Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Glutamine on Apoptosis-inducing Factor Expression and Apoptosis of Glomerular Parietal Epithelial Cells of Cisplatin-exposed Rats

AIM: This study analyzed the nephroprotective effect by examining apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) expression and apoptosis rate in the glomerular parietal epithelial cell of cisplatin-exposed rats. METHODS: Samples consisted of 30 rats (divided into 3 groups: Group P0 received no treatment, group P1 received a cisplatin injection on the 7 day, and group P2 received glutamine injection on days 1–7 and cisplatin injection on the 7 day). After 72 h, the tissue samples were immunohistochemically processed. AIF expression was measured in an Allred score. The apoptosis rate was measured in apoptotic cells/field of view. Statistical analysis was carried out using JASP Statistics ver. 0.12. 0 (p < 0.05). RESULTS: AIF expression values are follows: P0 = 4.89 ± 0.418, P1 = 6.14 ± 0.685, and P2 = 4.95 ± 0.530. The Kruskal–Wallis test result showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the groups and Dunn’s post hoc test showed a significant difference between P0 and P1 and between P1 and P2, but no significant difference between P0 and P2. Meanwhile, apoptosis rate values are as follows: P0 = 24.3 ± 9.821, P1 = 123.6 ± 16.008, and P2 = 77.2 ± 10.644. The Kruskal–Wallis test result showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the groups, and Dunn’s post hoc test showed a significant difference between P0 and P1, between P1 and P2, and between P0 and P2. CONCLUSION: The expression of AIF and apoptosis of glomerular parietal epithelial cells of the cisplatin-exposed rat has decreased after glutamine treatment. Edited by: Sinisa Stojanoski Citation: Rofananda IF, Nugraha J, Susilo I, Sofyan MS. Effect of Glutamine on Apoptosis-inducing Factor Expression and Apoptosis of Glomerular Parietal Epithelial Cells of Cisplatin-exposed Rats. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2021 May 14; 9(A):367-372. https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2021. 5915
Utilising PRA to develop a postgraduate qualification in visual impairment studies

This article reports on the study that focused on the utilisation of a Participatory Reflection and Action (PRA) methodology in order to develop a postgraduate qualification in visual impairment studies. The broader project aims to create ways in which learners with visual impairment can be included in South African schools. In lieu of this, it has therefore come to our attention that teachers of these learners in full service schools (FSS) and special needs schools may require appropriate education and training so as to effectively work with learners with visual impairment. For our exploration, we followed a case study design and utilised PRA approach as the main data generation source in the five provinces that were involved in the study. The sample involved 255 teachers in full service and special needs schools and 50 expert stakeholders in the field of visual impairment. To most teachers, being involved in PRA-based workshops was somewhat new, thus, our study found that teachers have varying views in terms of them (teachers) being part of PRA-based workshops. Although most of them commend the process of these workshops, others feel that there could be an opportunity for improvement.
Effects of exercise on tests measuring attention and executive function in younger and older adults

Researchers have studied the effects of physical activity and measures of attention and executive function (EF) in adults across the lifespan. EF is a broad term that encompasses various complex cognitive processes used to analyze and assign meaning to incoming information, and these processes are often responsible for behaviors such as initiating, planning, organizing, sequencing, switching, inhibiting, and problem solving [1-7]. Having adequate EF allows individuals to competently function in daily life by assessing new incoming information, use prior knowledge from past experiences to anaPurpose: This study investigated whether or not performance differed between Young and Older Exercisers and between Young and Older Non-exercisers on the Attention Processing Training-Test (APT-Test), Behavioral Assessment of Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS), and Functional Assessment of Verbal Reasoning and Executive Strategies (FAVRES).
Plant defense against a pathogen drives nonlinear transmission dynamics through both vector preference and acquisition

Host defense against vector-borne plant pathogens is a critical component of integrated disease management. However, theory predicts that traits that confer tolerance or partial resistance can, under certain ecological conditions, enhance the spread of pathogens and spillover to more susceptible populations or cultivars. A key component driving such epidemic risk appears to be variation in host-selection behavior of vectors based on infection status of the host. While recent theory has further emphasized the importance of infection-in-duced host-selection behavior by insect vectors for plant disease epidemiology, experimental tests on the relationship between vector host-selection preference and transmission are lacking. We test how host plant defense — conferred by the PdR1 gene complex — mediates vector host-selection preference and transmission of the pathogenic bacterium Xylella fastidiosa among grapevine cultivars. We con ﬁ rmed that PdR1 confers resistance against X. fastidiosa by reducing both pathogen population size and disease severity. We found that vector transmission rates to new hosts exhibited unimodal dynamics over the course of infection when both susceptible and resistant were infected and acted as sources of the pathogen. Transmission from susceptible plants initially increased and then declined as insect vectors avoided severely diseased plants. While transmission from PdR1 resistant plants also initially increased and then declined as well, this was not due to avoidance by vectors, although the exact mechanism remains unclear. We show that (1) vector preference changes over the course of disease progression, (2) vector preference is clearly important but a poor predictor of transmission, and (3) the post-latent incubation period — in which plant hosts are infectious but asymptomatic — is likely a key period for vector transmission of X. fastidiosa . Our results suggest that, consistent with theory, defensive traits lengthen the duration of the incubation period, increasing X. fastidiosa transmission. However, defensive traits may over the long-term ultimately reduce spread possibly through induced resistance. Vector host-selection preference, host resistance, and transmission are clearly dynamic, changing over the course of disease progression. Understanding these dynamics is critical for broader insights into the epidemiology of vector-borne plant pathogens, theory development, and deploying disease-resistant cultivars in an effective and sustainable manner.
Milk-clotting properties of plant rennets and their enzymatic, rheological, and sensory role in cheese making: A review

ABSTRACT Plant rennets hold an important position among various coagulants used in cheese technology. The selection of a suitable plant coagulant is important due to the increasing global demands of cheese alongside reduced supply of calf rennet. Thus, a literature synthesis is presented to investigate recent achievements on their functional properties and enzymatic role in cheese making. Efforts have also been done to compare certain rheological and sensory properties of final products, arising from some plant- and animal-based rennets. In fact, some coagulants such as actinidin or dubiumin produce cheeses with sensory qualities similar to those produced by animal rennet. Others, like ginger, cucumisin, or hieronymain proteases contribute to develop very different textures and flavours, due to excessive proteolytic activity and production of bitter peptides. For milk-clotting enzymes with high non-specific action, several improved strategies have been developed to produce cheeses with sensory properties close to those of animal rennet. For example, the mixture of coagulants (cardosins/chymosin), the selection of appropriate milk or its ultrafiltration, as well as the increase of salting time of cheese during ripening could be efficient ways to improve texture and reduce bitterness. Concerning cheeses with high yield loss, the whey could be used for a traditional production of whey cheese. To conclude, the selection of appropriate plant rennet with high milk-clotting activity/proteolytic activity ratio and the optimisation of all coagulation parameters play a central role in manufacturing cheese with superior rheological and sensory properties.
Assessment and prediction of land-use/land-cover change around Blue Nile and White Nile due to flood hazards in Khartoum, Sudan, based on geospatial analysis

Abstract Rising floodwaters in the Blue Nile (BN) and White Nile (WN) tributaries continually affects people’s lives and the safety of infrastructures in Khartoum, the capital of Sudan. Recently, floods have covered a wide area of Khartoum and destroyed many buildings and bridges. We conducted this study to evaluate and predict the flood effects around BN and WN in Khartoum to make recommendations in view of upcoming flood disasters. Land-use/land-cover (LULC) changes after floods that occurred in 2014, 2016, and 2020 were evaluated and LULC was predicted for 2024 by applying a combination of remote sensing (RS) and geographic information-system (GIS) techniques. We also evaluated the expected hazard due to floods. Our results showed that the agricultural, built-up, and water changes around BN were 0.30%, 0.25%, and 0.05%, respectively, for the period 2014–2016, and, that changes for the period 2016–2020 were 3.38%, 3.68%, and 7.28%, respectively. Correspondingly, the agricultural, built-up, and water changes around WN were 5.56%, 3.26%, and 8.02% during 2014–2016 and 13.79%, 5.62%, and 21.40% during 2016–2020. The change estimation indicates that the most flood effects in the region occurred around WN, possibly covering the whole areal extent of Khartoum city. The area covered by waterbodies may decrease by 4.18% (BN) and 20.35% (WN) during 2020–2024, based on RS–GIS evaluation, but hydraulic evaluation shows that the expected hazard due to floods in Khartoum is high. Thus, flood-risk assessments should take into account both physical hazard and the distribution of the population across the whole area of Khartoum.
Associations between arterial stiffness and cardiovascular disease risk factors among black South African children

Background. A limited number of studies have researched the associations between conventional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and arterial stiffness in children. Objectives. To explore the associations between specific conventional CVD risk factors and arterial stiffness in black South African (SA) children. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 59 children (male:17; female:42). The mean age (and associated standard deviation) of the participants was 11.15 (1.40) years. Conventional CVD risk factors included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference, systolic blood pressure (SBP), resting heart rate (RHR), peak oxygen consumption (VO 2 peak) and physical activity. Pearson’s correlation was used to measure associations between arterial stiffness, expressed as the stiffness index (SI), and CVD risk factors. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis adjusting for age was performed to identify associations between the independent variables (VO 2 peak, SBP, BMI, physical activity, RHR and WC) and the dependent variable (SI). Results. Arterial stiffness was found to be significantly positively correlated with age ( r =0.52; p= 0.03) and significantly negatively correlated with VO 2 peak ( r =–0.53; p =0.03) in male participants. Following regression analysis, the association with age ( r 2 =0.27; p =0.03) and SI remained significantly independent. When means were combined across the two gender groups, age ( r =0.27; p =0.04) and RHR ( r =0.26; p =0.05) were found to be significantly positively correlated with SI. Following regression analysis, both age ( r 2 =0.07; p =0.04) and RHR ( r 2 =0.15; p =0.02) remained significantly independently associated with SI. Conclusion. Age and RHR appear to be strong predictors of arterial stiffness in black SA children.
Portrayal of Immigrants in Danish Media—A Qualitative Content Analysis

Media coverage can affect audiences’ perceptions of immigrants, and can play a role in determining the content of public policy agendas, the formation of prejudices, and the prevalence of negative stereotyping. This study investigated the way in which immigrants are represented in the Danish media, which terms are used, what issues related to immigrants and immigration are discussed and how they are described, and whose voices are heard. The data consisted of media articles published in the two most widely read Danish newspapers in 2019. Inductive qualitative content analysis was conducted. The portrayal of immigrants was generally negative. Overall, immigrants were portrayed as economic, cultural and security threats to the country. The most salient immigrant groups mentioned in the media were non-Westerners, Muslims, and people ‘on tolerated stay’. Integration, xenophobia and racial discrimination were the three immigrant-related issues most frequently presented by the media. The media gave voice mainly to politicians and immigrant women. The material showed that Danes have a strong affinity for ‘Danishness’, which the papers explained as a major barrier to the integration and acceptance of immigrants in Denmark.
Sexual Behavior Problems in Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND: Several studies conducted on adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) have reported various problems of sexual behavior that occurs in the group, including HIV-related risky sexual behavior and other healthrelated concerns. AIM: This review aims to synthesize studies on the problems regarding sexual behavior in adolescents with ID to obtain data on the types of risky sexual behavior problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Synthesis was conducted on nine studies of children aged 10–20 years old with intellectual disabilities as subjects who have no other psychiatric comorbidities and met the appraisal criteria based on the checklist for analytical cross-sectional studies of the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). RESULTS: Several behaviors were found in the group of adolescents with ID. Masturbation is the type of solitary behavior that appears the most, besides other behaviors like touching genitals and getting naked in public places. Sexual intercourse is the most widely reported in the type of “involving other persons. ” Sexual intercourse with more than 1 person without using contraception to protect against sexual transmitted disease (STD) is at risk for HIV infection or other infectious diseases. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this review have indicated that adolescents with ID have sexual needs and experience sexual behavior problems similar to ordinary adolescents in general. They actually have a higher risk for having risky sexual behavior because they lack understanding of sexuality. These findings emphasize the need for sex education so that young people with disabilities can have healthy sexual behavior and a safe life. Edited by: Ksenija Bogoeva-Kostovska Citation: Chamidah AN, Hartini S, Herini ES. Sexual Behavior Problems in Adolescents with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Review. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2021 May 14; 9F:163-170. https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2021. 6016
Health Beneficial Effects and Chemical Profiles of Special Oolong Teas

Narawadee Rujanapun Medicinal Plant Innovation Center of Mae Fah Luang University, Mae Fah Luang University Wuttichai Jaidee Medicinal Plant Innovation Center of Mae Fah Luang University, Mae Fah Luang University Thidarat Duangyod School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University Pravaree Phuneerub School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University Chakree Wattanasiri School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University Napassawan Paojumroom Medicinal Plant Innovation Center of Mae Fah Luang University, Mae Fah Luang University Tharakorn Maneerat School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University Chuchawal Pringpuangkeo Doi Chang Tea Co., Ltd Rawiwan Charoensup (  rawiwan.cha@mfu.ac.th ) School of Integrative Medicine, Mae Fah Luang University
The Impact of Psychological Climate and Self-Resilience on Employee Performance During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Empirical Study in Indonesia

The study aims to investigate the impact of psychological climate, self-resilience, Organizational Citizenship Behaviour (OCB) and job stress on employee performance during Covid-19 pandemic. This paper also attempts to find out the mediating role of OCB and job stress in this context. A confirmatory survey was conducted on 316 employees of several institutions in Indonesia who worked from home during Covid-19 for a minimum period of 2 months. The research revealed that 1) PC has significant and positive influence on OCB and performance;2) Self resilience have positive and significant influence on performance;3) PC and self-resilience have a negative influence on job stress;4) there are insignificant relationship between self-resilience on OCB;OCB and job stress on performance;5) PC and self-resilience have no indirect influence on performance through OCB and job stress. The findings of this study reveal that organizations expected to have strategic approach in order to handle Covid-19 pandemic in different work patterns that are required to carry out routine office tasks from home, including handling stress as a fast adaptation for both employees and organizations that have a routine task from home.
A Seven-year Follow-up Study of Patient Satisfaction with Three-implant-retained Mandibular Overdentures

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare patients’ satisfaction with mandibular overdentures retained by threesplinted implants versus conventional complete denture wearers during a 7-year follow-up study period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty edentulous male patients (mean age: 60 years) were carefully selected and divided into two equal groups. All patients received a new set of complete dentures. Group I patients received three implants in the anterior mandible and were connected after 3 months with bars, clips, and loaded. Group II patients received conventional complete dentures. Patients’ satisfaction was recorded for both groups at 3 weeks (baseline) and after 1, 3, 5, and 7 years. Patients were then asked to grade their overdentures/dentures on a visual analog scale and written questionnaire to evaluate their overall satisfaction. RESULTS: Satisfaction scores of Group I patients were found to be statistically significantly higher than that of Group II patients (p < 0.05) at 3, 5, and 7 years follow-up, meanwhile, no statistically significant difference was found at baseline or after 12 months. CONCLUSION: The long-term results suggest that three-implant-retained mandibular overdenture with a clip-bar attachment appears to be a successful rehabilitation strategy which is superior to conventional dentures for patients with advanced ridge resorption. Edited by: Aleksandar Iliev Citation: ElGabry HS. A Seven-year Follow-up Study of Patient Satisfaction with Three-implant-retained Mandibular Overdentures. Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2021 May 14; 8(D):103-107. https://doi.org/10.3889/oamjms.2021. 5896
First Eddy Covariance Flux Measurements of Semi Volatile Organic Compounds with the PTR3-TOF-MS

Abstract. We present first eddy covariance flux measurements with the PTR3-TOF-MS, a novel proton-transfer-reaction mass-spectrometer (PTR-MS). During three weeks in spring 2016 the instrument recorded 10 Hz BVOC data on top of the SMEAR II tower in Hyytiälä, Finland. Flux and concentration data of isoprene, monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes were compared to the literature. Due to the improved instrument sensitivity and a customized “wall less” inlet design we could detect a number of fluxes of semi-volatile and low volatile organic compounds (SVOC and LVOC) with less than single digit picomol/m2/s values for the first time. These compounds include sesquiterpene oxidation products and diterpenes. Daytime diterpene fluxes were in the range of 0.05 to 0.15 picomol/m2/s, which amounts to about 0.25 % to 0.5 % of the daytime sesquiterpene flux above canopy.
Antioxidant, Antigenotoxic, and Hepatic Ameliorative Effects of Quercetin/Zinc Complex on Cadmium-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Alterations in Hepatic Tissue Structure

Applications of medicinal uses of metals and their complexes have been gaining major clinical significance, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ligation behavior of quercetin (Q), a flavonoid, and Zn metal, i.e., the Zn/Q complex, was fully characterized based on molar conductance, infrared (IR) spectra, elemental analysis, electronic spectra, thermogravimetric analysis, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) in our lab. Hepatotoxicity was induced by cadmium (CdCl2). A total of 40 male albino rats were randomly distributed into the following four groups: Control, hepatotoxic group (CdCl2), Zn/Q-treated group, and group treated with a combination of CdCl2 and Zn/Q. Serum hepatic enzymes (AST, ALT, and LDH), total protein, and enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant levels were determined. Histology and TEM for hepatic tissues, in addition to the gene expression of SOD as an antioxidant enzyme in the hepatic tissues, were evaluated. The Q/Zn treatment demonstrated potent protective effects against CdCl2-induced sever oxidative stress and suppressed hepatic toxicity, genotoxicity, liver enzyme disturbances, and structural alterations. In conclusion, the Zn/Q complex produced a high potent antioxidant effect against the oxidative injury and genotoxicity induced by CdCl2 and could be considered to be a potent ameliorative hepatoprotective agent against CdCl2 hepatotoxicity, which could be beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The inclusive school of collective learning

How women actually are collectively learning new knowledge in practice, and the constraints they are experiencing? Based on an analysis of three contrasted small scale cassava processing cooperatives, this article traced how women allow and mediate emerging critical events when applying new measures and collectively learned about, by analyzing archives data, following and interviewing; and observing in real time those who are closely involved in collective learning processes. Evidence proves that collective learning women were experiencing with the traditional system of cassava processing have taken a new translation with the promotion of two days of cassava processing (instead of six or seven days traditionally assigned in cassava processing) and the use of improved garifyers. However, important critical challenges emerged. These are economic, technical and political support. Mediating these challenges did not pose serious problems since women deployed ideas and assembled social representations relevant to enforce arrangements. Collective learning then entails consideration and incorporation of the local socio-cultural models during the application of the new measures, and which require to be merged with emerging critical challenges. Further data analysis prove how women collectively change strategies that governed the puzzle of their life vis-a-vis cassava processing; and on the basis of which they considered emerging challenges and applied solutions.