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Jun 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-26-6358
Hip fractures, which remain an immense public health concern, have been subject to study and prevention efforts for many decades, but with limited success in averting either incident, second or subsequent hip fractures, commonly attributed to a combination of age related proclivity to fall, low bone and muscle mass. This review examines second hip fracture incidence rates and determinants of this serious functionally debilitating injury as observed over time remains a current 2026 public health concern. It specifically explores if more preventive efforts are currently warranted in this regard, and in what respect, if indeed, more frail older adults are living longer, but may be in excessively poor health, fearful of moving or falling, malnourished, weak with poor balance, or depressed. Based on what is published, it is concluded 1) second hip fracture incidence rates remain considerable, especially among those who are frail with osteoporotic bone disease, poor vision, heart/or cognitive conditions, plus those with muscle deficits of the lower limb, live alone and have a falls history; 2) studies to identify possible mitigation approaches appear promising in this regard, along with more routine efforts to minimize falls risk and bone attrition.
Apr 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2994-6743.ijstd-25-5899
Background Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continue to rise globally, with >1 million new cases reported daily in 2020. In England, newly diagnosed STIs increased by 23.8% in 2022 compared to 2021. Many infections remain asymptomatic yet contribute to infertility, pregnancy complications, and neonatal morbidity. While routine screening often focuses on Chlamydia trachomatis, broader detection is limited by laboratory turnaround times and restricted test panels. Methods We analysed 6003 home-collected urine and/or swab samples submitted for sexual health screening in the UK. Samples were tested in the laboratory for 10 bacterial and viral pathogens. A total of 5859 urine and 1627 swab samples were processed, with paired samples assessed for diagnostic agreement. Results The most common infections detected in urine were Ureaplasma urealyticum (12.1%), Mycoplasma hominis (8.6%), and Chlamydia trachomatis (2.4%). Swabs showed similar prevalence, with Ureaplasma urealyticum (11.6%) most frequent, followed by Mycoplasma hominis (10.4%) and HSV-2 (4.4%). Paired urine–swab samples demonstrated strong agreement, though swabs improved HSV detection. Conclusions Ureaplasma urealyticum was the most prevalent STI detected, yet only Chlamydia trachomatis is routinely screened in England. Comprehensive laboratory testing of home-collected samples could reduce the hidden burden of STIs, infertility, pregnancy complications, and neonatal infections, while offering confidential and accessible diagnostics.
Apr 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2644-1101.jhp-26-6100
Honour and shame are central moral constructs within many South Asian communities, yet their psychological internalisation in diasporic contexts remains underexamined. This qualitative study explored how young British South Asian women (aged 18–25; N = 6) understand and negotiate honour in relation to gender, religion, and identity. Semi-structured interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Six interrelated themes illustrated honour as a gendered and relational system sustained through anticipatory shame, behavioural surveillance, and sexual double standards. Participants described internalised self-monitoring, bicultural identity tension, and strategic resistance through selective compliance and religious reinterpretation. We propose that honour and shame in minority diaspora contexts function as a moral-emotional identity-regulation system characterised by anticipatory shame, relational accountability, and boundary maintenance under racialisation. This conceptualisation advances acculturation and bicultural identity frameworks by arguing that moral emotion, particularly anticipatory shame, functions as a primary mechanism of cultural internalisation, rather than merely an outcome of value endorsement. The findings further illuminate how moral surveillance shapes identity negotiation and psychological wellbeing, with implications for culturally responsive community and clinical practice.
Feb 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-9273.jbtm-25-5885
Background Depression, increasingly recognized as a critical factor impacting mental health, notably affects various populations, including teachers. This study aimed to delineate the specific characteristics of depressive symptom networks among Chinese teachers, identify the core symptoms of depression within this demographic, and examine the variations in depressive symptom networks across different genders and teaching stages. Method The study encompassed 1,670 teachers. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Central symptoms were identified through centrality indices. Network stability was examined via a case-dropping procedure. Directed Acyclic Graphs (DAG) was used to identify the activating symptoms. Results “Personal devaluation” exhibited the highest and most stable centrality values in the network. “Depressed Affect” and “Emptiness of Life” were identified as the activating symptoms in the network. No significant differences were observed in the network structure and global strength of depression between teachers of different genders. However, significant differences in the network’s global strength were found between junior and senior high school teachers. Conclusion “Personal devaluation” emerged as the core depressive symptoms among teachers in China. “Depressed Affect” and “Emptiness of Life” serve as the gateways that activate the entire teacher depression network. Paying close attention to these symptoms could potentially alleviate the experiences of depression in this demographic.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2688-5328.ijp-25-5402
Background Prescribing appropriate analgesics with optimal dosages based on patients' pain severity is challenging, especially when multiple painkillers are involved. Tracking and analyzing the effectiveness of analgesics and their dosages over time is crucial for pain management. Existing systems lack the ability to integrate analgesic equivalent doses with temporal trends in pain scores, hindering effective decision-making. Methods We developed a Clinical Support System that calculates the daily oral morphine equivalent dose and analyzes trends in consumed equivalent doses of analgesics. The system provides a graphical user interface that displays medication prescriptions, actual medication usage, and pain scores. It offers features such as correlating analgesic drug usage with pain intensity, trend analysis of analgesic drug usage and pain intensity, and identification of effective oral morphine equivalent doses. Results The system overcomes previous barriers in drug analysis by providing real-time calculation of oral morphine equivalents and trend analysis of pain duration. It assists physicians in prescribing appropriate and safe medication dosages, enhancing medication safety for patients. Conclusions Our clinical support system offers a comprehensive solution for analyzing trends in consumed equivalent doses of analgesics. It integrates medication prescriptions, actual usage, and pain scores, providing decision-making support for pain management.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2769-2264.jw-24-4937
Access to potable and quality water in most rural communities is low such that over 2.2 billion people worldwide are negatively affected. The increasing population in Fiapre and the inconsistent water supply by the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) have forced most residents to resort to alternative groundwater sources such as boreholes, wells, etc. Yet, many residents use these sources of water unaware of the quality of the water and its potential health implications. This study assessed drinking water quality in Fiapre by calculating its Weight Average Water Quality Index (WAWQI) and investigating potential risk factors associated with contamination through a cross-sectional study and laboratory analysis of various physicochemical and microbiological water quality parameters. WAWQI was used to compute parameters using 10 factors including pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, TDS, phosphate, chloride, total hardness, nitrate, alkalinity, and faecal coliform. The findings revealed that the pH level of water, phosphate concentration, and fecal coliform count surpassed the recommended thresholds set by the World Health Organization (WHO) for safe drinking water. Although levels of electrical conductivity, TDS, nitrate, total hardness, and chlorine kept changing from one water source to another, the difference was not significant apart from phosphate and fecal coliform which shows a significant difference between the sachet water sources and other water sources (P<0.05). The study outcomes demonstrated that the overall water quality is predominantly categorized as good to fairly good, with the highest Water Quality Index (WQI) value reaching 87.84% and the lowest recorded at 54.81%. Therefore, to improve the water quality in the municipality, local management agencies should pay attention to the microbiological quality of the water sources. The study recommends regular handwashing practices, hygienic surroundings of the water source, and drinking water treatment to reduce the possible risk factors associated with the contamination of the water sources.
Jun 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-8681.jcsr-25-5555
The roof of an HCl fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) chemical tank failed by accident after it had been operated for less than its expected lifetime. A possible cause is the change in day and night temperature, which lead to the cyclic change in the concentration of HCl vapor in contact with roof part. To investigate this possibility, a detailed analysis on the durability of the material exposed to cyclic solution concentration is required. In this research, vinyl ester-glass fiber composite specimens were exposed to 35 mass % and 0 mass% of HCl alternately at 40°C to replicate cyclic concentration exposure in both the vapor and liquid phases. The mass uptake and penetration depth of HCl as well as the strength loss of the material were investigated. Mass uptake and thickness change in vapor phase shows two times higher than liquid phase, at 3.5% and 6% respectively. This occurs due to differences in the concentration of solutions that diffuse to the specimen in the vapor phase and liquid phase. This phenomenon arises from variations in the concentration of solutions that diffuse to the specimen in both vapor and liquid phases. The diffusion process is facilitated by osmotic pressure, leading to material swelling and contributing to their degradation. The result of flexural strength measurement of specimens indicated a decreasing trend as exposure time increased. The flexural strength decreases by up to 36% due to plasticization. The Cl and water content profile in specimens that obtained from elemental mapping of cross-sections using Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) are enhancing the study on how materials degrade, which may be a reason for damage to FRP tank roofs.
Jul 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-24-5017
Background Frailty is an ageing-associated state linked to poor prognostic outcomes. Chronic inflammation due to HIV-infection, AIDS-related infections. and the adverse effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART) all contribute to frailty in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA). Frailty has been comprehensively studied in populations comprising predominantly of Caucasian PLHA. However, there remains a dearth of such data in Indian populations, especially in younger PLHA. Methodology This cross-sectional study aimed to estimate the prevalence of frailty in PLHA (18 - 50 years) who had been on ART for 24-60 months and identify markers linked to frailty. Frailty was assessed in 152 subjects using the Fried frailty-index. Parameters measured included the mid-upper arm and calf circumferences, pain-severity (using the Brief Pain Inventory), highly-sensitivity C-reactive protein, d-dimer, and interleukin-6. Results The prevalence of frailty and pre-frailty were 6.58% and 23.02%, respectively. Reduced grip strength and self-reported exhaustion were associated with frailty (15.79% and 13.16%, respectively). Low calf-circumference and mid-upper arm circumference were not significantly associated with frailty/pre-frailty. The prevalence of pain was 21.7% and both pain severity and pain interference were significantly associated with frailty/pre-frailty. CD-4 counts at the time of assessment showed an inverse association with frailty. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP of 0.04 associated with 0.49 probability of frailty (95% CI 0.40 – 0.59), CRP of 0.12 associated with 0.63 probability of frailty (95% CI 0.47 – 0.76)). D-dimer levels were not significantly associated with frailty /pre-frailty. Conclusion In this first-of-its-kind study on frailty in young PLHA (mean age 37 years) from the Indian sub-continent, the prevalence of frailty and pre-frailty was 6.58% and 23.02%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed a strong association of frailty with pain severity, CD4 count at time of assessment, hs-CRP levels and duration of ART.
Jun 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-450X.jom-24-5114
Objective We aimed to assess outcomes in patients undergoing sequential intragastric balloon (IGB) treatment for obesity. Methods Consecutive patients who underwent treatment between May 2014 and February 2023 were identified. We recorded outcomes including: weight at 3-monthly intervals, progression to definitive bariatric procedure and morbidity. Results 45 patients were identified. Median weight loss with first IGB was 15.2kg (8.8%). 11 patients (26.7%) had a second IGB, with median weight loss of 3.3kg (1.9%). 21 patients (46.7%) were suitable for definitive surgery after first IGB treatment. One further patient (2.2%) was suitable for surgery after a second IGB. During first IGB, median weight loss was observed during the each of the first three quartiles (months 0-3: 10.1kg; months 3-6: 2.3kg; months 6-9: 4.2kg). There was a median 2kg weight gain during months 9-12. Conclusions Greatest weight loss was achieved during first IGB treatment. Sequential IGB treatment did not lead to beneficial weight loss or progression to surgery. Weight loss with first IGB was not uniform across the 12 month period of treatment, with net weight gain during the last quartile.
May 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-24-5100
Exploring the dynamic dimension of functional connectivity in dementia, this article departs from traditional static studies to capture the ever-changing brain networks. Investigating temporal connectivity patterns yields valuable insights into disease progression, individualized treatment, and early intervention. Additionally, the concept of cognitive reserve, therapeutic interventions, and machine learning integration are pivotal in revolutionizing dementia research and care.
May 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-8681.jcsr-24-5075
Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska's Diary records the words of Christ revealed to her between 1934 and 1938. The frequency of the words used by God and Sor Faustina could be statistically determined by stylometric analysis since each has its own linguistic footprint. To do this, we analyze various parts of the Diary in three different editions (Polish, Spanish, and English). The results show a linguistic style characteristic of Sister Faustina and another to God. So this paper confirms that there was a conversation between the two.
Apr 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2994-6743.ijstd-24-5006
Objectives This study explores the clinical characteristics, associated infections, and management outcomes of syphilis within a specific population over the years 2018 to 2022. With a focus on the frequency, clinical manifestations, and co-infections of syphilis, the research addresses a critical gap in understanding the nuanced dynamics of this sexually transmitted infection and its impact on public health. Methods The study employs a retrospective analysis of data collected from 2018 to 2022, utilizing three key serological tests (Syphilis AB, RPR/VDRL, and TPHA) to characterize syphilis infections within the population. Clinical manifestations and associated infections, including HIV, HBV, HCV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and HPV, are systematically assessed. Treatment rates and re-infection patterns are also analyzed, providing a comprehensive overview of syphilis epidemiology within the studied timeframe. Results The frequency of syphilis, particularly indicated by the Syphilis AB test, exhibited a marked increase in 2020, reaching 96%, suggesting a heightened frequency within the population. RPR/VDRL test results demonstrated consistent frequency, emphasizing the persistent presence of active syphilis infections. Clinical manifestations, such as chancre, skin rashes, alopecia syphilitica, and lymphadenopathy, displayed dynamic patterns over the study years. Co-infection rates varied, with fluctuations observed in HIV, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and HPV, while HBV and HCV showed infrequent but stable frequency. The management of syphilis cases demonstrated commendable treatment rates, but an increase in re-infection rates in 2021 highlights the need for continued vigilance. Conclusion This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of syphilis epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and associated infections within the studied population. The results offer valuable insights into the dynamic nature of syphilis and its co-infections, informing public health initiatives and interventions. The findings contribute to our understanding of the epidemiological landscape and underscore the importance of sustained efforts in both prevention and treatment to curb the transmission of syphilis and its associated infections. The study, however, calls for continued vigilance and research to address the evolving trends and challenges in syphilis management within the specified population.
Apr 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2994-6743.ijstd-24-5005
Objectives This study examined the frequency and dynamics of syphilis in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) between 2018 and 2022. Recognizing the significance of understanding syphilis trends, this study intends to conduct further research on sexually transmitted diseases in the context of the UAE. Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. This study focused on patients who underwent syphilis screening between January 2018 and December 2022. Cases were classified as conclusive only if they passed the first screening and subsequent confirmatory tests. Results The findings demonstrate that Syphilis frequency varied throughout the UAE during the study period. Demographic trends and sex variations were discovered, providing insight into how syphilis patterns change. Additionally, this study identified a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, confirming the complexity of the disease. It was also noted that males had a higher frequency of syphilis than females. Conclusion Understanding the complexity of the frequency of syphilis is critical for developing effective public health interventions. Variations in frequency, demographic trends, sex disparities, and clinical manifestations indicate the need for personalized preventive and control measures. This study provides important information that may be utilized to motivate focused initiatives to address the difficulties associated with syphilis in the UAE, thus enhancing overall public health.
Mar 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2577-2279.ijha-23-4886
Introduction The foramen ovale is located in the area where intracranial and extracranial structures meet. Procedures involving trigeminal neuralgia and mandibular nerve anaesthesia require an understanding of the foramen ovale's morphometry and anatomy. Our present study was conducted to define mean values and anatomical variations in foramen ovale. Aims 1. To establish the mean length, breadth and the Area of the foramen ovale. 2. And also to study different shapes and special features of the foramen ovale. 3. To compare the values of the present author with the previous studies. Methodology The study was carried out on100 foramen ovale using 50 dry adult human skull bones of unknown sex. Maximum transverse diameter, antero-posterior diameters of the foramen were measured with the help of vernier calipers. and the different shapes of foramen were noted. The data was analysed by using unpaired T test. Results The mean anteroposterior diameter on left side was 6.59±1.37 mm and on right side was 6.99±1.44 mm. The mean transverse diameter on the left is 4.09±0.74 mm and 4.17±0.76 mm on the right side. Incidences of various shapes of the foramen ovale were oval 70%, almond 11%, round 9%, elongated 6%, pear shaped 2 % and irregular 2%. Conclusions The findings from the current study may be useful for understanding the variations of these foramina for interventions in middle cranial fossa.
Feb 2024 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-23-4879
Background Cancer and diabetes are risk factors for COVID-19 mortality rates. Remdesivir, dexamethasone, and vaccines are used to improve clinical outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the factors associated with COVID-19 mortality rates. Methods This retrospective study enrolled moderate to critical COVID-19 patients. The index day was the day of the COVID-19 diagnosis. Patients were followed up until either death or discharge. A two-way analysis of variance examined the interaction between independent mortality risk factors. Results A total of 205 patients were analyzed, and the mortality rate was 29.5% (n=60/205). The cumulative survival rate was significantly lower in patients with a CCI score ≥ 6, cancer, and diabetes. In multivariate analysis, critical illness, cancer, diabetes, chronic liver disease, a CCI score ≥ 6, unvaccinated, and early use of remdesivir/dexamethasone were independent risk factors for mortality. The onset of remdesivir/dexamethasone ≥ 2 days and < 3 doses of vaccinations were higher mortality rate, with its impact being more significant amongst patients with cancer/diabetes, compared to those without cancer/diabetes (p for interaction = 0.046/0.049, 0.060/0.042, and 0.038/0.048 respectively). Conclusions COVID-19 vaccination ≥ 3 doses and early administration of remdesivir and dexamethasone can significantly reduce mortality rates, particularly in patients with cancer or diabetes.
Jan 2024
Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) is the most urgent public health problem to solve in Peru, according to the Ministry of Health 1. In the WHO Global TB Report 2021, Peru has the highest burden of DR-TB in the Americas (Table 1), with 38% of TB cases either RR or MDR. In addition, the Ministry reports an estimated prevalence rate of DR-TB of 5.7% in new cases and 24.2% in previously treated cases. A total of 2493 new cases of DR-TB were reported in 2022, with 18.5% treatment dropout in 2019 believed to have increased by at least 52% in 2022 1. The post-pandemic context has created additional challenges for the control of DR-TB in Peru. A complex multiplicity of factors connects this disease to groups with high vulnerability, such as populations in extreme poverty and overcrowding or deprived of freedom; those who have immune system disorders, such as HIV and diabetes; and isolated indigenous populations.
Nov 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2998-4122.jlr-23-4739
On social networks often circulate emotional letters from various authors that appear after their death. The supposed letter Albert Einstein wrote to his daughter Lieserl and the letter Simon Bolivar wrote to his cousin Fanny are two examples. A Python-developed tool is used to do a stylometric study to determine whether these authors were. The language styles of Einstein and Bolivar were described using eight and six letters, respectively. The results show that they never wrote these letters.
Oct 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-23-4463
Genotype by environment (GE) interaction is considered to be among the major factors limiting the efficiency of breeding programs.Five chickpea genotypes were evaluated to study their adaptability and stability in eight environments of Sudan. The experiments were carried out in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications in four locations in over two years (2017/2018 and 2018/2019).Stability was estimated using additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model.A Combined analysis of variance showed significant effects of genotypes, locations, years and their interactions on seed yield. Mean seed yield ranged between 1.88 and 1.45 t ha-1 for the genotypes FLIP 08-59 C and FLIP 09-187 C, respectively. The genotype FLIP 08-59 C gave the highest average seed yield and out-yielded the two checks, Shiekh Mohamed and Burgeig by 9.5% and 10.1%, respectively. The newly introduced (FLIP 08-59 C) showed non- significant differences in earliness as compared to the other two standard checks resistant to fusarium wilt disease and with good seed weight. The statistical analysis showed that genotype (G), environment (E) and their interaction (GEI) had highly significant (P ≤ 0.001) effect on seed yield. It also revealed that environmental differences accounted for 90.2% of the total variation. The results of data analysis displayed that the percentages of seed yield by environment, genotype and genotype environment interaction were 90.2%, 3.6% and 6.3%, respectively. The IPCA 1 and IPCA 2 axes (Principal Components) were highly significant P ≤ 0.001). The model for seed chickpea yield stability (the Additive Main Effect and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) model) showed that the G1 (FLIP 08-59 C) was adapted, high yielding and considered as stable genotype for Gezira, River Nile and Northern States of Sudan. In addition, this genotype is early flowering with non-significant differences in earliness as compared to the two checks and with good seed weight. Therefore, the above mentioned genotype FLIP 08-59 C could be recommended as commercially stable and high yielding cultivar and/or incorporated as breeding stocks in any future breeding programs aiming to produce high yielding genotypes of chickpea.
Oct 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2997-2248.jwl-23-4539
Wildlife management is a crucial issue to maintain the sustainability of an ecosystem whereas habitat suitability analysis is very important for better conservation and management of species like the African Buffalo. Therefore, the effort of this study was to analyze habitat suitability for African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) by employing GIS at Dhati Welel National Park, Ethiopia. The study employed five datasets include: land use land cover (LULC), elevation, slope, settlements, and rivers. In this study, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and weight overlay analysis methods were applied using IDRISI 17 and ArcGIS 10.5 software. Each dataset was integrated using GIS and AHP to rate the individual classes of each factor and weigh the influence of one factor against the other, to determine the weighted contribution of importance to the habitat suitability. As result, the consistency ratio was 0.03 and found with acceptable limits. Then, the weighted overlay tool was applied to calculate the final habitat suitability map of the African Buffalo based on the influence value. The result indicates, 35.3 % (362.7 km2) of the study area was optimal for the African Buffalo habitat. Therefore, according to the results of the finding more areas of Dhati Welel National Park are suitable for the African Buffalo habitat based on the factors employed in this study. So that, this indicates the area is important for conservation from habitat loss and fragmentation.
Oct 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-2313.jeh-23-4547
Millions of women use hormonal contraceptive pills around the world and though the physical effects are thoroughly described in the literature and clinical setting. The psychological effects have been largely ignored until recently. Recent studies have found that the use of hormonal contraceptives has an effect on women’s hormones and psychological well-being. The aim of this present research was to check the effect of hormonal contraceptive pills on anterior pituitary gland among female wister rat histomorphometrically. Thirty (30) female wister rats of 3 month old weighing 150 – 200g were used for the study. They were divided into three (3) groups of 10 rats each. Group one (1) received Microlut Levonorgestrel 30mg at a dose of 0.18g/kg while group two (2) received a combination of microgynon levonorgesrel 150mg and ehinylestadiol 130mg at a dose of o.18g/kg in 5 days cycle while group three (3) serve as control group. The experiment last for 72 days. Histomorphometrical analysis of anterior pituitary gland was carried out. The findings revealed that combined oral contraceptive pills adversely cause the decrease in the cells of the anterior pituitary more than the progestin only pills.
Oct 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-8681.jcsr-23-4727
The goal is to analyze that Lafond’s letter by stylometric methods, supposedly written by Simón Bolívar to General San Martín about the destiny of Ecuador. The Delta function was calculated after evaluating 16 letters from Simón Bolívar and including another 11 letters from San Martín. The reason for including San Martín’s letter was to verify if the method used could distinguish between the two authors. A linguistic corpus was constructed using functional words, and a dendrogram was used to visualize the result. Finally, it is concluded that the letter to Lafond is false. Simón Bolívar never wrote this letter.
Sep 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-23-4660
SARS-CoV-2 real-time reverse-transcription PCR (rRT-PCR) is the most effective testing system available to combat COVID-19, given the absence of any specific treatment or vaccine. Moreover, numerous SARS-CoV-2 rRT-PCR kits have been approved under emergency-use-authorization (EUA) worldwide. In this article, we present a comparison of important performance features among five commercial RT-PCR assays. A total of consecutive nasopharyngeal (NPS) samples and oropharyngeal (OP) swabs were collected from 50 COVID-19 patients to analyze sensitivity and specificity. The results showed variations in sensitivity among all the RT-PCR kits examined. The Pishtaz teb assays demonstrated the highest positive percent agreement (PPA) of 95.2% (40/42), followed by Covitech (90.5% - 38/42), DaAn Gene (83.3% - 35/42), Sansure (66.66% - 28/42), and Power check of SARS- CoV-2 panel (64.3% - 27/42). Conversely, all five molecular assays demonstrated a negative percent agreement (NPA) of 100% (8/8). These findings provide a technical baseline for assessing the performance of five distinct commercial PCR assays for detecting SARS-CoV-2. They could prove practical and useful for laboratories seeking to purchase any of these assays for further clinical validation. Highlights ·Compared five COVID-19 RT-PCR kits approved and available by Iran Ministry of Health. ·Pishtaz teb's kit identified the highest number of positive clinical samples.
Apr 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2639-3166.jar-23-4500
This investigation was carried out at the Demonstration Farm of the College of Agriculture- University of Bahri during 2018/2019 winter season to evaluate growth (morphological) and growth analysis (physiological) components in some sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L) genotypes under different nitrogen levels to know how well sugar beet plant performs during the growing season, Thus, to provide information to assist producers in identifying and introducing superior genotype and good management of nitrogen application in AlKadro area. The experiment was laid out in split plot design. The genotypes used were namely, Blaladi. Strube Sudan 01/14, Strube Sudan 02/14, Strube Sudan 04/14, Strube Sudan 05/14 and Strube Sudan 06/14, and the nitrogen levels were viz, 0, 80 and 120 kg urea per ha; applied twice (at the sowing and then 4 weeks after sowing). The evaluated components were; leaf number/plant, leaf area index (LAI), root length, root diameter, fresh and dry weight of foliage/plant, fresh and dry weight of root/plant; all determined at 5 terms. While Crop Growth Rates (CGR), Relative Growth Rate (RGR) and Net Assimilation Rate (NAR); determined at different periods of growth (intervals). The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that at 4 weeks after sowing (WAS): leaf number (14.33- 17.03) , root length (19.05 – 21.75 cm), root diameter ( 7.93- 8.40 cm) foliage fresh ( 186.93 – 292.06 g) and dry ( 69.00 – 94.10 g) weight per plant, root fresh (72.66 – 108.88 g) and dry weight ( 12.54 – 22.08 g) per plant differed significantly (P≤ 0.05); at 7 and 10 WAS leaf number (22.39 -35.73 and 26.91 – 38.47, respectively), LAI ( 3.725 -5.645) , fresh and dry root weight per plant ( 586.78 – 913.81an 189.06 – 326.43 g, respectively) differed significantly; at 13 WAS: dry foliage weight ( 69.00 – 94.10 g), LAI ( 2.603 – 4.744), root diameter (10.09 – 11.92 cm) differed significantly; at 16 WAS only dry foliage (44.34 – 73.48 g) weight reflected significance. All other cases reflected insignificant differences among the evaluated genotypes. Moreover, all the studied components reflected insignificant differences among the nitrogen fertilizer levels and likewise genotype x nitrogen interaction (G x N) at the 5 sampled terms. Nevertheless, CGR, RGR and NAR displayed insignificant effect on the studied components in the evaluated periods.
Apr 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-2811.jmbr-23-4528
Rapidly spreading Covid-19 virus and its variants, especially in metropoli- tan areas around the world, became a major health public concern. The tendency of Covid-19 pandemic and statistical modelling represent an urgent challenge in the United States for which there are few solutions. In this paper, we demonstrate com- bining Fourier terms for capturing seasonality with ARIMA errors and other dynamics in the data. Therefore, we have analyzed 156 weeks COVID-19 dataset on national level using Dynamic Harmonic Regression model, including simulation analysis and ac- curacy improvement from 2020 to 2023. Most importantly, we provide a new advanced pathways which may serve as targets for developing new solutions and approaches.
Mar 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-22-4116
Background In Low Middle-Income Countries (LIMCs), malnutrition, especially undernutrition is one of the leading causes of childhood mortality and morbidity. Poor complementary feeding practices are among the most notable contributors to poor nutritional indicators in children under five. This article provides an output of secondary data analysis of the Cost of Diet (CoD) and Optifood component of National Complementary Feeding Assessment conducted by UNICEF Pakistan along with Pakistan Demographic Health Survey (PDHS) 2018. Methods For correlation of Optifood data and CoD data with PDHS data of CF, GraphPad software, MS Excel was used along with manual quantifications. The analysis of DHS-2018 data was conducted using STATA software. Univariate analysis included comparison of categorical variables i.e. various individual, household and community level parameters with that of outcome variables of minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF) and minimum dietary diversity (MAD) using chi-square test. Findings The overall rate of MMF was 56.6% among children of 6-23 months of age with MDD in 18.6% and MAD in 13.8% of children. Percentage of annual cost spent on nutritious diet for MDD, MMF and MAD varies from 27.86% to 43.08% across all the provinces. Children aged 6–8 months and 9–11 months often consumed infant milk and cereals, while children aged 12–23 months often consumed eggs and grain products. Consumption of dairy products was highest in Punjab, Sindh, AJK, and Islamabad, that of grains roots and tubers was highest in KPK, FATA and GB. Conclusion Considering CF practices in Pakistan are inadequate as indicated by poor MDD, MMF, and MAD, therefore it is imperative that a holistic approach using both communication and non-communication based interventions is to be employed through active stakeholder engagement.
Feb 2023 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-2811.jmbr-22-4302
The Gas Turbine operation was investigated with a view to evolving a system designed to provide a realistic imitation of the controls and operation of a Gas Turbine, used for training purposes. Operator Training Simulator has been widely adopted by many industries being a computer simulation which attempts to model a real-life plant so that it can be studied. A well trained and skilled operator is key in increasing power plant safety and productivity. Therefore, enabling quality training for operators is becoming more important as they need to handle increased load of information and duties whereas the lack of training is a major reason for inadequate performance. By changing variables in the simulator, predictions are made about the behaviour of the engine. It is a tool to virtually investigate the behaviour of the system while in operation. This work becomes indispensable because it is prohibitively expensive or simply too dangerous to allow trainees use the real equipment in a power plant. The Gas Turbine operation’s simulator is born from Object Oriented Programming, employing key programming languages. The simulator design focused on specific tasks in the operation of the Gas Turbine which include; startup, synchronization and monitoring of vital parameters like vibration, temperature, pressure, and angle of the Inlet Guide Vane. The statuses of various valves, pumps and motors as well as the Performance of actuators and the response of concatenated components are also being tracked. The simulator was found to effectively mimic a real plant life. With this simulator, trainee operators in Gas Turbine can spend time learning valuable lessons in a "safe" virtual environment yet living a lifelike experience. This will go a long way in minimizing operators’ error in GT power plants, thereby curtailing power outages and conserving power plant components.
Nov 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-22-4354
Background Osteoarthritis, the most common joint disease and one affecting a large number of older adults is not always amenable to the use of passive interventions such as surgery or pharmacologic interventions, but even then, to maximize any desirable intervention approaches, a trustworthy and supportive partnership with the sufferer is strongly indicated. Complicating this process are emerging equity and persistent health literacy issues, as well as post COVID-19 service associated ramifications and persistent disease risks. Aim This mini review was designed to examine what current data reveal as regards the presentation of osteoarthritis and its pathology among the older adult as of the current post COVID-19 pandemic period in 2022, and how health literacy and equity issues are likely implicated in some degree with the disease presentation and its outcomes and will be likely to continue, unless remediated. Methods Peer reviewed published articles on this topic were sought from multiple data bases using the key words- osteoarthritis, health equity, health literacy, prevention, and intervention. Results As in prior years, osteoarthritis continues to induce considerable physical disability and consistently impedes the attainment of a high life quality for many older adults. Although not studied to any degree, attention to health equity and literacy issues appear to pose additional osteoarthritis intervention challenges, especially among the long COVID affected older adults and those with low income and educational levels. Conclusions Many behaviourally oriented and necessary osteoarthritis management approaches and interventions may fail to reduce the functional disability and pain experienced by older people with any form of osteoarthritis to any meaningful degree if a) the provider does not tailor their recommendations in light of possible prevailing health literacy, economic, and educational challenges; b) the patient does not understand how their health behaviours impact joint disease as well as COVID-19 risk status, and are not empowered to undertake these.
Oct 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-2811.jmbr-22-4258
This work proposes a modification of a compartmental-type model based on the Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered (SEIR) scheme to describe the dynamics of contagion by Covid-19 in any part of the world, including also the numerical and analytical calculation of the mantissa and the resolution of a partial differential equation system. As an example, the different incidents that occurred in Singapore, Spain and Venezuela are analyzed to demonstrate the usefulness of the methodology developed in this work that can be seamlessly extended to other regions.
Mar 2022 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-22-4115
Background Cameroon is battling against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Although several control measures have been implemented, the epidemic continues to progress. This paper analyses the evolution of the pandemic in Cameroon and attempts to provide insight on the evolution of COVID-19 within the country’s population. Methods A susceptible-infected-recovered-dead (SIRD)-like model coupled with a discrete time-dependent Markov chain was applied to predict COVID-19 distribution and assess the risk of death. Two main assumptions were examined in a 10-state and 3-state Markov chain: i) a recovered person can get infected again; ii) the person will remain recovered. The COVID-19 data collected in Cameroon during the period of March 6 to July 30, 2020 were used in the analysis. Results COVID-19 epidemic showed several peaks. The reproductive number was 3.08 between May 18 and May 31; 2.75 between June 1 and June 25, and 2.84 between June 16 and June 24. The number of infected individuals ranged from 17632 to 26424 (June 1 to June 15), and 28100 to 36628 (June 16 to June 24). The month of January 2021 was estimated as the last epidemic peak. Under the assumption that a recovered person will get infected again with probability 0.15, 50000 iterations of the Markov chain (10 and 3- state) demonstrated that the death state was the most probable state. The estimated lethality rate was 0.44, 95%CI=0.10%-0.79%. Mean lethality rate assuming ii) was 0.10. Computation of transition probabilities from reported data revealed a significant increase in the number of active cases throughout July and August, 2020, with a mean lethality rate of 3% by September 2020. Conclusion Multiple approaches to data analysis is a fundamental step for managing and controlling COVID-19 in Cameroon. The rate of transmission of COVID-19 is growing fast because of insufficient implementation of public health measures. While the epidemic is spreading, assessment of major factors that contribute to COVID-19-associated mortality may provide the country’s public health system with strategies to reduce the burden of the disease. The model outputs present the threatening nature of the disease and its consequences. Considering the model outputs and taking concrete actions may enhance the implementation of current public health intervention strategies in Cameroon. Strict application of preventive measures, such as wearing masks and social distancing, could be reinforced before and after the opening of learning institutions (schools and universities) in the 2020/2021 calendar year and next.
Aug 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-9383.jhhr-21-3864
This paper wishes to address the main concerns of food patterns and food consumption during the epidemic with quantitative analysis from various regions of Tamil Nadu. It was noted that it is more important than natural foods. The current epidemic had a profound effect on the humankind, recognizing the importance of staying healthy is the crucial aspect. In time, further research was conducted on the diet of the Indian subcontinent. Everyone should know about the importance of health and how nutrition contributes to the health and equality of people around the world. The main purpose of this study was to identify the importance of good nutrition and disease prevention.
Jul 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2769-2264.jw-21-3870
In this study, were multivariate analysis of the waters of the Arienga and Murucupí rivers located near an area of intense industrial activity in the Barcarena City, Pará State, Brazil. Were analyzed the variables temperature, pH, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, DO, BOD, ammoniacal-N, nitrite-N, nitrate-N, phosphate, sulfate and total hardness in four sampling campaigns in the year 2011. This amazon rivers presented physicochemical characteristics well heterogeneous, but similar behaviors for the variables pH, temperature and DO in the extensions evaluated, that is, increase in the source-mouth direction, with variations from 4.77 to 7.33 and 5.51 to 7.3, 25 to 31°C and 27 to 32°C and from 4.4 to 7.98 mg.L-1 and 1.17 to 6.55 mg.L-1 for the Arienga and Murucupi rivers respectively. In addition to these characteristics, the Arienga River also presented an increase for ammoniacal-N, nitrite-N, nitrate-N and hardness in the dry period, with variations from 0.014 to 6.336 mg.L-1, 0.005 to 0.334 mg.L-1, 0.009 to 4.818 mg.L-1 and 1.146 to 14.389 mg.L-1 respectively. In general, Murucupí River presented different physicochemical characteristics that are coherent with the local scenario, where the launch domestic effluents and the environmental impacts caused by industrial waste are visible and recurrent respectively.
Jun 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-21-3851
Background The rapid and ongoing spread of antimicrobial-resistant organisms threatens the ability to successfully prevent, control, or treat a growing number of infectious diseases in developed and developing countries. This study was designed to convey more insight on the profile of antimicrobial resistance and the capacity of laboratories conducting antimicrobial susceptibility testing in Cameroon. Methods A multicentre cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2019 to March 2020 in the Deido Health District. Laboratories that carry out culture and sensitivity testing within the Deido Health District were identified and assessed to determine their capacity as well as the quality of results from microbiological investigations. Information on antimicrobial susceptibility of various isolates was collected using tablet phones in which the study questionnaires had been incorporated. Results Gaps identified in antimicrobial susceptibility testing that cut across laboratories included; insufficient standard operating procedures, inadequate records on personnel training and competency assessment, lack of safety equipment such as biosafety cabinet, stock out and non-participation in external quality assurance program. The turnaround time for antimicrobial susceptibility testing ranged from 3 – 7 days. Out of the 1797 samples cultured, 437(24.3%) had at least one isolate. A total of 15 different isolates were identified with Candida albicans being the most frequent 178 (40.7%), followed by Escherichia coli 80(18.3%). Among the 15 classes of antimicrobial drugs used in this study, the overall resistance of the isolates showed that five classes had class median resistance above 40% (Cephalosporins, Penicillins, Beta-lactam, Macrolides, and Polyenes). Conclusion This study has shown the need to develop a coordinated national approach to fight antimicrobial resistance. Scaling-up of antimicrobial susceptibility testing will, therefore, require strengthening the microbiology units of laboratory systems as well as ensuring the use of laboratory data for decision making.
Apr 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-8681.jcsr-21-3770
Ofloxacin is an antibiotic, useful against the number of bacterial infections. This scientific investigation was performed to identify the impact of the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment on the structural properties and the isotopic abundance ratio of ofloxacin using sophisticated analytical techniques. Ofloxacin sample was divided into control and treated parts. Only the treated ofloxacin received the Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment remotely by a well-known Biofield Energy Healer, Mr. Mahendra Kumar Trivedi. The LC-MS spectra of both the samples of ofloxacin at retention time 3 minutes exhibited the mass of the protonated molecular ion peak at m/z 362.17 (M+H)+. The chromatographic peak area% of the treated ofloxacin (52.4%) was increased by 2.03% compared to the control sample (51.36%). The LC-MS based isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM in the Biofield Treated ofloxacin was significantly increased by 22.43% compared with the control sample. Similarly, the GC-MS based isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM in the Biofield Treated ofloxacin was significantly increased by 19.24% compared with the control sample. The LC-MS and GC-MS based isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM (2H/1H or 15N/14N or 13C/12C or 17O/16O) was significantly increased in the Biofield Treated ofloxacin as compared to the control sample. Thus,2H, 15N, 13C, and17O contributions from (C18H21FN3O4)+ to m/z 363.17 in the treated ofloxacin were significantly increased compared with the control sample. The increased isotopic abundance ratio of the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treated ofloxacin may increase the intra-atomic bond strength and increase its physical stability. The new form of treated ofloxacin would be more stable, better soluble, and bioavailable compared to the control sample. It would be more useful to design efficacious pharmaceutical formulations that might offer better therapeutic response against infections in the urethra, urinary tract, gonorrhoea, pneumonia, infectious diarrhoea, bronchitis, cellulitis, bacterial infection of the eye and ear, multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, prostatitis, otitis media, plague, etc.
Mar 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-21-3756
In contributing to the initiative to address the COVID-19 pandemic and in order to enhance the knowledge on driving forces shaping the evolution of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (isolated from Tunisian patients), a comparison in relation to other coronaviruses infecting humans (SARS-CoV-1, MERS-CoV, HCoV/229E, HCoV/NL63, HCoV/OC43, and HCoV/HKU1) as well as animals (SARS-CoVs in tiger, bats, civet, pangolin, bovine, and MERS-CoV in dromedary/camel), was conducted. In-depth analysis was carried out involving 115 sequences of spike glycoprotein-coding gene extracted from the international databases. Phylogeny inference allowed the reconstruction of a bifurcating tree where four distinct groups were delineated and at the same time, three animal accessions (SARS-CoV-2/tiger, MERS-CoV/camel, and SARS-CoV/bovine) shifted from the animal group and integrated the human coronaviruses clades. Nonetheless, in the presence of reticulate events such as recombination, networks described better the phylogenetic relationships rather than the classic dendrogram. Thus, networks were produced and identified four clusters containing sharply demarcated subgroups (eight subdivisions). Except networked phylogenies of SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2, and HCoV/HKU1, all the others showed edges and boxes illustrating the occurrence of incompatibilities related to the sequences of spike glycoprotein-coding gene. Thereby and consolidating this result, three methods (RDP package, GARD, and RECCO) were used to detect breakpoints in aligned sequences. Except the clades SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2, all the remaining phylogenetic subdivisions were subject to recombination. Furthermore, the screening of selection pressure in all studied sequences by various statistics-based models of the HyPhy package, showed that, similarly, the lineages belonging to the clades SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 were not under selection. In contrast, all members of the remaining clades underwent, to different extents, adaptive selection as well as purifying selection.
Jan 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2766-8681.jcsr-21-3718
Currently, many educational practitioners do not agree on how flipped classroom affects students’ learning effect. In order to further explore the impact of flipped classroom on students’ learning effect, this paper conducts a quantitative analysis of some flipped classroom experimental and quasi-experimental studies systematically by means of meta-analysis method. The study finds that the random effect model shows that the combined effect is 0.373, reaching the statistical significance level, which indicates that flipped classroom has moderate positive effect on improving students' learning effect. There is no significant difference in the effect of flipped classroom on the learning effect of different subjects and stages, but the effect on primary school students is weaker. Significant differences in the effect on learning outcomes among different knowledge types have been found, and specifically, the flipped instruction is good for the study of practical knowledge, but has less influence on theoretical knowledge learning. Therefore, in the application of flipped classroom, it is necessary to pay attention to the characteristics of different learning objects and types of knowledge, and flipped classroom teaching cannot be used too much in primary school and the teaching of theoretical knowledge during the coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic.
Jan 2021 DOI 10.14302/issn.2692-1537.ijcv-20-3383
With the spread of the new coronavirus around the world, governments of various countries have begun to use the mathematical modeling method to construct some virus transmission models assessing the risks of spatial spread of the new coronavirus COVID-19, while carrying out epidemic prevention work, and then calculate the inflection point for better prevention and control of epidemic transmission. This work analyzes the spread of the new coronavirus in China, Italy, Germany, Spain, and France, and explores the quantitative relationship between the growth rate of the number of new coronavirus infections and time. In investigating the dynamics of a disease such as COVID-19, its mathematical representation can be constructed at many levels of details, guided by the questions the model tries to help answer. Mathematical sophistication may have to yield to a more pragmatic approach closer to the ability to make predictions that inform public health policies. Background In December 2019 , the first Chinese patients with pneumonia of unknown cause is China admitted to hospital in Wuhan, Hubei Jinyintan , since then, COVID-19 in the rapid expansion of China Wuhan, Hubei, in a few months time, COVID-19 is Soon it spread to a total of 34 provincial-level administrative regions in China and neighboring countries, and Hubei Province immediately became the hardest hit by the new coronavirus. In an emergency situation, we strive to establish an accurate infectious disease retardation growth model to predict the development and propagation of COVID-19, and on this basis, make some short-term effective predictions. The construction of this model has Relevant departments are helpful for the prevention and monitoring of the new coronavirus, and also strive for more time for the clinical trials of Chinese researchers and the research on vaccines against the virus to eliminate the new corona virus as soon as possible. Methods According to the original data change law, Establish a Logistic growth model, we collect and compare and integrate the spread of COVID-19 in China, Italy, France, Spain and Germany, record the virus transmission trend among people in each country and the protest measures of relevant government departments. Findings Based on the analysis results of the Logistic model model, the Logistic model has a good fitting effect on the actual cumulative number of confirmed cases, which can bring a better effect to the prediction of the epidemic situation and the prevention and control of the epidemic situation. Interpretation In the early stage of the epidemic, due to inadequate anti-epidemic measures in various countries, the epidemic situation in various countries spread rapidly. However, with the gradual understanding of COVI D -19, the epidemic situation began to be gradually controlled, thereby retarding growth
Nov 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-20-3618
Metronidazole is an antibiotic and useful for the antibacterial and antiprotozoal medication. This study was performed to investigate the impact of the Trivedi Effect®-Biofield Energy Healing Treatment on the structural properties and the isotopic abundance ratio of metronidazole using LC-MS and GC-MS spectroscopy. Metronidazole sample was divided into two parts, one part of metronidazole was considered as control (no Biofield Energy Treatment was provided), while the second part was treated with the Trivedi Effect®-Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment remotely by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Alice Branton and termed as a treated sample. The LC-MS spectra of both the samples of metronidazole at the retention time (Rt) 2.61 minutes exhibited the mass of the protonated molecular ion peak at m/z 172 M+H+ (calculated for C6H10N3O3+, 172.07). The LC-MS based isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM (2H/1H or 13C/12C or 15N/214N or 17O/16O) in the treated metronidazole was significantly increased by 8.24% compared with the control sample. Thus,13C, 2H, 15N,and17O contributions from (C6H10N3O3)+ to m/z 173 in the treated sample were significantly increased compared with the control sample. The GC-MS based isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM in the treated metronidazole was significantly increased by 5.92% compared with the control sample. Hence,13C, 2H, 15N, and217O contributions from (C6H9N3O3)+ to m/z 172 in the Biofield Energy Treated sample were significantly increased compared with the control sample. However, the isotopic abundance ratio of PM+2/PM in the treated metronidazole was significantly decreased by 18.2% compared with the control sample. Hence,18O contributions from (C6H9N3O3)+ to m/z 173 in the treated sample were significantly decreased compared with the control sample. The isotopic abundance ratio of PM+1/PM (2H/1H or 13C/12C or 15N/14N or 17O/16O) and PM+2/PM (18O/16O) in the treated metronidazole was significantly altered compared to the control sample. From the results, it can be hypothesized that the changes in isotopic abundance and mass peak intensities could be due to changes in nuclei possibly through the interference of neutrino particles via the Trivedi Effect® - Consciousness Energy Healing Treatment. The new form of treated metronidazole would be better designing novel pharmaceutical formulations that might offer better therapeutic response against bacterial and protozoal infection in the vagina (bacterial vaginosis), stomach (giardiasis, trichomoniasis, pseudomembranous colitis), joints (pelvic inflammatory disease), liver, skin, brain, and respiratory tract, aspiration pneumonia, rosacea, intra-abdominal infections, lung abscess, fungating wounds, periodontitis, amoebiasis, oral infections, etc.
Oct 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2768-0207.jbr-20-3568
The Coronavirus emergency represents an epochal challenge for all world health organizations. In these times of profound destabilization of healthcare organizations, become urgent some thoughts on how to deal with the organization and re-engineering process as well as on concepts, relatively new, such as "resilience" and "business continuity". The company management need having to predict, design and plan a profound process of change in their Clinical and Corporate Governance. With the implementation of phases 2 and 3 of management of the pandemic and the coexistence of doctors and citizens with the new Coronavirus, it has become a priority to develop territorial models of assistance to established or suspected Covid patients, starting with the creation of monitoring networks based on the model of the “sentinel” general practitioner. One of the main concerns of Healthcare, since the beginning of the Covid-19 emergency has been to get closer to the citizen-patient. It is therefore necessary to find stimuli to restart with new methods of care, new health and social-health services, moving the current care paradigm for Covid-19 from the hospital to the territory, optimizing the constituent elements of the districts, primary care and general practice in a multidisciplinary approach.
Oct 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-20-3584
Objective To examine the current linkage between different medical services for hypertension patients for enhanced integration among medical service systems. Methods A total of 18 hospitals and community medical centers from a district of Shanghai were enrolled for social network analysis which covered emergency visits and hospitalization records of 171,177 outpatients with hypertension. Stata software was used for data preprocessing and UCINET software was used for network analysis of medical service providers to quantify and visualize the network tightness and the "main role" of information delivery of the medical institution network in the area. Results The service network of hypertension consultation institutions in the region is closely connected as a whole, but the level of diagnosis and treatment of medical services in various communities varies widely, and the degree of association with higher-level medical institutions is not uniform. Conclusion Based on the limited tightness of various medical service providers, it is necessary to implement the responsibilities of individual medical institutions at different levels and pay more attention to improving the service capabilities of primary medical institutions for enhanced integrating medical services in future.
Aug 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-2811.jmbr-20-3476
Nowadays, supplying energy for the global population has turned into a prominent issue for countries engendering the consumption of huge amounts of fossil fuels which leads to some serious environmental problems. Among the renewable energy technologies, solar collectors can play major role to improve the efficiency, in air conditioning utility systems by minimum pollution. In photovoltaic/thermal (PVT) solar collectors, which are currently considered as the most advanced type to produce electricity and heat simultaneously, working fluid absorbs Energy from photovoltaic (PV) module engendering to decrease temperature of PV module and increase the electricity efficiency and also provide permissible amount of heat for other residential applications. Meanwhile, utilizing nanofluid as the working fluid in collector, regarding that the nanofluid has enhanced thermal properties relative to the base fluid, leads to a higher collector efficiency. In this research, PVP coated silver nanofluid was prepared in three volume concentration being 250, 500 and 1000 ppm by two-step method. To assess the stability of nanofluid the zeta potential is calculated which is obtained -41.6 V. Also, the prominent thermal properties of the nanofluid were analyzed regarding PVT solar collector applications. According to the results, thermal conductivity of the PVP coated silver nanofluid, improves the properties of base fluid, to the extent that thermal conductivity coefficient grows up 50% in some temperatures and increased from 0.594 for base fluid to 1.098 W/mK by escalation of concentration to 1000 ppm. Thus, PVP coated silver nanofluid can be deemed as the vital working fluid to improve the performance of PVT solar collectors.
Aug 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-2811.jmbr-20-3465
This paper considers an EOQ inventory model with varying demand and holding costs. It suggests minimizing the total cost in a fuzzy related environment. The optimal policy for the nonlinear problem is determined by both Lagrangian and Kuhn-tucker methods and compared with varying price-dependent coefficient. All the input parameters related to inventory are fuzzified by using trapezoidal numbers. In the end, a numerical example discussed with sensitivity analysis is done to justify the solution procedure. This paper primarily focuses on the aspect of Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) for variable demand using Lagrangian, Kuhn-Tucker and fuzzy logic analysis. Comparative analysis of there methods are evaluated in this paper and the results showed the efficiency of fuzzy logic over the conventional methods. Here in this research trapezoidal fuzzy numbers are incorporated to study the price dependent coefficients with variable demand and unit purchase cost over variable demand. The results are very close to the crisp output. Sensitivity analysis also done to validate the model.
Jul 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-20-3450
Background Hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) combined with neurological signs due to impaired catecholamine, dopamine and serotonin synthesis. Symptoms may appears in first week of life but most seen in age of 4 months. Atypical PKU disease caused mainly by deficiency in 6-pyruvoyltetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS) involved in synthesis of BH4. Clinical symptoms may include poor sucking, impaired tone, ataxia, and seizures. The purpose of this study was to analyze the genotype-phenotype relation among BH4 deficient patients because of PTPS mutations in different state of Egypt. Methods Suspected PKU patients loaded with phenylalanine/Kuvan, and the level of phe and phe/tyrosine ratio determined using tandem mass spectrometry by dried blood spots. Blood samples of 13 unrelated Egyptian patients were collected for total RNA extraction, amplification of PTPS gene by PCR followed with sequencing by Sanger method and finally mutations were recorded for genetic analysis. Results The mean value of phe in 13 patients decreased after loaded of phenylalanine from 482.5μmol/L to 270.63 μmol/L as well as phe/tyrosine ratio was decreased from 13.4 to 6.36 after 24hour of treatment with Kuvan. Sanger sequencing of PTPS gene of those patient showed 21 SNPs and Indels mutations. The most repeated mutation is a novel 23 base pair homozygous deletion in 12/13; c.200C>T in four patients, a novel c.86A>T in two patients and three different mutations located once in three different patients (novel c.22C>T; novel c.273G>A and 405T>C) among patients. On amino acid predicted sequences 4 different types of mutations on protein level were presented, 1 deletion mutation in seven amino acid and 3 different missense mutations in addition to 2 silent mutations among 13 patients. Conclusion Patients were the first case of clinical diagnosis as hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) undergoing genetic diagnosis for PTPS deficiency in Egypt. The sever HPA patients with severe nervous system damage mainly accompanied with deletion mutations and should pay more attention to the BH4 deficiency. While mild HPA is associated with base substitution mutations with mainly transition mutations (7/9; 78%). Next-generation sequencing technique can increase the mutation detection rate when the hereditary diseases are highly suspected in clinic.
Jun 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2643-2811.jmbr-20-3402
This research paper focuses on rainfall variations in Tamil Nadu, India using Wavelet, Linear regression and Artificial Neural Networks model from 2004 to 2017. As the rainfall is the key factor in understanding climate change, the seasonal datasets from 2004-2017 of Tamil Nadu state has been taken for study. The salient feature of this study is the application of Neural Networks and wavelet analysis. It reveals that the rainfall variations are ambiguous that it does not maintain a constant pattern. Wavelet coefficients of multiresolution spectrogram reveals that the intensity of rainfall in each year. Linear regression model divulge the pattern of rainfall followed in every season and the results show that except winter season all other season suffers deficient rainfall. The deficiency of rainfall may be due to different parameters like ElNino or LaNina pattern or global warming. Results showed that all seasons except winter does not maintain consistency in the rainfall variability. Winter season provides the positive slope values of 4.7 and 0.6 for January and February respectively. Moreover Artificial Neural Networks training provides prominent results of Regression value 0.98 which is comparably high with other seasons taken for study.
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-20-3221
Edible mushrooms form very nourishing meals especially for invalids, for they are easily digestible. They are consumed not only for their innate flavor and taste, but also for their important nutritional value, therefore, we analyzed the micronutrient contents of fresh and canned Agaricusbisporusand Pleurotusostreatus mushroom for their calcium, potassium and iron content. Fresh Agaricus was insignificantly higher in its calcium and iron contents (36.0 and 37.5 mg/100g; respectively) than Pleurotus(33.8 and 29.8 mg/100g) although the later was significantly higher in its potassium content (3890.4 mg/100g) versus 3102.9 in Agaricus. The micronutrient content of the canned Agaricus was higher than the canned cut Pleurotus. As these species of mushrooms are good sources of calcium, potassium, and iron, so they can be used as supplementary healthy foods for human nutrition.
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-20-3212
The possibility of applying the kinetic theory of aging of biological species published earlier by the authors of this work to assess and predict changes in the number of specific populations is evaluated. The populations of the USA, China and Russia, as well as the population of mice observed in the experiment "mouse paradise" of the American scientist John Calhoun are considered. To this end, a historically consistent analysis of the main previously proposed multi-scenario mathematical models describing demographic data and predicting the dynamics of the population was performed. The results of these models show a decrease in the population growth rate, a tendency toward a limit with an increase in historical time, the achievement of such a limit in some developed countries with a relatively high level of social security, a subsequent decrease in the number and further uncertainty of the final population outlook in the distant future. In addition, these models made it possible to establish that the observed population growth in developed countries is unambiguously accompanied by its aging - a relative predominant increase in the number of elderly people compared to the number of the younger generation (people are aging, the population of countries is aging). In this work, the assumption was made and confirmed that the dynamics of the aging of the population of the countries of the World corresponds to the dynamics of aging of a person of one generation and is mathematically described by the differential equation of the kinetic theory of aging of living systems of the same type with close values of the parameters. The biophysical meaning of the parameters of the kinetic equation reflects G. Selye's concept of the determining role of stress in human life and populations. An analysis of the changes in the numbers of the considered populations of humans and mice at various stages of their development is qualitatively commented on from the standpoint of comparative tension according to G. Selye. To assess the degree of aging of a biological object of one population in kinetic theory, the probability of death during life is selected as an indicator of aging. In this work, the probability of reaching the maximum population size was chosen as an indicator of the aging of a biological object of various populations. The published literature predicts various options for changing the population after reaching a maximum - maintaining the reached maximum level and decreasing to a certain limit, less than the maximum achieved. In this paper, based on an analysis of its results and an analogy with the complete degeneration of mice in the “mouse paradise” experiment, a conclusion is drawn about a hypothetically possible third variant of the limiting decrease in the population - its complete degeneration.
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-20-3236
Objective Search of pathogenetic mechanisms and risk factors of atherosclerosis in the employees of the cleaning service in Tbilisi. Materials and Methods As a result of a preliminary survey and examination of 200 employes of Tbilisi cleaning service aged 25-45 years (2014-2016), 22 patients with angina, hypercholesterolemia, intimae-media thickness > 0.65 mm, were selected into I group, and 23 individuals without these disorders into II group. In the blood plasma of the selected patients the intensity of oxidative metabolism parameters, TAA and MDA were determined. The variance and correlation analysis (АNOVA) was used for conducting the comparative analysis of the levels of studied parameters. Results In the combined group (I+II) there are several reliable correlations between the Age -TCol, Age-MDA, BMI-Tg, BMI-MDA, LDLChol-HDLChol, LDLChol–TChol, HDLChol-TChol, LDLChol-MDA, LDLChol-TAA. no correlation between these parameters in individual groups (I and II) was found. That indicates that we have an imaginary correlation related to the large intergroup difference between the average values of the group indicators, that is the values of various indicators change during the development of the pathological process, but there is no causal relationship between these alterations. The reliable TAA-MDA correlation in the combined group (I+II) is related to the high anticorrelation between these parameters and the significantly higher average value of TAA in the low-risk group (II) in comparison to the high-risk group (I). Conclusion The results analysis indicates both the diagnostic value of redox status indicators and their leading role in the atherogenesis processes. In populations with a high risk of atherosclerosis, monitoring of serum TAA is recommended.
Mar 2020 DOI 10.14302/issn.2575-1212.jvhc-20-3225
Objective To evaluate/ determine the risk factors for dogs presented with Gastric Dilation- Volvulus (GDV) to a referral veterinary centre and to compare the results with those currently reported in veterinary literature. Materials and Methods The observational case-control study comprised a population of 215 dogs that attended the referral centre between 2000 and 2018. Medical records were searched for GDV and those matching the criteria were manually reviewed. A questionnaire was completed by the owners of the dogs involved in the study (both case and control populations) in order to gain further information that could be considered relevant to GDVs. In particular, information included the dogs’ behaviour and the dogs daily activities. Results The study included 115 cases of GDV and 115 controls. Out of the GDV dogs 13% (15/115) were small breed dogs and the remaining 87% (100/115) either large or giant breeds. The following risk factors for developing a GDV have been identified: Purebred dogs over 3 years old and either large of giant breeds, weighing > 30 kg. Foreign body ingestion, diarrhoea, and grass consumption were also associated to increase the likelihood in developing GDV. Behavioural temperament was not associated with developing GDV. Clinical Significance The findings support previously identified risk factors in the development of GDV, but characteristics related to the dogs temperament warrant further investigation. Knowledge of these results will further allow clinicians to make evidence‐based recommendations to owners in attempting to prevent GDV in dogs. Furthermore this paper confirms that the risk of GDV in certain breeds and in certain conditions is always high and that GDV is still an extremely current disease.
Oct 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2642-3146.jec-19-2977
The effects of global warming have been causing irreversible damage to the Earth over the past decades. One way we can reduce our individual impact on the environment is to focus on the production and consumption of Eco‐friendly sources of electricity such as solar, wind, or bio-electric energy. Based on the current available and suitable energy options, we have proposed to modify a chosen house from Northern Wisconsin by using a hybrid system including solar energy and wind turbine energy to replace the traditional power grid. Considering sunlight‐time, wind speed in Northern Wisconsin, we have predicted the immediate and long‐term fiscal and environmental impacts. From this cost‐benefit analysis, we project that the best hybrid option is a combination of 95% solar power and 5% wind energy, which would save about $41,000 over the next 30 years.
Sep 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-450X.jom-19-3000
Background Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is increasingly being diagnosed and treated with sometimes variable lifestyle advice and pharmacological interventions. Obesity is considered as the sole culprit and variable definitions in clinics compound the understanding of pathogenic heterogeneity of this syndrome. We evaluated the differences between various simple to calculate anthropometric indices along with some anthropometric-biochemical equations in subjects with or without PCOS. Objective To compare traditional measures like waist to hip and height ratio (WHpR and WHtR), BMI, newer markers depicting central obesity like Abdominal Volume index(AVI), Body roundness index (BRI), A Body Shape index (ABSI), Conicity index (C-index) along with biochemical-anthropometric equations like lipid Accumulation Products (LAP), Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) and Chinese Visceral Adiposity Index (CVAI) for diagnosing PCOS as per the Rotterdam criteria Design Cross-sectional analysis Place & Study Duration Naval hospital, Islamabad from Jan- 2018 to July- 2019 Subjects and Methods From our finally evaluated 333 female subjects we initially compared the differences for the presence of hirsutism as per modified Ferrimen Gallwey scores and biochemical hyperandrogenism by measuring free androgen index (Total testosterone/SHBG x 1000. We evaluated waist circumference, BMI, WHpR, WHtR,AVI, BRI, ABSI, C-index along with biochemical-anthropometric equations like LAP, VAI and CVAI for differences in subjects diagnosed to have PCOS by Rotterdam criteria or ultrasonography alone. Results Differences in hirsutism as defined by modified FG score between subjects defined to have PCOS or otherwise as per Rotterdam defined criteria were as [(PCOS=169, Mean=17.33 + 9.05) (No PCOS=164, Mean=8.21 + 5.74), p< 0.001] and ultrasound [(PCOS=87, Mean=16.95 + 9.57) (No PCOS=246, Mean=11.38 + 8.51), p< 0.001]. Similarly, the differences in FAI between subjects defined to have PCOS or otherwise as per Rotterdam criteria and ultrasound were as [(PCOS=169, Mean=6.41 + 4.88) (No PCOS=164, Mean=2.77 + 1.79), p< 0.001] and [(PCOS=87, Mean=5.75 + 5.01) (No PCOS=246, Mean=4.22 + 3.68), p= 0.011]. Anthropometric measures and anthropometric-mathematical equations were raised in non-PCOS subjects than PCOS subjects. Lean-PCOS demonstrated lower degree of hirsutism and biochemical hyperandrogenism in comparison to obese-PCOS. Conclusion Hirsutism and free androgen indices were raised in PCOS females. Anthropometric based measurements were not different in PCOS cases and non-PCOS females. Lean-PCOS demonstrated lower degree of hirsutism and biochemical hyperandrogenism in comparison to obese-PCOS.
Jun 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-19-2765
Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is a potent neurotoxin. Its name derives from Tetraodontiformes, an order that includes pufferfish, porcupinefish, ocean sunfish, and triggerfish; several of these species carry the toxin. Although tetrodotoxin was discovered in these fish and found in several other aquatic animals (e.g., in blue–ringed octopuses, rough–skinned newts, and moon snails), it is actually produced by certain infecting or symbiotic bacteria like Pseudoalteromonas, Pseudomonas, and Vibrio as well as other species found in animals. Parameters such as FT–IR and Raman vibrational wavelengths and intensities for single crystal Tetrodotoxin (TTX)are calculated using density functional theory and were compared with empirical results. The investigation about vibrational spectrum of cycle dimers in crystal with carboxyl groups from each molecule of acid was shown that it leads to create Hydrogen bounds for adjacent molecules. The current study aimed to investigate the possibility of simulating the empirical values. Analysis of vibrational spectrum of Tetrodotoxin (TTX) is performed based on theoretical simulation and FT–IR empirical spectrum and Raman empirical spectrum using density functional theory in levels of F/6–31G*, HF/6–31++G**, MP2/6–31G, MP2/6–31++G**, BLYP/6–31G, BLYP/6–31++G**, B3LYP/6–31G and B3LYP6–31–HEG**. Vibration modes of methylene, carboxyl acid and phenyl cycle are separately investigated. The obtained values confirm high accuracy and validity of results obtained from calculations. Molecular structure of Tetrodotoxin (TTX) 1–42.
May 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-19-2791
Plants used for medicinal practices which were discovered since prehistoric stone ages are termed Medicinal plants, which are also referred to as medicinal herbs, since plants produces bioactive chemical compounds (phytochemicals), this research however, is concerned with the extraction using Soxhlet extraction technique, phytochemical screening using various test methods, which reveals the presence of anthraquinones (free anthraquinones and combined anthraquinones), carbohydrates, cardiac glycosides, glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, steroids/ terpenes, phenolic compounds and tannins, and absence of alkaloids for extracts of senna occidentalis and also, thin layer chromatography profiling which gives probable foundation for further structural elucidation amongst others. This research shows the presence of potent secondary metabolites present in the leaves of senna occidentalis (leaves).
Apr 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2578-8590.ipj-19-2772
Nociceptin/orphanin-FQ (NOCI) together with its receptor NOP are widely expressed in cortical and subcortical motor areas and it is known that NOCI acts as an anxiolytic attenuating the behavioral inhibition of animals acutely exposed to stressful/anxiogenic conditions. Influence of NOCI upon the dopaminergic system has been observed in the ventral tegmental area and in the nucleus accumbens as well as an inhibitory action of NOCI is described upon serotoninergic mechanisms at cells and terminal levels. In particular, it is known that serotoninergic fibers from the raphe system project to the substancia nigra (SN) and that this modulation is behaviourally relevant. In the present work, the effect of exogenous NOCI injected into the SN upon DA and 5-HT levels have been analyzed by means of differential pulse voltammetry and nafion-carbon fiber microelectrodes. Electrophysiological monitoring of multicell activity was concomitantly performed with the same microsensor. It appeared that both levels of these biogenic amines were specularly altered, with possibly a driving influence of the DA activity upon the serotoninergic function(s).
Mar 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-7835.ijn-19-2677
Objectives: Sunflower oil (SFO) is regularly employed for cosmetic, emollient and food frying purposes, the latter representing its foremost use globally. Therefore, full investigations of the molecular composition and quality of SFO products are a major requirement. In this study high-field 1H NMR analysis was employed to explore the molecular composition and authenticities of East African virgin (EAV) SFO products, particularly their acylglycerol fatty acid contents, together with those of selected minor constituents. Results acquired were statistically compared to those obtained on commercially-available, EU-approved refined SFO products via NMR-linked multivariate chemometrics strategies. Methodology: High-field 1H NMR spectra of EAV and refined SFOs (n = 55 and 4 respectively) were acquired at an operating frequency of 400 MHz. Their triacylglycerol fatty acid, triacylglycerol hydrolysis product, and sterol and stanol contents were determined via intelligent frequency bucketing and electronic integration of selected resonances. Univariate analysis-of-variance, and multivariate ROC curve evaluations were conducted to determine the magnitude and statistical significance of analyte concentration differences between these two sample classifications. Further multivariate NMR-linked chemometrics analyses such as principal component, random forest and support vector machine classification analyses were also utilised for this purpose. Key Results: Multicomponent 1H NMR analysis demonstrated that EAV SFOs had significantly higher and lower contents of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), respectively, than those of refined SFOs. Furthermore, significantly higher concentrations of ‘health-friendly’, cholesterol-blocking sterols and stanols were also found in these virgin SFO products. Major Conclusions: 1H NMR analysis provides much valuable molecular information regarding the composition and virginal status of SFOs.The high [MUFA]:[PUFA] content ratio of unrefined EAV SFO products renders them more suitable and safer for commercial or domestic deep-frying episodes than refined SFOs (MUFAs are much more resistant to thermally-induced peroxidation than PUFAs). These products also potentially offer valuable health benefits in view of their high natural sterol and stanol contents.
Feb 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-19-2582
Introduction Heart disorders are the major concern of population health worldwide. According to WHO estimates 2018, 17.9 million peoples were died due to cardiovascular disorders. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the cardioprotective activity of Biofield Energy Treated test item, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) using rat cardiomyocytes (H9c2). Methods The test item (DMEM) was divided into three parts, first part received one-time Biofield Energy Treatment by a renowned Biofield Energy Healer, Mahendra Kumar Trivedi and was labeled as the one-time Biofield Energy Treated (BT-I) DMEM, while second part received the two-times Biofield Energy Treatment and is denoted as BT-II DMEM. The third part did not receive any treatment and defined as the untreated DMEM group. Results Cell viability of the test samples by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) assay showed 89.03% and 98.49% in the BT-I and BT-II groups, respectively suggested a nontoxic and safe in nature of the tested test item. The BT-I group showed 16.01% restoration of cell viability. The level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was significantly inhibited by 50.37% and 49.35% in the BT-I and BT-II groups, respectively compared to the untreated DMEM group. Moreover, percent protection of creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB) by 49.48% and 59.79% in the BT-I and BT-II groups, respectively, compared to the untreated DMEM group. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in terms of mean fluorescence unit (FU) was reduced by 6.64% in the BT-I group than untreated DMEM. Besides, BT-I and BT-II groups significantly increased the level of % apoptotic cells by 63.16% and 97.37% (p≤0.05), respectively than untreated DMEM. Conclusion Allover, results envisaged that Biofield Treatment significantly improved different cardiac parameters. Thus, Biofield Energy Treatment (The Trivedi Effect®) could be utilized as a cardio-protectant against several cardiac disorders such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, arrhythmias, heart failure, congenital heart disease, cardiomyopathy, etc.
Jan 2019
Excessive variability in behavioral performance and neuronal activation is a common finding in studies of schizophrenia. Recent evidence suggests that this may be due to an imbalance in the ratio of excitation to inhibition in brain function, or E/I imbalance. We used computational modeling of visual system activity to determine whether different potential causes of E/I imbalance would generate effects resembling those reported in schizophrenia. Three major findings emerged. First, reductions in retinal and lateral geniculate nucleus signaling initially led to increases in firing rate variability within the context of reduced V1 activation; however, with prolonged adaptation to weakened sensory signaling, compensatory hyper-activation in V1 neurons occurred, but variability was no longer increased. Second, direct increases in V1 excitation, or decreases in inhibition, led to the highest levels of initial activation but not variability; however, with prolonged inhibitory adaptation to increased excitation, overall activity was no longer elevated, but an increase in firing rate variability was observed. Third, the greatest fluctuation in firing rate variability, in response to the same stimulus across increasing contrast levels, was observed with reductions in sensory signaling, but only immediately after model perturbations; with prolonged adaption, the largest fluctuations were associated with increased excitation or reduced inhibition within V1. Implication of these findings are that schizophrenia-related increases in neuronal response variability may arise from at least two sources: 1) weakened sensory signaling and its associated low signal-to-noise ratio; and 2) compensatory but incomplete inhibitory responses to continuous increases in cortical excitation.
Jan 2019 DOI 10.14302/issn.2640-690X.jfm-19-2604
Purpose: The perception of time and its measurements depend on subjective constructs that vary according to changes in health. The evidence has shown that cancer diagnosis induces new relationships with time in patients and caregivers. The purpose of this study was to propose a multifaceted view about time perception referred by caregivers of cancer survivors. Methods: This study used a qualitative phenomenological methodology including semi-structured interviews with caregivers of cancer survivors. Transcripts of the interviews were analyzed using an approach for intertextual analysis, taking as reference the book "Einstein's dreams". Results: The analysis of transcripts shows changes caregivers’ time perception. Participants were grouped into three essential moments related to each stage of the disease. The variations found in the perception of time in caregivers can be explained by common physiological and behavioral responses associated with the diagnosis of a chronic disease (i.e. stress, anxiety, fear, unhappiness, and sadness), which can be modified in the course of the disease. Conclusions: We propose that a holistic approach to patient and caregiver care should include management of time perception, thus establishing interventions that facilitate a change in the experience of time perception into a more pleasant experience after a cancer diagnosis. The above may result in increased quality of patient care and possibly increased quality of life of caregivers.
Dec 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2328-0182.japst-18-2522
The solid copper(II) soap derived from Neem (Azadirechta Indica)oil and its complex with ligand containing nitrogen, sulphur and oxygen atoms like 2-amino -6-nitro benzothiazole and 2-amino- 6-ethoxy benzothiazole have been synthesized and characterised by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and biological studies. From the analytical data, the stoichiometry of the complex has been observed to be 1:1 (metal:ligand). The derived compounds were found active against Staphylococcus aureus,Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNs), Acinetobacter baumanii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and micrococcus bacteria. These findings have high medical, industrial and economic significance as copper (II) soap and copper (II) soap complex could be harnessed in the formulation of medicated soaps.
Dec 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-5526.jmid-18-2488
Background: Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is a type of breast cancer with very bad prognosis. Predicting the histological grade (HG) and the lymph nodes metastasis is crucial for developing more suitable treatment strategies. Methods: We present the main clinical and pathological variables to predict the histological grade and lymph nodes metastasis via novel machine learning techniques. These variables are currently being used for prognosis and treatment in medical practice. This analysis was performed using a database of 102 Caucasian women diagnosed with TNBC. The results were cross-validated using random simulations of this dataset. Results: HG was predicted with an accuracy of 93.8% using a list of 6 prognostic variables with significant implications: Ki67 expression, use of Oral contraceptives, Col11A1 expression, Col11A1 score, E-cad truncated and Tumor size. The lymph nodes metastasis was predicted with an accuracy of almost 85% using only 6 prognostic variables: Vascular invasion, Tumor size, Perineural invasion, Age at diagnosis, Ki67 expression, and Col11A1 score. This analysis also served to establish the median signatures of the groups with and without lymph node metastasis, and proved the existence of a kind of small-size tumors (around 2.15 cm) with lymph node metastasis but not showing vascular and perineural invasions and higher protein Col11A1 score. Besides, these signatures proved to be very stable. Conclusions: The additional information conveyed by the prognostic variables found in these two classification problems provides new insight about the genesis and progression of this disease and can be used in medical practice to improve decisions in patient diagnosis and further treatment.
Nov 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-18-2345
Background: lifestyle modification is known as the cornerstone for prevention and treatment of chronic diseases. To promote individual’s lifestyle, the first step is to measure their lifestyle by a valid and reliable tool. The aim of present study was to evaluate psychometric properties of the Persian version of Healthy Lifestyle and Personal Control Questionnaire (HLPCQ). Method: A crosssectional study carried out on 300 medical students in Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Data collected using a questionnaire contained demographic data and Persian version of HLPCQ. The reliability of the questionnaire determined using Cronbach’s alpha and intra class correlation coefficient (ICC). The construct validity of the questionnaire evaluated by exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 19 and Lisrel 8.8. Results: Internal consistency of HLPCQ was 0.78 using Cronbach’s alpha and 0.80 by ICC. In confirmatory factor analysis, the scale had acceptable goodness of fit indices. Conclusions: The Persian version of HLPCQ had excellent psychometric properties and can be used in in primary health care settings.
Oct 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2578-2371.jslr-18-2213
Introduction: Granulomas in gastric biopsy specimens are extremely rare. The final diagnosis of granulomatous gastritis is based on morphological findings, clinical and laboratory data. The aim of our study is to evaluate the clinical fields and to determine the etiology of gastric granulomatosis in our experience Patients and Methods: Thirty nine patients were reviewed retrospectively in the department of pathology of Habib Thameur between 2000 and 2018. Slides from all cases were stained by hematoxylin and eosin. The clinic-pathologic findings and the associated lesions were analyzed and the final etiology of the gastric granulomatosis was noted. Results: Biopsies from the 39 patients diagnosed as having granulomatous gastritis were reviewed. Mean age was 49 years (24 – 96) and sex ratio was 0,25 (M/F=8/31). Indication of endoscopy was gastric pain in 12 cases, chronic diarrhea in 6 cases, anemia in 2 cases, vomiting in 4 cases. Other symptoms were rare. Upper endoscopy was normal in 8 cases, showed antral gastropathy in 20 cases (erythematous in 6 cases, nodular in 8 cases and ulcerated in 6 cases). In four cases, fundic lesions were observed. Granuloma was unique in 14 cases and multiple in 25 cases. Localisation of granuloma was the antrum in 25 cases, the fundus in 7 cases, and both of them in 7 cases. An associated chronic gastritis was noted in 25 cases. Concerning the etiology, 10 of our patients had Crohn's disease while 6 of them had gastric tuberculosis. In five cases, H Pylori was the retained cause of gastric granulomatosis. In the other patients, the final diagnosis was sarcoidosis (n=3), foreign body reaction (n=1), yersiniosis (n=1). In our series, thirteen cases were unclassifiable. Conclusion: Although many cases remain unclassified, in most cases of granulomatous gastritis, a diagnosis of Crohn's disease or tuberculosis could be established. If this cases are excluded, an association between H. pylori and granulomatous gastritis cannot be ruled out. The others causes are extremely rare.
Oct 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-9467.jgrc-18-2339
We evaluated a set of 37 chilli genotypes collected and maintained at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat for 27 different traits related to plant habit (5), leaf (6), flower (2), fruit (13) and biotic stress (1). The variation in fruit yield among the genotypes could be attributed to high coefficients of variability for component traits viz., number of fruits per plant (91.7%), plant height (80.8%), leaf breadth (55.9 %), fruit weight (49.7%), leaf length (45.4%) fruit length (35.8%), fruit breadth (35.5%) and number of branches per plant (22.2%). Maximum phenotypic variants were observed for fruit traits followed by leaf characteristics. Phylogenetic analysis revealed Euclidean distances varying from a minimum of 2.065 and a maximum of 13.311 indicating the diverse nature of the genotypes. UPGMA clustering grouped the genotypes into 5 distinct clusters. The largest one, cluster I, had 26 genotypes belonging to Capsicum annuum var. acuminatum. Cluster II consisted of Capsicum annuum var. conoides with cone-shaped fruits. Cluster III included Moni Jolokia, a perennial shrub with cone-shaped globose erect fruits which clustered in between the other local C. annuum sp. Bireek and Mem Jolokia. The fourth cluster (IV) included the local chilli genotypes - Mem Jolokia, Bhekuri Jolokia and Haitha Jolokia which were perennial, with green stem and leaves. Cluster V included the C. chinense genotypes consisting of Manipuri Bhut, Bor Bhut and Lota Bhut. The first principal component explained 34.93% of the total variation contributed by mostly leaf and fruit characteristics. The fruit characters in this component showed significant positive correlation with leaf length, breadth and plant height indicating their importance in the morphological characterization of the chilli genotypes.
Sep 2018
Groups of wild juvenile and adult mallard ducks were captured, ringed, measured, while, juvenile ones already ringed, were remeasured on a subsequent recapture between March and September over a period of 7 years, at a site in Piedmont (Italy). Measurements cover both the rates and the pattern of development of 4 morphological features (head-and-bill-length, bill-length, tarsus-length, and weight). Juveniles were examined and their measurements were compared with the asymptotic value obtained from adults’ measures. A functional data analysis growth model was fitted to data and it yielded plausible quantitative estimates. Tarsus appears to reach the asymptote faster than the other morphological features in this population. Finally, a functional principal components analysis was performed to discriminate sex in growing Mallard ducks.
Aug 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2640-6403.jtrr-18-2158
Purpose of Study: To study reparative osteogenesis and tissue integration characteristics for implanting three-dimensional mesh structures of titanium nickelide into a bone cavitary defect. Material and Methods: The authors modeled cavitary defects of femoral metaphysis experimentally in Wistar rats divided into an experimental group and control one. The study duration was 60 days in total. The methods of radiography, those of light and electron microscopy, X-ray electron probe microanalysis used. Results: Under implantation the defect was filled with cancellous bone the volumetric density of which more than 1,5-fold exceeded control values (р < 0.001). The implant had biocompatibility, osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties, it stopped inflammatory processes. The membrane protective barrier which prevented connective tissue sprouting was formed on the implant surface in the defect periosteal zone. The osteointegrative junction was formed being persisted up to the end of the experiment. Reparative osteogenesis was performed by direct intramembranous and apposition type. Conclusion: The implant of three-dimensional mesh titanium-nickelide structures has marked osteoplastic properties, and it can be successfully used in orthopedic surgery.
Jun 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-612X.ijpr-18-2110
Purpose: There are nearly 170,000 new cases of breast cancer in China every year, and this number is showing an increasing trend. Mental health plays an important role in promoting the physical rehabilitation of patients. Therefore, attention paid to their psychological problems needs to be reinforced. The current study aims to investigate the mental health states of the breast cancer patients and provides the references for their psychosomatic rehabilitation in the future work. Methods: A total of 643 breast cancer patients completed the whole study. A questionnaire survey on anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and posttraumatic growth (PTG) was conducted in Jiangsu Women and Children Health Hospital. Results: 13.53% breast cancer patients had anxiety; 21.5% had depression; the prevalence of PTSD was 7.15%, while the prevalence of PTG was 26.12%; Anxiety levels in older patients were significantly lower than those in the other two groups; PTG levels in older patients were significantly lower than those in the other two groups. Conclusion: Breast cancer patients have certain emotional distress and stress symptoms, but they also experience psychologically positive changes. And age shows various differences on anxiety and PTG. Clinical medical personnel should pay attention to the patient's psychological rehabilitation when concerning about the physical rehabilitation of patients. Patients in different ages have different mental health problems, thus the medical staff shall provide differential nursing plans for them.
May 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-18-2099
Overview: Dementia is a serious brain disease that impacts negatively in several areas of patient’s functioning. Depression has a strong link with dementia and is part of the behavior and psychological symptoms (BPSD). Behavior management for depression is recommended as a first-line psychological treatment for dementia patients. However, there are no systematic reviews examining the efficacy of behavior management for depression in dementia. Objective: To examine the efficacy of behavior management (BM) for depression in dementia patients. Methods: Five electronic databases were searched (1999 to 2015) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which were selected according to eligibility criteria. Data was pooled, quality assessment was completed, and a meta-analysis was performed. Results: This review included ten randomized controlled trials. In the four studies where behavior management was a focused intervention, no significant treatment effect was observed (standardized mean difference SMD -0.20; 95 % CI -0.96 to 0.56). In the remaining six studies in which behavior treatment was involved as a component, the analysis showed a trend favored the intervention, but it was not significant (SMD -0.12; 95 % CI -0.25 to 0.01). Conclusion: There is no evidence for behavior management alleviating depression in dementia patients. Future research examining the efficacy of specific behavior management techniques for milder forms of dementia and multimodal interventions are recommended.
Mar 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2576-6694.jbbs-18-1944
Plant food are main sources of elements in human nutrition diet and required for proper growth and body development. Present study involved analyzing the elemental profile attributes of apricot seeds in order to obtain a global pattern of apricot seeds. Trace element in seed of 8 apricot cultivars grown in Syria have been determined using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). Total of 28 elements namely Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Chlorine (Cl), Sodium (Na), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Aluminum (Al), Manganese (Mn), Rubidium (Rb), Iodine (I), Bromine (Br), Cobalt (Co), Antimony (Sb), Molybdenum (Mo), Chromium (Cr), Mercury (Hg), Barium (Ba), Cadmium (Cd), Cerium (Ce), Lanthanum (La), Selenium (Se), Samarium (Sm), Strontium (Sr), Titanium (Ti), Uranium (U) and Vanadium (V) were determined. The elements present in the apricot seed samples were in the range of levels reported in the literature. The results show that the seed of apricot cultivars grown in Syria is rich in the essential macro and micro-nutrients that are of important in dietary point of view.
Feb 2018
Gastric cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world, usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. Despite the advances in specific anticancer agents' development, the survival rates remain modest, even in early stages. HER2 overexpression was identified on 15% - 20% of gastric cancer patients. Trastuzumab-based chemotherapy provides obvious efficacy improving outcomes of HER2 positive gastric cancer patients. We performed a meta-analysis to estimate the efficacy of the addition of trastuzumab over chemotherapy. We identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) which compare the addition of trastuzumab therapy to chemotherapy alone reporting progression-free survival (PFS), time to progression (TTP), overall survival (OS), and/or response rates as our eligible trials. Night trials including 1101 patients were eligible for analysis. Trastuzumab therapeutic partners were cisplatin (9 RCTs), 5-fluorouracil (8 RCTs), capecitabine (6 RCTs), irinotecan (1 RCTs), docetaxel (1 RCTs), oxaliplatin (1 RCTs), and leucovorin (1 RCTs). The addition of trastuzumab agents improved OS (HR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.72 - 0.89), PFS (HR = 0.70; 95% CI = 0.59 - 0.83), TTP (HR = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.57 - 0.83), and overall response rate (RR = 1.22; 95% CI = 0.94 - 1.59), DCR (RR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.10 - 1.28). Our meta-analysis affirmed the efficacy of adding trastuzumab agent to chemotherapy in HER2 positive gastric cancer.
Jan 2018 DOI 10.14302/issn.2832-4048.jsm-18-1941
A review of transcriptomic tools for skeletal muscle research, covering experimental design, data analysis, and applications in physiology and disease.
Nov 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2638-4469.japb-17-1838
Strawberry powdery mildew, caused by Podosphaeraaphanis is a major fungal disease that affects strawberry yield and quality. In the model plant species Arabidopsis and the crop plants barley, tomato and pea, the Mildew resistance locus O (MLO) proteins have been found to be required for powdery mildew susceptibility. The present study, based on the sequence of a wild plum (Prunus americana) MLO protein, identified 16 MLO genes within the genome of woodland strawberry, Fragaria vesca and examined their expression pattern in response to powdery mildew infection in three diploid strawberry cultivars. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the FvMLO genes can be classified into six clades. Four FvMLO genes were grouped into clade III, which comprises MLO genes from Arabidopsis, tomato and grapevine that mediate powdery mildew susceptibility. A RNA-seq analysis of two diploid strawberry cultivars, F. vescassp. vesca accession Hawaii 4 (HW) and F. vesca f. semperflorens line “Yellow Wonder 5AF7” (YW) at 1 d (1 DAI) and 8 d (8 DAI) after infection showed the expression of 12 out of the 16 FvMLO genes. The comparison of Fragments Per Kilobase of transcript per Million mapped reads (FPKM values) detected by RNA-seq and expression values of qRT-PCR for FvMLO genes showed substantial agreement. The FvMLO3 gene, which was grouped in clade III and orthologous to the Arabidopsis,tomato and grapevine genes, was highly expressed in YW compared to other FvMLO genes across varieties. The results showed that FvMLO genes can be used as potential candidates to engineer powdery mildew resistance in strawberry based on MLO suppression or genome editing.
Sep 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-7785.jarh-17-1724
Hypovitaminosis D is common among older people and treatment with vitamin D is associated with reduced risk of falls and fractures. This paper provides a cost analysis of assessing the vitamin D status of and providing the pharmaceuticals for elderly citizens in Kalmar County, Sweden (population approximately 230,000). Four hypothetical interventions were analyzed: (a) systematic vitamin D/calcium supplementation to all elderly (≥75 years), (b) assessment of vitamin D status in elderly and supplementation to those with insufficient levels, (c) systematic vitamin D/calcium supplementation to all nursing-home residents, and (d) assessment of vitamin D status in nursing-home residents and supplementation to those with insufficient levels. The calculations were based on an estimated reduction in overall costs due to the assessed number of hip fractures after vitamin D/calcium supplementation. The annual net economic benefit of vitamin D/calcium supplementation was estimated at (a) €304,000, (b) €860,000, (c) €755,000, and (d) €740,000. The provision of systematic vitamin D supplementation to nursing-home residents would provide a substantial net economic benefit to society and assessment of the vitamin D status before starting supplementation does not seem to be necessary. Although assessment of all elderly citizens would be more comprehensive, the true proportion with insufficient vitamin D levels in the general population is uncertain and to reaching consensus on the most advantageous daily vitamin D intake, vitamin D blood levels are necessary. Also, systematic supplementation to all elderly would result in other outcomes that could be worth the cost, but that remains to be evaluated.
Aug 2017
Aim: To assess the extent and directions of internal hospital turnover of registered nurses and to examine the associated factors and stressors. Background: Internal turnover of hospital nurses is mainly horizontal. Occurring on a large scale, it could lead to dropout of skilled personnel, burdening hospitals both financially and in terms of human resources, affecting the quality of care. Methods: A secondary analysis based on data from the national study on "Patterns and trends of the nursing workforce in Israel". A structured telephone interview was conducted of 2,098 hospital nurses (October 2008-February 2009). Results: The rate of internal turnover between hospital departments was 29.7%. The main departments from which nurses moved were medical and surgical. The main departments from which nurses moved were oncology departments, Intensive Care Units, nursing administration. The major work-related stressor concerned salary (59%), two predictors of internal turnover were nurses with children under the age of 18 and academic degree nurses. Conclusions and Implications for Health Policy: Internal turnover rate in Israeli hospitals is moderate, with high rates in medical and surgical departments. It is vital to identify the main factors associated with high turnover rates and implement focused managerial retention strategies and other intervention programs.
Aug 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2470-5020.jnrt-17-1530
It is crucial for the society, the government and the medical community to retrieve the full and reliable statistical information on malignant brain neoplasms (C71-C71.9 ICD-10) to adjust the medical financing, staff and equipment properly. In order to retrieve information useful for public health policies, data from the years 2006-2012 concerning relevant cases registered by the Polish public healthcare insurance provider Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia in Lower Silesia region of Poland (NFZ) and by the Polish national neoplasms registry Krajowy Rejestr Nowotworow (KRN) were analyzed. The number of new malignant brain neoplasms cases registered by the KRN has risen slightly in the years 2006-2012. At the same time the number of cases reported by the NFZ rose dynamically, which means a significant increase in medical care intensity, and thus also workload on the medical facilities and stuff associated with the care for grossly the same amount of brain malignant neoplasms patients and, supposedly, their longer survival times. It indicates that the level of public financing of the malignant neoplasms of brain treatment shall be adjusted adequately. The study revealed growing popularity among reporting Polish physicians of the least specific malignant neoplasms of brain ICD-10 categories, despite the rapid diagnostic techniques development and availability. It is alarming since the medical statistics data quality in the field of malignant brain neoplasms is deteriorating that way and proper evaluation of treatment costs and planning future financial allocations by both the public healthcare insurance provider NFZ and the Polish government becomes difficult.
Jul 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2476-1710.jdt-17-1564
The objective of this first part of our study was to investigate associations of road traffic noise, socioeconomic and -demographic risk factors, and health access on depression on borough level. We investigated in a large metropolis associations between prevalence rates of depression per borough (n = 67 boroughs) in all age groups (excluding the age group of 0–17 years) using health claims data (year 2011) and the variables “social deprivation” and “number of family members”, which were obtained from a previously conducted principal component analysis, and by using multivariate regression model. Additionally, the proportion of borough area affected by noise > 65 db(A) and physician density used as a surrogate parameter for health access were considered as potentially associated factors for depression. The results demonstrated that depression might be associated with increasing social borough deprivation. Additionally, the number of family members used as a proxy measure for positive family support showed decreasing prevalence rates the more family members were present. Furthermore, proportions of borough areas affected by noise > 65 db(A) was positively associated with depression. Our ecological study design has the advantage that a large number of large-scale, population-based aggregated data could easily be obtained and analysed and first potential associations could be found and discussed. To improve our findings, future studies will use data from a survey and data from the Hamburg City Health Study, a local follow-up health study, to better elucidate the individual risk factors together with environmental living and working conditions.
May 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-17-1459
A combined experimental and theoretical study on molecular and vibrational structure of E-N¢ (ICINH) had been carried out. The FTIR, FT-Raman and UV-Vis spectra of ICINH were recorded in the solid phase. The optimized geometry was calculated by B3LYP method with 6-311++G(d,p) level of basis set. The harmonic vibrational frequencies, IR intensities and Raman scattering activities of the title compound were calculated at same level of theory. The scaled theoretical wavenumber showed very good agreement with the experimental values. The mulliken charges and thermodynamic functions of the ICINH were also performed at same level of theory. NLO and a study on the electronic properties such as excitation energies and wavelength, were performed by TD-DFT approach. HOMO–LUMO energy gap was also calculated and interpreted.
Apr 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-17-1488
The compound 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2, 3-dihydro-1H-perimidine (MPDP) was synthesized. The molecular structure and its functional groups were characterized with the help of Fourier Transform Infrared: FTIR/ Fourier Transform FT-Raman spectra in the regions of 400-4000/50-4000cm-1, respectively. The geometrical parameters, harmonic vibrational wavenumbers, Infrared (IR) & Raman scattering intensities, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) chemical shift and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectra were computed using B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory. The complete vibrational analysis were made on the basis of Potential energy distribution (PED) calculation with the help of VEDA4 programme. The Highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) – Lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy gap and intra-molecular charge transfer (ICT) were studied using NBO analysis. The first order hyperpolarizability (β0) and other related properties (β, α0, Δα) of MPDP were computed. The molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), Mulliken atomic charges were calculated using the same level of theory. In addition, the various thermodynamic parameters were also calculated.
Mar 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2326-0793.jpgr-17-1447
Factors that contribute to the onset of atherosclerosis may be elucidated by bioinformatic techniques applied to multiple sources of genomic and proteomic data. The results of genome wide association studies, such as the CardioGramPlusC4D study, expression data, such as that available from expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) databases, along with protein interaction and pathway data available in Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), constitute a substantial set of data amenable to bioinformatics analysis. This study used bioinformatic analyses of recent genome wide association data to identify a seed set of genes likely associated with atherosclerosis. The set was expanded to include protein interaction candidates to create a network of proteins possibly influencing the onset and progression of atherosclerosis. Local average connectivity (LAC), eigenvector centrality, and betweenness metrics were calculated for the interaction network to identify top gene and protein candidates for a better understanding of the atherosclerotic disease process. The top ranking genes included some known to be involved with cardiovascular disease (APOA1, APOA5, APOB, APOC1, APOC2, APOE, CDKN1A, CXCL12, SCARB1, SMARCA4 and TERT), and others that are less obvious and require further investigation (TP53, MYC, PPARG, YWHAQ, RB1, AR, ESR1, EGFR, UBC and YWHAZ). Collectively these data help define a more focused set of genes that likely play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and are therefore natural targets for novel therapeutic interventions.
Jan 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2572-3030.jcgb-16-1307
Interpreting variants of uncertain significance (VUS) for their effect on protein function, and therefore for the risk of developing cancer, has become a challenge in clinical practice for genetic counselling services. The present work combines structural bioinformatics and systems biology based mathematical modelling approaches with the aim of determining the pathogenicity of the mutation c.5434C->G (p.Pro1812Ala) in the BRCA1 gene (detected in a patient from a high risk family) and also to mechanistically understand the effect of this mutation in DNA damage response, a key process in cancer development. The results obtained showed that this mutation prevents the interaction of BRCA1 with key proteins of the cell cycle, subsequently impairing BRCA1-dependent induction of cell cycle arrest. The comparison of the molecular mechanisms associated with the native BRCA1 protein and the mutated variant function in DNA damage response showed that the latter undergoes a reduction in its ability to modulate pathways that are critical for DNA repair and cell cycle control. Therefore, this variant will not be able to exert its tumor suppressive action. Interestingly, these conclusions can be extrapolated to all mutations that, like c.5434C>G (p.Pro1812Ala) BRCA1, cause loss of BRCT domain activity.
Jan 2017 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-16-1325
Background: People suffering from acute psychosocial crises often require immediate help. To supplement existing institutions and services, a counseling program (“Hel.p”) was founded; this study evaluates that program following a two-year trial period. Methods: The program offered anonymous, free-of-charge appointments to the public conducted by consultants holding, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree in social work. Supervised by a judge and a psychologist, client-centered counseling sessions were conducted each week. Results: Thirty-five counselors counseled 70 people. The clients were 37.6 +/- 18.4 years old and mostly female (67.1%). The counseling topics included health and diseases (16.1%) and general family problems (11.3%). The majority of the sessions (63.5%) took place during acute psychosocial crises. Conclusions: “Hel.p” functions as a supplement to established outreach clinics for people with acute psychosocial crises. It bridges the gap between individuals’ acute psychosocial problems and the delayed psychiatric/psychotherapeutic treatment caused by resource restrictions in the health care system.
Dec 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2329-9487.jhc-16-1244
Objective: The prospective intervention study was conducted to investigate the effects of kale powder (Kale juice mixed with water or milk) consumption on metabolic syndrome in subjects with potential metabolic syndrome. Method: In Arita-cho, 149 male and female subjects with potential metabolic syndrome were instructed to consume kale powder for 8 weeks, and its effects on blood pressure, HbA1c, BMI, abdominal circumference, and blood triglycerides, LDL-C, HDL-C, and fasting blood sugar levels were assessed. Additionally, the safety of kale powder was examined. Results: After the 8-week long intake of kale powder, a significant decrease was observed in laboratory and home test-based blood pressure, abdominal circumference, and levels of LDL-C, HDL-C, and fasting blood sugar. Additionally, a hypotensive effect was observed on conducting stratified analysis, in which patients with blood pressure-related diseases were excluded. Furthermore, no safety concerns were identified regarding kale powder. Conclusion: Kale powder had a beneficial effect to maintain optimal blood pressure, blood sugar, and abdominal circumference in subjects with potential metabolic syndrome. Additionally, a hypotensive effect was observed within the normal range in subjects without blood pressure-related diseases.
Sep 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-16-1119
The FT-IR, FT-Raman and UV-Vis spectra of E-[1-(3'-methylthienyl)-5-Phenyl-2,4-Pentadiene-3-one (MPPO) were recorded. The optimized molecular bond parameters, harmonic frequencies were calculated using B3LYP method with 6-311++G (d,p) basis set.The various normal modes were precisely assigned with thehelp ofTED calculation. The theoretical spectrograms for FT-IR, FT-Raman and Ultra Violet visible. Spectra of the title molecule had been constructed. The ICT was calculated by means of Natural Bond Orbital analysis. The Non Linear Optical properties related to polarizability and hyperpolarizability based on the finite-field approach were calculated.The band gap energy was calculated using HOMO-LUMO analysis. Furthermore, the Molecular Electrostatic Potential, Mulliken atomic charges and thermodynamic properties of MPPO were also calculated.
Jul 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-9273.jbtm-15-817
Objective: To examine whether having metabolic syndrome (MS) among seniors is associated with using anti-depression medication. Methods: A total of 1366 (617 men and 749 women) individuals aged 60+ years from the NHANES 2007/08 survey who had no reported heart disease and/or cancers but had information on prescribed medications in previous month were included in this analysis. All subjects were categorized into three prescribed drug use status, ie, none (group 1); no anti-depressants (group 2); and with anti-depressants (group 3). MS was defined with the criteria of the ATP III. Results: Over 80% of individuals reported taking prescribed medications with 6% of men and 16% of women respectively having used anti-depressants. About 36% of men and 40% of women respectively were considered to have MS. Results from multiple logistic regression analyses indicated that in comparing to group 1, the odds ratios (95% CI) of MS was 2.73 (1.96, 3.82) for group2 and 2.25 (1.07, 4.69) for group 3, respectively. Both group 2 and 3 had a similar metabolic risk profile, in comparing to group 1, they had higher odds of having diabetes and high level of blood pressures. Conclusion: Seniors with medications are more likely to be with MS, diabetes, and high level blood pressures. However, the observed the cardio-metabolic risk association seems similar between seniors using anti-depressant drugs and using other prescribed medications.
Apr 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2377-2549.jndc-16-949
Vibrational spectral analysis and first order hyperpolarizability calculations on (E)-N′-(furan-2- ylmethylene) nicotinohydrazide (F2CNH), a novel, organic, hydrozone Schiff base compound was synthesized and its structure was characterized by FT-IR, FT-Raman and UV-visible spectrum. The optimized molecular structure, vibrational frequencies and corresponding vibrational assignments of F2CNH were performed on the basis of TED analysis using SQM method. Natural boding orbital (NBO) assessment has been carried out to clarify the charge transfer or conjugative interaction and delocalization of electron density within the molecule. Electronic transitions were studied employing UV-visible spectrum and the observed values were compared with theoretical values. The first order hyperpolarizability and related properties of F2NH were calculated. Besides FMO’s MEP, mulliken atomic charge and various thermodynamic paramefress such as Zero-point energy, rotational constant and enthalpy were also calculated and analyzed.
Mar 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2474-3585.jpmc-15-757
Objective: MicroRNAs are involved in the onset, progression and dissemination of esophageal cancer, and they may be useful as prognostic biomarkers. This study aims to evaluate the relation of miR-21 expression and the prognosis of esophageal cancer patients. Methods: In this study, a meta-analysis is performed by searching PubMed, Science Direct databases, and Cochrane Library. Data are extracted from studies evaluating survival of esophageal cancer patients with either high or low miR-21 expression. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) are calculated. Results: A total of 579 cases of esophageal cancer from five studies are involved for this global meta-analysis. The HR of survival of patients with high miR-21 expression is 1.47 (95% CI: 1.12–1.91; p<0.01) as compared with those with low expression. Conclusions: miR-21 may be a predictor for survival of esophageal cancer patients.
Feb 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2374-9431.jbd-15-890
Purpose Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 4 (STAT4) is important for signaling by interleukins (IL-12 and IL-23) and type 1 interferons and has been found to have several simple nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with human disease. STAT4 SNPs were computationally examined with respect to changes in potential transcriptional factor binding sites (TFBS) and these changes were discussed in relation to human disease. Methods The JASPAR CORE and ConSite databases were instrumental in identifying the TFBS. The Vector NTI Advance 11.5 computer program was employed in locating all theTFBS in theSTAT4 gene from 4 kb upstream of the transcriptional start site to 8.3 kb past the 3’UTR. The JASPAR CORE database was also involved in computing each nucleotide occurrence (%) within the TFBS. Results The STAT4 SNPs in the 70 kb intron between exon 2 and 3 are in linkage disequilibrium and have previously been found to be significantly associated with several vasculitis diseases as well as diabetes. The SNP alleles were found to alter the DNA landscape for potential transcriptional factors (TFs) to attach resulting in changes in TFBS and thereby, alter which transcriptional factors potentially regulate the STAT4 gene. These STAT4 SNPs should be considered as regulatory (r) SNPs. Conclusion The alleles of each rSNP were found to generate unique TFBS resulting in potential changes in TF STAT4 regulation. These regulatory changes were discussed with respect to changes in human health that result in disease.
Feb 2016 DOI 10.14302/issn.2326-0793.jpgr-15-889
Purpose The endothetal Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain protein 1 (EPAS1) gene which encodes hypoxia-inducible-factor-2 alpha (HIF2a) is a transcription factor that is involved in the response to hypoxia. EPAS1 has been found to have four (rs56721780, rs6756667, rs7589621, rs1868092) simple nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with human disease.These SNPs were computationally examined with respect to changes in potential transcriptional factor binding sites (TFBS) and these changes were discussed in relation to disease and alterations in high altitude adaptation in humans. Methods The JASPAR CORE and ConSite databases were instrumental in identifying the TFBS. The Vector NTI Advance 11.5 computer program was employed in locating all theTFBS in theEPAS1 gene from 1.6 kb upstream of the transcriptional start site to 539 bps past the 3’UTR. The JASPAR CORE database was also involved in computing each nucleotide occurrence (%) within the TFBS. Results The EPAS1 SNPs in the promoter, intron two and the 3’UTR regions have previously been found to be significantly associated with disease and different levels of high-altitude hypoxia among native Tibetans. The SNP alleles were found to alter the DNA landscape for potential transcriptional factors (TFs) to attach resulting in changes in TFBS and thereby, alter which transcriptional factors potentially regulate the EPAS1 genesuch as for the glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid nuclear receptor binding sites created by the rs7589621 rSNP EPAS1-G allele. These receptors regulate carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. Also the minor rs7589621 rSNP EPAS1-A creates a punitive TFBS for the FOXC TF which is an important regulator of cell viability and resistance to oxidative stress. These EPAS1 SNPs should be considered as regulatory (r) SNPs. Conclusion The alleles of each rSNP were found to generate unique TFBS resulting in potential changes in TF EPAS1 regulation. The punitive changes in TFBS created by the four rSNPs could very well influence the significant cline in allele frequencies seen in Tibetans with increasing altitude or the haplotype association with high altitude polycythemia in male Han Chinese. These regulatory changes were discussed with respect to changes in human health that result in disease and sickness.
Dec 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2326-0793.jpgr-14-598
Colorectal cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide and its prevalence can be reduced by changes to lifestyle and diet. Fermentation of dietary fibre by the gut microbiota and formation of short chain fatty acids, in particular butyrate, is widely thought to play a role in preventing development of the disease. Despite butyrate’s known pro-apoptotic effects, a subpopulation of cancer cells is able to overcome these anti-neoplastic effects of colonic luminal butyrate to proliferate and establish tumours in vivo. In this study, a time course analysis of HT29 and HT29-BR cells treated with butyrate was conducted and global gene expression analysis was used to identify novel mechanisms associated with butyrate-induced apoptosis and in the acquisition of butyrate resistance. Bioinformatic analysis of the data identified deregulated O-GlcNAcylation activity and disruption to gene transcription by BRD4 as possible factors involved with butyrate-induced apoptosis. EGF signalling was identified as being potentially involved in the acquisition of butyrate resistance. Furthermore, the expression of the minichromosome maintenance protein family was significantly reduced in the HT29-BR cell line reflecting disruptions to the DNA replication process. Together, this may confer a unique survival advantage for cells with acquired butyrate resistance.
Nov 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2379-8572.joa-14-429
Background: We reviewed the 2005-2011 ACS-NSQIP database to evaluate factors associated with adverse events (AE) after total laryngectomy (TL). Methods: All total laryngectomies performed from 2006 to 2011 were identified for analysis. The cohort was characterized with respect to preoperative and demographic characteristics, complications, reoperation, and mortality. Results: 493 cases were identified. Complications of any category occurred in 189 cases (38.3%). Factors that were found to confer significant risk for medical complications were increased age (dds Ratio (OR) 1.03), prior PCI (OR 2.84), disseminated cancer (OR 2.47), chronic steroid/immunosuppresion use (OR 2.87), unintended weight loss > 10% over 6 months prior to surgery (OR 2.02), increasing work RVU total (OR 1.02), and increased anesthesia Z-score (OR 1.31). Only increased anesthesia Z-score (OR 1.27) was found to be a statistically significant risk factor for surgical complications. Chronic steroid/immunosuppression use (OR 3.16) and increased anesthesia Z-score (OR 1.29) were both found to be statistically significant risk factors of reoperation within 30 days. Conclusions: NSQIP is the only dataset that correctly discerns between minimally invasive and wide excision in laryngectomy. The use of the NSQIP dataset may be imperfect, as pertinent details of chemotherapy and radiation, and procedure-specific complications, including fistula formation, are not tracked. In spite of this, our findings suggest avenues for improvement in the care of TL patients, and suggest directions for a laryngectomy-specific outcomes database.
Jun 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-12-158
It is important to measure depressive symptoms in HIV-infected individuals because depressive symptoms have been found to be correlated with faster progression to AIDS. Worldwide, the CES-D has been used to assess depressive symptoms and examined for its construct validity. However, no previous studies have investigated the CES-D’s construct validity among HIV-infected perinatal women. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the construct validity of the CES-D using both explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis among HIV-positive perinatal women in Thailand. Results showed that, overall, the CES-D is a 4-factor instrument with good construct validity and can be used to evaluate depressive symptoms among HIV-positive perinatal Thai women. However, some items from our study loaded differently on the 4 factors from Radloff’s model. Finally, the CES-D can be used as a general-factor scale without being compromised.
May 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-12-147
Evidence shows that depressive symptoms are associated with faster progression to AIDS in HIV-infected populations. Physical symptoms, self-esteem, and emotional support have been reported to play a major role in contributing to depressive symptoms. However, comparisons of different sources of support—specifically family vs. friends— have only been made in a few previous HIV studies. Therefore, the objectives of this study among HIV-positive perinatal Thai women were to examine: 1) both the direct and indirect effects of physical symptoms and emotional support on depressive symptoms; 2) which source of support is more significant, family or friends; and 3) the direct effect of self-esteem on depressive symptoms. Results revealed that half of the participants experienced major depressive symptoms. Physical symptoms and self-esteem both had direct effects on depressive symptoms. Emotional support, from friends and family, had an indirect effect on depressive symptoms. Treating physical symptoms and increasing self-esteem through emotional support, could help decrease depressive symptoms in the target population. Finally, it is crucial that routine screening for depressive symptoms is established at all HIV clinics for perinatal women in Thailand.
Feb 2014 DOI 10.14302/issn.2324-7339.jcrhap-13-191
Objective: This cross-sectional study examined cognitive subtypes and influential factors in HIV-positive (HIV+) adults. Method: Two-step cluster analysis was conducted on a neurocognitive test battery in a sample (N = 78) of adults and older adults with HIV (Mage = 46.1). Next, cognitive, functional, and mental and physical health differences were compared between the HIV+ clusters and an HIV- reference group (N = 84; Mage = 47.9). Results: A two-cluster solution emerged, with a lower performing cluster exhibiting poorer performance across all domains except psychomotor speed, and a “normal” cluster displaying similar performance as the HIV- group. The most influential factors to classification in the lower performing cluster were older age and presence of stroke and hypertension. There were trends for longer duration of HIV-infection, higher unemployment rates, and greater prevalence of Hepatitis C co-infection in the lower performing cluster. Conclusions: These findings suggest that there are not unique cognitive subtypes in HIV, but rather a subset of individuals who exhibit globally normal performance and those with below average performance. Older age and the related cardiovascular comorbidities of both aging and HIV medications may be key influential factors to variability in neurocognitive functioning in this population and thus should be considered in future studies. Implications for research and practice are provided.
Dec 2012 DOI 10.14302/issn.2326-0793.jpgr-12-100
Defining protein-protein interactions is essential for understanding the mechanisms by which cells regulate basic functions, such as metabolism, transcription, and signal transduction. Affinity purification followed by tandem mass spectrometry (AP-MS) has application for discovery of new interactors regulating various cellular processes. Here we optimize the purification method for AP-MS and develop a simplified unbiased analytical tool, Z-score plus prey occurrence and reproducibility (ZSPORE) for data analysis. Using this pipeline we achieve a higher efficiency of AP-MS and enhanced identification of high confidence interacting proteins (HCIP) in mammalian cells. When applied to analysis of the innate immune interactome, these methods enhanced HCIP identification. In addition, we investigated the GRB2 complex, which is associated with signal transduction and cell growth. Twenty-four known GRB2 interacting proteins were identified plus 26 new GRB2 binding partners. Thus, these straightforward methods recapitulate known protein interactions, discover novel complexes, and allow mapping of protein interaction networks.
May 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2641-4538.jphi-26-6161
Objectives Motor fluctuations and non-motor disorders not manageable by first-line treatments in advanced Parkinson's disease require continuous dopaminergic stimulation strategies such as subcutaneous infusions of apomorphine (APO) or foslevodopa/foscarbidopa (FLD/FCD). A Budget Impact Analysis (BIA) was performed to estimate the cost difference between both treatments assuming equivalent clinical efficacy and safety. Material and methods The efficacy results of pivotal clinical trials at 12 and 52 weeks of treatment and the safety profile of APO vs FLD/FCD were compared, based on latest scientific publications and other available clinical data. A comparative BIA was performed, based on estimated annual drug treatment costs at Spanish published prices. Results The efficacy of APO (16 h/day) and FLD/FCD (24 h/day) in reduction of OFF hours (2.47 vs 2.75, 12 weeks; 3.66 vs 3.50, 52 weeks; respectively) and increase of ON hours without disabling dyskinesias (2.77 vs 2.72, 12 weeks; 3.31 vs 3.80, 52 weeks; respectively) could be considered clinically equivalent, as well as their safety profiles. However, a significant discrepancy is observed in the costs of the aforementioned alternatives. Considering published prices and the average dose reported in the literature, in Spain the annual cost of APO would be €13,980 compared to €55,198 for FLD/FCD. Consequently, the financial resources required for the treatment of FLD/FCD would enable the treatment of approximately three to four patients with APO. The BIA indicated the potential for annual savings in more than €2,500 million, considering a total target population of over 60,000 patients per year. Finally, an univariant sensitivity analysis was performed, considering a scenario in which the hospital acquisition cost of FLD/FCD decreased between 20%-30% (€44,159- €38,638/year). In this scenario, the total annual savings range between €1,875-€1,532 million per year. Conclusions Overall APO is more efficient than FLD/FCD, as it provides similar clinical efficacy at a lower treatment cost. The selection of an appropriate treatment option is to be determined by clinical criteria and patient characteristics, but cost evaluation should be considered to select the most cost-effective therapeutic option.
May 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2693-1176.ijgh-26-6165
Background Women’s participation in environmental conservation within patriarchal societies is a critical factor for achieving sustainable development and improved community outcomes. Despite this importance, limited research has examined women’s perceptions of their roles and contributions to environmental conservation. The current study aimed to (1) explore women’s perceptions of their roles in environmental conservation within patriarchal structures, and (2) to document the effectiveness of strategies enhancing their participation. Methods This study followed a phenomenological design, using thematic data analysis. Information was gathered through semistructured interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews with technocrats, civil servants, local leaders, and NGO staff. The sample size of the study was 30 participants, obtained using the point of saturation principle. The focus group consisted of 24 participants and 06 Key Informants. The study tools were pretested with a small group before the main fieldwork. Participants were selected using purposive sampling. The size of the sample was guided by data saturation. Results The findings show that although women’s representation in local councils and environmental committees has grown due to the 30% quota requirement, their influence remains constrained by systemic barriers. Political interference undermines technical teams’ conservation efforts, while widespread community ignorance of environmental laws limits compliance. Weak enforcement and corruption, with leaders themselves implicated in destructive practices, further erode progress. Critically, inadequate financing such as subcounties allocating only 600,000 shillings for sensitization, leaves many activities unimplemented, forcing reliance on development partners. Conclusion The study concludes that sustainable environmental stewardship requires not only legal reforms and institutional accountability but also adequate financing and communitydriven strategies that amplify women’s voices and foster collective responsibility.
May 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2471-2140.jaa-26-6180
Hair spectrometry results for sodium and potassium content in healthy individuals (n = 9991) were analyzed using mathematical statistics. It was found that the vast majority (81.6%) of the overall group had a (Na)/(K) ratio > 1, with a median (Me) of 2.35. However, 18.4% had a ratio < 1 (Me = 0.68). The median (Na)/(K) for the overall group was 1.98. Of particular interest was the analysis of the distribution of (Na) and (K) depending on the (Na)/(K) ratio. The results of this analysis are presented in the article.
Apr 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-450X.jom-26-6138
Indices, based on data such as height and weight in general and in particularly the body mass index (BMI), are often used to assess overweight. However, there is limited capacity to differentiate the amount of fat mass between individuals. This review refers to an anthropometric model called Dahlmann-Body-Analysis (DBA), which uses simple anthropometric parameters to define a Reference Weight (Ref-Wt). It is based on hand circumference as a proxy for the skeletal frame and, in addition, the circumference of the abdomen as a proxy for central obesity. Processed through a network of algorithms, the DBA model enabled to differentiate the Difference Weight – that means the difference between the Actual Weight and the Reference Weight – into fat mass and skeletal muscle mass. The DBA-model resembles the 2-component model of Albert R. Behnke, which he considered as a living functional construct including essential fat. The DBA-model matches with Behnke`s 2-component model insofar, as the essential fat is replaced by a physiological amount of fat tissue. The review summarizes studies to compare DBA-derived data with Metropolitan Life Insurance tables, evaluates DBA-derived fat tissue mass with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) derived results and analyses the meaning of the DBA model in clinical settings to uncover the underlying mechanisms of metabolic syndrome (MetS) pathogenesis with increasing amounts of fat mass. The model offers the opportunity to calculate changes in fat or muscle tissue in an absolute (kg) or relative (%) amount on individuals. The data suggest that the DBA-model has satisfactory prediction qualities for use as a practical tool in public health care.
Apr 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2640-6403.jtrr-26-6077
Delayed wound healing in diabetes is characterized by impaired angiogenesis, persistent inflammation, extracellular matrix dysregulation, and peripheral neuropathy. A preclinical study was conducted using a diabetic mouse delayed wound model to evaluate the surrounding tissue of a wound, (its periwound) and its tissue responses following treatment with the NerveStim™ Neuropathy System, a combination topical gel and neuromuscular electrical stimulation platform. Periwound tissue was harvested at Day 14 and analyzed using NanoString gene expression profiling. Treated animals demonstrated visibly increased periwound tissue thickness compared to untreated controls. Differential expression analysis identified 76 significantly upregulated and 17 downregulated genes. Upregulated pathways included angiogenesis (Vegfa, Fgf2, Pdgfb, Nos3), neurotrophic signaling (Ngf, Bdnf, Scn9a, Trpv1), macrophage polarization (Arg1, Mrc1, Il10), and extracellular matrix remodeling (Col1a1, Col3a1, Mmp9, Timp1). Downregulation of select pro-inflammatory mediators (Nos2, Mif) was observed. These coordinated transcriptional changes are consistent with activation of reparative immune, neurovascular, and matrix remodeling pathways in diabetic periwound tissue.
Feb 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2372-6601.jhor-25-5944
Background Oxaliplatin, a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, is associated with hematologic toxicities such as anemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Despite their clinical relevance, the molecular mechanisms underlying lineage-specific bone marrow suppression remain poorly understood. Methods We administered oxaliplatin to mice over eight weeks and performed RNA-sequencing (RNA integrity >8) on bone marrow alongside peripheral blood analysis and cytokine profiling. Transcriptomic data were analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and enriched pathways. For that, we applied a thematic Gene Ontology (thematicGO) enrichment method that groups GO terms into biologically meaningful categories, such as hematopoietic lineage disruption, cell cycle arrest, and cytokine signaling. Results Oxaliplatin induced broad transcriptional suppression of erythropoiesis and lymphopoiesis, with 3,691 DEGs identified (FDR<0.05, |FC|>1.5). Upregulation of Cdkn1a and downregulation of E2f2 suggest G1/S cell cycle arrest, correlating with repression of key erythroid maturation genes (e.g., Spta1, Slc4a1, Alas2) and hemoglobin subunits (Hba-a1/2, Hbb-bs/t). Despite a ~3000-fold increase in renal Epo expression, bone marrow Epor was reduced, indicating erythropoietin resistance. B and T cell markers were also significantly downregulated, signifying a collapse in adaptive immunity. Notably, neutrophil populations were largely spared. Cytokine analysis in plasma revealed a pro-inflammatory shift with elevated TNF-α and reduced TGF-β, potentially exacerbating hematopoietic dysfunction. Conclusions Oxaliplatin induces a lineage-dependent suppression of hematopoiesis, driven by coordinated cell cycle arrest, metabolic stress, and disrupted cytokine signaling. RNA-seq analysis enabled integration of transcriptomic findings into coherent biological themes. These findings provide mechanistic insights into oxaliplatin’s hematologic toxicity linking bone marrow failure (potentially reversible) via interconnected inflammatory and metabolic pathways and may inform therapeutic strategies to minimize or restore myelosuppression in cancer patients.
Jan 2026
There is no shortage of terms that are used to describe and articulate the strategies, practices, and underpinnings associated with the work engaged in by behavior analysis. Two terms that a clinic-focused behavior analyst may hear often are maladaptive behavior and problem behavior. These terms are not only common within our everyday practice, but they are also peppered throughout behavioral literature. Despite their permanency in the behavior analyst's repertoire, their meanings remain inconsistent, interchangeable, and conceptually unclear. For over a century, this lack of precision has gone unchecked, despite extensive research on undesirable or clinically significant behaviors. This article offers individuals a recount of the history, definitional limitations, and functional implications of these terms. From the perspective of early psychological scholarship and contemporary behavior-analytic sources, I argue that the field of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) will benefit from distinguishing maladaptive behavior as the presence of behavior that adversely affects the individual, while problem behavior should refer to the absence or inhibition of adaptive responses in relation to others' social behaviors. Furthermore, I propose that both terms be used to describe the effects on the person engaging in the behavior, instead of others around the individual, as a method of improving directionality and functional clarity. As a field focused on verbal behavior, becoming more conceptually precise with our own verbal behavior will lead to a more coherent basis for interpreting and treating behaviors that interfere with individuals' adaptation and well-being.
Jan 2026 DOI 10.14302/issn.2574-612X.ijpr-25-5920
The present study examines the effectiveness of Cognitive-Analytic Therapy (CAT) in women diagnosed with breast cancer and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) on reducing PTSD symptomatology and improving their mental health state (depression, self-esteem, post- traumatic growth, quality of life, therapeutic alliance). Additionally, the investigation includes the determination of the demographic, socio-economic and medical factors’ impact on mental health indicators in women with breast cancer and PTSD. The sample was 188 women with breast cancer and PTSD at the Chemotherapy Unit of ‘Agios Andreas’ General Hospital in Patras. The questionnaire data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical analysis in order to determine any statistically significant correlations between the experimental and the control group and between psychological scales and the demographic and socio-economic factors. The findings confirm the effectiveness of CAT in women with breast cancer and PTSD in reducing PTSD and depressive symptoms, improving self-esteem and quality of life, achieving greater post-traumatic growth, and fostering a better therapeutic relationship with the therapist. The demographic, socio-economic and medical factors examined affected dissimilarly each psychological scale, as statistically significant associations were found with some scales but not with others.
Dec 2025 DOI 10.14302/issn.3070-5835.jcpn-25-5939
Objective To assess knowledge, attitude and willingness towards organ donation of nurses in Tibebe-Ghion Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, 2023. Method A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to May 30, 2023, using a census of all eligible nurses (N=215). Data were collected with a structured questionnaire adapted from validated tools. Binary logistics regression was used to identify factors associated with willingness to donate, with results presented as adjusted odds ratios with 95% confident intervals. Results The overall response rate of this study was 98% (n=206). The mean age was 29.5 (±4.8) years, and 55.8% were male. Overall, 61.7% (95% CI: 54.9-68.5) of nurses had good knowledge, and 45.6% (95% CI: 38.8-52.5) had a favorable attitude. In multivariable analysis, female sex (AOR=3.50, 95% CI: 1.18-3.92, p<0.001) and greater years of experience (AOR=2.15, 95% CI: 1.18-3.92, p=0.012) were independent predictors of willingness. Conclusion While a majority of nurses were willing to donate organs, significant gaps in knowledge and legal awareness persist. Female nurses and those with more experience were more willing to donate. Targeted educational interventions are recommended to address knowledge deficits and foster a more supportive environment for organ donation advocacy.