bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Construction of time-response curve for neuronal and vascular endothelial dysfunction in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Bansal Seema , Chopra Kanwaljit 
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND:
Studies have shown that there is a critical time period to start hormone therapy after the loss of ovarian function during menopause. The length of estrogen deprivation may evolve different pathophysiological manifestations.

OBJECTIVE:
The aim of the present study was to investigate behavioral, biochemical, and molecular alterations at different time points after surgical menopause with an aim and identify various pathophysiological targets to exploit “window of opportunity” and to design newer therapeutic modalities for menopause-associated neurobehavioral and vascular deficits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Bilateral ovariectomy was performed to induce surgical menopause and estrogen deficiency state. Menopause-associated neuronal and vascular dysfunctions were noted after 1, 2, and 3 months of the study.

RESULTS:
Neuronal and vascular endothelial dysfunction post ovariectomy revealed that behavioral, biochemical, molecular, and vascular endothelial dysfunction appeared after 1 month of ovariectomy except hyperglycemia, which occurs after 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS:
Time-response studies measuring behavioral, biochemical, and molecular markers at various time points after ovariectomy reveal that there is a fast onset of neuronal and vascular complications, but the duration of insulin resistance is a relatively late phenomenon.
Potential ameliorative effect of Cynodon dactylon (L.) pers on scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats
Authors: Pattanashetti Laxmi A. , Patil Basanagouda M. , Hegde Harsha V. , Kangle Ranjit P. 
Published: April 2021

AIM:
The present study explored Cynodon dactylon hydro-ethanolic extract (CDE) effect on scopolamine-induced amnesic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

C. dactylon extract was subjected to antioxidant (DPPH and H2O2) and acetylcholinesterase enzyme tests by in vitro methods. Scopolamine (1 mg/kg, i.p) was administered to rats except for normal control. Donepezil (3 mg/kg, p.o), CDE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg p.o) were administered to treatment groups. Behavioral paradigm: Morris water maze (MWM), elevated plus maze (EPM), and passive avoidance test (PAT) were conducted. Later, rats were sacrificed and brain homogenate was tested for levels of acetylcholinesterase, glutathione, and lipid peroxidase. Histopathology examination of cortex and hippocampus of all the groups was done.

STATISTICAL METHOD:
The statistical methods used were ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc test.

RESULTS:
CDE antioxidant activity was demonstrated by decreasing DPPH and H2O2 levels confirmed through in vitro analysis. Treatment group rats reversed scopolamine induced amnesia by improvement in spatial memory, decreased transfer latency and increased step through latency significantly (P<0.001) in behavior models such as morris water maze, elevated plus maze and passive avoidance task respectively. CDE modulated acetylcholine transmission by decreased acetylcholinesterase enzyme level (P < 0.001) and scavenging scopolamine-induced oxidative stress by increased reduced glutathione levels and decreased lipid peroxidation levels in the rat brain. CDE and donepezil-treated rats showed mild neurodegeneration in comparison to scopolamine-induced severe neuronal damage on histopathology examination.

CONCLUSION:

C. dactylon extract provides evidence of anti-amnesic activity by the mechanism of decreased acetylcholinesterase enzyme level and increased antioxidant levels in scopolamine-induced amnesia in rats.
Determination of in vitro human whole blood-to-plasma ratio of THJ-018 utilizing gas chromatography–Mass spectrometry
Authors: Kumar Sachil , Alkhibery Remal Nahar Khleel , Bakdash Abdulsallam , Abdelhady Mohamed Sultan Mohamed 
Published: April 2021

OBJECTIVES:
This study was aimed to determine in vitro human whole blood-to-plasma ratio (KWB/P) of THJ-018 by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
The samples (human blood) were sprayed with THJ-018 and an internal standard and extracted using solid-phase extraction. THJ-018 was determined in the final extracts by GC/MS.

RESULTS:
The value for KWB/P was 1.56 (1.38–1.81), and red blood cell partitioning was 1.01 (1.01–1.02). The distribution of THJ-018 between whole blood and plasma was observed to be affected by temperature.

CONCLUSION:
The data analysis supports the proposition that the ratio of the plasma to whole blood concentrations (1.56) is a suitable parameter characterizing THJ-018 distribution in whole blood. For toxicological analysis, it would be best to refrain from converting any drug concentration measured in whole blood to that anticipated in plasma or serum; however, toxic and therapeutic concentrations should be determined for the individual specimens collected.
Early implementation challenges in electronic referral and feedback mechanism for patients with tuberculosis using Nikshay – A mixed-methods study from a medical college TB referral unit of Delhi, India
Authors: Arora Reema , Khanna Ashwini , Sharma Nandini , Khanna Vishal , Shringarpure Kalpita , Kathirvel Soundappan 
Published: April 2021

Background:
Diagnosis, notification and timely initiation of treatment is an important cornerstone for the elimination of tuberculosis (TB). The referral and feedback mechanism under National Tuberculosis Programme of India has been changed from paper-based to web-based electronic system (Nikshay) since 2018. The current study was carried out to assess the effect of Nikshay in referral and receipt of feedback on treatment initiation and to understand the early implementation challenges.

Methods:
A mixed-methods study was conducted in a medical college referral unit (MCRU) of Delhi, India. The electronic TB notification data for July 2018–March 2019 were abstracted from Nikshay portal and analysed. Unadjusted and adjusted relative risk (aRR) was calculated to assess the factors associated with the receipt of feedback. Themes and subthemes were generated from qualitative data obtained through key-informant interviews of healthcare providers.

Results:
Of the total 4395 patients handled by MCRU during the study period, 3315 (75.4%) were referred out within and outside Delhi for treatment. Feedback was received among 797 (24.0%) of the patients who were referred out. Patients with extrapulmonary TB (aRR: 1.3, confidence interval (CI): 1.1–1.8), previously treated (aRR: 1.2, CI: 1.2–1.3) and registered for drug-resistant TB care (aRR: 1.4, CI: 1.1–1.8), had high chance of receiving feedback. Four broad themes emerged, namely, (a) awareness of programme and Nikshay; (b) tracking of patients; (c) user-friendly portal and (d) workload.

Conclusion:
The low feedback on treatment initiation of patients with TB needs further research after health system-level quality improvement interventions. Real-time tracking of patients is the need of the hour towards the path for TB elimination.
The influence of social media on body dissatisfaction among college students
Authors: Alruwayshid Mashael Suwailem , Alduraywish Shatha Ahmed , Allafi Abrar Hmod , Alshuniefi Abeer Sluman , Alaraik Enas Fahad , Alreshidi Fatmah , Almughais Ebtehaj , Alruwayshid Norah Suwailem 
Published: April 2021

Background:
Social media is growing rapidly in the last few years and it became daily used by individuals, especially adolescents and young adults. Although social media has several benefits such as easy communication between individuals, it has also other drawbacks and negative influence on individuals.

Aim:
To assess the association between the level of social media use and body dissatisfaction among male and female college students and to examine these associations according to different types of social media.

Method:
This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted on students at King Saud University in Riyadh—Saudi Arabia, using self-administrated questionnaire “The Body Shape Questionnaire BSQ-8.” Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software (Version 21.0).

Results:
The present study included 204 students, females were more dominant (53.9%). Around 47.1% of participants spent >4 h, and the most used type of social media used was Twitter (46.6%). There were 71.1% who had low dissatisfaction. Several factors significantly had an impact on the level of dissatisfaction including upper class status (P = 0.015), using social media for 3–4 h (P = 0.05) and suing social media for more than 4 h (P = 0.011).

Conclusion:
There was low level of dissatisfaction level among students, however this level didn't differ between gender, so social media in Saudi Arabia didn't have the huge effect seen in other countries, especially among females.
Evaluation of Chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) as a noninvasive biomarker of hepatic fibrosis in patients with Hepatitis B virus–related compensated chronic liver disease
Authors: Das Amit , Kamrul-Hasan ABM , Kabir Mohammed Ruhul , Das Shantanu , Zaki KMJ , Al Mahtab Mamun 
Published: April 2021

Background:
Liver biopsy is the gold-standard method for diagnosing and staging liver fibrosis, but the procedure is invasive, not available in the primary health care facilities, and not free from complications. Noninvasive serum biomarkers of hepatic fibrosis are the current research focus.

Objectives:
To assess the correlation between serum Chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) levels and histological severity in patients with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-related compensated chronic liver disease (CLD).

Material and Methods:
This cross-sectional study evaluated 50 treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B with compensated CLD. Liver biopsy was done, and hepatic fibrosis was categorized using the METAVIR scoring system; we divided the study subjects into three groups; group 1 included subjects with F0 and F1, group 2 having F2 group 3 having F3 and F4. Serum CHI3L1 was measured in all by immunoassay.

Result:
Among 50 patients, only one had METAVIR score F0, seven had F1, 33 had F2, nine had F3, and none had METAVIR score F4. The median value of CHI3L1 was 460.8 (IQR 340.1-570.3) in all study subjects; 359.5 (IQR 272.8-526.9) in group 1, 450.0 (IQR 307.75-5332.0) in group 2, and 1355.5 (IQR 530.75-1580.5) in the group 3. The difference in median CHI3L1 across the groups was statistically significant. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and the AST to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) score had significant positive correlations with CHI3L1 levels. CHI3L1 also had significant positive correlations with METAVIR scores.

Conclusion:
This study found a positive correlation between serum CHI3L1 level and hepatic histological severity in patients with HBV-related compensated CLD. Further larger-scale research is needed to establish the fact.
A cross--sectional study of mental wellbeing with practice of yoga and meditation during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Priyanka  , Rasania S. K. 
Published: April 2021

Background:
COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in increased mental health issues. Yoga and meditation can help in alleviating mental stress and improving psychological wellbeing.

Methods:
It was a community-based online cross-sectional study involving adult general population. Data collection was done by using a Google form link that was circulated via online platforms. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 22. Qualitative data were expressed in proportions or percentages and quantitative data were expressed in mean and standard deviation. Chi-square test was used to check the association of various factors and mental wellbeing.

Results:
A total of 649 (58.4%) subjects had normal mental wellbeing score, whereas 279 (25.1%) were found to be at risk of developing psychological distress and 184 (16.5%) were at risk of depression. A significantly larger proportion of subjects with normal mental wellbeing was found with the practice of both yoga and meditation (66.2%), followed by practice of only meditation (62.1%), only yoga (59.9%), and none of them (50.6%). A similar association of yoga and meditation practices was found with the change in eating, sleeping patterns, and family relations. The frequency of practice was positively associated with a higher level of mental wellbeing in the case of both yoga as well as meditation, with daily practice having the highest wellbeing scores.

Conclusion:
The practice of yoga and meditation, preferably both of them, is associated with higher level of mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
HIV-1 plasma RNA viral load and CD4 cell count in drug-naïve HIV-1 infected patients in Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Tahir Mohammed Ibrahim , Aminu Maryam A. , Suleiman Ahmed Babangida , Opaluwa Ahmed Saraja , Ahmad Abdurrahman El-Fulaty , Anka Abubakar Umar 
Published: April 2021

Background:
The recent guidelines for HIV treatment initiation in Nigeria do not depend on CD4 cell count or plasma viral load however, assessment of the baseline immunologic and virologic markers could indicate prognosis and transmission index. This study was aimed to estimate CD4 cells and plasma HIV-1 RNA viral load among antiretroviral treatment (ART)-naive populations in three HIV treatment centres in Nigeria.

Methods:
We conducted a cross-sectional hospital-based study of 50 adult ART-naive patients. Whole blood and plasma samples were estimated for CD4 cells and HIV RNA-1 plasma viral load respectively.

Results:
The median age of the study participants was 35 years and 64% were female. The median CD4 cell count was 176 cell/μl while the median HIV viral load was 158391 copies/mL. There was a significant moderately strong, negative Spearman correlation between HIV-1 plasma viral load and CD4 cell count (r = −0.5007, P = 0.0002). Female recorded relatively higher CD4 cell count and lower plasma viral load. Six percent (6%) of the ART-naïve patients had undetectable viral load.

Conclusion:
This study indicates the baseline plasma viral load and CD4 cell count which can affect prognosis, disease progression and transmission. The drug-naïve participants reported with undetectable plasma RNA could be ‘elite’ controllers.
Impact of Gene Xpert on the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis at a tertiary health care facility in Nigeria
Authors: Ilesanmi Olayinka S. , Adeniyi Bamidele O. , Bakare Ayobami Adebayo , Kareem Adesola O. 
Published: April 2021

Background:
Gene Xpert mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)/Rifampicin (RIF) was introduced for the detection of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) at the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria in 2015. The study aimed to determine the effect of Gene Xpert MTB/RIF on diagnosis of PTB.

Methods:
We reviewed Gene Xpert register from January 2015 to January 2017. The agreement of Gene Xpert with acid-fast bacilli was determined using the sensitivity and positive predictive value of the Gene Xpert test. Association was assessed using chi-square test. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the predictors of positive Gene Xpert result.

Results:
A total of 1246 records were reviewed; the average age was 41 ± 19 years, and nearly half of the patients (48.6%) were female. While 264 (21.2%) were human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) positive. Smear microscopy was positive in 118 (16.9%); 90 (13.6%) had tuberculosis (TB) detected on Gene Xpert. Those positive for smear microscopy and Gene Xpert were 21 (10.0%). The Gene Xpert detected 90 (8.3%) of the 653 with presumptive TB. The turnaround time for Gene Xpert was 24 hours. When compared to smear microscopy, Gene Xpert showed sensitivity of 45.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 31.7–60.1) and specificity of 98.2% (95% CI: 95.1–99.5) in all the cases and sensitivity of 50% (95% CI: 29.8–70.2) and specificity of 100% among HIV positives.

Conclusion:
Gene Xpert should be preferred to smear microscopy in evaluating HIV positive patients for TB. Nevertheless, clinicians can still rely on results from smear microscopy for clinical decision when Gene Xpert is not available.
Auditing adenotonsillectomy
Authors: Adekwu Amali , Efu Michael E. , Ibiam Francis A. , Obasikene Godwin , Agbonifo Monday , Lawrence Vihishima , Unogwu Sunday , Ojo Babarinde A. 
Published: April 2021

Background:
Adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, or both are a leading cause of surgical admission, especially in children, in otolaryngological practice in the world. This study aimed to audit the demography, symptoms/signs, indications, types of surgery, postoperative outcome, and histopathological evaluation of adenotonsillectomy in Makurdi, Nigeria.

Methods:
This was a 3-year retrospective study. Record of total surgical procedures was taken and data of patients who had adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy, or both were retrieved. The data extracted included study population demography, symptoms/signs, indication and surgery carried out, postoperative care, and histopathological reports of specimens. The primary outcomes were symptoms/signs, indication, and type of surgery, whereas postoperative management and histopathological examination findings were secondary consideration. Ethical clearance was obtained. The data were analyzed.

Results:
Two hundred and twenty different types of surgeries were done within the study period. Seventy-two patients (32.7%) underwent adenoid and tonsil surgeries, comprising 46 males and 26 females; age ranged from 1 to 38 years with mean age of 6.63 ±7.78 years. Majority (68.0%) of the patients were ≤5 years old. Snoring and noisy breathing were common presentations. Obstructive adenotonsillar hypertrophy at 63.9% was the most frequent indication for surgery and adenotonsillectomy constituted the most performed procedure. Postoperatively, all the patients had routine antibiotics, analgesics, and were commenced on graded oral feeds. Nine (12.5%) and six (8.3%) patients had postoperative vomiting and fever, respectively. There were no complications of hemorrhage or fatality. The patients were kept for 2 to 3 days. Histopathology results showed follicular hyperplasia (61.1%) and chronic inflammation (38.9%).

Conclusion:
Adenoid and tonsillar surgeries still constitute common procedures among children in Makurdi and obstructive adenotonsillar hypertrophy and its surgery is commonly encountered with satisfactory outcome. Routine histopathological examination of nonsuspicious adenoid and tonsil specimens should be discouraged.
Integrated Water Resources Management as a System Approach for Water Security: Evidence from the Awash River Basin of Ethiopia
Authors: Hailu Reta , Tolossa Degefa , Alemu Getnet 
Published: April 2021

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is one of the systems thinking approaches that emerged in the 1990s to achieve water security. Ever since, it has been applied in various countries and contexts. However, the implementation of the IWRM is contested. There is paucity of literature and guidelines as to how the concept can be operationalized. In Ethiopia, there is no evidence that IWRM is successfully instituted. The study generated data from household and expert surveys, in-depth interviews, focused group discussions, observations, workshops, and secondary sources. We found that pragmatic water resources management through system approach helps to resolve the problem of fragmentations among various actors, sectors, interest, and priorities. It also enables the operationalization of IWRM as a system approach to secure water resources through strengthening of the interactions of various systems, subsystems, and the elements within the entire basin system. In addition, it is important to facilitate institutional environments such as overcoming financial constraints, considering the scarcity value of water resources and equity issues, as well as ensuring progressiveness of water institutions to emerging circumstances. To this end, strengthening water resources information systems, recognizing and balancing water as economic and public goods, creating awareness among key stakeholders, encouraging the engagement of private sectors in water resources development and management should be considered as mediums of realizing IWRM.Keywords: IWRM; system thinking; water security; Awash basin; Ethiopia
Towards the Mid-Late Holocene Environment of Mochena Borago Rock Shelter, Wolayta, South Ethiopia
Authors: Alemseged Beldados  , Medhanit Tamirat  
Published: April 2021

With the objective of understanding the mid-late Holocene subsistence pattern and the local ecology, archaeobotanical investigation was conducted on soil samples collected from 29 contexts from the rock shelter site of Mochena Borago. The samples were collected by the French Archaeological Mission in 2000 and 2001 field seasons. Flotation was carried out using bucket and 2.0 mm mesh size sieve. Recovered botanical remains were classified based on size and grain morphology. Seed analysis was conducted at 5-20x magnification. A total of 112 seeds and fruit stones were identified which include 55 Sapindaceae cf. Deinbollia type (dune soap-berry), 33 Myrtaceae cf. Syzigium guineense type (sometimes called waterberry), 9 Plectranthus edulis (Wolayta dinich/potato), 7 Euphorbiaceae Croton sp. (rushfoil), 2 Cordia cf. africana (wanza in Amharic), 1 Ebenaceae cf. Diospyros (commonly known as ebony trees), 1 Olea europea ssp. africana (Olive Oil). Plectranthus edulis is an indigenous crop for the study area and Cordia cf. africana and Olea europea ssp. africana are reported for the first time in archaeological context of the whole region of Ethiopia. The study provided data on the ancient economy and ecology of the site in a region where archaeobotanical research is limited.
Female character's Struggle Upon Patriarchy Portrayed in Mary E. Wilkins's The Revolt of Mother
Authors: Susilowati Rini 
Published: April 2021

Abstract: Short story as one of literary works can be the reflection of human life and also historical background in which human live in certain time and period. The portrayal of the characters in the short story can describe vividly the life of people in the real life in certain period. This article tries to portray how women in America living under the pressure of patriarchy during 1920s and it is described though female character in Mary E Wilkins’s The Revolt of Mother. The struggle of female character in this short story to survive upon the oppression of patriarchy is so touching and inspiring. The author creates such a delicate but tough female character who finally can conquer her husband’s absolute privilege which made her to live with suffering for forty years. The female character’s suffering in this short story is hoped to be our inspiration to give more appreciation for women, and giving them protection from the violence comes from patriarchy.

Key words: female character, short story, patriarchy
BIM DESIGN LEAD FOR RESTORATION OF SHIPWRECK MUSEUM IN KYRENIA CASTLE IN CYPRUS
Authors: Biagini Carlo , Capparelli Francesco , Verdiani Giorgio 
Published: April 2021

The paper deals with the application of Building Information Modelling (BIM) to the documentation and preservation of Archaeological Heritage. illustrating the implemantation process to a case study. The work process started from the historical analysis tighether with the geometric capturing of the built morphology. A 3D model was created by combining laser scans and a digital photogrammetric survey. To maka all 3D data sets interoperable, it was developed a BIM project execution plan focused on the restoration of Shipwreck Museum in the Kyrenia Castle in Cyprus. The HBIM approach not only allows ti represent the existing historic fabric with an effective visualization but also to lead a complex analysis of designed interventions in various scenarios. All the additional information besides the geometrical data were stored into the HBIM able ti document the manteinance and ti help the future works. It will be illustrated the procedure and the methodology by presenting the outcomes of the research.