bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some new Caputo fractional derivative inequalities for exponentially $ (\theta, h-m) $–convex functions
Authors: Baloch Imran Abbas ,   Abdus Salam School of Mathematical Sciences, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan, Abdeljawad Thabet , Bibi Sidra , Mukheimer Aiman , Farid Ghulam , Haq Absar Ul ,   Higher Education Department, Govt. Graduate College for Boys Gulberg Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan,   Department of Mathematics and Sciences, Prince Sultan University, P.O. Box 66833, Riyadh 11586, Saudi Arabia,   Department of Medical Research, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan,   Govt. Girls Primary School, Kamra Khurd, Attock 43570, Pakistan,   COMSATS University Islamabad, Attock Camopus, Kamra Road, Attock 43600, Pakistan,   Department of Natural Sciences and Humanities, University of Engineering and Technology (Narowal Campus), Lahore 54000, Pakistan
Published: November 2021

Firstly, we obtain some inequalities of Hadamard type for exponentially $ (\theta, h-m) $–convex functions via Caputo $ k $–fractional derivatives. Secondly, using integral identity including the $ (n+1) $–order derivative of a given function via Caputo $ k $-fractional derivatives we prove some of its related results. Some new results are given and known results are recaptured as special cases from our results.
The impact of vaccination on the evolution of COVID-19 in Portugal
Authors: Machado Beatriz ,   School of Science and Technology, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, UTAD, Quinta de Prados, Vila Real 5001-801, Portugal, Antunes Liliana , Caetano Constantino , Pereira João F. , Nunes Baltazar , Patrício Paula , Morgado M. Luísa ,   Departamento de Epidemiologia, Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge (INSA), Lisbon 1649-016, Portugal,   Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa,   Center for Mathematics and Applications (CMA) and Department of Mathematics, NOVA School of Science and Technology, FCT NOVA, Quinta da Torre, Caparica 2829-516, Portugal,   Center for Computational and Stochastic Mathematics, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Lisbon 1049-001, Portugal
Published: November 2021

In this work we use simple mathematical models to study the impact of vaccination against COVID-19 in Portugal. First, we fit a SEIR type model without vaccination to the Portuguese data on confirmed cases of COVID-19 by the date of symptom onset, from the beginning of the epidemic until the 23rd January of 2021, to estimate changes in the transmission intensity. Then, by including vaccination in the model we develop different scenarios for the fade-out of the non pharmacological intervention (NPIs) as vaccine coverage increases in the population according to Portuguese vaccination goals. We include a feedback function to mimic the implementation and relaxation of NPIs, according to some disease incidence thresholds defined by the Portuguese health authorities.
La philía politiké como amor mundi: La recepción de Hannah Arendt de la amistad política de Aristóteles
Authors: Goyenechea Elisa
Published: November 2021

Este trabajo examina la recepción de la philía aristotélica por parte de Hannah Arendt. Primero, exponemos las notas de la philía en la Ética a Nicómaco y la proyección política de la amistad como synaísthesis. Segundo, argumentamos que tanto en un destacado fragmento de “Truth and Politics”, como en la Lectures on Kant’s Political Philosophy, Arendt termina de esclarecer su noción de amistad como lazo mundano y político. Allí no alude a Aristóteles, sino a Kant y a sus reflexiones sobre el sentido del gusto y el sensus communis.
Braidotti: por una ética de Tamagotchis, cigarrillos y esquizofrenia
Authors: Vega Castro Diego Enrique
Published: November 2021

El siguiente trabajo se propone desarrollar las consecuencias teóricas y prácticas, presupuestos filosóficos y aporías intelectuales a las que se enfrenta el lector de la autora Rosi Braidotti en su planteamiento sobre una ética del devenir y las relaciones éticas de un sujeto transpuesto o poshumano. Se toman para ello dos ejemplos casi marginales de su libro Transposiciones, a saber, las relaciones humanas desarrolladas con los Tamagotchis y otras tecnologías, y la así llamada “ética del penúltimo cigarrillo” enmarcada en la “transposición de la muerte”. El planteamiento de Braidotti será examinado y criticado a la luz de autores (especialmente Slavoj Zizek y Pierre Manent) que han reflexionado, también de manera casi marginal, sobre los mismos problemas y su contextualización en la filosofía política contemporánea y moderna. Se pretende mostrar que la postura de la autora presume de ser esquizofrénica y, en efecto, nos brinda un planteamiento lamentablemente esquizofrénico.
Health service delivery for type 1 diabetes during the lockdown in Uganda following the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic
Authors: Bahendeka Silver , Piloya Thereza , Onono Jasper , Wesonga Ronald , Mutungi Gerald , Sseguya Wenceslaus , Mubangizi Denis
Published: November 2021

Lockdown measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), may adversely impact on diabetes supplies and metabolic control, especially in type 1 diabetes in low-resource countries. To address this, we conceptualized a service delivery model that incorporated a digitized tool. The digitized tool (UT1D-HIMAS) maintained electronic health records, monitored clinic supplies, patient clinic visits and admissions, and sent automated SMS messages. Delivery of supplies was by motor vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles or patients/caregivers walking to clinics. Metabolic control was assessed by glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Monitoring of clinic supplies including emergency restocking, patient clinic visits and admissions, and sending automated SMS by UT1D-HIMAS were successfully achieved. A fall in clinic visits, reaching a nadir (67.9%) in May 2020 was observed. HbA1c (mean ± SD mmol/mol) significantly (p= 0.040) worsened from 79.1 ± 26.8 to 94.9 ± 39.2 and (p=0.002) from 67.1 ± 22.7 to 84.8 ± 39.4 in the rural and urban clinic respectively. The digitized health information system exhibited high practicability in tracking stocks, clinic visits and hospitalisation but failed to improve metabolic control.
Evaluation of a psychoeducational intervention including emotional intelligence to increase treatment adherence in rheumatoid arthritis (A pilot study)
Authors: Cárdenas-Cloud E. , Brambila-Tapia A.J.L. , Meda-Lara R.M. , Pérez-Vázquez F.d.J. , Chavarría-Ávila E. , Romero-Abundis F.J. , Vázquez-del-Mercado M.
Published: November 2021

Our objective was to perform two studies: a cross-sectional study in order to identify the main psychological variables associated to treatment adherence in rheumatoid arthritis and an intervention based on psychoeducation to assess its impact on the variables identified in the first study. We measured treatment adherence, self-efficacy, beliefs about medication, emotional intelligence and disability along with personal and disease variables in the cross-sectional study and the same variables were measured in the intervention before and after the program and 3 months later in 2 groups (an experimental group and an active control group). In the cross-sectional study (N=33) we found that the variables most associated with treatment adherence were emotional clarity (r=0.352, p<0.05) and emotional repair (r=0.363, p<0.05). In the intervention, we divided the patients into 2 groups: the control group (N=7) and the intervention group (N=10). At the end of the study and at follow-up, we found a significant increase in adherence and self-efficacy in the intervention group, when compared with the control group. Emotional clarity was increased only in the post-test, and at follow up a decrease in beliefs of concern about medication was found. Psychoeducational programs based on information about the disease and its treatment together with emotional management are effective in increasing treatment adherence in the long term.
Evaluation of MMP-12 expression in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis
Authors: Lygeros S. , Danielides G. , Kyriakopoulos G.C. , Grafanaki K. , Tsapardoni F. , Stathopoulos C. , Danielides V.
Published: November 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the expression of MMP-12 in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with polyps (CRSwNP). Methodology: Tissue samples from 37 patients with CRSwNP undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery and healthy mucosa specimens from 12 healthy controls were obtained intraoperatively. The mRNA and protein expression levels of MMP-12 were quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Results: mRNA levels of MMP-12 were significantly elevated in the CRSwNP tissue samples compared to those in control ones. The protein levels of MMP-12 showed a trend of increasing but with no statistical significance. Conclusions: Elevation of MMP-12 in patients with CRSwNP suggests its potential implication in the pathogenesis of the disease. The difference in the expression profile observed between mRNA and protein levels could be due to post-translational gene expression regulation. Our findings provide evidence that MMP-12 along with other MMPs may serve as a biomarker and therapeutic target in the management of the disease.
Решетка определимости (редуктов) для целых чисел с операцией следования
Authors: Semenov Aleksei Lvovich , Soprunov Sergei Fedorovich
Published: November 2021

В статье описана решетка определимости для структуры целых чисел с операцией следования (операцией $y=x+1$). Элементы решетки, также называемые редуктами, образуют три (естественно задаваемых) бесконечных серии отношений. Доказательство использует вариант теоремы Свенониуса для специального вида структур.
Библиография: 17 наименований.
О спектральной последовательности для действия группы Торелли рода $3$ на комплексе циклов
Authors: Gaifullin Alexander Aleksandrovich
Published: November 2021

Группа Торелли замкнутой ориентированной поверхности $S_g$ рода $g$ - это подгруппа $\mathcal{I}_g$ группы классов отображений $\operatorname{Mod}(S_g)$, состоящая из всех классов отображений, которые тривиально действуют на гомологиях поверхности $S_g$. Одна из самых интересных открытых проблем, касающихся групп Торелли, - вопрос, является ли группа $\mathcal{I}_3$ конечно определенной. Один из возможных подходов к этой проблеме - изучение второй группы гомологий группы $\mathcal{I}_3$ при помощи спектральной последовательности $E^r_{p,q}$ для действия группы $\mathcal{I}_3$ на комплексе циклов. В настоящей работе мы получаем частичный результат в направлении гипотезы, что группа $H_2(\mathcal{I}_3;\mathbb{Z})$ не является конечно порожденной и, следовательно, группа $\mathcal{I}_3$ не является конечно определенной. А именно, мы доказываем, что член $E^3_{0,2}$ упомянутой спектральной последовательности не конечно порожден, т. е., что группа $E^1_{0,2}$ остается бесконечно порожденной после факторизации по образам дифференциалов $d^1$ и $d^2$. Если бы в дальнейшем удалось доказать, что она остается бесконечно порожденной и после факторизации по образу дифференциала $d^3$, это завершило бы доказательство того, что $\mathcal{I}_3$ не является конечно определенной.
Библиография: 28 наименований.
ESL Teachers and Diagnostic Assessment: Perceptions and Practices
Authors: Jimola Folasade Esther , Ofodu Graceful Onovughe
Published: November 2021

Diagnostic assessment is an indispensable aspect of pedagogy. Past research has shown that teachers’ perceptions and attitudes to diagnostic assessment could influence their classroom practices. This article discusses teachers’ perceptions of diagnostic assessment, reiterates the essence of diagnostic assessment in English language classrooms, explores teachers’ attitudes and utilization of diagnostic assessment techniques, and also investigates the factors influencing teachers’ knowledge of assessment practices. To achieve these objectives, an empirical study on English language teachers’ perceptions of diagnostic assessment, teachers’ attitudes and utilization of diagnostic assessment techniques and factors influencing teachers’ knowledge of assessment practices was conducted. The results show that the majority of English language teachers in the sample have inaccurate perceptions of the purpose of diagnostic assessment and also have negative attitudes to diagnostic assessment in classrooms. The results of the survey indicate that schooling, professional coursework and context are factors that influence ESL teachers’ classroom assessment practices.
Pierre Swiggers, Histoire de la pensée linguistique. Analyse du langage et réflexion linguistique dans la culture occidentale, de l'Antiquité au XIXème siècle, Presses universitaires de France, Paris 1997
Authors: Skubic Mitja
Published: November 2021

Pierre Swiggers, professeur de linguistique theéorique à l' Universite de Louvain, peut être considéré un des esprits des plus pénétrants de l'epistémologie du langage humain. Notre revue a déjà eu l'honneur de le compter parmis ses collaborateurs: avant de publier sa récente étude sur les théories linguistiques du XXème siècle, ii y avait publié un article de réflexion méthodologique, Comparaison des langues et grammaire comparée (vol. 28) et une analyse des Frammenti grammaticali latino-friulani, exercices de grammaire qui a la moitie du XIVeme siècle servaient aux futurs notaires de I'école de Cividale, dans le Frioul, à apprendre le latin. Cet article a également un titre très significatif, Su alcuni principi della grammatologia latino-volgare; significatif dans le sens où I' auteur semble avoir une inclination particulière pour les langues vernaculaires, pour il volgare, en reprenant le terme de Dante. Il suffit de consulter la riche bibliographie (pp. 265-307) pour s'en rendre compte; l' auteur y apparaît avec plus de 40 occurences, toutes strictement liées aux sujets dont traite le livre dont nous allons parler.
Kulturelle Aspekte von Textsorten
Authors: Heusinger Siegfried
Published: November 2021

Ich fasse meine Überlegungen zu kulturellen Aspekten von Textsorten zusammen: 1. Mit unseren Kulturverständnis ist die terminologisierte Wortgruppe "interkulturelle Kommunikation" nicht zu begreifen als Kommunikation zwischen Menschen verschiedener kultureller Bindungen, sondern sie ist nicht zu begreifen als Kommunikation zwischen Menschen verschiedener kultureller Bindungen, sondern sie ist ethnisch wie auch ethisch angepasstes sprachlichkommunikatives Verhalten an kulturelle Traditionen der jeweils für den Kommunkations- akt vereinbarten Sprache. 2. Das Adjektiv "interkulturell" referiert auf idiomatisierte Wendungen im zwischenmenschlichen Kontakt wie auch auf kulturell gebundene Unterschiede in der Benennungsmotivation (z.B. anloben/österr./, vereidigen /dt./) 3. Das Adjektiv "interkulturell" ist ebenfalls zu beziehen auf den Austausch von Erfahrungen und Ideen, auf den Dialog von Kulturen. 4. Textsorten existieren in ihrer kulturellen in ihrer kulturellen Tradition, wobei das Kulturspezifische vornehmlich in traditionellen (aber entwicklungsoffenen) Formulierungs- und Gestaltungsmustern zu suchen iost. Andere Textsortencharakteristika wie die situative Einbettung, die kommunikative Zwecksetzung, die thematische Bindung und die Komposition haben offenbar kaum eine kulturspezifische Prägung. 5. Im Trend zur Internationalisierung der Textsorten erweisen sich die kulturell geprägten Textmustervor allem zwischen angrenzenden Nationen häufig als affin.
L’articolo del romanzo ‘Figlio’ della diatesi passiva? Un’inpotesi inspirata a montague e sviluppata in chiave contrastive slavo-romanza
Authors: Spinozzi Monai Liliana
Published: November 2021

Romanzo vs slavo= passivo vs attivo = Art(icolo) vs Des(inenza) = AUX "avere" vs "essere". È in corso un vivace dibattito sulla categoria semantica della definitezza (Def) e sul grado e le modalità del suo esplicitarsi come determinante. Nel presente lavoro ci concentreremo sulla categoria dell 'articolo (Art), in prima istanza su quello Det(erminativo), elaborando alcuni spunti ricavati da disamine sul­ l'argomento compiute su versanti differenti, come quello dell'indoeuropeistica (p. es. Nocentini 1996), della germanistica (p. es. Ramat 1984b) e della slavistica (p. es. Benacchio l 996a e 1996b; Gebert 1996, Parenti 1996). Interessanti spunti di riflessio L’articolo del romanzo ‘Figlio’ della diatesi passiva? Un’inpotesi inspirata a montague e sviluppata in chiave contrastive slavo-romanza ne sono offerti anche da opere di carattere monografico sulla deissi (cfr. Vanelli 1992), sulla sintassi dei determinanti (G. Giusti 1993), sull'articolo italiano (cfr. i due voll. di Korzen 1996), o da rassegne come quella relativa alle diverse interpretazioni del rapporto Nome/Riferimento (Bersani-Berselli 1995)- intendendo per Nome il SN rappresentato dalla sola testa nominale - o quella sul passivo nelle lingue slave (Fici-Giusti 1994), che supporta non poco l'ipotesi da cui muovono queste pagine.
Contributo allo studio della composizione delle parole : Raffronto contrastivo italiano-croato, croato-italiano. Primi risultati
Authors: Vučetić Zorica
Published: November 2021

Nel presente lavoro si considerano le parole composte italiane e croate, e più pre­ cisamente nella fase moderna dell'italiano e del croato. L'approccio allo studio della composizione delle parole nelle due lingue è sincronico. Si prendono in considerazione solo parole motivate nella coscienza linguistica dei parlanti di oggi. La composizione delle parole, che unisce due o più elementi costitutivi, creando in tal modo nuove unità lessicali, è molto importante nella lingua italiana. Si distinguono due casi: in un gran numero di composti ii parlante continua ad identificare i due ele­ menti costitutivi dopo che la fusione è avvenuta (A+B=AB): in questo caso ii signifi­ cato del composto è la somma dei significati dei membri costitutivi e il composto è motivato nella consapevolezza linguistica dei parlanti di oggi; mentre in altri composti la fusione dei due elementi costitutivi dà origine a un nuovo significato (A+B=C), per cui i composti non sono motivati nella consapevolezza linguistica dei parlanti di oggi, quindi non sono trasparenti e dal punto di vista sincronico non sono parole composte, ma vanno studiati dal punto di vista diacronico.
Remarques concernant la probité scientifique
Authors: Iordache Roxana
Published: November 2021

On constate, ces derniers temps, que certains jeunes enseignants expérimentent le plagiat sur des théories déjà publiées et généralement acceptées par les milieux scientifiques. D'autres enseignants faussent le contenu d'idees d'un travail, ou de l'autre, dans l'espoir d'augmenter leurs propres mérites.
Les connecteurs en combinaison avec les marqueurs modaux: l’exemple du Français et du Slovène
Authors: Schlamberger Brezar Mojca
Published: November 2021

En analyse discursive, les unites syntaxiques traditionnelles, comme la phrase, aussi bien que les unités pragmalinguistiques, comme l'acte de parole, ne peuvent pas répondre à la question: "Quelles sont les unités reliées par les connecteurs discursifs?"
Concordancia copulative, pronombres sujeto y adquisición de sistemas no nativos
Authors: Ruiz de Zarobe Yolanda
Published: November 2021

El presente articulo investiga la actuación de distintos pronombres sujeto en la adquisición de un sistema no nativo. Por un lado, estudiamos la evolución en el proceso adquisitivo de los sujetos referenciales. Por otro, analizamos algunas construcciones con sujetos pleonásticos, que incluyen oraciones existenciales y construcciones de concordancia copulativa. Tras realizar varias pruebas a estudiantes españoles de inglés, pudimos determinar cómo el proceso adquisitivo dijiere con respec­ to a los distintos sujetos. Los pronombres pleonásticos fueron los últimos en adquirirse, sobre todo en aquellos contextos que resultan semánticamente complejos para los hablantes nativos de español, como es el caso de las construcciones de concordancia copulativa. Estos resultados harán que debamos replantearnos algunas teorias sobre el valor de los sujetos pleonasticos en la reestructuración del parametro de Sujeto Nulo.
Typologie de la pêche de la langouste verte Panulirus regius, De Brito Capello, 1864 sur le littoral de la Côte d’Ivoire (Afrique de l’Ouest)
Authors: Konan Ida Akissi , Etchian Olivier Assoi , Kouame Basile Kouakou , Yapi Jean-Noel , Loukou Angelina Gbohono , Kadjo Vincent
Published: November 2021

En Côte d’Ivoire, la langouste fait partir des crustacés présents dans les captures de la pêche maritime  artisanale. Cependant, aucune donnée scientifique n’est disponible quant aux acteurs de la pêche de cette protéine. Ainsi, la présente étude a pour objectif de caractériser les acteurs de la pêche à la langouste verte Panulirus regius (De Brito Capello, 1864) pratiquée au niveau de la Zone Economique Exclusive de la Côte d’Ivoire. L’étude a nécessité une enquête le long du littoral sur un effectif de 60 pêcheurs de langouste. Les résultats ont montré que la pêche langoustière est pratiquée essentiellement par les Ivoiriens et les Ghanéens. De plus, la tranche d’âge dominante chez ces pêcheurs est comprise entre 30 et 45 ans chez les Ivoiriens et Ghanéensavec des proportions de 20% et 25%, respectivement. Au niveau de la quantité de la langouste verte pêchée, la grande saison froide a enregistré la plus grande quantité de langoustes capturées.

 

English title: Fishing typology of the green lobster Panulirus regius, De Brito Capello, 1864 along the coast of Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa)

In the Côte d’Ivoire, lobster is part of the crustaceans present in the catches of artisanal maritime fishing. However, no scientific data is available on the actors of the fishery of this protein. Thus, the objective of this study is to characterize the actors of the green lobster Panulirus regius (De Brito Capello, 1864) fishery practised in the Exclusive Economic Zone of the Côte d’Ivoire. The study required a survey along the coastline of 60 lobster fishermen. The results showed that green lobster fishing is mainly practised by citizens of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Fishermen who practised this activity were aged between 30 and 45 years old with percentages of 20% and 25% for citizens of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, respectively. In terms of the quantity lobster captured, the largest quantity was recorded on the great cold season.
Performances économiques et financières de la fertilisation en riziculture pluviale stricte dans la zone sud soudanienne du Burkina Faso
Authors: Sanon Abdramane , Gomgnimbou Alain P.K. , Sigue Hamadé , Coulibaly Kalifa , Bambara Cheick A. , Sanou Willifried , Fofana Sékou , Nacro Hassan B.
Published: November 2021

La culture du riz joue un rôle décisif dans les moyens d'existence des producteurs. La production rizicole rencontre des difficultés liées aux coûts de fertilisation. L’étude avait pour objectif d’évaluer les performances économiques et financières des biodéchets et des fertilisants inorganiques en riziculture pluviale stricte. L’évaluation est faite suivante deux démarches : la première consiste à calculer et à comparer les indicateurs de performance, tandis que la deuxième repose sur une matrice de corrélation afin d’identifier les relations entre les indicateurs de performances économiques et financières et rendements de riz paddy. La performance agronomique des options de fertilisation a été évaluée par les rendements du riz paddy récolté dans un essai. A cet effet, un dispositif expérimental en Blocs de Fisher complètement randomisés avec quatre répétitions et dix traitements composites a été installé à la station de recherches de Farako-Ba au Burkina Faso, durant quatre campagnes agricoles de 2016 à 2019. Pour le calcul des indicateurs de performances économiques et financières, l’achat des engrais minéraux et des biodéchets, le coût de la main-d’œuvre pour collecter, transporter et incorporer les fertilisants, le prix moyen d’un kilogramme de riz paddy dans les différents marchés de la zone d’étude ont été prises en considération. Les résultats ont montré que les traitements Fumier de Poule+Urée, Fumier de Poule+Burkina Phosphate+Urée et Compost+Urée présentaient significativement les meilleures performances économiques du point de vue de la marge nette et de la productivité moyenne du travail. Les meilleurs taux de rentabilité interne et du ratio bénéfice sur coût sont enrégistrés par les traitements Fumier de Poule+Urée et Compost+Urée. Il ressort de l’analyse statistique des corrélations positives et significatives entre le rendement du riz paddy et les marges nettes d’une part et d’autre part entre le rendement du riz paddy et la productivité moyenne du travail. Dans un contexte de coûts élevés de la fertilisation, ces résultats révèlent l’intérêt de la combinaison de biodéchets (fumier de poule) avec les engrais minéraux en culture de riz pluvial strict pour une vulgarisation en milieu paysan.
Evaluation de la toxicité d’un aphrodisiaque ivoirien d’origine naturelle (aphro) chez le rat
Authors: Gbogbo Moussa , Kouadio Rufin Yao , Aboli Félicité Tano-bla , Kone Mama , Kporou Elisée Kouassi , Yapo Paul Angoué
Published: November 2021

L’usage des plantes à des fins thérapeutiques est très ancien. De nos jours encore, elles sont utilisées par une frange partie de la population mondiale. La présente étude avait pour objectif d’étudier les effets toxiques de l'administration subaiguë d'un phytomédicament ivoirien Aphro vendu sur les marchés chez le rat Wistar albinos. Pour ce faire, le phytomédicament Aphro a été administré quotidiennement par voie orale à trois lots de rats, aux doses de 5,75 ; 11,5 et 23 mg/kg de poids corporel et cela pendant 28 jours. Le taux de croissance des rats, les paramètres hématologiques et biochimiques sanguins ont été étudiés. Les résultats de cette étude ont révélé qu’aux doses de 5,75 ; 11,5 et 23 mg/kg de poids corporel, le phytomédicament ne modifie pas de façon significative le taux d’accroissement de la masse corporelle et les paramètres hématologiques constitués du taux de globules rouges, de globules blancs, de plaquettes sanguines et le taux d’hémoglobine. Par ailleurs, des marqueurs hépatiques et lipidiques sériques des rats traités n'ont pas été perturbés par l’administration du phytomédicament comparativement au lot témoin. En revanche, la créatinine, l’un des marqueurs rénaux étudiés a connu une augmentation significative (p < 0,05) chez les rats traités avec le phytomédicament aux doses de 11,5 et 23 mg/kg de poids corporel par rapport au lot témoin. Cette étude a permis de montrer que l’usage prolongé et à doses élevées de Aphro pourrait entraîner des effets nocifs sur les reins.

 

English title: Assessment of the toxicity of an ivoirian natural aphrodisiac (aphro) on rat

The use of plants for therapeutic purposes is very old. Even today, they are used by a part of the world population. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the toxic effects of the subacute administration of an ivorian phytomedicine Aphro sold in the markets in the albino Wistar rat. To do this, the phytomedicine Aphro was administered orally daily to three batches of rats, at doses of 5.75; 11.5 and 23 mg/kg of body weight for 28 days. Rats' growth rate, blood haematological and biochemical parameters were studied. The results of this study showed that at doses of 5.75; 11.5 and 23 mg/kg of body weight, the phytomedicine does not significantly modify the rate of increase in body mass and the hematological parameters consisting of the level of red blood cells, white blood cells, blood platelets and the level hemoglobin. Furthermore, hepatic and serum lipid markers of the treated rats were not disturbed by the administration of the phytomedicine compared to the control group. In contrast, creatinine, one of the renal markers studied, experienced a significant increase (p <0.05) in rats treated with the phytomedicine at doses of 11.5 and 23 mg / kg of body weight compared to the batch witness. This study showed that prolonged use and in high doses of Aphro could cause harmful effects on the kidneys.
Enquête ethnobotanique sur les plantes utilisées dans le traitement de l’infertilité masculine au Benin
Authors: Azonbakin S. , Dangbemey P. , Osseni R. , Yaude S.A. , Kora F. , Adovoekpe D. , Djego F. , Laleye A. , Awede B.
Published: November 2021

L’infertilité conjugale concerne environ 15% de la population en Afrique subsaharienne. C’est une affection ayant une implication socioculturelle importante puisqu’au Bénin, l’un des objectifs du mariage est la procréation. L’objectif du présent travail est de contribuer à l’étude des principales plantes médicinales utilisées en médecine traditionnelle pour le traitement de l’infertilité masculine dans les départements de l’Atacora et de l’Atlantique au Bénin. Elle s’est déroulée auprès de 80 praticiens dont 60 tradithérapeutes, 11 personnes ressources et 9 vendeuses de plantes. L’étude a permis de recenser 109 espèces de plantes. Ces espèces appartiennent à 101 genres et sont réparties en 54 familles. Les feuilles sont majoritairement utilisées (35,77%) suivies des racines (29,93%) tandis que les autres parties (fruit, écorce, graines, plante entière, tige feuillée…) sont moins utilisées dans la préparation des recettes. La décoction est le mode de préparation majoritairement utilisée soit 33,55% suivie de la macération 27,63 % et de la poudre 25,66%. La trituration et l’infusion sont moins employées à des fréquences respectives de 11,84% et 1,32%. Ces résultats ont permis de montrer la richesse de la flore béninoise en ressources pour la prise en charge de l’infertilité masculine.

 

Englsih title: Ethnobotanical survey of plants used in the treatment of male infertility in Benin

Couple infertility affects around 15% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a condition with an important socio-cultural implication because in Benin, one of the objectives of marriage is procreation. The objective of this work is to contribute to the study of the main medicinal plants used in traditional medicine for the treatment of male infertility in the departments of Atacora and Atlantic in Benin. It took place with 80 practitioners including 60 traditional therapists, 11 resource people and 9 plant sellers. The study identified 109 species of plants. These species belong to 101 kinds and are divided into 54 families. The leaves are mostly used (35.77%) followed by the roots (29.93%) while the other parts (fruit, bark, seeds, whole plant, leafy stalk, etc.) are used less in the preparation of recipes. The decoction is the method of preparation mainly used, ie 33.55% followed by maceration 27.63% and powder 25.66% Trituration and infusion are used less at frequencies of 11.84% and 1.32%, respectively. These results made it possible to show the richness of the Beninese flora in resources for the management of male infertility.
Influence des perturbations anthropiques sur les communautés de petits mammifères des savanes gabonaises
Authors: Mboumba Jean-François , Momboua Brice Roxan , Perin Eline , Ysnel Fréderic
Published: November 2021

Les savanes gabonaises connaissent des feux anthropiques récurrents, entraînant des dommages sur cet écosystème. L’influence de ce facteur sur la diversité des micromammifères n’a jamais été étudiée. Une situation préoccupante pour ce taxon qui fait l’objet de très peu de programmes de protection. A travers l’analyse de la distribution spatiale des espèces (Muridés), l’étude vise à mesurer l’empreinte écologique des activités anthropiques dans trois régions du Gabon, présentant des niveaux de perturbations différents. Au total 259 individus appartenant à six espèces de muridés ont été capturés avec un effort de 6220 nuit-pièges. Les rendements de capture varient de 0,5 à 15%. Mus minutoides (62,5%) et Lemniscomys striatus (28.9%) sont les plus abondantes. La richesse spécifique (S) varie de 1 à 4 espèces dans les savanes post -feu, alors qu’elle est de 5 dans les savanes protégées des feux, et de 2 espèces dans les savanes fauchées puis brulées. La diversité la plus élevée a été observée dans les savanes non exposées au feu (H’= 1,10 ; J= 0,68). Ceci atteste que le feu influe sur l’abondance, et lorsqu’il est préalablement associé à la fauche, il agirait à la fois sur la diversité et sur l’abondance d’espèces locales.

 

English title: Influence of human disturbance to the small mammal communities in the Gabonese savannahs

In the issue of the use of recurrent fires in Gabon, we carried out an inventory both in the Gabonese savannahs that are regularly burned and in those that are not. The study was carried out in the southern and central savannahs of Gabon during the periods from 2004, 2012 and 2013. A total of 259 individuals representing six species of small savannah rodents were captured over 6,220 trap nights. Trap success was variable (0.5 to 15%). Mus minutoides (62.5%) and Lemniscomys striatus (28.9%) are the most abundant. Small rodent abundance was significantly higher in the savannahs protected from fires. The species richness varies from 1 to 4 species in the post-fire savannahs and up to 5 species in the savannahs protected from fires. The savannahs that were mowing prior to burning have yielded only 2 species. The highest diversity index (H’) is found in savannahs not exposed to fire (H’= 1.10). Bush fires seem to have a direct effect on species abundance. Conversely, when savannahs are mown prior to burning, both the diversity and abundance of local species communities are affected. This study gave an initial idea of the diversity of the rodent population in this the recurrent use to fires.
Comparative efficacy of essential oils of three aromatic plants as alternatives in the control of Phytophthora spp., agent of cocoa tree (Theobroma cacao L.) black pod disease in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Coulibaly Klotioloma , Kassi F. J.M. Koffi , Ouattara Adama , Gogbe-Dibi B. F. , N’guessan P. Walet , Acka J.A. Kotaix , Assi M. Evelyne , Kouame N. N’Dri , Guiraud Brigitte , Tahi M. Gnion , Kone Daouda , Konate Ibrahim , N’guessan F. Kouamé
Published: November 2021

This study aimed at comparing the efficacy of essential oils from three aromatic plants species (Cymbopogon citratus, Eucalyptus citriodora and Ocimum gratissimum) in vitro and in vivo against two Phytophthora strains (Phytophthora palmivora and P. megakarya) in a view to developing new biofongicides for the control of cocoa tree black pod disease. Essential oils were applied at four different concentrations (0.5; 1; 3 and 5 mL/L) in vitro and in vivo on leaf discs of three cocoa clones (NA32, PA150 and SCA6) whichsusceptibility is known. As results, all three essential oils significantly (p˂ 0.05) reduced in vitro mycelial growth of both Phytophthora strains and also reduced the leaf susceptibility to these strains. Inhibition rates in vitro of Phytophthora strains mycelial growth ranged from 83.80 to 100% for the essential oils of Cymbopogon citratus and Ocimum gratissimum species and from 17.7 to 100% for which of Eucalyptus citriodora species. In the biotests, the leaf susceptibility index of clone NA32 (susceptible) was reduced from 3.14 to 0.40. This correspond to reduction rates ranged from 64.87 to 86.70% of leaf susceptibility to both Phytophthora strains. Essential oils (HS and HO) from Cymbopogon citratus and Ocimum gratissimum species were most effective than which from Eucalyptus citriodora species. However, all three essential oils revealed antifungal properties. Therefore, they could be recommended as biofungicides for a sustainable control of cocoa tree black pod disease in Côte d'Ivoire.
Comparative analysis of nutrient composition and glycaemic indices of nine sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas) varieties
Authors: Waidyarathna Galahitiya Ralalage Nipuni Nayanathara , Ekanayake Sagarika , Chandrasekara Anoma
Published: November 2021

Sweet potatoes are one of the major tuberous roots consumed around the world. The objective of the present study was to determine the nutritional composition, glycaemic indices and glycaemic loads of selected Sri Lankan sweet potato varieties, in order to address the inadequacy of information and the controversial findings on glycaemic indices. Nutrient composition (moisture, ash, digestible carbohydrates, dietary fiber, crude protein and fat) of boiled sweet potatoes, GI and glycaemic loads (GL) of nine varieties were determined using standard methods. Digestible carbohydrate content ranged between 29-88% on dry weight. Ash, crude protein and crude fat contents of the varieties ranged between 3.1-5.0%, 3.0-5.9% and 2.6-5.3% on dry weight basis (DW) respectively. The total dietary fiber content was above 9.5% DW in the studied varieties. Moisture content of boiled sweet potato tubers were 72-81% on fresh weight basis and both the GIs (86-119) and GLs (>20) were high. However, the GL reduced to medium or low when considering an actual edible portion for all the varieties except for two varieties. Sweet potatoes are a good source of highly available carbohydrates which elicit high GIs.
Shenxiong Drop Pill exerts neuroprotective effect against focal cerebral ischemia partly via regulation of the expressions of ICAM-1 and caspase-3
Authors: Jin Shuo-guo , Chen Ze-ran , Zhang Yang , Huang Meng-yuan , Hou Meng , Ran Ning-jing , Chen Wei-yin , Yang Fang , Zhang Xin-xia
Published: November 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of Shenxiong Drop Pill (SXDP) on cerebral infarction (CI) in rats, and the involvement of anti-inflammatory response in the process.Methods: Rats were sacrificed at three different time points, viz, 24, 48 and 72 h after establishment of CI model. Neurological deficit score (NDS) was determined using Bederson’s neurological behavioral scoring method, whereas triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was used to show brain injury. The integrated optical density (IOD) of Nissl bodies and caspase-3-positive nerve cells were measured with Nissl staining and SP kit, respectively. The mRNA expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1(ICAM-1) was determined using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Results: SXDP produced neuroprotective effect at high, medium, and low doses. The infarct volumes in the high-, medium- and low-dose SXDP, and cyclophosphamide groups were significantly reduced at each time point. Different doses of SXDP significantly reduced the mRNA expression of ICAM-1 and the IOD of caspase-3.Conclusion: These results indicate that SXDP exerts neuroprotective effects against ischemic injury by negatively regulating ICAM-1/caspase-3 downstream of inflammatory and apoptosis pathways.
Total phenolic and flavonoid contents, cytotoxic, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory potential of whole plant of Astragalus creticus (Fabaceae)
Authors: Ghaffari Muhammad Abuzar , Chaudhry Bashir Ahmad , Uzair Muhammad , Imran Muhammad , Ashfaq Khuram
Published: November 2021

Purpose: To determine total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as the cytotoxic, immunemodulatoryand anti-inflammatory potentials of the whole plant of Astragalus creticus (Fabaceae).Methods: Folin-Ciocalteu (FCR) method was used for determination of total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the methanol and dichloromethane extracts of Astragalus creticus. The cytotoxic potential of the extracts on 3T3 and HeLa cell lines were evaluated using MTT assay. Brine shrimp larvae mortality was determined by lethality bioassay, while inhibitory effects were determined on mouse fibroblast (3T3)and cervical cancer (HeLa) cell lines. In vitro immunomodulatory and in vivo anti-inflammatory effectswere assessed using reactive oxygen species (ROS) chemiluminescence and formalin-induced rat paw edema assays, respectively.Results: Dichloromethane extract had higher contents of phenolics (TPC = 324.75 ± 2.47 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (TFC = 95.51 ± 0.82 QE/g) than the methanol extract (TPC = 79.82 ± 1.53 mg GAE/g, TFC = 56.11 ± 0.93 QE/g). The dichloromethane extract exhibited high cytotoxic andimmunomodulatory potentials, with 76.66 % mortality in brine shrimp lethality bioassay and 83.9 % inhibition (IC50 = 18.0 ± 1.1 μg/mL) in chemiluminescence assay. The extract also resulted in 22 and 13 % inhibition of viability of HeLa and 3T3 cells, respectively, while the methanol extract produced 13 % inhibition of both cell lines. The methanol extract produced very significant anti-inflammatory activity,with a maximum of 49 % inhibition of paw edema at a dose of 160 mg/kg (p < 0.01).Conclusion: These results suggest that the dichloromethane and methanol extracts of Astragalus creticus (Fabaceae) exert cytotoxic, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects. These findings provide scientific validation for the traditional medicinal use of the Astragalus genus.
Design, synthesis and cytotoxic evaluation of 2-amino-4- aryl-6-substituted pyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile derivatives
Authors: Lila Amr S. Abu , Abdallah Marwa H. , Khafagy El-Sayed , Shehata Tamer M. , Soliman Mahmoud S. , Younes Kareem M. , Omran Mohamed , Gad Shadeed
Published: November 2021

Purpose: To synthesize novel pyridine derivatives and evaluate their efficiency as potent inhibitors of cyclin dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) enzyme for cancer therapy.Methods: Pyridine scaffold were synthesized using one-pot multicomponent condensation reaction of arylidine with different primary amines. The cytotoxic potential of the new compounds was assessed using various cell lines. Furthermore, molecular docking studies based on the crystal structure of CDK2 was carried out to determine the possible binding modes that influence the anticancer activities.Results: The results indicate that one-pot multicomponent reaction generated a series of functionalized pyridines with good yield. In vitro cytotoxicity study revealed superior cytotoxicity of the designed compounds against prostate and cervical cancer cell lines compared to 5-fluorouracil (standard anticancer compound) with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 0.1 – 0.85 and 1.2 –74.1 μM, respectively. Finally, molecular modeling simulation of the newly synthesized compounds showed that they fit well and are stabilized into CDK2 active site via hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions.Conclusion: The results indicate that the newly synthesized pyridine can exert potent anticancer activity presumably via inhibition of CDK2. However, this will need to be confirmed in in vivo studies.
Safety and clinical outcomes of regional anaesthesia in Chinese patients with non-small cell lung cancer undergoing non-intubated lobectomy
Authors: Cong Zihong , Jiang Tingting , Liu Xing , Jiao Xiangxue , Wang Weifeng , Liu Xiongtao , Zhao Liyan
Published: November 2021

Purpose: To determine the safety and clinical outcomes of epidural anaesthesia (EA) relative to internal intercostal nerve block (INB) in Chinese patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who were undergoing non-intubated thoracoscopic lobectomy.Methods: Chinese patients with NSCLC (stage I or II) with no evidence of metastasis were given either EA or INB, with equal number of patients in both groups. The peri-operative outcomes determined were duration of anaesthesia /duration of surgery, SpO2/PaCO2 levels, cases of hypotension, and blood loss. The post-operative outcome indices measured were pain score (determined using visual analogue scale (VAS), post-operative complications, chest drainage, duration of hospital stay, and deaths/mortality.Multiple regression analysis was used to confirm the results obtained in this study by adjusting potential covariates. Peri-operative and post-operative complications were compared between the two groups. The results obtained from 220 patients were subjected to statistical analysis.Results: Peri-operative results showed that patients who underwent INB had shorter duration of anaesthesia (12.3 vs 31.4 min, p < 0.05) and shorter duration of surgery (164.4 vs 197.2 min, p < 0.05) than patients who underwent EA for non-intubated lobectomy. Post-operative results showed that patients who underwent INB had significantly lower number of post-operative complications than those who received EA (29 vs 44 %, p < 0.05). The most common post-operative complications among patients in both treatment groups were nausea, vomiting, emphysema and pulmonary complications. Patients who underwent INB had shorter hospital stay than those who underwent EA (5.1 vs 7.5 days, p < 0.05). These results were confirmed through multiple regression analysis.Conclusion: These findings favour the use of INB for regional anaesthesia in NSCLC patients undergoing non-intubated lobectomy.
Efficacy of a combination of sildenafil and magnesium sulfate in the treatment of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, and its influence on hemodynamics
Authors: Huang Shuping , Zhong Tao
Published: November 2021

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of the combined use of sildenafil and magnesium sulfate in the treatment of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), and its influence on hemodynamics.Methods: A total of 174 children with persistent pulmonary hypertension who were treated in Ganzhou People’s Hospital, Ganzhou, China were selected and randomly assigned to joint group (JG) and control group (CG), with 87 patients in each group. The CG group received magnesium sulfate, while the JG group received sildenafil plus magnesium sulphate. The respiratory parameters of the children were analyzed using blood gas analyzer, while their hemodynamic indices were evaluated using color Doppler echocardiography. The levels of cytokines and inflammatory factors were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: Time taken for symptom disappearance, oxygen therapy, and hospitalization period were shorter in JG than in CG (p < 0.05). Post-treatment, the respiratory parameters (PaO2, PaCO2, and SaO2) in both groups s improved, with lower levels of PaO2 and PaCO2, and a higher level of SaO2 in JG (p < 0.05). Following treatment, the levels of systemic vascular resistance (SVR), posterior pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and pulmonary artery pressure (PA) in JG were significantly reduced, relative to CG (p < 0.05). Similarly, the expression of endothelin -1 (ET-1), brain natriureticpeptide (BNP), and angiotensin 1 (ANG-1) improved, with lower levels of ET-1 and BNP, and a higher level of ANG-1 in JG (p < 0.05). There was post-treatment reduction as well in IL-6 and TNF-α, with lower levels in JG (p < 0.05). Patients in JG showed higher total treatment effectiveness and a lowerincidence of adverse reactions than those in CG (p < 0.05).Conclusion: The combined use of sildenafil and magnesium sulfate enhances the management of PPHN, ameliorates respiratory parameters, hemodynamics, and levels of cytokines and inflammatory factors. These findings provide evidence-based medical references for a new treatment strategy for PPHN.