bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Callus culture, phytochemical analysis and antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of marjoram (Origanum majorana)
Authors: Arafa Nermeen M. , Amer Ahmed M. , Helmy Naiera M. , El-Shenawy Reem
Published: August 2024

Background and aim

Oxidative stress plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. Phenolic compounds are a group of plant-derived antioxidants used to treat or prevent cancer. Marjoram is an aromatic and medicinal plant found in Mediterranean countries and is used in traditional medicine. The aim of this study was to produce callus cultures, determine the in vitro antioxidant activity, total phenol and flavonoid contents, and evaluate the cytotoxic effects of marjoram extracts.

Materials and methods

Leaf, root, and stem explants were cultured in medium supplemented with different concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid to induce callus formation. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using a 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl assay. Total flavonoid and phenolic contents were measured using colorimetric assays. An MTT assay was used to estimate the cytotoxic effects of the extracts on a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line.

Results and conclusion

Leaf explants were the most promising for callus induction. The highest frequencies of callus induction were obtained with 2,4-D at 0.25 mg/L for leaf and root explants and 0.5 mg/L for stem explants. The maximum amount of extractable phenolic and flavonoid compounds was observed in the acetone extracts. The acetone extracts had higher cytotoxic effects than the methanol extracts, but there was no significant difference in antioxidant activity. These findings support the potential of marjoram as a resource for antioxidant and anticancer agents, and provide sufficient scientific background to isolate and purify bioactive compounds for further applications.
Intestinal barrier as a silent driver of gut-brain disorders
Authors: El-Shaheed Azza Abd , Mahfouz Nermine N. , Elabd Mona A. , El-Bana Mona A. , El-Zayat Salwa Refat , Sibaii Hiba , Metwaly Heba H.
Published: August 2024

Background

The disorder of the gut-brain interaction, in adolescence, is of high prevalence worldwide. Up till now there is no clear aetiology for this gastrointestinal dysfunction.

Objective

To assess the status of the intestinal barrier in those having gut dysfunction compared with control group.

Materials and methods

A case-control study involved 180 Egyptian adolescents. They were distributed into two groups, the cases with positive ROME criteria and the controls with negative ROME criteria. Serum anti-flagellin antibodies (IgA and IgG) and intestinal fatty acid binding protein were assessed in both groups.

Results and conclusion

Ninety-nine adolescents out of 180 were positive for gastrointestinal dysfunction. The values of anti-flagellin antibodies and intestinal fatty acid binding protein were equivocal in both groups. Therefore, screening for gut-brain interaction disorders by ROME criteria is worthful for all adolescents. The positivity of ROME criteria does not always denote an underlying intestinal barrier defect.
Production and optimization of xylooligosaccharides from beech wood xylan by Bacillus amyloliquifaciens NRRL B-14393 xylanase and its antioxidant potential
Authors: Mahmoud Hadeer A. , Rashad Mona M. , Mahmoud Abeer E. , Hamdy Germine M. , Fathy Shadia A.
Published: August 2024

Background and objective

Xylanase is a prominent industrially applicable enzyme. The present study investigated the applicability of crude Bacillus amyloliquifaciens NRRL B-14393 xylanase for production of xylooligosaccharides (XOS) from beech wood xylan (BWX).

Materials and methods

Crude xylanase activity was characterized in terms of xylanolytic activities present, pH, and temperature. The effect of incubation time, enzyme dosage, and substrate concentration on XOS production was investigated by response surface methodology based on central composite design. The antioxidant potential of produced XOS was assayed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate (DPPH) and H2O2 methods besides their correlated total phenolic content was estimated using Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method.

Results and conclusion

The crude enzyme extract was β-xylosidase free and proved active over a broad pH range. The enzyme was thermostable up to 70°C and maximal enzyme activity was observed at 50°C and pH 8. Functional groups and purity of BWX were identified by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). XOS yield was optimized to 16.02 mg XOS/ml xylan (400.45 mg XOS/g xylan) applying 1.70 mg enzyme/g xylan, 4.91 h incubation time and 1.08%, w/v substrate concentration. Xylobiose and xylopentose were identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) as the hydrolysate main end products. Total phenolic content of 115±0.60 mg GAEq/g XOS explicated the high antioxidant capacities exhibited by produced XOS.
Impact of Diabetes on Driving: The Current Needs and Updates
Authors: Raveendran Arkiath Veettil
Published: August 2024

Driving has become an unavoidable part of modern life, and a significant proportion of people with diabetes are engaged in driving. Diabetes and its complications can have negative impacts on driving skills. Different countries have their statutory requirement for driving for people with diabetes, although it varies widely. Some countries do not have such regulations. With the advancement of technology, the world has become a global village and it is time to think about an international uniformly accepted driving requirement. In this review, we briefly describe the impact of diabetes on driving and propose a uniform requirement for driving, which can be accepted internationally.
Multidetector computed tomography evaluation of postcesarean section acute complications
Authors: Dar Musaib Ahmad , Posh Sheema , Rafiq Suhail , Mohideen Irshad
Published: August 2024

Background:

Cesarean delivery is the most commonly performed major abdominal operation in women. Its rate ranges from 3% to 5% in Africa to 33% in the United States and 43.9% in Brazil with a reported worldwide global estimation of 15%. Although it is a safe procedure, cesarean delivery has a variety of acute and chronic complications. The various acute complications of cesarean section are hematomas, infection, uterine dehiscence or rupture, and pelvic thrombophlebitis. The overall complication rate is around 14.5%.

Aim and Objectives:

The aim and objective of this study is to evaluate the imaging findings of acute complications of cesarean section.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective study was done in the Department of Radiodiagnosis Govt Medical College, Srinagar from June 2019 to February 2020 in collaboration with department of general surgery and gynecology and obstetrics. All patients with suspected complication in immediate postcesarean period were evaluated with contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT).

Results:

Out of 25 patients evaluated for suspected immediate postcesarean complications, five patients had bladder flap hematoma only, 8 had uterine dehiscence, six patients had uterine rupture, 3 had ureteric injury, one had gossypiboma while as 2 had pelvic sepsis.

Conclusion:

MDCT plays an important role in the detection and confirmation of multiple postcesarean acute complication and can also help in guiding the management of complication as well.
Associations among fetal heart rate patterns and mothers’ spiritual health and forgiveness
Authors: Dehestani Hanieh , Moshfeghy Zeinab , Derakhshanpour Setareh , Akbarzadeh Marzieh
Published: August 2024

Objective:

Studies have shown that spiritual commitment and positive personality traits such as forgiveness are considered a factor in effective adaptation to stressful problems and events and stress reduction. This study was to associations among fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns and mothers’ spiritual health and forgiveness in women referring to Maternity Hospital Affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences.

Materials and Methods:

This study is a correlational study, which was performed on pregnant women referring to selected hospitals with a sample size of 200 pregnant mothers in 2016. After receiving written consent from qualified individuals, a general information questionnaire, medical history, spiritual health, and forgiveness were recorded. Then, data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency and percentage) and Chi-square test in SPSS software, version 22.

Results:

The mean age of the participants was 28.92 years, with a gestational age of 37–31 weeks. The mean spiritual health was 102.64 (14.61) and 133.2 (16.99). 31.5% of mothers' spiritual health was average, 68.5% their spiritual health was estimated to be high. Twenty-five percent had a moderate level of forgiveness and 75% had a high level of forgiveness. According to the Chi-square test, there is a significant relationship between spiritual health and forgiveness with normal FHR patterns (P = 0.001).

Conclusion:

The majority of pregnant women had a high score of spiritual health and forgiveness, and there was a statistically significant relationship with the normal FHR. It is suggested that implementing a spirituality-based care program that promotes spirituality and positive personality traits can be a good way to reduce maternal anxiety and regular FHR.
Patterns of psychiatric morbidity among tribal patients in a tertiary referral hospital of Manipur
Authors: Senjam Gojendra Singh , Singh R. K. Lenin , Roshan Lourembam , Carol Arambam
Published: August 2024

Background:

The epidemiological data regarding the prevalence rate of mental illness among tribal population are silent in India, in spite of having the largest tribal population globally. There is limited knowledge of the actual mental morbidity among the tribal people of Manipur. The present study aims to document the patterns of psychiatric morbidity among the tribal inpatients and outpatients attending the psychiatry outpatient department in a tertiary care hospital in Manipur.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study design was adopted in the present study. All adult tribal patients designated/notified as a tribal by the Government of Manipur residing at least 10 years in different parts of the state attending as outpatients or inpatients in the Department of Psychiatry, RIMS, Imphal during the study period were considered the study population of the present study. A total of 240 samples were collected through consecutive sampling method. Each prospective participant was explained about the study’s objectives, interviewing protocols, and confidentiality measures. Following the participant’s consent, a self-developed semi-structured pro forma and Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview for adults were used for data collection.

Results:

The present finding undoubtedly discovered that the highest percentage of tribal patients suffering from various types of psychiatric morbidity was found to be substance-use disorder (32%), followed by generalized anxiety disorder (25%), depression (14%), schizophrenia (12%), bipolar affective disorder (10%), and psychosis NOS (7%). Regarding various types of psychiatric morbidity with respect to the gender of tribal patients, no association was found between psychosis NOS (P = 0.779) and schizophrenia (P = 0.558), whereas generalized anxiety disorder (P = 0.001), depression (P = 0.031), and bipolar affective disorder (P = 0.007) were having an association between gender.

Conclusion:

It was determined that the most prevalent psychiatric morbidity among Manipur’s tribal patients was substance use disorder. In addition, it was stated that 72% of them had typical common mental disorders. Female tribal patients were more likely to experience psychiatric morbidity such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, whereas male tribal patients were more likely to experience opioid dependence syndrome, alcohol dependence syndrome, and cannabis-induced psychiatric disorders. The result of the study would help improve the clinical management and successful execution of mental health treatment initiatives in areas with a predominance of tribal people.
Clinical, epidemiological, and outcome profile of patients during all the three waves of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A retrospective hospital-based study from North India
Authors: Shukla Surabhi , Singh Peetam
Published: August 2024

Background:

The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been experienced by the entire population directly or indirectly. During all the three waves of COVID-19, herd immunity and other epidemiological factors played an important role in the severity and outcome of the disease. This study was conducted as an attempt to observe the clinical profile, exposure characteristics, and outcomes of COVID-19 patients from rural community admitted to a tertiary care facility.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective observational study included data from January 2020 to March 2022. The data of patients including patient demography, clinical and laboratory parameters, and outcome of the disease were retrieved from patient case files. Patients were categorized based on disease severity according to the WHO guidelines.

Results:

A total of 2339 patients were included in this study. Out of total patients, males were 67% and the mean age of participants was 45.43 ± 18.48 years. Total patients having associated comorbid factors were 29.3% while 9.4% had multiple comorbidities. The most common comorbidity was diabetes mellitus (15.8%) followed by hypertension (13.4%). Overall mortality was found to be 16.2%. Fever was the most common presenting symptom (92%) followed by cough (51%) and myalgia (30%). Disease severity and outcome were significantly associated with advancing age and the presence of underlying comorbidities.

Conclusion:

Rural population has a comparable proportion of comorbidities as well as mortality. Common risk factors for severe disease in rural setting are old age and associated multiple comorbidities. Country-wide rural data should be collected for better understanding of COVID-19 disease in rural and remote populations.
Comparison of levobupivacaine with dexamethasone versus levobupivacaine for ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block in lower abdominal surgeries in a tertiary care hospital in Chengalpattu district – A randomized control trial
Authors: Edward Preeti , Prasad T. Krishna , Balasubramanian Anusha , Krishnan Rajarajeswaran
Published: August 2024

Introduction:

Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a regional technique for analgesia of the anterolateral abdominal wall. Ultrasound guidance is now considered the gold standard in TAP blocks. It involves the injection of a local anesthetic solution into a plane between the internal oblique muscle and transversus abdominis muscle. Since the thoracolumbar nerves originating from the T6 to L1 spinal roots run into this plane and supply sensory nerves to the anterolateral abdominal wall, the local anesthetic spread in this plane can block the neural afferents and provide analgesia to the anterolateral abdominal wall. Levobupivacaine is a local anesthetic from the amino amide class of medications. Adjuvants are drugs when added along with local anesthetics have a synergistic action to improve the duration and quality of analgesia.

Objectives:

The objective of this study was to study the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block using levobupivacaine with dexamethasone in terms of hemodynamic stability and duration of postoperative analgesia and pain scores (visual analog scale [VAS]), time of requirement of rescue analgesics among patients who have undergone lower abdominal surgeries.

Methods:

This is a double-blinded randomized control trial. This study was conducted among 60 patients who have undergone lower abdominal surgeries in a tertiary care hospital. Postsurgery, intraoperatively prior shifting out the patient, two groups received transversus abdominis plane block, one received 28 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine with 2 ml of normal saline and another group received 28 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine with 2 ml (8 mg) dexamethasone. Duration of postoperative analgesia and the efficacy between the two groups were compared with hemodynamic parameters and VAS score.

Results:

The study groups were not significantly different in terms of demographic data or the American Society of Anesthesiologists Grading. The mean onset of breakthrough pain was significantly higher in the L group. The time of requirement of rescue analgesics was also significantly shorter in the L group compared to the LD group. The VAS pain score was significantly lower in the Group LD as compared to the L group.

Conclusion:

Hence, it was noticed that dexamethasone when added to levobupivacaine had better hemodynamic stability in terms of blood pressure, heart rate, saturation, respiratory rate, and mean arterial pressure. The requirement of rescue analgesics was also reduced in this group and the time of breakthrough pain was also prolonged. This group had significantly lower pain scores.
Immunovirological response and adverse effects of dolutegravir-based regimen in people living with HIV/AIDS
Authors: Mynthlu Ferdinand , Singh T. Jeetenkumar , Tlau Lalmuankima , Bhutia Annela , Fanai Lalrinchhani , Tlau Johny Lalmuanpuia , Posa Vishnu Theja
Published: August 2024

Background:

After the WHO and NACO recommendation and implementation of dolutegravir (DTG)-based regimen as the preferred first-line regimen for adults living with HIV and as a preferred second-line regimen for adult people living with HIV (PLHIV) for whom non-DTG-based regimens are failing, only a few studies are present on its efficacy and adverse effects as first line and as a switch option in this part of the world.

Objectives:

The primary and secondary objectives were to evaluate the immunovirological response and to assess the adverse effects of DTG-based regimens in PLHIV/AIDS respectively.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective longitudinal study was conducted in the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal for a period of 22 months, to study the immunovirological response and adverse effects of DTG-based regimen in PLHIV/AIDS.

Results:

Mean CD4 cells count ± standard deviation (cells/µL) was 495.42 ± 215.13 at enrollment, 529.53 ± 202.86 at 6 months, and 578.84 ± 204.84 at 1 year on DTG-based regimen. Increase in mean CD4 cells count was 34.11 cells/µL after 6 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.76–45.46, P<0.000) and 83.42 cells/µL (95% CI: 68.57–98.26, P <0.000) after 1 year of starting DTG regimen. At enrollment, 92% (n = 92) were virologically suppressed, whereas 8% (n = 8) were not. After DTG, 98/100 (98%) of patients were virologically suppressed at 6 months and 12 months. An increase in mean weight by 1.24 kg after 6 months (95% CI: 0.93–1.54, P <0.000) and 2.2 kg (95% CI: 1.67–2.72, P <0.000) after 1 year from baseline was noted. The increase in mean random blood sugar (RBS) was 6.22 mg% (95% CI: 2.51–9.92, P <0.000) at 6 months and 12.15 mg% (95% CI: 6.19–8.10, P<0.000) at 1 year of initiation of DTG. There were two cases where RBS >300 mg% after 1 year of DTG.

Conclusions:

Treatment with a DTG-based regimen in treatment-naïve PLHIV and/or switching from the previous antiretroviral therapy regimen to DTG based has good immunological response and high rates of viral suppression without major clinical adverse effects. Weight gain and hyperglycemia should be monitored in patients on DTG.
Adherence to COVID appropriate behavior among medical students: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Bobhate Prateek Sudhakar , Shrivastava Saurabh Rambiharilal
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives:

India has seen a steep rise in COVID-19 cases driven by infections caused by the Omicron variant. Thus, there is an urgent need to scale up preventive measures or COVID appropriate behavior (CAB). It is essential to assess the CAB practices among the medical students as they are exposed not only to the patients by being in the hospital environment but also because lapse in such practices on part of these students can lead to increased number of infections. Hence, this study was planned to be conducted among medical students to assess the CAB practices.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted for the duration of 3 months at a Medical College in Chengalpet district, Tamil Nadu, among medical students using a semi-structured questionnaire in the Google form platform. It included various study variables, namely sociodemographic parameters and parameters related to CAB. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 23.

Results:

A total of 364 students participated in the study. It was observed that most of the participants were satisfactorily practicing CAB, especially with regard to hand hygiene and use of face masks.

Conclusion:

The study revealed that the adherence to CAB among the medical students to be satisfactory in most areas of hand hygiene and use of personal protective equipment. However, there is a lot of scope to improve in the domain of social distancing and safe disposal of used face masks.
Siderosis bulbi: A rare case report and review of the literature
Authors: Iqbal Banyameen , Mushtaq Iqra , Bhavsar Deepaswi Avinash , Patil Rutuja
Published: August 2024

Bunge first reported siderosis, an eye condition brought on by a ferrous intraocular foreign substance, in 1890. A pigmentary and degenerative eye condition known as siderosis bulbi results from the retention of an intraocular foreign material that contains iron. Siderosis bulbi is produced as a result of the ferrous ions dispersing the vitreous humor, aqueous humor, and surrounding tissue in that order. Patients often arrive at the emergency room with an anterior chamber intraocular foreign body.
Financial burden of chronic kidney disease patients on maintenance hemodialysis in Chittagong, Bangladesh
Authors: Biswas Rajat Sanker Roy , Nath Jishu Deb , Ahmed Kazi Farhad
Published: August 2024

Background:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important public health problem. Renal replacement therapy is needed for patients who go to end-stage renal disease. Most of the evidence on its costs relates to patients receiving dialysis or kidney transplants, which shows that, in these phases, CKD poses a high burden to payers. The aim of this study was to estimate the financial burden of patients with CKD on maintenance hemodialysis.

Methods:

It is a 1-year observational study, carried out to collect data on 105 patients with CKD on dialysis taken from different centers in Chittagong, Bangladesh. After the collection of sociodemographic information, financial status was collected from patients who gave informed written consent to be included in the study. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20.

Results:

Regarding gender distribution, male was 73 (69.5%) and female was 32 (30.5%). The male-to-female ratio was 2.28:1. Age group distribution revealed 10 (9.5%) patients were at <30 years, 18 (17.1%) were at 31–40 years, 23 (21.9%) were at 41–50 years, 26 (24.8%) were at 51–60 years, 20 (19.0%) were at 61–70 years, and 8 (7.6%) were >71 years age. Among all most were involved in service 40 (38.1%) and business 23 (21.9%). The socioeconomic status of the patients revealed that 42 (40.0%) patients were from the upper-middle-class, and 50 (47.6%) were from the lower-middle-class. Among all, 33 (31.4%) patients took treatment from abroad. Regarding bearing of cost of the dialysis, 24 (22.9%) were self-financed, 35 (33.3%) got help from others (nonfamily members), 11 (10.5%) took loan, and 13 (12.4%) sold their stable land property. Regarding tenure of dialysis, 31 (29.5%) patients are getting dialysis <1 year and 74 (70.5%) were getting it for 1–2 years. Previous monthly income before the start of dialysis was zero in 33 (31.4%) patients and it was >30,000 taka/month in 34 (32.4%) patients and after the start of dialysis, present monthly income was zero per month in 67 (63.8%) patients and >30,000 taka/month in 13 (12.4%) patients. Regarding expenditure for each dialysis showed 2 (1.9%) had zero taka and 46 (43.8%) patients needed 1000–2000 taka/session and 41 (39.0%) needed 2000–3000 taka/session.

Conclusion:

Dialysis in CKD patients is a huge financial burden to the patients themselves and their families. Government assistance should be provided to all patients who are unable to bear the cost.
Anthropometric evaluation of the distal end of the femur in the South Indian population with its clinical implications
Authors: Bhaskar Ravi , Sushma  , Kumar Naveen , Kumari Kavitha
Published: August 2024

Introduction:

The femur is known as the longest weight-bearing bone in the body. Its length is around 45 cm in an average adult. The morphometric studies related to the distal end of the femur in the South Indian population are sparse. The present morphometric study was undertaken to compare and contrast the various measurements of the distal end of the femur in the South Indian population.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, 111 adult dry femora (56 from the right and 55 from the left side) were used for distal anthropometric measurements. Bicondylar width, medial condylar anteroposterior diameter, lateral condylar anteroposterior diameter, medial condylar transverse diameter, lateral condylar transverse diameter, width of intercondylar notch, and diameter of femur were measured using digital Vernier caliper.

Results:

The mean bicondylar width on the right and left sides were 70.43 mm, respectively. The average medial condylar anteroposterior distance for the right and left sides were 53.87 mm and 54.84 mm, whereas, the lateral condylar anteroposterior distance for the right and left sides was 55.33 mm and 55.44 mm. The medial condylar transverse distance for the right and left sides were 25.35 mm and 25.52 mm, and that of the lateral condylar transverse distance on the right and left sides were 26.87 mm and 26.71 mm. The intercondylar notch width was measured to be 18.26 mm and 18.43 mm on the right and left femora, respectively. The differences in the bilateral measurements were found to be statistically not signiﬁcant between the right and left femora.

Conclusion:

The morphometric evaluation of the lower end of the femur would help the orthopedic surgeon, radiologist, and anthropology practitioner to a great extent, especially in dealing with knee joint-related disorders, and placing various implants in the reconstruction of femoral fragments among South Indian populations.
Demystifying primary bone leiomyosarcoma: A case study and literature overview
Authors: Mahajan Divya , Anand Abhishek , Pandey Awadesh Kumar
Published: August 2024

Primary leiomyosarcoma of the bone (LMSB). It's indeed an extremely rare and challenging condition, and case reports like the one you mentioned are valuable in increasing awareness and understanding among clinicians and researchers. LMSB is a subtype of leiomyosarcoma that originates in the bone, specifically the primary bone tissue, and it's distinct from more common bone tumors like osteosarcoma or chondrosarcoma. Given its rarity, diagnosing and treating LMSB can be quite complex, and histopathological examination is often essential to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options for LMSB are generally limited, and the approach may involve a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, although the optimal treatment strategy may vary from case to case. The prognosis for LMSB is generally poor, but early diagnosis and timely intervention can make a difference in patient outcomes. Case reports like the one you mentioned are essential for improving our knowledge of rare diseases like LMSB. They can help clinicians and researchers better understand the condition, its clinical features, and potential treatment strategies. Sharing such cases within the medical community can lead to the development of more effective diagnostic and treatment approaches and potentially improve the prognosis for affected individuals in the future.
Trans(inter?)textual Migrations (Relations?) in the Traditional (Postmodernist?) Narrative of Salman Rushdie
Authors: Çelikel Mehmet Ali
Published: August 2024

Salman Rushdie's narrative style reflects a blend of traditional oral storytelling and postmodern literary techniques. This duality makes it challenging to categorize him strictly as either a traditional or postmodernist writer. His works, such as Midnight’s Children, exhibit fragmented storytelling akin to oral narratives, where the narrator frequently digresses, influenced by their environment and memories. These digressions create intertextual relationships, not just between texts but also between the text and the non-textual world, a technique which is called the "grasshopper narrative” in this paper. Rushdie's Midnight’s Children is heavily influenced by both Eastern oral traditions and Western literary techniques. The narrative is interspersed with references and borrowings from other texts and traditions, creating a tapestry of intertextual and trans-textual relations. For instance, characters and motifs from Forster’s A Passage to India and Kipling’s Kim find their way into Rushdie’s narrative, creating a dialogue between these works and Rushdie’s own. Moreover, the novel’s fragmented structure and the presence of a listener, Padma, enhance its oral storytelling feel, reinforcing its connection to traditional Eastern narratives. The influence of Western authors like Günter Grass and Gabriel García Márquez is also evident. These influences blend with Rushdie’s use of magic realism and his unique narrative style. Furthermore, Rushdie’s cinematic influences and his use of film vocabulary add another layer to his complex narrative structure. Rushdie’s narrative technique is a hybrid of traditional oral storytelling and postmodernist intertextuality, creating rich, multi-layered texts that traverse cultural and textual boundaries.
Osmancık’ta Kuruluş Kavramının Roman, Tiyatro, Senaryo Türlerinde İncelenmesi
Authors: Yalçınkaya Cengiz , Çelik Yakup
Published: August 2024

Geçmişte yaşanmış olayları günümüze aktarmanın yolu elbette tarih biliminden geçer. Bunun yanında yine tarihi olayları edebi yönden aktarmanın yolu da tarihi romanlardır. Tarihi roman, konusunu belli bir dönemde yaşanmış olaylardan alan, kişilerini tarihi karakterlerden seçen, yazarlarının bakış açılarına göre gerçekleri yorumlayan ve yansıtan bir edebi türdür. Tarık Buğra’nın kaleme aldığı tarihi romanı Osmancık da Osmanlı Devleti’nin kuruluş aşamasını ve Osmancık’ın ruhsal değişim ve dönüşüm sürecini ele alır. Eserde kuruluş aşaması Osmancık karakteri üzerinden işlenir. Osmancık önce Osman Bey’e daha sonra da Osman Gazi’ye dönüşür. Bu süreç sadece bir insanı değil tüm bir Kayı boyunu etkileyecektir. Geniş bir coğrafyada hüküm sürecek Osmanlı Devleti’nin kuruluşunu anlatan bu roman, daha sonraki yıllarda senaryoya ve tiyatroya uyarlanır. Ancak bu dönüşüm süreci türlerin anlatım teknikleri doğrultusunda şekillenir ve olay örgülerinin farklı akışlarına sebep olur. Bu çalışmada yazınsal bir tür olan Osmancık romanının dramatik yapıya uyarlanması ve romanın esasını teşkil eden “kuruluş” kavramının türler arasındaki ele alınması yorumlanacaktır.
Environmental determinants for protein structuring and amyloid transformation
Authors: I Roterman , K Stapor , D Dułak , L Konieczny
Published: August 2024

Amyloid transformation under laboratory conditions is achieved by shaking an aqueous solution of any protein. The shaking time varies significantly, demonstrating the variable degree of ease of structural transformation in a given protein. The structural specificity that distinguishes amyloid forms from biologically active proteins is the flatness (two-dimensionality) of the form of each chain in the amyloid fibril. The 2D feature, given the globular and therefore 3D structure of biologically active proteins, is an object of analysis in the search for factors favoring amyloid transformation. The use of a modified fuzzy oil drop model (FOD-M) enables this transformation to be mathematically expressed. The mathematical expression is directly related to the shaking conditions, while leaving open the question of an environmental factor under physiological conditions that causes a conformational change resulting in a 2D structure of the polypeptide chain. The examples expressing the environmental prerequisites demonstrated in the current review show the dependence of structuring on the external force field.
Auditory system and COVID-19
Authors: Behmen Meliha Basoz , Elibol Nida Tas
Published: August 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic that emerged in 2020 may affect the peripheral and central auditory system. According to studies in the literature, symptoms affecting the vestibulocochlear system such as sudden hearing loss, tinnitus, and vestibular neuritis are seen in individuals with COVID -19. While viral pathogens directly affect the structures that supply blood and nutrition to the inner ear, such as the stria vascularis, they can indirectly cause hearing disorders by damaging the immune system. Depending on the affected anatomical region, different symptoms can be observed in individuals. For this reason, post-disease audiological evaluations should be made for individuals with COVID-19. Annual follow-up of these individuals should be added to clinical procedures so that long-acting effects are not overlooked.
Factors affecting physiotherapists and minority group patients’ relationship in the UK: A systematic review study
Authors: Abbas Qasim , Mohammadnezhad Masoud
Published: August 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the factors affecting Physiotherapists and minority group patients' relationship.

Methods: This study applied a systematic review design and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was used to conduct this study. Three databases were systematically searched including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and CINAHL. The studies had to be in the English language and done in the UK from 1995-2022. The studies that met criteria were presented in a data extraction sheet for further thematic analysis.

Results: Of the 44 articles retrieved from the primary search, a total of 2 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Major themes identified were language barriers, affecting understanding, rapport, and trust. Gender preferences and cultural awareness were other themes which emerged. Additionally, many Physiotherapists lack understanding of their patients' beliefs, preferences, and attitudes towards rehabilitation and recovery.

Conclusion: The study has identified gaps and areas for improvement in positively enhancing the relationship between Physiotherapists and minority group patients. Recommendations include increasing employment of Physiotherapist from diverse backgrounds through education initiative and promotion of the profession, promoting single-sex exercise groups and having Ethnic Minority Groups (EMG) focused modules in degree programmes.
35 years follow-up of primary Sjogren’s syndrome: A single center study
Authors: Montaño-Tapia Lorena , Yildrim Resit , Abrantes Ana Mafalda , Isenberg David
Published: August 2024

Objectives: We studied a cohort of Sjögren’s syndrome patients followed at a single centre for over 35 years, analyze their outcomes during the course of the disease.

Methods: A cohort of 232 patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome was retrospectively assessed at University College London Hospital, UK, over a very long period to capture the evolving features and complications of the disease and to focus on the causes of death.

Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 50.5 years (SD=14.78 years). The mean years of follow-up since diagnosis was 12.1 years (SD= 8.65); 48 patients (20.7%) were lost to follow-up at some point. Lymphoma developed in 20 patients. When compared with the rest of the patients, the incidence of glandular manifestations was higher in the lymphoma group (11 [55%] vs 59 [37.8%]; p=0.005). In independent multivariate regression analysis, parotid swelling at the time of diagnosis was the most important predictive factor. We compared patients between <15 and >15 years of follow-up and found a statistically significant difference in arthritis (p=0.010), Raynaud’s phenomenon (p ≤ 0.001), and vasculitis (p=0.013). The majority of lymphomas developed <15 years post-diagnosis (8.6% vs 5.5%). Thirty-seven patients (20%) died, with a mean age of 80.20 years old (SD=8.547); infection was the main cause of death (11 out of 24 causes of death were identified).

Conclusion: This very long-term follow-up (>35 years) shows that the main complication associated with Sjögren’s syndrome was related to lymphoma, which tends to develop during the first years of the disease. In contrast, in our cohort among those patients who died, the majority were over 70 years old (mean age of death was 80.20 years), confirming that the disease is clearly compatible with a long-life expectancy.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Role of PNPLA3 and its association with environmental chemicals
Authors: Saghir Shakil A , Abbas Ata , Alfuraih Saleh , Sharma Ajay , Latimer Jean , Omidi Yadollah , Ansari Rais
Published: August 2024

Globally, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is on the rise with 30-32%, 27-33%, 35-48%, 36%, 9-20%, and 36-38% prevalence in Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Africa, and Australia, respectively. Approximately, 5-10% of NAFLD proceeds to hepatitis called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH often progresses to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Precise mechanism(s) for the development of HCC is not fully understood in NAFLD and NASH patients. Higher insulin levels in type 2 diabetes (T2D) can result in lipolysis of adipose tissue activating lipid synthesizing enzymes such as fatty acid synthase and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1, resulting in lipid accumulation in liver. Higher levels of glucose in T2D patients activate carbohydrate response element binding protein and insulin which increases the level of active sterol regulatory element binding protein. These lipogenic transcription factors activate patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein-3 (PNPLA3) from their response elements in the promoter. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are implicated in T2D development and NAFLD. The emerging association between POPs, including insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, and diabetes has been noted. However, their connection with NAFLD remains less evident. Here, we reviewed association of POPs, especially EDCs, and role of PNPLA3 in the development of NAFLD and NASH. We also reviewed the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms of PNPLA3’s association with NAFLD.
(Neueste) Geschichte forschend lehren
Authors: Raasch Markus
Published: August 2024

Viel ist in den letzten Jahren über Grundlagen und Umsetzung von "Forschendem Lernen" geschrieben worden, der Bedarf an reflektierten Praxisberichten aber weiterhin groß. Dies gilt insbesondere für den geschichtswissenschaftlichen Unterricht. Daher unterzieht dieses Buch ausgewählte Lehrveranstaltungen, die zwischen 2014 und 2022 an den Universitäten Bonn und Mainz durchgeführt worden sind, einer kritischen Betrachtung. Sie werden im Hinblick auf Anlage, Durchführung und Wirkung vermessen, um über die fachspezifischen Möglichkeiten "Forschenden Lernens" zu orientieren und einen Beitrag zur Weiterentwicklung guter geschichtswissenschaftlicher Lehre zu leisten.
Training Antidiskriminierung II
Authors: Schellenberg Britta
Published: August 2024

Das „Training Antidiskriminierung“ stärkt Menschen und Institutionen für ein selbstbestimmtes Leben und das professionelle Arbeiten im pluralen Deutschland. Die interaktiven Übungen sensibilisieren, regen zur (Selbst-)Reflexion an und sind zudem handlungsorientiert. Ein besonderer Schwerpunkt liegt auf Sexismus, Empowerment und institutionellen Bearbeitungsmöglichkeiten.
Trainings können zielgruppenspezifisch zusammengestellt werden. Zur Verfügung stehen Einstiegs- und Grundlagenübungen, Follow-ups sowie Vertiefungs- und Organisationsentwicklungsübungen. Fachliche und didaktische „Schlaglichter" stellen Hintergrundinformationen bereit und geben Empfehlungen zur Umsetzung.
Populäre Musik im Geschichtsunterricht 1
Authors: Schmenk Holger
Published: August 2024

Holger Schmenk bereitet in diesem Band eine Auswahl populärer Songs aus verschiedenen Jahrzehnten für den Einsatz im Geschichtsunterricht auf. Von der Bildung der Trizone 1948 bis zu den Protestbewegungen der 80er Jahre eröffnen die ausgewählten Titel Einblicke in zentrale politische, gesellschaftlichen und sozialen Themen vergangener Jahrzehnte sowie in die Auseinandersetzung der Menschen mit diesen. Die Songtexte lassen sich direkt im Klassenraum einsetzen – begleitet von deutschen Übersetzungen fremdsprachiger Titel und umrahmt von zeitlichen Einordnungen, didaktischen Impulsen, ausgewählten Materialvorschlägen und Anregungen für Arbeitsaufträge in beiden Sekundarstufen.
Soziale Repräsentationen zum Judentum und Sichtweisen zu Jüd:innen zwischen Antisemitismus und Identitätsfindung
Authors: Kösen Osman
Published: August 2024

Diese Dissertationsschrift liefert eine tiefgreifende und transdisziplinärUntersuchung über ein wichtiges, aber unterbeleuchtetes Thema: die Wahrnehmungen muslimischer Jugendlicher zum Judentum und zu Jüd:innen. Neben einer ausführlichen Erörterung der Bedeutung des Islamischen Religionsunterrichts und des Identitätsfindungsprozesses muslimischer Jugendlicher enthält das Werk eine konzise Behandlung der jüdisch-muslimischen Beziehungen. Den Hauptteil bildet schließlich eine umfangreiche empirische Erhebung sowie deren ausführliche Auswertung und Diskussion. Das Buch schließt mit Thesen zu und einem Ausblick auf zukünftige Entwicklungen in diesem sensiblen Themenbereich.
Relación Entre Lecturas NDVI y el Crecimiento en Tomatillo, Repollo y Chile Habanero
Authors: Mendoza-Pérez Cándido , Valle-Gough Raúl Enrique , Samaniego-Gámez Blancka Yesenia , Ruelas-Islas Jesús del Rosario , Núñez-Ramírez Fidel
Published: August 2024

El índice de vegetación de diferencia normalizada (NDVI) es el índice más utilizado en cultivos para identificar el verdor y área foliar que cubre el suelo. En este trabajo se identificó la relación entre el crecimiento y el NDVI de tres cultivos [(Physalis ixocarpa), repollo (Brassica oleracea var. Capitata) y chile habanero (Capsicum chinenese Jacq.)]. Los resultados mostraron que en tomatillo se identificó una relación cuadrática y altamente significativa entre la biomasa versus valores de NDVI (R2 = 0.7072, P ˂ 0.001). Para el repollo, se obtuvo una relación lineal entre el área foliar y la biomasa seca versus el NDVI (R2 = 0.7617, P ˂ 0.001; R2 = 0.8854, P ˂ 0.001). En chile habanero cultivado bajo malla sombra, los resultados mostraron relaciones altamente significativas entre el índice de crecimiento y la altura versus los valores de NDVI (R2 = 0.5061, P ˂ 0.001; R2 = 0.5339, P ˂ 0.001). Finalmente, en chile habanero cultivado a cielo abierto, la relación resultó cubica entre el índice de crecimiento y los valores de NDVI a lo largo de su ciclo de crecimiento (R2 = 0.7187, P ˂ 0.001). En conclusión, se comprobó la utilidad de uso del NDVI en los cultivos evaluados.
Transformación Urbana: Avance de la Construcción en Altura en Hermosillo, México
Authors: Ramirez Uribe Gerardo , Quintana Pacheco Jesus , Ramos Corella Marco Antonio , Ojeda de la Cruz Arturo , Alvarado Noriega Ana Cecilia , Miranda Torres Israel Eduardo
Published: August 2024

El análisis aborda la vivienda en altura en el marco de la densificación urbana y la eficiencia. Se empleó un sistema de información geográfica para identificar áreas disponibles para proyectos de vivienda densificada y una metodología para medir la aceptación social del desarrollo vertical. También se evaluó la perspectiva de expertos con perfiles técnicos similares. Los resultados revelaron posturas diversas, destacando la falta de aceptación de los ciudadanos hacia la vivienda vertical y la construcción en altura como una solución parcial para abordar el problema de la expansión urbana dispersa, aunque no la única. El enfoque se centra en Hermosillo, México, para analizar el comportamiento del crecimiento urbano y las perspectivas de desarrollo de vivienda vertical para el segmento de interés medio.
Developing Students’ Compositions in English Through Mind Mapping Techniques
Authors: Pandey Gopal Prasad
Published: August 2024

This research explores the effectiveness of mind-mapping strategies in developing essay writing skills among secondary-level students in Nepal. The study addresses the extent to which these strategies can improve students' compositions and identifies specific challenges they face, including issues with grammar, vocabulary, organization, and time management. Using an action research design, data were collected from 25 tenth-grade students through observation checklists, tests, and unstructured interviews. The findings revealled that mind-mapping strategies, when combined with group discussions, significantly enhance students' ability to organize and generate ideas, leading to improved essay writing skills. Students initially struggled with confusion and resistance but gradually showed progress in writing cohesively and coherently. The study also highlights the limitations of the current examination system, which favors memorization over creative writing. Despite challenges in classroom management and the need for better time efficiency, the research concludes that mind mapping and group discussions are effective tools in fostering student engagement and improving writing skills. The study underscores the importance of creating a supportive and interactive learning environment to achieve better writing outcomes.
KEPEMIMPINAN PEREMPUAN: STUDI TENTANG PEMIKIRAN PROGRESIF TOKOH MUSLIMAH MANADO TENTANG HADIS MISOGINIS
Authors: St. Nur Syahidah Dzatun Nurain
Published: August 2024

Penelitian ini mengkaji pemikiran progresif para tokoh Muslimah di Manado terhadap hadis-hadis yang sering dikategorikan sebagai misoginis, dengan fokus pada isu kepemimpinan perempuan. Penelitian ini melibatkan 12 tokoh Muslimah yang aktif dalam organisasi keagamaan terkemuka seperti Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI), Muslimat NU Manado, Aisyiah, dan Badan Kontak Majelis Taklim (BKMT). Para tokoh tersebut juga memiliki peran penting dalam membina majelis taklim dengan aktivitas kajian yang terstruktur dan teratur. Dengan menggunakan teori hermeneutika, teori Mubadalah  dan  interpretasi tekstual-kontekstual, penelitian ini mengungkapkan bahwa para tokoh Muslimah tersebut memahami hadis-hadis yang terkait dengan kepemimpinan perempuan sejalan dengan teori hermeneutika understanding, kontekstual dan Mubadalah , dengan mempertimbangkan perkembangan zaman dan asbab al-wurud hadis mereka berpendapat bahwa hadis Ratu Kisra tidak dimaksudkan untuk mendiskriminasi perempuan, melainkan harus dipahami sebagai peringatan agar kepemimpinan dipegang oleh individu yang memiliki kapasitas dan kompetensi yang memadai, terlepas dari jenis kelamin.