bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pleural Fluid Bilirubin to Serum Bilirubin Ratio, comparison with Light’s Criteria.
Authors: Yadav Manoj Kumar , Pal Anusmriti , Bisht Anjal , Thapa Jiwan
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Pleural fluid bilirubin and pleural fluid bilirubin to serum bilirubin ratio evaluation had been reported by several in distinguishing exudative from transudative pleural effusions along with Light’s Criteria. The aim of this study was to assess whether pleural fluid bilirubin to serum bilirubin ratio, was a sensitive marker in classifying the pleural effusion as exudative and transudative and its correlation with Light’s criteria.

Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study of Pleural fluid bilirubin to serum bilirubin ratio ≥ 0.6 for exudates was taken and compared with Light’s criteria overall and its individual parameters to classify exudative and transudative along with the diagnosis. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 16, Sensitivity, specificity, Positive predictive value (PPV), Negative predictive value (NPV) and diagnostic accuracy of each tests were calculated.

Results: By diagnosis on discharge out of 86 samples of pleural effusion, 78(90.69%) were exudative and 8(9.3%) were transudative effusion. Among transudative effusion, 72 were classified correctly and 6 were misclassified by pleural fluid Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) > 2/3rd of serum LDH criteria and out of 8 transudative, 4 were misclassified as exudative. When the pleural fluid to serum bilirubin ratio ≥0.6 was used to differentiate , it categorized 67 as exudative effusion by pleural fluid LDH > 2/3rd of serum LDH criteria and 11 were misclassified as transudative. This criterion had a sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 85.53%, 50%, 92.88% and 27.78 % respectively with a significant p value of <0.01. 

Conclusion: The pleural fluid to serum bilirubin ratio can serve as an alternative easy and cost-effective diagnostic tool in differentiating between exudative and transudative pleural effusion. Though, it misclassified 11 exudative pleural fluids as transudative and 4 transudative as exudative. By taking Light’s criteria as a standard, pleural fluid bilirubin to serum bilirubin ratio ≥0.6 was found to be inferior to the Light’s criteria also in terms of sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV. Still the pleural fluid to serum bilirubin ratio can serve as an alternative easy and cost-effective diagnostic tool in differentiating between exudative and transudative pleural effusion in low resource settings.
The use of biogas energy technology in the energy security system
Authors: Czarkowska Alicja , Czarkowski Marek
Published: March 2022

Electricity and heat production from agricultural biogas is currently one of the most beneficial methods of obtaining renewable energy. Investments in biogas power engineering in Poland are not widespread at the moment. The obstacles connected with legal regulations, social conditions as well as problems connected with the sources of financing are the reasons why Poland is still behind the leader in biogas energy production in the European Union, i.e. Germany, despite its comparable geographical conditions. The aim of this article is to broaden the knowledge of production and use of biogas energy from renewable resources. The article presents possible forms of financing investments in this type of renewable energy source and presents perspectives and conditions of its development, i.e. benefits affecting the environment, society and economy as well as barriers hindering their development.
Fracture Resistance of Incisal Tooth Fragment reattached with different Materials and Preparation
Authors: Kim Jongsung , Kim Gimin , Lee Jaesik , Kim Hyunjung , Nam Soonhyeun
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study is to analyze the fracture resistance of reattached tooth according to the resin materials and tooth preparation type under physiological conditions. Uncomplicated crown fracture in the oblique direction was reproduced on the extracted 64 anterior teeth. Depending on the composite resin material, reattachment was performed using a flowable resin and a packable resin. Depending on retentive forms, reattachment was performed using simple reattachment, 1.0 mm × 1.0 mm labial chamfer bevel, 1.0 mm × 1.0 mm lingual chamfer bevel and 1.0 mm × 1.0 mm circumferential bevel. A load was applied to the palatal surface of the tooth using a universal testing machine at an angle of 125 degree, which is the interincisal angle of normal children. Under the masticatory pressure condition, fracture resistance of lingual chamfer groups was 28.28 ± 7.41 MPa and 27.54 ± 4.45 MPa, which was significantly higher than those of simple reattachment groups, 17.21 ± 5.87 MPa and 20.10 ± 6.00 MPa, in both flowable and packable resin groups. When considering the lingual force similar to masticatory pressure, the fragment retention was significantly improved when the lingual chamfer was formed compared to the simple reattachment. Clinicians may consider the design of the lingual chamfer in order to improve fracture resistance to masticatory pressure during fragment reattachment.
Analysis of the Characteristics of Maxillary Supernumerary Lateral Incisor
Authors: Nah Jeungseon , Lee Koeun , Kim Misun , Nam Okhyung , Choi Sungchul , Lee Hyo-Seol
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to investigate a quantitative analysis of the anatomical characteristics of the maxillary supernumerary lateral incisor and its relationship with lateral incisors. Forty-four supernumerary lateral incisors from 43 patients were evaluated for analyzing the position, shape, direction, and relationship between the supernumerary lateral incisor and the normal lateral incisors, using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). To compare the size of crown, the mesiodistal width was measured and the Nolla stage was used for evaluating the degree of root development to compare tooth maturity. The supernumerary lateral incisors were in the normal direction at a rate of 90.9%, and in a supplemental shape at a rate of 84.1%. The supernumerary lateral incisor was smaller in size compared to the adjacent lateral incisor and opposite lateral incisor (p < .0001). There was no statistically significant difference in the development stage of root. Based on these results, the supernumerary lateral incisor is similar with the lateral incisor, but has a difference in the size of crown. It is necessary to distinguish the supernumerary lateral incisor from the lateral incisor precisely to reduce clinical complications.
The main growth strategies of telecommunication operators in the segment of SOHOs
Authors: Faganel Armand , Jecl Igor , Baruca Arne
Published: March 2022

Digital transformation causes a comprehensive change of the company through the use or renewal of information and communication technologies with the aim of greater productivity, growth and competitiveness of the company. Digitization offers new business opportunities to companies, optimization of work processes and operations, more efficient operations, higher productivity, new ways of designing and operating business models, encouraging innovation and development, and new ways of promoting, communicating and connecting companies. Telecom operators are confronted with a choice between remaining a traditional telecommunications operator providing SOHO (small office/home office) businesses basic infrastructure services or switching to digital transformation. This study confirms that the SOHO market segment in the field of basic infrastructure of telecommunications services is saturated, that there is a potential for operators to offer additional services, and that customer loyalty is not related to the amount of implemented business solutions. Operators can thus build a business partnership in terms of mutual development and creating growth for all stakeholders in the process. The main guidelines of growth present a great opportunity for operators, arising from the challenges of SOHO businesses to switch to the process of digital transformation. Therefore, operators have to be prepared; the main guidelines of growth are conditioned by adjusting their strategic goals, redefining business processes, upgrading technology, raising the level of business relationship and developing a partner ecosystem.
Strategic decision making and influence of economic freedoms on foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Milovanović Dragan , Marković Nenad
Published: March 2022

Decision making on foreign direct investment (FDI) is a strategic decision for the country, the company, but also the individual, which is strategic. Where to invest, how and when, certainly depends on economic conditions and economic freedoms. Foreign direct investments represent a value of 357 million euros in 2019, representing a significant factor in the overall development of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). Expectations of an increase in the level of foreign investment are also based on the level of economic freedoms. The research results show a significant impact and positive correlation of economic freedoms on strategic decisions on foreign direct investment in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The role and importance of the impact of economic freedoms on strategic decisions on foreign direct investment became especially important in the conditions of the COVID 19 coronavirus pandemic, when strategic decisions were coupled with even greater risks and sensitivity. The COVID-19 pandemic affected foreign direct investment in the world and expectations regarding the trend of foreign direct investment in BiH. According to preliminary data from the Central Bank of BiH for the first half of 2020, FDI is lower by 46.7% compared to the same period in 2019. Foreign direct investment in less developed countries such as BiH will be under additional pressure in 2020/2021, due to the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic. The decline in global foreign direct investment in 2020 and 2021 is estimated at 30-40% as a result of the pandemic. The results of the research cover the period from 1998 to 2020, and show the existence of a positive correlation between these variables. The analysis used an econometric model of multiple correlation analysis Pearson Correlation.
How Much Ongoing Smoking Reduction is an Echo of the Initial Mass Education?
Authors: Phillips Carl V. , Glover Marewa
Published: March 2022

Objectives: In this paper, we attempt to quantify the "echo" effects of the downward shock in US smoking prevalence from mass education starting about 1965 through 2010. Methods: An agent- based population simulation replicates the observed effects of the initial education
shock on smoking prevalence, and then estimates ongoing echo effects based on empirical estimates of the effects of parental smoking on initiation and peer-group quitting contagion. Further simulations estimate what additional echo effects would explain the entire historical reduction. Results:
About one-third of the observed prevalence decline through 2010 can be attributed solely to fewer parents smoking after the initial education shock. Combining peer-group cessation contagion explains well over one-half of the total historical prevalence reduction. Plausible additional echo
effects could explain the entire historical reduction in smoking prevalence. Conclusions: Ongoing anti-smoking interventions are credited with ongoing reductions in smoking, but most, or perhaps all that credit really belongs to the initial education and its continuing echoes. Ensuring
that people understand the health risks of smoking causes large and ongoing reductions. The effect of all other interventions (other than introducing appealing substitutes) is clearly modest, and quite possibly, approximately zero, after accounting for the echo effects.
Reform and Exploration on Teaching of Curriculum Ideological and Political Education in Human Anatomy and Physiology Experiment
Authors: DANG Kai , GAO Yuan
Published: March 2022

As the basis and source of theoretical knowledge of human anatomy and physiology experiment is one of the important experimental courses for undergraduates majoring in life science and medicine. It is an experimental teaching course matched with the theoretical teaching of human anatomy and physiology. Taking the realization of "building morality and cultivating people" as the starting point and the cultivation and practice of socialist core values as the starting point, build a brand-new teaching content system and teaching mode to implement ideological and political education in the experimental course of human anatomy and physiology, so as to realize the integration of curriculum ideological and political education and professional education, realize full, whole and all-round education, and cultivate students' scientific world outlook and methodology, encourage students to be patriotic, inspirational, truth-seeking and practical, and cultivate and carry forward socialist core values.
Carbon Queen
Authors: Weinstock Maia
Published: March 2022

The life of trailblazing physicist Mildred Dresselhaus, who expanded our understanding of the physical world.

As a girl in New York City in the 1940s, Mildred “Millie” Dresselhaus was taught that there were only three career options open to women: secretary, nurse, or teacher. But sneaking into museums, purchasing three-cent copies of National Geographic, and devouring books on the history of science ignited in Dresselhaus (1930–2017) a passion for inquiry. In Carbon Queen, science writer Maia Weinstock describes how, with curiosity and drive, Dresselhaus defied expectations and forged a career as a pioneering scientist and engineer. Dresselhaus made highly influential discoveries about the properties of carbon and other materials and helped reshape our world in countless ways—from electronics to aviation to medicine to energy. She was also a trailblazer for women in STEM and a beloved educator, mentor, and colleague.

Her path wasn't easy. Dresselhaus's Bronx childhood was impoverished. Her graduate adviser felt educating women was a waste of time. But Dresselhaus persisted, finding mentors in Nobel Prize–winning physicists Rosalyn Yalow and Enrico Fermi. Eventually, Dresselhaus became one of the first female professors at MIT, where she would spend nearly six decades. Weinstock explores the basics of Dresselhaus's work in carbon nanoscience accessibly and engagingly, describing how she identified key properties of carbon forms, including graphite, buckyballs, nanotubes, and graphene, leading to applications that range from lighter, stronger aircraft to more energy-efficient and flexible electronics.
Deep-sequence phylogenetics to quantify patterns of HIV transmission in the context of a universal testing and treatment trial – BCPP/Ya Tsie trial
Authors: Magosi Lerato E , Zhang Yinfeng , Golubchik Tanya , DeGruttola Victor , Tchetgen Tchetgen Eric , Novitsky Vladimir , Moore Janet , Bachanas Pam , Segolodi Tebogo , Lebelonyane Refeletswe , Pretorius Holme Molly , Moyo Sikhulile , Makhema Joseph , Lockman Shahin , Fraser Christophe , Essex Myron Max , Lipsitch Marc ,   On behalf of The Botswana Combination Prevention Project and PANGEA consortium
Published: March 2022

Background:

Mathematical models predict that community-wide access to HIV testing-and-treatment can rapidly and substantially reduce new HIV infections. Yet several large universal test-and-treat HIV prevention trials in high-prevalence epidemics demonstrated variable reduction in population-level incidence.

Methods:

To elucidate patterns of HIV spread in universal test-and-treat trials, we quantified the contribution of geographic-location, gender, age, and randomized-HIV-intervention to HIV transmissions in the 30-community Ya Tsie trial in Botswana. We sequenced HIV viral whole genomes from 5114 trial participants among the 30 trial communities.

Results:

Deep-sequence phylogenetic analysis revealed that most inferred HIV transmissions within the trial occurred within the same or between neighboring communities, and between similarly aged partners. Transmissions into intervention communities from control communities were more common than the reverse post-baseline (30% [12.2 – 56.7] vs. 3% [0.1 – 27.3]) than at baseline (7% [1.5 – 25.3] vs. 5% [0.9 – 22.9]) compatible with a benefit from treatment-as-prevention.

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that population mobility patterns are fundamental to HIV transmission dynamics and to the impact of HIV control strategies.

Funding:

This study was supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (U54GM088558), the Fogarty International Center (FIC) of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (D43 TW009610), and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (Cooperative agreements U01 GH000447 and U2G GH001911).
Chemogenetics defines a short-chain fatty acid receptor gut–brain axis
Authors: Barki Natasja , Bolognini Daniele , Börjesson Ulf , Jenkins Laura , Riddell John , Hughes David I , Ulven Trond , Hudson Brian D , Ulven Elisabeth Rexen , Dekker Niek , Tobin Andrew B , Milligan Graeme
Published: March 2022

Volatile small molecules, including the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), acetate and propionate, released by the gut microbiota from the catabolism of nondigestible starches, can act in a hormone-like fashion via specific G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). The primary GPCR targets for these SCFAs are FFA2 and FFA3. Using transgenic mice in which FFA2 was replaced by an altered form called a Designer Receptor Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs (FFA2-DREADD), but in which FFA3 is unaltered, and a newly identified FFA2-DREADD agonist 4-methoxy-3-methyl-benzoic acid (MOMBA), we demonstrate how specific functions of FFA2 and FFA3 define a SCFA–gut–brain axis. Activation of both FFA2/3 in the lumen of the gut stimulates spinal cord activity and activation of gut FFA3 directly regulates sensory afferent neuronal firing. Moreover, we demonstrate that FFA2 and FFA3 are both functionally expressed in dorsal root- and nodose ganglia where they signal through different G proteins and mechanisms to regulate cellular calcium levels. We conclude that FFA2 and FFA3, acting at distinct levels, provide an axis by which SCFAs originating from the gut microbiota can regulate central activity.
Development and validation of UV chromatographic method for quantification of copper and copper nanoparticles in different matrices and pharmaceutical products
Authors: Fadel Mai A. , Elmasry Dalia M. A. , Mohamed Farida H. , Badawy Asmaa M. , Elsamadony Hanaa A.
Published: March 2022

Background

The applications of Cu and CuNPs based on the earth-abundant and inexpensive Cu metal have generated a great deal of interest in recent years, including medical applications. A novel, specific, precise, accurate and sensitive reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method with UV detection has been developed and validated to quantify copper (Cu) and copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) in different biological matrices and pharmaceutical products.

Methods

The developed method has been validated for linearity, precision, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. Cu concentration was detected in pharmaceutical products without an extraction process. Moreover, liver, serum and muscle tissues were used as biological matrices. High Cu recovery in biological samples was afforded by using citric acid as a green chelating agent, exact extraction time and pH adjustment. Cu pharmaceutical and biological samples were eluted by acetonitrile: ammonium acetate (50 mM) with 0.5 mg/ml EDTA (30:70 v:v) as an isocratic mobile phase. EDTA reacted with Cu ions forming a Cu-EDTA coloured complex, separated through the C18 column and detected by UV at 310 nm.

Results

The developed method was specific with a short retention time of 4.95 min. It achieved high recovery from 100.3% to 109.9% in pharmaceutical samples and 96.8–105.7% in biological samples. The precision RSD percentage was less than two. The method was sensitive by achieving low detection limits (DL) and quantification limits (QL).

Conclusion

The validated method was efficient and economical for detecting Cu and CuNPs by readily available chemicals as EDTA and Citric acid with C18 column, which present the best results on RP-HPLC.
Remarkable genomic diversity among Escherichia isolates recovered from healthy chickens
Authors: Thomson Nicholas M. , Gilroy Rachel , Getino Maria , Foster-Nyarko Ebenezer , van Vliet Arnoud H.M. , La Ragione Roberto M. , Pallen Mark J.
Published: March 2022

The genus Escherichia has been extensively studied and it is known to encompass a range of commensal and pathogenic bacteria that primarily inhabit the gastrointestinal tracts of warm-blooded vertebrates. However, the presence of E. coli as a model organism and potential pathogen has diverted attention away from commensal strains and other species in the genus. To investigate the diversity of Escherichia in healthy chickens, we collected fecal samples from antibiotic-free Lohmann Brown layer hens and determined the genome sequences of 100 isolates, 81 of which were indistinguishable at the HC0 level of the Hierarchical Clustering of Core Genome Multi-Locus Sequence Typing scheme. Despite initial selection on CHROMagar Orientation medium, which is considered selective for E. coli, in silico phylotyping and core genome single nucleotide polymorphism analysis revealed the presence of at least one representative of all major clades of Escherichia, except for E. albertii, Shigella, and E. coli phylogroup B2 and cryptic clade I. The most frequent phylogenomic groups were E. coli phylogroups A and B1 and E. ruysiae (clades III and IV). We compiled a collection of reference strains isolated from avian sources (predominantly chicken), representing every Escherichia phylogroup and species, and used it to confirm the phylogeny and diversity of our isolates. Overall, the isolates carried low numbers of the virulence and antibiotic resistance genes typically seen in avian pathogenic E. coli. Notably, the clades not recovered are ones that have been most strongly associated with virulence by other studies.
Violence, runaway, and suicide attempts among people living with schizophrenia in China: Prevalence and correlates
Authors: Long Yixiang , Tong Xiaoliang , Awad Michael , Xi Shijun , Yu Yu
Published: March 2022

Background

People living with schizophrenia are at higher risk of disruptive behaviors, including violence, running away from home, and suicide attempts, which often co-occur and are highly correlated, yet seldom studied together. The current study investigated the frequency and correlates of disruptive behaviors among a Chinese community sample of individuals living with schizophrenia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 individuals living with schizophrenia from 12 communities. Data about disruptive behaviors in the past 2 months was collected using self-designed questionnaires. Clinical characteristics including psychiatric symptoms, depression, anxiety, disability, and functioning were collected by internationally standardized assessment instruments.

Results

About one-fifth (21%) of the subjects had experienced at least one form of disruptive behavior in the past 2 months. Violence was the most commonly reported (17.25%), which included damaging property (15%) and physical violence toward others (7.5%); followed by running away (6.5%), and suicide attempts (4%). Logistic regression analysis suggested that medication non-adherence (OR = 4.96, 95% CI [1.79–13.72]), involuntary hospital admission (OR = 5.35, 95% CI [2.06–13.87]), depression (OR = 2.34, 95% CI [1.07–5.10]), and lower social functioning (OR = 0.97, 95% CI [0.93–0.99]) were independently associated with a higher risk of disruptive behaviors.

Conclusions

The overlap among three forms of disruptive behaviors warrants them to be assessed and studied together in clinical, research, and policy fields. The significant association between disruptive behaviors with medication non-adherence, involuntary admission, depression, and lower social functioning indicates the need for integrated, targeted, and needs-based intervention programs to be developed for the prevention and treatment of these disruptive behaviors.
Identification of Factors Affecting Patient Safety in the Emergency Department: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Althobaiti Mashael , Alghamdi Ahmad Joman , Almalki Mohammed , Alkarani Ahmed S , Alamri Sultan
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Emergency Departments (EDs) have been described as complex, dynamic and at high risk for medical errors. Factors affecting the risk of medical error in the ED are related to communication, triage and medication management and upto 3% of all medical errors in hospitals take place in the ED. Aim: To identify the factors affecting patients' safety in the EDs of two major hospitals in Taif city based on Occurrence Variance Reporting (OVR). Materials and Methods: The present study was a crosssectional retrospective study which was conducted from January 2018 to October 2020 at King Abdul-Aziz Specialist Hospital (KAASH) and from October 2018 to October 2020 at King Faisal Medical Complex (KFMC) in Taif city, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The OVR data included six variables including category of OVR, name of hospital, year of OVR, type of report, who made the OVR and action taken by the hospitals, and was analysed using International Business Machines (IBM) Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Results: This study found that 3,632 OVR reports were collected. Nearly two-thirds of all OVRs were associated with nursing care management issues, followed by identification/ document/consent issues (9.4%), medical equipment issues (5.5%), housekeeping issues (0.2%) and laundry service (0.1%) representing the lowest frequency of OVR. Unsafe conditions accounted for 75.17% (2,730) of all OVR reports and only 24.83% (902) were incident reports. Staff nurses reported a majority of reports (89.5%), with 10.5% of OVRs reported by other healthcare workers. The primary actions taken by the hospitals in response to these reports were detection (72.3%) and prevention (17.4%), while only 10.3% was corrected. Conclusion: Patient safety is the primary challenge faced by healthcare providers at hospitals. Thus, OVR is a very important tool in order to avoid errors and limit harms ensuring healthcare quality and safety delivery.
Evaluation of Changes in the Palatal Mucosal Thickness Post-augmentation using a Xenogeneic Collagen MatrixAn Interventional Study
Authors: Dalmia Purva , Parthasarathy Harinath , Tadepalli Anupama , Ramachandran Lakshmi , Ponnaiyan Deepa
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Palatal augmentation is a unique approach that has been developed to increase the donor mucosal thickness and to procure sufficient dimensions of Connective Tissue Graft (CTG) during soft tissue augmentation around natural teeth and implants. Aim: To evaluate the relative changes in Palatal Mucosal Thickness (PMT) followed by augmentation with xenogeneic collagen sponge. Materials and Methods: This was an interventional study conducted on 16 subjects presenting with multiple gingival recession defects and also indicated for root coverage procedures at Department of Periodontology, SRM Dental College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India from June 2017 to March 2018. PMT was measured using a customised stent at eight standardised points with respect to Canine (C), Premolar-1 (PM1), Premolar-2 (PM2) and Molar 1 (M1) located at 4 mm and 8 mm from the gingival margin. Xenogeneic collagen sponge was implanted at the donor site and postoperatively reviewed for two months. Changes in PMT were analysed using Mann-Whitney U test. Results: A total of 16 patients (12 male and 4 female; mean age 36.81±7.27 years) were recruited in the study. At two months, statistically significant (p<0.05) increase in mean thickness of the palatal mucosa was observed at all the study points (at 4 mm: C- 5.24±0.43 mm to 4.82±0.39 mm, PM1- 5.47±0.71 mm to 4.88±0.48 mm, PM2- 5.71±0.58 mm to 5.06±0.65 mm and M1- 5.71±0.58 mm to 5.24±0.43 mm and at 8 mm C- 5.24±0.43 mm to 4.47±0.51 mm, PM1- 5.47±0.62 mm to 4.41±0.61 mm, PM2- 5.47±0.62 mm to 4.35±0.49 mm and M1- 5.65±0.60 mm to 4.76±0.43 mm). Conclusion: Xenogeneic collagen sponge implantation resulted in a significant increase in the thickness of palatal mucosa.
A Retrospective Study on the Profile and Treatment Response of Patients with Mononeuritis Multiplex and Connective Tissue Diseases
Authors: Varadhan Mythili Seetharaman
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Though Mononeuritis Multiplex (MM) can be caused by many pathological conditions, vasculitis is the most important cause. Aim: To study clinical features of MM in patients with connective tissue diseases, the time of presentation of MM from disease onset, its association with disease activity, and functional outcome after treatment. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Outpatient Department (OPD) of Madras Medical College (Government Hospital), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, between April 2015 to April 2017. The study included medical records of 18 patients with connective tissue disease who had attended the OPD, with sensory and motor symptoms and who was also diagnosed to have MM. Paired t-test was used to find associations. Disease activity levels were determined using various measures and modified Rankin Score (mRS) was used to assess the response to treatment. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28.0. Results: Of the 18 study subjects 14 (77.8%) were 18-40 years of age, and 10 (55.6%) were females. The mean duration between the time of diagnosis of connective tissue disease and the development of MM was 18.17 months. Ulnar nerve was the most common nerve involved, 11 subjects (61.1%) had ulnar nerve involvement. Axonal neuropathy was present on nerve conduction studies in 17 (94.4%) of the study subjects and sensory symptoms on history were present in 100% of the study subjects. There was a statistically significant difference (p-value <0.001) between the mRS before treatment (3.89) and after treatment (2.78) for a duration of six months. Conclusion: It was seen that the disease activity indices for connective tissue diseases were quite high at the time of development of MM, and starting treatment would helpimprovethe functional outcome as is evident by the difference in mRS.
A call to scale up biodiversity monitoring from idiosyncratic, small-scale programmes to coordinated, comprehensive and continuous monitoring across large scales
Authors: Hayward Matt W. , Chalup Stephan , Khan Jamil , Callen Alex , Klop-Toker Kaya , Griffin Andrea
Published: March 2022

Conservation managers cannot manage what they don’t know about, yet our existing biodiversity monitoring is idiosyncratic and small in scale. One of Australia’s commitments to the Convention for Biological Diversity in 2015 was the creation of a national biodiversity monitoring programme. This has not yet occurred despite the urgent need to monitor common and threatened species, as highlighted by the challenges of determining the biodiversity impacts of the Black Summer fires of 2019/20. In light of improvements to automation, miniaturisation and powering devices, the world urgently needs to scale-up biodiversity monitoring to become coordinated, comprehensive and continuous across large scales. We propose the BIOMON project that could achieve this where individual sensor nodes use machine learning models to identify biodiversity via sound or photos onboard. This could be coupled with abiotic data on temperature and humidity, plus factors such as bushfire smoke. Nodes would be set within networks that transmit the results back to a central cloud repository where robust analyses are conducted and provided free to the public (along with the raw data). Network arrays could be set up across entire continents to measure the change in biodiversity. No one has achieved this yet, and significant challenges remain associated with training the algorithms, low power cellular network coverage, sensor power versus memory trade-offs, and sensor network placement. Much work is still needed to achieve these goals; however we are living in the 21st Century and such lofty goals cannot be achieved unless we start working towards them.
Stress and Coping Strategies of Parents of Preterm Infants in Selected Tertiary Health Institutions in Ekiti State
Authors: Irene Alade, Modupe , Fatimo Ibitoye, Olabisi , Agatha Sr Ogunkorode, , Oluwaseyi Abiodun Akpor,
Published: March 2022

Background: Preterm birth is one the leading causes of death among children below the age of five years and involves all births that occur before 37 weeks of gestation. This study therefore examined the stress and coping techniques of preterm infants parents in Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital and Federal Teaching Hospital, Ekiti State.

Methodology: This study adopted quantitative research method and study was conducted among parents of preterm infants in two selected teaching hospital Ekiti State Nigeria. Sample size was determined using Fischer’s formula and the sample consisted of 82 respondents selected using purposive sampling technique. Data were collected using a standardized instrument (Family Inventory of Life Events and Changes) developed by McCubbin & Patternson (1983) with reliability index of 0.83. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation and tables while inferential statistics of chi-square and correlation were used to test stated hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance.

Results: The results showed that majority (32.1%) of preterm babies were jaundiced and were male (58.9%). Parents of preterm infants experienced moderate (85%) level of stress. However, finances and business strains were identified as major stress experienced by preterm infant parents. Overall coping level was high (65.2%) and coping strategies employed were seeking information and advice; positive reframing; and seeking for assistance. The findings also revealed no correlation between perceived stress and coping technique; no significant association between the socio-demographic factors and stress experienced by parents of preterm infants.

Conclusion: This study showed that parents of preterm infants experienced stress but developed coping techniques to suppress their level of stress. It is therefore recommended that nurses should develop proper understanding about the parents’ stressful situations to provide a holistic care to the neonates and their parents.
The Application of Homotopy Perturbation Method: An Overview
Authors: Yang Xintong
Published: March 2022

As an effective method for solving linear and nonlinear equations, the homotopy perturbation method is usually applied to solving relevant problems. We analyze 74 studies on the application of the homotopy perturbation method and present a comprehensive review of them with the conclusion obtained: (1) Homotopy perturbation method is generally applied to solving the problems of ordinary differential equations; (2) Homotopy perturbation method is usually combined with the technology of transform when it is used to solve more complicated equations; (3) By comparing homotopy perturbation method with other similar methods, many researchers sought that homotopy perturbation method is rapidly convergent, highly accurate, computational simple; (4) Some studies point out that when homotopy perturbation method is applied, some parameters including the number of terms, time span, time step must be prescribed carefully. Finally, two suggestions on the further study of the application of the HPM are provided.
Assessment of Authenticity of Market Samples of Hypericum using Phytochemical Fingerprinting Tools
Authors: Farboodniay Jahromi Mohammad Ali , M. Zarshenas Mohammad , Babaei Rizvandi Nastaran
Published: March 2022

Aims: Hypericum perforatum L., known as “Hofarighun” is a widely used herbal drug in Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM). Detection of non-relevant plants, instead of this species, in the herbal market encourages the need for the establishment of it’s chemical authentication and standardization, through implying rapid and efficient phytochemical techniques.

Study Design: Twelve Hypericum samples were acquired from traditional medicine markets of different regions of Iran (Tehran, Sanandaj, Mashhad, Kerman, Bandar Abbas, Ahvaz, Yazd, Babol, Yasuj, Shiraz (Chehel Giah), Shiraz (Kazerun Gate), and Shiraz (Adloo Zerehi), based on microscopic characterization. Positive control was taken in the form of cultivated specimen of H. perforatum.

Place and Duration of Study: Study was performed in Medicinal plants processing Research Center, SUMS, Shiraz in the months between February to December 2021.

Methodology: Essential oil samples were injected into a gas chromatograph (GC) and  compounds were identified as per the spectra obtained. Total phenol, flavonoid and HPTLC analysis of samples were also done.

Results: α-pinene was found in highest proportion in majority of samples i.e. 35.55-63.69%. However other compounds such as 1-dodecanol (10.82%), caryophyllene (15.87%) and β-cubebene (15.14%) were also analyzed in samples and the cultivated sample respectively.  Total phenol and flavonoid content among the Hypericum extracts were found to be between 50.31±3.22 to 262.76±8.12 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent (GAE)/g of Ext. and 13.47±1.68 to 79.26±5.78 mg Quercetin Equivalent (QE)/g of Ext., respectively.

Conclusion: The noticeable findings of present study can be used as a framework for authentication of Hypericum perforatum samples. The methods used were found to be feasible and efficient in detection of adultrations and may contribute to minimize the safety and efficacy concerns over the samples available in the traditional herbal pharmacies.
Conservation Agriculture (C.A): Areas of Improvement in the Adoption of C.A Practices in Eastern Kenya
Authors: Chepkemboi Waswa Sharon , Mulyungi Lenah Mutindi
Published: March 2022

Conservation agriculture (CA) is defined as a practice that aims to conserve, improve and make more efficient use of natural resources through integrated management of available soil, water and biological resources combined with external inputs. It contributes to environmental conservation as well as to enhanced and sustained agricultural production. It can also be referred to as resource efficient or resource effective agriculture. Majority of Kenyan farmers lack awareness of the benefits of CA thus influencing their commitment to this relatively new practice. Of particular concern is the fact that CA has been marketed in Kenya for over a decade and ground tilling methods in most parts of the country have not yet evolved to CA standards. Uptake of CA technologies is highest amongst wealthier farmers and commercially oriented producers. This is because of stronger risk aversion on the part of the small holder farmer. The number of crops at a given time on a farm was between 4-6 percent for 47% of respondents and 7-10 for 33% of respondents. Only 12.1% of respondents recorded crop diversification of 1-3 comprising planned biodiversity on farm. The role of Conservation agriculture in promoting soil health is tested. 82.3% of respondents credited the reduced erosion on their farms to conservation agriculture. This combined with other benefits of Conservation Agriculture has motivated farmers to integrate conservation agriculture to the management of their farms. Out of the 24 indicators selected for this study, 10 indicators scored best performances. The study was done in Eastern Part of Kenya that fall between 50 to 100% arid and semi-arid areas (ASAL) categories. The counties in the study included Kitui, Machakos, Tharaka Nithi and Makueni counties which are home to 14 million residents [1]. The objective of this research was to assess Conservation Agriculture (C.A): areas of improvement in the adoption of C.A practices in eastern Kenya. In conclusion, 14 out of 24 indicators show good to best performance while six indicators show moderate performance. There are areas that need urgent attention to improve the sustainability of CA agro-ecosystems. An overall score of 3 (indicating moderate performance) was awarded to the agro-ecosystems under CA. The Social dimension and the diversity property of the ecosystem scored the highest performance. The least performance was recorded in the Environmental dimension and the functional properties of the agro-ecosystem. It was therefore recommended that the government through the ministry of agriculture should investing in promoting improvement in the adoption of Conservation Agriculture practices especially in arid areas such as that of eastern Kenya.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Yeasts Involved in Spontaneous Fermentation of ‘Ogi’, A Cereal-porridge Produced in Nigeria
Authors: Umokaso Mercy M. , S. Ire Francis , O. Efiuvwevwere Bernard J.
Published: March 2022

The traditional fermented cereal-porridge ‘ogi’ is an important dietary staple food popularly consumed in Nigeria. The fermentation is mainly driven by lactic acid bacteria and yeasts during spontaneous fermentation. This study aimed to isolate and ascertain the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts associated with spontaneous fermentation of maize and sorghum. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts were isolated from fermented ógi’ by spread plate method. A total of 9 isolates of lactic acid bacteria and 4 yeast isolates were obtained and were characterized based on general morphology, Gram-staining and biochemical tests. The lactic acid bacteria identified by molecular method were strains of Lactobacillus fermentum, Enterobacter spp, and Lactococcus spp, while the yeasts were strains of Trichosporon asahii, Hypopichia burtoni and Pichia kudriavzevii.
Attitude about Coenzyme Q10 Supplements among Cardiac Patients
Authors: Kassab Yaman W. , Iqbal Muhammad Zahid , Salahuddin Amra , Moiz Muhammad Umer Abdul , Syed Haroon Khalid , Ehsan Abdullah , Haseeb Abdul , Bethala Krupavaram , Kaur H. Jaasminerjiit , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid
Published: March 2022

Background: This study aimed to assess attitude of cardiac patients about Coenzyme Q10 supplements.

Methods: A cross-sectional study using convenience sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria was conducted among cardiac patients. This study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire, derived from extensive literature reviews.

Results: Study subjects were found to have average attitude (n= 87, 64.9%) towards Coenzyme Q10 supplementations. This study found strong positive correlation between the knowledge score and attitude score (r=0.776, p<0.05). It was found that 7 (46.67%) of study subjects who consumed the Coenzyme Q10 supplements were recommended by friends and family.

Conclusion: The attitude towards Coenzyme Q10 supplements reflected the low pattern of use, and emphasized the role of healthcare providers to increase awareness about the benefits of Coenzyme Q10 supplements among cardiac patients as well as to educate them about its interaction with some drugs.
Impact of Clinical Characteristics on Quality of Life of Heart Failure Patients
Authors: Kassab Yaman W. , Iqbal Muhammad Zahid , Haseeb Abdul , Moiz Muhammad Umer Abdul , Salahuddin Amra , Ehsan Abdullah , Syed Haroon Khalid , Menon Shashidharan , Bethala Krupavaram , Paneerselvam Ganesh Sritheran , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid
Published: March 2022

Objective: This study aimed to determine impact of clinical characteristics on quality of life (QoL) in heart failure patients.

Methods: A cross-sectional study using a newly developed and validated research tool and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure (MLHF) research tool, was conducted in heart failure patients. Data was collected by convenience sampling method. Descriptive, comparative, and inferential statistics were used by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) ver. 24 to determine the sociodemographic correlates of QoL in heart failure patients.

Results: The majority of the studied heart failure patients were male 103 (58.2%) and the females were 74 (41.8%). The most of the studied heart failure patients were from > 60 years of age group 73 (41.2%). In Spearman’s correlation analysis, statistically non-significant (p >0.05), weak and positive associations were observed. The studied clinical variables like disease duration, total no. of comorbidities, types of comorbidities i.e., HPT, dyslipidemia, renal problems, Diabetes mellitus (DM) and others, hospital admissions, no. of current medications were found to have positive correlation with patients overall QoL.

Conclusion: The study results concluded a weak but positive correlation between various studied clinical characteristics and QoL of the heart failure patients.
Usage Pattern and Practices of Antibiotics’ Self-Medication among Healthcare Practitioners
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Khan Salah-ud-Din
Published: March 2022

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the usage pattern and current practices of antibiotics’ self-medication among HCPs.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was done using a validated research tool to obtain the required data. Data was obtained using different questions regarding self-medication and usage pattern of antibiotics among HCPs. Descriptive and inferential statistics were applied using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24.0. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Different demographic characteristics were studied from the selected cohort of the HCPs. Around 153 (52.9%) of the studied HCPs were females and 136 (47.1%) were males. The studied HCPs were of different professions, whereby 53 (18.3%) from medicine, 103 (35.6%) from pharmacy, 13 (4.45%) from dentistry, 98 (33.9%) from nursing, and 22 (7.6%) from others allied professions.

Conclusion: From the obtained results, it was concluded that all of the studied HCPs had diverse usage pattern and practices towards antibiotics’ usage pattern but still there is a greater need to strictly adhere with and follow the recommended and concerned guidelines regarding antibiotics usage to avoid any unwanted side effects, adverse drug reactions and antibiotic resistance.