bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Matrix Metalloproteinases 2 and 9 in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Verrucous Carcinoma
Authors: Shahsavari Maryam , Azizi Mazreah Siavash , Shoghi Azadeh , Gheysari Razieh
Published: July 2022

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common malignancy of the oral cavity with a highly aggressive nature. Verrucous carcinoma (VC) is a low-grade SCC with mild clinical and pathological characteristics. Extracellular matrix degradation (ECM) by several proteolytic enzymes, especially matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), is an important factor in tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression level of immunohistochemistry of MMPs 2 and 9 in SCC and VC of oral cavity. Patients and Methods: The present study was conducted on the data of 20 SCC and 18 VC samples obtained from the pathology department archives. Microscopic examination was performed after immunohistochemical staining of the samples for MMP-2 and MMP-9. Data analysis was performed in SPSS 20 software. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare variables between groups. Results: All SCC and VC samples were positive for MMP-2 and MMP-9. The mean expression level of MMP-9 was 24.41 ± 20.68 in VC and 48.27 ± 12.11 in SCC. The mean expression level of MMP-9 in SCC was higher than VC. In addition, the expression level of MMP-9 varied in different histopathological grades of SCC. Matrix metalloproteinase expression levels were different in SCC grades and was especially higher in grade III. The mean expression level of MMP-2 in VC was 35.28 ± 30.63 and in SCC was 23.50 ± 12.68. The mean expression level of MMP-2 in VC was higher than SCC. Conclusions: Our findings showed that the expression levels of MMPs 2 and 9 in SCC and VC are higher than healthy tissue.
Polysaccharide Peptide Induced Colorectal Cancer Cells Apoptosis by Down-Regulating EGFR and PD-L1 Expression
Authors: Jian Lin , Zhicheng He , shubai Liu
Published: July 2022

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most frequent death-causing disease in the world. The Trametes versicolor mushroom, a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used as anti-cancer medicine with long history. Its cultured mycelia extracts, namely polysaccharide peptide (PSP) as the major active component in Trametes versicolor, is widely used in eastern countries to stimulate the immune system and treat deadly cancers, including CRC. Methods: This study aimed to explore the mechanism through which PSP inhibits CRC cells proliferation. In vitro, cell proliferation and cytotoxicity of PSP were assessed using human CRC cell lines (HCT116 and HT29). The real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western blot, and immunofluorescence methods were used to examine the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), c-Jun, and NF-κB in the PSP treated CRC cells. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), which were activated with CD3/CD28/CD2 T cell activator and interleukin 2 (IL-2), were co-cultured with HCT116, which was pre-treated with PSP to reduce PD-L1 expression. The synergic effect of T-cells killing was evaluated using the terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method. Results: Polysaccharide peptide significantly inhibited proliferation of HCT116 and HT29 cell line in vitro. Polysaccharide peptide strongly reduced the expression and phosphorylation level of EGFR. In addition, PSP pretreatment significantly decreased the expression of downstream molecules PD-L1 and EGFR signaling pathways (c-Jun and STAT3) in HCT116. Polysaccharide peptide pretreatment enhanced the T-cells killing effect induced by co-culture PBMC on HCT116 cells. Conclusions: Polysaccharide peptide may be used as a prophylactic and therapeutic agent against CRC via down-regulating PD-L1 and EGFR signaling pathway.
Evaluation of Candida auris Colonization using Clinical Skin Swabs: A Single-Center Study in Isfahan, Iran
Authors: Safari Fatemeh , Madani Mahboobeh , Mirhendi Hossein , Kheirollahi Majid
Published: July 2022

: The multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen Candida auris has been associated with healthcare. We need to address COVID-19 pandemic as well as the ongoing global fungal epidemic caused by C. auris, a multi-drug-resistant fungus spreading rapidly throughout the world. This study was conducted on patients admitted to an ICU in Isfahan, Iran, from November 2020 to February 2021 to determine the spectrum of C. auris colonization in immunocompromised patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit (ICU). Therefore, clinical swabs were collected from 32 immunocompromised patients for C. auris detection upon ICU admission after 7 to 14 days. A rich culture medium was used to evaluate C. auris growth at a higher temperature (40°C) and salinity (10% wt/vol) in Sabouraud dextrose agar, which can be used in combination with a C. auris-specific polymerase chain reaction method. C. auris was not isolated in the clinical samples of patients. The most common colonizer was Candida albicans, followed by C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, and C. tropicalis. Candida glabrata was the only species with noticeable growth in the Salt SDA, with D-Mannitol as a carbon source. Currently, C. auris is not a common cause of systemic or superficial fungal infections in Iran. The screening of patients admitted to the ICU for C. auris could aid in the identification of colonized patients and could simplify the application of infection control measures.
Escola e prática pedagógica no ensino médio: representações sociais de gestores
Authors: Machado Laeda Bezerra , Barbosa de Paula Guilherme Gutemberg
Published: July 2022

Neste artigo, apresenta-se resultado de pesquisa pela qual buscou-se identificar e analisar as representações sociais de escola pública de ensino médio, elaboradas por gestores escolares. Foi realizamos um estudo de campo online com 10 gestores de escolas públicas estaduais de Recife, Jaboatão dos Guararapes e Paulista, no âmbito do qual privilegiou-se narrativas dos gestores e enviadas por e-mail. O software Atlas.ti auxiliou a análise de conteúdo das narrativas. Os resultados revelam que as representações sociais de prática pedagógica dos gestores estão centradas no trabalho coletivo e que tais representações ressaltam a importância das boas relações e da postura ativa do gestor para fazer frente aos desafios da função, bem como reiteram a importância da prática pedagógica dos gestores para efetivação de políticas direcionadas às escolas de ensino médio.
Fatores associados ao desempenho no Enade na área de Pedagogia
Authors: Bittencourt Helio Radke , Maria Dirlene Melo Santa , Bertolin Júlio
Published: July 2022

Fatores associados às características da escola e background social têm sido relacionados ao desempenho escolar. Contudo, apenas esses fatores vêm se mostrando insuficientes para dar conta de todas as causas de variação que têm efeito sobre o desempenho dos estudantes, especialmente no contexto do ensino superior. Este estudo tem por objetivo contribuir na busca da identificação de fatores associados ao desempenho no Enade a partir dos microdados da edição de 2017, tanto em nível individual, quanto de curso e, separadamente, para a formação geral e o componente específico. Os resultados revelam que as características sociodemográficas, da mesma forma que o background social, têm efeito mais relevante do que o fator escola sobre o desempenho, mas, apesar disso, o percentual de explicação dos modelos é baixo, especialmente no que se refere ao desempenho individual.
Fatores determinantes da qualidade do relacionamento entre uma instituição pública de ensino e seus egressos
Authors: Koerich Adriana Back , Borges Glauco José Ribeiro , Casagrande Jacir Leonir , Cremonezi Graziela Oste Grazian
Published: July 2022

Neste estudo, são analisados os fatores determinantes da qualidade do relacionamento entre uma instituição pública de ensino e seus egressos. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo-descritivo, cujos dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva, análise fatorial confirmatória e modelagem de equações estruturais. Os resultados demonstram que os egressos possuem uma percepção significativamente positiva a respeito da qualidade do relacionamento com a sua instituição de origem, e que a qualidade dos serviços de ensino, qualidade dos serviços de suporte e administração e a imagem institucional exercem um papel determinante, positivo e direto sobre a qualidade desse relacionamento, ao passo que a qualidade do ambiente físico não apresentou evidências de influência sobre esta dimensão.
Entrevista a Faustino Villora
Authors: Faustino Villora  , Reig Cruañes José , Sanz-Sánchez Fran
Published: July 2022

L'entrevista a aquest líder veïnal revisa qüestions rellevants per a la democràcia local, com la relació entre els representants electes pel veïnat i el propi veïnat, les plataformes temàtiques i temporals de participació cívica i les seues relacions amb les organitzacions clàssiques, com a partits o associacions de veïns així com amb l'administració local per a aportar pràctiques de democràcia deliberativa.
Mode coupling and intensity fluctuation of sound propagation over continental slope in presence of internal waves
Authors: Gao Fei , Xu Fang-Hua , Li Zheng-Lin , Qin Ji-Xing ,   Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Earth System Modeling, Department of Earth System Science, Institute for Global Change Studies, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China,   Naval Research Institute, Tianjin 300061, China,   School of Ocean Engineering and technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China,   State Key Laboratory of Acoustics, Institute of Acoustics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Published: July 2022

The topographic variation underwater of the continental slope is one of the main causes for triggering off the formation of internal waves, and the continental slope internal waves are ubiquitous in the ocean. The horizontal variation of waveguide environment, caused by the internal wave and the continental slope, can lead to acoustic normal mode coupling, and then generate sound field fluctuation. Most of the existing research work focused on studying the effect of single perturbation factor of either the internal waves or the continental slope on acoustic mode coupling and intensity fluctuation, while it is hard to find some research work that takes into account both the internal waves and the topographic variations as influencing factors. In this work, numerical simulations for the sound waves to propagate through the internal waves in the downhill direction are performed by using the acoustic coupled normal-mode model in four waveguide environments: thermocline, internal wave, continental slope and continental slope internal wave. And the mode coupling and intensity fluctuation characteristics and their physical mechanisms are studied by comparing and analyzing the simulation results of the four different waveguide environment constructed. Some conclusions are obtained as follows. The intra-mode conduction coefficients are symmetric with respect to the center of the internal wave, while the inter-mode coupling coefficients are antisymmetric around it. As the sound waves propagate toward or away from the center of the internal wave, the acoustic mode coupling becomes enhanced or weakened, and the coupling coefficients curves for large mode oscillate. The influence of internal wave perturbation makes the energy transfer from the smaller modes to the larger modes, which increases the attenuation of sound field intensity. The number of the waveguide modes increases and the mode intensity attenuation decreases, when the sound waves propagate downhill. The total intensity of all modes for the continental slope internal wave environment is greater than for the internal wave environment and less than for the continental environment, and the energy transfer between mode groups is stronger than for individual effect of internal wave or continental slope, which leads more energy to transfer from the smaller to larger mode groups and the energy of the sound field above the thermocline to increase.
Effect of acoustic diffraction phase shift on caustic structure in deep sea convergence zone
Authors: Zhang Hai-Gang , Ma Zhi-Kang , Gong Li-Jia , Zhang Ming-Hui , Zhou Jian-Bo ,   Acoustic Science and Technology Laboratory, Habrbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, China,   Key Laboratory of Marine Information Acquistion and Security, Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, Habrbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, China,   College of Underwater Acoustic Engeering, Habrbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001, China,   School of Marine Science and Technology, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
Published: July 2022

The constant phase shift \begin{document}$- {{\text{π}}}/{2}$\end{document} generated by a turning point is an ideal approximation under high frequency conditions. In fact, when sound waves pass through a turning point, it will travel horizontally for a certain distance in the form of inhomogeneous plane wave and then be refracted back. At this time, a functional phase shift should also be included at the turning point. In addition, a refracted ray will bring about reflection phase shift when the turning point is close to the waveguide edge. These two kinds of phase shifts which are associated with the diffraction phenomenon are called diffraction phase shifts in this paper and are more notable when the frequency goes down. In order to accurately obtain the caustic structure at low frequency, the diffraction phase shift is used to correct the classical ray theory in calculating ray skip distance, traveling time, and group velocity in this work. On this basis, a simple and explicit analytical model is proposed which is suitable for calculating the low frequency deep water caustics. The numerical study of the first upper convergence zone in the complete deep water sound channel shows that there are three caustic lines in the refracted-refracted (RR) convergence zone and four caustic lines in the refracted surface-reflected (RSR) convergence zone under the condition of high frequency hypothesis. When the diffraction phase shifts at low frequency are included, and compares with high frequency results, it is found that the horizontal beam displacement caused by the reflection phase shift will make the RR caustics horizontally move towards the source and also lead the RSR rays to generate several new caustics, while the beam displacement caused by sound propagating in the form of inhomogeneous plan wave will make the RR caustics horizontally move away from the sound source. Accompanied with the increased frequency, the diffraction effect will decrease, and the caustic structure gradually tends to the classical ray theory results. The reliability of the correction results is verified by the normal mode theory. The model proposed in this work makes up for the deficiency of classical ray theory.
Multi-junction cascade 905 nm vertical cavity surface emitting lasers with high power density
Authors: Pan Guan-Zhong , Xun Meng , Zhao Zhuang-Zhuang , Sun Yun , Jiang Wen-Jing , Zhou Jing-Tao , Wu De-Xin ,   Institute of Microelectronics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China
Published: July 2022

Aiming at three-dimensional (3D) sensing applications such as LiDAR, high power density five-junction cascaded vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) with 905 nm wavelength are designed and fabricated. The maximum power conversion efficiency is 55.2% for an individual VCSEL emitter with 8 μm oxide aperture. And the maximum slope efficiency of the device is 5.4 W/A, which is approximately 5 times that of traditional single-junction VCSEL with the same aperture. Under the condition of narrow pulse (pulse width 5.4 ns, duty cycle 0.019%) injection, the peak output power of 19-element array (20 μm oxidation aperture for each element) reaches 58.3 W, and the corresponding power density is as high as 1.62 kW/mm2. The devices with various apertures (8–20 μm) are characterized. The results show that the maximum slope efficiencies of all these devices are greater than 5.4 W/A and the maximum PCE is higher than 54%. These high-performance VCSEL devices can be used as ideal light sources for 3D sensing applications such as LiDAR.
Super-resolution acoustic focusing based on the particle swarm optimization of super-oscillation
Authors: Li Xin-Peng , Cao Rui-Jie , Li Ming , Guo Ge-Pu , Li Yu-Zhi , Ma Qing-Yu ,   School of Computer and Electronic Information, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023 , China
Published: July 2022

The spatial resolution of conventional waves is restricted by the diffraction limit of half wavelength. Hence, how to construct super-resolution acoustic beams with a smaller focal radius is one of the major challenges in recent studies. In the present paper, the super-resolution acoustic focusing method is proposed based on the superposition of multi-frequency super-oscillation beams and the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), which can improve the spatial resolution concurrently with good controllability. Based on the diffraction effect of traditional ultrasound fields, the acoustic lens of Fresnel zone plane (FZP) at the center frequency is designed by the half-wave zone method. Multiple acoustic beams at several preset frequencies within the transducer bandwidth are sent out to build the super-oscillation focal area by the pressure superposition. The radius of the super-resolution focal spot constructed by the PSO algorithm with optimized amplitudes and phases is less than the half wavelength at the center frequency, which is even smaller than the focal radius at the highest frequency. Furthermore, the focal radius is also proved to decrease with the increase of the number of multiple frequencies and the center frequency. The favorable results demonstrate the feasibility of super-resolution acoustic focusing based on the PSO of super-oscillation, and provide an applicable strategy for the high-resolution acoustic imaging and manipulation.
First principles study of magnetic transition of strain induced monolayer NbSi2N4
Authors: Jiang Nan , Li Ao-Lin , Qu Shui-Xian , Gou Si , Ouyang Fang-Ping ,   School of Physics and Electronics, Central South University, Changsha 410012, China,   School of Physics and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China,   State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, and Powder Metallurgy Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
Published: July 2022

The effective control of two-dimensional material magnetism is a frontier research field. In this work, the influences of in-plane biaxial tension strain on the electronic structure, magnetic properties, and Curie temperature of monolayer NbSi2N4 are investigated by first-principles calculations based on density functional theory and Monte Carlo simulations in the frame of the Heisenberg model. We demonstrate that the monolayer NbSi2N4 has favorable dynamic and thermal stability through the phonon spectral calculations and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. It is found that the intrinsic monolayer NbSi2N4 is a non-magnetic metal, which can be transformed into a ferromagnetic metal by 1.5% tensile strain. The electronic structure analysis of monolayer NbSi2N4 shows that the ferromagnetism induced by tensile strain is caused by traveling electrons. There is a half-full band at the monolayer NbSi2N4 Fermi level, which is mainly contributed by the dz2 orbital of the Nb atom. When there is no additional strain, the band is spin-degenerate. Tensile strain can make this band more localized, which leads to Stoner instability, resulting in the ferromagnetic ordering of monolayer NbSi2N4 traveling electrons. The stability of the ferromagnetic coupling is enhanced with the increase of the strain degree. The calculation results of the magnetic anisotropy energy show that the strain can make the direction of the easy magnetization axis of the monolayer NbSi2N4 reverse from the vertical direction to the in-plane, and then back to the vertical direction. Furthermore, the strain can significantly increase the Curie temperature of monolayer NbSi2N4. The Curie temperature of monolayer NbSi2N4 is 18 K at 2% strain and 87.5 K at 6% strain, which is 386% higher than that at 2% strain. Strain engineering can effectively control the magnetic ground state and Curie temperature of single-layer NbSi2N4. The research results are expected to promote the development of MA2Z4 materials in the field of mechanical sensing device design and low-temperature magnetic refrigeration.
Flexoelectric effect of perovskite superlattice SrTiO3/BaTiO3
Authors: Chen Xu-Min , Ye Pan , Wang Ji-Guang , Huo De-Xuan , Cao Dong-Xing ,   School of Science, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China,   School of Electronic Information, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China,   School of Materials and Environmental Engineering, Hangzhou Dianzi University, Hangzhou 310018, China,   Faculty of Materials and Manufacturing, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
Published: July 2022

The flexoelectric effect describes the coupling of polarization to strain gradient, which has increasingly attracted interest in perovskite oxide materials. The perovskite oxide superlattice containing epitaxial relaxation or intrinsic surface tension or curvature, together with its high dielectric constant, is a highly desirable candidate for high flexoelectricity. In this work, the flexoelectric coefficients of 1SrTiO3/1BaTiO3 superlattice, which is composed of alternating single atomic layers of SrTiO3 and BaTiO3, are systematically investigated with first principle density functional theory calculations. Various supercell sizes are used to minimize the discrepancy between the gradient values of the fixed atoms and relaxed atoms. It is found that the strain gradients of the constrained A-site atoms and the relaxed B-site atoms are almost the same when the supercell sizes are 1×1×24 for longitudinal flexoelectric coefficient, 7×1×16 for transverse flexoelectric coefficient and 3×1×28 for shear flexoelectric coefficient. Calculation results demonstrate that the transverse flexoelectric coefficient and shear flexoelectric coefficient of 1SrTiO3/1BaTiO3 superlattice are about one order of magnitude larger than its longitudinal flexoelectric coefficient. Even though its longitudinal flexoelectric coefficient decreases slightly compared with its constituent compounds, both transverse coefficient and shear flexoelectric coefficient are about several times higher than the counterparts of its constituent compounds, respectively. Hence, the overall flexoelectric coefficient of 1SrTiO3/1BaTiO3 superlattice is enhanced several times in magnitude. There exist a large number of interfaces inside the perovskite oxide superlattice with alternating single atomic layers of SrTiO3 and BaTiO3, which potentially stimulate the redistribution of charge carriers, orbitals and spins of the atoms at the interface and promote the interfacial strain gradient. The stacking order of the superlattice atoms has a profound influence on the flexoelectric properties. These studies present an alternative approach to fabricating better flexoelectric materials for the applications of electromechanical equipment.
Acute Myleoid Leukaemia t(8:21)- A Close Differential Diagnosis to Myelodysplastic Syndrome with Excess Blasts 2: A Case Report
Authors: Harveen Bhusari , Smita Masamati
Published: July 2022

Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) with t(8;21) (q22;22) is a distinct, rare type of AML, generally occurs in young patients which has a favorable prognosis. It is found in approximately 5% cases of all AML. This translocation (8;21) usually correlates with specific morphological features which include large blasts with Auer rods and large Pseudo-Chediak-Higashi granules in neutrophils. These features are also seen in myelodysplasia related changes, hence should be differentiated as the latter have worse prognosis. Detection of chromosomal abnormalities by cytogenetics is very important for risk stratification and prognosis. Hence, authors reports a very unusual case of AML t(8;21) in a 32-year-old female patient presented with features of Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) with Excess Blasts-2.
Importance of Family History and Clinical Examination in Evaluation of Paediatric Brain Tumours- A Unique Case Report of Tuberous Sclerosis
Authors: Mulkalwar Alhad , Mondkar Shruti , Agrawal Mukesh
Published: July 2022

Tuberous sclerosis complex is an autosomal dominant neurocutaneous disorder characterized by the development of hamartomas in various tissues. This report describes the case of a 4-year-old male child who was admitted to the Paediatrics Ward with a history of headache and vomiting since two months and weakness in the right upper limb and right lower limb since 15 days. Examination revealed right-sided hemiparesis with facial involvement and signs of raised intracranial tension (papilloedema and hypertension). General examination revealed neurocutaneous markers such as multiple ash leaf macules over forehead, chest, abdomen and dental pits, which were suggestive of tuberous sclerosis. The child’s mother was a known case of focal seizures since childhood, had adenoma sebaceum and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) brain showed subependymal nodules-suggestive of tuberous sclerosis. Based on neuroimaging {Computed Tomography (CT) and MRI} the child was diagnosed to be suffering from tuberous sclerosis with Subependymal Giant cell Astrocytoma (SEGA) with secondary hydrocephalus. The child underwent resection of the intraventricular tumour (SEGA) with good neurological recovery and is currently asymptomatic. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of SEGA. This case emphasizes on the significance of a detailed clinical examination and family history which aided neuroimaging in making a diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis in a child who would otherwise be diagnosed only as a case of astrocytoma.
Efficacy of Sodium Fluoride as an Anticoagulant in the Estimation of Glycated Haemoglobin in Diabetic Patients: An Alternative to EDTA
Authors: Kini Gayathri , Yadav Anurag , Reddy Ramlinga , Mala Malathi , Golla Nandakumar Kumar L , Manaswini Golla Yadav Anmol
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Vacutainer used for collecting blood sample for plasma glucose estimation contains sodium fluoride (NaF) as an additive and for Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c) an Ethylenediamine Tetraacetic Acid (EDTA) tube. This necessitates additional blood to be collected for testing from the same patient at same period of time. Aim: To evaluate difference in the HbA1c values in blood samples collected in EDTA and NaF coated vacutainers. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Biochemistry section of central laboratory, Father Muller Medical College and Hospital, Mangalore, Karnataka, India, for the duration of two months (June to July 2018). The samples drawn for fasting plasma glucose estimation in NaF vacutainer and for HbA1c estimation in EDTA sample of same patients was included in present study. The data were entered in the statistical software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0. Results: Samples from 140 patients whose blood had been drawn for fasting plasma glucose levels and estimation of HbA1c in which 80 subjects were males and 60 females with mean age of 54.4±13.6 years. There were no significant changes in the mean levels of HbA1c in EDTA and NaF tubes (8.61±1.93 and 8.64±1.93 respectively). Conclusion: Current results exclude the absolute necessity for the blood collection in EDTA vacutainers for HbA1c estimation.
Comparison of Haemodynamic Response to Endotracheal Intubation with Videolaryngoscopy and Direct Laryngoscopy in Hypertensive Patients- A Randomised Clinical Trial
Authors: Hegde Anasuya , Malikarjun Deepak Revadihal , Chinnathambi Kumaresan
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Cardiovascular responses to direct laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation have been well documented and are caused by noxious stimuli. A videolaryngoscope facilitates visualisation of the vocal cords with minimal stretch on the airways. Aim: To compare the haemodynamic responses to endotracheal intubation with videolaryngoscopy and direct laryngoscopy in hypertensive patients. Materials and Methods: A randomised clinical trial conducted in 90 hypertensive patients. The patients were divided into two groups- Group D in whom conventional (Macintosh) direct laryngoscopy was used and Group V in whom (C-MAC) videolaryngoscopy was used. Haemodynamic parameters were monitored postintubation and to also study the number of intubation attempts, total time taken for intubation, assessment of Cormack-Lehane grade (C-L grade) between C-MAC videolaryngoscopy and direct laryngoscopy. Between the group analyses done using student’s t-test. Multiple paired t-test was used for within group data analysis. Chi-square was used to compare categorical data between the two groups. The p<0.05 will be considered statistically significant. Results: There was no significant difference in haemodynamic response to intubation between both videolaryngoscopy and direct laryngoscopy groups after intubation (p>0.05). Glottic visualisation was significantly better in videolaryngoscopy group using C-L grade (p-value=0.0313). There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect total time taken for laryngoscopy (p-value=0.072). Conclusion: Videolaryngocopy does not have any added advantage over direct laryngoscopy as per Haemodynamic response is considered. Though the visualisation of the glottis is better with videolaryngoscope, duration of laryngoscopy does not differ from routine laryngoscopy
Serum Kynurenine Levels in Patients of Depression with and without Suicidality: A Case-control Study
Authors: Pal Virendra Singh , Bagul Koustubh R , Mudgal Varchasvi , Jain Priyash
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Depression is a common mental health disorder and suicide is one of the most dreaded outcomes of depression. In India, the suicide rate is reported to be 12.91 of 100,000 population and as per the estimates, it is further going to increase in time to come. Several potential biomarkers for suicidality have been identified over the last years in an effort to devise an investigational test to detect suicidality. Kynurenine, a tryptophan metabolite, is one of the potential biomarkers as it has been found to be elevated in patients with suicidality. Aim: To assess the levels of kynurenine in patients of severe depression with and without suicidal attempt. Materials and Methods: This was a case-control study conducted in MGM Medical college, Indore from April 2020 to March 2021. Socio-demographic parameters like age, gender, residence, marital status were collected along with hamilton depression rating score, suicidal behaviour questionnaire score. Blood samples of sixty patients with depression having suicide attempt (case group) were compared to the similar parameters of the 60 patients with depression not having any history of the suicide attempt (control group). Data obtained was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 and relevant statistical tests were applied with the p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Mean age of the case group was 39.03±11.58 years and in control group was 41.92±11.62 years. The mean serum kynurenine for depression with suicidal attempt was 464.05±89.11 ng/mL which is considered a high value as per the criteria for cut-off for normal level.While for depression without suicidal attempt was 420.78±69.66 ng/mL which is low. The present study had a positive correlation of serum kynurenine levels with the suicidal behaviour questionnaire (r-value=0.48, p-value=0.001) but not with the hamilton depression rating scale (r-value=-0.243, p-value=0.061). Conclusion: Case group has shown higher mean serum kynurenine than control group, which was statistically significant. This study concluded that, serum kynurenine was not correlated with the severity of depression which makes it a good prospective for further research as a biomarker for early prediction of suicidality.
Barriers of Newborn Vaccination Coverage among Institutional Deliveries: A Mixedmethod Study from Sonepat, Haryana
Authors: Verma Ramesh Kumar , Kadyan Annu
Published: July 2022

Introduction: World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the administration of three vaccines soon after birth, namely Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) vaccine, Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), and Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV). Various studies reported that early administration of these vaccines have a marked beneficial impact on infant survival. As birth is the most reliable point of healthcare contact worldwide and effective vaccination at birth would provide early protection for newborns. Hence, expanding and improving the available means of neonatal vaccination is an unmet medical need and a public health priority. Aim: To determine left-out vaccination rate for birth doses and the barriers of newborn vaccination coverage among institutional deliveries, in Sonepat District, Haryana. Materials and Methods: A mixed-method study (qualitative and quantitative) was conducted in rural tertiary healthcare institute and two secondary (district hospital Sonepat and sub-divisional hospital Gohana) public healthcare facilities of district Sonepat during 1st June 2019 to 31st July 2019. Records of live births that occurred during the study duration at selected facilities were taken to find out the left-out vaccination rate for birth doses. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) of staff nurses posted at immunisation clinic, labour room, obstetrics and gynecology and paediatrics department were carried out to find the barriers of newborn vaccination. Results: Total 1943 live births occurred at selected public healthcare facilities during the study duration. Vaccination coverage of birth doses recorded among 1381 (71.1%) neonates and 562 (28.9%) were left-out. Barriers for newborn vaccination were non-availability of vaccine at birth places, training and skill to administer vaccine by staff, human resource constraints, and socio-demographic factors. Conclusion: This study provided a roadmap to develop a visionfor strengthening newborn vaccination coverage among institutional deliveries.
Thyroid Hormone Reference Interval- Evidence from Alappuzha District, Kerala State, India
Authors: Varkey Miriam , Sathiandranathan Gilsa Engoor , Varghese Deepa Maria Kuttikadan , Ramakrishnan Satheesan
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Thyroid diseases are one of the most common endocrine disorders not only in India, but worldwide. Most commonly done biochemical tests to diagnose thyroid disorders are Thyrotropin (TSH), thyroid hormones {free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3)} in serum. The Reference Interval (RI) is influenced by a variety of factors like diet, genetics, iodine nutritional status and thyroid autoimmunity. Hence, the reference values of thyroid function tests commonly used in the clinical laboratories are derived from data from the western population and may not be applicable for Indian population. Aim: To establish RI for thyroid hormones in the coastal area of Alappuzha District in Kerala. Materials and Methods: This community-based study included 228 adults in the age group 18-80 years. TSH, FT3, FT4, Thyroperoxidase antibody (TPOAb) and anti- thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) were analysed on an automated immunoassay system Access 2 Beckman Coulter using a direct chemiluminescence detection system. RIs were calculated according to International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) recommendation using IBM SPSS version 20.0 for windows. Results: RIs for serum TSH, FT4 and FT3 were calculated as 0.11-6.39 mIU/L, 0.58-4.66 ng/dL and 0.72-4.66 pg/mL. No significant age and gender difference in the RIs are noted. Conclusion: In this study, RI established in the local reference population found to be different from those reported by previous studies conducted in other geographical areas.
Antibiogram of Extended Beta and Metallo-beta-lactamase E. coli O157:H7 Isolated from Pigs and Periwinkles sold in Rivers State
Authors: Felicia O. Osakuade, , Ngozi N. Odu,
Published: July 2022

The emergence of multi-drug resistant and Extended Beta-lactamase producing E. coli O157:H7 is a general public health problem. Food samples of animal origin are undoubtedly the reservoirs of MDR which are in most cases transmitted to humans. The presence of extended beta-lactamase and Metallo-beta-lactamase producing E. coli O157:H7 was investigated amongst food samples and pig dung. A total of 240 samples comprising pig dung, pork, and periwinkles were collected from three different locations in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Samples were analyzed for the presence of ESBL, MBL, and AmpC E. coli O157:H7 using standard microbiological methods. The results of the antibiotics susceptibility test of E. coli O157:H7 isolated from various samples revealed that out of the 16 E. coli O157:H7 isolated from the samples, the percentage resistance to Tetracycline, Ciprofloxacin, Ampicillin, Cotrimoxazole, Chloramphenicol, Amikacin, Cefetrizole, Gentamycin, Streptomycin, and Nalidixic was 62.5, 18.7, 100, 43.7, 50, 87.5, 87.5, 31.2, 50 and 56.3 %, respectively. While the antibiotics susceptibility pattern for E. coli O157 revealed that out of the 35 E. coli O157 isolated from the samples, the percentage resistance to Tetracycline, Ciprofloxacin, Ampicillin, Cotrimoxazole, Chloramphenicol, Amikacin, Cefetrizole, Gentamycin, Streptomycin and Nalidixic was 60, 22.9, 57.1, 42.9, 34.3, 60, 71.4, 42.9, 68.6 and 45.7 %, respectively. The results of the E. coli O157:H7 with Extended \(\beta\) ─Lactamase, Metallo Beta-Lactamase, and Amp C \(\beta\) ─Lactamase Production revealed that only 25.5 % were ESBL positive, 62.5 % MBL positive while 12.5 % was AmpC positive. The food samples do not only habour enteropathogenic E. coli but are reservoirs of beta-lactamases resistant genes which conferred multidrug resistance to the isolates. These food samples and dungs could serve as vehicles for the transmission of these resistant genes in the food chain. Thus, proper cooking of food samples and avoidance of pig dung is recommended.
Assessment of Conflict between Humans and the Sclater’s Guenon (Cercopithecus sclateri Pocock 1904) in relation to Plant Species Utilization in Aboh-Mbaise Communal Forest, Imo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ovat O. I. , Tyowua B. T. , Orsar T. J. , Egwumah P. O.
Published: July 2022

Aims: Assessment of conflict between humans and sclater’s guenon in relation to plant species utilization was carried out to determine the conflict between humans and monkey, and identify the plant species parts utilized by the monkeys in area.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Lagwa community forest, Aboh-Mbaise Local Government Area, Imo State, between December 2019 and November 2021.

Study Design: The Point transect and visual observation methods were used to collect data on population and food availability.

Methodology: The research was conducted during the dry and wet seasons. Questionnaire were used to collect information on conflict between humans and guenons, while visual observation and faecal examination were used to identify plant species and part utilized.

Results: Habitat loss, raiding of farms, destruction of roof tops, and food scarcity were the causes of conflicts between monkeys and humans, while awareness creation and establishment of wildlife sanctuary were ways of reducing conflicts between monkeys and humans. Twenty six plant species were utilized by the monkeys for cover. Pear (21%), oil palm (16%), and mango (13%) were the most utilized during the dry season, while Pterocarpus erinaceous (15%), Dacryodes edulis and Treculia africana (11%) were utilized mostly during the wet season. The monkeys consumed more seeds (63%), less fruits (25%), and leaves (13%) during the wet season, and fruits (71%), leaves and seeds (14%) during the dry season.

Conclusion: The findings of this research is a guide to understanding the conflict that exist between humans and the sclater’s guenon, as well as communicate the type of plants and parts consumed by the animals. Awareness creation on the need to regenerate the remaining fragmented habitat and establishment of a rehabilitation centre for the animals can be a conflict reduction measure, and can provide alternative food sources for the animals.
Secondary Metabolite Screening of Extracted Oil from Nypa fruticans Wurmb. (Nipa Palm)
Authors: Dagalea Flyndon Mark S. , Jr. Abel Alejandro U. Flores, , Cortez Franklin E. , Lim Karina Milagros C.
Published: July 2022

Nypa fruticans Wurmb. (Nipa palm) oil was extracted from its ripe, semi-matured, fruits. Nipa palm possesses a diverse array of biological characteristics that can be a huge advantage to many fields and industries. The objective of the study is to characterize nipa palm oil extract through physicochemical analysis and secondary metabolite screening. The physicochemical properties determined were density, pH level, viscosity, solubility, and rancidity. The secondary metabolites such as tannin, saponin, alkaloid, flavonoid, and glycoside were also determined. Characteristic data for physicochemical analysis of nipa palm oil extract exhibited the following; a density of 1.34g/mL, acidic (6 pH level), more viscous (3.16/second), immiscible to hexane at room temperature, miscible to ethanol, water-soluble, and not rancid. Qualitative data for secondary metabolites showed the presence of only saponin and alkaloids among the test used. Overall, nipa palm oil extract has superior characteristics and can be a potential source of therapeutically and industrially important compounds.
Parents’ Attitude toward Their Children with Special Needs in Public School
Authors: Marilou N. Pesiao,
Published: July 2022

Aims: The birth of a child is a sign of faith and hope, prompting expectations of continuity and perpetuation. The mere existence of the newborn. the baby's and appearance, are usually a source of pride. But what if the child requires special needs and attention from the members of the family. This study was conducted to determine the attitudes of parents with children with special needs.

Study Design: Using a descriptive-correlational method of research, the parents were being surveyed using the Attitude Scale of Parents of Children with Special Needs, an adapted instrument.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in the Divisions of Digos City and in Davao del Sur, Philippines in 2021-2022.

Methodology: A test was done using the Pearson-r correlations to determine the relationship between the demographic’s variables and the attitudes of the parents.

Results: The demographic profile of the respondents revealed that majority of the parents belonged to the middle-aged adults, low-income groups, high school graduates and from big family size or households. The result revealed age and family size showed no relationship or influence to the attitudes of parents toward their child with special needs. However, educational background and family income showed significant relationship. The results of the survey revealed that the respondent has very good attitudes and manifested positive coping attributes in spite of their situation.

Output: A parenting enhancement plan was offered as an output of this study to improve the delivery of services and the entire special education program of the Department of Education.
Boolean Subtraction and Division with Application in Blood Transfusion
Authors: Ufuoma Okoh
Published: July 2022

The subject of Boolean subtraction and division first appeared in the gem Laws of Thought by George Boole of Great Britain. However, this subject has been exiled from the famed Boolean algebra because it was supposed that it leads to illogical expressions. A paper recently published elsewhere by the author reintroduced the subject by clarifying it and then furnishing an application of it in the design of digital circuits. The goal of this work is to demonstrate how these banished logical operations can be employed in furnishing infallible information about blood typing and cross-matching during blood transfusion.
Cancer-Related Lymphedema: Clinical and Epidemiological Features in Mexico
Authors: López-Montoya Luis , Cabanillas Yucari L. , Aguirre Joceline S. , Saenz-Ramirez K. Gabriela , Zarate-Sánchez Maria T. , D. Lopez Angel
Published: July 2022

Backgroundː There is a lack of clinical and epidemiological knowledge about cancer-related lymphedema in Mexico. The objective of this study is to present a broad and deep report of cancer-related lymphedema’s clinical characteristics and epidemiological features based on the analysis of CRL patients’ data, collected from a specialized rehabilitation clinic in Mexico.

Methodsː This is a cohort study based on the analysis of clinical data gathered between 2015 and 2022. The study was developed in a private clinic that specializes in oncological patients’ rehabilitation. Clinical assessments and interviews were performed to collect each case’s clinical history, considering diverse clinical characteristics and demographic information, classified in a matrix, and statistically evaluated.

Resultsː Among 307 lymphedema patients, gender distribution was represented by 87.9% (270) female and 12.1% (37) male; mean age of 54.5 years (± 32.5); 79.8% of the patients corresponded to breast cancer diagnosis, the rest of them were associated with other 19 different types of cancer. 90.2% of patients underwent some lymph node removal procedure, 68.1% of patients received fractioned radiotherapy sessions, and 87.7% received some chemotherapy scheme treatment. 64% of patients had a diagnosis of lymphedema and had onset symptoms of lymphedema in the first 5 years after oncological interventions and/or cancer diagnosis, most of them during the first 2 years. The general distribution of clinical staging was: 23.7% in stage 0; 20.1% in stage I; 44.6% in stage II, and in stage III 11.4%. Regarding body mass index, it was found a mean of 26.7 BMI. 61.2% of patients ranged between overweight and obesity. 43.3% of patients with CRL reported a disability to perform one or more activities due to lymphedema. 80% of patients had no physical activity or performed under the minimal physical activity recommended for the population group they belong.

Conclusionː This study reports broad epidemiological and clinical features of a group of cancer-related lymphedema patients in Mexico, it was possible to identify diverse potential factors and relations that influence the clinical features of CRL; it is necessary to explore all factors and the interactions among them for a better understanding of CRL patients in the country.
Generation Mean Analysis for Yield and Drought Related Traits in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Shankar M. , Singh Rajesh , Shahi Jai Prakash , Devesh Pavan , Singh Pargat
Published: July 2022

Six generations of two maize crosses were used for computation of generation mean analysis under moisture stressed and non-stressed conditions for yield and drought related traits. Epistasis was observed for all the traits studied in two crosses in both the moisture conditions. The traits number of kernel rows per cob, number of kernels per row, number of grains per cob, grain yield, chlorophyll content and anthesis to silking interval depicted the duplicate gene action under both non stress and moisture stress condition for both the crosses. However relative water content depicted complementary gene action for the cross CIL1221×ZL11243 under both the moisture regimes. Although leaf area index exhibit complementary gene action for cross CAL1411×CZL0713 under both the moisture regimes. In the presence of epistasis, complementary type of gene interaction situation, additive component is often relatively underestimated while dominance effects tend to be overestimated. Duplicate type of epistasis generally hinders improvement through selection and selection of these traits will be difficult in the early generations. Therefore selection should be delayed after several generations of selection (single seed descent) until a high level of gene fixation is attained. Such genotypes could stand better under drought conditions to get maximum yield in maize.