bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of GTF2H1 and SULF1 Gene Polymorphisms in T2DM
Authors: Raza Waseem , Malik Sonia , Noor Sadaf , Qousain Syeda Tahira , Hussain Syed Bilal , Muhammad Syed Aun 
Published: February 2022

Genetic variations could be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) accounts for 90% of all diabetes cases worldwide, however, the percentage is higher in the South Asian region. In this study, we observed the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in GTF2H1 and SULF1 genes to find the association of smoking leading to T2DM. A total of 150 individuals (100 T2DM patients and 50 controls) were included in this study. Tetra ARMS-PCR was performed to study polymorphic genotyping. The data showed non-significant allelic associations of GTF2H1 rs4150558 (P=0.389228) and SULF1 rs6990375 (P=0.45124) confidence for smoking with T2DM occurrence. Both T2DM cases and controls were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium indicated the significant outcomes. The pooled odds ratios were calculated to evaluate the association between GTF2H4 and SULF1 polymorphisms and the risk of smoking, age, depression, energy-rich diet, obesity, and alcohol consumption adverse effects. Smoking was not found progressive risk factor of T2DM as compared to cholesterol level, depression, hormonal imbalance, healthy diet, or energy-rich diet. This study revealed that the irrational style of individuals of Southern Punjab brought a significant change in SNPs and is a greater risk for the progression of this T2DM. These molecular variants GTF2H1 and SULF1 could be used as genetic biomarkers to find the association of smoking with cancer but not with T2DM.
Climate Change and Trend Analysis of 24-Hourly Annual Maximum Series Using Mann-Kendall and Sen Slope Methods for Rainfall IDF Modeling
Authors: Sam Masi G. , Nwaogazie Ify L. , Ikebude Chiedozie 
Published: February 2022

The aim of this study is the establishment of the existence of trend and variability on a typical 24-hourly sorted thirty years (1986-2015) annual maximum series (AMS) and maximum monthly series (MMS) rainfall data for Uyo metropolis in Nigeria. Data were downscaled into shorter durations of 0.25, 0.5, …,12 hours. The statistical tool applied for the study was the Mann-Kendall (MK) test and Sen Slope estimator. The results showed that there exists increasing trend for all durations analyzed with consistency in the test statistic results. The MK statistic lZl for the AMS varied between 3.1701 and 3.2827 while that of MMS was 4.756, were greater than critical Z = 1.96. Also, the computed p-value for the AMS varied between 0.0012 and 0.0015, and were lower than the significant level of alpha, = 0.05. Thus, the null hypothesis of no trend was rejected. Similarly, the Sen Slope estimator gave an average rate of change in rainfall as 2.1288 and 2.16 mm/year for AMS and MMS time series data, respectively. The result from the Sen Slope estimator indicated that the magnitude of the trend decreased as the duration of rainfall increased such that shorter duration exhibited more trend than higher duration. The results of the MK trend and Sen Slope analysis proved that both test exhibited high degree of consistency with statistically significant positive trend and variability. These results have provided further evidence of an accelerated alarming rate in climate change increasing trend in Uyo metropolis and perhaps the environs. Therefore, planning for effective and accurate rainfall prediction for annual maximum time series data with established variability in trend will require adoption of non-stationary concept to account for the influence of changing climatic parameters in intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) modeling.
An Evaluation of Technical Efficiency and Garret Ranking Technique of Paddy and Wheat Farmers in Dabra Block Gwalior District M.P.
Authors: Kumar Rahul , Jaulkar A. M. , Srivastava S. C. , Singh V. B. 
Published: February 2022

Objective: An evaluation of technical efficiency and garret ranking technique of paddy and wheat farmers has been conducted.
Methods: Multistage random sampling method was used to acquire sample farmer. A list of paddy and wheat growing farmers was prepared from Dabra block and twenty villages were selected randomly thereafter, a list of paddy and wheat farmers from each selected village was prepared then classified into five major categories on the basis of their land holding i.e. marginal(less than 1ha), small (1-2 ha), semi medium (2-4 ha), medium (4-10 ha), and large (greater than 10 ha). Then a sample of 30 farmers were selected in each category by simple random sampling technique under proportionate allocation from 20 villages treated as strata thus, 150 paddy and 150 wheat farmers were selected hence total sample size were 300.
Finding: The likelihood test ratio (LR test) for the inefficiency term on paddy farms was observed at 32.91 which was significant and suggesting that the inefficiency component is present in the model. In the case of wheat farms, the likelihood test ratio (LR test) was noted 1.02 which was insignificant and suggesting that the inefficiency component is not present in the model. The highest technical efficiency (88%) was found on the paddy farms as comparison to wheat farms (72%).This implied that on an average 12 per cent and 28 per cent of the technical potential was not achieved by paddy and wheat growers respectively.
Novelty: The studies establish that wheat farmers have more opportunity to amplify the yield by adopting modern crop management practices, training activities as compared to paddy farmers.
Knowledge of Sexual and Reproductive Health among Adolescents in a Ghanaian Municipality: A Mixed-Method Approach
Authors: Botchwey Charles Owusu-Aduomi , Acquah Francis , Opoku Richmond , Afful Boateng Agartha , Baidoo Michael Afari 
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) is an essential aspect of the physical, mental, social, and emotional well-being of adolescents who are generally known to be the most vulnerable group in this aspect of health.
Aim: This study was designed to explore the sexual and reproductive health knowledge of adolescents in the Central Region of Ghana with Komenda as the case study.
Methodology: A mixed method with a case study design was adopted through quantitative survey and focus group discussions among 95 adolescents in the Komenda community.
Results and Discussion: The study revealed that most respondents had an idea about what SRH is all about, what contraceptives are with condom being known by all of the study respondents but were not willing to use contraceptives during sex. Most respondents also knew of STDs including HIV and their mode of transmission even though a significant number of the respondents (for example, 34% of survey respondents) were also found to hold misconception that STDs can be transmitted through witchcraft. The school was found to be the most source of SRH information for the respondents and place they will prefer to learn about SRH. Who to best discuss SRH issues with was found to depend on the type of SRH issue to be shared even though parents followed by peers and health professionals were found to be the entities survey respondents generally would prefer to share SRH issues with.
Conclusion: This study revealed that even though respondents had knowledge on SRH, most of them held some misconceptions about SRH which is likely to affect their understanding and tolerance of the topic. This can lead to poor SRH outcomes such as high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. There is therefore the need for effective education among adolescents in the study community by the Ghana Health Service and relevant stakeholders. Moreover, the school should be used as an important vessel for educating adolescents on SRH issues.
‘Menstruation Awareness Activities’ for Improving the Knowledge, Awareness and Practices Regarding Menstrual Hygiene among Adolescent Girls: A Study Protocol
Authors: Jhadi Neha , Dakhode Sarika , Choudhari Sonali , Gaidhane Abhay 
Published: February 2022

Background: Menstruation is a normal physiological process that indicates the start of reproductive life. But sometimes it’s considered as an impure phenomenon within the Indian society thanks to cultural taboos and insufficient and half-truths and causes unnecessary restrictions within the day to day normal activities of the menstruating girls. During a girl's life cycle, it is recognized as a special time that requires special consideration. During the life of a woman, Menarche may be a crucial biological milestone because it marks the beginning of her life's reproductive process. Usually, the average age at menarche is consistent across cultures, that is, between the ages of 12 and 13. Unfortunately, for women it gets worse because of lack of menstrual preparedness and management skills or because of shyness and embarrassment. This study aims to assess the knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene management among adolescent girls from rural region of Wardha district.
Methods: This will be a randomized controlled trial that will be conducted in adopted villages of field practice area of Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Wardha. Quantitative data will be collected using a self-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Qualitative data will be collected through focused group discussions (FGD). Pre and post intervention data will be collected and analyzed using SPSS, Appropriate tables and graphs will be prepared, and inferences will be drawn using the Chi-square test and t-test.
Results: Significant improvement in knowledge, awareness and practices of maintaining menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls in Wardha district.
Conclusion: Proper training and awareness can improve menstrual hygiene related practices in rural areas and assist in improving environmental health as well.
Phytochemistry and Antimicrobial Activities of Crude and Diluted Leaves and Roots Extracts of Uvaria chamae on Selected Bacteria
Authors: Ochiabut Ogochukwu Mary-Theodora Barbara , Unaeze Bright Chukwuebuka , Chukwura Edna Ifeoma , Uzoewulu Ngozichukwu Gertrude 
Published: February 2022

Plant metabolites are antibacterial. Antibacterial properties of aqueous, methanolic and n-hexane extracts of crude and diluted leaves and roots extracts of Uvaria chamae were studied to demonstrate its potential as achemotherapeutic agent. Test organisms include: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhi and Proteus vulgaris. Fresh tender leaves and roots of Uvaria charmae were collected, air- dried, grounded and soaked in methanol, n-hexane and aqueous solvents. Phytochemistry was done using standard procedures, antimicrobial activity was determined using agar-well diffusion method (punch hole) and MIC determined. Qualitative phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, terpernoids, glycosides, saponins and flavonoids. Antimicrobial analysis of the plant parts using disc-diffusion method showed ten (10mg/ml) MIC concentration for aqueous extract of the leaves showed no activity, while root decoction inhibited only Salmonella typhi (14.00+0.47mm). Methanolic crude extracts of the leaves (UMLc) (400µg) exhibited antibacterial effects on all tested organisms, higher for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (23.67+ 0.27mm) than gentamycin(10µg) control (21.33+ 0.72) mm, while its 10-1 (40mg) dilution was active against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Only crude n-hexane leaf extract (UNLc) was active for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13.00 + 0.47mm). Crude methanolic extract of the roots UMRc(400µg) was active against all tested bacteria and clearance for Proteus vulgaris (23.33±0.54mm) was greater than that in both controls (ciprofloxacin (5 µg) (22.33±0.72 mm) and (gentamycin 10µg) (16.67±0.72mm).UNRchad activity against S. aureus, B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa(25.00 0.47 mm, 22.00 mm, and 12.67 0.27mm), while its 10-¹ dilution (40mg) had effects on Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus (11.00 0.82mm, 13 0.47mm) only. The 10-2 (4µg) dilutions of (UMR and UNR) had no activity. Comparison of inhibition size between UML (20.33+ 0.27mm) and UMR (23.33+ 0.54mm)against Proteus vulgaris was significantly greater than inhibition size of gentamycin(10µg) (16.67+ 0.72) p<0.05.Activity of UML against Pseudomonas aeruginosa(23.67+ 0.27mm) was comparable to both ciprofloxacin (25.33+ 1.15mm) and gentamycin (21.33+ 0.72mm) p>0.05.Aqueous extracts of Uvaria chamae roots could be modified and harnessed for eradicating Salmonella typhi, UMLc and UMR for Proteus vulgaris and UML for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Uvaria chamae crude and diluted extracts of both parts are potential future antibiotics.
Implication of Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate for an Effective Management in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Panneerselvam Nithya , Shanmugam Hemanthkumar 
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Diabetic patients are at early risk of developing deterioration in renal function. The pharmacokinetics of antidiabetic drugs may get altered depending on the Glomerular filtration rate.
Aim: The aim is to study the estimated glomerular filtration rate eGFR appropriateness in the management of type 2 DM.
Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the private diabetic care centre, Chennai. Serum urea, Serum creatinine, GFR and routine blood glucose investigations were measured for all the participants. Based on the report, the therapeutic modalities were analyzed for their nephroprotection. Descriptive statistics was used & values were expressed in numbers and percentage.
Results: Out of 148 patients, 87 diabetic patients were selected based on inclusion criteria. In which 55% were males & 45% females. Diabetes was observed to be highest 58.62% in the age group 40-59 years followed by 22.99% in 20-39 years and 18.39% in ≥60 years. 66 patients had creatinine level ≤1.1 and 21 patients had increased serum creatinine (>1.1). From the 87 study participants, 24 patient’s treatment regimens were modified based on eGFR and HbA1C.
Conclusion: Rationality in the management could be improved by including eGFR values in addition to glucose levels and HbA1C for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
The Inhibitory Effect of the Combination Treatment of Rifampicin and D-limonene on the Growth and Biofilm Formation of Staphylococcus epidermidis RP62A
Authors: Yeung-Cheung Anna K. , Alakrah Wardah , Orellana Eymi N. , Drew Olivia C. , Commisso Cristina M. 
Published: February 2022

Aims: To discover an alternative chemical that could potentially be used in combination with antibiotics to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis RP62A.
Study Design: The studies of the growth inhibition in both the biofilm forming strain of S. epidermidis RP62A and the wild-type strain ATCC 12228, were conducted with different concentrations of rifampicin and D-limonene using the measurement of the optical density.
Place and Duration of Study: All experiments were conducted in the Department of Biology at Manhattanville College between September 2015 and December 2019.
Methodology: Different concentrations of rifampicin (0.0025 µg/mL, 0.005 µg/mL, 0.01 µg/mL and 0.02 µg/mL) and D-limonene (152.8 µg/mL, 305.6 µg/mL, 611.2 µg/mL and 1222.4 µg/mL) were used in the study. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of rifampicin and D-limonene on RP62A and ATCC 12228 were obtained. The combination of rifampicin and D-limonene on the inhibition of the growth of RP62A and ATCC 12228 was conducted using a microtiter plate by measuring optical density. The alamarBlue® assay was further used to evaluate the viability of RP62A and ATCC 12228 with the combination treatment. The biofilm assay was then conducted on RP62A with the combination treatment of rifampicin and D-limonene.
Results: The MIC of the combination treatment of rifampicin and D-limonene on RP62A was found to be 0.01 µg/mL and 1222.4 µg/mL respectively. A combination treatment of 0.005 µg/mL of rifampicin with 611.2 µg/mL of D-limonene significantly inhibited the growth and biofilm formation of RP62A than the same concentration of rifampicin.
Conclusion: The addition of the D-limonene to the rifampicin was found to be effective in inhibiting the growth and biofilm formation of RP62A. This indicates that the combination of alternative mineral oil may have the potential to lower the antibiotic concentration in the inhibition of the growth of the bacteria S. epidermidis.
Efficacy Analysis of Corneal Crosslinking (CXL): Comparing Epi-on and Epi-off Procedures
Authors: Lin Jui-Teng 
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To analyze the factors influencing the corneal crosslinking (CXL) efficacy and comparison of epi-on and epi-off procedures.
Study Design: modeling the efficacy of epi-off and epi-on CXL.
Place and Duration of Study: New Taipei City, Taiwan, between November, 2021 and December, 2021.
Methodology: Solving the rate equations for the CXL efficacy which includes the roles of concentration of the photosensitizer, riboflavin (RF), RF depletion effects, dynamic of light intensity, and the non-uniform distribution of RF in the stroma, or the diffusion depth of RF. Both steady-state and transient state features are explored for the efficacy, crosslink depth (CD) and the effects of epithelium layer for the epi-on situation.
Results: The steady-state efficacy is proportional to the square-root of [RF-concentration] /[light-intensity], The competing factors of reduced RF, F(z), and reduced light intensity in the stroma determine the relative efficacy of epi-on and epi-off. For example, for F(z)<0.5, epi-on is more efficient than epi-off. In contrast, in the transient state (with efficacy <0.6), the efficacy is proportional to the light dose, and therefore epi-on is always less efficient than epi-off. The crosslink depth (CD) has an inverse trend, such that higher light intensity and lower RF concentration lead to deeper CD. The analytic formulas are developed under simplified conditions, in which numerical simulation is required for non-uniform distribution, and when RF depletion are included. Various strategies for improved steady-state efficacy efficacy and crosslink depth for epi-on CXL are explored including the use of higher RF concentration and lower light intensity; enhancing the RF diffusion by an electrode device, or diffusion enhancing medicine. The analytic formulas are compared with measured data.
Conclusion: For the steady-state epi-on is more efficient than epi-off, when the RF reduction factor is less than the light intensity gain factor. In contrast, in the transient state (with efficacy <0.6), the efficacy is proportional to the light dose, and therefore epi-on is always less efficient than epi-off.
Comparison for Detection Methods of VITK 2 Identification and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of Gram-Negative Bacteria Clinical Isolated from Blood Culture
Authors: Al-ahmadey Ziab Z. , M. Aljohani Ahmed , Al-ahmadi Sultan S. 
Published: February 2022

Background: Thousands of people die each year as a result of bloodstream infections. The fast and exact identification of the causative bacteria that cause these illnesses allows for precise treatment care, which improves the patient's prognosis. In an attempt to shortening the time for microbial identification devices have been developed, including the automated or manual antimicrobial susceptibility testing in clinical laboratories. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the Vitek 2 system in the identification and their susceptibility against six classes of antibiotics.
Methods: Based on conventional identification of the isolated was carried out by Gram staining and parallel culture on blood agar, chocolate agar and MacConkey agar, as well as on one drop blood test of Vitek 2 identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The isolates included Enterobacteriaceae, Acinetobacter baumannii and selected species of non-fermenters.
Results: A total of 36 isolates were recovered from 36 blood cultures, 80% of the isolates were multiple resistant to three antimicrobial agents and more. Resistance to imipenem and meropenem, yet resistance to amikacin was observed in 60% of isolates. The mean time for detection of Gram-negative direct samples less than Statistical analysis, showed significant difference with Klebsiella pneumoniae (P=0.014). The finding of this study highlights the emerging trends of Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae as potential drug resistant pathogen in hospital setting in Saudi Arabia.
Conclusions: The results of the present study show that the indirect method is high accuracy with short times, and especially when Gram-negative bacteria and determine bacterial identification from positive blood culture without cost expenditure and additional time.
Prospective cohort study of workers diagnosed with COVID-19 and subsequent unemployment
Authors:   CORoNaWork project, Nagata Tomohisa , Nagata Masako , Hino Ayako , Tateishi Seiichiro , Ogami Akira , Tsuji Mayumi , Matsuda Shinya , Fujino Yoshihisa , Mori Koji 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Objectives
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships of workers being diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and being identified as close contacts of infected persons with unemployment in Japan.

Methods
This was a prospective cohort study using questionnaires about COVID-19 administered to Japanese workers. A baseline survey conducted on December 22–25, 2020, was used to determine history of being diagnosed with COVID-19 or being identified as a close contact of an infected person. Unemployment since the baseline survey was ascertained with a follow-up survey on February 18 and 19, 2021. The odds ratios (ORs) of unemployment were estimated using a multilevel logistic model with adjusted covariates nested in prefecture of residence.

Results
Women (n = 8771) accounted for 44% of the total sample (n = 19 941), and the mean age was 48.0 years. In terms of unemployment because of negative reasons, the multivariate analysis showed that the OR of unemployment associated with being diagnosed with COVID-19 was 2.40 (95% CI: 1.15–5.01) and that the OR associated with being identified as a close contact was 0.98 (95% CI: 0.31–3.11).

Conclusions
There is an association between workers being diagnosed with COVID-19 and unemployment. The reason is not clear, but if the unemployment is unwanted by the individual, workplace adjustment may help prevent unwilling unemployment.