bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplements to amaranth feed for fish cultivation. Part 3. Justification of the physical and chemical characteristics of the components of wheat and amaranth herb using a biochemical indicator of total antioxidant activity
Authors:   Kazan Energy University, Lapin Anatoly A. , Kalaida Marina L. ,   Kazan Energy University, Zelenkov Valery N. ,   All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
Published: March 2021

Expanding research to find sources for new effective and environmentally friendly fish feed additives based on natural plant-based raw materials is a pressing agricultural concern Biotechnology. This is especially true because feed additives for fish farming, as opposed to the use of feed additives for farm animals, come into contact with the environment of reservoirs and, accordingly, can have a significant impact on the ecosystem water environment for all inhabitants of reservoirs for breeding fish as aquaculture. The article presents the results of a biochemical study of the total antioxidant activity of the developed feed additives based on the components of the grain of spring wheat (Triticum) of the Kazan Jubilee and amaranth herbs (Amaranthus cruentus L) Shuntuk varieties from the collection of the botanical garden of the All-Russian Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. We show that when applying the technological equipment for grinding the original components for the preparation of feed additives, the total antioxidant activity of the wheat and amaranth grain fractions after grinding depends on the degree of the grinding or from the variance of component particles after sowing on the Sith. It is shown that when preparing fish feed it is best to use wheat with the size of particles 0.25-0.4 mm, which corresponds to the maximum manifestation of the total antioxidant activity of the crushed grain. For the first time in the experiment revealed a synergistic effect on the manifestation of total antioxidant activity when adding protein-vitamin flour from dry amaranth herb to the crushed wheat grain with a maximum value of 4% of its content from the total mass Feed.
Use of Chlorella sorokiniana biomass as an oral sorbent
Authors:   St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Named after Peter the Great, Toumi Amira , Smyatskaya Yulia A. ,   St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Named after Peter the Great, Politaeva Natalia A. ,   St. Petersburg Polytechnic University Named after Peter the Great
Published: March 2021

This article presents an assessment of the biosorption capacity of Chlorella sorokiniana microalgae in relation to heavy metal ions (Zn2+, Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+) at various pH values. With the development of industry, several environmental threats have emerged, including heavy metal pollution. This form of pollution has negative effects in the short and long term on the health of animals and humans. To prevent the accumulation of harmful substances in the human body, it is advised to use oral sorbents in prophylactic and therapeutic purposes. Oral sorbents have the ability to adsorb and neutralize certain toxins in the stomach and the intestines and remove them from the human body. The present article investigated the possibility of using microalgae Chlorella sorokiniana as an oral sorbent. The sorption capacity of Chlorella sorokiniana microalgal biomass was determined by voltammetry of standard solutions with an initial concentration of heavy metal ions of 10 mg/L. The removal efficiency ranged from 88 to 99%. The studies were carried out at pH values from 2 to 6. The sorption capacity was high at all considered acidity values. Sorption properties were confirmed by the study of the IR spectrum and microscopy of the freeze-dried biomass samples. The surface of the sorption material was studied by electron microscopy depicting the presence of multiple pores and depressions. It could be assumed that the sorption properties of microalgae are partly due to physical processes. Freeze drying can significantly increase the active surface area of the sample. The presence of hydroxyl groups in the biomass was confirmed by IR-spectroscopy indicating the chemical nature of the sorption process.
Medicinal plants of the Baikal natural territory, which are part of the adaptogenic remedy “Tsentafit”
Authors:   Institute of General and Experimental Biology, Siberian Division, Russian Academy of Sciences, Shishmareva Tat'yana M. , Shishmarev Vyacheslav M. ,   Institute of General and Experimental Biology, Siberian Division, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: March 2021

In many countries, a new direction of pharmacology is actively developing – stimulating therapy, the purpose of which is to create drugs that do not treat, but preserve and strengthen health. Adaptogenic drugs are such drugs aimed at treating and preventing diseases associated with increased fatigue, stress, anorexia, colds, and also to speed up the healing process after the acute phase of the disease. This work presents the results of the distribution of medicinal plants growing on the Baikal natural territory (the Republic of Buryatia, the Irkutsk region and the Trans-Baikal Territory) and which are part of the complex plant-based adaptogenic remedy «Tsentofit». The composition of this product includes the herb Serratula centauroides L., the fruits of Rosa davurica Pallas, the rhizomes with roots of Inula helenium L., the herb Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench and the leaves of Bergenia crassifolia (L.) Fritsch. Among these plants, the leaves of Bergenia crassifolia, the aerial part of Serratula centauroides, and the fruits of Rosa davurica in various plant communities were studied. A commodity analysis was carried out for the raw materials of Bergenia crassifolia, Serratula centauroides and Rosa davurica. The phytomass, biological and exploitation resources of raw materials of these plants are determined.
Obtaining new substituted 4-dimethylamino-2-(naphth-1-yl)-phenyl- 1-(2-chloroquinolin-3-yl)-butan-2-ol having activity against resistant strains of M. Tuberculosis
Authors:   JSC ", Omelkov Anton V. ,   Pharm-Synthesis", Ruchko Evsey A. ,   JSC "Pharm-Synthesis", Fedorov Vladimir E. ,   JSC "Pharm-Synthesis"
Published: March 2021

The discovery in 2002 among derivatives of 6-bromo-3-benzyl-2-methoxyquinolines the highly active compounds against M. Tuberculosis bacterium and its drug-resistant strains led to the creation of the innovative anti-TB drug TMS-207 in 2013 by Janssen-Cilag, Bedaqueline® (1R, 2S)*-1-(6-bromo-2-methoxy-3-quinolyl)-4-dimethylamino-2-(naphth-1-yl)-1-phenyl-butane-2-ol. Developing this area of research in our laboratory we set ourselves the task of further modifying the structure of Bedakvelin® in order to obtain new not described patent-capable compounds with greater bioavailability and fewer side effects. To achieve this goal, it was planned to synthesize a number of derivatives of TMS-207 with a change in the substituents in the quinoline ring. Among the structural analogues of Bedakvelin® described in the literature, derivatives of 2-chloroquinolines were absent. The synthesis and study of properties derived from this particular structure has become the goal of this study. It was decided to preserve as the active molecule fragment of the base part the Bedakvelin® which was optimal for derivatives of 2-methoxy-quinolinolin order. The scheme of obtaining the target compounds that we have chosen is practically uncontested if we take into account the boundary conditions for the cost of raw materials and minimize the number of synthesis stages. The resulting diastereomeric pairs differ in activity in M. Tuberculosis. RSSR diastereomeric pairs had greater activity against mycobacteria than RRSS diastereomeric pairs. Stereoselective or stereospecific preparation of such compounds with a good yield is desirable when producing the necessary tertiary alcohols. The aim of this work was to determine all the reaction conditions that affect the yield of the target 4-dimethylamino-2-(naphth-1-yl)-phenyl-1-(2-chloroquinolin-3-yl)-butan-2-ols, and the determination of the possibility of a stereospecific or stereoselective method for the synthesis of such compounds.
The study of the reactivity of derivatives of hydroxycinnamic alcohol as model compounds of lignin
Authors:   Ufa State Petroleum Technological University, Branch  of the University in Sterlitamak, Karimov Oleg K. , Kolchina Galina Yu. ,   Bashkir State University, Branch of the University  in Sterlitamak, Movsumzade Eldar M. ,   Ufa State Petroleum Technological  University
Published: March 2021

In the framework of method of the B3LYP hybrid density functional and the restricted Hartree-Fock method in the basis of 6-311 (d, p), quantum-chemical calculations of model compounds of lignin, i.e. derivatives of p-hydroxycinnamic alcohol were carried out. The structures and reactivity of coumaric, coniferyl and synapol alcohols were studied. The structural units of lignin contain hydroxyl groups which can be in the plane of benzene ring but can be turned up to 90° with respect to this plane. In the case of methoxy groups which are also present in coniferol and synapol alcohols, the methyl group is turned to 90° with respect to the plane of ring, as the most favorable conformation. Moreover, these compounds contain π,π-conjugations of the aromatic ring with an aliphatic fragment of molecule that affects the geometric characteristics of the molecule. For coumaric and coniferyl alcohols, the Сар–Сα bond length is 1.47 Ǻ. A slight deformation of valence angles for coumaric and synapol alcohols equal to 118.94° and 117.72° respectively instead of 120° at sp2 hybridization indicates the availability of conjugation. The use of a charge as a descriptor of attack selectivity of nucleophilic and electrophilic particles allows us to analized of the reactivity of these acids are given. It is found that the electronic structure of lignin is determined primarily by the charge distribution in its structural phenylpropane unit. In the molecules of all model compounds of lignin, the center for nucleophilic attack is the carbon of aromatic ring (E-ring) with a hydroxyl group, and in the molecule of synapol alcohol, this center is also the carbon of the aromatic ring (E-ring) with a methoxy group. In all three compounds, a center with an increased electron density appears on the Сβ carbon atom.
Energy consumption of emulsification processes in small-sized mix apparatuses
Authors:   Branch of Federal State Budget Educational Institution of Higher Vocational Education  “Ufa State Petroleum Technical University” in Sterlitamak, Shulaev Nikolay S. , Shulaeva Tatiana V. ,   Branch of Federal State Budget Educational Institution of Higher Vocational Education  “Ufa State Petroleum Technical University” in Sterlitamak, Laponov Sergey V. ,   Branch of Federal State Budget Educational Institution of Higher Vocational Education  “Ufa State Petroleum Technical University” in Sterlitamak
Published: March 2021

There is given in this thesis a general method of calculation of power consumption for emulgation in systems liquid-liquid in small-size mixing devices (rotor-pulsation apparatuses and rotor-disc mixers). This mixing devices, have shown a high efficiency at processing of liquid-liquid systems and are wide using chemical processes. The base of calculation method is an energy ratio to describe of developed turbulent motion, pulsation intensity of which is enough for create of dispersed particles of given size and concentration, which provide a necessary surface of phases contact. It is shown, that in determination of energy consumption it is need to take in account energy dissipation processes, due to viscous friction forces, which have a significant influence at high gradients of turbulent motion. There is obtained a ratio, which connects an angular velocity of rotor rotation of mixing device and a characterized size of dispersed phase particles.There is given an experimental dependencies of consumed power of rotor-disc mixers on rotor rotations number of mixing device and characterized sizes of dispersed particles for systems water-diesel fuel. It was determined, that are decreasing of dispersed particles sizes and in increasing of volumetric flow of processing mixture a value of consumed power increases, and it is related with by increase of energy consumption for creating of interphase surface. It was determined, that a power, consumed by rotor-disc mixer, for emulsion making with averaged dispersion size of particles at range 5-25 mkm, increases by increase of rotation numbers ~n0.37. Comparison of theoretical equations and experimental data have shown adequacy of supposed calculation method of energy consumption.
Influence of magnesium hydrosilicate on the properties plantar rubber
Authors:   Chuvash State University  of  I.N. Ulyanov, Efimov Konstantin V. , Tsareva Lyudmila Yu. ,   Chuvash State University  of  I.N. Ulyanov, Ushmarin Nikolay F. ,   Chuvash State University  of  I.N. Ulyanov, Koltsov Nikolay I. ,   Chuvash State University  of  I.N. Ulyanov
Published: March 2021

The properties of rubber products are determined by the nature and content of caoutchoucs, vulcanizing systems and other ingredients. Among them, fillers play an important role. The most common fillers are carbon black and silicas. Recently, in connection with the increasing operational requirements for rubber products, additives of special fillers began to be introduced into rubber mixtures. Among them, silicates are of practical interest, the use of which allows not only to reduce the cost, but also to give qualitatively new useful physical and mechanical properties to rubbers. Improving the physical and mechanical properties of rubbers directly depends on the particle size of the fillers. Fillers with a smaller particle size have a larger surface area and have a significant effect on the physical and mechanical properties of rubbers. The highly developed surface of powdered magnesium hydrosilicate suggests its use as a filler for rubber compounds. In this regard, it is of interest to study the effect of magnesium hydrosilicate on the properties of rubbers. This article explored the possibility of using magnesium hydrosilicate in plantar rubber based on a combination of nitrile butadiene SKN-4055, methyl styrene butadiene SKMS-30ARK and isoprene SKI-3 caoutchoucs. The rheometric properties were investigated for the rubber mixture, and the physical and mechanical properties, hardness, resistance to thermal aging and the action of aggressive media were determined for vulcanizates. As a result of the studies, it was found that the best rheometric, physico-mechanical and operational properties are possessed by the vulcanizate of the rubber compound, in which the silicon-acid filler of rossil 175 was partially replaced by magnesium hydrosilicate. This rubber can be used in the production of oil and petrol resistant soles of rubber shoes.
Effects of Mosquito coil smoke (D-Transallethrin) on parenchyma of testis of adult Wistar Albino rats
Authors: Siddique Nazia , Ahmad Masooma , Ilyas Maria , Baloch Muhammad Bahadur , Zaheer Attya , Jabeen Rukhsana
Published: March 2021

Background: The use of mosquito coils has increased exponentially, especially in the under developed countries. Many researches have been conducted over the past few years to advocate both the possible risks and potential benefits. These coils and the inhalation of their smoke have been proved to cause upper and lower airway tract infections. But still the possible side effects of inhalation of these coil smoke on other organ systems of the body were unclear.
Methods: Adult male Wistar rats were divided into two groups each containing eight rats. Group A was control group while group B was allowed to inhale mosquito coil smoke for four week. The experimental group was exposed to MCS for 8 hours / day. Histopathological analysis of testis was carried out.
Results: Histopathological studies of rats exposed to MCS revealed changes in parenchyma of testis. Decrease in the height of germinal epithelium and diameter of seminiferous tubules and increase in and vascular congestion was observed.
Conclusion: The results of present study suggest that allethrin based mosquito coil smoke has harmful effects on testis
The First Cadaveric Dissection in India
Authors: Dasgupta Soumit
Published: March 2021

Historical Perspective

The first cadaver dissection in India in the 19th century after millennia of social prejudices took place in the recently established Calcutta Medical College in 1835, the first medical college in Asia imparting western medical education to British, Anglo Indians and Indians in the empire.  The first scientific approach to medical sciences commenced following this landmark event and set the trend for future liberal attitudes in society and contributed to the Bengal Renaissance of the 19th century. This is a fictional account of the day when it happened. Only the characters and the fact that the dissection occurred are real.
Nursing Team Training to Use a Flowchart to Care for Patients with Chest Pain
Authors: Lima Bruna Carolina , Machado Regimar Carla , Sant`Anna Ana Lúcia Gargione Galvão , Novembre Rosângela Claudia , Nery Victoria Dorneles , Lopes Paulo Willians , Sampaio Sueli Fatima , Von Jakitsch Camila Bomfim
Published: March 2021

Background: chest pain, of multicausal etiology, associated with a cardiac cause or not, is one of the most frequently presented symptoms by patients in Emergency Care Units. Despite its high prevalence in health services, there is still a deficiency in care standardization, which raises difficulties in acute coronary syndrome diagnosis and delay in treatment. The objective was to assess the efficiency of professional training of nursing teams in Emergency Care Units on the use of a flowchart to care for patients with chest pain.

Methods and Findings: this educational intervention study was conducted with 25 nursing team professionals. It has been developed in four steps: Step 1 referred to prior application of the validated research instrument. Step 2 comprised training to use the flowchart with an expository lesson on care of patients with chest pain and guidance regarding the flowchart to be implemented. Step 3 reapplied the validated instrument after class. Step 4 reapplied the instrument after 2 months of training for flowchart implementation. When comparing the results of the instrument applied to nursing team professionals, post-training and follow-up performance surpassed that of pre-training. It was observed that professionals with less than five years of experience showed better performance. This study had as limitation the small sample of health professionals participating in the offered training.

Conclusion: training was satisfactory and significant, and professionals demonstrated content assimilation, obtaining higher scores than at the beginning of the research.
De fer et de laine
Authors: Codina Vialette Olivier
Published: March 2021

L’Andorre, de par sa position au sein des Pyrénées, a souvent été perçue comme un isolat replié sur lui même. Ce livre, qui couvre une période longue de près de quatre siècles - des lendemains de la guerre civile catalane aux débuts de la IIIe république française et à la restauration des Bourbons en Espagne - apporte un éclairage tout à fait différent grâce à des sources publiques et privées extraordinairement riches.Olivier Codina balaie nombre de stéréotypes, de lieux communs : l’Andorre ne s’est pas figée à la fin du Moyen Age. Elle fut au contraire un milieu ouvert qui réagit avec rapidité, s’adapta constamment aux changements intervenus dans les pays voisins. L’organisation de la famille et de la société, les institutions, profondément originales, ne sont pas figées non plus. Les formes d’exploitation évoluent, le développement de l’élevage favorise la formation d’une oligarchie qui utilise les possibilités offertes par un milieu montagnard moins ingrat qu’on le pense, développe un actif commerce transpyrénéen, se lance dans la sidérurgie.Est-ce pour cette raison, accentuée par les turbulences qui agitent les pays voisins, que la représentation politique se referme temporairement sur elle-même, ce qui entraîne des tensions et impose de reconsidérer le système ?De Fer et de Laine : un grand livre qui renouvelle profondément l’histoire de l’Andorre, des Pyrénées, des sociétés montagnardes.
Postpartum Depression and its Risk Factors
Authors: Rahaney Vinit , Faye Abhijeet , Tadke Rahul , Gawande Sushil , Bhave Sudhir H. , Kirpekar Vivek Chintaman
Published: March 2021

Background:

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mental health condition affecting the psychological/physical health of a mother and the infant significantly.

Aims:

This study aims at assessing the prevalence, the pattern of symptoms, and the risk factors associated with PPD. The study also aims at finding the correlation between PPD and stressful life events.

Subjects and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital on sixty participants after ethics committee approval. Consecutively selected patients in a postpartum state fulfilling the study criteria were selected from obstetric ward and interviewed using semi-structured pro forma, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders version 5 (DSM 5), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), and Presumptive Stressful Life Events Scale (PSLES). Data collected were statistically analyzed with SPSS software using mean, standard deviation, and Chi-square test.

Results:

Mean age of the participants was 25.53 (standard deviation - 3.2). Prevalence of PPD was 6.7% which was a major depressive disorder as per the DSM 5 criteria. Sadness of mood (Depressed mood), impaired concentration, change in weight, and insomnia were the commonly reported symptoms. Seventy five percent of the participants had PSLES score of >100, indicating higher stress. Furthermore, 75% of the participants with a history of abortion showed a PSLES score above 100. Significant positive correlation was found between PSLES score and HAM-D score, with 63% of the participants with PSLES score >200 had a HAM-D score of >8 (suggestive of depression). Younger (<20 years) or older (>30 years) age at pregnancy, history of abortion, and higher level of stress were found to be the risk factors for developing PPD.

Conclusion:

Although the prevalence is less, PPD is an important mental health issue. It is worth screening all the patients in postpartum state so as to intervene early if needed. This may help in better care of physical and psychological health of a mother and the newborn.
Development and validation of a Questionnaire to study practices and diversities in Plexus and Peripheral nerve blocks
Authors: Singh Neha , Ponde Vrushali , Jagannathan Balavenkatasubramanian , Rao Parnandi B , Dixit Amit , Agarwal Gaurav
Published: March 2021

Background and Aims:

Regional anaesthesia techniques are a part of perioperative medicine that affects both perioperative and long-term outcomes. We have a paucity of the data on the usage and practices of plexus and peripheral nerve blocks (PNBs). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first effort to validate a survey for plexus and PNBs. Subsequently, this questionnaire could be used for the survey to look for the trends and disparities in PNB practices and further to develop a national registry in the future.

Methods:

Thirty questions were prepared after evidence-based search and reviewed by experts for suggestions. Changes were done and the questionnaire with the grading sheet was sent to 19 experts. The responses were analysed to calculate the content validity index (CVI) item-wise (I-CVI), scale-wise (S-CVI), and modified kappa statistics. The I-CVI of 0.78 and an S-CVI/average of 0.90 was taken as acceptable with more than six experts.

Results:

Fourteen experts out of 19 assessed and graded the questions as per the provided sheet and submitted suggestions through the mail. Question reframing, option reconsideration, and change from single to multiple choices were incorporated as per the suggestions of the experts. Mean I-CVI for relevance, simplicity, clarity, and ambiguity was 0.99, 0.98, 0.98, and 0.99, respectively. S-CVI/average was 0.98, 0.97, 0.98, and 0.99 for relevance, simplicity, clarity, and ambiguity, respectively.

Conclusion:

We conclude that this questionnaire has met the content validity criteria and can be used to study plexus and PNBs practices.
Introduction of direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS) as a formative assessment tool during postgraduate training in anaesthesiology
Authors: Lagoo Jui Y , Joshi Shilpa B
Published: March 2021

Background and Aims:

Formative assessment of procedural skills of Anaesthesiology postgraduate (PG) students is not conducted conventionally. Direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS) helps to identify gaps in performance and provides structured feedback. The present study was taken to explore perceptions of PG students and faculty about DOPS.

Methods:

This mixed design interventional study was conducted on 12 PGs and 10 faculty members in Department of Anaesthesiology. After conducting DOPS, a pre-validated questionnaire was given to them about perceptions using 3-point Likert's scale along with open ended questions. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics of perception to calculate percentages and themes were identified for qualitative data.

Results:

Responses of students were positive about skill improvement (83%), time provided (75%), feedback (100%), interaction (83%), motivation (83%), satisfaction (83%), effectiveness (83%) and opportunity creation (92%). Faculty responded positively regarding change in attitude (100%), effectiveness (100%), scope (90%), feasible application (90%), ease (90%), opportunity creation (80%), gap identification (100%), satisfaction (80%). However, 60% felt training was required, 50% thought more time and commitment was required. Themes identified were DOPS is comprehensive, interactive, student-friendly, good teaching-learning tool, identifies gaps, provides focus for learning, provides systematic constructive feedback, improves skills, prepares for future practice, requires planning, may not reflect competence, has assessor variability and can be included in PG curriculum.

Conclusion:

DOPS was perceived as an effective assessment and teaching-learning tool by PG students as well as faculty.
Influence of interpretation of pain scores on patients’ perception of pain
Authors: Bakshi Sumitra G , Rathod Akanksha , Salunkhe Supriya
Published: March 2021

Background and Aims:

Assessment of pain using pain scales is essential. In the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), patients are asked to score their pain intensity on a scale from 0 to 10 (10- worst pain). This requires some abstract thinking by the patient, also the pain scores (PS) may not essentially communicate the patients’ need for more analgesia. We planned a study to evaluate the change in patients’ self-assessed PS after understanding clinical interpretation of the NRS.

Methods:

This prospective study was registered after approval from our hospital ethics board. Sample size estimated for the trial was 360 patients. All postoperative patients were recruited after informed consent. Patients having prolonged stay in Intensive Care Unit (more than 48 h), or those who underwent emergency surgeries were excluded. During Acute Pain Service (APS) rounds, patients were asked to rate their PS on the NRS. This was followed by a briefing about the clinical interpretation of the scale, and the patients were asked to re score their pain using the same scale. The change in pain severity was compared using Chi-square test.

Results:

Following explanation, a change in severity was seen for PS at rest [X
2 (9, N- 360) = 441, P < 0.001] and at movement [X2 (9, N- 360) = 508, P < 0.001]. Overall, a change in PS severity was seen in 162 patients (45%). A decrease and an increase in the severity of pain was seen in 119 and 41 patients respectively.

Conclusion:

Explaining the clinical interpretation of PS on a NRS does lead to a change in patients’ self-assessed PS.
Intubation outcomes using the aerosol box during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Venketeswaran Meenakshi V , Srinivasaraghavan Nivedhyaa , Balakrishnan Kalpana , Seshadri Ramakrishnan A , Sriman Sahithya
Published: March 2021

Background and Aims:

The aerosol box (AB), an improvised device used during the coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic, has attracted both interest and controversy. Several simulated studies have examined its protective efficacy as well as intubation efficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the practical conduct of intubation using the AB in patients undergoing elective, oncological surgery during the pandemic.

Methods:

This prospective, observational study included adult patients undergoing oncological surgery. Thirteen anaesthesiologists performed 132 intubations using one of three ABs designated as AB 1, AB 2 and AB 3. The primary outcome was the difference in the time to intubation (TTI) between patients with Mallampati score MP I-II (Group 1) and MP III-IV (Group 2). Secondary outcomes included first-pass success rate, fall in peripheral oxygen saturation to < 95%, total number of attempts and failure to intubate using the AB.

Results:

The mean TTI was not significantly different in Group 1 and Group 2 (71.02 (61.66) s vs. 101.35 (121.94) s respectively, P = 0.119). Desaturation during intubation was seen in 20 patients (15.1%). First pass success rate was achieved in 109 patients (82.6%). Twenty-one patients (15.9%) needed more than one attempt to intubate and the box had to be removed in 8 patients (6.1%) for facilitating intubation. The Mallampati score did not significantly influence either desaturation or first pass success rate.

Conclusion:

There was a non-significant increasing TTI trend in patients with a higher MP score with the use of an aerosol box. However, this did not translate to a clinically significant difference in the overall intubation outcomes.
A descriptive survey of tracheal extubation practices among Indian anaesthesiologists
Authors: Thakore Sakshi , Kundra Pankaj , Garg Rakesh
Published: March 2021

Background and Aims:

This study assesses the extubation practices of anaesthesiologists and whether these practices differ from existing guidelines.

Methods:

The literature related to tracheal extubation was searched and a validated questionnaire was designed to assess practices of tracheal extubation. The questionnaire included techniques, manoeuvres, preparation, timing and plan of extubation. The survey link was shared with eligible participants. The responses were assessed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software.

Results:

Of the 1264 respondents, 66.8% keep difficult airway cart ready only when difficult extubation is anticipated. Only 12.3% of respondents perform deep extubation with supraglottic airway device (SAD) exchange while 73.3% of respondents perform awake extubation with pharmacological control for preventing haemodynamic fluctuations. In the case of anticipated difficult extubation, 48.3% anaesthesiologists prefer the airway exchange catheter (AEC) exchange technique. Of all, 84.8% anaesthesiologists administer 100% oxygen before performing extubation and 81.7% continue to oxygenate during and 83.9% provide oxygen after extubation in all patients. In the case of suspected airway edema or collapse or surgical cause for airway compromise, 70% anaesthesiologists perform a leak test. The most preferred plan of extubation in patients with suspected airway collapse after surgery is direct extubation in fully awake position (54.6%). In patients with anticipated difficult extubation, 50.8% anaesthesiologists prefer to ventilate for 24 hours and reassess.

Conclusion:

We observed that the extubation practices vary widely among anaesthesiologists. Almost half of the anaesthesiologists were unaware of extubation guidelines.
Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in an inpatient population in the Swiss Canton of Basel-Country
Authors: Benhamou Jonathan , Schindler Christian , Rutishauser Jonas
Published: March 2021

AIMS
Vitamin D deficiency remains very common in the general population. Adding to the importance of this issue is the discovery that vitamin D plays a role in many other tissues apart from the bone, including muscle, brain, prostate, breast and colon. In this study, we investigated the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in a large group of patients hospitalised in the cantonal hospital Basel-Country, and analysed the dependence of serum vitamin D concentrations on gender, time of the year and age.

METHODS
We retrospectively analysed anonymised data received from the central laboratory of the cantonal hospital Basel-Country. The pool of data contains values obtained between 2013 and 2017 from 8861 patients aged between 18 and 102 years. If sequential measurements were available from a patient, only the first was used for the analyses. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a serum concentration of <50 nmol/l and severe deficiency as <25 nmol/l. Vitamin D values between 50 and 75 nmol/l are considered a grey zone. Optimal values are >75 nmol/l.

RESULTS
Mean ± standard deviation serum vitamin D concentration was 52.5 ± 30.5 nmol/l, with women having a higher mean of 55.5 ± 31.5 nmol/l as compared with 48.1 ± 28.6 nmol/l in men (p <10-5). Of the 8861 first measurements taken within the observation period, 4527 (51%) were vitamin D deficient with levels <50 nmol/l, including 1860 (21.0%) with levels <25 nmol/l. There was only a weak positive association of average vitamin D levels with age (p = 0.06). Women reached peak concentrations of 56.9 ± 35.4 nmol/l in the age group 90–102 years, whereas men reached peaks of 50.3 ± 31.9 nmol/l in 50–59-year-olds. Mean autumn and spring concentrations differed less (51.6 ± 29.6 vs 52.7 ± 30.7 nmol/l, respectively, p = 0.38) than mean summer and winter concentrations (57.1 ± 29.5 vs 48.0 ± 31.2 nmol/l, respectively, p <10-5).

CONCLUSIONS
Vitamin D deficiency was a common finding in our cohort, affecting all age groups and occurring in over half (51%) of the values measured. As current guidelines recommend vitamin D concentrations >75 nmol/l, only 22.1% of measured values indicated adequate vitamin D levels. This issue should be addressed in order to improve quality of life and reduce medical costs.
“Quando eu venho de Luanda, eu não venho só”
Authors: Santos Silveira Amanda
Published: March 2021

Enquanto fruto da incansável luta do Movimento Negro, a Lei de Cotas intensificou o acesso de negros e negras na universidade e esse foi um marco histórico que proporcionou certa positivação na imagem desses sujeitos. Contudo, tais instituições refletem as assimetrias de poder que estruturam a nossa sociedade e, como estratégia de acolhimento e como rede de solidariedade entre estudantes negros e negras, nascem os coletivos negros. Considerando esses grupos como uma forma de aquilombamento, o presente artigo trata de um estudo etnográfico com o Coletivo Negressencia e com o Coletivo Corpo Negra. A partir de um referencial teórico predominantemente negro e/ou decolonial, esta escrita traz reflexões sobre coletivos negros na cena da Dança dentro do Movimento Negro universitário e artístico em diálogo com a sociedade gaúcha.
The Antiepileptic Drugs Therapy Practice in Epileptic Patients: What Does Evidence Show?
Authors: Banstola Ranjana , Khan Gulam Muhammad
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Though studies regarding epilepsy have been conducted in different parts of the world, there is a scarcity of established studies regarding treatment outcomes among patients with epilepsy. Therefore, the aim of this review is to assess antiepileptic drug therapy among patients with epilepsy. This will help in exploring the existing AEDs therapy practice including the outcomes.

Methods: Using different search engines like EndNote (Pubmed), Google, Google Scholar and Hinari, literatures were searched for review. Different literatures like, research reports, articles, documents, books and internet findings relevant to this study were reviewed.

Findings and discussion: Outcome of AEDs therapy is affected by several factors including patient-related factors, disease related factors and drug related factors. The selection of the most appropriate AEDs for a patient with seizures depends upon the accurate classification of the seizures, the type of epilepsy or epileptic syndromes, and drug such as availability and accessibility of drugs, their efficacy, side effect and comfort use as well as patient factors. So, the selection of AED therapy at present is an empirical process, based on seizure and patient-specific variables and a working knowledge of available AEDs, including AED mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, drug-drug interactions, and medication side effects and ultimately the treatment outcomes.

Conclusion: It is recommended that researchers need to focus on further longitudinal and interventional studies in providing adequate evidence about the cause-effect relationship between the AEDs therapy practice and seizure control.
Selected physical and mechanical properties of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood from stands of younger age classes as criteria for rational utilization of timber
Authors: Pikiński Przemysław Marcin , Szaban Jaroslav , Šilingienė Gerda , Korzeniewicz Robert , Pazdrowski Witold
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood depending on the age of trees, forest site conditions and social class of tree position in the stand. Analyses were based on the determination of specific density and static bending strength, as well as the strength quality coefficient. It was to determine changes in physical and mechanical properties of timber depending on tree age as well as growth conditions reflected in the forest site such as fresh mixed coniferous forests and fresh mixed broadleaved forests. Experimental plots were established in 6 localities with 30, 40 and 60-year-old trees. In each of the stands, a 1-hectare experimental plot was established. Based on the measured DBH and tree height, dimensions of three mean sample trees were calculated, while the classification of social class of tree position in the stand developed by Kraft (1884) was also applied. Analyses were conducted on wood samples with 12% moisture content. Strength tests on wood samples were performed on an Instron 33RH204 universal strength testing machine. A detailed analysis showed properties of pine wood are improved with an increase of tree age in both forest sites. Statistically significant differences were observed for wood density and static bending strength. More advantageous properties were observed for wood of pines from the less fertile forest site, i.e., fresh mixed coniferous forests. Density and static bending strength were markedly determined by tree age and growth conditions. The static bending strength quality coefficient from pines growing in the fresh mixed coniferous forests increased between 30 and 40 years, similarly as it was for the fresh mixed broadleaved forests, while between 40 and 60 years, it deteriorated for the fresh mixed coniferous forests. Wood density from the fresh mixed coniferous forests was by 3% to 7% greater than pines growing in fresh mixed broadleaved forests. In turn, static bending strength of wood from pines growing in fresh mixed coniferous forests was by 4% to 10% greater than trees from the fresh mixed broadleaved forests.  Keywords: Scots pine, wood properties, forest site, Poland
EXTERNAL DEBT AND EXPORT PERFORMANCE IN PAKISTAN: AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION
Authors:   Bahria University ,Karachi., Shamim Muhammad Asif
Published: March 2021

The objective of this research is to study the relationships between the two variables, external debt and exports performance within the reach of Pakistan. The data used for the study was selected by annual time series from 1972 to 2014. According to the co-integration analysis done for the study there was a significant negative relationship between export performance and external debt in Pakistan. Whereas when the Error correction model was used, the results pointed out an inconsequential relationship in the short run within the two variables, external debt and exports in the short run. The next test of stability analysis confirms that long run model is stable whereas, the granger causality test claims a unidirectional relationship from external debt and exports; the result of impulse response also confirms the negative relationship between exports and external debt in Pakistan; further the result of FMOLS states that the initial results are vigorous; the major reasons for the negative link between the two variables exports and external debt is the IMF conditionality to Pakistan that it has to raise revenue by increasing indirect taxes and increasing energy prices. It is suggested that dependency on external debt should be discouraged and this gap of foreign inflow should be covered with foreign direct investment and inflows of workers‘ remittances and by increasing export earnings in the country. Government should improve the regional trade agreement and should avail the opportunity of GSP plus (Generalized Scheme of Preferences) status by improving the law and order situation. It is also suggested that the government should control the failure of power supply and export allowances should be given to the Export Processing Zones. These are the earliest measure that should be taken to minimize the negative effects of external debt on export performance in the country.
Supervivencia condicional en pacientes con respuesta clínica completa a la quimioradioterapia neoadyuvante manejados con Watch & Wait. Estudio retrospectivo, internacional y multicéntrico
Authors: Fernández Laura
Published: March 2021

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Publikasi Teologi sebagai DNA Para Rasul di Era Literasi Digital
Authors: Siahaan Harl Evan R.
Published: March 2021

Kegiatan publikasi di lingkungan Perguruan Tinggi Keagamaan Kristen (PTKK) sudah semakin meningkat dalam dua tahun belakangan ini. Hal tersebut dapat dilihat dari bertambahnya jumlah jurnal ilmiah yang berbasis online (OJS), serta jumlah OJS yang telah terakreditasi. Namun demikian, jumlah tersebut masih didominasi dari STT yang berada di pulau Jawa, sementara di belahan Indonesia tengah, hingga ke ujung timur publikasi ilmiah masih menjadi tantangan yang perlu terus diaktualisasikan. Sekalipun terjadi peningkatan geliat publikasi dan literasi di lingkup PTKK, jumlah tersebut masih jauh di bawah jumlah PTKK yang ada, sehingga perlu langkah yang mampu menstimulasi kegiatan publikasi ini. Artikel ini bertujuan untuk menawarkan sebuah pemikiran yang bersifat reflektif biblikal dalam rangka mendorong peningkatannya yang semakin signifikan. Dengan menggunakan metode analisis gramatikal pada kata kerusso, maka dapat disim-pulkan, bahwa istilah kerusso berimplikasi pada kegiatan publikasi di era literasi digital masa kini.
Molecular characterization and expression of the related-male gene sox30 in the common carp Cyprinus carpio
Authors: Cao Xianglin , Fu Xiaozhe , Zhao Yidi , Li Baohua , Zhang Huajie , Liu Nana , Li Ninggiu , Chen Jianjun
Published: March 2021

The Sox (SRY-related HMG-box) family of transcription factors is involved in the regulation of embryonic development and determination of cell fate. Sox proteins serve as transcriptional regulators that are complexed with other proteins. For this study, we initially cloned and characterized the full-length cDNAs, DNA sequences, and 5′-flanking regions of the common carp Cyprinus carpio Sox30. The sequence analysis suggested that Ccsox30 carried a distinct HMG-box of the Sox family within Cyprinus carpio. Phylogenetic and gene structure analysis revealed that sox30 was homologous to mammalian Sox30, whereas chromosome synteny analysis demonstrated that the position of Cyprinus carpio Sox30 in the genome was different from that of other vertebrates. This might have been due to the split of the Sox30 flanking gene by several genes not yet found near the Ccsox30 in evolution, or because the genome sequencing data was not annotated. The results of Real Tim Quantitative-PCR (RT-qPCR) revealed that Sox30 expression was high in the testes, and the expression was traced in other tissues by researching the tissue distribution of C. carpio and ontogeny of Ccsox30 expression in the gonads. This expression pattern suggested that Ccsox30 may be involved in spermatogonial differentiation and spermatogenesis.
Effect of ammonia on the immune response of mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) and its susceptibility to mud crab reovirus
Authors: Cheng Chang-Hong , Ma Hong-Ling , Deng Yi-Qin , Feng Juan , Jie Yu-Kun , Guo Zhi-Xun
Published: March 2021

Ammonia is one of the major environmental pollutants that affect the growth and physiological functions of organisms. In the present study, the effects of ammonia on the immune response and pathogen resistance of mud crab reovirus (MCRV) in mud crab were investigated. Mud crab were exposed to four different ammonia concentrations (0, 2.5, 5 and 10 mg L-1 ammonia-N) for 7 d. The result showed that aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity significantly increased after 5 and 10 mg L-1 ammonia exposure. The hepatopancreas superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidative capacity (T-AOC) in ammonia-N group were significantly lower than those in the control group, while the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly higher than those in the control group. Significant reductions in total hemocyte counts (THC) were observed after ammonia exposure. After 7d ammonia exposure, mud crabs were injected 100 μL MCRV at 105 copies/g body weight. The mortality of mud crabs in ammonia-N group were significantly higher than those in the control group. All these results suggested that ammonia in water caused a depression in the immune response, and increased susceptibility to MCRV infection.
Population Genetic Analysis of Rainbow Clam Moerella iridescens by Using rDNA
Authors: Li Xiaoying , Zhang Min , Lu Guanzheng , Mao Shuang , Wu Ruixue , Ge Hongxing , Meng Xueping , Dong Zhinguo
Published: March 2021

To assess the genetic background of the germplasm resource of rainbow clam Moerella iridescens along China coasts, population genetic structure and genetic diversity of rainbow clam from five geographical populations in the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea (Lianyungang, Chongming, Cixi, Zhoushan, and Ningde) were analyzed based on rDNA (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) sequences. Forty-Seven rDNA haplotypes were identified among 109 rainbow clam individuals of the five populations. Gen4 and Gen21 were the dominant haplotypes, accounting for 49.5% of rDNA whole gene sequences, and shared by the five populations. Six to eight exclusive haplotypes were found in each population. The average haplotype diversity index (HD) of the five populations was 0.8733. The genetic distance among populations ranged from 0.002 to 0.004, and haplotypes from the same population were not clustered in a single clade. Molecular variance analysis (AMOVA) demonstrated that the main genetic differentiation mainly occurred within population, and the genetic differentiation coefficient (FST) among five populations was between -0.02836 and 0.01896, which meant that no genetic differentiation among populations occurred. Overall, the five geographical populations showed a high genetic diversity, but no evident genetic structure or genetic differentiation.