bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial contamination and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates from sorghum and millet derived local beverage (Obushera) consumed in Mbarara City, Uganda
Authors: Kiprotich Amos , Wangalwa Rapheal , Atwebembeire Jeninah , Kagoro-Rugunda Grace
Published: March 2022

The high consumption and unconventional manner in which locally derived sorghum and millet beverages (Obushera) are processed in Uganda prompted the need to establish microbial safety of the beverages. Microbial contamination and its variation with storage time and temperature, antibiotic-susceptibility of pathogenic bacterial isolates, and nutritional content of Obushera (n = 96) were determined. Handling and hygiene practices of processors and vendors of Obushera (n = 28) were also determined. Among the four categories of Obushera found in Mbarara city, Ekitiribita had the highest total viable counts (TVC) with a median of 4.62 log CFU/ml, followed by Obwenkiga and Obutiire with a median of 4.31 and 4.25 log CFU/ml, respectively. Microbial contaminants isolated included: Providencia spp.7(7.3%), Coagulase-positive Staphylococci 23(24%), Pseudomonas spp.3(3.1%), Enterobacter cloacae 12 (12.5%), Enterobacter aerogens 3 (3.1%), Proteus vulgaris 15(15.6%), Klebsiella spp. 13(13.5%), Streptococcus spp. 7(7.3%), and Escherichia coli 11 (11.5%). Saccharomyces cerevisiae (65.6%), Candida spp. (28.1%), Mucor spp. and Aspergillus niger accounted for 52.1% contamination of all samples. The above microbial contaminants persisted with storage except Providencia spp., Proteus vulgaris, Mucor spp. and Aspergillus niger. Microbial and nutritional analyses showed a positive significant correlation between microbial counts and amino acid, carbohydrates, reducing sugar concentration and pH in Obushera (p-value < 0.05). All isolated strains of bacteria were resistant to more than one family of antibiotics used. The review of hygiene and handling practices revealed that they did not conform to good manufacturing practices neither did they meet the East African Standards of < 2 log10 CFU/ml TVC. Overall, this study revealed that Obushera consumed in Mbarara City, Uganda, is a high-risk beverage due to the high rate of microbial contamination and antibiotic resistance.
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid, spike, and neutralizing antibodies in vaccinated Japanese.
Authors: Midorikawa Rie , Nakama Moriyuki , Furukawa Hiroshi , Oka Shomi , Higuchi Takashi , Nagai Hideaki , Nagai Nobuhiro , Tohma Shigeto
Published: March 2022

Serological detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) nucleocapsid (N), spike (S), and neutralizing antibodies (Abs) is commonly undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of vaccination. However, the relative efficiency of different SARS-CoV-2 Ab detection systems has not been extensively investigated. Here, we evaluated serological test systems in vaccinated Japanese. SARS-CoV-2 N, S, and neutralizing Abs in sera of 375 healthy subjects a mean 253 days after vaccination were assessed. The sensitivity of Elecsys Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S (Roche S) and Anti-SARS-CoV-2 S IgG (Fujirebio S) was 100% and 98.9%, respectively, with a specificity of 100% for both. The sensitivity of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing Ab (MBL Neu) was 2.7%, and the specificity was 100%. Fujirebio S correlated with Roche S (rho=0.9182, P=3.97X10-152). Fujirebio S (rho=0.1295, P=0.0121) and Roche S (rho=0.1232, P=0.0170) correlated weakly with MBL Neu. However, Roche S did correlate with MBL Neu in patients with COVID-19 (rho=0.8299, P=1.01X10-12) and in healthy subjects more recently after vaccination (mean of 90 days, rho=0.5306, P=0.0003). Thus, the Fujirebio S and Roche S results were very similar, but neither correlated with neutralizing antibody titers by MBL Neu at a later time after vaccination.
Comparison of Right Ventricular-Pulmonary Artery shunt and Glenn procedure for the Norwood Operation in patients with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome
Authors: Miwa Koji , Iwai Shigemitsu , Nagashima Toshiaki
Published: March 2022

Objectives. The Norwood procedure with a right ventricular-pulmonary artery (RV-PA) shunt for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) has been associated with improved postoperative hemodynamics and outcome. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Norwood procedure with an RV-PA shunt, and to compare the effect of the Norwood with an RV-PA shunt to the bidirectional Glenn anastomosis (BDG) and the total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC). Methods. This is a retrospective chart review. Between January 2004 and July 2021, 36 patients with HLHS and its variants underwent BDG: 15 patients (6.5 ± 2.3 months) underwent Norwood with an RV-PA shunt (group S); 21 patients (4.0 ± 4.1 months) underwent Norwood with BDG (group G). Nine group S (24.5 ± 6.6 months) and 17 group G (41.0 ± 15.0 months) patients underwent TCPC. Results. Post-BDG pressure in the superior vena cava (SVC) was significantly lower in group S (13 ± 2 mmHg) than in G (18 ± 3 mmHg) (p < 0.01). Three patients in group S and 19 in group G underwent catheter intervention for pulmonary artery within 30 days after BDG (p < 0.01). The percentage of right ventricular end-diastolic volumewas significantly different (group S, 142 ± 41%; group G, 91 ± 28% (p < 0.01)). Conclusions. The Norwood procedure with an RV-PA shunt enabled maintenance of low pressure in SVC and avoidance of percutaneous intervention following BDG. We recommend monitoring the changes in myocardial function post-TCPC.
Manifestations, complications, and treatment of Neurobrucellosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: tajerian amin , Sofian Masoomeh , Zarinfar Nader , Ramezani Amitis
Published: March 2022

Purpose
Central nervous system involvement by Brucella species is the most morbid form of brucellosis disease. Studies on neurobrucellosis are scarce and limited to case reports and series. Brucella is unable to infect or harm neurons without the assistance of monocytes. This raises the question of whether ceftriaxone-based regimens are effective.
Methods
The primary aim of this study was to identify, evaluate, and summarize the findings of all relevant individual studies in the past 30 years to help better understand the disease. To achieve this, a broad systematic search was undertaken to identify all relevant records. Epidemiological and clinical features of the disease were assessed by the pooled analysis of descriptive studies. Through a meta-analysis, the treatment period duration was compared between the ceftriaxone-based and oral regimens using Standardized mean differences to measure effect size.
Results
448 patients were included in the Meta-analyses from 5 studies. A moderate positive effect was found for ceftriaxone-based regimens over oral treatments, and there was a significant difference between these two groups (SMD 0.428, 95% CI -0.63 to -0.22, I 2 = 37.64). Neurobrucellosis has a different clinical picture in pediatric patients. The disease is less chronic in children. Fever, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, and abdominal pain were significantly more prevalent symptoms in children, and Convulsions, ascites, sensorineural hearing loss, and papilledema were significantly more prevalent signs in children than adults.
Conclusion
It is recommended to initiate the treatment of neurobrucellosis with at least 14 days of IV ceftriaxone therapy in combination with oral therapy.
A Short Decision Time For Transcatheter Embolization Can Better Predict Mortality In Patients With Pelvic Fracture
Authors: Miyake Takahito , Okada Hideshi , Ishihara Takuma , Kanda Norihide , Mizuno Yosuke , Ichihashi Masahiro , Kamidani Ryo , Fukuta Tetsuya , Nachi Sho , Yoshida Takahiro , Nagata Shoma , Kawada Hiroshi , Matsuo Masayuki , Yoshida Shozo , Ogura Shinji
Published: March 2022

Background: Early use of hemostasis strategies, such as transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE), is critical in cases of pelvic injury because these patients often experience hemorrhagic shock and other fatal injuries. We investigated the influence of delays in TAE administration on mortality.Methods: Patients admitted to the Advanced Critical Care Center at Gifu University with pelvic injury between January 2008 and December 2019 who underwent acute TAE were retrospectively enrolled. The time from when the doctor decided to administer TAE to the start of TAE (needling time) was defined as “decision-TAE time.”Results: We included 159 patients. The median decision-TAE time was 60 min. Twenty-four patients died. Kaplan–Meier curves for overall survival were compared between patients above and below the median cutoff value for decision-TAE time; survival was significantly better for patients below the median cutoff value (p=0.02). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis revealed that the longer the decision-TAE time, the higher the risk of mortality (p=0.037). A short TAE duration (procedure time) with a short decision-TAE time was associated with the best survival (p for interaction=0.023).Conclusions: Decision-TAE time may play a key role in establishing resuscitation in pelvic fracture patients, and efforts to shorten this time should be pursued.Trial registration: This observational study used retrospectively collected data.
Application of a novel osteotomy instrumentation as a substitute tool in total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Hu Yuehao , Zhang Jingwei , Sun Ziyang , Yu Degang , Li Huiwu , Zhu Zhenan , Mao Yuanqing , Yan Mengning , Zanjing Zhai
Published: March 2022

Background
Mechanical failure, power shortage, and unexpected contamination of oscillating saw occasionally happened in actualizing femoral neck osteotomy during total hip arthroplasty, while no appropriate alternative solution be available presently. This study aimed to introduce a novel osteotomy instrumentation (fretsaw, jig, cable passer hook) as a substitute tool while oscillating saw was unavailable in THA.
Methods
This study included 40 patients (40 hips) who underwent femoral neck osteotomy during primary THA using the new osteotomy instrumentation (n = 20) and oscillating saw (n = 20). Clinical data and intraoperative findings of all patients were evaluated.
Results
The mean osteotomy time was 22.3 ± 3.1 s (range, 17–30 s) and 29.4 ± 3.7 s (range, 25–39 s) in the oscillating saw group and the new osteotomy instrumentation group, respectively (P < 0.001). The Harris Hip Score (HHS) improved in both groups; the mean HSS was 82.3 ± 2.5 and 83.3 ± 3.5 in the oscillating saw group and new osteotomy instrumentation group at 6 months after surgery, respectively (P = 0.297).
Conclusion
The original osteotomy instrumentation can be an ideal substitute tool for femoral neck osteotomy in THA, especially when the oscillating saw is unavailable or malfunctional.
An algorithm for finding a minimal solution to fuzzy relation inequalities with addition-min composition
Authors: Wang Xue-Ping , Mi Xiao
Published: March 2022

We first show a sufficient and necessary condition that a solution of fuzzy relation inequalities with addition-min composition is a minimal one. We then prove that for every solution of the fuzzy relation inequalities there exists a minimal solution that is less than or equal to the solution in a very different way. We finally give an algorithm to find a minimal solution for a given solution, which is illustrated by numerical examples.
Improving Birth Weight Measurement and Recording Practices in Kenya and Tanzania: A Prospective Intervention Study with Historical Controls
Authors: KOloo Alloys , Godfrey Evance , Koivu Annariina M , Barsosio Hellen C. , Manji Karim , Ndesangia Veneranda , Omiti Fredrick , Khery Mohamed Bakari , Ondieki Everlyne D. , Kariuki Simon , Kuile Feiko O. ter , Chico R Matthew , Klein Nigel , Heimonen Otto , Ashorn Per , Ashorn Ulla , Näsänen-Gilmore Pieta
Published: March 2022

Background
Low birth weight (LBW) is a significant public health concern given its association with early-life mortality and other adverse health consequences that can impact the entire life-cycle. In many countries, accurate estimates of LBW prevalence are lacking due to inaccuracies in collection and gaps in available data. Our study aimed to determine LBW prevalence among facility-born infants in selected areas of Kenya and Tanzania, and to assess whether the introduction of an intervention to improve the accuracy of birth-weight measurement would result in a meaningfully different estimate of LBW prevalence than current practice.
Methods
We carried out a historically-controlled intervention study in 22 health facilities in Kenya and three health facilities in Tanzania. The intervention included: provision of high-quality digital scales, training of nursing staff on accurate birth weight measurement, recording and scale calibration practices, and quality maintenance support that consisted of enhanced supervision and feedback (prospective arm). The historically-controlled data were birth weights from the same facilities recorded in maternity registers for the same calendar months from the previous year measured using routine practices and manual scales. We calculated mean birth weight (95% confidence interval CI), mean difference in LBW prevalences and respective risk ratio (95% CI) between study arms.
Results
Between October 2019 and February 2020, we prospectively collected birth weights from 8,441 newborns in Kenya and 4,294 in Tanzania. Historical data were available from 9,318 newborns in Kenya and 12,007 in Tanzania. In the prospective sample, the prevalence of LBW was 12.6% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 10.9%-14.4%) in Kenya and 18.2% (12.2%-24.2%) in Tanzania. In the historical sample, the corresponding prevalence estimates were 7.8% (6.5%-9.2%) and 10.0% (8.6%-11.4%). Compared to the retrospective sample, the LBW prevalence in the prospective sample was 4.8%-points (3.2%-6.4%) higher in Kenya and 8.2%-points (2.3%-14.0%) higher in Tanzania, corresponding to a risk ratio of 1.61 (1.38-1.88) in Kenya and 1.81 (1.30-2.52) in Tanzania.
Conclusion
Routine birth weight records under-estimate the risk of LBW among facility born infants in Kenya and Tanzania. The quality of birth-weight data can be improved by a simple intervention consisting of provision of digital scales and supportive training.
Plano Estratégico da Marinha PEM 2040
Authors: Silva Rodrigues Marcos
Published: March 2022

O Plano Estratégico da Marinha (PEM 2040), publicado em setembro de 2020, consiste no documento de poder orientador mais relevante da Marinha do Brasil (MB). Esse Plano decorre e está naturalmente alinhado com a nossa Carta Magna, bem como com os documentos de Alto Nível da Defesa: em especial, com a Política e a Estratégia Nacional de Defesa (PND/END); com o Livro Branco de Defesa Nacional; com a Política Marítima Nacional, disposta em Lei, que tem por finalidade orientar o desenvolvimento das atividades marítimas do País, de forma integrada e harmônica, visando à utilização efetiva, racional e plena do mar e de nossas hidrovias interiores, de acordo com os interesses nacionais; bem como com a Política Naval, elaborada conforme a Sistemática de Planejamento de Alto Nível da MB. Dentre esses documentos condicionantes, destaco a Política Naval, publicada em 2019, que forneceu elementos para a formulação do Mapa Estratégico da Marinha, que contém Objetivos Navais a serem alcançados pela MB. Seguindo orientações prévias do então Comandante da Marinha, Almirante de Esquadra Ilques Barbosa Junior, este Plano, por ser destinado à sociedade brasileira, em termos de estilo de documento, procurou observar a simplicidade, objetividade, ter uma linguagem aberta ao público e apresentar uma diagramação moderna e atrativa. Assim, seu conteúdo traz uma parte estratégica, em que são apresentados os aspectos relevantes da Estratégia Naval, como o Ambiente Operacional Marítimo; as Ameaças; e o Conceito Estratégico Marítimo-Naval. Na parte executiva do documento, são descritas as Ações Estratégicas Navais necessárias à consecução dos Objetivos Navais previstos na Política Naval, contendo o Mapa Estratégico da Marinha e as Ações Estratégicas Navais, estas últimas consolidadas em Sete Programas Estratégicos.
Ecopoetics and Aranya in the Graphic Novel Aranyaka: Book of the Forest
Authors:   Research Scholar Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India., Sharma Shivani , Rath Arnapurna ,   Assistant Professor Humanities and Social Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
Published: March 2022

The crucial nexus between ecology, forest, forest dwellers, and their position in the ancient genres of literature and art is a significant area of aesthetic contemplation. Ancient Indian literary traditions have remarkable eco-sensitivity and display their own style of ecopoetics (signified by genres such as the Aranyakas). This study presents a critical analysis of the graphic novel Aranyaka: Book of the Forest (2019) — an artistic retelling based on Puranic tales, the Upanishads, and a special literary genre called the Aranyakas (because these texts were composed in the forests). This graphic novel is the culmination of an artistic collaboration between the graphic artist Amruta Patil and the Indian mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik. The novel has complex visual metaphors that are based on the intimate stories of the well-known Indian sage Y?jñavalkya, his wives Katyayani and Maitreyi, and a dialogue with his disciple Gargi. The graphic novel presents fragments of stories based on the concealed wisdom of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. The novel is a “play” on the perceived dualisms of Nature and Culture, Savage and Civilised. The text is dialogic in its structure. There is an interplay of visual art with verbal metaphors from ancient Indian tales.
In transition: Collection building at the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi
Authors:   Associate Curator at the Museum of Art and Photography in Bengaluru & PhD Candidate at the School of Arts and Aesthetics, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Ahldag Arnika
Published: March 2022

The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in New Delhi stores a collection of about 17,000 artworks dating back to 1850. After the establishment of the NGMA in 1954 on the behest of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to adequately store his collection of paintings of the Indian modernist and his friend Amrita Shergil, the collection was built up over 60 years by successive directors and their personal likings and peers.
Focusing the Backdrop: Understanding the Constituents of Aristocratic Portraiture in Mysore Princely State (19th and 20th century)
Authors:   Assistant Professor, BMS School of Architecture, Yelahanka, Bengaluru., S K Chandan Kashyap
Published: March 2022

Being one of the great treasure houses of the invaluable art heritage, Mysore Princely State, similar to other places of India, produced aristocratic portraits. Most of them maintained the image of courtly people as a backdrop. The courtiers, soldiers and citizens were among these people, who are the prime focus of this study (of aristocratic portraits during 19th and 20th C.E.). Were the(se) aristocratic pictorial compositions employed as a means of heralding as well as maintaining the hierarchical system? In this direction, the visual language, the styles, compositional aspects, themes and (religious/ cultural traits) symbolisms are explored, by employing the critical lenses (Pierre Bourdieu’s “Field theory”) to read how the hierarchy-based system was visually represented; moreover, to highlight how these images reinforced and celebrated that system.
Policies and incentives for developing universal access to water and sanitation for vulnerable families
Authors: Narzetti Daniel Antonio , Marques Rui Cunha
Published: March 2022

This research investigates the development of water supply and sanitation services (WSS) for vulnerable households, discussing the alignment of policies, institutions, and regulations to provide the right incentives to achieve universal access. It provides evidence of the actions carried out in Brazil, particularly the integration of the recent National Public Policy for the universalization of WSS and assistance to vulnerable areas. The expansion of private sector participation is discussed as an alternative to stimulate the universalization of WSS.
Comportamientos suicidas: perspectivas del siglo XXI
Authors: Campo Arias Adalberto
Published: March 2022

Este libro actualiza el conocimiento sobre los comportamientos autolesivos con fines suicidas, en relación con la frecuencia, las posibles causas biológicas, psicológicas, sociales, culturales y políticas; es decir, aborda el suicidio desde una visión amplia, no reduccionista, y considera la complejidad del fenómeno. La fuente de la información son las investigaciones científicas más recientes —preferiblemente, revisiones sistemáticas y metaanálisis—, ante el acervo de datos disponibles en relación con el tema del suicidio. Incluye temas novedosos como los comportamientos autolesivos no suicidas y los comportamientos suicidas en grupos socialmente excluidos por etnia, orientación sexual e inmigrantes. Asimismo, presenta una visión integral de las estrategias de prevención de los comportamientos suicidas. Se puso especial atención en la revisión e inclusión de las investigaciones realizadas en Colombia y otros países latinoamericanos, dado que los estudios publicados en español excepcionalmente son considerados en las revisiones en inglés especialmente. Cada capítulo está ampliamente referenciado para que los lectores puedan profundizar en los detalles de cada tema, cuando lo estimen conveniente. Es necesario continuar la revisión de evidencias para reducir los comportamientos suicidas mediante la implementación de programas preventivos en los grupos sociales más vulnerables.
Novela colombiana contemporánea: incursiones en la postmodernidad
Authors: Noriega Teobaldo A.
Published: March 2022

La postmodernidad debe entenderse como parte de un continuum histórico-cultural en el que se entrecruzan caminos diferentes. Si, como seres humanos, somos constantes recolectores y consumidores de experiencias, como estudiosos somos también inagotables improvisadores de esquemas que nos permiten indagar el mundo del cual somos parte, buscando entenderlo mejor. Inevitablemente respondemos al llamado de una formación humanística, y es esto lo que he intentado explorar al incursionar en la novela colombiana contemporánea dentro de un contexto postmoderno. Es innegable que seguimos moviéndonos por un terreno epistemológicamente diferente, y que ante nosotros han aparecido nuevos modos de representación; pero esto no significa que, junto al cuestionado valor del lenguaje, la consiguiente devaluación de los grandes discursos, o el desaparecido poder del autor -entre otras cosas-, no podamos rescatar el valor de la experiencia humana transformada en ejercicios de escritura. Más que un comentario marginal a las abundantes propuestas teóricas que continúan agitando nuestro campo de estudio, mi interés se sigue concentrando en el determinante papel de ciertas estrategias discursivas, reconocibles en cada una de las novelas escogidas como señales reveladoras de su identidad.
New Advances of CRISPR/Cas9 Technique and its Application in Disease Treatment and Medicinal Plants Research
Authors: Sui Chun , Wan He-Fang , Han Wen-Jing , Zhou Lei , Wang Shuo
Published: March 2022

Background:

Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9
technology is widely used in disease treatment and medicinal plant improvements due to its advantages,
such as easy operation, low time consumption, and high efficiency. However, potential
off-target risks still exist in practical applications and need to be solved urgently.

Objective:

This study aimed to review the application progress of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in the
field of disease treatment and medicinal agriculture in recent years. Furthermore, the study discusses
the ways to reduce the off-target effect of CRISPR/Cas9 technology, providing a reference for the
further application of this technology.

Method:

CiteSpace software was used to analyze relevant literature data from 2013 to August 2021,
and search results were retrieved from Web of Science, PubMed, and CNKI databases.

Results:

In the field of disease treatment, CRISPR/Cas9 technology has great potential to cure challenging
human diseases and has been widely used in drug target development, drug design, and
screening. In crop breeding, CRISPR/Cas9 accelerates the improvement of crop varieties and shortens
the number of years of crop breeding. By adjusting the length and GC content of sgRNA and
changing the concentration of Cas9/sgRNA complex to reduce the off-target effect of CRISPR/Cas9
technology, the target genes can be manipulated more accurately.

Conclusion:

CRISPR/Cas9 technology is an indispensable and key technology in the field of disease
treatment and medicinal plants. With the in-depth study of the off-target effect, CRISPR/Cas9 technology
can have broader application prospects in the fields of medicine and medicinal agriculture.
Roles of Gut Microbiota in Colorectal Carcinogenesis Providing a
Perspective for Early Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Rezaee Mohammad Ahangarzadeh , Nouri Roghayeh , Hasani Alka , Asgharzadeh Mohammad , Sefidan Fatemeh Yeganeh , Hemmati Fatemeh
Published: March 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent malignant neoplasm in the world.
CRC is influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. Through toxin-mediated DNA damage
and the promotion of persistent dysregulated inflammation, the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in
the development of CRC. In this review, we discussed the correlation between the bacterial microbiota
and CRC carcinogenesis as well as the mechanism by which Streptococcus bovis/gallolyticus,
Fusobacterium nucleatum, Bacteroides fragilis, and Escherichia coli can cause CRC.
Effect of Initial Vancomycin Dose and Creatinine Clearance on the
Attainment of Target Trough Concentration in Children
Authors: Anh Nguyen Tuan , Tuan Ha Manh , Quan Kim Tran , Thang Nguyen Van , Huy Vu Quang
Published: March 2022

Background:

Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic that is used to treat serious gram-positive infections. However, therapeutic drug monitoring for vancomycin is not performed routine-ly in Vietnam in clinical practices. Monitoring of serum vancomycin concentration or trough levels is necessary to ensure the efficacy and safety of vancomycin therapy.

Objective:

This study aims to determine the impact of initial vancomycin dose and creatinine clear-ance on target trough attainment in hospitalized Vietnamese children.

Methods:

A prospective study with patients who received vancomycin for at least three days was conducted. Subsequently, demographic data, clinical diagnosis, vancomycin dosage, and serum cre-atinine levels were recorded. The vancomycin trough level was collected and creatinine clearance and adjusted vancomycin doses were calculated.

Results:

A total of 40 eligible patients were enrolled. Patients’ mean age, body weight, and height were 1.4 years old, 9.8 kg, and 75.5 cm, respectively. The mean vancomycin dose was 55.83 ± 19.34 mg/kg/day. The mean creatinine clearance was 80.18 ± 29.14 ml/min. The median trough level was 11.09 (7.84 - 16.46) μg/ml. There was no significant difference in the mean initial and the adjusted vancomycin doses (p = 0.062). However, there were statistically significant differences of initial (p = 0.004) or adjusted doses (p = 0.016) between groups of creatinine clearance. The trough vancomycin concentration was not statistically significant (p = 0.406) between these groups.

Conclusion:

Target trough vancomycin level may be associated with creatinine clearance but did not proportionally correspond to the vancomycin dose. Therefore, monitoring vancomycin trough levels is necessary to achieve the target trough and to ensure vancomycin efficacy and safety in treating severely infected Vietnamese children.
Pharmacological Diversity of Triazole Scaffolds: A Review
Authors: Natarajan Ramalakshmi , Kesavan Yuvarani , Sivaperuman Amuthalakshmi , Subramani Arunkumar
Published: March 2022

Background:

Heterocyclic compounds possess a wide variety of roles in most fields of
science, such as biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, veterinary products, agrochemicals, etc. Triazole,
a heterocycle compound, serves as a building block for various compounds having multiple
applications, mostly in medicine. Triazole is a five-membered ring containing compounds that
occur in nature, found in several microorganisms, fungi, and marine organisms. The triazole nucleus
is a boon for researchers with significant scope in the long-term. Triazole derivatives possess
various pharmacological properties due to their ability to exert several non-covalent interactions,
which can improve the solubility and the ability to bind to bimolecular targets.

Objective:

We focused on the structure-activity relationship of triazole derivatives possessing various
biological activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, anticonvulsant, antidiabetic, antimalarial,
analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidepressant, antitubercular, anticancer, etc.

Results:

This study revealed the significance of certain substituents on triazole nuclei for different
biological activities.

Conclusion:

From this, we conclude that the triazole nucleus will be a lead for further research on
drug discovery.
Conceptualization, Tasks and Neurobiological Correlates of Self-Regulation in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review of the Literature (2015-2020)
Authors: Larraín-Valenzuela Josefina , Mardones Francisca , Ansoleaga Elisa , Kausel Leonie
Published: March 2022

Background:

Self-regulation is a complex capacity that favors the modification of behavior in accordance with environmental demands.

Objective:

This article aims to review the scientific literature that conceptualizes self-regulation, analyze its potential latent dimensions, identify the instruments used to measure this construct and the empirical findings associated with its neurobiological correlates.

Methods:

A systematic review of the scientific literature published between 2015 and 2020. We include 29 empirical studies on children and adolescents self-regulatory capacity after combining the words self-regulation with cognition, brain and neurosciences.

Results:

Most of the articles included are from North America. A PICOS analysis was performed to increase understanding of self-regulatory capacity. Two dimensions of self-regulation are identified, contributing to a more global conceptualization of the concept of self-regulation; A cognitive dimension associated with executive functions, effortful control and inhibitory control, among others, and a dimension associated with personality, including traits such as irritability, impulsivity, openness and hyperactivity. Next, the instruments used to measure self-regulation are described, followed by a report of the important neurobiological findings, specifically, activation of the anterior cingulate cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal and ventromedial prefrontal cortex.

Conclusion:

Self-regulatory capacity is associated with a complex functioning that favors adaptive behavior and has neurobiological correlates.
An Insight into Pyrazole-containing Compounds: Synthesis and Pharmacological
Activities
Authors: Kumar Harish , Bansal Kushal Kumar , Goyal Anju
Published: March 2022

Background:

Heterocyclic scaffolds have gained exceptional devotion in the recent years due to their marked utility in bio-organic field. Among these, pyrazole remains a privileged scaffold as broad array of medicinally active agents encompasses this heterocycle as a core nucleus. Pyrazole is a five-membered, aromatic ring containing two nitrogen atoms at adjacent positions are readily able to show interactions with numerous receptor (s), enzymes located on the target cells in biological system. Pyrazole-containing compounds are acknowledged with anticyclooxygenases (anti-inflammatory), carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, α-glycosidase inhibitor, and cholinesterase enzymes inhibitor and anti-DNA gyrases activities. Noticeably, rimonabant, phenylbutazone, fipronil, difenamizole, celecoxib, antipyrine, fezolamide and betazole are few representatives of pyrazole containing drugs.

Objectives:

The manuscript aims to review the detailed synthetic approaches applied for the synthesis of pyrazole derivatives. In particular, we examine recent scientific finding on antimicrobial, anti-tubercular, antiviral, anticancer and anti-inflammatory perspectives of pyrazole containing analogues.

Methods:

Pyrazole analogues have been widely explored by scientific community as large number of papers has been published in this regard. Numerous pyrazole-containing analogues have been designed, synthesized, and screened for their in vitro and in vivo bio-efficacy and many of them endowed with commendable pharmacological activities. Pyrazole analogues with superior applications as antiviral, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory efficacy have also been well documented in patents granted to this heterocyclic nucleus.

Results:

This review outlines the recent advances in medicinal chemistry of pyrazole analogues with a special emphasize of structure-activity relationships to afford ideas for the rational drug-design and discovery and their impact on desired pharmacological applications.

Conclusion:

The information provided in this manuscript may help the medicinal chemists to generate robust pyrazole analogues with high efficacy.
Performance Analysis of Permanent Magnet Vernier Motor with Surface
and Halbach Magnets
Authors: Liu Sheng , Wang Mingjie , Zhang Shuai , Ye Pengxiang
Published: March 2022

Background:

Surface permanent magnet motors (SPMVM) and dual permanent magnet
motors (DPMVM) have broad prospects in direct drive systems, but some problems occur with large
magnetic leakage, large torque ripple and large amount of permanent magnets (PMs).

Objective:

In order to reduce the torque ripple and magnetic flux leakage of SPMVM and DPMVM,
and improve the torque density, a dual permanent magnet vernier machine with Halbach PM array
(DHPMVM) is proposed.

Method:

By air gap permeance method, flux density analysis of three kinds of motors was analyzed,
and the main harmonics of SPMVM and DHPMVM are investigated with structure parameters.
Electromagnetic characteristics of three motors such as no-load back, electromotive force
(EMF), torque, and inductance are compared and analyzed by finite element method (FEM).

Results:

The study found that under the same size, winding distribution, electrical load and speed
conditions, DHPMVM uses Halbach PM array and consequent pole structures to reduce magnetic
flux leakage and torque ripple, increase torque density, PM utilization and torque per unit PM volume.
Compared with SPMVM and DPMVM, the DHPMVM proposed in this paper has better electromagnetic
performance.

Conclusion:

The DHPMVM topology is the better choice in terms of torque density, torque ripple,
and magnet usage among the investigated topologies.
Prediction of Electronic and Optical Properties of Boron Selenide BSe (2H) monolayer based on First-Principles
Authors: Mishra P.
Published: March 2022

Abstract. In this study, we examined some properties of 2D monolayer of Boron selenide BSe (2H) such as structural, electronic and optical properties. The BSe (2H) monolayer has an indirect bandgap of 2.62eV from Γ to M points. We explored from density of states (DOS), in valance band close to fermi level 4p state of selenium (Se) atom is hybridized with 2p state of B atom, but close to lower part of conduction band 2p state of boron (B) atom is ascendant over the 4p state of selenium atom. We have also calculated optical parameter like imaginary and real component of dielectric function, refractive index, absorption coefficient from random phase approximation method(RPA).
PEMANFAATAN VIDEO PEMBELAJARAN MUATAN PELAJARAN IPS MELALUI PEMBELAJARAN JARAK JAUH MENINGKATKAN HASIL BELAJAR SISWA SD
Authors: Marwani Marwani
Published: March 2022

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui dampak dan hasil pemanfaatan video pembelajaran muatan pelajaran IPS melalui pembelajaran jarak jauh pada siswa kelas VI C SD Negeri Wonosari I, Gunungkidul. Metode penelitian ini adalah deskriptif kualitatatif berdasarkan fakta dan keadaan selama guru melaksanakan pembelajaran jarak jauh. Pada penelitian ini, data-data dikumpulkan melalui observasi, assessment, teknik dokumentasi terhadap data-data yang berkaitan dengan permasalahan motivasi dan hasil belajar siswa selama pembelajaran jarak jauh. Data-data yang dianalisis adalah keadaan awal, pelaksanaan pembelajaran dengan video pembelajaran, hambatan dan strategi pemecahan masalah, dampak serta tindak lanjutnya. Berdasarkan hasil pengamatan dan analisis angket yang diberikan diperoleh bahwa dalam proses pembelajaran tematik terpadu muatan pelajaran IPS dengan video pembelajaran, lebih dari 80% siswa merasa senang dan tertarik mengikuti pembelajaran. Hal tersebut ditunjukkan pula oleh meningkatnya ketepatan kehadiran siswa di kelas maya dan pengumpulan tugas tepat waktu. Perolehan hasil belajar dapat dideskripsikan bahwa 26 dari 28 siswa mencapai Kriteria Ketuntasan Minimal atau sebesar 92,86%. Rata-rata nilai yang diperoleh siswa 85,18. Dari indikator tersebut kemudian dijadikan penulis untuk menarik kesimpulan bahwa pemanfaatan video pembelajaran melalui pembelajaran jarak jauh dapat meningkatkan motivasi dan hasil belajar siswa.
Measures to improve curriculum through analysis of the recognition and demand of education college students on creativity convergence education
Authors:   Free Major Department, Sangji University, Wonju, South Korea, Kim Chungyun
Published: March 2022

Recently, a crucial issue of college innovation in Korea is creativity convergence education. Fostering education college students with creativity convergence competency is emerging as an important aspect. However, the current curriculum operation to implement a creativity convergence education for the education of college students is insufficient. Accordingly, an analysis of the recognition and demand of education college students on creativity convergence education was done. A survey was conducted on the recognition and demand of creativity convergence education for 326 education college students, and the differences were compared. As a result of this study, various differences were revealed according to gender, grade, and detailed majors in the education college. These results show that a creativity convergence education should be implemented considering the background variables of education college students and more opportunities for various career paths and choices should be provided. Therefore, it implies that the creativity convergence education that reflects the recognition and demand of education college students should be more actively conducted in the education colleges.
The relationship between digital literacy, loneliness, quality of life, and health-promoting behaviors among the elderly in the age of COVID-19
Authors:   Department of Nursing, Changshin University, Changwon, South Korea, Jang Sun Hee , Je Nam Joo ,   Department of Nursing, Changshin University, Changwon, South Korea
Published: March 2022

Social distancing and the expansion of the digital environment due to the impact of COVID-19 are raising the need for digital literacy among the elderly for overall social participation such as mutual communication, health care, and education. The purpose of this study was to identify the correlation between digital literacy, loneliness, quality of life, and health promotion behaviors among the elderly aged between 65 and over and under 75 years. The data collection for this study was from May 1 to June 1, 2021, after approval from the C University Bioethics Review Committee using online questionnaires for 159 young-old elderly living in Korea. This study was a descriptive correlation study to understand the relationship between these variables for the young-old elderly. The collected data were analyzed using IBM SPSS WIN/25.0. The general characteristics were frequency, mean, and standard deviation, the difference of variables according to the general characteristics was analyzed by t-test and one-way ANOVA, and post-analysis was analyzed by Scheffe's test. The correlation between each variable was analyzed using Pearson's correlation. The subjects' digital media literacy was positively correlated with quality of life and health promotion behavior. Loneliness was inversely correlated with quality of life and health-promoting behavior. Quality of life was positively correlated with health-promoting behavior. Based on the results of this study, it is suggested that digital literacy education programs for the elderly in the future are necessary to reduce the elderly's feeling of loneliness and improve the quality of life and health promotion behaviors.
The CITIDEMAGE Study: Combined Treatment with a Cholinergic Precursor in Dementia Patients
Authors:   Center for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia–Catanzaro Lido, ASP Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy, Gareri Pietro , Cotroneo Antonino Maria ,   Department of Elderly Health Care–Birago di Vische Hospital and Botticelli Territorial Geriatrics-ASL TO 2, Turin, Italy, Orsitto Giuseppe ,   U.O.C. Internal Medicine Ward, P.O. Bari Sud "Di Venere", Bari-Azienda Sanitaria Locale di Bari, Italy, Veronese Nicola ,   Geriatric Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy, Putignano Salvatore ,   Operative Unit Elderly Care, District 30, ASL Napoli Centro, Italy
Published: March 2022

Certain previous studies have demonstrated the benefits of the addition of citicoline, a cholinergic precursor, to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AchEIs) or memantine in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The present study showed the effectiveness of oral citicoline plus AchEIs plus memantine in outpatients with AD. This was a retrospective case-control study involving 169 patients aged 65 years old or older having AD (mean age: 78.7 ±4.9 years). In addition, 84 patients were treated with AchEIs plus memantine plus citicoline 1 g/day given orally (group A), and 85 patients were treated with AchEIs plus memantine (group B). In both groups, memantine and AchEIs were used at the highest dosage tolerated. Tests were administered at baseline (T0), after 6 (T1), and 12 months (T2) and included MMSE, ADL, IADL, NPI, CIRS, GDS-short form, the EuroQoL, and the Sleep questionnaire. The primary outcomes were the effects of combined treatment versus AchEIs plus memantine on cognitive functions assessed by MMSE. The secondary outcomes were possible side effects of treatment in both groups, the influence on daily life functions, behavioral symptoms, quality of life, and sleep. Patients in group A showed a mild increase in MMSE at 6 (15.85 ±2.86 vs. 16.39 ±2.93) and 12 months (16.39 ±2.93 vs. 16.43 ±3.08). On comparing the two groups, the difference in MMSE score was significant, both at T1 (p = 0.003) and T2 (p = 0.011). Moreover, a significant improvement in GDS and EuroQoL scores was observed. No differences in secondary outcomes, including side effects, were observed between the two groups. This study strengthens the role of citicoline plus AchEIs plus memantine in patients with AD.
Gut Microbiota Potentiates the Effect of Immune Checkpoint Therapy against Cancers
Authors:   Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nara Women's University, Kita-Uoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan, Sawamura Haruka , Taniguchi Kurumi ,   Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nara Women's University, Kita-Uoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan, Ikeda Yuka ,   Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nara Women's University, Kita-Uoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan, Tsuji Ai ,   Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nara Women's University, Kita-Uoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan, Kitagishi Yasuko ,   Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nara Women's University, Kita-Uoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan, Matsuda Satoru ,   Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Nara Women's University, Kita-Uoya Nishimachi, Nara 630-8506, Japan
Published: March 2022

Immune checkpoints have been aggressively investigated for anti-cancer immunotherapy. The power of microbiota on the outcome of this immunotherapy has attracted much attention. For example, intestinal microorganisms play a key role in the effectiveness of programmed cell death 1 (PD1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) blockade. Additionally, short-chain fatty acids produced in the gut may modulate anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD1 stimulated immune responses and their anti-tumor efficacy. Enhancing the anti-tumor effects of CTLA4 blockade depends on specific Bacteroides sp. of the gut microbiota, suggesting novel approaches to improve such immunotherapies. However, the molecular mechanism of the immune-potentiation remains largely unknown. Changes in the microbiota are influenced by dietary and environmental factors. Here, we have suggested the molecular mechanism of action regarding the interplay between gut microbiota and the anti-cancer immune system with APRO family proteins, which might contribute to innovative cancer therapy in the future.
Using the Technology Acceptance Model to Characterize Barriers and Opportunities of Telemedicine in Rural Populations: Survey and Interview Study
Authors: Holtz Bree , Mitchell Katharine , Hirko Kelly , Ford Sabrina
Published: March 2022

Background

Health care access issues have long plagued rural Americans. One approach to alleviating the challenges and poor health outcomes for rural individuals is through the use of telemedicine, sometimes called telehealth. It is important to understand factors that may be related to telemedicine adoption or nonadoption, particularly in underserved rural settings.

Objective

This pilot study examines telemedicine perceptions among rural, underserved populations using the Technology Acceptance Model, which serves as a framework to explore the adoption of telemedicine services by those who have used it. This study also explores the differences between user and nonuser perceptions of telemedicine.

Methods

Paper surveys and phone interviews were conducted in rural Northern Lower Michigan.

Results

Perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use explained 91% of the variability in attitude toward telemedicine (R2=0.91; F1,15=73.406; P<.001). Ease of use was a significant predictor (mean 2.36, SD 1.20; P<.001), but usefulness (mean 3.16, SD 0.81; P=.20) was not. Furthermore, there were significant differences in individual perception of telemedicine between users and nonusers. For example, nonusers believed they would receive better care in person (users: mean 3.30, SD 1.22; nonusers: mean 1.91, SD 1.14; F1,32=10.126; P=.003). The quantitative findings were reinforced by the qualitative results from the phone interviews.

Conclusions

Overall, the Technology Acceptance Model is an appropriate model to understand the attitudes toward telemedicine that may lead to its adoption by rural Americans.