, a small brook in the campus of Suzhou University in May and June, and then analyzed for their hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopes. The results indicate that the samples collected in June have higher d18O and dD values relative to the samples collected in May, and both of them have d18O and dD values plotted at the right of the meteoric line, in combination with their lower deuterium excess
(d-excess) values relative to the meteoric line, implying that the water has been influenced by evaporation. Moreover, the d-excess values showed decreasing and increasing in different sampling sites, which was demonstrated to be influenced by different extents of evaporation. Based on the calculation, the residual water quantities were 70–75% and 51–70% for May and June relative to the initial water, which indicates that about 10% of the water had evaporated during May and June.
Chemical and Pathogen Impacts on Human Health near Aquaculture Areas in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Nageswara Rao D. , Bhaskara Rao T. , Machiraju P.V.S.
Published: September 2021

Water is essential for all living organisms in the universe. Chemicals can cause contamination in groundwater near aquacultural activity areas. Keeping in view the hectic aquacultural activity in surrounding locations of Akividu town in West Godavari District of AP, India, it is proposed to assess the chemical and microbial contamination of waters to suggest remedial measures to protect the quality of water for safeguarding the health of the public residing in the nearby habitations who consume these waters for drinking purposes. 16 Groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for assessing the physicochemical parameters viz., pH, Electrical conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved solids (TDS), Total hardness (TH), Total Alkalinity (TA), Na+, K+, Calcium, Magnesium, Chloride, Sulphate, Nitrate and Phosphate, Irrigation parameters like %Na, SAR, KR RSC, and microbial analysis. The study results revealed that the samples were contaminated chemically and also with pathogenic bacteria like Pseudomonas, Citrobacter freundii and Escherichia coli which can cause water-borne diseases. Further, a health survey was carried out to verify the adverse effects to be caused by the chemical and microbial contamination of water on people’s health. The health survey results indicated the sufferings of the people who consume this water for drinking and domestic purposes. The waters are to be treated accordingly to control the chemical and bacterial contamination by using the available treatment methodologies before considering them for drinking purposes.
Evaluation of Ecological Environmental Pollution in Green Building Construction
Authors: Li Shang
Published: September 2021

The long-term extensive development mode of China’s construction industry has resulted in the enormous consumption of energy resources, increasingly severe environmental pollution, and serious ecosystem degradation. Green construction is an essential route to implement the ecological civilization construction policy and achieve green building in China’s construction industry. However, enormous environmental pollution has been generated because of a series of problems in China’s green building construction, such as the lack of a scientific evaluation system for green building construction, loose field construction management, and weak awareness of environmental protection among constructors. Therefore, in this study, a pollution evaluation index system for green building construction was established from three aspects, namely, resource utilization, environmental load, and environmental management, to evaluate the class of ecological environmental pollution triggered by green building construction. Next, a model combining the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy comprehensive evaluation was built, followed by a case study. The results revealed that resource utilization was the main factor causing ecological environmental pollution in green building construction, accounting for 63.70%. Energy conservation and application of new pollution control technology were level III factors that should be given considerable attention. In the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation, the degree of membership of “good” was 0.4855, which was the maximum, indicating that the ecological environment of green building construction in this study was at “good” level, thereby indicating the environmental friendliness of green building construction. This study will be of positive reference values for identifying the ecological influencing factors of green building construction, reducing the waste of resources of green buildings, promoting green construction technologies, and innovating green con
Microbial Reduction and Detoxification of Chromium from Tannery Effluent by Natural Inhabitants
Authors: Pinki Sawkat Ara , Karim Md. Reazul , Dewanjee Dipankar , Bhuiyan Habibur Rahman , Al Masud H. M. Abdullah , Hoq Md. Imranul
Published: September 2021

Chromium (Cr), a chemical agent, has long been used extensively in leather tanning. Hexavalent chromium (Cr-VI) found in tannery effluent is highly toxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic to humans. Transformation of Cr-VI to its trivalent counterpart, Cr-III, is the basic process in its detoxification, and microbial transformation of Cr-VI to Cr-III has been one of the most widely studied forms of Cr bioremediation. This study aims to explore the ability of naturally occurring bacteria in reducing and detoxifying Cr in vitro and also from tannery effluent. Five efficient Cr reducing and detoxifying bacteria were isolated from tannery effluent, their morphological, cultural, physiological and biochemical characteristics investigated. They were identified as Aeromonas eucrenophila, Bacillus megaterium, B. carboniphilus, B. licheniformis and B. subtilis. Coincubation of the isolates with varying concentrations of potassium dichromate (K2Cr2O7), a Cr salt, in minimum salts medium, pH 7 revealed notable reduction and detoxification of Cr within 24-72 h as determined by 1,5-diphenylcarbazide colorimetric method and atomic absorption spectrophotometry, respectively. The isolates exhibited substantial resistance or tolerance to 125 to 500 ppm K2Cr2O7. Bacterial detoxification or reduction of was increasingly increased as the incubation period increased from 24 to 48 or 72 h and substrate concentration increased from 125 to 250 or 500 ppm. Most of the isolates exhibited increased reduction and detoxification at 37°C compared to that at 30°C or 45°C, and at pH 7 or 8 compared to that at pH 5 or 6. Furthermore, all the isolates exhibited highest detoxification or reduction when peptone was used as carbon source instead of glucose or ammonium acetate. In a chosen or optimized condition of 37°C temperature, pH 7, 125 ppm K2Cr2O7 concentration and 48 h incubation period, most isolates exhibited 85-99% Cr reduction and detoxification from tannery effluent. It was, therefore, inferred t
Ocupações Irregulares em Áreas de Preservação Permanente de Córregos Urbanos no Município de Terra Nova do Norte-Mato Grosso
Authors: Oliveira Neto Vicente Pontes de , Carmo Judite de Azevedo do
Published: September 2021

A presente pesquisa analisou as ocupações irregulares em Áreas de Preservação Permanente (APP) de dois córregos urbanos no município de Terra Nova do Norte-MT, destacando a inobservância da legislação ambiental, especialmente o Código Florestal Brasileiro, pelos moradores e poder público. O método de abordagem adotado foi o materialismo histórico e dialético e como procedimento metodológico seguiu-se a pesquisa bibliográfica e a documental que subsidiaram a produção da fundamentação teórica e o levantamento da legislação direcionada ao tema, bem como à análise empreendida. A pesquisa a campo foi realizada para a aquisição de imagens das APP’s com Remotely Piloted Aircraft/Aeronave Remotamente Pilotada (RPA- phantom 4) com resolução espacial de 15 cm, possibilitando a obtenção de imagens mais detalhadas da área de estudo e para o registro da paisagem por meio de câmera fotográfica digital. Como resultado obteve-se que as APPs dos córregos analisados apresentam supressão vegetal, fomentada principalmente pelas ocupações irregulares, oriundas dos processos de segregação imposta e autossegregação, também que o curso d’água está sendo contaminado pelo despejo de esgoto, comprometendo de forma significativa o equilíbrio ambiental da área estudada.
AS RELAÇÕES INTERPESSOAIS DA EQUIPE DE ENFERMAGEM SOB A PERSPECTIVA DA TEORIA DOS VÍNCULOS PROFISSIONAIS
Authors: Antunes Carvalho Lisa , Buss Thofehrn Maira , Devos Barlem Edison Luiz , Nicoletti Fernandes Helen , Campos Gomes Borel Manuela
Published: September 2021

Objetivo: conhecer as fragilidades das relações interpessoais e estratégias de fortalecimento de vínculo em equipe de enfermagem. Métodos: qualitativo, descritivo e exploratório, fundamentado na Teoria Histórico-Cultural de Vygotsky e na Teoria dos Vínculos Profissionais de Thofehrn e Leopardi. Participaram do estudo oito enfermeiras que aplicaram a Teoria dos Vínculos Profissionais junto a suas equipes. A coleta dos dados aconteceu por meio da técnica de grupo focal e análise pela proposta operativa de Minayo. Resultados: as principais fragilidades estão relacionadas à rotatividade não planejada, falta de espaço para escuta e reuniões em grupo e gerenciamento de conflitos. Identificou-se como estratégias para fortalecimento de vínculos em equipe: o diálogo, a empatia, o respeito, o estímulo à espiritualidade e à religiosidade dos profissionais.Conclusão: a aplicação da Teoria dos Vínculos Profissionais pode constituir uma tecnologia de gestão relacional para os enfermeiros possibilitando a construção de ambientes saudáveis no trabalho.
The Ecology of Translation: A Case Study of Two Different Translations of Kanyasulkam in English
Authors: Haribandi Lakshmi
Published: September 2021

The interface between the translators and their ecological environment becomes vital in understanding the nature of the translation carried outand the final shape the target texts take. The translators’ subjectivity can only be understood in relation to their context of production, circulation,and reception. It is therefore important in any product-oriented research to study the ecological environment of the translators and its influence on their decision-making process and the translation strategy that they adopt. The present paper is an attempt in that direction. It presents a case study of two different translations of a Telugu classical text, Kanyasulkam, in English. The study reveals how the overall context of translation becomes a major agency in conditioning the work of the translators and how it accounts for the divergence between the two translations of the text selected. It also brings to the fore a very interesting technique of translating a classical text from India by a transnational translatorin an alien environment for the consumption of the distant other.
Howard Goldblatt’s Translations of Mo Yan’s Works into English: Reader Oriented Approach
Authors: Kumar Nishit
Published: September 2021

This article examines the strategies followed by Howard Goldblatt, the official translator of Mo Yan while translating his works from Chinese into English. Mo Yan was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2012 and critics argued that it was Goldblatt’s translation that was mainly responsible for Mo Yan’s Nobel Prize in Literature. Though Mo Yan’s works in translation are available in various languages, it is Goldblatt’s version that has become most popular. Therefore, from the perspective of Translation Studies, it would be interesting to identify the techniques used by Goldblatt that make his translations so special. The present paper compares titles, structure, and culture-specific expressions in the original and its English translation to identify the strategies followed by Howard Goldblatt in translating Chinese literary texts.
Identifying Risk Factors for Osteoporosis in Young Women
Authors: Stetzer Elizabeth
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Osteoporosis is a major public health concern that affects millions of women around the world. Although the diagnosis of osteoporosis greatly impacts the life of the patient, the health care cost associated with the sequelae of the disease process is exponentially greater. Commonly recognized as a disease of the old, osteoporosis is generally discovered in older age, but it is the result of many factors—both modifiable and non-modifiable—that impact bone strength beginning in childhood. This article discusses how the choices that a woman makes in her younger years can greatly impact her risk of developing osteoporosis. Methods: To collect and analyze information regarding risk factors for osteoporosis in young women, an extensive literature review was conducted. MEDLINE and various educational sites including DynaMed, National Osteoporosis Foundation, and American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology were searched. Many articles were found from 1998 and newer. Results: It can be seen that the pathogenesis of osteoporosis culminates in the later years of a woman’s life, but it is the actions throughout the lifetime that lead to the development of osteoporosis. Therefore, it is imperative that health care providers, especially physician assistants and nurse practitioners, understand the factors that put patients at risk, recognize when those factors are present, and provide ways in which one can decrease or completely prevent the disease in young patients. Conclusion: Although the focus of osteoporosis has always been treatment in older women, it is necessary now to shift the focus of osteoporosis to prevention in younger women. By educating patients about the risk factors that are present and gaining awareness that development begins during childhood, providers and patients can work together towards prevention. The mnemonic “Use L.O.G.I.C. against risk factors for a L.I.F.E. of prevention!” was created as an easy way for mid-level providers to educate patients today, to recognize potential risk in a younger woman, and to work to completely prevent the development of the disease. The goal is to eradicate osteoporosis and to make this preventable disease a disease of the past.
Ten Points to Address When Publishing a Manuscript
Authors: Gamer Angelia , Morey Angela , Yang Gongchao , Faruque Fazlay
Published: September 2021

The completion of a carefully planned and time consuming research project is a milestone for many researchers; however, the journey does not end there. The next phase involves sharing that knowledge with the scientific community at large. A published manuscript describing the research findings allows others to learn from and expound on that information so that society ultimately benefits. The preparation of a manuscript requires much time and careful consideration. There are many principles to apply in order to make sure that a manuscript is accepted for publication. Authors must maintain their sense of purpose throughout the publication process in order to fulfill their mission to add value and knowledge to the scientific community. This article aims to provide potential authors with ten important points to remember when writing and submitting manuscripts. Common mistakes made, recommended guidelines, and related research to each topic will be discussed in the hope that this article may prevent future manuscript rejections and minimize revisions of many manuscripts.
Comparative Statistical Analysis of Inpatients with Diabetic Myocardial Infarction: Patient Length of Stay
Authors: Okunji Priscilla , Afghani Afrooz , Hegamin Angela , Gomez Frank
Published: September 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess whether certain patient and hospital characteristics would have significant effects on the length of stay for patients admitted to non-federal hospitals with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and Myocardial Infarction (MI) using a comparative data analysis. Methods: This was a retrospective data analysis of inpatient Diabetes and Myocardial Infarction discharges (ages 20-84 years old) from the 2006 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). Descriptive, bivariate, and dummy coded linear regression analyses were used to identify the association of patient and hospital characteristics with the inpatient T2D and MI length of stay. Data analysis and management were performed using SPSS version 17.0. Sample selection was based on the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes. Inclusions were inpatients diagnosed with both T2D and MI, admitted in non-federal hospitals, and age 20 years to 84 years old. Results: The descriptive results showed that males (1,862 or 67%) were admitted more than females (912 or 33%). The bivariate analysis showed a significant result between gender and patient insurance, X2 (1, N = 1480) = 1.598, p < .001. The adjusted dummy coded linear regression with MI severity and patient comorbidities on length of stay was significant for Gender (B = .931, p < .000), Age (B = .039, p < .000), and Hispanics (B = .832, p < .017) when compared to Whites. Another significant predictor of patient length of stay was Medicaid (B = 2.266, p < .000). Adjusted statistical analysis with only MI severity was significant for atrial fibrillation (B = 1.740, p < .003) and cardiogenic shock (B = 2.482, p < .000) when compared to cardiac arrest.Conclusions and Recommendations: There were inequalities seen in this study related to age, gender, ethnicity, and insurance possession of diabetic myocardial infarction inpatients. Most importantly is that as patient advocates, healthcare professionals need to screen their patients for complications of heart disease when they present with diabetes on admission. More data driven results are needed to evaluate the inequality that exists in hospitalized patients with both type 2 diabetes and myocardial infarction to improve the quality of healthcare.
Question the Experts: An Adaptable Model to Increase Understanding of Research Methodology and Improve Evaluation Skills
Authors: Hollis Marianne , Hallyburton Ann , Hubble Michael
Published: September 2021

Students new to research methods may fail to acknowledge that research findings are open to interpretation. They may see the sole purpose of research as proving or disproving a hypothesis. Purpose: The study aims to determine whether an exercise asking research methods students to compare studies using preset evaluation criteria helps those students to better grasp the intricacies of research. The goal of the exercise is to better inform future and current practitioners. Methods:Students in a multidisciplinary health sciences graduate program were asked to compare the methods and findings of two large-scale research studies dealing with a particular topic, the effect of aspirin on the cardiovascular health of women.Results: Student participants identified basic components of clinical research: population, intervention, sampling, and screening criteria. These components proved similar across the arguably landmark Nurses. Conclusions: By examining and comparing methods used in research studies with differing conclusions, future and current health care providers can better appreciate the dichotomy of conflicting findings from similar studies, the utility of applying different methodologies when studying a single issue, and the importance of evidence-based practice appropriate to their discipline.
Aplasia - Congenital Lung Abnormality with Non-Development
Authors: Rivera Catherine , Gardenhire Douglas
Published: September 2021

The following case presentation is of a 75-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation, secondary to pneumonia, and a history of a congenital left lung abnormality with non-development. Since the first report by de Pozzis in 1673, more than 200 cases of lung abnormalities with non-development have been recorded.1,2 The first proposed classification of underdevelopment of the lung was introduced by Schneider in 1912: Class I Agenesis - total absence of bronchus and lung, Class II Aplasia - rudimentary bronchus without lung tissue, and Class III Hypoplasia - bronchial hypoplasia and variable but reduced amount of lung tissue.1,2 The rarity of reports and applicable literature involving congenital lung abnormalities with non-development in the elderly, such as pulmonary aplasia, prompted this case presentation.
UK and US Physician Assistant Student Performance on an International Test of Core Biomedical Science Knowledge
Authors: Arbet Scott , Parle Jimmy , Lathrop Janet
Published: September 2021

Physician assistants (PAs) have provided cost effective, high quality care in the United States for more than 40 years. There is a growing international interest in utilizing PAs for a variety of pressing health care needs. This pilot study compared the performance of PA students trained in the United States to those trained in the United Kingdom on a core biomedical science knowledge examination using multiple choice questions developed by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). The study found that despite differing educational models and health systems, the students performed similarly. While rigorous statistical analyses were not possible given the small sample sizes, the study provides a promising indication that there is an international common core of biomedical science knowledge. Repeated studies and the expansion of the pilot to other countries will provide more generalizability and statistical support to establish whether there is an assessable, global core of PA biomedical science knowledge that could become one component of locally determined national standards for PAs.