bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching Medical Students on Surgical Placement during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Lessons Learned so Far
Authors: Evans W. , Noone T. M.
Published: February 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption to the teaching and progression of medical students. With no imminent end to the pandemic, it remains vital that medical students remain integrated into clinical environments to benefit from the teaching opportunities in the hospital setting. Aim: To offer advice on the teaching of medical students undertaking hospital placements within General Surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: We reflected on our experience as clinical medical educators working through the COVID-19 pandemic, supported by feedback from medical students and relevant contemporary educational guidelines and literature. Results: A review on how to optimise teaching medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic, balancing the need for safety and limiting viral transmission, while maximising clinical experience and learning. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced widespread changes to the way in which medical students receive teaching. We suggest ways to maximise learning opportunities, on hospital placements, during the pandemic. Maintaining quality medical education during the pandemic is key to producing the best doctors of tomorrow.
Skills, Determinants and Attitudes towards Leadership among Undergraduates in Medicine
Authors: Dissanayake D. W. N. , Gunasekara D. P. A. V. , Nanayakkara U. , Majeed S. , Dissanayake D. D. M.
Published: February 2022

Background: Good leadership is fundamental for providing a better healthcare. The objective of this study was to evaluate the leadership skills, determinants and attitudes in medical undergraduates.

Methods: Self and Rater versions of the Authentic Leadership Questionnaire (ALQ) and a formulated questionnaire based on Medical Leadership Competency Framework (MLCF) were distributed among first year students who were followed up in the final year with the same assessments. Skills were evaluated with an average ALQ score, under four domains; transparency (TR), ethical skills (ES), balanced processing (BP) and self-awareness (SA). Determinants of leadership skills were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire.

Results: Students in the first year (n=115; females=64, males=51), had lower leadership skills score (2.74±0.38; mean ± SD) than in the final year (n=101; females=52, males=49; 3.05±0.43p
Discipline-Centred Learning: An Integrative Model for Medical Undergraduate Education
Authors: Dassanayake T. L. Lagath
Published: February 2022

No abstract available
Elevating and Sustaining the Component of Clinical Teaching by Targeting Teachers in Medical Institutions
Authors: Shrivastava S. R. , Shrivastava P. S.
Published: February 2022

Clinical teaching in medicine plays an important role in the making of a competent and skilled health care professional. It is a fact that owing to the recent rise in the burden on the health system because of an augmented rise in the number of patients visiting hospitals, including tertiary medical colleges, the time for clinical teaching has significantly reduced. However, acknowledging the scope of clinical teaching in the making of a competent health care professional, the need of the hour is that the medical colleges and the individual departments should give immense attention towards delivering high-quality teaching. As the teachers remain the most important stakeholder in effective clinical teaching, they should be aware about the existing challenges and the ways to address them. In conclusion, clinical teaching needs to be improved and streamlined in all the medical institutions. The major responsibility of effective delivery of clinical teaching lies with the medical teachers and it is high time that they understand the prevailing challenges and work with an aim to overcome them and eventually enhance the effectiveness of teaching.
The Global Pandemic - A blessing in Disguise for Medical Education Innovations
Authors: Karunathilake I. M. , De Abrew A.
Published: February 2022

No abstract available
Training Medical Students as COVID-19 First Contact Responders: Integrating Telemedicine and Medical Education during a Health System Crisis in Sri Lanka
Authors: Karunathilake I. M. , Edirisinghe E. A. S. T. , Hettiarachchi D. , Perera B. J. C. , Hamdani A. , Kohombange C. , Herath T. , Amarasiri M. , Randenikumara S. , Mudiyanse R. , Senanayake D. , Ihsan F. R. , Guruge K. , Ragunathan M. K.
Published: February 2022

No abstract available
High-Fat Diet Rapidly Modifies Trafficking, Phenotype, and Function of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Adipose Tissue
Authors: Stutte Susanne , Ishikawa-Ankerhold Hellen , Lynch Lydia , Eickhoff Sarah , Nasiscionyte Simona , Guo Chenglong , van den Heuvel Dominic , Setzensack Daniel , Colonna Marco , Maier-Begandt Daniela , Weckbach Ludwig , Brocker Thomas , Schulz Christian , Walzog Barbara , von Andrian Ulrich
Published: February 2022

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) display an increased abundance in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) of humans with obesity. In the current study, we set out to decipher the molecular mechanisms of their recruitment to VAT and the functional relevance of this process. We observed increased pDC numbers in murine blood, liver, spleen, and VAT after feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) for 3 wk when compared with a standard diet. pDCs were enriched in fat-associated lymphoid clusters representing highly specific lymphoid regions within VAT. HFD led to an enlargement of fat-associated lymphoid clusters with an increased density and migratory speed of pDCs as shown by intravital multiphoton microscopy. For their recruitment into VAT, pDCs employed P-selectin with E-selectin and L-selectin being only critical in response to HFD, indicating that the molecular cues underlying pDC trafficking were dependent on the nutritional state. Subsequent recruitment steps required α4β1 and α4β7 integrins and engagement of CCR7. Application of fingolimod (FTY720) abrogated egress of pDCs from VAT, indicating the involvement of sphingosine-1-phosphate in this process. Furthermore, HFD altered pDC functions by promoting their activation and type 1 IFN expression. Blocking pDC infiltration into VAT prevented weight gain and improved glucose tolerance during HFD. In summary, a HFD fundamentally alters pDC biology by promoting their trafficking, retention, and activation in VAT, which in turn seems to regulate metabolism.
CANCOL, a Computer-Assisted Annotation Tool to Facilitate Colocalization and Tracking of Immune Cells in Intravital Microscopy
Authors: Pizzagalli Diego Ulisse , Bordini Joy , Morone Diego , Pulfer Alain , Carrillo-Barberà Pau , Thelen Benedikt , Ceni Kevin , Thelen Marcus , Krause Rolf , Gonzalez Santiago Fernandez
Published: February 2022

Two-photon intravital microscopy (2P-IVM) has become a widely used technique to study cell-to-cell interactions in living organisms. Four-dimensional imaging data obtained via 2P-IVM are classically analyzed by performing automated cell tracking, a procedure that computes the trajectories followed by each cell. However, technical artifacts, such as brightness shifts, the presence of autofluorescent objects, and channel crosstalking, affect the specificity of imaging channels for the cells of interest, thus hampering cell detection. Recently, machine learning has been applied to overcome a variety of obstacles in biomedical imaging. However, existing methods are not tailored for the specific problems of intravital imaging of immune cells. Moreover, results are highly dependent on the quality of the annotations provided by the user. In this study, we developed CANCOL, a tool that facilitates the application of machine learning for automated tracking of immune cells in 2P-IVM. CANCOL guides the user during the annotation of specific objects that are problematic for cell tracking when not properly annotated. Then, it computes a virtual colocalization channel that is specific for the cells of interest. We validated the use of CANCOL on challenging 2P-IVM videos from murine organs, obtaining a significant improvement in the accuracy of automated tracking while reducing the time required for manual track curation.
The illusion of a chest wall tumor: a case-report of sternal tuberculosis
Authors: Daniel Morgan , Ricordel Charles , Lorleac'h Aurélien , Norwood James , Richard De Latour Bertrand , Rouzé Simon , Verhoye Jean-Philippe
Published: February 2022

The incidence rate of tuberculosis in developed countries is low. The most common presentation of this disease is its pulmonary form but with the increasing use of immunosuppressive drugs, extra-pulmonary tuberculosis is re-emerging. Nevertheless, sternal bone involvement is uncommon. We report the case of an eighty-three-year-old man who presented a painful sternal mass which progressed towards cutaneous ulceration. The first diagnostic hypothesis was neoplasia. The pathological and microbiological diagnosis of tuberculosis was achieved after surgical biopsy. The patient received treatment against tuberculosis for nine months enabling recovery without surgery. This case illustrates the importance of having a diagnosis prior to any kind of treatment facing any voluminous parietal thoracic lesions.  This diagnosis is made possible by surgical samples and interdisciplinary teamwork. This case underlines that tuberculosis remains a differential diagnosis that must be evoked in case of unusual bone mass.
Cardiac monitoring during trastuzumab therapy in metastatic breast cancer: early incidence of cardiac dysfunction
Authors: Perone Francesco , Zamora Auñon Pilar , Rodríguez Laura , Vinal David , Caro-Codon Juan , Pertejo Ana , Martínez Marín Virginia , Espinosa Enrique , López-Fernández Teresa
Published: February 2022

Trastuzumab therapy has dramatically changed breast cancer prognosis. Consensus documents recommend a close monitoring during therapy, not always feasible, especially in metastatic breast cancer. The purpose of this study is to describe trastuzumab cardiotoxicity in metastatic breast cancer patients to understand how to improve cardiovascular monitoring. We retrospectively studied metastatic breast cancer patients scheduled for trastuzumab therapy (2001-2018). All patients underwent a baseline evaluation and monitoring during therapy. Cardiotoxicity was defined as symptomatic heart failure or asymptomatic decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction > 10% from baseline and < 53%. Ninety-two women were included, mean age 61 years (±14.43), median follow-up 42.5 months (IQR 26-74). Fourteen percent developed cardiotoxicity:  two heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, three heart failure with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, and eight asymptomatic decreased in left ventricular ejection fraction. Eighty-one percent of cardiac dysfunction cases occurred within the first 4 years and on median of 31 months from trastuzumab initiation. Thus, in metastatic breast cancer patients, trastuzumab-mediated cardiotoxicity occurred more frequently during the first 4 years. These data should be considered to optimize follow-up protocols.
Sperm-specific protein ACTL7A as a biomarker for fertilization outcomes of assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Yang Tian-Ying , Chen Ying , Chen Guo-Wu , Sun Yi-Si , Li Zhi-Chao , Shen Xiao-Rong , Zhang Yi-Ni , He Wen , Zhou Dan , Shi Hui-Juan , Xin Ai-Jie , Sun Xiao-Xi
Published: February 2022

Obtaining high-quality embryos is one of the key factors to improve the clinical pregnancy rate of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). So far, the clinical evaluation of embryo quality depends on embryo morphology. However, the clinical pregnancy rate is still low. Therefore, new indicators are needed to further improve the evaluation of embryo quality. Several studies have shown that the decrease of sperm-specific protein actin-like 7A (ACTL7A) leaded to low fertilization rate, poor embryo development, and even infertility. The aim of this study was to study whether the different expression levels of ACTL7A on sperm can be used as a biomarker for predicting embryo quality. In this study, excluding the factors of severe female infertility, a total of 281 sperm samples were collected to compare the ACTL7A expression levels of sperms with high and low effective embryo rates and analyze the correlation between protein levels and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory outcomes. Our results indicated that the ACTL7A levels were significantly reduced in sperm samples presenting poor embryo quality. Furthermore, the protein levels showed a significant correlation with fertilization outcomes of ART. ACTL7A has the potential to be a biomarker for predicting success rate of fertilization and effective embryo and the possibility of embryo arrest. In conclusion, sperm-specific protein ACTL7A has a strong correlation with IVF laboratory outcomes and plays important roles in fertilization and embryo development.
Mental Status in Patients with Cerebral Infarction in Central China at the Early Stage of Coronavirus Disease-19 Pandemic
Authors: Wu Yuping , Ma Sha , Zhang Hong , Huang Xiaoqian , Shu Yi
Published: February 2022

Aims:

The study aimed to analyze the changes in mental health and social support in patients with cerebral infarction during the recovery period at the early stage of coronavirus disease pandemic.

Subjects and Methods:

During January–March 2020, 98 patients with cerebral infarction during the recovery period were selected from Wuhan city. Among them, 42 patients were living alone (called the solitary group) and 56 patients lived with their spouses (called the spouse group). The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were used to evaluate anxiety and depression, respectively, and Multi-Dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), social support for patients.

Statistical Analysis Used:

The statistical calculations were carried out using GraphPad Prism 5.01 software (GraphPad, San Diego, California, USA).

Results:

At the early stage of the pandemic, patients with cerebral infarction in the solitary group and the spouse group experienced varying degrees of anxiety and depression. The SAS and SDS scores in the solitary group were significantly higher than those in the spouse group (P < 0.01). The subscale scores of MSPSS in the solitary group were lower than those in the spouse group (P < 0.01).

Conclusions:

It is necessary for medical staff to help the patients to overcome anxiety and depression and provide more social support to patients, especially for those patients living alone.
Determining the optimum tumor control probability model in radiotherapy of glioblastoma multiforme using magnetic resonance imaging data pre- and post- radiation therapy
Authors: Banisharif Shabnam , Shahbazi-Gahrouei Daryoush , Akhavan Ali , Rasouli Naser , Shahbazi-Gahrouei Saghar
Published: February 2022

Background:

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and malignant brain tumor. The current standard of care is surgery followed by radiation therapy (RT). Radiotherapy treatment plan evaluation relies on radiobiological models for accurate estimation of tumor control probability (TCP). This study aimed to assess the impact of obtained magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data before and 12 weeks after RT to achieve the optimum TCP model to improve dose prescriptions in radiation therapy of GBM.

Materials and Methods::

In this quasi-experimental study, MR images and its relevant data from 30 patients consisting of 9 females and 21 males (mean age of 46.3 ± 15.8 years) diagnosed with GBM, whose referred for radiotherapy were selected. The data of age, gender, tumor size, volume, and signal intensity using analysis of MRI data pre- and postradiotherapy were used for calculating TCP. TCP was calculated from three common radiobiological models including Poisson, linear quadratic, and equivalent uniform dose. The impact of some radiobiological parameters on final TCP in all patients planned with three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy was obtained.

Results:

A statistically significant difference was found among TCP in Poisson model compared to the other two models (P < 0.001). Changes in tumor volume and size after treatment were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Different combinations of radiobiological parameters (α/β and SF2 in all models) observed were meaningful (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The results showed that among TCP radiobiological models, the optimum is the Poisson. The results also identified the importance of TCP radiobiological models in order to improve radiotherapy dose prescriptions.
Renal function markers in single-kidney patients after percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Authors: Ghadian Alireza , Einollahi Behzad , Ebrahimi Mehrdad , Javanbakht Mohammad , Asadi Mousa , Kazemi Reza
Published: February 2022

Background:

The present study was performed to investigate and compare renal functions of single-kidney patients after 12 h of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) surgery through assessing major markers of renal function with focus on serum level of cystatin that performs a consistent accuracy in various conditions.

Materials and Methods:

This pilot quasi-experimental study was done on 92 patients with single kidney having staghorn calculus who had undergone PCNL and were referred to the Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, during 2019–2021. Serum levels of cystatin C, creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) urine level were evaluated before and 12 h after surgery.

Results:

The mean cystatin C decreased significantly 1.58 ± 0.55 versus mg/L 1.46 ± 0.52 after 12 h after surgery (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the mean levels of creatinine (2.04 ± 0.71 vs. 1.89 ± 0.60 mg/dL) and NGAL (39.72 ± 12.87 vs. 24.05 ± 10.89 μg/ml) were decreased significantly after 12 h of procedure (P < 0.05) while the mean eGFR (57.62 ± 27.59 vs. 64.68 ± 31.88 ml/min/1.73 m2) was increased significantly after 12 h (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Due to significant improvement in all markers of renal after PCNL, this procedure can be considered a potentially effective and safe approach for treating large stone in single-kidney patients.
Adjunctive use of a surgical splint for leveling the curve of Spee following mandibular advancement
Authors: Ghodke Swapnil D , Singh Satinder Pal , Jena Ashok Kumar
Published: February 2022

Deep curve of Spee is a very common problem among Class II malocclusion patients associated with mandibular deficiency. The curve of Spee is maintained and leveled following surgical mandibular advancement. The same surgical splint which is used to guide the mandibular advancement can also be used for the leveling of deep curve of Spee. This case report highlights the leveling of deep curve of Spee by the same surgical splint used during the surgical mandibular advancement. Thus, it helps to increase the lower facial height and also improves the overall facial appearance.
Recurrent thyroiditis
Authors: Kalra Pramila , Prasanna Kumar K. M.
Published: February 2022

Recurrent thyroiditis is defined as a repeat attack of subacute thyroiditis. The recurrence rates may vary from 1.4% to 20%. The recurrence may happen at any time ranging from weeks to years after the first episode. The patients with recurrent thyroiditis not responding to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may require steroids. The recovery to euthyroidism is mostly complete but a small percent may develop transient and less commonly permanent hypothyroidism. The mainstay of treatment is medical therapy but surgery may be needed in resistant cases.
Challenges in the Use of Targeted Therapies in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Rivera-Concepcion Joel , Uprety Dipesh , Adjei Alex A.
Published: February 2022

Precision oncology has fundamentally changed how we diagnose and treat cancer. In recent years, there has been a significant change in the management of patients with oncogene-addicted advanced-stage NSCLC. Increasing amounts of identifiable oncogene drivers have led to the development of molecularly targeted drugs. Undoubtedly, the future of thoracic oncology is shifting toward increased molecular testing and the use of targeted therapies. For the most part, these novel drugs have proven to be safe and effective. As with all great innovations, targeted therapies pose unique challenges. Drug toxicities, resistance, access, and costs are some of the expected obstacles that will need to be addressed. This review highlights some of the major challenges in the use of targeted therapies in NSCLC and provides guidance for the future strategies.
Rhinitis, not to sniff at
Authors: Fokkens W.J.
Published: February 2022

Already for years we have ample evidence of the severe impact of allergic and non-allergic rhinitis and maybe even more rhinosinusitis on quality of life of our patients and the severe costs these diseases inflict on society. Despite this evidence we have difficulty convincing the politicians, health insurance companies and the public that more attention, research and money is needed to prevent these diseases to occur and to further prevent the sometimes serious sequalae of the disease.
Defining and Utilizing Diaspora
Authors: Nisbett Mario
Published: February 2022

This article explores a definition and use of diaspora in a way that may engage African post-developmental aspirations. Firstly, the piece presents a clarification and further development of the early conceptualizations of diaspora engaging African and African descended scholars. Then, the article elaborates on not only what the African diaspora is but what it does. Finally, the paper presents a utilization of the African diaspora to assist in mobilizing trans-continental linkages with members in the Global North and increasingly with the Global South in support of their post-development agendas. It provides an understanding of the role of African descendants in an increasingly globalizing world and the arguments of the re-structuring of global geo-political order in the wake of narratives of the rise of Africa and the BRICS nations. The paper presents what can be gained and reconfigured in particular articulations of the African diaspora that seeks to engage post-development.
Pan-African Feminism in Britain
Authors: Annecka Leolyn Lovell Marshall
Published: February 2022

This chapter critically examines the importance of Pan-African feminist epistemology and activism in the Diaspora. The dynamic impact of defiant struggles for freedom challenges the oppression of women of African descent in triumphant ways. The radical re-construction of identities is necessary for the evolution of their human rights. Qualitative methods are used to interrogate the political consciousness of fifty (50) women of African heritage who are members of Black women’s organizations in Britain. My study investigates the relevance of Pan-African feminism in Britain to global debates and interventions. The significance of international support networks that create new strategic initiatives for positive self-concepts and the improvement of life-chances is evaluated. Independently and collectively women of African ancestry oppose marginalization by the State and systems of education, employment, healthcare, and housing. Respondents’ commitment to coalition politics is evident in their positive opinions about social justice, pride, and integrity. Their celebration of Black nationalism resists the legacies of colonialism. Interviewees take responsibility for the upliftment of their communities. They are determined to overcome power inequalities in order to reaffirm the dignity of African women and girls. My fieldwork explores the ways forward for a Pan-African feminist revolution.
The 21st Century and Challenges to the Nkrumah Independence Project
Authors: Joseph Tennyson S. D. , Thame Maziki
Published: February 2022

Ghana’s historical place in the experience of global decolonisation as being the first British controlled African nation to win formal independence, has given the ideas of Kwame Nkrumah a prominent place in efforts to understand the challenges and possibilities of the post-colonial independence project. One of Nkrumah’s main contributions was his exposure of the mechanics of neo-colonialism in compromising the formal statehood of newly independent states. Given the transformed world-economy and the hegemonic ideology of neo-liberalism which has unfolded several decades after Nkrumah’s earliest reflections, this paper seeks to assess his validity for present efforts at sustaining post-colonial development and sovereignty. The central claim of this paper is that whilst Nkrumah’s warnings against neo-colonialism remain valid, both the specific challenges which he identified as well as the corrective proposals which he offered, have been negated by the new tactics and ideological assumptions of neo-liberal capitalism. The paper offers a balance sheet type assessment of the ongoing relevance of Nkrumah’s ideas, with a view to identifying the new challenges confronting the independence of formerly colonised states, and to renewing his political project in the present. These questions are explored in the context of the twenty-first century English-speaking Caribbean.
Verbal interjections and the making of Awillo Mike as a social representation of “lived lives and storied lives” in live music performance in Kenya
Authors: Masese Eric
Published: February 2022

Live music performance takes a narrative form where experiences are narrated collectively by a “live band” both in song and performance. In such a performance, one band member often becomes a social representation of “good performance” for the audience. This paper seeks to contribute to this debate on “liveness” by exploring how “Awilo” Mike Otieno, one of the lead singers of Ja-Mnazi Africa Band in Eldoret-Kenya, uses verbal interjections — in between speech narrations during live music performance — to endear himself to the audience. This paper is based on data collected using unstructured interviews with “Awilo” Mike Otieno and purposively selected Band members for a period of six months. Augmentative data was obtained by participant observation and informal discussion with regular members of the audience. Based on Critical Discourse Analysis, the paper argues that verbal interjections in live music performance are not mere discourses. Instead, they are sites and means for the musician to exercise his/her power over the audience. By exercising this power, the musician is able to shape, (re)define (re)negotiate and contest (pre)existing subjectivities among the audience, and that of the audience towards him/her due to their diverse social positions in society. This subsequently aligns their physical and emotional realities. In addition, verbal interjection enables the musician to create new meanings on the narrated experiences to that which the audience can identify and relate with in their everyday lives, despite both being decontextualized. The ability to create congruity using verbal interjections proves the effectiveness of an artiste's performance and accounts for his or her popular acceptance.
The Goof, the Bad and the Ugly: "Indecent" Language Use on Ghanaian Radio
Authors: Amoakohene Margaret Ivy , Anderson Jemima Asabea , Opare-Henaku Jemima
Published: February 2022

Free speech and media freedoms were reinforced in Ghana with the repeal of the Criminal Libel Law in 2001. As a result, the citizen’s voice, which was hitherto muted, has grown louder as Ghanaians feel emboldened to contribute to national discourse in the media (especially local language radio programmes) without fear of the Criminal Libel Law. However, concerns have been raised about indecent language which has become pervasive in the Ghanaian media. This study examined indecent language on radio in Ghana. The study adopted the quantitative approach and analysed content data gathered from selected Ghanaian radio stations from May, 2016 to September, 2016. This was the period just before the 2016 presidential and parliamentary elections in Ghana. The study revealed six types of indecent language on Ghanaian radio and noted that insults and offensive comments ranked the highest, while expressions promoting divisiveness ranked lowest.
Consumption and utilization of fruits, leaves, and seeds of cola (pachycarpa and lepidota) in two southeastern States of Nigeria
Authors: Ngoka` I.R. , Chikwendu J.N. , Maduforo A.N.
Published: February 2022

Background: Cola pachycarpa and Cola lepidota are two varieties of fruit known as Monkey cola. They are from the same plant family. The plant was predominantly found in the wild until recently. There is basic information on the leaves, seeds, and fruits of this plant. However, there is paucity of empirical studies on their consumption and utilization pattern.

Objective: The study evaluated the consumption and utilization pattern of the leaves, fruits and seeds of these two varieties of Monkey Cola, pachycarpa and lepidota in two South-Eastern States of Nigeria.

Materials and methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional survey. The survey employed a multi-stage random sampling technique to select 808 adults from different communities in Isiala Mbano local government area of Imo State and Isiala Ngwa South local government area of Abia State. A structured validated questionnaire was used to obtain information on consumption and utilization pattern of the fruits, leaves and seeds in the survey areas. Data was analysed statistically using IBM-SPSS (Special Package for Social Sciences) version 20 software.

Results: Cola pachycarpa was more popular (84.5%) and the fruits were consumed mainly raw (99.0%). The leaves and seeds are not eaten but used for medicinal purposes, though the seeds ranked highest in this regard (48.3%).

Conclusion: The fruits particularly Cola pachycarpa were popular. They were consumed raw while the leaves and seeds were solely used in traditional medicine.
Effect of fermentation and drying on the nutrient and antinutrient composition of yellow and white maize flours
Authors: Ufere E.A. , Onuoha N.O. , Ezeja P
Published: February 2022

Background: Maize is the most abundant and available component of the locally prepared gruels for human consumption in Nigeria. It has been the basic source of meal for infants and breakfast for the average family. Pap in its current state cannot be stored at home for an extended period of time without spoiling or becoming contaminated.

Aim: The aim of this research was to investigate and compare the effect of fermentation and drying on the nutrient and antinutrient composition of the sieved and unsieved yellow and white maize flour.

Methods: The gains were divided into two portions and fermented for 48hrs. One portion was wet milled and sieved while the other portion was wet milled and unsieved. The slurries gotten were air- dried and sun-dried. The flours were analysis for proximate, vitamins minerals and antinutrient using standard methods.

Result: The study revealed that air dried unsieved yellow maize had an increased in protein, fibre and carbohydrate content of the flours while sun dried unsieved had an increase in fat, and ash. The air dried unsieved yellow flours had an increase in the minerals (calcium, iron and phosphorous) and vitamins (Vit A, Vit C and folate) content increased due to fermentation and unsieving. The tannin, phytate and oxalate levels were drastically reduced in the dried flours.

Conclusion: The yellow fermented unsieved air dried maize facilitates increased accessibility of nutrient and reduced anti-nutrient. Fermented unseived maize flour could therefore be used be adopted for preparation of maize pap.
Chemical composition, sensory and microbial attributes of porridges prepared from African yam bean (Sphenostylis stenocarpa) and corn (Zea mays) flour blends
Authors: Henry-Unaeze H.N. , Ngwu E.K.
Published: February 2022

Background: The dietary challenges facing type 2 diabetics have necessitated the development of high fiber indigenous diets for the management/control of blood glucose.

Objectives: The study determined the chemical composition, sensory and microbial attributes of porridges prepared from African yam bean (AYB) and corn flour blends.

Methods:  AYB seeds roasted at 1910C for 40 min and corn oven-dried at 500C for 24 h were finely milled, evaluated for proximate composition and dietary fiber profile and formulated into 5 flour samples in the ratios of 100, 70:30, 50:50, 30:70, 100 to supply one-third (1/3) of the daily dietary fiber requirement (12.7 g) of a reference man (70 kg). The 5 samples (including 3 composites) together with the control (traditional corn flour) provided 6 samples for the study. The samples were made into porridges and evaluated for chemical composition, sensory and microbial attributes using standard procedures. Data generated were analyzed using the IBM Statistical Product for Service Solution statistics version 21. Results were presented as means and standard deviations, Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the means and significance was accepted at p < 0.05.

Results: The proximate, minerals, vitamins and phytochemical compositions of the porridges were superior to the traditional corn porridge (control). No anti-nutrients were detected in all the porridges. Flavonoids (0.01 to 0.04 mg) and saponins (0.01 to 0.05 mg) were present in the porridges but not in the control. Viable organisms (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Micrococcus spp, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pencillum spp. Rhizopus spp.) that were unnatural microfloral of AYB and corn seeds were detected in the porridges. The microbial loads (1.2 x 101 to 2.0 x 102 cfu/g) were within the acceptable International Commission on Microbiological Specification of food limits of 105 cfu/g. More coliforms and fungal growth were observed in porridges with higher proportions of corn. All porridges rated higher (5.08 - 6.67) on the acceptability scale than the traditional corn porridge (4.00).

Conclusion: The high-fiber AYB-corn porridges had improved nutrient content, safe microbial load and consumer acceptability than the traditional corn porridge, and will add variety to diabetic meals.
Anthropometric status and nutritional risks of older adults in Umuahia metropolis, Abia state Nigeria
Authors: Nzeagwu O.C. , Iheme G.O. , Nkuku E.N.
Published: February 2022

Background: A thorough nutritional assessment is necessary for successful diagnosis and development of appropriate/comprehensive treatment plans for malnutrition among older adults.

 Objective: This study assessed the anthropometric status and nutritional risks of older persons in Umuahia Metropolis, Abia state.

Methods: The study was descriptive cross-sectional in design. A two-stage sampling technique was used to select 305 respondents. A structured questionnaire was used to elicit information on the relevant characteristics.  Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) form and Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) were used to categorize the respondents’ nutritional risk. Anthropometric values were compared with their standard recommendations. Descriptive statistics were computed for the categorical and continuous variables using SPSS version 25

Results: The study findings revealed that a good number (44.3%) of the older persons in the study area were between 60-64years, had family size of 4-6 members and earned income between N30,000 -50,000 (50.8%) and above N50,000 (45.9%). Majority of the respondents were normal or at low risk of nutrition using MNA (89.2%) and MUST (93.4%) classification. Similarly, most of the older adults had normal body mass index (74.4%), mid upper arm circumference (88.9%), waist hip ratio (65.2%) and calf circumference (85.6%) status.

Conclusion: This study revealed that the respondents had normal/safe nutritional and health status using the various anthropometry and malnutrition assessment scales. Therefore, efforts to maintain healthy nutritional status and improve the socio-economic profile of older adults should be encouraged.
Effects of green tea (Camellia sinensis) on paracetamol-induced oxidative stress markers in Wistar rats
Authors: Ezeja E.P. , Onuoha N.O. , Ufere E.A.
Published: February 2022

Background: Green tea is a good source of phenolic compounds which are known to possess antioxidant properties. Although there have been researches on the effect of fresh green tea  leaves on oxidative stress, there is paucity of data on processed green teas consumed in Nigeria.  

Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effect of green tea on oxidative stress biomarkers in Adult male Wister rats.

Methods: Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) level, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), vitamins A, C and E activity of rats treated with green tea extract (GTE) were determined using standard methods.  Thirty two (32) rats were divided into six groups of five rats each. Group 1 fed only on normal rat chow. All groups except group I were oxidative stress induced with 1500mg/kg body weight (bw) of paracetamol orally for three consecutive days. Group 2 did not receive any treatment. Group 3 was treated with ascorbic acid (20mg/kg bw) for seven consecutive days while groups 4 to 6 were treated with 50, 100, 200 mg/kg bw of GTE respectively for seven consecutive days.

Results: There was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the MDA concentration in groups 4 to 6 compared with groups 1 to 3. Group 5 had the highest SOD activity, while group 2 recorded the highest CAT activity. However, the GPx activity showed non-significant (p>0.05) difference among all the groups. The vitamin A level of the groups 4 to 5 showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease compared with groups 1 to 3. However, vitamin C and E levels of groups 5 increased significantly (p<0.05) compared with group 2.  

Conclusion: GTE consumption at 50, 100, 200 mg/kg bw for seven consecutive days caused reduction in serum MDA level and increased serum enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in rats.
Nutrients and antioxidant properties of red, yellow and white onions (Allium cepa L) in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Authors: Ani I.F. , Alfa T , Kupoluyi A.S. , Kupoluyi A.S.
Published: February 2022

Background: Onions is the most widely consumed vegetable worldwide and is a rich source of phytochemicals and antioxidants responsible for fighting free radicals in the body and preventing diseases

Objective: The general objective of the study was to analyze and compare the nutrient and antioxidant properties of red, yellow and white onions in Oyo state, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: The research design was experimental. Samples were analyzed chemically according to the official method of analysis described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemist (AOAC). All analysis was carried out in triplicate. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS statistics version 20. ANOVA was used to compare different variables together.

Results: The protein content was same in red and white onions. The crude fibre for red onions was 1.1 ±0.12, yellow onions 1.4±0.08 and white onions 1.2 ±0.12. White Onions had the highest total ash content (0.8 ±0.08), followed by yellow onions (0.6 ± 0.08) and red onions (0.6 ±0.05). The carbohydrate (by difference) was 12.2 ±0.09 for red onions, 11.1 ±0.22 for yellow onions and 11.4 ±0.36 for white onions. The reducing sugars for red onions was 1.8 ±0.12, yellow onions had 1.1 ±0.08 while white onions contained 1.2 ±0.12. The total sugars for red onions, yellow and white onions were 2.6 ±0.12, 1.7 ±0.12 and 2.2 ±0.12 respectively. The ascorbic acid (mg/100g) content was 15.8 ± 0.79 for red onions, 11.2 ±0.21 for yellow onions and 12.4 ±0.53 for white onions. Quercetin (mg/g) was highest in red onions (0.32 ±0.02), followed by yellow onions (0.24 ±0.01) and then white onions (0.19±0.01).  

Conclusion: The nutrients and antioxidant (quercetin and vitamin c) properties were higher in red onions compared to the other varieties (white and yellow) of onions.
Bir Edebiyat Durağı Küçükçekmece
Authors: PAKER Doğukan Ali
Published: February 2022

İstanbul şehri geçmişten bu yana sanatçılara esin kaynağı olan bir şehir olmuştur. Gülsüm Cengiz tarafından hazırlanan Bir Edebiyat Durağı Küçükçekmece adlı araştırma-inceleme kitabı da İstanbul’un ilçesi Küçükçekmece’yi esin kaynağı almakta ve burada yaşamış sanatçıları incelemektedir. On üç bölümden oluşan kitapta modern Türk edebiyatı sahasındaki sanatçılar ele alınır. Kitapta işlenen sanatçılar Mehmet Âkif Ersoy, Yusuf Ahıskalı, Hasan İzzettin Dinamo, Afşar Timuçin, Çetin Altan, Yaşar Kemal, Mustafa Eremektar, İlhami Bekir (Tez), Orhan Kemal, Enver Gökçe, Eray Canberk ve Ömer Açık gibi yazarlardan ve şairlerden oluşur. Bu yazarların Küçükçekmece ilçesiyle kurdukları bağlar anlatılır ve eserlerine yansıyan Küçükçekmece’ye ait doğal ve beşerî unsurlar gösterilir. Bu çalışmada sadece mekâna odaklanılmamıştır. İlgili bölümlerde yazarların edebî kişiliklerine ve biyografik özelliklerine de yer verilmiştir. Kitapta yazar biyografisi hakkında yeni bilgiler ve yazarlara ait ilk defa görülecek fotoğraflar bulunur. Yazarların biyografisi anlatılırken yazarın ailesinin ve dostlarının anılarıyla desteklenir. Bu kitap Küçükçekmece veya civarında yaşamış şahsiyetleri ele alması ve onların eserlerine yansıyan Küçükçekmece’yi işlemesi bakımından özgün bir çalışmadır. Yerel belediyelerin bu tarz çalışmaları desteklemeleri, Türk edebiyatı tarihine önemli bir hizmet işlevi taşımaktadır.
The identification and elimination of excessive production in FM cleaning operations within UK shopping centres.
Authors:   , Matthews Daniel
Published: February 2022

Research surrounding lean and Muda is plentiful within a manufacturing and production context, however, limited in facilities management (FM), particularly in a cleaning operation within UK shopping centres. The literature reviewed for this study indicated that although no effort has been previously made to integrate the Muda concept into FM cleaning operations within UK shopping centres, efficiency improvements are available in operations outside of manufacturing and production environments. And that UK shopping centres contain FM cleaning operations in which these efficiency improvements could be possible. In consideration of this research gap, the aim of this study was to explore the identification and elimination of excessive production in FM cleaning operations within UK shopping centres. This study used a quantitative methodology, based on the researcher’s positivist research philosophy, and explored the research problem utilising survey questionnaires. 107 survey questionnaires from front-line cleaning operators UK shopping centres were statistically analysed to explore relationships between the six defined independent variables, FM service delivery, in-house/outsource, management presence, shopping centre classification, continuous improvement (CI), and performance measurement, with the sole dependent variable, excessive production. The respondents spanned all four UK shopping centre classifications (REVO, 2018), across a total of 12 UK shopping centres. Two significant relationships were found in this study. Both the utilisation of CI and performance measurement are <.001 significant in reducing the level of excessive production in FM cleaning operations within UK shopping centres. It is therefore suggested that in order to improve operational efficiency in this researched environment, a focus on both CI and performance measurement would be beneficial to both the FM service provider and property management. On the contrary, the remaining four independent variables, FM service delivery, in-house/outsource, management presence, and shopping centre classification, all provided insignificant relationships with the dependent variable, therefore proposing no benefit to operational efficiency improvements.
DETERMINACIÓN SIMULTÁNEA DE ANTINFLAMATORIOS NO ESTEROIDEOS EN AGUA PARA CONSUMO HUMANO MEDIANTE HPLC-DAD
Authors: Franco-Zambrano Byron Fernando , Bravo-Sánchez Luis Ramón , Ruiz-Reyes Enrique
Published: February 2022

El crecimiento de la población urbana presenta una serie de retos técnicos, ecológicos y sociales para asegurar la disponibilidad y calidad de las aguas superficiales por la presencia de contaminantes emergentes, los mismos que en los últimos años han despertado un interés científico por su creciente presencia en medios acuosos. El objetivo de este estudio fue la determinación simultánea de seis antinflamatorios no esteroideos: aspirina (ácido acetil salicílico), diclofenaco, ibuprofeno, ketorolaco, meloxicam y naproxeno, mediante cromatografía líquida de alta eficacia con un detector ultravioleta - visible multiespectral de arreglo de diodos (HPLC-DAD). Se establecieron diferentes puntos de muestreo del agua a lo largo del río Portoviejo, cercanos a zonas de captación de agua para consumo, así como también se recolectaron muestras de agua potable en las ciudades de Manta, Portoviejo y Rocafuerte. Los primeros resultados revelaron que las concentraciones de estos contaminantes se encontraron por debajo de los límites de detección y cuantificación de la técnica de análisis, por lo que no fue posible su cuantificación en niveles por debajo de los µg/mL. Los resultados sugieren que para la evaluación de estos contaminantes se necesita de técnicas analíticas más sensibles para determinar concentraciones de estos fármacos a niveles de ng/L.

Palabras claves: Contaminantes emergentes; antinflamatorios no esteroideos; cromatografía líquida de alta eficacia, detector UV-vis multiespectral.
Religion and Higher Education in the American South: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Platt R. Eric , Burlbaw Lynn M.
Published: February 2022

This is an introduction to the special issue on religion and higher education in the American South. This special issue features five research articles and a book review that provide telling details about the role religion has played and continues to play in Southern higher education.
Loyola University New Orleans College of Law: A History
Authors: Hall Kaitlyn
Published: February 2022

Maria Isabel Medina's chronicle of Loyola University New Orleans College of Law examines the prominent Jesuit institution across its hundred-year history, from its founding in 1914 through the first decade of the twenty-first century. With a mission to make the legal profession attainable to Catholics, and other working-class persons, Loyola's law school endured the hardships of two world wars, the Great Depression, the tumult of the civil rights era, and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to emerge as a leader in legal education in the state.Exploring the history of the college within a larger examination of the legal profession in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana, Medina provides details on Loyola's practical and egalitarian approach to education. As a result of the school's principled focus, Loyola was the first law school in the state to offer a law school clinic, develop a comprehensive program of legal-skills training, and to voluntarily integrate African Americans into the student body.The transformative milestones of Loyola University New Orleans College of Law parallel pivotal points in the history of the Crescent City, demonstrating how local culture and environment can contribute to the longevity of an academic institution and making Loyola University New Orleans College of Law a valuable contribution to the study of legal education.
Cinchona amazonica Standl. (Rubiaceae) no estado do Acre, Brasil
Authors: Pollito Percy Amilcar Zevallos , Filho Mário Tomazello
Published: February 2022

O presente estudo trata da dendrologia, distribuição geográfica e status de conservação de Cinchona amazonica Standl., plantas de interesse medicinal que ocorrem no estado do Acre, Brasil. A pesquisa consistiu em trabalhos de campo para a coleta de material botânico, levantamento e estudo das exsicatas disponíveis nos herbários nacionais e internacionais da América do Sul, revisão bibliográfica das espécies do gênero na literatura e nos sites especializados. Os resultados apresentam a descrição da espécie com a sua ilustração e mapeamento dos especímenes, bem como determinação da sua situação populacional.