bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential expression of NUCKS1 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Authors: Mamoor Shahan
Published: September 2022

Neurodegenerative diseases that affect the motor neurons, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), have little treatment options and are generally rapidly fatal (1, 2). We harnessed the power of unbiased, whole transcriptome differential gene expression analysis, utilizing primary patient cells and tissues to discover genes whose expression defines sporadic ALS using published data (3, 4). We found significant differential expression of NUCKS1, encoding nuclear casein kinase and cyclin-dependent kinase substrate 1, in primary motor neurons of patients with ALS. NUCKS1 was also differentially expressed in the fibroblasts isolated from patients with ALS. NUCKS1 transcript was present at significantly higher levels in ALS patient fibroblasts as compared to control, non-diseased fibroblasts. These analyses will begin to define the transcriptional landscape of ALS.
O teorema da não-clonagem sob uma perspectiva pedagógica
Authors: Lobo Matheus Pereira , de Souza Ayla Pinheiro dos Reis
Published: September 2022

Apresentamos uma transposição didática do teorema da não-clonagem para estudantes do ensino médio utilizando polinômios.
Resume Dasar Pemikiran Moneter Dalam Sistem Keuangan Islam
Authors: Asniar
Published: September 2022

Sistem moneter sepanjang zaman telah mengalami banyak perkembangan, sistem keuangan inilah yang paling banyak di lakukan studi empiris maupun historis bila di bandingkan dengan disiplin ilmu ekonomi lainnya.sistem keuangan pada zaman Rasulullah saw. di gunakan bimatalic standard yaitu emas dan perak (dirham dan dinar) karena keduanya merupakan alat pembayaran yang sah dan beredar di masyarakat. Nilai tukar emas dan perak pada masa Rasulallah saw.
Differential expression of SERPINE2 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Authors: Mamoor Shahan
Published: September 2022

Neurodegenerative diseases that affect the motor neurons, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), have little treatment options and are generally rapidly fatal (1, 2). We harnessed the power of unbiased, whole transcriptome differential gene expression analysis, utilizing primary patient cells and tissues to discover genes whose expression defines ALS using published data (3, 4). We found significant differential expression of SERPINE2, encoding serpin family E member 2, in the primary motor neurons of patients with ALS. SERPINE2 was also differentially expressed in the skeletal muscle of patients with ALS. SERPINE2 transcript was present at higher levels in ALS patient motor neurons as compared to control motor neurons. These analyses will begin to define the transcriptional landscape of ALS.
Do changes in personality predict life outcomes?
Authors: Wright Amanda Jo , Jackson Joshua James
Published: September 2022

The Big Five personality traits predict many important life outcomes. These traits, although relatively stable, are also open to change across time. However, whether these changes likewise predict a wide range of life outcomes has yet to be rigorously tested. This has implications for the types of processes linking trait levels and changes with future outcomes: distal, cumulative processes versus more immediate, proximal processes, respectively. The current study used seven longitudinal datasets (N = 81,980) to comprehensively examine the unique relationship that changes in the Big Five traits have with static levels of and changes in numerous outcomes in the domains of health, education, career, finance, relationships, and civic engagement. Meta-analytic estimates were calculated and study-level variables were examined as potential moderators of these pooled effects. Results indicated that changes in personality traits are sometimes prospectively related to static outcomes – such as health status, degree attainment, unemployment, and volunteering – above and beyond associations due to static trait levels. Moreover, changes in personality more frequently predicted changes in these outcomes, with associations for new outcomes emerging as well (e.g., marriage, divorce). Across all meta-analytic models, the magnitude of effects for changes in traits was never larger than that of static levels and there were fewer change associations. Study-level moderators (e.g., average age, number of Big Five waves, internal consistency estimates) were rarely associated with effects. Our study suggests personality change can play a valuable role in one’s development and highlights that both cumulative and proximal processes matter for some trait-outcome associations.
Ten simple rules for socially responsible science
Authors: Zivony Alon , Kardosh Rasha , Timmins Liadh , Reggev Niv
Published: September 2022

Guidelines concerning the potentially harmful effects of scientific studies have historically focused on ethical considerations for minimizing risk for participants. However, studies can also indirectly inflict harm on individuals and social groups through how they are designed, reported, and disseminated. As evidenced by recent criticisms and retractions of high-profile studies dealing with a wide variety of social issues, there is a scarcity of resources and guidance on how one can conduct research in a socially responsible manner. As such, even motivated researchers might publish work that has negative social impacts due to a lack of awareness. To address this, we propose ten simple rules for researchers who wish to conduct socially responsible science. These rules, which cover major considerations throughout the life cycle of a study from inception to dissemination, are not aimed as a prescriptive list or a deterministic code of conduct. Rather, they are meant to help motivated scientists to reflect on their social responsibility as researchers and actively engage with the potential social impact of their research.
Follow the Flow: A Prospective on the On-Line Detection of Flow Mental State through Machine Learning
Authors: Sajno Elena , Beretta Andrea , Novielli Nicole , Riva Giuseppe
Published: September 2022

Flow is a precious mental status for achieving high sports performance. It is defined as an emotional state with high valence and high arousal levels. However, a viable detection system that could provide information about it in real-time is not yet recognized. The prospective work presented here aims to the creation of an online flow detection framework. A supervised machine learning model will be trained to predict valence and arousal levels, both on already existing databases and freshly collected physiological data. As final result, the definition of the minimally expensive (both in terms of sensors and time) amount of data needed to predict a flow status will enable the creation of a real-time detection interface of flow.
Cognitive Flexibility and Stability at the Task-Set Level: A Dual-Dimension Framework
Authors: Nack Corey , Chiu Yu-Chin
Published: September 2022

The structure of flexibility and stability in metacontrol has long been subject to an overlooked assumption that these states vary on a single spectrum. As an alternative, we propose a dual-dimension framework (DDF) whereby flexibility and stability are assigned to separate dimensions, each ranging from low to high and capable of varying independently.
Transcending human sociality: eco-cosmological relationships between entities in the ecosphere
Authors: Abad Espinoza Luis Gregorio
Published: September 2022

Based on a discussion of the theoretical contributions of Claude Lévi-Strauss and Pierre Clastres, this article explores social relationships as more than a human dimension. Though strongly analysed by both anthropologists, these relationships appear to involve indigenous societies’ whole ecological and cosmological system. In this sense, reciprocity, social cohesion, and exchange can be understood as material and immaterial interrelationships between entities of a more than a corporeal world. I argue, then, that to go beyond the mere anthropocentric conceptualisation of sociality in a nature good to think, we need to holistically conceive the interconnected levels of trophic, socio-structural and socio-cosmic relationships and exchanges between human and non-human beings in the ecosystem.
Time is Ticking: The dynamics of education reform in the Covid-era
Authors: Woulfin Sarah Louise , Spitzer Natalie
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted time in educational organizations and, thus, for educators and students. Time is a vital resource for educational reform, yet many applications of organizational theory and literature on educational change largely neglect it. This paper applies concepts from physics as well as organizational theory to elucidate the role of time in the U.S. education system’s efforts to recuperate from the pandemic. This paper presents three cases: 1) accelerated learning; 2) extended time; and 3) redeveloped professional learning. For each case, we demonstrate how time has been conceptualized and how leaders are stretching the space-time of schooling. This paper also portrays innovative models that provide time for students to receive an array of responsive, equity-centered, academic and SEL opportunities and for educators to collaborate, continuing their own development amid the ever-shifting Covid-context. In sum, this article advances an innovative framework demonstrating the importance of time in educational change.
Proximate composition and evaluation of some antioxidant properties of the fresh fruits of Harungana madagascariensis Lam. Ex Poir. (Hypericaceae)
Authors:   Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria., Afieroho O. E. , AJuzie J. I. ,   Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytotherapy, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria., Afieroho M. C. ,   Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria.
Published: September 2022

This study reports the proximate composition and some antioxidant properties: free radical scavenging (FRS), total phenolics content (TPC) and total flavonoids content (TFC) of the under-utilized fresh fruits of Harungana madagascariensis, a plant widely used in folklore medicine. The proximate compositions were determined following the AOAC method. The antioxidant properties FRS, TPC and TFC were respectively evaluated in vitro using the standard diphenyl picryl hydrazine (DPPH), Folin ciocateau and Aluminium chloride spectrophotometric assays. The proximate compositions: water content (13.771 g/100g fresh fruit), dry matter (82.229 g/100g fresh fruit), ash (3.087 g/100g fresh fruit), crude fat (42.011 g/100g fresh fruit), crude protein (6.489 g/100g fresh fruit), crude fibre (0.396 g/100g fresh fruit), total carbohydrate (34.246 g/100g fresh fruit) and Energy value (541.036 Kcal/100 g fresh fruit) were obtained from the fruit of H. madagascariensis. For the antioxidant properties, a TPC (6.758 mg tannic acid equivalent per g fresh fruit), TFC (0.055 mg quercetin equivalent/g fresh fruit) and FRS (IC50 = 0.05 mg/mL) were obtained. This study is reporting for the first time the proximate composition of the fruits of H. madagascariensis a plant widely used in ethno-medicine in addition to its antioxidant potentials and recommends it as a good source of functional food.
Aloe vera as a bio-preservative for keeping quality of horticultural products
Authors:   Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Crop Production Sciences, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan., Jalal Abdul , Ahmad Naveed ,   Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Crop Production Sciences, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, Pakistan.
Published: September 2022

Postharvest periods are very challenging for marketing of horticultural commodities that are more perishable. Fruit decay is the major postharvest constraint responsible for negative return of horticultural commodities that is expressed by weight loss, color changes, softening and microbial spoilage. Different postharvest techniques like waxing, chemical coating and dip techniques are in practice to avoid the losses but due to the hazardous nature of chemicals to human health, the concept of bio preservation has been developed. Replacing of chemical preservation with bio preservation strategies are user friendly and has great potential if constraints in production and application techniques studied completely. Among the various bio preservative plants, Aloe vera plant has a great history for its medicinal use against wide range of ailments and fruit preservation. It prevents loss of moisture and firmness, control respiration rate and maturation development, delay oxidative browning, reduce microorganism proliferation and other parameters like titratable acidity, soluble solids content, ascorbic acid content, firmness and decay percentage also controls significantly.
Micronutrients and anti-nutritional composition of ‘kpaakpa’ (Hildegardia barteri) seed flours
Authors:   Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 1526 Owerri, Nigeria., Ibeabuchi J. C. , Ahaotu N. N. ,   Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 1526 Owerri, Nigeria., Mmuoasinam B. C. ,   Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 1526 Owerri, Nigeria., Anaeke E. J. ,   Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 1526 Owerri, Nigeria., Bede N. E. ,   Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 1526 Owerri, Nigeria., Amandikwa Chinyere ,   Department of Food Science and Technology, Federal University of Technology, PMB 1526 Owerri, Nigeria.
Published: September 2022

The study investigates the micronutrient and anti-nutritional composition of ‘kpaakpa’ (Hildegardia barteri) seed flours. Defatted and undefatted samples of ‘kpaakpa’ (H. barteri) seed flours were produced. The mineral, vitamin and anti-nutrient composition of the flour samples were determined. Results of mineral composition showed calcium, copper, iron and potassium contents to be 30.00 mg/100g, 0.84 mg/100g, 3.67 mg/100g and 1.62 mg/100g, respectively, for the defatted flour; 27.33 mg/100g, 0.68 mg/100g, 0.86 mg/100g and 2.40 mg/100g, respectively for the undefatted flour sample. For the defatted flour, high calcium content indicated that the seed could be a valuable calcium supplement, especially, in calcium deficient diets. Furthermore, results obtained for vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K were 1769.13 µg/100g, 8.25 µg/100g, 67.85 mg/100g and 10.31 mg/100g, respectively for the defatted flour and 5759.10 µg/100g, 15.87 µg/100g, 78.50 mg/100g and 11.53 mg/100g for the undefatted flour. The high vitamin A content revealed that the seed could be a good supplement for foods with low vitamin A and could be a remedy to blurred vision. The results of the anti-nutrient determination showed that the composition of phytate, oxalate, tannin and cyanide of defatted seed flour were 0.37, 0.14, 0.93 and 0.04%, respectively and 0.34, 0.05, 0.60 and 0.06% for the undefatted seed flour. The low anti-nutritional content particularly cyanide makes the seed more suited for food formulation.
Reference percentile for height, weight and BMI among children/adolescents of Karachi Pakistan
Authors:   Department of Physiology, CMH Institute of Medical Sciences, Bahawalpur, Pakistan., Sadiq Sara , Qureshi Muhammad Fazal Hussain ,   Undergraduate Students, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan., Farooq Lubna ,   Department of Pharmacology, Baqai Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan., Mohammad Danish ,   Undergraduate Students, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan., Lakhani Mahira ,   Undergraduate Students, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan., Lodhi Muneeza ,   Department of Pharmacology, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan.
Published: September 2022

Pakistani children of school going age significantly differed from WHO references in which overweight and obesity were significantly higher and underweight was lower than normal when compare to WHO references. Due to this huge discrepancy and lack of data, there was a dire need to establish age appropriate BMI ranges for Pakistani population. The basic aim of the study is to find out the BMI ranges among the school going children/adolescents of Karachi Pakistan. A cross sectional study was conducted among children belonging to different ethnic groups in primary, middle, secondary schools and Maddarsa (religious educational institutes) of Karachi. Height in centimeters (cm) and weight in kilogram (kg) were measured. BMI was calculated using height and weight. WHO’s BMI graph was used to find out the percentile for labelling underweight, normal healthy individual, overweight and obese. A total of about 1244 samples of children and adolescents aged seven to eighteen years were included. The mean age of the study participants was 12.96±2.8 years, in which boys having mean age of 13.1±2.7 years while for girls mean age was 12.66±2.8 years. The mean height (cm) and weight (kg) among the study participants were 146.92±15.84 and 41.20±15.69 respectively. Among younger age group, the girls were taller than the boys but after reaching the age of 15 the girls having approximately the same height up to the age of 18th and as for boys, the findings were vice versa. Majority of the participants reported normal BMI while for over abnormality, the higher prevalence of participants being overweight rather than underweight when comparing with the WHO references. Measures must be taken to assess what current set up is doing right, and then it must be implemented at a larger scale.
Microbiological quality of selected street vended foods during wet and dry season in parts of Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Food Science and Technology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt,  P.M.B 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria., Oyet G. I. , Achinewhu S. C. ,   Department of Food Science and Technology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt,  P.M.B 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria., Kiin-Kabari D. B. ,   Department of Food Science and Technology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt,  P.M.B 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria., Akusu M. O. ,   Department of Food Science and Technology, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt,  P.M.B 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Published: September 2022

Microbiological quality of selected ready-to-eat (RTE) street vended foods (SVF) were determined to evaluate the impact of wet and dry seasons on food safety in 3 locations (Makoba-station 1, Elekahia-station 2 and Rivers State University-station 3). Six food products investigated were roasted plantain (RP), roasted fish (RF), roasted yam (RY), suya (SY), meat pie (MP) and doughnuts (DN). Total Aerobic Count (TAC), Total Coliform Count (TCC), Faecal Coliform Count (FCC), Total Staphylococcus Count (TSC), Total Salmonella Count (TSC2), Total Bacillus Count (TBC), Total Mould Count (TMC) and Total Yeast Count (TYC) were examined. Results revealed that TAC had significantly (p<0.05) highest value of 8.46 log10CFU/g in RF2 with no growth in samples RP2, MP1 and DN2 during the wet season while TAC were isolated in all samples during dry season with a range of 5.18 to 7.44 log10CFU/g. TCC was highest in RF2 (8.04 log10CFU/g) and SY2 (7.33 log10CFU/g) during the wet and dry seasons, respectively. FCC ranged from 6.00 to 8.45 log10CFU/g for samples RF2 and MP1 during wet season while 5.15 to 7.10 log10CFU/g was isolated during dry season. TSC ranged from 6.00 to 8.00 log10CFU/g representing 55.55% growth rate during the wet season while no growth was observed in all the samples during dry season except RP1 (5.62 log10CFU/g) and RF2 (6.76 log10CFU/g). There was Salmonella growth in all the SVF with values ranging from 5.00 to 7.04 log10CFU/g during the dry season with NG in SY1 while TSC2 were only isolated in RF1 and SY2 during wet season with the values of 7.11 log10CFU/g and 7.57 log10CFU/g, respectively. TBC ranged from 6.00 to 8.30 log10CFU/g with NG isolated in samples RP3, RF3, RY2, MP3 and DN1 at wet season while significantly highest value of 6.63 log10CFU/g (SY2) was isolated in SY2 and 61.11% NG during dry season. TMC in all the SVF had higher values during wet season than the dry season. TYC was highest in RY2 (7.81 log10CFU/g) and SY1 (8.76 log10CFU/g) during wet and dry seasons, respectively. The study thus, revealed that seasonal variations and locations of SVF have a great impact on their microbiological quality.
Pectin extraction from the Moringa oleifera pods and its application in a jam
Authors:   Department of Chemistry. Francisco de Miranda National Experimental University. Falcón, Venezuela., Quintero Maria Eugenia Moreno , Ramírez Maribel Coromoto Quintero ,   Department of Chemistry. Francisco de Miranda National Experimental University. Falcón, Venezuela., Zafra Lourdes Mariana Crespo ,   Department of Science and Tecnology of foods. University of Camaguey  "Ignacio Agramonte Loynaz". Camaguey, Cuba.
Published: September 2022

Pectin is an important polysaccharide in food because of its functional property. It has the ability to form gels in an acidic medium and in the presence of sugars. For this reason, it is used in the food industry as a thickening agent. In this research, pectin was extracted from both dry and green pods of Moringa oleifera. Firstly, the dry and wet moringa pods were characterized, obtaining humidity values 12.12 and 23.18%; ash 1.75 and 0.67%; proteins 20.62 and 5.91%; pH 6.15 and 6.86, density 0.91 and 0.18 g/mL respectively. In the extraction of pectin, the acid hydrolysis method was used, obtaining a 41% yield for the green pods at pH 2 and 30% for the dried ones at pH 3 at 90°C and 90 minutes in both cases. The pectin with higher yield was characterized physicochemically yielding 3.45% in content of methoxyl, 1.3% of ash, gelling time of 4 minutes, 15% in degree of esterification and 73.92% of galacturonic acid. A sensory analysis applied to the jam made with the pectin obtained rated as excellent. It is concluded that the pectin obtained is of low methoxy, slow gelation and high purity; it can be used to make jam, with good sensory acceptance.
Evaluation of the nutritional status of children under 5 years old from farmers, fishermen and fish farmers in the northern areas of the Republic of Congo
Authors:   aboratory of Food and Human Nutrition, Faculty of Science and Technology, Marien NGOUABI University,  Brazzaville, Congo Republic., MABOSSY-MOBOUNA Germain , LOUBELO Aubry Babain ,   Laboratory of Nutrition, Health and Human Motricity, Higher Institute of Physical and Sports Education, Marien NGOUABI University, Brazzaville, Congo Republic.
Published: September 2022

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional status of children under 5 years old in the households of farmers, fishermen and fish farmers in the areas of Sangha, Cuvette, Cuvette-Ouest and Plateaux. The correlation between the nutritional status of the children and the main activities of the households was established by the anthropometric measurements of nutritional status from the weight/age/height indices. The results showed that the prevalence of the three types of malnutrition in children from 0 to 59 months were 9.8% for underweight, 19.2% for stunting and 8.9% for wasting. Nevertheless, they presented spatial variations in the studied areas. The malnutrition incidence was higher in girls in Cuvette, Cuvette-Ouest and Plateaux, compared to boys. In contrary to this, in Sangha the malnutrition incidence was detected higher in boys than in girls. The children of the households surveyed were victims of the three types of malnutrition. Overall, the main activity of the household surveyed had an influence on the nutritional status of the child. However, this influence varied according to the type of malnutrition.
Fish consumption study at a household level in Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors:   Department of Zoology, Bacha Khan University Charsadda, Pakistan., Baset Abdul
Published: September 2022

Fishes are generally considered as cheap sources of protein and good quality nutrition for human consumption. A survey was conducted in District Dir Lower in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan. The survey was conducted through a properly structured questionnaire from March 13th to June 2nd, 2019 to determine the consumption of fish (i.e. Mahasheer, trout, catfish, Common Carp, Rohu, etc.) according to in educational levels, gender, per capita, based on species liking, size, time duration, the order of preference given by the people. The current survey results showed that fish consumption had no relation to the educational level because illiterate and educational males consumed 75.51 and 58.53% fish respectively. Similarly, the percentage for illiterate female was 66.67% and educational female was 55.17%. The per head consumption for lower class was 0.49 kg per year, followed by middle class 0.46 kg then upper class 0.37 kg per year. The percentage of persons consumed fish per month was 46.25% while it was only 8% a year. The people who avoided fish for its spines and the high cost were 50.75 and 31.25% respectively. It was observed that people know that fish eating can increase the eyesight, helps in high blood pressure and reduces the cardiac disease were 46.75, 13.25 and 25% respectively. It has been concluded that per head consumption was greater for the lower class followed by the middle and upper class. Most people of the district Lower Dir consume fish once a month while few people consume fish occasionally. The fish consumption has no relation with educational level because illiterate people consume more fish than educated people.
Evaluation of nutritional, antinutritional, functional properties and cooking time of improved cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) varieties grown in Ethiopia
Authors:   Department of Food Science and Post harvest Technology, Southern Agricultural Research Institute, Jinka Agricultural Research Center, P.O. Box 96, Jinka, Ethiopia., Gutema Tamerat , Abera Solomon ,   Department of Food Science and Technology, Institute of Technology, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia., Neme Getachew ,   Department of Food Science and Technology, Institute of Technology, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 138, Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.
Published: September 2022

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) is an important legume and an alternative source of protein which can be used as a substitute for animal protein that is limited in supply in Ethiopia. This study was initiated to evaluate the nutritional, antinutritional, functional properties and cooking time of two improved cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) varieties (Bole and Kanketi) grown in Ethiopia. The crude protein (28.80%), total ash (5.04%) and total energy (336.89 Kcal/100g) contents were higher for Bole variety than Kanketi variety (25.32%, 4.71% and 329.72 Kcal/100g), respectively. Kanketi variety had greater moisture content (8.91%), crude fiber (6.60%), crude fat (2.12%) and digestible carbohydrate (52.34%) than Bole variety (8.45%, 4.71%, 1.91% and 51.12%), respectively. The mineral content of the Bole variety revealed significantly higher values of Ca (43.36 mg/100g), Zn (6.17 mg/100g) and Fe (15.65 mg/100g) than Kanketi variety (41.91 mg/100g, 4.99 mg/100g and 13.32 mg/100g), respectively. Tannin and phytic acid content were found in the range of 28.43 to 31.23 mg/100g and 80.37 to 127.99 mg/100g, respectively, for Bole and Kanketi varieties. Both varieties had no significance (p < 0.05) difference on swelling power. Water solubility (20.19%) and oil absorption capacity (2.24 g/g) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher for Bole variety than Kanketi variety (17.56% and 2.06 g/g). Bulk density and water absorption capacity were found in the range of 0.75 to 0.79 g/ml and 2.39 to 2.54 g/g, respectively, for Bole and Kanketi varieties. The cooking time was significantly (p < 0.05) higher for Kanketi (27.42 min) than Bole variety (17.59 min). The results showed that Bole variety had good nutritional potential, low antinutritional factor, better functional properties and short cooking time than Kanketi variety. Hence, it can be used as a raw material in the food processing industries in the production of quality weaning and supplementary food products.
Nutritional composition of local ingredients used to prepare porridges for vulnerable people in Maroua (far- north region, Cameroon)
Authors:   Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Derivated products, National Advanced School of Engineering of Maroua, University of Maroua, P. O. Box 46, Maroua, Cameroon., Elumba Prosper Asue , Goudoum Augustin ,   Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Derivated products, National Advanced School of Engineering of Maroua, University of Maroua, P. O. Box 46, Maroua, Cameroon., Ponka Roger ,   Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Derivated products, National Advanced School of Engineering of Maroua, University of Maroua, P. O. Box 46, Maroua, Cameroon.
Published: September 2022

Protein, energy and micronutrient deficiency is a major problem in Cameroon, especially its HIV/AIDS population. Porridges formulation and consumption are an easy way to relieve part of this problem. Local porridges made from a proper selection of ingredients are acceptable and cheap. The present study analyses the nutritional composition of ingredients locally used to prepare porridges for the vulnerable population of Maroua. A survey was carried out on 100 households to determine the types of ingredients they use in the preparation of porridges for vulnerable people. All grains were sprouted except for rice and the proximate composition (moisture, ash, crude fibers, protein and fats) was determined by the Standard Association of Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods. Minerals (Ca, Mg, K, Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe) were determined by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. Phosphorus and total carotenoid were determined colorimetrically. Results revealed that millet, maize and rice were the most used cereals to prepare porridge and ranges were: Millet 19% for sick, 41% for children; Maize 14% for pregnant women, 28% for sick and rice 15% for sick. The most used legumes to enrich porridges were peanuts, soybeans and white beans respectively. Proximate composition expressed in g/100g of sample ranges were 12.42 - 22.76 for moisture, 0.73 - 3.74 for ash, 7.82 - 53.78 for fats, 0.40 - 4.49 for fibers, 22.14 - 86.64 for carbohydrate and 427.7 - 659.46 Kcal/100g for energy. Minerals and total carotenoids expressed as mg/100g of sample ranges were: 7.6 - 482.5 for Ca, 42.6 - 278.75 for Mg, 149.5 - 1701.50 for K, 57.75 - 218.75 for P, 1.71 - 57.75 for Zn, 0.51 - 2.50 for Cu, 0.63 - 3.46 for Mn, 1.23 to 8.31 for Fe, 2.22 - 5.46 for Na and 0.28 - 0.81 for total carotenoids. This information could be exploited to formulate porridges to resolve the malnutrition problem observed vulnerable individuals.
Effect of storage conditions on physico-chemical and sensory acceptability of sweet potato in Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors:   South Agricultural Research Institute, Arba Minch Agricultural Research Center, P. O. Box 2228, Arba Minch, Ethiopia., Eyesa Wasihun Wale , Badebo Ermias Dureto ,   South Agricultural Research Institute, Arba Minch Agricultural Research Center, P. O. Box 2228, Arba Minch, Ethiopia.
Published: September 2022

The effect of different storage conditions (pit, sack, wooden box and clump) on the physico-chemical and sensory acceptability of sweet potatoes was conducted. Sweet potatoes were stored in the four storage conditions and untreated sweet potatoes (control) were used for this study. In four storage conditions, 10 kg of freshly harvested sweet potatoes were stored until the end of four storage months. Per cent of weight loss, sprouting, and spoilage of sweet potatoes data were collected from storage conditions in monthly intervals. All samples were analyzed for physic-chemical properties at Hawassa University, Food Chemistry and Food Microbiology Laboratory, and sensory acceptability was evaluated by using untrained 45 panellists at the end of the storage period. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used for storage conditions with three replication. The mean scores of appearance, taste, flavour, smell, and texture of sweet potato in storage conditions at the end of four months and untreated sweet potatoes had not shown significant difference except for overall acceptability of sweet potato. The mean scores of moisture and protein of sweet potato samples had not shown significant (p<0.05) differences in all storage conditions and untreated sweet potatoes. The pit storage scored the highest mean of moisture (71.30), ash (1.53), protein (6.73), fat (4.66) and fiber (1.76) than other storage conditions but less than untreated sweet potato except for fiber content of pit storage. The least mean per cent of weight loss (26.45), sprouting (9.72), and spoilage (2.87) of sweet potato was recorded at pit storage than in other storage conditions at the end of the fourth month. It was concluded that pit is storage preferable to other storage conditions based on weight loss, sprouting, spoilage, better physic-chemical and sensory acceptability, and recommended to farmers for storing sweet potatoes. Further study will be needed on the microbial quality of sweet potatoes in different storage conditions during storage periods.
Association between Gallstones and Diabetics Type 2 Iraqi Patients
Authors: H. Altaie Anmar
Published: September 2022

Gallstone disease is one of the most common complications among diabetic patients especially type 2 DM. Till now, there is no specific and certain factor that explain the incidence of gallstones among type 2 diabetic patients and many risk factors are taken collectively to estimate its intensity and severity compared to non diabetic counter parts. This clinical study was designed to evaluate and report the incidence and severity of gallstones among type 2 diabetics and non diabetics regarding certain factors. 20 diabetic females and 20 diabetic males were collected as patientsâ€² group and have had gallstones while 20 females and 20 males who have had gallstones without diabetes mellitus type 2 were collected as controlsâ€² group. The age, weight, and both of the size and number of gallstones of diabetic patients and controls were correlated to demonstrate the prevalence of gallstones among the patientsâ€² and controlsâ€² groups. The study showed that the mean ages of female patients is slightly higher (p<0.05) than the female controls. On the other hand there was a significant difference (p<0.05) between female and male control subjects. The body mass index (BMI) of male patients was significantly higher (p<0.05) than the male controls, while there was a significant difference (p<0.05) between female and male control subjects. The results of the study presented that the stone size of female patients was significantly higher (p<0.05) than the female and male controls, while the stone diameter of male patients was significantly higher (p<0.05) than the male and female controls. The stone number of female patients was significantly higher (p<0.05) than the female and male controls, while the stone number of male patients was significantly higher (p<0.05) than the male and female controls. These findings suggest that the incidence of gallstones was higher in type 2 diabetics both in males and females than the non diabetics and more in females than males who were non diabetics.

Key words: Diabetes mellitus, gallstones, gender, ultrasound
Serum Trace Elements (Zinc, Copper and Magnesium) Status in Iraqi Patients with Acne Vulgaris :( Case- Controlled Study)
Authors: OM Saleh Basil , N. H. Anbar Zainab , Y. Majid Ali
Published: September 2022

Recently on the dermatological fields, the serum levels and the roles of Zn, Cu and Mg have been studied especially in acne vulgaris, but the results were controversial. The aim of the present study is to investigate  a relationship between the severity of acne and the serum levels of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and magnesium (Mg) and to demonstrate the status of serum levels of zinc, copper, and magnesium in Iraqi male patients with acne vulgaris and to compare it with those of healthy controls.This case controlled study was conducted in the Department of Dermatology and Venerology and in the Poisoning Consultation Center of Baghdad Teaching Hospital between May 2009 to January 2010. Forty- five male patients with acne vulgaris, their ages ranged from 18-30 (21.82Â±3.77) years and 45 healthy male subjects as controls, their ages ranged from 18-30 (22.18Â±3.85) years were included in this study. Patients were subdivided into three groups according to the severity of their acne; mild acne group (n=15), moderate (n=15) and severe acne group (n=15). Investigations included serum estimation of Zn, Cu and Mg in both patient and control groups.The data obtained from this study showed that the (meanÂ±SD) values of serum levels of Zn was significantly decreased in severe acne group compared with controls, mild and moderate type of acne group (P< 0.05). Serum Mg concentration was significantly lower in severe acne group compared with mild and moderate acne group (P< 0.05). With regard to serum Cu, there were no significant differences  among groups of patients with acne vulgaris.This study revealed a significant association between serum levels of either Zn or Mg with the severity of acne.

Key words: Acne vulgaris, zinc, copper, magnesium.
Postoperative Wound Infections and the Antimicrobial Susceptibility in Baghdad Hospitals
Authors: A. Merdaw Maysoon
Published: September 2022

Nosocomial infections are one of the most important causes of mortality and morbidity in hospitals. These are major public health problems worldwide, but particularly in developing countries. The purpose of this research was to analyze the frequency of the microorganisms in the specimens taken from the surgical wounds, and to examine antimicrobial susceptibility for some isolates . Wound swabs were examined from June 2010 to January 2011. The isolates were identified by conventional methods, antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method as per NCCLS guidelines.A total of 102 wound swabs were examined 22(21.56%) swabs were sterile and 80(78.43%) were positive for microorganisms. The results showed 27.2% positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 25.0% positive for Coagulase positive Staphylococci, 20.0% positive for Enterococcus spp., 17.5% positive for Escherichia coli,15.0% positive for Klebsiella pneumonia,13.7% for Proteus mirabilis,and10.0% for Acinetobacter baumannii. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that the rate of isolates of Imipenem Resistance Pseudomonas aeruginosa(IRPA) were 3.7% , 11.2% positive for Vancomycin Resistance Enterococci(VRE) ,13.7% positive for both Methicillin Resistance Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)and Vancomycin Resistance Staphylococcus aureus(VRSA) ,and 11.2% positive for Vancomycin Intermediate Staphylococcus aureus(VISA). We found that postoperative wound infections increase with pre and post operative hospitalization  that's mean the infections can be decrease by shortening the hospitalization time.Our results appear to be maintained with strategies for preventing nosocomial infection,permanent education, strong application of protocols and urging the implementation of strict infection control policy.

Key words: nosocomial infection, surgical wound, antimicrobial susceptibility.
Evaluation of the Relation between Asthma, Obesity and Leptin Level in Iraqi Asthmatic Patients and the Main Risk Factors that are Associated with Leptin Level
Authors: A. Hasan Hiba
Published: September 2022

This study tries to clear the correlation and association between asthma, obesity and leptin levels. Also it will work to indicate the main risk factors which play role in the elevation of leptin level within asthmatic patients.  This is a case control study conducted on (38) asthmatic patients and (20) healthy control who were closely similar by age, gender and BMI. The main statistical tests used were student t test, linear regression test and correlation test. Significance was set at P < 0.05. Sampling method used for this study was convenience sampling method.  The main results of this study show a significant association and positive correlation between age (old age  â‰¥ 40 years old), female gender, BMI (overweight and obese) and steroid utilization with leptin elevation in Iraqi asthmatic patients since P values < 0.05. This study concludes that there is a correlation between obesity, age, sex and utilization of steroid with leptin level and they were the main risk factors which play role in the mechanism of elevation of leptin in Iraqi asthmatic patients.

Key words: Leptin, Asthma, BMI.
Implementation of a Clinical Pharmacy Training Program in Iraqi Teaching Hospitals : Review Article
Authors: I. Rasheed Jawad , M. Abbas Hassan
Published: September 2022

Pharmaceutical care is a patient-centered, outcomes oriented practice that requires the pharmacist to work in concert with the patient and the patientâ€™s other healthcare providers to promote health, to prevent disease, and to assess, monitor, initiate, and modify medication use to assure that drug therapy regimens are safe and effective. In addition, the presence of clinical pharmacists has led to a higher quality of patient education and provision of complete detailed information for patients. In developed countries Pharm D has become the professional degree for practice of Pharmacy. The graduates will be enrolled in a pharmacy residency program; admission to the residency programs is available to Pharm D graduates of an accredited College of Pharmacy. The residency is also designed to prepare the residents to become Board Certified Specialists in their field.  In many developing countries three new pharmaceutical education programs have currently been established to serve the pharmaceutical care development. Firstly, a six-year curriculum leading to the doctor of pharmacy (Pharm. D) degree as the sole professional degree. Secondly, Pharmacy Residency and Fellowship Training Program have been developed to provide intensive training in pharmaceutical care practice to the pharmacists. Lastly, the continuing pharmaceutical education program (CPE) has been adopted to ensure the competency of all pharmacists to deliver the best knowledge and skills in pharmaceutical sciences in their specialties. In our opinion we lack for most of these programs, even the program of clinical pharmacy in ministry of health is not residency program and it is short and not subspecialized apart from being not recognized by academic institutes and references.  In conclusion, pharmacy profession has to change towards the more responsibility on patient care. New training program has to be adopted by medical education institutes to provide clinical pharmacists as a profession and to prepare board certified clinical pharmacists as specialists to cope with the advances in all medical fields.

Key words: clinical pharmacy, board certification.
Effect of L-carnitine, Multivitamins and their Combination in the Treatment of Idiopathic Male Infertility
Authors: J. Aram Jehan , J. Al-Shamma Kassim , N. Al-Hassani Ansam
Published: September 2022

The aim of the present study is to investigate and compare the efficacy of L-carnitine, multivitamins and their combination therapies on semen characteristics in idiopathic male infertility. Idiophathic infertile patients were randomly divided into three groups who had received three different treatment regimens for three months: group A (45 patients) has received 2 grams daily of L-carnitine alone; group B (55 patients) had received the combination of  L-carnitine (2 grams daily) plus one tablet daily of multivitamins (StresstabsÂ®); and group C (29 patients) had received one tablet daily of multivitamins alone. The study was started on 1/11/2009 and completed on 31/3/2010 and performed at Rizgari Teaching Hospital in Hawler City/Erbil Governorate. Thirty fertile male volunteers were used as a control group as well. Seminal fluid analysis has been done before treatment and then monthly after treatment for three month. The results of the present study clearly demonstrated that the combination therapy of L â€“ carnitine and multivitamins was more efficient than each drug therapy alone and this evidenced by improvement and significant increase in the semen parameters; sperm concentration (72%), sperm count (79%), actively motile sperm (29%), and progressive motile sperm count (125%) when compared to pretreatment values than either L â€“ carnitine or multivitamins therapy alone (53%, 60%, 19% and 84%), (21%, 30%, Non Significant, 34%) respectively.The results demonstrated that the combination therapy of L-carnitine and multivitamins was more efficient and produced more significant improvement in semen characteristic than either therapy alone, and that L-carnitine therapy was more efficient than multivitamins.Improvement in these semen parameters can aid in the treatment of idiopathic male infertility.

Key words : L-carnitine, multivitamins, infertility.
Protective Effect of Ginger Extract Against Cisplatin-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Cardiotoxicity in Rats.
Authors: M. Attyah Ahmed , H. Ismail Sajida
Published: September 2022

The protective effect of ginger extract against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity and cardiotoxicity was evaluated in 30 albino white rats(weighing 200-300 gm ) classified into 5groups (6 rats per each group). The rats were treated with 0.5g/kg/day or         1g/kg/day ginger extract orally 5 successive days before and 5 successive days after induction of toxicity with intraperitoneal (IP) injection of (10mg/kg ) cisplatin, resulted in a significant reduction in the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) , total serum  billirubin(TSB) , lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase(CK) enzymes in comparison with the cisplatin treated animals; ginger extract also improves the histological changes produced by cisplatin in the liver cells and cardiac muscle fiber cells  in comparison with the control .  It is  concluded that , ginger extract when used concomitantly with cisplatin protects the liver and heart against the toxicity induced by this cytotoxic drug.                                        

Key wards :Ginger, Cisplatin,Oxidative Stress.
Formulation and Optimization of Oral Fast Dissolving Prochloperazine Maleate Tablets
Authors: K. Ahmed Dua'a , A. Kamal Balkis
Published: September 2022

Prochloperazine maleate (PCM) is one of the most prescribed phenothiazine. The purpose of the present research was to develop fast dissolving tablets of PCM with Î²-cyclodextrin inclusion complex. Tablets prepared  by wet granulation with sublimation and by using  different superdisintegrants type [ low-hydroxypropylcellulose LH21 (L-HPC LH21), carboxymethylcellulose calcium (ECG505), crospovidone (CP)], and different type of subliming agents (urea and ammonium bicarbonate (AB)). Tablets evaluated for its % friability, disintegration time, wetting time, hardness, content uniformity, weight variation, in vitro dissolution studies. For further enhancement of disintegration and dissolution, PCM orodispersible tablet were formulated as (PF2,PF3 and PF4) using inclusion complex of drug in Î²-cyclodextrin at  different ratios (1:1, 1:2 and 1:3) respectively. These formulation showed disintegration times between (22s and 14.6s), and drug release showed t80% between (2.9% and 0.9%). Among all the formulations PF4 was considered as the best, containing PCM: Î²-cyclodextrin 1:3, 10% crospovidone and 25% ammonium bicarbonate which shows the shortest DT, good dissolution study and stability. The overall results suggest that the orodispersible tablet of PCM enhance the absorbable part than that of corresponding conventional tablet  by using superdisintegrants and Î²-cyclodextrin inclusion complex of drug.

Key words: Prochloperazine maleate, Orodispersible tablet, Crospovidone, Ammonium Bicarbonate, Sublimation.