bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
My Distant Acquaintance with Philosopher-Physician Nikolaos Louros and my Intimate Engagement with His Archives
Authors: Tselikas Agamemnon
Published: July 2024

Five letters exchanged between Nikolaos Louros, the medical doctor, academician, philosopher, and renowned men of letters during the 1963-1966 years, are presented in this article. The topic of all these letters was the Louros’ decision to use in his voluminous book “Obstetrics and Gynaecology” the vernacular Greek language instead of the formal “Katharevousa” an artificial language imposed on the newly formed Greek State by the middle of the 19th century by the then archaephile literati. Their aim was initially applauded as a means to “purify” the language suffering of the many local dialects and the “barbarism” of the mass of uneducated Greeks. However, as time passed, it became an obstacle to expression and free thinking. The establishment, particularly the medical one, insisted upon its use in the University and the texts written by the faculty members. Thus, it required a lot of courage by Nikolaos Louros to use for the first time the vernacular in a scientific medical book. The opportunity to present these epistles was given by my friend Professor Athanasios Diamandopoulos, who classified Louros’ huge Archive wherein, between a lot of other letters, those five ones were traced. These include two between the academician novelist Elias Venezis (1963), two more with the philosopher Evangelos Papanoutsos (1963) and one with the intellectual author Kostis Bastias (1966). The spirit of all of five letters underlines the overwhelming acceptance by the recipients of Louros’ ideas about the language. They accept the real contribution of the vernacular to a better understanding by medical students the substance of Louros’ book which would be otherwise obscured by the bounds of “katharevousa” The article concludes with the memories of the author ‘s acquaintance with Louros while the former was in his green days in paleography and Louros already was a respectable member of the echelons in the academic and social life.
Multum in parvo. Eight examples from the Louros Archive
Authors: Diamandopoulos Athanasios
Published: July 2024

This paper begins with a brief overview of the late Professor Nikolaos Louros’ life, his residence, the eponymous Foundation for the History of Medicine, and his Archive. The main focus is the presentation of eight short entries from the Archive, which initially appear to concern medical matters. However, further research reveals their significance in shedding light on major political, social, and cultural events in Greece. The content of these eight notes includes: One and two - Louros’ instructions concerning the fate of his Archive after his death. Three - the peculiar circumstances surrounding the delivery of Queen Geraldine of Albania’s first son. Four - Louros’ appointment as director of the Evangelismos Hospital’s Department of Gynaecology. Five - a case of hymenorrhaphy. Six - events coinciding with the delivery of the Argentine Ambassador’s wife, Seven and eight - The tracing of Louros’ tomb.
O rzekomym chrzcie prawosławnym Jagiełły (polemika z hipotezą Jana Tęgowskiego)
Authors: Nikodem Jarosław
Published: July 2024

Autor podjął próbę zweryfikowania opinii historiografii (zwłaszcza ostatniej propozycji Jana Tęgowskiego) na temat domniemanego chrztu prawosławnego Jagiełły, wielkiego księcia litewskiego. Przeprowadzona analiza źródeł w jednoznaczny sposób wykazała, że przyszły król Polski przystępował do krakowskiego chrztu w 1386 r. jako poganin.
Teoria herulskiego pochodzenia Litwinów Wojciecha Wijuka Kojałowicza. Z dziejów jednej historiograficznej mistyfikacji
Authors: Jurkiewicz Jan
Published: July 2024

Artykuł omawia okoliczności powstania i założenia siedemnastowiecznej teorii pochodzenia Litwinów od ludu Herulów. Teoria ta wpłynęła na wczesnonowożytne wyobrażenia o początkach Litwy i Litwinów. Nie zyskała jednak wielkiej popularności, ponieważ szlachta litewska tradycyjnie uznawała się za potomków starożytnych Rzymian. W istocie pod koniec XVIII w. teoria była już zapomniana. W zmienionej postaci odrodziła się w pierwszej połowie XIX w.
Zahra Printer
Authors: Simpson Fiona
Published: July 2024

Fiona Simpson speaks to the chair of the Care Leaver Covenant's advisory board
The Benefits of Murraya koenigii in Dentistry – A Scoping Review
Authors: Shivakumar Vanishree H , Venkiteswaran Annapurny , Hassan Eddy Hasrul , Tegginamani Anand S. , Zain Nurhayati M.
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Oral diseases are among the most common long-term conditions affecting the population. Medicinal plants are being used as a natural remedy for oral health issues due to their medicinal properties and lower side effects and cost compared to conventional antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agents. This study aims to review and summarize the potential uses of Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng. (syn. of Bergera koenigii L.) in dentistry and update clinicians about its implications in dental management for maintaining oral health. Materials and Methods: The data was collected by five reviewers from multiple articles, case reports, review papers, and original studies that were published in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus. Results and Conclusion: The extracts of Murraya koenigii is a promising alternative to synthetic therapeutic agents in dentistry. Further research is required to explore its potential use in oral health.
Levels of Expression of Hsp70 and iNOS and Effect of Artemisia Sieberi (A. herba-alba) on Activity of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid (HPT) Axis in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Alsarhan Ali Ata , Khashroum Ashraf O. , Al-Shawabkeh Jumanah D. , Ababnheh Suha Khayri , Khwaldeh Alia , Laban Nidal M.F Abu , Khaled Ahmad Bani-
Published: July 2024

This work was carried out to evaluate levels of expression of the Heat Shock Protein 70 (Hsp70) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) biomarkers in extracts of Artemisia sieberi (A. herba-alba) and their impacts on the activity of hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis in diabetic rats. 50 rats were separated into five experimental groups: a normal control group, a positive control group treated with dilute A. herba alba (AHE) oil extract, a diabetic non-treated group, a diabetic group treated with AHA extract, and a diabetic group treated with Metformin. Results: Orally administered 8.1 mg/kg body weight (BW) of dilute AHA oil and 14.2 mg/kg BW of Metformin were administered for 6 weeks. Serum triiodothyronine (T3) levels decreased significantly in diabetic rats and increased significantly in the rats treated with the dilute AHA oil. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in thyroid gland Hsp70 expression between the diabetic and non-diabetic rats. Metformin and dilute AHA oil treatments significantly increased the expression of Hsp70 in the thyroid gland. The results also demonstrated that diabetes significantly increased the rate of iNOS expression in the thyroid gland. Treatment with Metformin and dilute AHA oil significantly reduced the expression of iNOS in the thyroid gland. These results suggest that dilute AHA oil plays a role in the peripheral regulation of thyroid function and provide empirical evidence that it contributes to the stimulation or improvement of thyroid function.
Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Tablets from the Shimshin-6 Prescription and Its Effect on Postpartum Involution in Rats
Authors: Buyantogtokh Dejidmaa , Chuluunbaatar Erdenechimeg , Altangerel Anu Altangerel , Uranbileg Nyamdolgor , Chimedtseren Chimedragchaa
Published: July 2024

The Shimshin-6 prescription has been used to treat female patients for blood clots, back and waist pain, and menstrual cramps. It is intended to support the recovery of the uterus after both childbirth and abortion. The purpose of this study is to create a tablet form of the Shimshin-6 formula and examine its effects on the recovery of the uterus after childbirth. The granules were developed using wet granulation, and the tablets were made using a direct compression method. Our test product in tablet form was manufactured following the quality parameters specified in the Mongolian National Pharmacopoeia. Shimshin-3 tablet was considered the best formulation; it used 5% cane sugar as a binder. In this study, Shimshin-6 treatment significantly reduced the uterus index and blood estrogen levels compared to the control group showing no difference in progesterone concentration. We found that Shimshin-6 decreased Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNFα) and regulated growth factors in postpartum rats. Shimshin-6 also regulated postpartum uterine recovery, as indicated by histological analysis. Our results showed the infiltration of inflammatory cell and hemorrhagic changes in the uterine wall. In conclusion, the formulation and evaluation of herbal tablets were satisfactory, and it has been found to enhance uterine recovery postpartum in rats.
Omics-based Analysis of Bhadradarvadi Kashayam in Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis via CXCL8-CXCR1/2 axis, MAPK and NF-κB Signaling Pathways - A Network Pharmacology Approach
Authors: Ali A M Mohamed Thoufic , Sundararajan Vino
Published: July 2024

With the advances in the field of medicine there is an increase in the geriatric population and rheumatoid arthritis is one of the common diseases that affect this cohort. The modern medicines that are used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis provide a symptom-based treatment and there are studies showing severe side effects for some of the medicines being used. But there are shreds of evidence in traditional medical texts for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis which gives an increased therapeutic coverage with less to no side effects. Bhadradarvadi kashayam (concoction) is one of the most commonly preferred and prescribed Ayurvedic medicine for managing the disease. In this study, we are investigating the mode of action of this kashayam by employing a network pharmacology-based framework which included the analysis of the cross-talks between the active ingredients of the kashayam and major molecules involved in the disease, the transcription factors and various pathways in which they are involved. Based on the systems pharmacology approach, 57 active compounds and a total of 377 potential targets with their interacting partners, and the targets associated with comorbidities were identified. The PPI network was analyzed to understand the topological index for screening the hub proteins such as MAPK1, MAPK14, FYN and CXCL8, which were found to be enriched in various signaling pathways. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis validated the strong physical interaction between the hub proteins and the corresponding active compounds from BDK. Overall, the study sheds light on the pharmacological mechanism of Bhadradarvadi kashayam against Rheumatoid Arthritis and also highlights that there are traditional herbal remedies imparted by the Ayurveda system of medicine which has the least side effects compared to modern medicines.
From Bestselling Book to Confiscated Codex: Dichos o sentencias de los siete sabios de Grecia
Authors: Pauw Andrea
Published: July 2024

Abstract: Aljamiado manuscripts are characterized as a literature of translation designed to counteract Mudejars' and Moriscos' assimilation and persecution. Inserted into a compilation of various Islamic texts, an Arabicscript copy of sixteenth-century bestseller Dichos o sentencias de los siete sabios de Grecia (1542) stands out as an anomaly in an otherwise typical Aljamiado codex at the Bibliothèque nationale de France (MS Arabe 1163). In this study, I analyze the Aljamiado version alongside one of the poem's extant print editions (Zaragoza, 1549) with renewed attention to paratexts, internal framing devices, colophons, and production register. Attention to rhetorical similarities between the Dichos o sentencias and textual traditions preserved in Aljamiado manuscripts illuminates the appeal of López de Yanguas's poem, not for what it expresses, but how it does so. Reconsidering gnomic literature's material presence and rhetorical significance in sixteenth-century Iberia invites us to approach Morisco scribal activities as not only intents to preserve an Islamic past, but as dynamic involvement in current intellectual trends.
Three-dimensional polarization-dependent full-wavelength beam splitter written by femtosecond laser in LiNbO3 crystal
Authors: Lv Jinman , Li Ge , Yu Mingyang , Ma Yujie , Chen Feng
Published: July 2024

We report on the fabrication of Y-branched waveguide beam splitters with cladding structures in LiNbO3 crystal by direct femtosecond laser writing. The femtosecond laser writes tracks near the surface of the crystal, constructing a square structure based on the Type II geometry. The waveguide beam splitters support the propagation of full-wavelength light from the visible to mid-infrared, which was experimentally and numerically investigated. In addition, it has been found that the guidance is only along the vertical (i.e., TM) polarization, which is due to the different refractive indices in the longitudinal and transverse directions. The femtosecond-laser writing here also represents an alternative for fabricating complex integrated light guiding in crystals.
Low breakdown voltage and CMOS compatible avalanche photodiode based on SOI substrate
Authors: Xu Hang , Feng Tianyang , Guo Jianbin , Yang Yafen , Zhang David Wei
Published: July 2024

In this work, we present a novel, to the best of our knowledge, lateral avalanche photodiode (APD) with low breakdown voltage and high bandwidth which has the potential to serve as a core device in future large-scale advanced optoelectronic hybrid chips. By taking advantage of a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate combined with a separation absorption multiplier (SAM) structure, the demonstrated APDs exhibit a high gain of 148. Furthermore, the minimum breakdown voltage of the measured device is 6.1 V, which represents the lowest breakdown voltage for Si-APD, making it compatible with the existing CMOS technology for low voltage operation. Benefiting from an ultra-thin top silicon and lateral SAM structure, the problem of edge breakdown has been completely solved. Additionally, a set of device arrays with absorption and avalanche regions of different sizes is also manufactured and compared. Our findings indicate that the proposed APD has fascinating application prospects in the CMOS process-based LIDAR chips.
Multiple self-mixing interference with the Faraday effect for detecting magnetic fields
Authors: Huo Shaokun , Huang Zhenning , Sun Wu
Published: July 2024

Detection of magnetic fields is widely used in magnetic materials, electronic devices, medical imaging, and navigation systems. We conducted the experiments using a TGG crystal in different magnetic fields to observe multiple laser self-mixing interference in the frequency domain for experimentation. Every spectral line of the multiple laser self-mixing interference contained the peaks exhibiting a decay trend due to the rotation of the light’s polarized orientation according to the Faraday effect. The decay rate of the spectral line depended on the magnetic field density. To quantify the decay rate, the decay coefficient was obtained via fitting of the spectral line. The equation between the decay coefficient and the magnetic field density was established from the experimental results, and the magnetic field density was detected using the equation. This work exhibited a potential detection capability for magnetic fields.
Evolution of topological singularities below the light line in momentum space
Authors: Jiang Qiao , Du Bowen , Yue Peng , Yu Ying
Published: July 2024

Polarization singularities that exist in momentum space have brought new opportunities in various fields such as enhanced optical nonlinearity, structured laser sources, and light field manipulation. However, previous researches have predominantly focused on the polarization singularities above the light line, because they have no leakage and are referred to bound states in the continuum. Here, by extending the polarization fields to Fourier components of the evanescent field on a dielectric metasurface, polarization singularities of different Fourier orders are discovered below the light line. When continuously changing the geometrical parameters of the metasurface, a Fourier order transition process of the polarization singularity is observed through the bandgap closing at the boundary of the Brillouin zone, which finally leads to the annihilation of two singularities with opposite topological charges below the light line. These findings expand the understanding of polarization singularities in the near-field region and may find applications in light field manipulation and light–matter interaction.
Kerr non-linearity induced light trapping in negative index medium
Authors: Neog Dimishree , Das Abhijeet , Hazarika Subrata
Published: July 2024

Kerr non-linearity can induce epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) material characteristics in negative index material when incident pulse intensity I=Ith , the threshold intensity. Such Kerr induced ENZ regime in NIM, where group velocity approaches zero and phase velocity diverges, is ideal for strong exciton -photon interaction that leads to the formation of polaritons oscillating between photonic and excitonic states with frequency ΩR /h, ΩR being the Rabi frequency. Quantum mechanical analysis using polariton dynamics indicates that Kerr induced slowing down of group velocity of an optical pulse can be an alternative means to trap light in negative index medium by controlling the intensity of the light pulse unlike slow light, stopped light or stationary light generated conventionally through electromagnetically induced transparency(EIT) in atomic medium.
Energy-Efficient Semiconductor Optical Amplifier with Longitudinally Varying Confinement Factor
Authors: Heck Martijn
Published: July 2024

A novel type of semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) with improved energy-efficiency is presented conceptually and simulated numerically, using parameters based on a well-established heterogeneous photonic integration platform. The SOA has a confinement factor that can be varied by waveguide design only, and thus the gain, loss and saturation can be tailored along the light propagation direction. By using a tapered waveguide, the SOA can be designed for high gain at the input and high saturation at the output. By optimizing the design, it is shown that an almost 2-dB increase in saturation input power and a 10% increase in efficiency can be achieved, as compared to existing designs. This SOA design can be a key enabler for generic heterogeneous photonic integration platforms.
Predicting sexually transmitted infections among men who have sex with men in Zimbabwe using deep learning and ensemble machine learning models
Authors: Mugurungi Owen , Mbunge Elliot , Birri-Makota Rutendo , Chingombe Innocent , Mapingure Munyaradzi , Moyo Brian , Mpofu Amon , Batani John , Muchemwa Benhildah , Samba Chesterfield , Murigo Delight , Sibindi Musa , Moyo Enos , Dzinamarira Tafadzwa , Musuka Godfrey
Published: July 2024

There is a substantial increase in sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) globally. Unprotected sexual practices, multiple sex partners, criminalization, stigmatisation, fear of discrimination, substance use, poor access to care, and lack of early STI screening tools are among the contributing factors. Therefore, this study applied multilayer perceptron (MLP), extremely randomized trees (ExtraTrees) and XGBoost machine learning models to predict STIs among MSM using bio-behavioural survey (BBS) data in Zimbabwe. Data were collected from 1538 MSM in Zimbabwe. The dataset was split into training and testing sets using the ratio of 80% and 20%, respectively. The synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) was applied to address class imbalance. Using a stepwise logistic regression model, the study revealed several predictors of STIs among MSM such as age, cohabitation with sex partners, education status and employment status. The results show that MLP performed better than STI predictive models (XGBoost and ExtraTrees) and achieved accuracy of 87.54%, recall of 97.29%, precision of 89.64%, F1-Score of 93.31% and AUC of 66.78%. XGBoost also achieved an accuracy of 86.51%, recall of 96.51%, precision of 89.25%, F1-Score of 92.74% and AUC of 54.83%. ExtraTrees recorded an accuracy of 85.47%, recall of 95.35%, precision of 89.13%, F1-Score of 92.13% and AUC of 60.21%. These models can be effectively used to identify highly at-risk MSM, for STI surveillance and to further develop STI infection screening tools to improve health outcomes of MSM.
Improving population scale statistical phasing with whole-genome sequencing data
Authors: Wertenbroek Rick , Hofmeister Robin J. , Xenarios Ioannis , Thoma Yann , Delaneau Olivier
Published: July 2024

Haplotype estimation, or phasing, has gained significant traction in large-scale projects due to its valuable contributions to population genetics, variant analysis, and the creation of reference panels for imputation and phasing of new samples. To scale with the growing number of samples, haplotype estimation methods designed for population scale rely on highly optimized statistical models to phase genotype data, and usually ignore read-level information. Statistical methods excel in resolving common variants, however, they still struggle at rare variants due to the lack of statistical information. In this study we introduce SAPPHIRE, a new method that leverages whole-genome sequencing data to enhance the precision of haplotype calls produced by statistical phasing. SAPPHIRE achieves this by refining haplotype estimates through the realignment of sequencing reads, particularly targeting low-confidence phase calls. Our findings demonstrate that SAPPHIRE significantly enhances the accuracy of haplotypes obtained from state of the art methods and also provides the subset of phase calls that are validated by sequencing reads. Finally, we show that our method scales to large data sets by its successful application to the extensive 3.6 Petabytes of sequencing data of the last UK Biobank 200,031 sample release.
Improved water supply infrastructure to reduce acute diarrhoeal diseases and cholera in Uvira, Democratic Republic of the Congo: Results and lessons learned from a pragmatic trial
Authors: Gallandat Karin , Macdougall Amy , Jeandron Aurélie , Mufitini Saidi Jaime , Bashige Rumedeka Baron , Malembaka Espoir Bwenge , Azman Andrew S. , Bompangue Didier , Cousens Simon , Allen Elizabeth , Cumming Oliver
Published: July 2024

Background

Safely managed drinking water is critical to prevent diarrhoeal diseases, including cholera, but evidence on the effectiveness of piped water supply in reducing these diseases in low-income and complex emergency settings remains scarce.

Methods

We conducted a trial of water supply infrastructure improvements in Uvira (DRC). Our primary objective was to estimate the relationship between a composite index of water service quality and the monthly number of suspected cholera cases admitted to treatment facilities and, as a secondary analysis, the number of cases confirmed by rapid diagnostic tests. Other exposures included the quantity of supplied water and service continuity. We used Poisson generalised linear models with generalised estimating equations to estimate incidence rate ratios.

Findings

Associations between suspected cholera incidence and water service quality (RR 0·86, 95% CI 0·73–1·01), quantity (RR 0·80, 95% CI 0·62–1·02) and continuity (RR 0·81, 95% CI 0·77–0·86) were estimated. The magnitudes of the associations were similar between confirmed cholera incidence and water service quality (RR 0·84, 95% CI 0·73–0·97), quantity (RR 0·76, 95% CI 0·61–0·94) and continuity (RR 0·75, 95% CI 0·69–0·81). These results suggest that an additional 5 L/user/day or 1.2 hour per day of water production could reduce confirmed cholera by 24% (95% CI 6–39%) and 25% (95% CI 19–31%), respectively.

Interpretation

Ensuring a sufficient and continuous piped water supply may substantially reduce the burden of endemic cholera and diarrhoeal diseases but evaluating this rigorously is challenging. Pragmatic strategies are needed for public health research on complex interventions in protracted emergency settings.

Trial registration

The trial is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT02928341. https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02928341.
Prevalence and transmission of the most relevant zoonotic and vector-borne pathogens in the Yucatan peninsula: A review
Authors: Sánchez-Soto Ma. Fernanda , Gaona Osiris , Vigueras-Galván Ana Laura , Suzán Gerardo , Falcón Luisa I. , Vázquez-Domínguez Ella
Published: July 2024

Background

Habitat modification and land use changes impact ecological interactions and alter the relationships between humans and nature. Mexico has experienced significant landscape modifications at the local and regional scales, with negative effects on forest cover and biological biodiversity, especially in the Yucatan peninsula in southeastern Mexico. Given the close relationship between landscape modification and the transmission of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases, it is essential to develop criteria for identifying priority zoonoses in the south of the country.

Methodology/Principal findings

We reviewed 165 published studies on zoonotic and vector-borne diseases in the region (2015–2024). We identified the most frequent vectors, reservoirs, and hosts, the most prevalent infections, and the factors associated with transmission risk and the anthropogenic landscape modification in urban, rural, ecotone, and sylvatic habitats. The most relevant pathogens of zoonotic risk included Trypanosoma cruzi, arboviruses, Leishmania, Rickettsia, Leptospira, and Toxoplasma gondii. Trypanosoma cruzi was the vector-borne agent with the largest number of infected vertebrate species across habitats, while Leishmania and arboviruses were the ones that affected the greatest number of people. Dogs, cats, backyard animals, and their hematophagous ectoparasites are the most likely species maintaining the transmission cycles in human settlements, while rodents, opossums, bats, and other synanthropic animals facilitate connection and transmission cycles between forested habitats with human-modified landscapes. Pathogens displayed different prevalences between the landscapes, T. cruzi, arbovirus, and Leptospira infections were the most prevalent in urban and rural settlements, whereas Leishmania and Rickettsia had similar prevalence across habitats, likely due to the diversity and abundance of the infected vectors involved. The prevalence of T. gondii and Leptospira spp. may reflect poor hygiene conditions. Additionally, results suggest that prevalence of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases is higher in deforested areas and agricultural aggregates, and in sites with precarious health and infrastructure services.

Conclusions

Some hosts, vectors, and transmission trends of zoonotic and vector-borne diseases in the YP are well known but others remain poorly recognized. It is imperative to reinforce practices aimed at increasing the knowledge, monitoring, prevention, and control of these diseases at the regional level. We also emphasize the need to perform studies on a larger spatio-temporal scale under the socio-ecosystem perspective, to better elucidate the interactions between pathogens, hosts, vectors, environment, and sociocultural and economic aspects in this and many other tropical regions.
Effects of rumen-bypass protein supplement on growth performance, hepatic mitochondrial protein complexes, and hepatic immune gene expression of beef steers with divergent residual feed intake
Authors: Idowu Modoluwamu , Taiwo Godstime , Sidney Taylor , Treon Emily , Leal Yarahy , Ologunagba Deborah , Eichie Francisca , Pech-Cervantes Andres , Ogunade Ibukun M.
Published: July 2024

We investigated the impact of a rumen-bypass protein (RBP) supplement on growth performance, plasma and urinary N (UN) concentration, hepatic mitochondrial protein complexes, and hepatic mRNA expression of immune genes of beef steers with negative or positive residual feed intake (RFI) phenotype. Forty crossbred beef steers with an average body weight (BW) of 492 ± 36 kg were subjected to a generalized randomized block design over a 42-day experimental period. This study followed a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The factors evaluated were: 1) RFI classification (low-RFI (-2.12 kg/d) vs. high-RFI (2.02 kg/d), and 2) rumen-bypass protein supplement: RBP supplement (RBP; 227 g/steer/d) vs. control diet (CON; 0 g/d), resulting in four distinct treatments: LRFI-CON (n = 10), LRFI-RBP(n = 10), HRFI-CON (n = 10), and HRFI-RBP(n = 10). The RBP supplement (84% crude protein) is a mixture of hydrolyzed feather meal, porcine blood meal, and DL-methionine hydroxy analogue. The beef steers were stratified by BW, randomly assigned to treatments, and housed in four pens (1 treatment/pen) equipped with two GrowSafe feed bunks each to measure individual dry mater intake (DMI). Body weight was measured every 7 d. Liver tissue samples were collected on d 42 from all the beef steers. These samples were used for mRNA expression analysis of 16 immune-related genes and for evaluating the mitochondrial protein complexes I ‐ V. No significant effects due to RBP supplementation or RFI × RBP interactions (P> 0.05) were observed for average daily gain (ADG) and DMI. However, compared to high-RFI steers, low-RFI steers showed a trend towards reduced DMI (12.9 vs. 13.6 kg/d;P= 0.07) but ADG was similar for the two RFI groups. Regardless of RFI status, supplemental RBP increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P= 0.01), with a lower BUN concentration in low-RFI steers compared to high-RFI ones. A tendency for interaction (P= 0.07) between RFI and RBP was detected for the UN concentrations; feeding the dietary RBP increased the UN concentration in high-RFI beef steers (209 vs. 124 mM), whereas the concentration was lower than that of the CON group for low-RFI beef steers (86 vs. 131 mM). Interactions of RBP and RFI were observed (P≤ 0.05) for mitochondrial activities of complexes IV, V, and mRNA expressions of some immune genes such asTLR2,TLR3, andIL23A. In conclusion, while RBP supplementation did not alter growth performance, its observed effects on hepatic immune gene expression, mitochondrial protein complexes, BUN, and UN depended on the beef steers’ RFI phenotype. Therefore, the RFI status of beef steers should be considered in future studies evaluating the effects of dietary protein supplements.
Adherence to antihypertensive medication and its associated factors among patients with hypertension attending a tertiary hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Sharma Sunita , Sharma Chitra Raj , Sharma Suraj , Aryal Sajiva , Bhandari Buna
Published: July 2024

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of premature mortality and morbidity globally. Despite the evidences of the availability of effective treatment for hypertension, its management remains suboptimal. Medication adherence is the most crucial factor for blood pressure control. It is important to identify the factors associated with adherence to antihypertensive treatment for better management. Hence, this study assessed the level of antihypertensive medication adherence and its associated factors among patients with hypertension visiting a tertiary-level hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out among 308 diagnosed patients with hypertension who were prescribed antihypertensive medication. The Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8) was used to assess medication adherence. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews and analysed using SPSS v26. A bivariate and multivariate logistic regression model was used to assess the factors associated with low medication adherence. More than half (61%) of the study participants had moderate to high levels of medication adherence. Upon bivariate analysis, there was a significant association between presence of side effects, blood pressure status, forgetfulness, high cost, fear of taking medicine lifelong and irregular follow-up with a low level of adherence. Upon multivariate the logistic regression analysis, forgetfulness [Adjusted Odd’s Ratio (AOR) 22.5, 95% Confidence Interval(CI) 10.56–47.86], high cost (AOR 3.8, 95%CI 1.25–11.60) and fear of taking medicines lifelong (AOR 6.04, 95%CI 2.96–12.33) were found to be associated factors of low level of adherence. There is an urgency to develop evidence-based strategies to improve the level of adherence to antihypertensive medications among patients with hypertension. Strategies like reminder messaging, setting alarms, expanding the scope of national health insurance and proper counselling to reduce fear could help to improve medication adherence. Hence, the feasibility and effectiveness of such intervention should be explored in future studies.
Statistical characteristics of analytical studies published in Peruvian medical journals from 2021 to 2022: A methodological study
Authors: Nombera-Aznaran Natalia , Guevara-Lazo David , Fernandez-Guzman Daniel , Taype-Rondán Alvaro
Published: July 2024

Objective

While statistical analysis plays a crucial role in medical science, some published studies might have utilized suboptimal analysis methods, potentially undermining the credibility of their findings. Critically appraising analytical approaches can help elevate the standard of evidence and ensure clinicians and other stakeholders have trustworthy results on which to base decisions. The aim of the present study was to examine the statistical characteristics of original articles published in Peruvian medical journals in 2021–2022.

Design and setting

We performed a methodological study of articles published between 2021 and 2022 from nine medical journals indexed in SciELO-Peru, Scopus, and Medline. We included original articles that conducted analytical analyses (i.e., association between variables). The statistical variables assessed were: statistical software used for analysis, sample size, and statistical methods employed (measures of effect), controlling for confounders, and the method employed for confounder control or epidemiological approaches.

Results

We included 313 articles (ranging from 11 to 77 across journals), of which 67.7% were cross-sectional studies. While 90.7% of articles specified the statistical software used, 78.3% omitted details on sample size calculation. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were commonly employed, whereas measures of association were less common. Only 13.4% of articles (ranging from 0% to 39% across journals) presented measures of effect controlling for confounding and explained the criteria for selecting such confounders.

Conclusion

This study revealed important statistical deficiencies within analytical studies published in Peruvian journals, including inadequate reporting of sample sizes, absence of measures of association and confounding control, and suboptimal explanations regarding the methodologies employed for adjusted analyses. These findings highlight the need for better statistical reporting and researcher-editor collaboration to improve the quality of research production and dissemination in Peruvian journals.
Hörspiel in the lab: The politics of interdisciplinary radio research in Germany (1928–45)
Authors: Birdsall Carolyn , Tkaczyk Viktoria
Published: July 2024

This article focuses on the establishment of new laboratories for radio research in Germany between 1928 and 1945, whereby the new discipline of radio studies and the collective work of artists, engineers and humanities scholars crucially advanced the development of the German Hörspiel (radio play). In turn, the embedding of the Hörspiel in these new ‘radio labs’ serves as an instructive prism for understanding the interdisciplinary and simultaneously highly political nature of these endeavours. Examining three case studies for radio research in this period, in Berlin, Leipzig and Freiburg, the article demonstrates how each adapted the laboratory culture of the engineering sciences to the needs of research in the humanities and their relationship to changing political conditions during the Weimar and National Socialist periods. It highlights a forgotten chapter in radio history and humanities research, particularly amidst the current enthusiasm for ‘humanities labs’ in the era of digital humanities.
Introduction
Authors: Loviglio Jason , Lindgren Mia
Published: July 2024

The six research articles in this issue range from an exploration of early German radio research labs and drama, to perception of politicians in audio vs. video, Indigenous participatory podcasting in Canada, Turkey’s music streaming app continuing cultural policies, and Japan’s first hospital radio initiative. Also included are book reviews of key texts, on the radio love affair described in Radiophilia and student/campus radio cultures. The editors’ introduction concludes by welcoming the new international editorial board members joining from twelve countries across five continents.
A voz de discentes incluída em textos da esfera jornalística sobre o ensino remoto emergencial no contexto da pandemia da covid-19
Authors: Ottoni Maria Aparecida Resende , Pereira Ângela Márcia Fernandes , Souza Bianca Mara Guedes de
Published: July 2024

Neste artigo, apresentamos um recorte de uma pesquisa, cujo objetivo geral é mapear e analisar representações e avaliações discursivas do ensino remoto emergencial (ERE) em contexto de enfrentamento à pandemia da covid-19, e representações e identificações dos atores sociais envolvidos nesse ensino. Baseamo-nos em aportes teórico-metodológicos da abordagem dialético-relacional de Análise de Discurso Crítica, em estudos sobre a mídia jornalística e sobre o ERE. O corpus é constituído de 333 textos, publicados em 2020 e 2021 no jornal Folha de S. Paulo e na revista CartaCapital. Neste recorte, direcionamos nosso olhar para as vozes de discentes incluídas nesses textos e os resultados revelam a prevalência de avaliações do ERE que materializam valores indesejáveis, embora apontem também para uma luta interdiscursiva, uma vez que são construídas representações do ERE que, por um lado, são alinhadas a uma perspectiva de potencialidade e, por outro lado, a uma perspectiva de dificuldade e de falta.
Overlapping Areas Used for Artisanal Fishing and Populations of Franciscana Dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Zappes Camilah Antunes , Araujo Samanta Chisté de , Di Beneditto Ana Paula Madeira , Gatts Carlos Eduardo Novo , Moreira Sérgio Carvalho , Domit Camila , Gama Renata Montalvão
Published: July 2024

This study identified the overlap between artisanal fishing areas and the Franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean (SWAO), Brazil, to identify areas where the species was incidentally captured from the perception of artisanal fishers. Using a semistructured questionnaire, ethnographic interviews (n = 330) were carried out from 2012 to 2018 with fishers from ten communities in southeastern (ES and RJ) and southern (PR) Brazil. After the interviews, the fishers presented their fishing routes, locations and areas of incidental capture and occurrence of the Franciscana dolphin. Ninety-five fishers (29%) identified the species: 23 in northern ES, 1 in southern ES, 20 in northern RJ, and 51 in the PR. Among the 235 fishers who could not identify the species, approximately half worked in the distribution gaps. The areas of occurrence noted by the fishers coincided with those described in the “National Action Plan for the Conservation of the Toninha,” an official document from the Brazilian Government and scientific literature. The results indicate that the information provided by fishers is useful for understanding the distribution of the Franciscana dolphin and can be used in the development of management strategies to mitigate the incidental capture of the species.
Los grupos de “referencia” o “motores”. Apuntes claves para la metodología en la Extensión Crítica
Authors: Tommasino Humberto , Herrera Farfán Nicolás Armando
Published: July 2024

La Extensión Crítica puede definirse como un proceso de educación–comunicación que vincula a grupos universitarios y actores sociales, en el que se promueve el diálogo de saberes (académico y popular) y del cual nacen otros nuevos con sentido de cambio social radical. Es tributaria de prácticas universitarias relacionadas con las universidades populares del continente, los aportes del filósofo uruguayo José Luis Rebellato, y de horizontes epistémicos como la educación popular y la Investigación–Acción Participativa.Para alcanzar sus objetivos, la Extensión Crítica debe profundizar en sus guías conceptuales, éticas y metodológicas, desde los aportes teóricos que la sitúen en una praxis auténtica. En este trabajo nos ocupamos de una estructura fundamental de la Extensión Crítica que puede comprenderse como un locus del diálogo crítico de saberes. Nos referimos a los equipos “mixtos” de Paulo Freire, los Grupos de Referencia de Orlando Fals Bord,a y los Grupos Motores de la Red CIMAS.
Herramientas de gestión para el abordaje territorial y la formación integral en el Programa APEX de la Universidad de la República
Authors: Olivetti Miguel , López Ana Clara , Cánepa Gustavo
Published: July 2024

El artículo realiza un recorrido por los conceptos que orientan sostienen el desarrollo de la integralidad en el Programa APEX (Programa integral y territorial de la Universidad de la República, Uruguay) y que organizan su funcionamiento. Para ello se analizan los diferentes itinerarios de participación universitaria en los territorios a los que APEX adscribe así como de las configuraciones propuestas para la formación integral de los estudiantes universitarios. Por último se desarrollan los fundamentos que sostienen las denominadas Plataformas Integrales de Formación y Abordaje Territorial, en tanto estructuras de funcionamiento de un Programa Integral y algunas de las herramientas para la gestión de las mismas, como son el Sistema de Información Geográfica y la Matriz de Inserción Estudiantil.
Reseña de tesis / La evaluación de las Prácticas de Extensión de Educación Experiencial (PEEE). El lugar de los actores sociales en el proceso evaluativo. Análisis de caso: la carrera de Licenciatura en Terapia Ocupacional. 2014–2020
Authors: Rafaghelli Milagros
Published: July 2024

La tesis realizada por la licenciada Verónica Trinidad Heinrich, sobre "La evaluación de las Prácticas de Extensión de Educación Experiencial (PEEE). El lugar de los actores sociales en el proceso evaluativo", aborda el compromiso de la Universidad Nacional del Litoral con la inclusión de la curricularización en los procesos de formación de las y los estudiantes. Heinrich es docente extensionista y en su tesis de maestría se sumerge en un estudio profundo sobre la participación de los actores sociales en estas prácticas. A través de un enfoque metodológico riguroso y un análisis exhaustivo, Heinrich arroja luz sobre la importancia de involucrar a los actores sociales en procesos evaluativos participativos, brindando así valiosas contribuciones al campo de la formación profesional y al de las políticas de extensión universitaria.
Bioactivity of Vernonia arborea Leaves from Bentian Tribe as Natural Antioxidant and Antibacterial Based on Local Knowledge
Authors: Sari Nur Maulida , Aziza Humairo , Aryani Farida , Murdianto Murdianto
Published: July 2024

The utilization of natural organic materials as raw materials for standardized medicine, including the use of organic materials in medicine manufacture are currently being encouraged by the Government. Based on the information from Bentian Tribe people, Vernonia arborea leaf or Kutu Bu’ut leaf has the potential to be developed as natural medicine derived from plants. This study explored the potential of V.arborea leaf for its phytochemicals screening by Harborne, Kokate and Senthilmurugan method, antioxidant analysis was evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging assay. Antibacterial analysis was examined using agar well diffusion method against Escherichia coli and Propionibacterium acnes. The results showed that the V.arborea leaf contained alkaloid on n-hexan extract and coumarin on ethyl acetate extract. Ethanol extract from V.arborea leaf contained alkaloid, flavonoid, saponin, tannin, and carbohydrate. Antioxidant activity showed that the highest inhibition by 83% at 50 ppm consentration of ethanol solvent. Antibacterial activity of E. coli and P.acnes showed that the highest inhibition zone by 12 mm and 11 mm at 400 µg/well of ethanol extract. Based on the results, the V.arborea leaf contains natural bioactivity and has potential to be further developed as a natural traditional medicine.
Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Sesquiterpenes-Rich Essential Oil of Trichilia monadelpha (Thonn) J.J. De Wilde of Root Bark
Authors: Odeja Oluwakayode Olubunmi , Onocha Patricia A. , Oloyede Ganiyat Kehinde , Ayoyerokun Damola , Ibok Michael Gabriel , Okpala Ejike Onwudiegwu
Published: July 2024

Trichilia monadelpha (Thonn) J.J. De Wilde (Meliaceae) is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of ulcers, cough and inflammatory disorders such as arthritis. In this present study, the essential oil of T. monadelpha root bark was obtained by hydrodistillation using an all-glass Clevenger apparatus. The identification and characterisation were done using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. We also, aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil against ten micro-organisms using the Agar diffusion method and the free radical scavenging capacity was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) methods. Twenty (20) different compounds made up the hydrodistilled essential oil, which made up 99.0% of the entire oil content.  Sesquiterpene compounds made up about 73.3% of the essential oil from the root bark of T. monadelpha, which was described as sesquiterpenes-rich. Sesquiterpenes' most abundant constituents include (E)-Longipinene (18%), 10s,11s-Himachala-3-(12),4-diene (15.26%), Aromadendrene (11.12%), Alloaromadendrene oxide-(1) (8.82%), and β-Caryophyllene (5.92%). The essential oil inhibited growth against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aerugunosa, Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, Klebsiella Pneumonia and Salmonella typhi at concentrations of 200 mg/mL to 50 mg/mL with an inhibitory zone of 20 – 10 mm while the antioxidant analysis of the essential oil revealed low scavenging activity which reveals that the synthetic antioxidants were more effective with an Ascorbic acid; IC50 value of 1.47 mgmL-1, Butyl hydroxyanisole; 1.88 mgmL-1, α-Tocopherol; 4.83 mgmL-1 followed by the essential oil with an IC50 value of 9.95 mgmL-1. T. monadelpha root bark essential oil contains notable chemical compounds that are responsible for its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.
Isolation of Novel 6-methylideneoxecane-3,4,5,7,8,9-hexol from the Leaves of Rauwolfia vomitoria, Apocynaceae
Authors: Owaba Azibanasamesa D.C , Rafiu Raji O. , Frank Arueniobebh , Eboh Darlington D. , Bunu Samuel J.
Published: July 2024

Rauwolfia vomitoria (Wennberg) belongs to the family Apocynaceae, the dried leaves were extracted successively using n-hexane, dichloromethane, and 70% methanol, concentrated in vacuo. Extracts were subjected to antibacterial assay and the butanol fraction was subjected to chromatographic purification to obtain NBF12 which was subjected to spectral analysis. The antibacterial of n-Hexane, dichloromethane, and 70% methanol extracts was inactive against the screened organisms assessed (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa). NBF12 is yellowish crystals (10.5 mg), Rf (0.69), UV, max Abs (248) The carbon 13C-NMR spectrum displayed ten carbon atoms; one methylene, two methylene oxide carbon, 6-carbinolic carbon (Sp3) and a quaternary carbon (SP2). The spectrum showed a tertiary carbon at δ131.09 ppm, due to C-6 and at δ 114.74 ppm due to exocyclic methylidene carbon (Sp2) (C=CH2) linked to the C-6position. Based on the spectral data NBF12 is 6-methylideneoxecane-3,4,5,7,8,9-hexol with a molecular formula C10H18O7, molecular weight 250 g/mol.