bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salubridad y enfermedad en las minas de oro de Marmato en el siglo XIX: entre la epidemia de viruela y la guerra de los mil días
Authors: Gómez Fernando , López Sebastián , Chacón Arnoby
Published: September 2021

La minería ha tenido una gran influencia en las sociedades humanas, permeando por igual las riquezas del suelo y la cultura, lo que ha tenido profundas implicaciones para los individuos dedicados a esta labor y para los lugares en los que se lleva a cabo.En el presente artículo, se describen las características socioculturales y de sanidad, así como las enfermedades más frecuentes en las minas de oro de Marmato (Caldas) durante el siglo XIX. Las precarias condiciones de salubridad y las enfermedades tropicales infecciosas persistieron en la población durante todo el siglo.
A highly effective and self-transmissible CRISPR antimicrobial for elimination of target plasmids without antibiotic selection
Authors: Wongpayak Panjaporn , Meesungnoen Orapan , Saejang Somchai , Subsoontorn Pakpoom
Published: September 2021

The use of CRISPR/Cas (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats/CRISPR associated protein) for sequence-specific elimination of bacteria or resistance genes is a powerful tool for combating antibiotic resistance. However, this approach requires efficient delivery of CRISPR/Cas DNA cassette(s) into the targeted bacterial population. Compared to phage transduction, plasmid conjugation can deliver DNA to a broader host range but often suffers from low delivery efficiency. Here, we developed multi-plasmid conjugation systems for efficient CRISPR/Cas delivery, target DNA elimination and plasmid replacement. The CRISPR/Cas system, delivered via a broad-host-range R1162 mobilizable plasmid, specifically eliminated the targeted plasmid in recipient cells. A self-transmissible RK2 helper plasmid facilitated the spread of mobilizable CRISPR/Cas. The replacement of the target plasmid with another plasmid from the same compatibility group helped speed up target plasmid elimination especially when the target plasmid was also mobilizable. Together, we showed that up to 100% of target plasmid from the entire recipient population could be replaced even at a low (1:180) donor-to-recipient ratio and in the absence of transconjugant selection. Such an ability to modify genetic content of microbiota efficiently in the absence of selection will be critical for future development of CRISPR antimicrobials as well as genetic tools for in situ microbiome engineering.
Creating AI Art Responsibly: A Field Guide for Artists
Authors:   Partnership on AI, Leibowicz Claire , Saltz Emily ,   The New York Times, Coleman Lia ,   Rhode Island School of Design
Published: September 2021

Las herramientas de aprendizaje automático utiliza­das para generar medios de comunicación sintéticos permiten la expresión creativa, pero también pueden generar contenidos que inducen a error y causan daño. La Guía de campo para el arte con IA responsable (Res­ponsible AI Art Field Guide) ofrece un punto de partida para que diseñadores, artistas y otros creadores pue­dan utilizar las técnicas de inteligencia artificial (IA) de forma responsable y cuidadosa. Sugerimos a los artis­tas y diseñadores que utilizan la IA que sitúen su tra­bajo en el contexto más amplio de la IA responsable, prestando atención a las consecuencias perjudiciales que potencial e involuntariamente podría conllevar su trabajo, tal como se entiende en los ámbitos de la seguridad de la información, la desinformación, el medio ambiente, los derechos de autor y los sesgos en los medios sintéticos apropiativos. En primer lu­gar, describimos las dinámicas más generales de los medios generativos para subrayar que los artistas y diseñadores que utilizan la IA operan al interior de un campo con características sociales complejas. A continuación, describimos nuestro proyecto, una guía centrada en cuatro puntos clave para controlar el ciclo de vida de la creación con IA: (1) el conjunto de datos, (2) el código del modelo, (3) los recursos de entrenamiento y (4) la publicación y la atribución. Por último, destaca­mos la importancia que tienen estas instancias de control para los artistas y diseñadores que utilizan la IA, ya que ofrecen puntos de partida o provocaciones para construir un campo de IA creativo y a la vez atento a las repercusiones sociales de sus trabajos.
Editorial: Contra la datificación del sujeto a través de prácticas de datos anti-opresivas
Authors:   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Escuela de Diseño, Bernasconi Renato
Published: September 2021

Esta editorial hace un aporte a la discusión propuesta por los editores invitados de este número enfatizando que los investigadores que producen, manipulan e interpretan conjuntos de datos estarán contribuyendo a afianzar un régimen opresivo de poder-conocimiento si no inician su trabajo reflexionando sobre las dinámicas de dominación y explotación inherentes a los datos, del mismo modo que no harán sino reforzar las desigualdades y las injusticias si no cuestionan, por extensión, las ilusiones de pureza epistémica de la datificación. A partir de una breve revisión de literatura, la editorial destaca tres estrategias útiles para transformar los datos en un sistema de conocimiento-poder anti opresivo: conectar los datos con el contexto en que se producen, como plantean D’Ignazio y Klein; hacer de la extracción de datos un proceso centrado en las personas, tal como proponen Leurs y Shepherd; y usar los datos para producir historias encarnadas, como sugiere Leurs.
Descolonizar la imaginación en tiempos de crisis. Gestos para un sentir-pensar especulativo: Entrevista a Martin Savransky
Authors:   Goldsmiths, University of London, Savransky Martin , Tironi Martin ,   Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Escuela de Diseño
Published: September 2021

En esta entrevista, Savransky analiza las implicancias de pen­sar y crear a partir de una mirada pragmatista, apuntando a los desafíos que enfrenta la investigación experimental en los tiempos turbulentos en que vivimos. Por medio de conceptos y autores clave que han marcado su trabajo intelectual, invita a concebir los ejercicios de pensamiento como prácticas de expe­rimentalidad, a través de las cuales las situaciones inciertas e inestables de los problemas actuales suscitarían nuevas pre­guntas antes que respuestas cerradas
Diseña 19 | Métodos visuales para imágenes en línea: recolección, circulación y co-creación con máquinas
Authors:   Università Iuav di Venezia | Politecnico di Milano, Colombo Gabriele , Niederer Sabine ,   Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas de Ámsterdam, Colectivo de Metodologías Visuales
Published: September 2021

En una sociedad saturada de imágenes, los métodos de análisis visual adquieren mayor urgencia. Este número especial explora las formas visuales de estudiar las imágenes en línea, centrándose en su recolección y circulación. La propuesta que hacemos es permanecer lo más cerca posible del material. ¿Cómo acercarse a lo visual con lo visual? ¿Qué tipo de imágenes se pueden diseñar para dar sentido, reconfigurar y reanimar las colecciones de imágenes en línea? ¿Cómo pueden las disposiciones de las imágenes en línea promover diversos procedimientos analíticos, acciones participativas e intervenciones de diseño? Además, nos centramos en el papel que pueden desempeñar las herramientas algorítmicas, incluida la visión artificial, en estos esfuerzos de investigación, sin dejar de ser sensibles a sus defectos y carencias. ¿Qué tipos de colaboración entre humanos y máquinas podemos prever para comprender mejor e interrogar críticamente la dinámica de la cultura visual digital actual? Las diferentes prácticas y formatos que se analizan en este número especial (como el feminismo de datos, las partituras visuales, la visión artificial, las redes de imágenes y las guías de campo) ofrecen una serie de enfoques que buscan comprender, reanimar y cambiar las perspectivas de nuestra cultura visual digital.
La reinserción social: un concepto a discusión desde el trabajo social
Authors:   Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Pérez Ramírez Berenice , Rodríguez Aguirre Xochiquetzal ,   Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Published: September 2021

Este artículo tiene por objetivo discutir acerca de los beneficios penitenciarios, como elemento a considerar, dentro de la reinserción social en México. Uno de los principales hallazgos que pre-sentamos, es mostrar que en la institución penitenciaria se plasman objetivos paradójicos, por ejemplo, enaltece su principio punitivo al mismo tiempo que busca la reinserción, ello conlleva una serie de contradicciones que derivaran en dificultades y obstáculos para las personas privadas de la libertad. Consideramos que el trabajo social, puede indicar aspectos que desde esta política estatal se pasan por alto o se obvian. A través del análisis de los beneficios penitenciarios mostramos que es poco estratégico tratarles como dádivas y apuntamos la importancia de considerarles derechos políticos de un sector de clase subalterna y racializado que es contenido en el espacio carcelario
Las familias con necesidades complejas y su invisibilidad. Una revisión sistemática
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa (México), Rodríguez Otero Luis Manuel , Mancinas Espinoza Sandra E. ,   Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (México)
Published: September 2021

Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura en la base de datos de Dialnet, desde la perspectiva de las familias con necesidades complejas. A través de la búsqueda se identificaron un total de 246 estudios, de los cuales 119 cumplían los criterios de inclusión. Se observó que, en los estudios sobre la familia, el análisis de la complejidad de sus necesidades se encuentra ausente. Se concluye que es necesario incorporar esta aproximación teórica para visibilizar las características de estas familias, analizando la amplitud y profundidad de sus necesidades, tanto en la investigación como en las políticas sociales.
Effect of Organic Fertilizer on Tomato Growth and Production under Soil-less System
Authors: Murakami Kiyotaka , Cruz André Freire , Ramos Mateus De Freitas , Yamanishi Osvaldo Kiyoshi , Date Shuichi
Published: September 2021

Soil-less system constitutes an efficient approach for the cultivation of tomato; however, organic liquid amendments are very limited under such systems. The current experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of Kurojiru (K), an organic liquid fertilizer and fulvic acid (FA) on the growth and production of tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. ‘Momotaro’. Recently, it is desirable to reduce the environmental impact and fertilizer cost by lowering the concentration of inorganic components in the culture medium. Therefore, we explored the effect of adding these organic fertilizers on the yield and quality of tomatoes by gradually reducing the phosphoric acid concentration in the culture medium (87, 58 and 29 mmol・pot-1・week-1). The whole experiment was conducted for 20 weeks (from seeding until harvesting). The plant biomass, tomato fruit weight and chlorophyll content were measured. The fresh weight (FW) of both root and shoot indicated a progress response according to phosphorus concentration in liquid media, in FA treatments. Total fresh weight was significantly higher in the treatment with K+FA than in the control. Additionally, the yield responded to the all treatments within the 58 mmol P. Especially, in this level of P the relative fruit weight was higher only under K application. The chlorophyll content responded K+FA treatment under a low P content (29 mmol), and to all of those in 58 mmol. These results indicate that Kurojiru has some positive effects on tomato growth in soil-less systems.
The Alignment of Stress Management to the Behavioural Management Movement
Authors: Ambie Georgewill, Ibiba
Published: September 2021

Stress management is a wide spectrum of techniques and psychotherapies aimed at controlling a person’s level of stress, especially chronic stress, usually for the purpose of and for the motive of improving everyday functioning. Although there are several stress management techniques, that of Job redesign, Job rotation, Social support, and Employee counseling were adopted from the work of Miller (2008). Stress management was aligned with the Behavioural school of management thoughts. First the paper delineated the importance of stress management in individual, group and organizational life, detailing the four techniques mentioned earlier. Secondly, the article evaluated the behavioural management philosophy ; which gives primacy to psychological considerations, but treats fulfillment of emotional needs, mainly as a means of achieving other primary economic goals, and finally the alignment of the behvioural management philosophy with stress management .In conclusion , the behavioural management philosophy provide the antidote foundation for the ultimate elimination of dysfunctional stressors, while it was recommended amongst other; management should utilize job redesign to check emotional exhaustion. This would ensure increased quality of work life and employee job satisfaction.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Association with Some Selected Medicinal Plants
Authors: Abdullahi R. , Kwari J. S. , Zubairu A. M.
Published: September 2021

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are group of fungi of the order Glomales that form symbiotic association with plant roots and enhance the uptake of nutrients, and improve plant growth and yield. This study was conducted to investigate the occurrence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in the rhizospheres of some commonly grown medicinal plants in Maiduguri viz; Aloe vera, Mentha, Cymbopogon citrates and Ocimum gratissimum. The results revealed all the plants have formed mycorrhiza symbiosis. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spores from five genera (Glomus, Acaulospora, Dentiscutata, Scutellispora and Gigaspora were isolated and identified. Cymbopogon citrates significantly recorded the highest total AMF spore counts (90±4.17) while Aloe vera recorded the least (54±2.28). Amongst the five mycorrhiza genus Glomus species were comparatively higher under all plant species, while, Dentiscutata and Gigaspora had the lowest spore counts. Highest percent root colonization   (72±4.23%) was recorded under Cymbopogon citrates and Aloe vera recorded the least (55.5 ±2.41%). The study confirmed mycorrhiza association with all the plants, however, AMF spore counts diversity varies with plant species. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi could be inoculated to soils with scanty or ineffective spores for enhanced plant nutrition and growth of medicinal plants.
Yellow Sap Contamination on Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.) Fruit in Relation to Soil Calcium Contents and Plant Tissue
Authors: Martias . , Purnama Titin , Riska . , Affandi . , Yuliati Sri , Marta Nini , Budiyanti Tri , Emilda Deni , Fatria Dewi , Hendri . , Arsana I. G. K. D. , Arief Ratna W. , Asnawi Robet , Mejaya Made J.
Published: September 2021

Yellow sap contamination (YSC) is one of the mangosteen quality constrain in Indonesia. Calcium is the prominent nutrient that influence the incidence of yellow sap contamination. A research with objective to observe the relationship between incidence YSC and Ca availability in soil as well as plant tissue was done in ten locations in West Sumatra, Lampung and West Java provinces. Purposive random sampling method was used to determine the site locations. The plant and soil samples were collected from 10 sites and ten tree per sites. Correlation analysis was used to measure the relationship between incidence YSC and Ca content in fruit endocarp, mesocarp, peel, soil and leaf. The result showed that there was a variation of incidence YSC in site location with range of 8.7%−54.04%; 4.0−51.6%; and 17.7−78.6% for percentage of YSC in fruit flesh, segmentation and peel, respectively. Ca content in soil, endocarp, mesocarp and leaf were given significantly negative correlation toward incidence YSC in fruit flesh and segmentation. Ca content in leaf part correlates significantly to Ca availability in soil, endocarp and mesocarp. Ca content in leaf in the range of 1.40- 1.70% indicates YSC less than 10%.
Cryopreservation of Arecanut (Areca catechu L.) Embryogenic Calli by V Cryo-plate Method
Authors: Muralikrishna Kilingar Subrahmanya , Sajini Kalathil Kundanchery , Kavya Pulikuthi , Prakash Krishna , Sabana Abdulla Abdulla , Rajesh Muliyar Krishna , Karun Anitha
Published: September 2021

Aims: Arecanut, a perennial palm species of Arecaceae family, has huge commercial value, and is grown mainly for its masticatory nuts. The ever-increasing demand for uniform quality plantlets from growers necessitates putting in place In vitro mass multiplication and other crop improvement programmes. The present study was carried out to standardize the procedure for cryopreservation of embryogenic calli of arecanut, derived from immature inflorescence cultures, by vitrification based cryo-plate technique.

Study Design: Completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications.

Place and Duration of Study: ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Kerala, India during 2019.

Methodology: The embryogenic calli were precultured in Eeuwen's Y3 basal medium supplemented with sucrose (0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 M) for three days. Explants were affixed on cryo-plates and later dehydrated using plant vitrification solution 3 (PVS3) for 30 min. Cryoplates were inserted in cryovials and cryopreserved. Explants with no cryostorage served as control. Explants were rewarmed quickly in a water bath (40ºC) for 2 min and treated with unloading solution and cultured on recovery medium.

Results: The results showed 8-10 % recovery of embryogenic calli that resulted in normal plantlet production. The clonal fidelity studies, using Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) marker, showed no variation of cryopreserved calli in comparison to the original calli.

Conclusion: This preliminary study demonstrated the successful use of vitrification (V) cryo-plate technique in cryopreservation of embryogenic calli of arecanut. With better recovery percentage, the optimal concentration of sucrose in the preculture medium was found to be 0.3 M. Desiccation in PVS3 solution for 30 min had no adverse effect.
Determination of Physico-chemical Properties, Cholesterol and Vitamin A Levels of Vegetable Oils commonly Sold in Ado Ekiti Metropolis
Authors: Ishaya F. A. , Oladejo A. A. , Olaoye A. B.
Published: September 2021

Edible vegetable oils are very important resource that are in high demand globally, and used in a variety of ways as they are considered a concentrated source of energy for human beings and carriers of oil-soluble vitamins which supply the essential fatty acids that are required for a wide range of biological and physiological functions. This work was aimed at evaluating the physicochemical properties, cholesterol content and analyzes the vitamin A contents of commonly sold vegetable oils in Ado Ekiti metropolis. The physicochemical parameters such as density, acid value, iodine value, peroxide value and saponin value, cholesterol content as well as Vitamin A content were all analyzed using standard analytical methods. Results of the physicochemical analysis showed that there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the densities of the oil samples, It was observed that sample 4 oil showed maximum (1.58 mgKOH/g) and sample 6 showed minimum (1.38 mg KOH/g) acid values. Highest iodine values were observed in sample 8 (68.13 g/I2/100g) and lowest in sample 4 (56.38 g/I2/100g). Peroxide value was found to range from 2.18 meq O2/kg to 2.67 meq O2/kg, while saponin value was highest in sample 6 (130.3 mg KOH/g) and lowest in sample 8 (122.4 mg KOH/g). All the oil samples were found to contain cholesterol which ranged from 1.21±0.04 mg/dl (sample 1) to 4.58±0.01 mg/dl (sample 4), while the vitamin A content ranged from 674.80±10.26 IU/g (sample 2) to 877.97±20.52 IU/g (sample 8). Findings from this research showed that the researched oils meet the acceptable physicochemical standard. However, the cholesterol levels were against the inscriptions of cholesterol free on the labels.
Management of Compromised First Permanent Molar with Triple Antibiotic Paste in a 12-year-old Child: A Case Report
Authors: Deolikar Sayali A. , Mistry Laresh , Jawdekar Ashwin
Published: September 2021

In teeth with pulpal and periapical infection, various group of microorganisms are present. Inhibition of the growth of these microorganisms and suppression of their antimicrobial activity play a crucial role in the success of the endodontic management. Triple antibiotic paste has been reported to have an excellent antimicrobial efficacy and it can be useful in management of teeth with severe infection. A 12-year-old female child reported with pain and swelling in relation with a lower left first permanent molar. Clinical examination of the tooth revealed deep occlusal caries and dentoalveolar abscess. Radiographically, the carious lesion was seen involving the pulp with periodontal ligament widening and inter-radicular bone loss was observed (endo-perio lesion). Considering the position of the tooth and its strategic importance, a conservative approach to salvage the tooth using Triple Antibiotic Paste (TAP) as a medicament was employed with complete radiographic healing by 12 weeks. Subsequent obturation using lateral condensation with gutta percha followed by composite restoration and preformed stainless steel crown was performed. This case report focuses on the endodontic management of perforated first permanent molar with compromised periodontal support and significant bone loss TAP as medicament and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) as perforation repair material. Based on the results it can be concluded that Triple Anitibiotic Paste (TAP) can be effective in the disinfection and sterilization of the root canals and repair of complex lesions.
Antibacterial Activity of Sida acuta Burm (Malvaceae) Crude Extracts on Clinical and Typed Enteric Bacteria
Authors: Bodunrin Opeyemi Dorcas , Dada Ebenezer Olayemi
Published: September 2021

Aim: This study was carried out to investigate the antibacterial activity of Sida acuta crude extracts on some enteric bacteria.

Study Design: Experimental design.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at The Federal University Technology, Akure (FUTA), Ondo State, Nigeria.

Methodology: Ethanol and cold water were used as extracting solvents. The phytochemical analysis and antibacterial activity of the crude plant extracts were carried out using standard techniques. The clinical and typed bacteria isolates used are Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium and Shigella dysenteriae. Commercial antibiotics were used as positive reference to compare the sensitivity of the bacterial strains.

Results: The results of qualitative phytochemical screening of the ethanol and aqueous extracts of S. acuta revealed the presence of alkaloids; tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, phlobatanin, and terpenoid. Quantitative result showed that alkaloids and terpenoids were significantly (p ≥ 0.05.) higher in ethanol (9.41±0.06) and 7.66±0.06) compared to aqueous extract (6.61±0.05 and 5.55±0.05). The ethanol extract showed highest inhibitory effect (32.00±1.00) on clinical S. dysentariae and typed S. typhimurium at 200mg/ml. Highest inhibition observed for the aqueous extract at 200mg/ml was (24.67±1.03) and (24.33±1.03) for clinical S. typhimurium  and E. coli  respectively. The antibiotics sensitivity test showed that only ofloxacin was effective against the enteric bacterial isolates.

Conclusion: Findings from this study revealed the potency of Sida acuta, as herbal candidate for the treatment of human enteric bacteria especially on S. dysentariae, S. typhimurium and E. coli at 200mg/ml which validates the antibacterial potency of Sida acuta and its potential as an herbal candidate for treating human enteric bacterial infections.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Selected Aspects of Extension Approaches Across Different Agro Ecological Zones
Authors: Ochola Washington , Orinda Mary
Published: September 2021

Aims: Understanding how different agricultural organisations implement extension approaches across different Agricultural Ecological Zones is very critical for the success and impact in agricultural sector. This paper therefore assessed the effect of Agro-Ecological Zones on implementation of agricultural extension approaches to provide an insight into how to improve dissemination of improved technologies. 

Study Design: A cross-sectional survey combining quantitative and qualitative data collection methodologies was used.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in six counties of western Kenya: Nyamira, Kisii, Homa-bay, Migori, Kisumu, and Siaya counties. The study was conducted between September to December 2019.

Methodology: 12 agricultural institutions within the study area were sampled. A multi stage random sampling technique was used to identify 492 respondents comprising; 12 head of agriculture in the institutions, 120 extension personnel and 360 household heads across different Agricultural Ecological Zones (AEZs). Data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics.  The inferential statistics were set at the 0.05 level for significance. Kruskal Wallis test and Dunn-Bonferroni Post Hoc test were used to test significant differences on the implementation aspects of the extension approaches across the different AEZs.

Results: Climatic conditions, average age, land size, and value of household assets as factors of AEZs influenced how various aspects of agricultural extension approaches were implemented. Level of implementation of aspects influenced uptake of agricultural technologies. Kruskal Wallis test result (H (5) = 126.679, p value < 0.001) indicated that there were significant differences in the level at which smallholder farmers improved their agricultural practices in different AEZs.

Conclusion: For effective dissemination of agricultural technologies, farmer situation, specifically agro ecological zone must be taken into consideration when recommending extension dissemination approaches to be used. Multivariate analysis needs to be done to inform how to implement various aspects of extension approaches to achieve optimum results in terms of farmer behaviour change.
Effect of Local Food on the Growth Performance of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Fry Reared at the Peyrie Fish Farm Station in Gabon
Authors: Toure Abdourhamane Ibrahim , Tovignon Gilbert Comlan Zougou , Obiang Cédric Sima , Nkoghe Boris Obame , Beyeme Antoine mitte Mbeang , Engonga Louis Clément Obame , Zoro Bi Irié Arsène , Otchoumou Atcho , Boukila Benoît
Published: September 2021

To assess the effects of two rations on growth performance of Clarias gariepinus fry, a study was carried out at the Peyrie fish farm station in Libreville, Gabon. To this effect, 3000 fry aged 14 days with 80 mg live weight were used. The animals were randomly distributed into six plastic tanks of 0.62 m3 each with three replications per treatment. They were fed the ration T, a ration formulated with fishmeal and broiler chick feed, and the commonly used ration (CR), within 4 weeks. Weight growth, mean weight gain (MWG), daily individual growth (DIG), specific growth rate (SGR), survival rate (SR), nutrient quotient (NQ), protein efficiency ratio (PER), quantity of feed distributed and manufacturing cost per kg of feed were evaluated. It appears that there is no significant difference (p> 0.05) between the growth parameters of the fry regardless of the ration (T and CR). Thus, at the end of the study, for the CR and the ration T, a final mean weight of 3.481 ± 1.02 g vs 3.409 ± 0.97 g respectively was obtained; a MWG of 3.401 ± 0.31 g vs 3.330 ± 0.23 g; a DIG of 20.24 ± 7.44 mg/day vs 19.82 ± 5.58 mg/day, a SGR of 1.54 ± 0.22% mg/day vs 1.49 ± 0.27% mg/day and a SR of 26.13 ± 4.44% vs 20.60 ± 1.47%. In addition, a NQ of 1.52 ± 1.08 vs 1.21 ± 0.65 and a PER of 1.41 ± 0.81 vs 1.84 ± 0.39 and the quantity of feed of 1.96 kg vs 1.77 kg were also determined. In view of all these results, the ration T can be recommended for feeding Clarias gariepinus fry at the age of 14 days.
Review: Pharmacological Activity, Chemical Composition and Medical Importance of Leonotis nepetifolia R.Br.
Authors: Tidke Pranjal C. , Chambhare Nikhita , Umekar Milind J. , Lohiya R. T.
Published: September 2021

India is perhaps the most unique country in the world, with the richest tradition of indigenous and health care medical practices. Most of these practices are unique and known to very few individuals or communities. Leonotis nepetifolia Family (Lamiaceae) commonly known as ‘Klip dagga’ which has a long history of several traditional medicinal uses in many countries in the world. A huge number of phytoconstituents have been reported from the plant are allenic acid, iridoids, glycosides, terpenoids, and many more. This plant exhibited various biological activities and has been attributed to a variety of physiological effects like antifungal, antidiabetic, anxiolytic, arthritic, and many more activities. This literature review presents important species covering phytochemistry and pharmacological activities aspects systematically.
Evaluation of the Cold Chain Expanded Program on Immunization at Governmental and Private Health Care Centers in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alqahtani Abdulrahman Hussain , Alsaleh Suhair , Almana Abdulaziz
Published: September 2021

Objective: Vaccine storage is essential to ensure optimal vaccine effectiveness. Cold chain is a series of storage and transport links, designed to keep the vaccine at the correct temperature till it reaches the user. To evaluate the Cold Chain Expanded Program on Immunization at Governmental and Private Health Care Centers in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2021 in government and private primary health care centers of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were included. Data collection was carried out using standardized check list developed by Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) and World Health Organization (WHO). Data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 26 (C) and IBM SPSS 26 (IBM Inc.)

Results: The results showed that the mean score of Room and Refrigerator Elements for governmental PHCs was 8.8(±0.82), while it was 8.3(±1.86) for private PHCs. The mean temperature monitoring device score for government PHCs was 4.0 (0.0), and the 3.65 (±0.92) for PHCs centers. The mean temperature chart (record keeping) score for governmental PHCs was 2.55(±0.5) and 1.8(±1.2) for private PHCs. The mean maintenance and operations score for governmental PHCs was 4.6 (±0.49), while it was 4.1 (±0.84) for private PHCs. The mean scores of all cold chain components differed significantly between government and private facilities (p=0.000).

Conclusion: Our study highlights the cold chain management programs Saudi Arabia. More importantly governmental PHC centers in the current settings comply with the standards to the guidelines, provided by Saudi Ministry of Health and WHO, was observed, in comparison to private PHC centers.
Effect of Daclatasvir and Sofosbuvir Therapy on Serum Levels of Angiogenic Factors: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hamdy Eman M. , Shebl Nashwa A. , Mostafa Tarek M.
Published: September 2021

Background: Direct-acting antiviral agents therapy is considered a breakthrough in hepatology due to high rates of sustained virologic response in all patients including those with decompensated cirrhosis. However, impact of Direct-acting antiviral agents-induced sustained virologic response on hepatocellular carcinoma development remains conflicting.

Aims: This study aimed at evaluating the change in circulating levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor-β1, the main angiogenic factors involved in hepatocarcinogenesis process, in cirrhotic patients achieved sustained virologic response after Direct-acting antiviral agents therapy.

Study Design: This was a prospective, single-center, cohort study.

Place and Duration of Study: Patients were recruited from the outpatient clinic of National Liver Institute, which considered a tertiary referral center in Menoufia University, Egypt (September 2018 to February 2019).

Methodology: Forty-five decompensated cirrhotic hepatitis C virus infected patients with no history of hepatocellular carcinoma participated in the study. All patients received 60mg oral daclatasvir and 400mg oral sofosbuvir once daily for 12 or 24 weeks with or without ribavirin. Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor-β1 were measured at baseline and 12 weeks after the end of therapy.

Results: The median serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor showed a non-statistically significant increase (from 1123 ng/L to 1269 ng/L, P = 0.126). But, transforming growth factor-β1 median serum levels exhibited a non-statistically significant reduction (from 13.22 ng/ml to 12.44 ng/ml, P = 0.163) 12 weeks after treatment.

Conclusion: Our findings show direct-acting antiviral agents therapy do not affect vascular endothelial growth factor and transforming growth factor-β1 serum levels. But, a larger scale prospective cohort study on an extended follow-up period is recommended.
The Role of Mitochondrial Energetics and Inflammasome NLRP3 in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Almas Maha , Tahir Usaal , Zameer Mariam , Mazhar Maham , Ali Qurban , Rafique Ayesha , Khan Khushbukhat
Published: September 2021

Diabetic Cardiomyopathy is the worldwide leading cause of lethal heart disorders burdening the healthcare systems. Mitochondrion is the key regulator of myocardial metabolism. It fuels the cardiocytes and regulates the pumping activity of heart. People living with diabetes have defected myocardial metabolism which may likely to cause ventricular dysfunction or other heart disorders due to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutation. Furthermore, the inflammatory injury due to inflammasome activation is a potent contributor to the cardiac injuries. Though the mechanism of inflammation is still poorly known. This review highlights the association of altered mitochondrial energetics and inflammasome activation with cardiomyopathies.
Anti-Atherosclerosis and Anti-Hypertensive Effects of Flavonoid Isorhamnetin Isolated from the Bark of Cordia dichotoma L
Authors: Ali Syed Salman , Asif Mohammad , Khan Najam Ali
Published: September 2021

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the anti-atherosclerotic and anti-hypertensive ability of isolated Isorhamnetin from the bark of Cordia dichotoma L.

Study design: Experimental study

Place and Duration of Study: The extraction and isolation of bark of Cordia dichotoma L bark (ACDL) was done at Biosapience lab, Bhopal, India. Anti-atherosclerotic activity was done at IFTM University, Moradabad, India. Anti-hypertensive activity was done at BilwalMedchem and Research Laboratory, Pvt. Ltd, Jaipur, India. All the studies was conducted from 2015 to 2021 depending upon the availability of resources.

Methodology: Column chromatography was done for Ethyl acetate soluble fraction of successive alcoholic extract of Cordia dichotoma L bark (ACDL), followed by successive fractionation using benzene, n-butanol, and acetone. Eluents with similar Rf values were pooled and underwent flavonoid test. Only a single eluents that passed the test was underwent purification. The crystallized powder obtained underwent UV, FTIR, Mass, 1H NMR and 13C NMR analysis for structural identification.

The evaluation of anti-atherosclerotic activity of isolated Isorhamnetin from bark extract of plant C. dichotoma L was done in high fat induced atherosclerosis rats. The seven groups of Wistar rats were taken and each group containing six rats. To evaluate the anti-hypertensive activity of the plant extract, L-NAME induced hypertension model was used.

Results: The structural identification and confirmation of flavonoid Isorhamnetin was analyzed by characterizations of isolated product. Lipid, lipoprotein profile and body weight were determined in high fat diet induced atherosclerosis rats. Isorhamnetin isolated from bark of C. dichotoma L produced a significant and dose-dependent anti-atherosclerotic activity in terms of reduction in low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), Total cholesterol (TC), and Triglyceride (TG) level; and elevation of high density lipoprotein (HDL). Isorhamnetin isolated from the bark of plant C. dichotoma L reduced the elevated arterial pressure of L-NAME induced hypertensive rat significantly to the level of normotensive animal group. The isolated Isorhamnetin have shown its potential as an efficient source for the treatment of hypertension.

Conclusion: The present study has identified the isolation and characterization of isorhamnetin flavonoid from bark of plant C. dichotoma L. This study also provides evidences of anti-atherosclerotic and antihypertensive effects of C. dichotoma L.
Improving the Affordability of Prescription Drugs for Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Dusetzina Stacie B.
Published: December 2024

This Viewpoint assesses the affordability of traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage Part D prescription drug benefits in the context of changes by the Inflation Reduction Act.
Variation in Emergency Department Physician Admitting Practices and Subsequent Mortality
Authors: Coussens Stephen , Ly Dan P.
Published: December 2024

Importance

An emergency department (ED) physician’s decision to admit a patient to the hospital plays a pivotal role in determining the type and intensity of care that patient will receive. ED physicians vary widely in their propensity to admit patients to the hospital, but it is unknown whether higher admission propensities result in lower subsequent mortality rates.

Objective

To measure the variation in ED physicians’ admission propensities and estimate their association with patients’ subsequent mortality rates.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study used nationwide Veterans Affairs electronic health record data from January 2011 to December 2019, comparing physicians practicing within the same ED. The study population was composed of patients visiting the ED with 1 of the 3 most frequent chief complaints in US EDs (chest pain, shortness of breath, and abdominal pain). The data analyses were performed from May 2022 to October 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were variation in physicians’ adjusted admission rates, short inpatient stays (<24 hours), and 30-day mortality.

Results

The study population included 2098 physicians seeing 2 137 681 patient visits across 105 EDs. The mean (SD) patient age was 63 (15) years, and 9.8% of patients were female. The mean admission rate was 41.2%, and the mean 30-day mortality rate was 2.5%. Physicians’ adjusted admission rates varied greatly within the same ED (eg, for chest pain: 90th percentile of physicians, 56.6% admitted vs 10th percentile, 32.6% admitted; difference, 24.0 percentage points), despite finding no association between these adjusted admission rates and patients’ prior health status as measured by their Elixhauser Comorbidity Index score before the ED visit. However, patients admitted by physicians with higher admission rates were more likely to be discharged within 24 hours (eg, 31.0% vs 24.8%, respectively), while patients of physicians with higher admission rates had subsequent mortality rates that were no less than those of patients of physicians with lower admission rates.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cross-sectional study demonstrated that ED physicians vary widely in their admission propensity, despite seeing patients with similar prior health status. The results suggest that patients treated by physicians with higher admission propensities are more likely to be discharged after only a short inpatient stay and experience no reduction in subsequent mortality rates.
Dental Clinic Deserts in the US: Spatial Accessibility Analysis
Authors: Rahman Md. Shahinoor , Blossom Jeffrey C. , Kawachi Ichiro , Tipirneni Renuka , Elani Hawazin W.
Published: December 2024

IMPORTANCE

Little is known about the spatial accessibility to dental clinics across the US.

OBJECTIVE

To map the spatial accessibility of dental clinics nationally and to examine the characteristics of counties and US Census block groups with dental care shortage areas.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Cross-sectional study of US dental clinics in 2023 using data from the IQVIA national practitioners’ database, which includes 205 762 active dentists. Data were analyzed from November 2023 to April 2024.

EXPOSURES

Socioeconomic characteristics of block groups and counties including rurality, area deprivation, racial and ethnic segregation, and uninsured population.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Enhanced 2-step floating catchment area method with a 30-minute drive time impedance was used to calculate the accessibility score to dental clinics at the block group level. The outcomes were dental clinic shortage areas and inequality in access to dental clinics.

RESULTS

Nearly 1.7 million people in the US (0.5%) lacked access to dental clinics within a 30-minute drive. This included 0.9 million male (52.2%), 1.2 million White (71.0%), 52 636 Black (3.0%), and 176 885 Hispanic (10.2%) individuals. Approximately 24.7 million people (7.5%) lived in dental care shortage areas (defined as <1 dentist per 5000 population). There was a significant difference in spatial accessibility scores between rural and urban areas, with 1 dentist for every 3850 people in rural areas and 1 dentist for every 1470 people in urban areas. Additionally, there were 387 counties with significant disparities in access to dental clinics. Rural block groups (23.9 percentage points [pp]; 95% CI, 23.6-24.3), block groups with higher levels of Black (1.5 pp; 95% CI, 1.3-1.7) and Hispanic (4.5 pp; 95% CI, 4.3-4.8) segregation, and block groups with the highest levels of area deprivation (5.5 pp; 95% CI, 5.1-5.9) were more likely to experience dental care shortages compared with urban block groups and those with lower levels of segregation and area deprivation. Moreover, rural counties (11.3 pp; 95% CI, 8.9-13.7), counties with a high uninsured population (3.0 pp; 95% CI, 1.5-4.4), and counties with high levels of deprivation (5.8 pp; 95% CI, 2.1-9.5) were more likely to have inequality in access to dental clinics.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cross-sectional study of US dental clinics, there was geographic shortage and maldistribution of the dental workforce. These findings can support dental workforce planning efforts at the federal and state levels to encourage dentists to practice in underserved areas to reduce disparities in access to dental care.
Social Determinants of Health, Blood Pressure Classification, and Incident Stroke Among Chinese Adults
Authors: Zhu Yanchen , Wu Shiping , Qiu Weida , Wang Jiabin , Feng Yingqing , Chen Chaolei
Published: December 2024

Importance

Although cumulative evidence suggests that higher blood pressure (BP) and a greater burden of social determinants of health (SDOH) are associated with an increased risk of stroke, few studies have examined whether SDOH burden modifies the association between BP and stroke risk.

Objective

To evaluate whether the association between BP classification and stroke risk differs by SDOH burden among Chinese adults.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this cohort study, analyses were conducted among 90 850 participants in the prospective subcohort of the China Patient-Centered Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events Million Persons Project, with recruitment from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2020. Participants without cardiovascular diseases and with complete data were included and followed up for stroke events until June 30, 2023.

Exposures

Social determinants of health burden was defined using 5 components: educational attainment, economic stability, health care access, social support, and urban vs rural residence. Blood pressure was categorized according to the 2017 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association BP guideline.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for associations of BP classification with incident stroke stratified by SDOH burden groups.

Results

The study included 90 850 participants (median age, 54.0 years [IQR, 46.0-62.0 years]; 55 390 women [61.0%]). During a median follow-up of 5.0 years (IQR, 4.1-5.8 years), 4408 incident stroke events were recorded. Compared with normal BP, elevated BP (HR, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.17-1.52]), stage 1 hypertension (HR, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.43-1.78]), and stage 2 hypertension (HR, 1.79 [95% CI, 1.61-2.00]) were associated with stroke among participants with high SDOH burden, while only stage 2 hypertension (HR, 1.52 [95% CI, 1.20-1.93]) was associated with stroke among those with low SDOH burden, with a significant multiplicative interaction of SDOH burden and BP classification (P = .03). Participants with high SDOH burden and stage 2 hypertension had the highest risk of stroke compared with participants with low SDOH burden and normal BP (HR, 2.13 [95% CI, 1.75-2.60]).

Conclusions and Relevance

This study suggests that higher BP levels, even at lower stages of hypertension, pose a greater stroke risk for individuals with high SDOH burden. Early surveillance and intervention for high BP should be emphasized in socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.
Depression and Suicide Risk Screening in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Leung Lucinda B. , Chu Karen , Lee Martin L. , Bonilla Amy G. , Post Edward P. , Fortney John C.
Published: December 2024

This cohort study investigates rates and results of depression and suicide risk screening in the Veterans Health Administration from 2018 to 2024.